Aug. 31, 2018

August 31, 2018

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Caminan al V Encuentro 16

Celebrating Polish faith and culture 6 INDEX

Contact us....................................4 Español...................................... 15-19 Events calendar...........................4 Our Faith.......................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-7 Schools.................................. 20-21 Scripture readings......................2 TV & Movies.................................14 U.S. news...............................22-23 Viewpoints............................26-27 World news........................... 24-25

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‘Even if your Church leaders have failed you, Jesus never will’ SPECIAL REPORT: Abuse scandal hits the Church 8-13, 18-19 INSIDE

Carrying the Cross

Preview guide of the 2018 Eucharistic Congress Sept. 7-8

Forest City Catholics take part in Main Street procession to witness to their faith

Guía previa del Congreso Eucarístico de 2018, del 7 al 8 de septiembre

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Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Exaltation of the Holy Cross Pope Francis

Vocations in Ireland have dwindled due to abuse scandal

W

hile the faith of Catholics in Ireland is strong, the scandal of abuse and cover-up by Church leaders has caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, Pope Francis said. During his weekly general audience Aug. 29, the pope led pilgrims in praying a “Hail Mary” to Our Lady of Knock so “the Lord may send holy priests to Ireland, that he sends new vocations.”

“In Ireland there is faith; there are people of faith, a faith with great roots.

But you know something? There are few vocations to the priesthood. Why? This faith doesn’t flourish because of these problems, the scandals, many things.”

In his audience talk, the pope reflected on his visit Aug. 25-26 to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families. The thousands of families from around the world, he said, were “an eloquent sign of the beauty of God’s dream for the entire human family.”

“God’s dream is unity, harmony and peace, the fruit of fidelity, forgiveness and reconciliation that He has given us in Christ,” the pope said. “In the mystery of His love, He calls families to participate in this dream and make the world a home where nobody is alone, unwanted or excluded.”

The witness given by couples during the meeting, he continued, was a reminder that love in marriage is a gift from God that is “cultivated every day in the domestic church” and spreads “its beauty in the great community of the church and of society.”

He said that although there were moments of great joy during his trip, there were also moments of “pain and bitterness” caused by the suffering endured by survivors of abuse and “the fact that Church leaders in the past did not always know how to adequately address these crimes.”

His meeting Aug. 25 with abuse survivors left “a profound mark,” and he said he prayed for forgiveness “for these sins, for the scandal and the sense of betrayal” felt by survivors and members of the Church. “I prayed that Our Lady would intercede for the healing of victims and give us the strength to firmly pursue truth and justice.”

The Irish bishops, he said, have taken “a serious path of purification and reconciliation” with those who have suffered and have worked alongside government authorities to establish “a series of severe norms to guarantee the safety of young people.”

“In my meeting with the bishops, I encouraged them in their efforts to remedy the failures of the past with honesty and courage, trusting in the promises of the Lord and counting on the profound faith of the Irish people, to inaugurate a season of renewal of the Church in Ireland.”

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14, celebrates two historical events: the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in 320 under the temple of Venus in Jerusalem, and the dedication in 335 of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary by Constantine, which mark the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.

The basilica, named the Martyrium, and the shrine, named the Calvarium, were destroyed by the Persians in 614. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre which now stands on the site was built by the crusaders in 1149.

However the feast, more than anything else, is a celebration and commemoration of God’s greatest work: His salvific death on the Cross and His Resurrection, through which death was defeated and the doors to heaven opened.

The entrance antiphon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is: “We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is our salvation, our life and our resurrection: through Him we are saved and made free.”

— CNA/EWTN

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Novena Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for ... (mention here).

We trust completely in Your Mercy.

Cleanse us from sin by Your grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your commandments we may come at last to the glory of heaven.

Amen.

“The Crucifixion” by Peter Paul Rubens, circa 1620, on display at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Your daily Scripture readings SEPT. 2-8

Sunday: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, James 1:1718, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; Monday (St. Gregory the Great): 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 4:16-30; Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 2:1016, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday (St. Teresa of Calcutta): 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Luke 5:1-11; Friday: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Micah 5:1-4, Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

SEPT. 9-15

Sunday: Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:1-5, Mark 7:31-37; Monday: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Luke 6:611; Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday (The Most Holy Name of Mary): 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (St. John Chrysostom): 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 1113, Luke 6:27-38; Friday (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross): Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Saturday (Our Lady of Sorrows): 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, John 19:25-27

SEPT. 16-22

Sunday: Isaiah 50:5-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35; Monday (St. Robert Bellarmine): 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31, Luke 7-11-17; Wednesday (St. Januarius): 1 Corinthians 12:3113:13, Luke 7:31-35; Thursday (Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon and Paul Chong Ha-sang and Companions): 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 7:3650; Friday (St. Matthew): Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday: 1 Corinthians 15:3537, 42-49, Luke 8:4-15

Our parishes

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

‘The best feeling ever’ Volunteens spend their summer helping out at Holy Angels LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT

BELMONT — On the Sisters of Mercy campus, just minutes away from downtown Belmont and behind some trimmed bushes that spell out H-O-L-Y A-N-G-E-L-S, there is a different kind of place called Holy Angels.

“People say they pass our bushes all the time and they have absolutely no idea what goes on behind them,” smiles Sister Nancy Nance, vice president of community relations of Holy Angels.

Holy Angels has been around since 1955, and is a “heaven-like place on Earth,” according to CEO Regina Moody. It is a place filled with people who are full of joy: 88 residents, ranging from infant to 80 years old, who have intellectual developmental PHOTOS BY LISA GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

For eight weeks this summer, from June through August, hundreds of excited blue-shirted “volunteens” aged They are cared for by medical professionals 13-18 visited the Belmont campus to experience the joy at Holy Angels for themselves.

24 hours a day. Holy Angels provides a higher quality of life to the residents by can’t get rid of me. I supporting them physically, educationally, socially, spiritually come two days a week and emotionally. In return, the residents inspire love, faith, and I am either in the persistence, friendship and trust in everyone they encounter. office, at a Cherub For eight weeks this summer, from June through August, location, or at Life hundreds of excited blue-shirted “volunteens” aged 13-18 visited Choices. Honestly, this the Belmont campus to experience the joy at Holy Angels for place just teaches you themselves. They met residents and formed new relationships to be a better person. with people known to be “different” than themselves. The It is just so eyeteens from local high schools and middle schools played games opening. Being around with residents, read them stories, helped them work at Cherub the residents, it is like business localities – basically helping out wherever they could the best feeling ever.” lend a hand, two to three days a week for three-hour shifts.

Moody encourages “The thing I love about this place – it is about respect, it is about the interactions to awareness, it is about helping students connect with someone help more people that is different. How do you connect with someone who may not understand that being be verbal? Maybe they are not verbal but they are able to speak different is beautiful. to you in different ways. The difference we are seeing in these She suggests using the young people is incredible because they are able to go to the term “differently abled” when describing the residents because real world and deal with people that may be different than us,” what they may lack in one area they make up in another. says Volunteer Services Manager Donnie Thurman. “At Holy “What we are really trying to do here is to change a generation Angels, culture here is about loving, living and learning. You got and that starts one person at a time, one experience at a time, a different level of kid here. The kids that are coming here have where it is positive and where people who are differently a servant’s mind and a servant’s heart. This is a generation of abled can do more than whatever was expected,” she explains. change, and if we just keep influencing them they are going to “The community has embraced us and they understand the make a difference.” residents. Volunteens, who are involved in our program, take Holy Angels’ motto is “loving, living and learning for the what they learn from our folks and bring it back into their own differently able” and for teens like Molly Sly, Jack O’Gorman and communities. The customers that come to our cotton candy Maggie Ferguson, this message was heartfelt once they began factory, come to our café, come to our gallery, are all learning interacting with residents. about the population that was for so many years shunned and Sly, who is 16 and has been volunteering for the past three hidden. So we feel we are educating the public about people that years, explains, “The residents show you that if you want to do may be different or be seen as different.” something you can do it. These residents go through challenges The Volunteen Summer program has been a win-win for every single day and they’re still smiling and having a good time. residents and teens alike. This new “transparent” and “open” There are people like this in special classes, and I have become way of visiting the residents helps the community respect closer friends with them at school because of coming here. I love and love every person. “Differently abled” angels give back in being here. I actually want to be an orthodontist when I grow up, ways others may not be able by helping employees, volunteers, and when I get my own practice I want to come here and do free community members and students feel Christ’s love through dental work.” their own perspectives.

O’Gorman, who is 15 and volunteening since the seventh grade, Fifteen-year-old Volunteen Maggie Ferguson calls the residents says, “I like hanging out with the residents and being able to play of Holy Angels living examples of Christ’s love for us, describing games with them and basic stuff you do with your friends. It’s Holy Angels as “the best place ever” where just being around the cool getting to meet new people and getting new experiences.” joyful residents rejuvenates her.

Ferguson adds, “I am 15. I started the summer after seventh grade when I was 13. My mom had told me about it and in the beginning I was a little reluctant because it was out of the More online ordinary. But, on the other hand, I had cousins with special needs At www.holyangelsnc.org: Learn more about Holy Angels and how you can so it was something I was already interested in. So I came, and volunteer or support their work now I just come here all the time! I fell in love with it. They just

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De Mase hired as associate development director SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Development has hired Barb De Mase as the new associate director of development.

She takes over from former associate director Kerry Ann Tornesello, who held that position for more than four years before leaving this month to start a new business coaching people and businesses on leveraging their talents.

De Mase comes to the diocese after working most recently with United Way of Central Carolinas for over four years. She was part of their development team, working on annual workplace campaigns.

Her efforts there helped raise more than $25 million for Charlotte and the surrounding communities.

Before that, De Mase worked for more than 20 years in the business world on a variety De Mase of direct marketing campaigns that drove revenue while acquiring and retaining customers. Fifteen of those years were with Bank of America.

De Mase is a registered parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, and as she now lives in southeast Charlotte, she splits her time between St. Matthew Church and St. Gabriel Church.

She is a graduate of the 2013-’14 JustFaith educational program at St. Matthew Church and currently serves as a co-facilitator for the JustFaith program at St. Gabriel Church.

De Mase also volunteers her time in the Special Religious Development program at St. Matthew Church, serving as a catechist since 2014.

SPRED focuses on meeting the spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities and intellectual challenges.

“I’m excited about this new career opportunity within the stewardship and development team,” De Mase said. “I’m proud to be part of the Diocese of Charlotte family. It’s right where I need to be.”

“I’m so grateful for the work that Kerry did to support our parishes and parishioners,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director.

“And I am excited that Barb has joined us. She brings knowledge and experience that will benefit our work in serving the people of the diocese.”

De Mase can be reached at 704370-3302 or email bldemase@ charlottediocese.org.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SEPT. 1 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson

SEPT. 7-8 14th Annual Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte

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

Diocesan calendar of events August 31, 2018 Volume 27 • NUMBER 24

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

ENTERTAINMENT ARTS AT THE ABBEY PRESENTS ‘NEW CENTURY SAXOPHONE QUARTET’: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, in the Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont.

Arts at the Abbey begins for another season with the New Century Saxophone quartet. Founded in WinstonSalem, this world-famous ensemble will present a diverse program of music from Bach to contemporary composers. Admission is free. Donations will be gladly accepted.

CONFERENCES

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

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

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

RESPONDING WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory. Workshops are intended to educate as how we as Catholics can promote political responsibility, be informed and active citizens and drive the values that guide our communities. Conference will be led by Ralph McCloud, director of Catholic Campaign for Human Development, U.S. Conferences of Catholic Bishops, with a racism session in the morning steered by Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, La. Lunch will be provided. Transportation will be provided from Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Charlotte. Registration is required. To register, visit www. regonline.com/respondingsocialjustice.

RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Bishop McGuinness High School, 1725 NC-66, Kernersville. Keynote speaker is Teresa Stanton Collett, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where she serves as director of the school’s pro-life center. An advocate for the protection of human life and family, Collett specializes in the subjects of marriage, religion and bioethics in her research. Bishop Peter Jugis will celebrate the closing Mass at 4 p.m. at Bishop McGuinness High School Chapel. For details and to register, go to www.ccdoc.org/respectlife or contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3229.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

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.

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

Saturday, Sept. 15, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-3703230.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at 901 North Main St., and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: Friday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept.

8, at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College St., Charlotte. For details, visit www.goeucharist.com.

Note: Special preview guide inside this week’s edition.

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

LAY (THIRD ORDER) CARMELITES: August and September informational meetings at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. The Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (historically known as the Third Order) is an association mainly of laypersons. Its members, responding to a special call of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves “to live in the following of Jesus Christ” according to the charism, traditions and spirit of Carmel under the authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite Order. Members, though not in religious life, choose to live out their baptismal commitment according to the spirit of the Carmelite Order. Members are brothers and sisters of the Carmelite Family and sharers in the same call to holiness and in the same mission of the Carmelite Order. If you are 18 or older, a Catholic in good standing and are interested in becoming a Third Order Carmelite, contact Donna Fodale at 704-574-9403 or dfodale@roadrunner.com.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING ‘Protecting God’s Children’ workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are:

CHARLOTTE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St. GREENSBORO: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St.; 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road (in the library) HENDERSONVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave., West HUNTERSVILLE: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road SALISBURY: 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, Sacred Heart School, 385 Lumen Christi Lane LINCOLNTON: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, St. Dorothy Church, 148 Saint Dorothy’s Lane

Sept. 20, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., Arden. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is hosting this Benefits Screening and Enrollment program through the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. Call the Council on Aging of Buncombe County at 828-2778288 to make an appointment for a free screening and enrollment services for all Medicare beneficiaries. For details, call Catholic Charities at 704-370-3220.

‘DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY’: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nine-week program starting on Sundays, Sept. 16-Nov. 11, in the Parish Activity Center at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem.

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

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

MIRAVIA’S 24TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BANQUET ‘CHOSEN & PRECIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT’: 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College St., Charlotte.

Featuring Shawn Carney, co-founder and president of 40 Days for Life as keynote speaker. For details, contact Megan Whiteside at meganwhiteside@miravia.org or register at https://miraviabanquet24.eventbrite.com.

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

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

LENOIR: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, and 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328-B Woodsway Lane NW

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS BENEFITS SCREENING AND MEDICARE ENROLLMENT: 10 a.m.- noon Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Catholic Charities, 50 Orange St., Asheville and 11 a.m.-at 2 p.m. Thursday,

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.

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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(Far left) Participants walk and sing hymns along the one-mile procession route on Main Street in Forest City.

(Left) Maria Conception Perez Campos joins the procession along with her daughter-in-law, Roselia Mendoza.

Carrying the Cross Photos by Giuliana Polinari Riley, correspondent FOREST CITY — Immaculate Conception Parish and the Knights of Columbus of Forest City held their sixth annual Cross-AThon and Eucharistic Procession Aug. 11.

Some participants shouldered life-sized crosses, while others carried smaller crosses in the Eucharistic Procession as the group walked one mile from the church down Main Street in Forest City to the Grace of God Rescue Mission.

The procession was led by Father Herbert Burke, pastor, accompanied by Deacons Andy Cilone, Sigfrido Della Valle and David Faunce.

Then the procession returned to the church and participants remained for Benediction. Father Burke spoke on

bearing our crosses in a public witness to our faith while following Christ in the Eucharist.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a grilled hot lunch and camaraderie in the parish hall.

About 110 people took part in the procession, and money was raised for the Knight of Columbus’ Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage. The event raised enough money to send at least one pilgrim to Lourdes next spring.

The Cross-A-Thon began as a fundraising event six years ago by the youth of the parish, and has since grown into a multifaceted spiritual event enjoyed by all ages. It’s now supported and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

(Above left) Banners are carried in the procession. The walk began at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Herbert Burke, pastor, carrying the Blessed Sacrament. (Above) Cross-A-Thon participants pose for a group photo in front of Immaculate Conception Church.

(Above) Fidel and Guadalupe Alonzo, with their baby Fatima, pray after the Benediction service at the conclusion of the procession.

(Left) The participants return to the church.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating Polish faith and culture Photos by Doreen Sugierski, correspondent

Poles honor the Blessed Virgin Mary of Jasna Gora CHARLOTTE — The seventh annual diocesan Polish Mass was celebrated Aug. 26 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, which this year fell on the feast day of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Hundreds of Catholics of Polish heritage, as well as parishioners of Anglo, Hispanic, Filipino, Asian and African descent attended the Mass.

Father Matt Nycz, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Tonawanda, N.Y., celebrated the Mass. He was assisted by Deacon James Witulski.

“Today, on Aug. 26, falls the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Jasna Gora (Bright Hill) in the city of Czestochowa, Poland,” Father Nycz said during his homily. “Poles honor Mary as the Mother, the Queen and the Protectress of the Polish nation. Jasna Gora is seen as the spiritual capital of Poland.

“In the most difficult moments of history, Poles go to Mary, the Mother of God. There are all kinds of annual pilgrimages to that special place from all over Poland and abroad. The best known Polish saints connected to Divine Mercy also went to visit the Black Madonna in Czestochowa,” he noted.

Father Nycz shared that St. Faustina visited Czestochowa on her way to the convent in Vilnius in May 1933, soon after taking her perpetual vows.

“In her Diary, St. Faustina recalls that when her prayers before the Virgin were interrupted by another sister summoning her to breakfast six hours later, ‘...it seemed to me that I had just come ... The Mother of God told me many things. I entrusted my

perpetual vows to her. I felt that I was her child and that She was my Mother. She did not refuse any of my requests’ (260).”

He explained that the two other great saints of mercy, St. John Paul II and Blessed Michael Sopocko, whose relics were also present for veneration after the Mass, are closely connected to Black Madonna and St. Faustina. Both were chosen by God to promote the message and devotion of Divine Mercy at different time and different ways.

“God’s mercy is very much needed in the world and the Church today,” Father Nycz said. “It is God’s answer to the evil and senseless suffering of many people caught up in the circle of wars, violence and betrayal.”

He pointed out that the icon of the Black Madonna is unique in its depicting Mary with scars on her face. The tradition holds the scars were a result of a violent assault with a sword by people who attacked the monastery and wanted to destroy the icon.

They did not succeed.

Later, despite attempts by painters to cover the scars, they always came back to the surface.

“Her gaze is set straight at us as if inviting us to notice her scars,” Father Nycz said. “At the same time her hand points to her baby Jesus, as if echoing St. Peter from today’s Gospel: ‘Master, to whom shall we go? ...You are the Holy One of God.’” Prior to Mass, people lined up for hours to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in Polish, English or Spanish.

After Mass, a steady stream of the faithful venerated the first-class relics of the three Apostles of Divine Mercy – St. John Paul II, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Father Michael Sopocko, the spiritual advisor and confessor of St. Faustina. They also enjoyed a reception with traditional Polish food after the liturgy.

— Catholic News Herald

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Haarsgaard, Oblate Father Thomas P. Norris, outgoing pastor; Father Leonard; Bishop Jugis; and Oblate Father Joseph C. Zuschmidt.

— Carrie Vest

Mooresville parish offers CYO sports

Priest retirement collection set for Sept. 15-16 CHARLOTTE — The annual diocesan collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans will be taken up in all parishes the weekend of Sept. 15-16. The Diocese of Charlotte currently has 113 diocesan and religious order priests serving the faithful of western North Carolina.

Contributions from this collection will be added to pension plans for these active priests currently serving in the diocese, as well as the health benefits plan for our active diocesan priests when they retire.

In his letter to the faithful Bishop Peter Jugis, shepherd of the diocese, shared that “with the annual collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans, we financially sustain these men who give their lives to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith; to lead God’s people in love; and to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, in 92 parishes and missions throughout western North Carolina.”

The goal for the priests’ retirement and benefits collection for 2018 is $1.9 million.

— Catholic News Herald

MOORESVILLE — St. Therese Church is pleased to offer CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports this fall for youth in the fourth to eighth grades.

During the past nine months, both Butch Conz, athletics director, and Tracy Neumann, pastoral council president, have been working to bring athletics and CYO to St. Therese and the Mooresville community. Both men were very active in CYO sports in their hometowns growing up, which provided a strong foundation for their development and love for sports.

CYO is a national organization based on Christian principles that reinforce sound human and social values while teaching the importance of competition. The St. Therese program emphasizes faith-based character and conduct, achievement in athletics, confidence building, leadership skills and respect for teammates and opponents. The program also provides youth with the opportunity to discover their self-worth as individuals.

During the past six months, the Athletic Department has implemented men’s pickup basketball, adult softball and co-ed volleyball.

With more than 150 participants in these programs, enthusiasm is now spilling over into the CYO youth programs. The first Athletic Day Camp for basketball and soccer for youth aged 8-13 was held during the week of July 9 with over 35 participants.

Plans are under way to offer soccer and basketball in the fall for youth in fourth to eighth grades.

For details about the new offerings, contact Butch Conz at athletics@sainttherese.net.

— Donna Smith

Cathedral hosts sacred music workshop New pastor installed HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church welcomed its new pastor, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Peter Leonard, who was installed Aug. 18 during the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass

by Bishop Peter Jugis.

Pictured (from left) are: Deacon Wally

CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral hosted the fourth Annual Southeastern Sacred Music Workshop July 27-28. Church musicians, adult and children participants came from the Diocese of Charlotte as well as many other dioceses in the region.

Beginner participants were introduced to basic chant note reading and singing while advanced singers practiced polyphonic pieces in which several melodies are blended. The

Live Your Faith Be affirmed in your present ministry.

Upgrade your certification as a catechist and religion teacher.

Fulfill the prerequisite for the Permanent Diaconate.

Grow in your faith.

The Diocesan Office of Lay Ministry offers a two-year program designed to help you understand more fully your baptismal call to minister to your family, to others in the Church, and to those in your daily life.

Sites include Arden, Smoky Mountain Region, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-2020 program.

For more information:

F O R M AT I O N P R O G R A M

Dr. Frank Villaronga Director, Evangelization and Adult Education Office

704-370-3274

frankv@charlottediocese.org

workshop also offered several breakout sessions, including vocal lessons, conducting, children choir, Spanish music among other topics. More than 80 participants and presenters worked together to sing Gregorian chants, antiphons and polyphony pieces.

St. Patrick’s music director, Gianfranco DeLuca, along with Thomas Savoy from St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte and Tiffany Gallozzi from St. Barnabas Church in Arden, joined a group of presenters from other states as far as Florida. The participants sang a Vespers on Friday evening and the Saturday session concluded with a Mass offered by Bishop Peter Jugis, during which they sang Gregorian propers of the day, Missa XI Orbis Factor and polyphonic songs by Palestrina, Hassler and Wood.

Southeastern Sacred Music is a chapter of the Church Music Association of America that has organized a sacred music workshop each summer in the region.

— Markus Kuncoro

Charlotte to host airport chaplains from around the world

OUR PARISHESI

7

CHARLOTTE — The 51th Conference of IACAC (International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains) will take place at the Omni Hotel in Charlotte, NC Sept. 4-8.

This important annual meeting brings together chaplains of different faiths from all over the world. It is centered on the sharing of experiences and the strengthening of interreligious relationships.

Chaplains from five of the 10 largest airports in the United States and chaplains from nine other countries will attend.

The conference is being organized by the chaplains of Charlotte Douglas International Airport with the support of sponsors including: Challenge for Living Ministries, American Airlines and the Diocese of Charlotte.

The theme for the conference is ”Caring for the Airport Chaplain.”

During the four-day gathering the chaplains will attend conferences, roundtable discussions workshops, and visit places of prayer such as the Billy Graham Library and St. Peter Catholic Church.

The chaplains will also tour the rapidly growing facilities of the Charlotte airport – the fifth busiest airport in the nation – where they will learn about the social outreach efforts of the 24 chaplains who serve in ministry at the airport.

Airport chaplains “loiter with intent” as they provide spiritual and emotional support to the traveling public and to the thousands of people who work in airports around the world.

For details about attending the conference or learning more about the airport chaplaincy program, contact Deacon George Szalony, airport chaplaincy director, at 704-816-9554.

— Catholic News Herald

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

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.net

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Bible Basics Thursday, September 27 - OR Saturday, September 29 9:30am – 4:00pm Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM The Bible is really a collection of books, and a closer look brings forth questions: What are they about? Who wrote them? When were they written?

Are they history or myth? Why are there so many books that sound so alike?

Are you curious?

Bring your Bible and join us as we pursue some answers! Prayer, noon Eucharist and lunch are included in the schedule.

The same program is offered both days!

Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin has degrees in Math Education from NC State and an MA in Theology from St. Bonaventure University and a graduate certificate in Liturgy from St. John’s college. She is a frequent speaker and popular presenter in the Diocese of Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: REACTIONS

Bishop Jugis issues statement in response to abuse allegations CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis issued a statement Aug. 17 in response to recent allegations of sexual misconduct against Church leaders, including a retired archbishop of Washington, D.C., and the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing child sexual abuse by hundreds of priests in six dioceses of that state.

One of the 301 priests named in the Aug. 14 grand jury report, Spiritan Father Robert Spangenberg, served at St. James Church Jugis in Hamlet for about three years in the mid-1990s.

“Over the past few weeks we have been presented with a lot of shameful revelations about the conduct of leaders and others in the Catholic Church,” Bishop Jugis said. “I have been hearing from many people who feel betrayed and wonder what is going to happen next to our beloved Church.”

Bishop Jugis said he “fully” supports the statement by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In that Aug. 16 statement, Cardinal DiNardo called for an investigation into the allegations against Archbishop McCarrick, “an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops,” and “better procedures” to resolve complains made against bishops.

“We are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that are so evident in the recent report,” the cardinal wrote. Those changes will include input from laity, experts and the Vatican, he said.

Details are expected to be considered at the U.S. bishops’ next meeting in November.

— Catholic News Herald

More online At www.catholicnewsherald. com: Read the complete statement from Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Allegations of sexual misconduct by priests, cover-up by Church leaders have people talking KIMBERLY BENDER AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — People and priests in the Diocese of Charlotte are reacting with shock, anger and disgust to recent allegations of sexual misconduct against Church leaders, including a retired archbishop of Washington, D.C., and the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing child sexual abuse by hundreds of priests in six dioceses of that state.

The grand jury report, issued Aug. 14, recounts the alleged sexual abuse of more than 1,000 children in six Pennsylvania dioceses over the course of 70 years. One of the 301 priests named in the Aug. 14 grand jury report, the late Spiritan Father Robert Spangenberg, served at St. James Church in Hamlet for about three years in the mid1990s. (See related story on page 9.)

The Pennsylvania grand jury report came out not long after allegations of sexual misconduct were reported against retired Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, who resigned from the College of Cardinals and now faces a Vatican investigation. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is also considering an internal investigation. Archbishop McCarrick has said he is innocent.

All of these headlines have stirred people in the Charlotte diocese to react with questions, shock, anger and calls for prayer.

On the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page, people have been commenting as follows: “I have been reading for hours about the abuse in the Catholic Church that has been hidden and passed over, and I feel sick and hopeless. Who are these people? Who can right this sinking ship? My beloved faith is shaking with horror,” wrote Carol Dunkley.

“The men that knew, and did nothing, deserve to go to jail. At the very least, they should no longer be part of the church,” wrote Rich Killoran.

“Enough is enough … RCC clergy has proved over and over again that they are not even remotely capable of policing themselves. They say it can’t happen here … but it has happened everywhere. Stand up for your faith, it’s time for the adults to be in charge,” wrote Pat Jackson.

“Though it is unfortunate, it is a reality that it is going to take the secular world to expose what the episcopate is unwilling to reveal. How sad but how necessary that God has to make use of outsiders to do what insiders should have been the first to do a looooong time ago,” wrote Cindy Padin.

“Every parish, every diocese in every state must investigate and prosecute this evil,” wrote Theresa Williams. “Any member of the hierarchy who knowingly allowed this behavior or kept it quiet must be prosecuted for aiding and abetting. Evil must be rooted out of the church from the local level right up to the Vatican! St Michael the Archangel defend us in battle.”

“Prayers for priests,” wrote Helen Losse.

“There are more good, holy priests than priests who have sinned horrifically.

Pray that this exposure (that is right and necessary for healing) will not prevent people from coming to Jesus in the Catholic Church.”

Pastors have also been hearing from their parishioners in the wake of the news out of Pennsylvania. Concerned about the news prompting a crisis of faith among people, some addressed the news in their homilies,

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

Mass of Reparation offered HUNTERSVILLE — Hundreds of people attended a Mass of Reparation Aug. 22 at St. Mark Church, offered in response to the latest news of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The Mass was followed by a period of Eucharistic Adoration and benediction. In his homily, Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar, said, “It is time for a spiritual renewal in the Church. It is time that we look at our own hearts and identify anything that keeps us from Him, and we turn it over to His throne for Him to dispose of. We must call ourselves back to a true interior life that integrates self-denial, penance, prayer and mortification. All this for God’s glory and our sanctification.

“We must willfully offer our sufferings for those victims who still hurt and are in need of healing. We must unite ourselves, for them, to the cross of Our Lord. We must accept them and love them within our community. We must listen to their sorrows and pains, knowing that there is no way to truly understand the evil they have suffered. We must walk beside them and, many times, carry them on our shoulders.”

MORE INSIDE: Read Father Carter’s complete homily on page 27. in remarks before or after Mass, and in the prayers of the faithful at Masses Aug. 18-19.

“If there was any trust left after the scandals revealed in 2002, and if any trust had been rebuilt in the 16 years since then, it is now gone,” said Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, in his homily. “I am utterly horrified. I am ashamed. I am brokenhearted. I am angry. I am disappointed. I am furious that consecrated men abused children and young people, that they abused their authority and the trust of their sacred office. I am horrified that predators were promoted rather than being punished. It’s tough to preach, and to pray.

“But let us be clear: I and other faithful priests are not the victims here. We are, at best, collateral damage,” Father Roberts said. “The victims are the young people and children that were violated by those who should have protected them. The victims are those who were rejected and neglected by Church and legal systems. They are the ones who need our prayers and support. They are the ones who deserve our compassion, our consolation and our care.

He continued, “Knowledge and admission of sin and a desire to reform are the first steps on the path to holiness … and holiness is our only option. There is no path forward that does not involve a deeper commitment and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

We need an investigation and a review board and screenings and policies. Those must be

part of the process, and they will be. But there is no abiding change, no change of heart or change of practice or change of behavior without a change of direction from the ways of the world to the way of the Lord Jesus. Holiness is our only answer. Holiness is our only path. Holiness is the only credible witness that can testify before the victims of abuse and the world. We have no choice. We must seek to be holy.”

All three priests at St. Mark Church in Huntersville also addressed the news during Masses over the weekend, with the videos posted on the parish’s Facebook page.

Father John Putnam, pastor, acknowledged that some of his parishioners come from Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, where the abuse allegations originated.

“I know how painful that must be,” Father Putnam said. “I understand the pain, I understand the anger. I understand the bewilderment. I understand the disgust.

Please know that we, the priests of the parish, stand with you.”

The headlines, he said, “have caused us to step back and to really look back – has this culture (of sexual abuse) been cultivated in some way, has it been allowed to flourish in some way?”

“Moving forward we have a responsibility,” he emphasized. “We cannot allow a culture of silence ever to allow such heinous things TALKING, SEE PAGE 13

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

9

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Note Since 2004, 15 allegations of sexual abuse involving seven priests have been reported to the diocese, according to independent auditors.

Three of those priests were from religious orders based outside the diocese; four were diocesan priests. Of the seven, three had died by the time the abuse allegations were reported. The other four were removed from ministry. Criminal charges were brought against two of them: one case was closed in 2014 because of the priest’s lack of mental competency, and he died a few months later; in the other case, the priest pleaded guilty and served eight years of a 7- to 10-year prison sentence.

Note In 2011, the Diocese of Charlotte is sued in civil court over allegations of child sexual abuse decades earlier by Father Richard Farwell and Father Joseph Kelleher.

Neither Father Farwell nor Father Kelleher were named in the lawsuits. The plaintiffs in the two lawsuits alleged that the diocese had committed fraud and negligence by permitting their abuse at parishes in Albemarle, Charlotte and Salisbury in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they were children.

Father Farwell, who is no longer in ministry, pleaded no contest to one count of the misdemeanor of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in 2004. A criminal sex abuse case against Father Kelleher was dismissed in 2014 on grounds of his mental incompetence to stand trial, and he died a few months later.

In 2014, Mecklenburg Superior Court Judge Robert Bell dismissed the civil lawsuit against the diocese.

Priest named in Pa. grand jury report once served in Hamlet PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — One of the priests named in an Aug. 14 Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing decades of clergy sex abuse once served in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The grand jury report, issued Aug. 14, details the alleged sexual abuse of children in six Pennsylvania dioceses over the course of 70 years.

More than 300 priests were linked to abuse claims and more than 1,000 victims were identified.

The late Spiritan Father Robert E. Spangenberg served as pastor of St. James Church in Hamlet from 1994 to 1997, according to parish records. He also served in unspecified ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh from 1977 to 1979, and at a parish in the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., from 1990 to 1992.

He was assigned to the Charlotte diocese by his order, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, otherwise known as the Spiritans. The small parish in the eastern part of the diocese was served by Spiritan priests from 1991 to 1997.

“When he came to the Diocese of Charlotte, nothing in the paperwork indicated there were any issues with his fitness for pastoral duty,” said David Hains, diocesan communications director. “While he was here, there were no complaints about him.”

Father Spangenberg left the Charlotte diocese in 1997 when he was reassigned by his order, which is based in Bethel Park, Pa., to serve with the order’s province council, Hains said.

According to the Pennsylvania grand jury report, Father Spangenberg went on to serve at a parish in Pittsburgh and then as director of a retirement community in Sarasota, Fla., before retiring in 2003.

He died in 2006, aged 59.

The grand jury report, relying on records provided by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, “revealed that Spangenberg was involved with at least two children, possibly more.”

The grand jury report stated that the Pittsburgh diocese “was first notified that there was a problem with Spangenberg’s ministry in 1988. At that time, a woman wrote to the Diocese and to the Vatican in order to obtain help for her son. She named Spangenberg as her son’s abuser and stated that another priest from Spangenberg’s order was helping them with counseling.”

The Spiritans investigated the abuse allegation, according to the grand jury report, but did not remove Spangenberg from ministry. Instead, he was sent to a Spiritan-run retirement home in Sarasota, Fla., from 1989 to 1990, before being assigned to St. Patrick Church in Charleston, S.C., in 1990.

The Charleston diocese issued a statement Aug. 15 confirming Father Spangenberg’s parish assignment and noting, “To the best of our knowledge, there is no record of any allegations of misconduct made against Father Spangenberg while he was assigned to the parish.”

In 2009, a second allegation of abuse was made against Father Spangenberg, the grand jury report also said. “An adult male reported that when he was 15 to 16 years of age, he and Spangenberg engaged in many types of sexual encounters,” it stated, including “street prostitution with young boys” and oral sex in exchange for drugs, alcohol or money that the priest took from the collection box.

“The Diocese and the Spiritans continue to share financial responsibility for the cost of the male’s therapy, medication, job searches, criminal court costs and assistance with child support,” the grand jury report stated.

“These incidents are a reminder, once again, that the scars of sexual abuse last a lifetime,” Hains said.

“We continue to offer a sincere apology to all victims of sexual abuse and we continue to encourage anyone who is a victim of to contact the authorities.”

Former Charlotte priest named in letter alleging cover-up of abuse by Archbishop McCarrick PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE & CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has found itself connected to the growing scandal surrounding Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. The diocese was mentioned in a former Vatican ambassador’s letter claiming Pope Francis and other Church officials ignored sexual abuse allegations against the retired prelate.

Greg Littleton, a priest who was removed from ministry in the Charlotte diocese in 2004, was named in the Aug. 25 letter by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who served as apostolic nuncio to the United States from 2011 to 2016.

Archbishop Viganò accused Church officials, including Pope Francis, of failing to act on knowledge of Archbishop McCarrick’s alleged sexual misconduct and abuse. He cited Littleton as one of the first to try to bring to light evidence of Archbishop McCarrick’s “grave misdeeds,” in 2006.

Archbishop McCarrick resigned July 28 from the College of Cardinals and was ordered by the pope to maintain “a life of prayer and penance” until a Church trial examines allegations that he sexually abused minors.

McCarrick, who retired from active ministry in 2006, has said he is innocent.

Littleton, who lives as a private citizen in North Carolina, did not respond Aug. 27 to requests for comment on the allegations against Archbishop McCarrick.

Pope Francis declined to comment about Archbishop Viganò’s letter, saying he had read it but that people should make their own conclusions.

Littleton’s story has been detailed in blogs that identify him by name and news reports where he is referred to as an unnamed priest.

It began in 1987 when Archbishop McCarrick, then head of the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., allegedly abused an unnamed Metuchen seminarian while in New York City.

In 1994, Littleton wrote an account of abuse at the hands of Archbishop McCarrick and claimed that it led to his inappropriate touching of two boys.

In 1997, Littleton came to the Charlotte diocese from the Diocese of Metuchen, where he had received treatment for his 1994 admission and was regarded as a priest in good standing.

Returning priests to ministry after psychological treatment was the practice at the time, diocesan spokesman David Hains said.

Littleton served at St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon and later at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte.

In the fall of 2002, then Bishop Paul Bootkoski of Metuchen ordered a review of priest personnel files as part of a national investigation of sexual abuse of children in the Church. As a result of the review, in October 2002 the Metuchen diocese sent portions of Littleton’s psychological assessment to the prosecutor’s office in Middlesex County, N.J. At that time, the Charlotte diocese was made aware information was sent to the prosecutor, but Littleton’s status as a priest in good standing was not changed because no other information about his fitness for ministry was supplied to the diocese.

Unlike the diocese’s current “zero tolerance” policy, the policy in 2002 said the bishop needed a specific allegation in order to take action against a priest — something the diocese did not have in connection with Littleton, Hains told the Catholic News Herald in 2004.

“Today, an investigation would warrant the priest’s removal from active ministry,” he noted in the Feb. 27, 2004, edition, as called for in the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

In mid-February 2004, Bishop Bootkoski relayed new information regarding Littleton to

Bishop Peter Jugis, who had only months before been installed as the fourth bishop of Charlotte.

Bishop Bootkoski said he was including Littleton among Diocese of Metuchen clergy counted in the John Jay study – a nationwide review of abusive clergy by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, under the mandate of the Charter, to investigate the scope of the sexual abuse of minors by priests from 1950 to 2002.

Littleton’s name was on a list of priests of the Metuchen diocese who had been investigated for sexually abusing minors in the 1990s.

After reviewing the new documents sent from New Jersey, Bishop Jugis removed Littleton from ministry as pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church that same month.

For the approximately seven years Littleton served in the Charlotte diocese, no complaints were filed against him.

The Middlesex County prosecutor later declined to press charges in the matter.

Archbishop Viganò’s letter came on the heels of a New York Times report regarding two seminarians who said they had been abused by Archbishop McCarrick and received financial settlements in the mid-2000s.

The Archdiocese of Newark, where Archbishop McCarrick served from 1986 to early 2001, contributed to an $80,000 settlement payment to Robert Ciolek, who was ordained a priest after the abuse began, but eventually left the priesthood to marry.

The Metuchen diocese made a separate $100,000 settlement in 2007 with an unnamed priest who said he had been abused by Archbishop McCarrick and others.

This priest had submitted one of the earliest written complaints about Archbishop McCarrick, according to the New York Times.

In his letter Archbishop Viganò names this former priest as Littleton.

He said Littleton “recounted his tragic story of sexual abuse by the then-Archbishop of Newark and several other priests and seminarians” and forwarded information to about 20 people, “including civil and ecclesiastical judicial authorities, police and lawyers, in June 2006.”

Archbishop Viganò continued, “The facts attributed to McCarrick by Littleton were of such gravity and vileness as to provoke bewilderment, a sense of disgust, deep sorrow and bitterness in the reader, and that they constituted the crimes of seducing, requesting depraved acts of seminarians and priests, repeatedly and simultaneously with several people, derision of a young seminarian who tried to resist the Archbishop’s seductions in the presence of two other priests, absolution of the accomplices in these depraved acts, sacrilegious celebration of the Eucharist with the same priests after committing such acts.”

He said he shared this information in a memo to his Church superiors in 2006, recommending that an “exemplary measure be taken against the Cardinal” to prevent public scandal to the Church, but he never received a response.

Archbishop Viganò’s letter and other allegations of misconduct against Archbishop McCarrick have raised enough questions, the head of the U.S. bishops’ conference said Aug. 27, to warrant action. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, said in a statement Aug. 27 that the questions raised by Archbishop Viganò “deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence.” He reiterated an Aug. 16 call for an apostolic visitation, working with a national lay commission granted independent authority, to investigate the “many questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick.”

“Without those answers, innocent men may be tainted by false accusation and the guilty may be left to repeat sins of the past,” he said.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: WHAT HAPPENS HERE? Diocesan spending as reported under the Charter VICTIM ASSISTANCE (COUNSELING)

FY 2016-’17

SAFE ENVIRONMENT MEASURES

$9,540 $17,408

FY 2015-’16

COSTS INCURRED FROM LITIGATION

$112,774 $103,944

$34,801 $10,323

FY 2014-’15

$23,660

$122,596

$95,490

FY 2013-’14

$19,755

$102,211

$403,400

FY 2012-’13

$14,930

FY 2011-’12 FY 2010-’11

$20,249 $35,265

FY 2009-’10 FY 2008-’09

$15,275 $30,760

FY 2007-’08

$10,860

FY 2006-’07

$13,650

FY 2005-’06

$11,880

FY 2004-’05

$14,215

FY 2003-’04

$14,116

FY 2002-’03

$10,892

$82,632 $125,542 $100,077 $82,993

$362,265 $206,667 $33,754 $250,000

$93,638 $76,390 $63,537 $70,937 $88,928

1995-2002

$369,439

NOTE: None of these funds have come from the Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish savings. Diocesan insurance funds and the diocesan general fund were used. This information is published in the Diocese of Charlotte Annual Report, available online since 2012 and published in the Catholic News Herald each fall since 2002.

Diocese found compliant with child protection audit CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has been found in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” every year since the charter’s inception.

The diocese has passed independent audits of its child protection procedures every year since 2003.

The external audit – conducted by the Gavin Group in the early years of the charter and now

by Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y. – monitors U.S. dioceses’ compliance with the charter, which addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by clergy or other Church personnel.

The audit evaluates the diocese’s efforts to ensure the protection of children, including criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse.

In the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017 (the most recent figures available), the diocese ran 4,068 background checks, which are required on an ongoing basis for all diocesan employees and volunteers. Since 2002, nearly 57,000 background checks have been processed.

Since 2002, more than 48,900 adults have received training in the safe environment awareness program entitled “Protecting God’s Children.” In the 2016-’17 fiscal year alone, the diocese held 167 “Protecting God’s Children” workshops across the diocese for 3,517 participants.

“Protecting God’s Children” helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims,

families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help to prevent abuse.

Since 2003, the diocese has invested approximately $1.2 million in this training program.

The diocese also provides financial assistance to victims and their families for counseling and other medical services. Since 1995, that has totaled approximately $633,000.

Since 2010, the diocese has reported costs incurred in connection with sexual abuse or misconduct lawsuits totaling approximately $1.4 million.

Diocesan insurance funds and the diocesan general fund were used for payment. None of these funds came from the Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish savings.

— Catholic News Herald

By the numbers $1.226 MILLION: What the Diocese of Charlotte has spent on “Safe Environment” measures, including criminal background checks and “Protecting God’s Children” workshops held across the diocese for clergy, religious, lay employees and lay volunteers $633,000: Assistance to sexual abuse victims for counseling and other medical services $1.397 MILLION: Legal costs incurred from sexual abuse litigation, not already covered by insurance

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the Diocese of Charlotte’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People”

At www.charlottediocese.org/human-resources/safeenvironment: Get detailed information on the diocese’s Safe Environment programs

What has the diocese has done to protect children?

1989 Bishop John Donoghue issues among the Diocese of Charlotte’s earliest written policies dealing with how to handle allegations of sexual misconduct by Church personnel. “The Diocese is dedicated to compliance and cooperation with applic­able laws (civil and ecclesiastical) and programs dealing with allega­ tions of inappropriate behavior, especially child abuse, in each jur­isdiction of the Diocese,” he writes. “No person knowing of such an allegation should knowingly fail to report such information to the appropriate authorities in the Diocese, the Bishop or his designee, the Chancellor. No preferential treatment is to be expected, or accepted, in such matters.”

He also expressly notes allegations of inappropriate behavior or child abuse by priests “should be considered serious and must be reported to the Bishop or his designee, the Chancellor,” and he mandates “local reporting regulations must be followed in all details.”

However, the policy does not mandate reporting to the parish or to the public. In fact, it specifically calls for confidentiality except for “those individuals with a sufficient need to know.”

The diocese issues a more extensive written policy: “Concerning Ministry-Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel.”

It establishes criteria for reporting and investigating claims of sexual abuse. The policy is updated in 1999 and again in 2003.

It is also among the first dioceses in the U.S. to create a lay-led review board to serve as a consultative body to the bishop in reviewing reports of sexual abuse.

1995

2002

The U.S. bishops adopt a “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” a set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Church personnel. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of future acts of abuse. It is revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.

The diocese’s first group of “Protecting God’s Children” facilitators is trained and the first parish session is held in September. Since then more than 200 more facilitators have been trained for the diocese.

The diocese revises its sexual misconduct policy to align with the Charter, and the diocese is audited for the first time according to the Charter’s provisions. The diocese is found in compliance with the Charter.

The diocese also adopts a formalized background check policy and begins processing checks for all employees and volunteers who work with children.

In 2005 the policy is expanded to include all employees and adult volunteers – whether or not they work directly with children.

2003

2004 Charlotte is among 195 dioceses that take part in a national study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commissioned by the U.S. bishops to investigate the scope of the clergy sex abuse problem from 1950 to 2002.

In his first Ash Wednesday homily after being installed as the fourth bishop of Charlotte, Bishop Peter Jugis expresses “profound sorrow” to all victims of the crime of sexual abuse.”

“Some clergy did not live up to their calling to be an image of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said. “And this has had a profound effect on our entire Church community.” He asks people to pray “for God’s grace to bring healing to our brothers and sisters who are victims of this misconduct and abuse that has occurred in our Church and for God’s grace to bring healing to the Church.”

In its annual report for fiscal year 2005, the diocese reports holding nearly 300 “Protecting God’s Children” training programs mandated according to the Charter. From 2003 to 2005, approximately 10,000 employees and volunteers go through the training.

2005

The diocese launches “Teaching Safety – Empowering God’s Children,” a Charterapproved series of ageappropriate lesson plans that give children the tools they need to resist someone who intends to do them harm.

2008 The diocese launches “Circle of Grace,” developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha, with lesson plans for K-12 and more for parish use.

In the latest data available about its “Safe Environment” measures, the diocese reports conducting over 4,000 criminal background checks and holding training programs for 3,500 diocesan staff and volunteers.

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

11

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: WHAT HAPPENS HERE?

‘We are committed to taking any report of abuse seriously, and ensuring full follow through.’

David Harold, LCSW

Diocesan victim assistance coordinator

What happens when an allegation of sexual abuse is made against a priest or Church worker?

STEP

1

STEP

2

ONLINE: www.charlottediocese.org/humanresources/safe-environment PHONE: Chancery at 704-370-6299 or the victim assistance line at 704-370-3363 EMAIL: David Harold, LCSW, the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, at David.harold@gmail.com MAIL: Chancellor, Diocese of Charlotte, P.O. Box 36776, Charlotte, N.C. 28236

Note

David Harold, LCSW, checks the victim assistance line (704370-3363) and email (David.harold@gmail. com) daily as well as over the weekend

People involved in the process VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR A professional counselor made available to the alleged victim and their family to provide immediate care and connect them with counseling and medical care if desired EXPERT INVESTIGATOR Gathers evidence about the alleged abuse and reports their findings to the Review Board and to the bishop REVIEW BOARD A volunteer consultative body who confidentially advises the bishop.

Currently at 8 members, it is mostly comprised of laypeople (but they cannot be diocesan employees). It includes a priest and a lawyer (but not the diocesan attorney), and an expert on the issue of child sexual abuse, typically a psychological counselor. Members serve 5-year terms, which can be renewed by the bishop. Their role is to review allegations of abuse and to make recommendations to the bishop.

BISHOP Makes the final determination on accused priest’s ability to minister in the diocese in accordance with civil law and Church law

STEP

Made via phone, email, mail, etc., to the Diocese of Charlotte Chancery At the time of reporting an incident of alleged sexual misconduct to the Chancery, the person making the report will be asked to complete the diocesan form “Report of Suspected Ministry Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel” (available on the diocesan website)

How to report an allegation of abuse Anyone having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to civil authorities and/or the Diocese of Charlotte Chancery. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities.

All cases of alleged, known or suspected ministry-related sexual abuse of a minor must be reported to the proper civil authority. Anyone having actual knowledge of, or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse by any Church personnel of the Diocese of Charlotte is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery, unless to do so would violate the sacrament of penance. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authority.

ALLEGATION

STEP

3

4

STEP

5

NOTIFICATION The Chancery notifies: 1. Civil Authorities (such as DSS). They conduct their own investigation to determine any possible criminal charges.

2. Diocesan Review Board 3. (In the case of a priest from another diocese or religious order) Their bishop or superior 4. Victim Assistance Coordinator, who is available to provide care and connect them with counseling if requested 5. Accused, who is informed of their rights and placed on administrative leave (for a priest, that means he cannot celebrate the sacraments publicly). He must undergo counseling.

6. Parish 7. Catholic News Herald

DETERMINATION In consultation with the Review Board, the Bishop determines the credibility of the allegation.

RESOLUTION/ Allegation found credible: The accused is fired or permanently removed from ministry (which for a priest means he cannot celebrate the sacraments publicly, wear priestly attire or present himself publicly as a priest), and the accused is encouraged to seek counseling, and other appropriate measures.

Allegation found not credible: The case is dismissed, the person who made the allegation is notified, and the employee or clergy returns to ministry at the Bishop’s discretion. Steps are taken publicly to restore his reputation.

INVESTIGATION 1. The Review Board launches an internal investigation, once permitted by civil authorities.

An expert investigator is assigned to gather information and report their findings to the Review Board and the Bishop.

2. The Review Board makes a recommendation to the Bishop.

Q&A with Rick Menze, chairman of the diocese’s Review Board CHARLOTTE — Rick Menze has served on the Diocese of Charlotte Review Board since 2009, and been chairman since 2012. The Catholic News Herald reached out to him Monday seeking his point of view in light of the recent news of sexual abuse and misconduct in the Church: CNH: Why is it important to have a Review Board with laity and others involved?

Menze: The laity on the Review Board offer a different, fresh perspective to often very difficult and troubling situations. And the laity are less likely to be affected by the friendships and loyalties that can exist among a group bound fraternally as our religious are.

CNH: What considerations does the board keep in mind when responding to an allegation and when advising the bishop on a course of action?

Menze: In considering each case, our biggest considerations are sensitivity to the needs of those who are suffering and fairness to all involved.

CNH: How has your service impacted your faith?

Menze: After reading much of the Pennsylvania grand jury report, I am sickened by the abuse that is documented and my heart literally breaks for those abused.

Having interviewed many victims, seen the pain in their eyes and learned, firsthand, how abuse has impacted their lives, I have a different, more visceral sense of the consequences of abuse than most. So, over time, I have learned to compartmentalize the evil

represented by abusive behavior.

Moreover, service on the Review Board reminds me of so much good in our Church and the overwhelming majority of religious who have dedicated their lives to our God and who are, I feel unfairly, deemed by some as guilty by association.

The bottom line – I go to Mass on Sunday.

CNH: What else would you like readers to know about the process of responding to abuse allegations in our diocese?

Menze: Several things: Firstly, it is important to know that the Review Board in our diocese functions independently. In almost 10 years of service, I have not felt one ounce of pressure from the Chancery regarding the way an incident is reviewed or a recommendation is rendered. “Respecting the Review Board’s independence” is a part of almost every conversation with the Chancery. Secondly, the incidence of abuse has been reduced in our diocese since the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ directives were issued in 2002. Likely, this is true nationwide as well.

And finally, in my opinion, more needs to be done.

Interesting, bishops are specifically excluded from the oversight established by the 2002 USCCB directives.

And recent events tell me that there is a lack of hierarchical discipline which must be corrected and institutional arrogance which must be eradicated throughout the Church before healing can truly occur, even within our diocese.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

48,900 The number of adults who have received Safe Environment training, called “Protecting God’s Children,” since 2002

56,952 The number of criminal background checks processed by the diocese since 2002

$1,226,199 How much has been spent on Safe Environment programs and training in the diocese since 2004

12

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

Practical advice for parents on preventing child abuse The first step to protecting children from sexual abuse is educating parents about the nature of the problem. Awareness about child sexual abuse – what it is and who commits it – opens the door to some simple steps parents can take to protect children.

Awareness, education and responsible parenting give a child the best tools for her or his defense – and the child may be more likely to tell an adult if something happens.

Here are some practical actions parents can take to help protect their children:

1

By virtue of their physical size, adults have power over children – and that increases a child’s vulnerability. For example, parents and other authority figures teach children to “obey adults.”

When children hear this message, they may interpret it to mean that all adults have the authority to tell all children what to do, all the time. If this is a child’s interpretation, then the message has created additional vulnerability for the child. Yet, some simple, common sense steps can help minimize a child’s vulnerability.

For example: n Do not insist that children hug or kiss relatives or friends. Let children express affection on their own terms. n Let children know that their feelings are important to you. Intervene if you notice that your child is uncomfortable doing something that another adult asks him or her to do. Let the child know that you will protect him or her from this discomfort. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you should let children off the hook when it comes to doing their chores or cleaning up a

mess they’ve made.

2

Learn to recognize and take advantage of teachable moments with children.

Be willing to openly discuss sensitive issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following ageappropriate conversations with children: n From ages 18 months to 3 years – begin teaching children the proper names for all body parts. n Ages 3 to 5 years – teach children about private body parts and how to say “no” to anyone who touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Give them direct answers to questions about sex. n Ages 5 to 8 years – talk about good touches and bad touches, and safety away from home. n Ages 8 to 12 years – focus on personal safety issues. n Ages 13 to 18 years – discuss issues such as rape, date rape, HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy.

3

Games are a great way to reinforce the lessons you teach your children about safety issues. For example, children are always asking parents, “What if ?” Using this same game, parents can raise their own concerns and encourage their children to think and make decisions relying on the lessons they have learned.

4

Teach children to say, “Stop it,” to instructions that might encourage them to do things that they really do not want to do. Reinforce the rule that children should say, “Stop it,” to requests or demands that make them uncomfortable, even if they think they

Invites You

should obey. A discussion of these rules can teach a child that there are some times when it is OK to say, “Stop it,” and other times when it is OK to go along with the instructions. Everything hinges on context.

Parents must teach their children how to discern between an appropriate request and an inappropriate request. For example, it is appropriate to follow the instruction to “Be nice,” as long as the instruction is within an appropriate context, such as, “Be nice and don’t throw things at the other children.” But, tell children it’s OK to disobey this request if, for example, someone says, “Be nice and take off your clothes.”

5

Know where children spend their time.

Get to know the adults who show up at the various locations in the community where children gather and where they play together. Be wary of any adult who seems more interested in creating a relationship with a child than with other adults. Pay attention when an adult seems to single out a particular child for a relationship or for special attention. Warning signs include treats, gifts, vacations or other special favors offered only to one specific child.

6

Make unannounced visits to the child’s nursery, babysitter, daycare center or school. When choosing a nursery, daycare center or school, make sure there are no areas where children play or work that are “off limits” to parents. n Do not allow a child to go alone on “vacation” with any adult other than the child’s parent. n Do not allow a child to spend the night alone with any adult other than the child’s parent or another safe adult. (Note: “Safe adult” is a special designation used in the VIRTUS

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program for Parents and Guardians to describe adults who have demonstrated that they behave in a safe manner when interacting with children.) n Except in the case of a serious emergency, do not allow a child to travel alone – even for a very short distance – with any adult other than the child’s parent or another safe adult. You should also prohibit children from accepting expensive gifts from an adult, particularly if one child is singled out for special attention.

Find out if the child’s school or church religious education programs include a sex abuse prevention curriculum. If not, volunteer to be on a committee to establish such a program. Work with teachers to review available programs and make recommendations to administrators. Talk with other parents about supporting the addition of child sexual abuse prevention material to existing child safety programs.

7

Parents can make an important difference. However, without a supporting organization to help bring together a community’s resources, experts, and commitment, parents are limited in their ability to impact community-wide child abuse prevention. That’s where we can help.

The Church can join with parents to build a society where children are no longer at risk of being sexually abused, where those who have been victimized can find the resources and courage to heal, and where all people live together in loving, supportive relationships.

— Reprinted with permission from National Catholic Services, LLC. National Catholic provides neither spiritual solutions to individual problems nor legal advice to its clients. Seek the advice of a spiritual director or attorney regarding individual questions or legal advice.

24th Annual Fundraising Banquet

“Chosen & Precious in God’s Sight” Thursday, October 18, 2018 Check-in/Reception: 5:30 p.m. ~ Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

Charlotte Convention Center ~ Crown Ballroom

Featured Speaker ~ Shawn Carney Shawn Carney is the co-founder and president of 40 Days for Life, a breakthrough initiative of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside a local abortion center and grassroots door-to-door outreach that has dropped local abortion numbers by 28 percent. Shawn helped to lead the first 40 Days for Life in 2004 and helped to expand the campaign as a national and international movement by 2007. Today, 40 Days for Life has been done in 769 cities in all 50 states and 47 countries. His efforts have mobilized more than 750,000 pro-life volunteers and have confirmed reports of over 14,600 mothers choosing life and 177 abortion center workers who have had conversions and left their jobs, including former abortion center director, Abby Johnson. Shawn is the co-author of 40 Days for Life and lives in Texas with his wife and six children.

Reservations are free but REQUIRED. Deadline to register is October 8, 2018.

To make your reservation or host a table of 8-10 people, register online: https://miraviabanquet24.eventbrite.com OR meganwhiteside@miravia.org, 704-525-4673 ext. 13.

MiraVia, Inc. is a Catholic, 501 (c)(3) non-profit maternity and after-care program serving women and their children in the Charlotte, N.C. region since 1994. All material support and services are offered free of charge to clients. For more information, visit www.miravia.org.

Don’t miss a beat!

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

YouTube.com/DioceseofCharlotte

Facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

13

ABUSE SCANDAL HITS THE CHURCH: REACTIONS

TALKING FROM PAGE 8

to occur. We have to speak. The only way healing can begin is if a culture changes.”

The Church is holy, Father Putnam continued, “but we recognize that not all who are in it are always holy. And that includes the leaders.

“Ultimately, the holiness of the Church is about Christ. It’s not about the pope, it’s not about the bishops, it’s not about the priests. It’s about Christ. It’s about seeking to do His Will.”

The Huntersville parish held a Holy Hour of Reparation after Mass Aug. 22 for the sins that have been committed.

In Father Matthew Kauth’s homily to seminarians at St. Joseph College Seminary, he discussed his responses to the abuse allegations – emotionally and intellectually.

“The intellectual response grew in my will and became a fire in me. It was time for a practical response beyond the priesthood itself,” Father Kauth said. “Words are not needed. Deeds are needed. I wanted to fight fire with holy fire. I wanted to respond.

What deed? I believe that what I have experienced in 25 years of attempting to follow Christ was in some sense to prepare me for this deed, this response.

“My response is this. A seminary. My response is you. A new priesthood,” he said.

The college seminary in Charlotte, established in 2016, is designed to give undergraduate men the opportunity to discern a possible religious vocation

‘The priests that I know well answered the call to the priesthood to serve you, to share with you God’s love and mercy, and to bring you the power of the sacraments, and we can’t understand how such abuse and injustice was tolerated by those with the power to stop it.’

Father Pat Hoare

Pastor, St. Matthew Church in Charlotte before considering the step of enrolling in a major seminary for specific formation to the priesthood. Students work toward a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Belmont Abbey College while experiencing a Benedictine-style communal life on their path of discernment.

“Whatever we do, we are not doing what was done. That has not worked,” Father Kauth said. “When a vocation is born it is pure – like water from a spring. We cannot attempt to purify the water after it has become brackish. We must start at the source. The building of solid men for the priesthood. People say we are too traditional. I don’t know what that means.

When something new doesn’t work, one has to circle back and revivify what once did. Solid formation according to the mind

of the Church, not the mind of the age the Church is in. Perennial. Tradition. Period.

We don’t want what has been done for the last 100 years. We are not doing that. We want Him to make all things new, not try more new things.”

Father Pat Hoare, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte – considered to be the largest Catholic parish in the United States with 11,000-plus families – also addressed the situation during Masses Aug. 18 and 19.

“I have had multiple discussions over the past several days with priest friends of mine, and also with the clergy here at St. Matthew,” Father Hoare said. “These reports cause us great pain and in some cases anger toward those entrusted with the authority to administer justice and to keep vulnerable children and adults out of harm’s way. The priests that I know well answered the call to the priesthood to serve you, to share with you God’s love and mercy, and to bring you the power of the sacraments, and we can’t understand how such abuse and injustice was tolerated by those with the power to stop it.”

He asked for continued prayers for healing.

Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Therese Church in Mooresville, said situations such as these can lead to a crisis of faith. He said he agrees with the statement issued by the Holy See which included the following: “The Holy Father understands well how much these crimes can shake the faith and the spirit of believers and reiterates the call to make every effort to create a safe environment for minors and vulnerable adults in the Church and in all of society,” it said.

“Victims should know that the pope is

on their side. Those who have suffered are his priority, and the Church wants to listen to them to root out this tragic horror that destroys the lives of the innocent.”

Father Lawlor added, “As a priest, my ministry is to help others. Some of my brother priests have betrayed the trust of the faithful and caused great harm and pain.”

In his homily, Jesuit Father James Shea, pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte, said he has heard from some of his parishioners about the anger, disgust, confusion, grief and shame that many are feeling.

“We had hoped that after the 2002 abuse scandals and procedures of the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Children, over 15 years ago, that we would not have to walk this dark journey again, but we do,” Father Shea said. “First, we must acknowledge the pain and grief. We know the grief we feel is only a shadow of the pain borne by survivors of abuse by priests. As a priest, I need to say to you that I am sorry for this terrible betrayal of trust. I am sorry for those scarred by abuse. I am sorry that you, the People of God, have to bear the shame for the crimes and sins of their leaders. I am sorry that your faith may be shaken.

“Even if your Church leaders have failed you, Jesus never will.”

What do you think?

At www.facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald: Share your thoughts with us. What would you tell the U.S. bishops as they consider the issue at their November meeting?

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Mix 14

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV

In theaters

‘Operation Finale’ This movie offers a Jewish perspective not often found in World War II films.

It follows a group of Israeli Mossad agents 15 years after World War II as they covertly infiltrate Buenos Aires in order to capture a high-ranking Nazi (Ben Kingsley) who has thus far escaped justice. As they struggle to get him to sign written consent to be tried in Israel, the group’s passionate leader (Oscar Isaac) strikes up an unlikely, and respectful, relationship with the prisoner, showing that even enemies deserve respect and dignity. Several crude terms as well as images of Holocaust and war violence.

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

‘Mile 22’ The sloppy, toxic mix of gunfire, explosions and cursing makes this difficult to endure and impossible to recommend. The story of a CIA paramilitary team led by an agent (Mark Wahlberg) who’s permanently angry, scornful of diplomats and diplomacy, and prone to hurl verbal abuse at his squad as they spirit a foreign agent to a transport plane to deter nuclear terrorism. Much gun and physical violence, gore and frequent profanities.

CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

‘Eighth Grade’ Horrors of middle school are on display in this low-key, moving blend of comedy and drama. In a riveting performance, Elsie Fisher plays an unpopular teen on the brink of graduation as she yearns for the boy of her dreams, is pursued by a likable goofball, gets put down by a duo of mean girls and squirms under the loving but overzealous care of her wellmeaning single dad. It’s overall message of hope, together with its warnings against being pressured into getting physical, make the film both acceptable for mature teens and a good starting point for a valuable family discussion.

Fleeting scatological humor, occasional rough and crude language.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

Other movies: n ‘Alpha’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Crazy Rich Asians’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Cory Catron, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, displays some of the coat of arms designs that he and Billy Griffith have developed over the past few years for parishes and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Monroe priest creates Catholic heraldry as art, personalized language SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

MONROE — One of the Diocese of Charlotte’s youngest priests has an interest in a very old subject: heraldry.

Father Cory Catron’s interest in heraldic art and coats of arms began in college, and in the two years since his ordination, he has devoted more time to this endeavor – even designing coats of arms for parishes and clergy.

Heraldry is the systematic use of hereditary devices centered on a shield. The first known heraldic shield dates to the 12th century, and it has been linked to Church history since the 13th century. At first limited to high-ranking knights and noblemen, a personal coat of arms has usually been a mark of honor linked to social status, but now anyone can have one.

The rules and symbols used in heraldry continue to develop, and there’s more to it than just a shield or a motto, Father Catron explains.

“There are standards in heraldry, but then there is a lot of freedom in how you apply it.

It’s almost like Church teaching. There’s a box within which we are talking about the truth, but you can talk about it however you want,” he says.

But some rules must be followed, he points out, and there is a logic as to how the colors and images are laid out in the design.

“The most important rule is the color rule.

The rule is that color can never go on color and metal can never go on metal. Metal is gold or silver, yellow or white. The reason for that is heraldry originated by identifying people on the battlefield. There has to be contrast.”

In Church heraldry, militaristic images are typically avoided, but there are times when it may be appropriate – say if St. Paul were being referenced, or St. George was a patron saint.

Priests, bishops, archbishops, cardinals and even the pope have personal coats of arms, each with different symbols denoting their ecclesial rank: two black tassels on an ecclesiastical hat (also known as a galero) for a priest, 15 red tassels on a galero for a cardinal. Religious symbols including the cross, a fleur-de-lis representing Mary, and symbols of their office

such as a mitre and crozier all appear on clergy’s coats of arms.

Over the past two years, Father Catron has drafted approximately 13 coats of arms. Most of them have been completely developed with the assistance of Billy Griffith, who has lent his graphic art talents which he regularly uses in his job in the diocese’s Education Vicariate office.

Father Catron and Griffith collaborate on the final designs of the coats of arms, and Griffith completes the design using a computer program to produce a high-resolution image that can be used for a variety of purposes.

“Designing for parishes is easy,” he says. “For a parish design I look at three things: the patron saint, the church’s location and its history.”

Father Catron and Griffith have created designs for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe, where the priest serves as parochial vicar, as well as parishes in Charlotte, Huntersville and western North Carolina.

“Designing for priests is harder,” Father Catron says. “I ask them what are the first seven things you want people to know about you.”

He takes their lists of ideas and incorporates symbols into a cohesive design that’s personal and meaningful for that person.

Heraldry is a language of symbols, and for Church heraldry, a lot can be packed into what appears to be a simple design. That makes heraldry a lot like Jesus’ parables, Father Catron thinks.

“When we look at Jesus’ parables He is talking to His immediate audience. He is also talking to the Church through the ages. What does He have to say to His immediate listeners? To His Church throughout all time?”

That is what a coat of arms does as well, he says.

It speaks of the person or parish as they are at present, preserving their message for the future.

More online Try it yourself: Thanks to free online heraldry creation websites, anyone who has an interest in creating a coat of arms can give it a try. Sites such as www. drawshield.net are a fun place to start.

At www.theheraldrysociety.com: Find out more about the history of heraldry

n Friday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Angel of Biscay: The Life and Message of Father Aloysius Ellacuria, CMF.” This film tells the story of the “Fatima priest,” Father Aloysius Ellacuria, CMF, and traces his fascinating life journey from his Basque home in northern Spain to the United States, Mexico and Portugal, illustrating the character, mission and spirituality of this remarkable priest who changed the lives of so many. n Saturday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Mother Teresa.” The first of a two-part drama of the little woman who called herself “a pencil in God’s hands.” Part 1. n Tuesday, Sept. 4, 3:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Called and Chosen: Father Vincent R. Capodanno.”

This EWTN original docu-drama presents the life and ministry of Servant of God Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a U.S. Marine chaplain who was killed on Sept.

4, 1967, who gave his life trying to minister to a fallen soldier during the Vietnam War. n Wednesday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Mother Teresa: The Legacy.” This moving documentary presents an intimate look at the life, ministry and spirituality of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. n Thursday, Sept. 6, 6:30 a.m. (EWTN) “No Greater Love: Mother Teresa of Calcutta.”

A documentary on the life of Mother Teresa and the profound legacy of the order she founded, “The Missionaries of Charity.” n Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Mother Teresa.” The second of a two-part drama of Mother Teresa, whose calling to serve the “poorest of the poor” in Calcutta was legendary. Part 2. n Monday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Catholic Aid to Syria’s Refugees.” Filmmaker Elisabetta Valgiusti presents the humanitarian activities of the Catholic Church and Caritas International in service to Syria’s refugees, along with stories of individual Syrian refugees and commentary from Catholic leaders. n Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “City of Saints.” How the lives of ordinary people have been enhanced by the ministry of the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey. n Wednesday, Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Unseen.” Despite being legally blind, Deacon Jamie Dennis continues to work towards fulfilling his vocation to the priesthood. n Thursday, Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Message of Fatima: The Fifth Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima.” A docu-drama series on the prophecies, messages and warnings given to the three shepherd children by Our Lady of Fatima in 1917.

‘I Am The Living Bread’

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iiiAugust 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

EUCHARISTIC C

Come to the 2018 Eucharistic Co

More information online At www.goeucharist.com: See the full schedule of events, read more about the featured speakers and activities, get parking information and more

Horn

Trent Horn

4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8

‘The Beginner’s Guide to Defending the Faith’ 8:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7

Join Bishop Peter Jugis and priests of the Diocese of Charlot 2018 Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sep

Staff apologist for Catholic Answers, lecturer on the Catholic faith and co-host of “Hearts and Minds,” a weekly radio program. Author of “Answering Atheism,” “Persuasive Pro-life” and “Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties.” Find out more at www.trenthorn.com.

Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB Holy Hour homilist, 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8

Folsom

Started his religious life at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana and founded the Monastery of San Benedetto in Rome before moving the community to Norcia (the birthplace of Sts. Benedict and Scholastica) in 2000. The monastery there had been closed since 1810, but now the community has grown from three members to 17, and they follow a full observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more at www.en.nursia.org.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ‘Truth, Freedom, and The Human Person: Understanding Our Life in Christ’ 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8

Burke-Sivers

Known as the “Dynamic Deacon,” a passionate preacher whose no-nonsense approach proclaiming the Catholic faith is sure to inspire. Host of several popular series on EWTN and author of “Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality.” Learn more at www.deaconharold.com.

Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM ‘The Catechism: A Gift to Prayer and Catholic Life’ 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8

Paruch

One of the leading catechetists in the U.S., member of the theology faculty at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Advises the U.S. bishops’ conference on evangelization and catechesis, and has served the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. Author of “Mentors for the New Evangelization.”

Eucharistic Procession

LINE UP: LINE UP:

9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Peter J. Jugis carries a monstrance containing a consecrated host – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ – is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress.

Join the Eucharistic Procession through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the Eucharistic Congress will be held. It will start at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 8, at St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St. Line up along the procession route as noted at right and join in with your parish once its banner passes.

The 2018 First Communicants will lead the procession along with Bishop Jugis.

(They and their parents or guardians, clergy, religious and banner carriers should gather as directed on Tryon Street north of St. Peter Church no later than 8:30 a.m.) Parents must walk alongside their children throughout the procession.

The Eucharistic Procession will culminate inside Hall A of the convention center, where a Holy Hour will be celebrated starting at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Know before you go:

(Wells Fargo Plaza) • Banners • Faithful

• Knights of Columbus • Sodalities • Virgins • 1st Communicants

ST

CHARLOTTE — The faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the 14th annual Eucharistic Congress – a free, two-day event celebrating our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist Sept. 7-8 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

In what has become an annual gathering of the Church in western North Carolina, the Eucharistic Congress is expected to attract more than 15,000 people from around the state and the Southeast.

This year’s Eucharistic Congress theme is “I am the Living Bread,” which are the words Christ spoke in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel (Jn 6:51).

The congress will include Mass; a Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte; the sacrament of confession; speakers and programs geared especially for adults, children and college students; vendors offering Catholic merchandise and information; and more.

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a time of quiet reflection and chant, then a welcome at 6:45 p.m. from Bishop Jugis in Hall A of the Convention Center. At 7 p.m. Byzantine rite vespers will be prayed. This will be followed by a talk at 8:15 p.m. by Trent Horn entitled: “The Beginner’s Guide to Defending the Faith.”

Trent Horn is a convert to the faith and serves as staff apologist for Catholic Answers and specializes in teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them. He models that approach each week on the radio program “Catholic Answers Live.” Horn is the author of three books: “Answering Atheism,” “Persuasive Pro-life” and his latest book, “Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties.”

After Horn’s talk, there will be an evening Eucharistic procession to St. Peter Church starting at 9:15 p.m., where Adoration will take place all night. There will also be a special College Night program for college students during which Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers of EWTN will speak.

Saturday’s congress events kick off at 9 a.m. with a Eucharistic procession that follows a route from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center. A Holy Hour – featuring a homily by Benedictine Father Cassian Folsom, an Americanborn monk now living in the Monastery of San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy – will immediately follow the procession at 10:15 a.m.

An English track, Spanish track, Vietnamese program, youth and other tracks will be offered throughout the day. Bishop Peter Jugis will celebrate Mass at the conclusion of the congress Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Mass

Speakers

TRY ON

14th annual Eucharistic Congress Sept. 7-8 focuses on Jesus as the Bread of Life

MLK

NO LINE UP:

No access between Stonewall and St. Peter’s No access to The Green park

Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Flat parking is available at 510 S. Caldwell St. and 510 S. College St. You can also park along the Lynx Blue Line and get off at the 3rd St./Convention Center stop.

ST. PE TE

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ongress: ‘I Am The Living Bread’ Oradores Pbro. Luis Eduardo Jaimes Toro

tte for the celebration of Holy Mass at the conclusion of the pt. 8, inside the Charlotte Convention Center.

‘Yo Soy el Pan Vivo Bajado del Cielo’ 11:30 a.m. sábado, 8 de septiembre

Toro

Ordenado Presbítero el 18 de noviembre de 2000, en el Seminario Diocesano Santo Tomas de Aquino, en la ciudad de Palmira Estado Táchira Venezuela.

Lic. Marcial Padilla ‘Género: La Nueva sexualidad y Nuestra Conciencia Cristiana’ 12:30 p.m. sábado, 8 de septiembre

Padilla

Laico comprometido con la sociedad y los valores fundamentales de la familia, felizmente casado y con 3 hijos.

Desde 2012, es director de la organización Con Participación, cuyo objetivo es abrir los ojos a la sociedad para tomar conciencia de lo que favorece o debilita los valores fundamentales, con el fin de que estos valores estén en la agenda pública.

P. Angel Espinosa de los Monteros, LC ‘La Eucaristía, Centro de la Vida Cristiana’ y ‘Amor Conyugal’ 1:30 p.m. y 2:30 p.m. sábado, 8 de septiembre

Monteros

Desde que se ordeno sacerdote, en 1994, ha trabajado como orientador juvenil, y después como orientador familiar en México, Colombia, Italia y Francia. Ha impartido más de 3,000 conferencias sobre matrimonio, valores familiares y espiritualidad, en México, Estados Unidos, Francia, Italia, y todo Centro y Sudamérica. Ha atendido a cientos de matrimonios ofreciendo consejo y programas de crecimiento conyugal y familiar. Publico el libro “El anillo es para siempre.”

T.

Procesión Eucarística 9 a.m. sábado, 8 de septiembre

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he Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside ood from being brought inside. The prohibition ncludes coolers and other containers of food. Food ervice options are available in the building, and many estaurants are located around the Convention Center.

La Procesión Eucarística, durante la cual el Obispo Peter J. Jugis lleva un relicario que contiene una Hostia consagrada – El Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad de Jesucristo – es un punto culminante de los dos días del Congreso Eucarístico.

La procesión, presidida por el Obispo Jugis, se inicia a las 9 a.m. el sábado 8 de septiembre, en la Iglesia de St. Peter, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Por favor, no se reúnan cerca de la Iglesia de St. Peter. Le animamos a unirse a la procesión y seguir a la Eucaristía, hacia el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

Los Primeros Comulgantes del 2018 encabezarán la procesión, junto al Obispo Jugis.

(Ellos, junto a sus padres, clero, religiosos y portadores de banderas deberán reunirse en Tryon Street, al sur de la Iglesia de St. Peter, a más tardar a las 8:30 a.m.) Los padres deben de caminar al lado de sus hijos a lo largo de la procesión.

Luego que la procesión, llegue al Centro de Convenciones, diríjase de acuerdo a las indicaciones de los acomodadores por los pasillos laterales dentro del salón principal.

Sólo los portadores de banderas procesarán por el pasillo principal.

Over 80 commercial and informational vendors will be on hand inside the Charlotte Convention Center, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night, Sept. 7, and on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Decimocuarto Congreso Eucarístico se enfoca en Jesús como el Pan de Vida CHARLOTTE — Los fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados al Decimocuarto Congreso Eucarístico, una celebración gratuita de dos días de duración que festeja nuestra fe católica en la Real Presencia de Cristo en la Eucaristía, el 7 y 8 de septiembre en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

En lo que se ha convertido en el encuentro anual de la Iglesia Católica del occidente de Carolina del Norte, el Congreso Eucarístico espera atraer a más de quince mil personas de todo el estado y el sureste del país.

Este año, el tema del Congreso Eucarístico es ‘Yo soy el Pan Vivo”, palabras de Cristo pronunciadas en el sexto capítulo del Evangelio de San Juan (Jn 6:51).

El Congreso incluirá Misa, procesión Eucarística por las calles del Uptown de Charlotte, el sacramento de confesión, oradores, programas específicos para adultos, niños y estudiantes universitarios, la venta de mercadería católica, información y más.

Comenzará a las 6:30 p.m. del viernes con un momento de reflexión y canto, seguido de las palabras de bienvenida del Obispo Jugis a las 6:45 p.m. en la Sala A del Centro de Convenciones.

A las 7 p.m. se rezará las Vísperas del Rito Bizantino, seguidas por una charla, a las 8:45 p.m., dictada por Hent Horn titulada “Guía de principiantes para la defensa de la Fe”.

Trent Horn, una persona convertida a la fe que sirve como parte del equipo de apologistas de Catholic Answers, se especializa en la enseñanza de católicos y, delicada pero persuasivamente, se embarca en discusiones con las personas con las que no está de acuerdo. Lo hace semanalmente en el programa radial Catholic Answers Live. Horn es autor de tres libros: ‘Respondiendo el Ateísmo’, ‘Pro-Vida persuasiva’ y su última obra “Difícil de explicar: Un acercamiento católico para responder los problemas de la Biblia”.

Al término de la sesión habrá una procesión Eucarística a la Iglesia St. Peter a las 9:15 p.m., donde por la noche se realizará una jornada de Adoración.

También se realizará una Noche Universitaria para estudiantes en la que hablará el Diácono Harold Burke-Sivers de EWTN. Los eventos del sábado iniciarán a las 9 de la mañana, con una procesión Eucarística que seguirá una ruta desde la Iglesia St. Peter hasta el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte. La Hora Santa, presentando la homilía del Padre Benedictino Cassian Folsom, monje nacido en Norteamérica que ahora vive en el Monasterio San Benedetto en Norcia, Italia, seguirá tras el término de la procesión a las 10:15 a.m.

Jornadas en inglés, español, programa en vietnamita, jornadas para jóvenes y otras más se ofrecerán a lo largo del día. El Obispo Peter Jugis celebrará Misa al término del congreso, el sábado a las 4:15 p.m.

— SueAnn Howell, reportera senior

Más información online En www.goeucharist.com: Vea la programación completa y entérese sobre los oradores, actividades, dónde estacionar y mucho más

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS GUIDE

Vendors Commercial vendors ABCatholic Angela’s Religious Gifts Angelluz Religious Jewelry

Apostoles de la Palabra Augustine Institute / Lighthouse Catholic Media Bayleaf Signs and Wonders Bethlehem Christian family Bless Buy Enterprise

REVERENT COVERINGS Offering chapel veils and other clothing for following Our Lady in reverent femininity

Please visit us at the Eucharistic Congress Booth #s 200, 202, 204

“I Come from Heaven” Our Lady of Fatima

Andrea Hines 704-996-4597 revcoverings@gmail.com

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group To know, to love, and to serve Christ Come to Booth #513 in the vendor area at the Eucharistic Congress for information about membership, upcoming reflections, events, and enter our giveaway.

The Mission of the Charlotte Catholic Women's Group is to foster in women a greater desire to know, love and serve Jesus Christ and His Church. As a community founded on love for each other and faithful to the Magisterium, the CCWG offers opportunities for spiritual formation, apostolic projects and social events. Join us!

www.CharlotteCatholicWomensGroup.org

Strengthening Families.

Building Communities.

Reducing Poverty.

CATgear Catholic Relief Services Catholic Writers Guild CatholicMatch Institute CatholicMatch.com FIAT IMPORTS FUNDACION RAMON PANE GIFRA Glorious Jerusalem Products Got Mary? / Got Mercy?

Holy Kids J.S. Paluch Ladybug Legend Rosaries Lifetouch Photo Directories Lourdes Martinez

Magnificat March for Life Charlotte Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe, N.C. Pauline Books & Media Religious Medals OMG Reverent Coverings Saint Benedict Press / TAN Books St. Joseph College Seminary Shepherd Field Group The Beckert Group at Merrill Lynch The Catholic Shoppe at Belmont Abbey College Tiny Saints Tradition Family Property Wallick Investments, LLC

Information vendors

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants African American Affairs Ministry Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center Belmont Abbey College Knights of Columbus N.C. State Council Catholic and Care for Our Common Home Lay Dominicans Catholic Campus Ministry Legion of Mary / Our Lady of LaSalette Western Catholic Charities Carolina Curia Catholic News Herald Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Catholic Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN) Mary’s Sons Catholics and Capital Punishment MiraVia Catholics and Immigration Missionaries of the Poor Catholics and Racism Mother of God Mission Society Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Poor Servants of the Mother of God Charlotte Latin Mass Community ProCatholic Inc. Divine Mercy Regnum Christi of the Carolinas Divine Will Room At The Inn Education Vicariate - Diocese of Charlotte Seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker EWTN Global Catholic Network Spring Hill College Family Honor 4 Color 7/10/2018 Te Deum Foundation Franciscan Passages Advertising Sales_2x2_15x5J.qxd Testimony of Catholic Authors Glenmary Home Missioners Williams K of C Insurance Agency Grupo de Consagrados a Jesús a través de María

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August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

Hermana Joan Pearson

Los primeros días del Ministerio Hispano

L

legué a la Diócesis de Charlotte desde Pensilvania en 1994, respondiendo la solicitud del Padre Jim Solari, pastor de la Iglesia Católica San Leo, quien había pedido a mi congregación, Las Hermanas de San José de Filadelfia, una hermana religiosa que estuviera dispuesta a establecer un Ministerio Hispano en su parroquia.

El Padre Jim había notado el aumento de la población católica en el Triad y supuso que la mayoría de ellos eran católicos bautizados (verdad), que estaban trabajando para ayudar a sus familias en sus países de origen (también verdad), y que eran aparentemente más que trabajadores migrantes temporales presentes por las cosechas de verano (definitivamente verdad).

Estaba preocupado porque sus necesidades pastorales no eran conocidas y mucho menos satisfechas.

Cuando comencé el ministerio hispano de esta pequeña parroquia, el Padre Joseph Waters era el único sacerdote itinerante de habla hispana dedicado por la Diócesis de Charlotte a atender las necesidades espirituales de los hispanos que residían en nuestra diócesis.

Las hermanas franciscanas Andrea Inkrott y Linda Scheklehoff se ubicaban en las afuera de una tienda ACE Hardware en Yadkinville, ¡y eran verdaderas misioneras!

Un joven sacerdote, el Padre Fidel Melo, se había ordenado recientemente, ¡el primer sacerdote mexicano de nuestra diócesis!

Recuerdo el día en el que el Padre Vicente Finnerty fue nombrado Director del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis. Todos estábamos sorprendidos, habían tres sacerdotes para servir esta humilde, escondida, santa y creciente comunidad católica.

Y fue entonces cuando me sumé a esta “memoria histórica” de los católicos hispanos y su hermosa ‘Historia de Gracia’ en nuestra diócesis.

Durante los siguientes dos años (1995-1997) la población hispana en Winston Salem y Greensboro explotó. Los registros de nacimiento del hospital de maternidad Forsyth mostraron que el índice de natalidad de los hispanos era cuatro veces mayor que el de los anglos.

Parecía haber también una explosión en el número de mujeres que llegaban, supongo que extrañaban a sus esposos.

Durante esos años las fábricas textiles y de muebles estaban al máximo de su capacidad de producción. Más y más compañías de jardinería aceptaban trabajadores hispanos. La industria de la construcción florecía.

Winston Salem tenía dos hospitales grandes. Había trabajos (aunque algo serviles) para cualquier persona que quisiera ganar dinero.

Recuerdo claramente que en aquellos días la mayor parte de los norcarolinos eran amables, cálidos y receptivos. Cada una de las organizaciones cívicas, escuelas, oficina de gobierno se veía en apuros para atender y dar la bienvenida a los recién llegados hispanos.

Desafortunadamente, algunos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas separados de otras religiones fueron agresivos y muy creativos al tratar de captar a los hispanos recientemente arribados. Recuerdo las imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe colocadas frente a las pequeñas iglesias protestantes y bautistas independientes con un letrero de ‘bienvenido’ a su lado. No tenía idea de cuan fiero se convertiría este esfuerzo por “convertir/robar” a los hispanos católicos.

Durante esos días fui bendecida al ser aceptada por mucha gente extraordinaria mientras luchaba para aprender español, en mi esfuerzo por dar cuidado pastoral a los hispanos, “fieles escondidos”.

La gente fue muy buena conmigo. Me abrieron sus puertas, enviaron a sus hijos a Camp Leo, me cantaron ‘Las Mañanitas’, compartieron sus esperanzas, sus temores, los sueños para sus familias y profundamente cambiaron mi vida a través de su sacrificio, amor y espiritualidad.

Me he acercado mucho más a Dios, cuyo rostro veo todos los días, a través de este santo pueblo.

LA HERMANA JOAN PEARSON sirve como coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano en el Vicariato de Salisbury.

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Casa Marillac asiste con alimentos y amor CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — A las 10:30 de la mañana de cada miércoles y viernes abre sus puertas la Casa Marillac, una pequeña y sencilla casita color blanco ubicada a la entrada de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, para entregar despensas con alimentos y artículos de higiene a familias que pasan apuros económicos.

María, una mujer de mediana edad, fue la primera en llegar el pasado miércoles 22 de agosto.

Nacida en México, María perdió a su esposo a raíz de un cáncer que “se lo llevó en menos de tres meses”.

Buscando una mejor vida dejó Los Ángeles, California, y se mudó a Carolina del Norte, donde trata de salir adelante con sus tres hijos.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Después de identificarse en Sirviendo con despensas, la Casa Marillac de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la recepción, María aguarda un Guadalupe atiende sin distinciones a la población más necesitada del área. momento mientras empacan sus alimentos. Sentada en una silla, domingo los fieles aportan a través de ‘El domingo de estruja nerviosa sus manos marcadas por el la Divina Providencia’, cuando llevan sus donaciones trabajo. “Estoy pasando algunos apuros, pero es de alimentos y artículos de higiene personal. La por el momento”, asegura y espera, más adelante, parroquia provee dinero para la compra de pollo, poder devolver el “favor que me están haciendo huevos y leche, mientras que algunos grandes ahora aquí en la Iglesia Guadalupe”. almacenes y supermercados, así como Caridades María es solo una de las cientos de cabezas Católicas, donan víveres no perecibles. de familia que Casa Marillac, una extensión del “De vez en cuando nos viene a ayudar gente muy programa de ayuda a la comunidad de la Parroquia colaboradora, que sabe de esto porque en alguna Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ha asistido con ocasión lo necesitaron y ahora están en mejor alimentos básicos para la manutención del hogar posición, y tienen esa disposición hacia nosotros”, desde varios años. asegura Echevarría. “Estamos en una comunidad Yesenia Echevarría, a cargo del programa, dijo vicentina en donde la misión es ayudar al más que anteriormente entregaban las despensas en necesitado. En el rostro de cada persona que la misma parroquia, pero desde hace seis años, ayudamos está Jesús”, debido a que el espacio les “quedaba chico”, se Una de las voluntarias, Mayra Oporta, dijo que mudaron a la Casa Marillac, donde también cuando llega a colaborar con su comunidad se le implementan ‘El Árbol del Ángel’, despensas olvidan los problemas, las preocupaciones, “el dolor navideñas de sabor latino, donde menudean los de mi columna y estoy feliz, compartiendo con todos”. productos frescos más que enlatados.

Pese a los aportes que se reciben, la necesidad Para recibir la asistencia no es necesario sigue siendo grande, la voz corre y todos saben que completar solicitudes ni presentar pruebas “en la Lupita no le niegan la ayuda a nadie”. La de ingreso o impuestos. “No tenemos formas, Casa Marillac, nombrada en honor a Santa Luisa sabemos que hay necesidad. Es solamente llamar, de Marillac, fundadora con San Vicente de Paúl, de saber cuántos son en la familia y venir a recoger”, la orden de Las Hijas de la Caridad, requiere de la explica Echevarría, añadiendo que para recoger la ayuda de cada uno de nosotros. ayuda es preciso contar con una identificación de Si tiene muebles en buen estado que ya no utilice, cualquier tipo, un recibo de servicios en el que se o desea aportar con víveres, su valioso tiempo o muestre la dirección actual y “si está viviendo con dinero, llame a la Casa Marillac o visite la parroquia niños, pues traer algo de los niños”.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en horas de oficina.

Según explica el Padre Gregorio Gay, vicario parroquial, la ayuda no se limita a proveer alimentos sino que además asisten, en la medida de Más online sus posibilidades, con muebles y electrodomésticos En www.catholicnewsherald.com y que reciben en donación. “Lo que necesitamos son www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: camas, literas, mesas y sillas de comedor. Algo que Vea un video sobre la Casa Marillac es muy difícil de conseguir y estamos orando para que nos lleguen son máquinas de lavar y secar”.

Sin embargo la tarea de recolección es a veces difícil y requieren de la ayuda de parroquianos que con sus vehículos puedan recoger las donaciones.

El Padre Gregorio adelantó que se encuentran 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 en conversaciones con Goodwill para encontrar un Teléfono: 704-391-3732 modelo de colaboración en el que la necesidad de los fieles se vea satisfecha.

La alacena de Casa Marillac no podría ser posible Teléfono: 704-503-9204 sin la colaboración de toda la comunidad. Cada primer

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Casa Marillac

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Iglesia local apoyó reunificación familiar CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Demostrando que la Iglesia Católica participa activamente en resolver el problema migratorio de la separación familiar, Catholic News Herald pudo acceder a información en la que se corrobora el apoyo de una parroquia local en uno de esos terribles casos de miles de menores que han sido arrancados de los brazos de sus madres, tras ser detenidos cuando sus padres solicitaban asilo en la frontera con México.

Un abogado de Seattle, estado de Washington, se puso en contacto con el Padre Vicente Finnerty, pastor de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Charlotte, para buscar su ayuda en un caso de separación familiar, ocurrido tras la aplicación de la política de “cero tolerancia” establecida por la administración del presidente Trump.

La madre, a quien llamaremos Susana para proteger su identidad, fue detenida al solicitar asilo en la frontera, tras entregarse a las autoridades migratorias. Su niño, de ocho años, quien viajaba con ella desde Honduras, fue enviado a un centro de detención de menores en Pensilvania, mientras que la madre a un centro para adultos en el estado de Washington.

Una hermana de la detenida, residente en Charlotte, intervino para ayudarla, apoyar el pedido de asilo y demostrar que ni Susana ni el niño, de lograr el asilo, se convertirían en una carga económica para el gobierno federal, un trámite que deben realizar también los inmigrantes que solicitan residencia y los residentes legales que, cumplido el plazo de ley, tramitan su proceso de naturalización.

Es en este contexto que se solicitó una carta al P. Vicente en la que se le pedía detallara los servicios gratuitos que se ofrecen dentro de su parroquia, la de mayor participación hispana en la Diócesis de Charlotte. Dada la premura del tiempo, sin vacilar, el P. Vicente elaboró la carta y la envió de manera electrónica al estudio de abogados en Seattle.

En ella describía el gran número de programas de asistencia que ofrece la parroquia de manera gratuita. Desde servicios de salud física, mental, alcohólicos anónimos, ayuda con alimentos, pago de renta, pago de utilidades vencidas, pagos de gastos legales, hasta consejería espiritual y otros.

“Todo fue muy rápido”, dijo el P. Vicente.

“Ellos nos contactaron un viernes, la señora tenía que presentarse en Corte el lunes”. “Lo que buscaba el abogado”, agregó, “era que la pudieran liberar en Seattle, que viviera con su hermana y pudiera reunirse con su hijo acá, en Charlotte”, lo que ya ha sucedido, pues el juez de inmigración aceptó la reunificación mientras se prosigue con el caso de asilo.

Según tiene conocimiento el P. Vicente, los trámites de asilo son muy difíciles de lograr en algunas ciudades.

“Si estuviéramos hablando de Washington DC o Nueva York sería otra cosa”, dijo. “La Corte de Inmigración de aquí depende de Atlanta y yo sé que los jueces de Atlanta son muy conservadores y conceden contados casos de asilo”, por lo que señaló, cree que la única persona que la podría ayudar es la abogada de inmigración local, parroquiana de la Iglesia San Pedro, Cynthia Aziz, a la que espera contactar.

El Padre Vicente reconoce que, en apariencia, el papel de apoyo para los inmigrantes de parte de nuestras iglesias locales parece mínimo. Sin embargo, resalta que existe un trabajo silencioso, sin afán de protagonismo ni figuración por parte de los sacerdotes. “Por mi parte les puedo asegurar que siempre busco que proteger a la gente, ser honesto y derecho con la gente. En ocasiones, algunos grupos, siento, mueven a la gente por sus propios intereses”, subrayó.

Caminan al V Encuentro CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Delegados de la Diócesis de Charlotte, que representarán a la Región XIV de la Pastoral Hispana de los Estados Unidos, se reunieron en Charlotte para ultimar los detalles de la participación de la delegación en el V Encuentro Nacional del Ministerio Hispano que tendrá lugar del 20 al 23 de septiembre en Grapevine, Texas.

Liderados por el P. Rafael Capó, director del Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI) con sede en Miami, la cita tuvo lugar el sábado 18 de agosto en el Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

El P. Capó, tras resaltar la importancia de la delegación de nuestra diócesis, que dijo es vista como “un faro de esperanza importantísimo para el Sureste y para la nación” dada la manera en la que está organizado el ministerio y liderazgo, animó a los delegados a demostrar su presencia en la importante cita.

“No son participantes, no son espectadores, no son testigos, son delegados. Ustedes son enviados como representantes para trabajar y van con una delegación. Han recibido un encargo para representar dos niveles: representan a su diócesis, llevan las voces de sus comunidades, de su parroquia, de los líderes, de los jóvenes, de los alejados. Pero también llevan

una delegación de parte de los obispos del Sureste para llevar el trabajo y las conclusiones a las que se llegaron en el Encuentro Regional”, anotó.

Posteriormente los participantes analizaron detenidamente los procesos que se llevarán a cabo los cuatro días del encuentro, así como la distribución de grupos en las diversas mesas de trabajo.

“No queremos perder ni un solo momento del horario que se ha asignado para las conversaciones”, dijo P. Capó, invitando a los delegados a que se preparen a conciencia, lleven sus documentos de trabajo y estén más que dispuestos a compartir y discutir las propuestas y resultados que se trabajaron en los encuentros locales, de vicaría, diócesis y región.

El P. Capó señaló que, desde hace algún tiempo, los hispanos ya no son minoría pero, “como se dice en Puerto Rico, el bacalao no está bien distribuido y hay algunos que se están acaparando todo y los más hambrientos se están quedando sin comer”. Citó que el 60 por ciento de los jóvenes católicos son hispanos y “si a eso se suman los hispanos inmigrantes y los dreamers, entonces es una mayoría apabullante”. Pese a ello, dijo, los fondos de la generalidad de programas van para los anglos, “mientras que los demás debemos vender tamales” para procurar fondos para los programas del

ministerio.

Por su parte, la hermana Joan Pearson, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Salisbury y delegada por la Diócesis de Charlotte, dijo que ahora les toca estudiar para “ser más representativos de la voz de los hispanos en nuestra área, en sus necesidades pastorales, materiales y espirituales”.

Respecto a la importancia del V Encuentro, la hermana Pearson resaltó que el Plan Pastoral del Ministerio Hispano data de 1972 y “las condiciones de los migrantes han cambiado muchísimo” desde esa época. “Entonces los obispos decidieron revisar el plan con la nueva realidad que estamos viviendo. Es un momento de crecimiento para todos nosotros, incluyendo a los americanos. La cara de mi iglesia está cambiando”, aseveró.

Son doce los integrantes de la delegación de la Diócesis de Charlotte que participará en el V Encuentro Nacional del Ministerio Hispano. Dada la importancia del evento, Catholic News Herald se ha acreditado para cubrir las incidencias de la cita.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: Vea un video sobre la reunión previa al V Encuentro Nacional

Oraron por los oprimidos La comunidad se unió en oración por los oprimidos en Venezuela, Nicaragua y Cuba, durante una Misa celebrada en la Iglesia San Gabriel. “Oramos por los hermanos que han perdido la vida en la búsqueda de la libertad”, dijo el Diácono Alexander Vincent, de nacionalidad venezolana.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — En una jornada realizada el pasado domingo 26 de agosto los nacionales de tres países latinoamericanos, oprimidos por la represión de sus gobiernos, se reunieron para orar por la liberación de sus pueblos.

El hecho tuvo lugar durante la Misa de las 6:30 en la parroquia San Gabriel, que regularmente realiza su celebración eucarística en español en ese horario.

Cubanos, nicaragüenses y venezolanos se unieron en un fraterno abrazo a través de la oración, mientras recordaban los dolorosos momentos que viven los pobladores de sus países natales.

Durante la Misa, celebrada por el vicario de la parroquia San Gabriel, Rev. Padre Gabriel Carvajal, en compañía del Diácono Alexander Vincent, asignado a la iglesia Santa María, en Lauringburg, perteneciente a la Diócesis de Raleigh, se pudo notar los rostros dolidos de toda una comunidad, que vive como una sola el dolor de sus hermanos.

En la homilía, que compartieron el diácono Alexander, de nacionalidad venezolana, y el P. Carvajal, mexicano, se condenó el abuso de poder que ejercen algunos gobernantes y, en otro tipo de casos, los mismos sacerdotes católicos.

Vincent indicó que el propósito de esa Santa Misa era “orar por todos esos hermanos que han perdido la vida en la lucha de la búsqueda de la libertad, por aquellos que han perdido la vida esperando por un medicamento, por aquellos que han muerto de hambre por la negligencia de los gobiernos”.

A su turno, el P. Carvajal tomando la palabra aclaró que “no porque le

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

haya faltado algo a la homilía de mi hermano, el Diácono Alexander, siento la necesidad de tomar parte en esta reflexión”.

De inmediato abordó el abuso de poder en los casos últimamente reportados como sucedidos en la Iglesia Católica que, precisó, no es la única institución que está siendo sacudida. “Las autoridades, los gobiernos, el mismo presidente de este país, ¡cuántas cosas le están sacando! ¿Qué nos está queriendo decir el Señor con todo esto?”.

Poniendo de ejemplo las grandes infidelidades del pueblo de Israel, como la del Rey David, explicó que, citando al Padre Amatulli, desde el principio de los tiempos, la lucha entre el bien y el mal “es una lucha sin cuartel”.

Cuestionando a la audiencia, leyó un fragmento del evangelio del día, Jn 6, 6069. “Entonces Jesús les dijo a los Doce: “¿También ustedes quieren dejarme?”

Simón Pedro le respondió: “Señor, ¿a

quién iremos? Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna; y nosotros creemos y sabemos que tú eres el Santo de Dios”. “¿Quieren ustedes entonces, por las cosas que han pasado, irse a una iglesia protestante?”, preguntó Carvajal, a lo que la feligresía respondió con un rotundo “no”.

Al término de la Misa, María O’Boyle, nicaragüense, dijo estar agradecida por las oraciones de la comunidad para con su país. Manuel Esquivel, quien recodó en la fecha los 47 años de su arribo a los Estados Unidos escapando de Cuba, dijo que en su país el sufrimiento del pueblo cubano, que vive y recuerda todos los días de su vida, es terrible. “Pero no perdemos las esperanzas en Dios para que un día esa libertad llegue”, añadió.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: Vea momentos importantes de esta Misa

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Respect Life Conference September 29, 2018 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cursillistas eligen coordinador hispano

Bishop McGuinness High School –

CHARLOTTE — Miembros de tres vicariatos del movimiento cursillista eligieron a Raúl Cervantes como su director laico.

“Esperamos que todas las demás vicarías donde hayan cursillistas nos acompañen, se unan, con la idea de poder fundamentar un poquito más el movimiento cursillista a nivel diocesano”, dijo Antonio García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Asheville.

Kernersville, NC

Más online En www.bit.ly/2Lzkc7y: Vea el video con detalles

Featuring Keynote Speaker

Rosa de Lima, primera mujer americana declarada Santa CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — El 23 de agosto se celebró la fiesta universal de Santa Rosa de Lima, la primera mujer americana declarada santa por la Iglesia Católica, aunque en Perú, su tierra natal, la fiesta se conmemora el 30 de agosto con un feriado nacional no laborable.

Nacida en Lima en 1586, fue bautizada como Isabel Flores de Oliva, pero luego su madre, María de Oliva, al ver que su rostro se volvía hermoso como una rosa, empezó a llamarla con el nombre de Rosa. El Arzobispo, hoy elevado a los altares, Toribio de Mogrovejo, al darle la confirmación le puso definitivamente ese nombre, con el cual es conocida en todo el mundo.

Desde pequeña tuvo una gran inclinación a la oración y meditación. Un día le pareció que el niño Jesús le decía: “Rosa, conságrame a mí todo tu amor”, por lo que decidió dedicar su vida para amar a Jesucristo, se cortó el cabello y cubrió su rostro con un velo para no ser motivo de tentaciones para nadie.

Como era de esperarse, un joven se enamoró de Rosa y quería casarse con ella.

La familia de Rosa estaba feliz, ellos eran pobres, el joven rico y ese matrimonio le daría a la joven un futuro seguro y con comodidades. Ella se opuso y declaró que se había propuesto que su amor sería totalmente para Dios y renunciaba por completo a todo matrimonio.

Ingresó como terciaria de la orden dominica y, partir de entonces, pasaba el tiempo en la ermita que ella misma construyó en el huerto de su casa. Sólo salía para visitar el templo de Nuestra Señora del Rosario y atender las necesidades espirituales de los indígenas y los negros de la ciudad. También atendía a muchos enfermos que se acercaban a su casa buscando ayuda y atención, mientras usaba una pesada corona de plata, con pequeñas espinas en su interior, emulando

la Corona de Espinas de Jesucristo.

Es difícil encontrar en América otro caso de una mujer que haya hecho mayores penitencias. Mortificó su orgullo, su ayuno era casi continuo y, aunque a veces la sed la atormentaba, la aguantaba por amor a Dios. Dormía sobre tablas, con un palo por almohada. Alguna vez que le empezaron a llegar deseos de cambiar sus tablas por un colchón y una almohada, miró al crucifijo y le pareció que Jesús le decía: “Mi cruz, era mucho más cruel que todo esto”. Y desde ese día nunca más volvió a pensar en buscar un lecho más cómodo.

El demonio la atacó con diversas enfermedades y temporadas en las que todo lo que fuera oración, meditación o penitencia le producía horror y asco.

Alguna vez le reclamó amorosamente a Jesucristo por esto, diciéndole: “Señor, ¿y a dónde te vas cuando me dejas sola en estas terribles tempestades?”. Y oyó que Jesús le decía: “Yo no me he ido lejos. Estaba en tu espíritu dirigiendo todo para que la barquilla de tu alma no sucumbiera en medio de la tempestad”.

El 24 de agosto del año 1617, a los 31 años, después de terrible y dolorosa agonía, expiró con la alegría de ir a encontrarse en la vida eterna junto a su amadísimo Jesucristo.

Su entierro fue uno de los más notables de la época. Cargaron su ataúd los monseñores de la catedral, oidores y religiosos de las Comunidades. Se requirió de la fuerza de la guardia del virrey para impedir que Rosa fuera desvestida por los devotos que deseaban llevar alguna reliquia. A pesar de ello, tuvieron que cambiarle tres veces los hábitos.

La tradición cuenta que el Papa Clemente X, luego de oír los argumentos sobre su canonización dijo: “¡Patrona y Santa! ¿Y Rosa? que llueva flores sobre mi escritorio si es verdad”, y la respuesta al instante fue una fragante lluvia de rosas sobre la mesa del Papa. Clemente X la canonizó el 12 de abril de 1671, proclamándola “Principal Patrona del Nuevo Mundo”.

Teresa Stanton Collett, J.D

Educational Sessions

• National and Local pro-life updates • Legislation and Advocacy • Sidewalk Counseling • Human Trafficking • Contraception

Materials from pro-life organizations and will be available.

Breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis To celebrate closing Vigil Mass at 4:00 PM Bishop McGuinness High School Chapel

To register, go to: ccdoc.org/respectlife Contact Jessica Grabowski with questions at 704-370-3229 JRGrabowski@charlottediocese.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ESCÁNDALOS DE ABUSO SEXUAL GOLPEAN A LA IGLESIA

El Obispo Jugis emitió un comunicado en respuesta a los alegatos de abuso CHARLOTTE — El Obispo Peter Jugis emitió una declaración el 17 de agosto en respuesta a las acusaciones recientes de mala conducta sexual contra líderes de la Iglesia, que incluyen a un arzobispo retirado de Washington DC, y la publicación de un informe de la Corte Suprema de Pensilvania que detalla el abuso sexual infantil perpetrado por cientos de sacerdotes en seis diócesis de ese estado.

Uno de los 301 sacerdotes nombrados en el informe de Pensilvania del 14 de agosto, el padre de Espiritano Robert Spangenberg, sirvió en la iglesia St. James en Hamlet durante aproximadamente tres años a mediados Jugis de la década de 1990.

“En las últimas semanas, hemos recibido muchas revelaciones vergonzosas sobre la conducta de líderes y otros en la Iglesia Católica”, dijo el Obispo Jugis. “He escuchado decir a muchas personas que se sienten traicionadas y se preguntan qué va a pasar con nuestra querida Iglesia”.

El Obispo Jugis dijo que apoya “íntegramente” la declaración del Cardenal Daniel N. DiNardo de Galveston-Houston, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos.

En esa declaración, emitida el 16 de agosto, el Cardenal DiNardo pidió una investigación sobre las acusaciones contra el Arzobispo McCarrick, “la apertura de canales nuevos y confidenciales para informar quejas contra obispos” y “mejores procedimientos” para resolver las quejas formuladas contra los obispos.

“Nos enfrentamos a una crisis espiritual que requiere no solo de la conversión espiritual, sino también de cambios prácticos para evitar repetir los pecados y fracasos del pasado que muy tan evidentes en el informe reciente”, escribió el cardenal. Esos cambios incluirán el aporte de los laicos, expertos y el Vaticano, señaló.

Se espera que los detalles sean considerados en la próxima reunión de los obispos de los Estados Unidos en noviembre.

— Catholic News Herald

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Lea el comunicado completo del Cardenal Daniel N. DiNardo de Galveston-Houston, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos.

Diócesis cumple con la auditoría de protección infantil CHARLOTTE — La Diócesis de Charlotte cumple con la “Carta para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes” promulgada por los obispos de Estados Unidos cada año desde el inicio de la Carta. La diócesis ha superado auditorías independientes en sus procedimientos de protección infantil todos los años desde 2003.

La auditoría externa, realizada al inicio por el Grupo Gavin y ahora por Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., monitorean la observancia de la Carta por las diócesis de Estados Unidos, la misma que aborda el compromiso de la Iglesia de responder efectiva, apropiada y compasivamente a los casos de abuso de menores por parte del clero u otro personal de la Iglesia.

La auditoría evalúa los esfuerzos de las diócesis para garantizar la protección de los niños, incluidas las verificaciones de antecedentes penales y los programas de concientización educativa sobre el reconocimiento y la prevención del abuso.

En el año fiscal que corrió del 1 de julio de 2016 al 30 de junio de 2017 (el más reciente), la diócesis realizó 4,068 revisiones de antecedentes, las que son requeridas de forma continua para todos los empleados y voluntarios diocesanos.

Desde 2002, más de 48,900 adultos han recibido capacitación en el programa de concientización por un ambiente seguro llamado “Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios”. Solo en el año fiscal 2016-17, la diócesis realizó 167 talleres de “Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios” en todo su territorio, entrenando a 3,517 participantes.

El taller ayuda a los adultos a reconocer las señales de advertencia de abuso y las muchas formas en que el abuso sexual daña a las víctimas, familias, parroquias y comunidades. Enseña maneras apropiadas de responder a comportamientos sospechosos y cómo se puede ayudar a prevenir el abuso.

Desde 2003, la diócesis ha invertido aproximadamente $1.2 millones

en este programa de entrenamiento.

La diócesis también provee asistencia financiera a las víctimas y sus familias para gastos de consejería y otros servicios médicos.

Desde 1995, la suma de gastos ha alcanzado la cifra de $633,000.

Desde 2010, la diócesis ha reportado costos incurridos en relación con casos de abuso o conducta sexual inapropiada por un total de aproximadamente $1.4 millones.

Fondos provenientes del seguro diocesano y de la Diócesis en general fueron utilizados para esos pagos. Ninguno de los fondos provino de la Colecta de Apoyo Diocesano ni de las cuentas de las parroquias.

— Catholic News Herald

En números

Los hechos $1.226 MILLONES: Lo que la Diócesis de Charlotte ha gastado en medidas de “Ambiente Seguro”, incluyendo verificaciones de antecedentes penales y talleres “Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios” realizados en toda la diócesis para clérigos, religiosos, empleados y voluntarios laicos. $633,000: Asistencia a las víctimas de abuso sexual para gastos de consejería y otros gastos médicos. $1.397 MILLONES: Costos legales incurridos en disputas de abuso sexual no cubiertas por el seguro.

Consejos prácticos para los padres sobre la prevención del abuso infantil El primer paso para proteger a los niños del abuso sexual es educar a los padres sobre la naturaleza del problema.

Tomar conciencia sobre el abuso infantil, qué es y quien lo comete, abre la puerta a algunos pasos sencillos que los padres pueden tomar para proteger a los niños. La concientización, educación y la crianza responsable les proporcionan a los niños las mejores herramientas para su defensa, y es más probable que le cuente a un adulto si algo pasa.

Estas son algunas acciones prácticas que los padres pueden tomar para ayudar a proteger a sus hijos:

1

En virtud de su tamaño físico, los adultos tienen poder sobre los niños, y eso aumenta la vulnerabilidad de un niño. Por ejemplo, los padres y otras figuras de autoridad enseñan a los niños a “obedecer a los adultos”.

Cuando los niños escuchan este mensaje, pueden interpretar que significa que todos los adultos tienen la autoridad de decirles a todos los niños qué hacer, durante todo el tiempo.

Si esta es la interpretación de un niño, entonces el mensaje le ha creado una vulnerabilidad adicional. Sin embargo, algunos pasos sencillos y de sentido común pueden ayudar a minimizar la vulnerabilidad de un niño.

Por ejemplo: n No insista que los niños abracen o besen a familiares o amigos. Deje que los niños expresen sus afectos en sus propios términos. n Haga comprender a los niños que sus sentimientos son

importantes para usted. Intervenga si nota que su niño no se siente cómodo haciendo algo que otro adulto le pide realizar. Déle a entender que usted lo protegerá siempre de esa molestia. Eso no significa necesariamente que usted deba dejarlos sin realizar sus tareas o arreglar el desorden que puedan haber hecho.

2

Aprenda a reconocer y tomar ventaja de momentos de enseñanza con los niños. Esté dispuesto a conversar abiertamente sobre temas sensibles con ellos. La Academia Americana de Pediatras recomienda las siguientes conversaciones apropiadas de acuerdo a la edad de los niños: n De 18 meses a 3 años, comience a enseñar a los niños el nombre apropiado de todas las partes de su cuerpo. n De 3 a 5 años, enseñe a los niños sobre sus partes privadas y a como decir “no” a cualquier persona que lo toque de una manera que lo haga sentir incómodo. Proporcione respuestas directas a preguntas sobre sexo. n De 5 a 8 años, converse sobre buenos y malos toques y la seguridad cuando están fuera de casa. n De 8 a 12 años, enfóquese en temas de seguridad personal. n De 13 a 18 años, converse sobre temas como violaciones, violaciones en citas, SIDA, enfermedades de transmisión sexual y embarazos no deseados.

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Los juegos son una excelente forma de reforzar las lecciones de seguridad que enseña a sus niños. Por ejemplo, los niños siempre preguntan a sus padres “¿ qué

pasaría si?” Utilizando este mismo juego, los padres pueden expresar sus preocupaciones y estimular a sus hijos para que piensen y tomen decisiones en base a las lecciones que han aprendido.

4

Enseñe a los niños a decir “¡Para eso!” a instrucciones que puedan guiarlos a realizar cosas que realmente no desean hacer. Refuerce la regla que los niños deben decir ¡Para eso! a pedidos o demandas que puedan hacerlos sentir mal, incluso si piensan que deben obedecer. Una conversación sobre esa regla puede enseñar a un niño que hay momentos en los que es correcto decir ¡Para eso!, y otras ocasiones cuando está bien seguir las instrucciones. Todo está de acuerdo al contexto. Los padres deben enseñar a sus hijos como distinguir entre un pedido apropiado e inapropiado. Por ejemplo, es correcto seguir las instrucciones de “se bueno”, en tanto se den dentro de un contexto apropiado, como, “se bueno y no tires cosas a los otros niños”. Pero, también dígale a los niños que está bien desobedecer un pedido, por ejemplo, si alguien le dice, “se bueno y quítale la ropa”.

5

Sepa dónde están sus hijos.

Conozca a los adultos que están presentes en los distintos lugares de la comunidad donde los niños se reúnen y juegan juntos. Tenga cuidado con cualquier adulto que parezca más interesado en crear una relación con un niño que con otros adultos.

Preste atención cuando un adulto parece seleccionar a

un niño en particular para una relación o para entregarle atenciones especiales. Las señales de advertencia incluyen golosinas, regalos, vacaciones u otros favores especiales que se ofrecen solo a un niño.

6

Haga visitas inesperadas a la guardería, la niñera o la escuela del niño. Al elegir una guardería o escuela, asegúrese de que no haya áreas donde los niños jueguen o estudien “fuera del alcance” de los padres. n No permita que un niño vaya de vacaciones solo con otro adulto que no sean su padre. n No permita a un niño que pase la noche solo en una casa que no sea la de sus padres u otra de un “adulto seguro”. (Nota: “adulto seguro” es un termino especial utilizado en el Programa de Prevención de Abuso Sexual de Niños para Padres y Tutores de VIRTUS, que describe a adultos que han demostrado que se comportan de manera segura en su interacción con niños). n Excepto en caso de emergencia, no permita viajar solo a un niño, incluso en distancias cortas, con un adulto que no sea uno de los padres o un adulto seguro. También prohíba a los niños aceptar regalos caros de un adulto, particularmente si un niño es particularmente seleccionado para recibir atenciones especiales.

7

Averigüe si la escuela o los programas de educación religiosa de la iglesia del niño incluyen un plan de estudios de prevención del abuso sexual. Si no es así, ofrézcase como voluntario para CONSEJOS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 19

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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ESCÁNDALOS DE ABUSO SEXUAL GOLPEAN A LA IGLESIA ¿Qué pasa cuando se realiza una acusación de abuso sexual contra un sacerdote o empleado de la Iglesia?

Cómo reportar un reclamo de abuso PASO Cualquier persona que tenga conocimiento real o causa razonable para sospechar de un incidente de abuso sexual relacionado con el Ministerio debe informar inmediatamente el incidente a la Cancillería de la Diócesis de Charlotte. La Cancillería informará el incidente a las autoridades civiles correspondientes.

Todos los casos de sospecha, presunción o conocido abuso sexual de un menor relacionado con el Ministerio deben ser informados a la autoridad civil correspondiente. Cualquiera que tenga conocimiento real o sospecha razonable de un incidente de abuso sexual relacionado con el Ministerio por parte de cualquier miembro del personal de la iglesia de la Diócesis de Charlotte debe denunciar inmediatamente el incidente a la Cancillería, a menos que hacerlo viole el sacramento de confesión. La Cancillería informará el incidente a la autoridad civil correspondiente.

INTERNET: www.charlottediocese.org/humanresources/safe-environment

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David Harold, LCSW, revisa la línea de asistencia a las víctimas (704-370-3363), y el correo electrónico (Davidharold@gmail. com) diariamente, incluyendo los fines de semana

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Un consejero profesional se pone a disposición de las víctimas demandantes y sus familias para proveer asistencia inmediata y conectarlos con servicios médicos y de consejería de ser necesario.

INVESTIGADOR EXPERTO Recoge evidencia sobre la demanda de abuso y reporta sus hallazgos a la Junta de Revisión y al Obispo.

La Cancillería notifica a:

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INVESTIGACIÓN 1. La Junta de Revisión inicia una investigación interna, una vez que se lo permitan las autoridades civiles. Un investigador experto es asignado para recoger información y reportar sus hallazgos a la Junta de Revisión y al Obispo.

2. La Junta de Revisión hace una recomendación al Obispo.

OBISPO Toma la determinación final sobre la capacidad de los sacerdotes acusados para llevar su ministerio en la diócesis, de acuerdo con la ley civil y Eclesiástica.

El número de revisiones de antecedentes criminales procesados por la diócesis desde 2002

$1,226,199 La cifra que se ha invertido en programas de Ambiente Seguro y entrenamiento en la diócesis desde 2004

Desde 2004, 15 denuncias de abuso sexual que incriminan a siete sacerdotes han sido reportadas a la diócesis, de acuerdo a auditores independientes.

Tres de esos sacerdotes pertenecían a órdenes religiosas basadas fuera de la diócesis; cuatro eran sacerdotes diocesanos. De los siete, tres ya habían fallecido en el momento en que se denunciaron las acusaciones de abuso. Los otros cuatro fueron retirados de su ministerio. Se presentaron cargos criminales a dos de ellos; un caso fue cerrado en 2014 debido a la incompetencia mental del sacerdote, quien murió pocos meses después; en el otro caso, el sacerdote se declaró culpable y sirvió siete años de cárcel de una sentencia de 7-10 años de prisión.

Nota En 2011, la Diócesis de Charlotte fue demandada en una corte civil bajo alegatos de abuso sexual realizados hace varias décadas por los sacerdotes Richard Farwell y Joseph Kelleher. Ninguno de ellos fue nombrado en la demanda. Los demandantes en las dos acusaciones alegaron que la diócesis había cometido negligencia al permitir el abuso en las parroquias de Albemarle, Charlotte y Salisbury a finales de la década de 1970 y principios de 1980, cuando eran niños.

El Padre Farwell, quien no se encuentra activo en el ministerio, se declaró sin oposición a un cargo por el delito menor de contribuir a la delincuencia de un menor en 2004. El caso criminal de abuso sexual contra el Padre Kelleher fue desestimado en 2014, basado en su incompetencia mental para presentarse en juicio, y murió pocos meses después.

En 2014, el Juez Robert Bell de la Corte Superior de Mecklenburg desestimó la demanda civil contra la diócesis.

DETERMINACIÓN En consulta con la Junta de Revisión, el Obispo determina la credibilidad de las acusaciones.

JUNTA DE REVISIÓN Cuerpo de consulta de voluntarios que confidencialmente aconseja al Obispo. Actualmente integrado por 8 miembros, está compuesto principalmente por laicos (pero no pueden ser empleados diocesanos).

Incluye un sacerdote, un abogado (pero no el abogado diocesano) y un experto en el tema del abuso sexual infantil, generalmente un consejero psicológico. Los miembros sirven términos de 5 años, que pueden ser renovados por el obispo. Su papel es revisar las denuncias de abuso y hacer recomendaciones al obispo.

El número de adultos que han recibido el Entrenamiento de Ambiente Seguro llamado ‘Protegiendo a los niños de Dios’ desde 2002

56,952

NOTIFICACIÓN 1. La autoridad civil (como el DSS). Ellos conducen su propia investigación para determinar posibles cargos criminales.

2. La Junta de Revisión Diocesana 3. Su Obispo o superior (En el caso de un sacerdote de otra diócesis u orden religiosa) 4. El Coordinador de Asistencia de Víctimas, quien está disponible para proveer cuidado y ofrecer contacto con servicios de consejería, si así fuese requerido 5. El Acusado, quien es informado sobre sus derechos y puesto en licencia administrativa (lo que significa que no puede celebrar los sacramentos públicamente). Además debe atender sesiones de consejería 6. La parroquia 7. Catholic News Herald

CORREO: Cancillería, Diócesis de Charlotte, P.O. Box 36776, Charlotte, N.C. 28236

COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS

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EMAIL: David Harold, LCSW, coordinador diocesano de asistencia a víctimas, David.harold@gmail.com

Personas involucradas en el proceso

Puede ser realizado por teléfono, email, correo, etc., a la Cancillería de la Diócesis de Charlotte Al momento de reportar un incidente de conducta sexual inapropiada a la Cancillería, se pedirá a la persona que hace el reporte que llene la forma diocesana “Informe de Sospecha de Mala Conducta Sexual Relacionada con el Ministerio por el Personal de la Iglesia” (disponible en la página web de la diócesis)

TELÉFONO: Cancillería 704-370-6299 o la línea de asistencia a víctimas al 704-370-3363

Nota

RECLAMO

CONSEJOS VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 18

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RESOLUCIÓN Si la acusación se encuentra creíble: El acusado es despedido o permanentemente separado del ministerio (lo que para un sacerdote significa que no puede celebrar los sacramentos públicamente, vestir traje sacerdotal o presentarse públicamente como sacerdote), y se le alienta a tomar consejo y otras medidas apropiadas.

Si la acusación no se encuentra creíble: El caso es denegado, la persona que hizo el reclamo es notificada y el empleado o clérigo a discreción de su Obispo, regresa a su ministerio. Se dan pasos para restaurar públicamente su reputación.

formar parte de un comité para establecer dicho programa. Trabaje con los maestros para revisar los programas disponibles y hacer recomendaciones a los administradores. Hable con otros padres acerca de apoyar que se incluya material de prevención de abuso sexual infantil a los programas existentes de seguridad infantil.

Los padres pueden hacer una diferencia importante. Sin embargo, sin una organización de apoyo que ayude a reunir los recursos, expertos y el compromiso de una comunidad, los padres tienen una capacidad limitada para influir en la prevención del abuso infantil en toda la comunidad. Ahí es donde podemos ayudar.

La Iglesia puede unirse a los padres para construir una sociedad donde los niños ya no estén en riesgo de ser abusados sexualmente, donde los que han sido víctimas puedan encontrar los recursos y el coraje para sanar, y donde todas las personas vivan juntas en relaciones de amor y apoyo.

— Reproducido con el permiso de National Catholic Services, LLC. National Catholic no proporciona soluciones espirituales a problemas individuales ni asesoramiento legal. Busque el consejo de un director espiritual o un abogado con respecto a preguntas individuales o asesoramiento legal.

Our schools 20

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

First day of school

(Above) A first-grade student at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro poses for a photo Aug. 21. (Right) Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point give a big thumbs-up on their first day back to class.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAOLA SCILINGUO, OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL AND IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

CCDOC.ORG

25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration If you were married during 1968 or 1993, you and your family are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

Mass begins at 2:15 p.m. and will be followed by a reception.

Please call your church office to register if you wish to receive an invitation.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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First day of school (Left) Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville kicked off the new school year Aug. 24 with its annual summer reading day. The summer reading program, led by student ambassadors, is in its eighth year. Pictured on the red carpet are Bishop Reading Ambassadors Aiden Halverson, Chelsea Jeffries, Alba Maria Rivera and Trevor Bode.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

(Left) Two enthusiastic elementary students at St. Matthew School in Charlotte are all smiles on their first day of school Aug. 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY BURGER

(Above) St. Mark School middle-schoolers in Huntersville show off their new backpacks and school supplies on their first day back to class Aug. 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

Moments of Grace Momentos de gracia

That special day. We want to 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!

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.

Go to www.catholicnewsherald.com or call Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 for details.

No dejes que el tiempo borre tus recuerdos.

Comparte tus momentos más felices con familiares, amigos y 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, confirmación, también tu matrimonio o aniversario. ¿Más detalles? Visita www. catholicnewsherald. com o llama a Erika Robinson al (704) 370-3333.

Hablamos español.

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Victims call for federal investigation of abuse WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some victims of clergy sex abuse and their supporters are calling on federal and state entities to investigate sex abuse within the Catholic Church and root out abusers and anyone who has protected them. Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused

by Priests, known as SNAP, and Voice of the Faithful, a Catholic group that provides support to victims of clergy sex abuse, held childhood photos of sex abuse victims at a news conference Aug. 21 outside the headquarters of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington.

They said they have contacted the U.S. Department of Justice about investigating sex abuse of children by clerics in the Catholic Church and called on attorneys general in every state to open probes similar to the one carried out by a grand jury in Pennsylvania. The investigation by the Pennsylvania grand jury, made public in a report released Aug. 14, detailed more than 1,000 claims of alleged sex abuse in six dioceses in the state over 70 years and identified 301 priests who may have committed the crimes. It took almost two years to compile. The dioceses of Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton, Greensburg and Erie were named in the report. The majority of the cases, however, could not be prosecuted because the statute of limitations, which allows a limited period of time to pursue legal action, had come and gone.

Anderson calls for ‘full accounting of misdeeds’ that have led to scandal WASHINGTON, D.C. — After years of Catholics having to confess their sins to the clergy, it is now time for priests and bishops “to come clean about what they have done and what they have failed to do,” the CEO of the Knights of Columbus said in a letter to his brother Knights and the organization’s chaplains. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s letter, dated Aug. 21, came in response to the recent release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report on abuse claims in six dioceses and reports of a cover-up by some church leaders and the allegations of past abuse and other sexual misconduct made against Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick.

“Repentance should include a full accounting of the misdeeds by those who have committed them. Archbishop McCarrick and others at fault owe us a full account of their actions, motivations and cover-ups,” he said. The abuse crisis represents “a crisis of commitment to the Gospel,” Anderson said. He called for repentance, reform and a rebuilding of the Church and said the Knights of Columbus – laymen, priests and chaplains – “will have an important role to play in rebuilding the Church” and recommit themselves to doing that. “Many feel deeply betrayed by those whom they long held in high regard,” Anderson wrote. “Such concerns are shared not just in the United States, but in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere.

Catholics express despair, disbelief, anger WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the first allegations of abuse against Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick were publicized in mid-June, employees at the U.S. bishops’ conference headquarters in Washington were bracing for calls from Catholics confused, outraged or anything in between regarding the emerging scandal. The big surprise: More Catholics were calling in–- and kept calling – to ask how they could be foster parents to immigrant children who had been separated from their parents by the U.S. government at the U.S.-Mexico border. That didn’t last long, though. The foster-parent calls receded and the abuse-related phone calls picked up in volume and intensity, according to Deacon Bernie Nojadera, executive director of the Secretariat for the Protection of Children and Young People at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Deacon Nojadera said he doesn’t know exactly why people call his office. He suggested it may be that callers expect that the office can issue reprimands to any suspected cleric: “What are you going to do about it?” But that’s not the case, he told Catholic News Service in an Aug. 13 interview. Priests accused of abuse are subject to the discipline of their diocesan bishop or religious superior; if found guilty of misconduct, priests may be laicized by the Vatican. Accused bishops, though, are subject first to the Vatican.

Parents who call sound worried, the deacon added: “How do I know my child’s going to be safe if he’s in formation or if he’s in seminary?”

Philadelphia archdiocese said to be looking at sexual harassment claims PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Aug. 16 that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is investigating allegations of sexual harassment from a former student at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

The paper reported that a letter with claims that a former student at St. Charles sexually harassed a freshman during the 2010-11 school year was sent to priests and deacons Aug. 14. The claims are related to a blog post that also implicated a St. John’s Seminary in Boston, which the Archdiocese of Boston also is investigating. Like the Boston case, the claims originated on social media, and is linked to a blog post REACTIONS, SEE PAGE 23

Cardinal explains plan to address ‘moral catastrophe’ of abuse JULIE ASHER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Aug. 16 announced three key goals and a comprehensive plan to address the “moral catastrophe” of the new abuse scandal hitting the U.S. Church.

The plan “will involve the laity, lay experts, the clergy and the Vatican,” Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said. This plan will be presented to the full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in November.

He said the “substantial involvement of the laity” from law enforcement, psychology and other disciplines will be essential to this process.

He also said that right now, it is clear that “one root cause” of this catastrophe “is the failure of episcopal leadership.”

In a lengthy letter addressed to all Catholics, Cardinal DiNardo laid out three goals just established by the bishops’ Executive Committee in a series of meetings held early the week of Aug. 13.

The first is a “full investigation” into “the questions surrounding” Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, a former cardinal and retired archbishop of Washington.

He said the Executive Committee will ask the Vatican to conduct an apostolic visitation into these questions “in concert with” a group of laypeople identified for their expertise by the USCCB’s lay-run National Review Board who will be “empowered to act.”

With a credible allegation that Archbishop McCarrick abused a minor nearly 47 years ago and accusations of his sexual misconduct with seminarians, many have been asking how the prelate could have risen up the ranks of the Church as an auxiliary bishop, bishop, archbishop and finally cardinal.

Cardinal DiNardo described the second and third goals, respectively, as an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops, and advocacy for more effective resolution of future complaints.

The three goals “will be pursued according to three criteria: proper independence, sufficient authority and substantial leadership by laity,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, I shared with you my sadness, anger, and shame over the recent revelations concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick,” the cardinal said. “Those sentiments continue and are deepened in view of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report.

“We are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that are so evident in the recent report,” he added.

Cardinal DiNardo said the members of the Executive Committee “have already begun to develop a concrete plan for accomplishing these goals, relying upon consultation with experts, laity and clergy, as well as the Vatican.”

In addition to this being presented to the full body of bishops at their Baltimore assembly, the cardinal said he will go to Rome to present these goals and criteria to the Holy See, and to urge further concrete steps based on them.”

“The overarching goal in all of this is stronger protections against predators in the church and anyone who would conceal them, protections that will hold bishops to the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” Cardinal DiNardo explained.

He elaborated on each of the goals he described, starting with the “full investigation” of the Archbishop McCarrick case and questions surrounding it.

“These answers are necessary to prevent a recurrence,” he said, and “so help to protect minors, seminarians and others who are vulnerable in the future.”

The bishops will “invite the Vatican to conduct an apostolic visitation to address these questions, in concert with a group of predominantly laypeople identified for their expertise by members of the National Review Board and empowered to act,” he said.

He said the second goal “is to make reporting of abuse and misconduct by bishops easier.”

“Our 2002 ‘Statement of Episcopal Commitment’ does not make clear what avenue victims themselves should follow in reporting abuse or other sexual misconduct by bishops,” he explained. The statement is in the bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” approved in Dallas in 2002, and revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.

“We need to update this (commitment) document,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “We also need to develop and widely promote reliable third-party reporting mechanisms. Such tools already exist in many dioceses and in the public sector and we are already examining specific options.”

The third goal has to do with advocating for “better procedures to resolve complaints against bishops,” he said.

“For example, the canonical procedures that follow a complaint will be studied with an eye toward concrete proposals to make them more prompt, fair, and transparent, and to specify what constraints may be imposed on bishops at each stage of that process,” he said.

He also laid out the three criteria for pursing these goals: “genuine independence,” authority and “substantial involvement by the laity.”

“Any mechanism for addressing any complaint against a bishop must be free from bias or undue influence by a bishop,” he said. “Our structures must preclude bishops from deterring complaints against them, from hampering their investigation, or from skewing their resolution.”

Regarding authority in the Church, he said, “Because only the pope has authority to discipline or remove bishops, we will assure that our measures will both respect that authority and protect the vulnerable from the abuse of ecclesial power.”

About the “substantial involvement of the laity,” he said: “Laypeople bring expertise in areas of investigation, law enforcement, psychology, and other relevant disciplines, and their presence reinforces our commitment to the first criterion of independence.”

In closing, he said, “I apologize and humbly ask your forgiveness for what my brother bishops and I have done and failed to do.”

“Whatever the details may turn out to be regarding Archbishop McCarrick or the many abuses in Pennsylvania (or anywhere else), we already know that one root cause is the failure of episcopal leadership,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “The result was that scores of beloved children of God were abandoned to face an abuse of power alone. This is a moral catastrophe.

“It is also part of this catastrophe that so many faithful priests who are pursuing holiness and serving with integrity are tainted by this failure.”

He said the U.S. bishops “firmly resolve, with the help of God’s grace, never to repeat it.”

“I have no illusions about the degree to which trust in the bishops has been damaged by these past sins and failures. It will take work to rebuild that trust,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

He said the goals and plans outlined in his letter are “only the beginning.”

“Other steps will follow,” he said. “I will keep you informed of our progress toward these goals.”

He asked U.S. Catholics “to hold us to all of these resolutions.”

“Let me also ask you to pray for us, that we will take this time to reflect, repent and recommit ourselves to holiness of life and to conform our lives even more to Christ, the Good Shepherd.”

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

REACTIONS

NRB: Change in Church’s culture, including bishops, needed to end abuse

FROM PAGE 22

that describes seminarians at “conservative seminary” drinking heavily, “cuddling” after a drunken party, and being involved in sexual behaviors and acts.

Pa. prelate says bishops who hid abuse should resign WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an Aug. 16 interview with Eternal Word Television Network, Erie Bishop Lawrence T. Persico said the only way to regain the trust of the laity after decadeslong claims of sexual abuse by priests and others at six Pennsylvania dioceses is by deeds and one of those deeds may mean getting rid of bishops who hid abusers. During a report on EWTN’s evening show, reporter Jason Calvi asks him: “Should bishops who knew about or covered up abuse resign?” “I think they should,” Bishop Persico answered. “I think we need complete transparency if we’re going to get the trust of the people back. We have to be able to demonstrate it.” Bishop Persico was the only bishop who met in person with members of a grand jury investigating decades-long claims of abuse at six Pennsylvania dioceses.

Pittsburgh bishop apologizes to abuse victims, reviews abuse response PITTSBURGH — Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh expressed sorrow and apologized to young victims of clergy sexual abuse, while explaining his diocese’s 30-year record of working to remove offenders, assist victims and prevent further abuse. “Ever since I first met victims of clergy child sexual abuse in 1988, I have seen the immense pain that this crime causes to its victims, to their loved ones and to the heart of Jesus,” Bishop Zubik said Aug. 14. His comments followed the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report that detail a two-year investigation of more than seven decades of clergy sex abuse claims. “I have cried with them and for them over the damage done to them and their families by men whose lives should have been committed to protecting their souls from harm,” he said. “I dedicate myself to helping them and to doing everything possible to prevent such abuse from happening again.” At least 90 percent of all reported child sexual abuse by clergy in the diocese occurred prior to 1990, he said. “The Diocese of Pittsburgh today is not the Church that is described in the grand jury report. It has not been for a long time,” the bishop said.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More committees are not the answer to stop the abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy, said an Aug. 28 statement by the National Review Board, charged with addressing clerical sexual misconduct in the Church. “What needs to happen is a genuine change in the Church’s culture, specifically among the bishops themselves,” the board said. “This evil has resulted from a loss of moral leadership and an abuse of power that led to a culture of silence that enabled these incidents to occur.

“Intimidation, fear, and the misuse of authority created an environment that was taken advantage of by clerics, including bishops, causing harm to minors, seminarians, and those most vulnerable,” the NRB said. “The culture of silence enabled the abuse to go on virtually unchecked. Trust was betrayed for the victims/survivors of the abuse; the entire body of Christ was betrayed in turn by these crimes and the failure to act.” The purpose of the NRB, set up in 2002 as part of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, is to work collaboratively with the U.S. bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People in preventing the sexual abuse of minors in the United States by persons in the service of the Church. But even the charter that created the NRB is wanting, the board’s statement said. “The members of the NRB have on numerous occasions pointed out the weaknesses in the charter given its deliberate ambiguity and its lack of inclusion of bishops.

During the most recent revision process of the charter, many of the recommendations made by the NRB to strengthen the charter were not incorporated for a variety of reasons. These recommendations need to be reconsidered in light of the current situation, as well as the inclusion of bishops in the charter,” the NRB said.

— Catholic News Service

Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner

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For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

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outside of Brooklyn. Her disappearance led to a monthlong search that drew national attention and hundreds of volunteers determined to bring the young college student home. Farm worker Christhian Rivera, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder. He entered the U.S. illegally seven years ago, a fact that further fueled the immigration debate dividing the nation.

In Brief Byzantine bishop calls attack on Indiana priest ‘reprehensible’ MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — The priest who was attacked by an unknown assailant in the sacristy of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Parish in Merrillville Aug. 20 was admitted to the hospital two days later, where he continues to recover from the assault and resulting trauma. Bishop Milan Lach of the Byzantine Ruthenian Eparchy of Parma in Ohio shared an update on Father Basil Hutsko in a letter read at all weekend services throughout the eparchy Aug. 2526. Bishop Lach read the letter personally to members of the northwest Indian parish after the evening Divine Liturgy, Aug. 25. Father Hutsko, 64, was assaulted as he prepared to celebrate morning Divine Liturgy. The assailant came up behind him, threw him to the ground and beat his head against the sacristy floor. The priest lost consciousness and never saw his assailant.

Father Hutsko told investigators his attacker said, “This is for all the kids,” which they believe was a reference to the recent revelations in Pennsylvania of clergy sex abuse in the Church.

Mass celebrates life of Catholic woman found dead in Iowa BROOKLYN, Iowa — A mural of a grizzly bear breaking through a brick wall calls attention to visitors in the BGM High School gym. It seemed a fitting metaphor for the unstoppable spirit of Mollie Tibbetts, whose life was celebrated during a memorial Mass Aug. 26 in the gym. The 20year college student, described as a bright light in this farming community of 1,500 people, was abducted and killed in July while jogging just

Founder of Catholic Online sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax evasion FRESNO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Aug. 13 sentenced Michael Galloway, owner and operator of the Catholic Online website, to 21 months in prison for tax evasion, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. Galloway, 63, of Bakersfield, was ordered to surrender to serve his sentence beginning Nov. 14. On March 21, a jury in Fresno returned a guilty verdict, convicting Galloway on four counts of tax evasion. According to court documents, the Catholic media entrepreneur generated revenue by selling advertising and hosting to faith-based businesses. Galloway’s 26-year-old media enterprise Catholic Online carries international, national and local news, finance, health, family, arts and entertainment features, columns, features on saints, an assortment of videos on faith and other topics, Scripture readings, as well as Catholic Church news from Catholic News Agency/EWTN and other sources. It includes a portal called Catholic Online Singles. It also carries advertising and promotes pilgrimages and other Catholic tours.

The site says it has “unique users” numbering 150,000 daily and 4 million monthly and has 2.5 million followers on Facebook.

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

— Catholic News Service

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope: Abuse victims’ outcry more powerful than efforts to silence them CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — “No effort must be spared” to prevent future cases of clerical sexual abuse and “to prevent the possibility of their being covered up,” Pope Francis said in a letter addressed “to the people of God.” “I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons,” the pope wrote in the letter dated and released Aug. 20.

The letter was published less than a week after the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report on decades of clerical sexual abuse and cover-ups in six dioceses. The report spoke of credible allegations against 301 priests in cases involving more than 1,000 children.

“The heart-wrenching pain of these victims, which cries out to heaven, was long ignored, kept quiet or silenced,” Pope Francis said. “But their outcry was more powerful than all the measures meant to silence them.”

“The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain,” he said, “and so it is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults.”

In his letter, Pope Francis insisted all Catholics must be involved in the effort to accompany victims, to strengthen safeguarding measures and to end a culture where abuse is covered up.

While the letter called all Catholics to prayer and fasting, it does not change any current policies or offer specific new norms.

It did, however, insist that “clericalism” has been a key part of the problem and said the involvement of the laity will be crucial to addressing the crime and scandal.

‘With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives.’

Pope Francis Change, he said, will require “the active participation of all the members of God’s people.”

“Many communities where sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience have occurred,” he said, are groups where there has been an effort to “reduce the people of God to small elites.”

“Clericalism, whether fostered by priests themselves or by lay persons, leads to a

split in the ecclesial body that supports and helps to perpetuate many of the evils that we are condemning today,” Pope Francis said. “To say ‘no’ to abuse is to say an emphatic ‘no’ to all forms of clericalism.”

In his letter, Pope Francis acknowledged the Church’s failure.

“With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives,” he wrote.

“We showed no care for the little ones,” Pope Francis said. “We abandoned them.”

“Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient,” he said.

“Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated.”

Recognizing the safeguarding policies that have been adopted in various parts of the world as well as pledges of “zero tolerance” for abusive clerics, Pope Francis also acknowledged that “we have delayed in applying these actions and sanctions that are so necessary, yet I am confident that they will help to guarantee a greater culture of care in the present and future.”

As members of the Church, he said, all Catholics should “beg forgiveness for our own sins and the sins of others.”

Pope Francis also asked Catholics to pray and to fast so that they would be able to hear “the hushed pain” of abuse survivors.

He called for “a fasting that can make us hunger and thirst for justice and impel us to walk in the truth, supporting all the judicial measures that may be necessary.

A fasting that shakes us up and leads us to be committed in truth and charity with all men and women of good will, and with society in general, to combating all forms

of the abuse of power, sexual abuse and the abuse of conscience.”

In Washington, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said by opening his letter with these words of St. Paul, “If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it’,” Pope Francis “shows that he is writing to all of us as a pastor, a pastor who knows how deeply sin destroys lives.”

In a statement issued late Aug. 20, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston responded in particular to these words from the pope: “Penance and prayer will help us to open our eyes and our hearts to other people’s sufferings and to overcome the thirst for power and possessions that are so often the root of those evils.”

“These words must provoke action -- especially by the bishops,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “We bishops need to – and we must – practice with all humility such prayer and penance.”

The pope is inviting “all the faithful” to “join in prayer and fasting as a way to help foster conversion and genuine change of life wherever it is needed, even in the shepherds of the Church. Cardinal DiNardo said he too, extends that invitation to all Catholics.

Jesus’ own words about the power of prayer and fasting, the cardinal said, is “a humble reminder that such acts of faith can move mountains and can even bring about true healing and conversion.”

“On behalf of my brother bishops, I offer that only by confronting our own failure in the face of crimes against those we are charged to protect can the Church resurrect a culture of life where the culture of death has prevailed,” he added.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the full text of Pope Francis’ letter to the people of God

Status of Syrian refugees in Lebanon remains largely unchanged DOREEN ABI RAAD CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BEIRUT — While procedures are being put in place for Syrians to return to their war-torn country from neighboring Lebanon, the refugee crisis continues to linger and remains largely unchanged, a Caritas Lebanon official said.

Lebanon hosts more than 1 million Syrian refugees, which is more than a quarter of its population. The tiny country, about two-thirds the size of Connecticut, has the highest number of refugees per capita than any country in the world. More than one-third of Lebanese residents – nearly 36 percent – live in poverty.

In recent months, several hundred Syrians have left Lebanon in organized returns to their homeland, coordinated between authorities in Beirut and Damascus, the Syrian capital. In early August, Lebanon’s General Security Directorate announced that it had opened 17 centers across the country that would receive applications for Syrians who want to travel home.

Yet the reality regarding the refugee situation in Lebanon “is still almost the

same,” Father Paul Karam, president of Caritas Lebanon, said. The Catholic aid agency has been involved in the humanitarian crisis for more than seven years. “We are not seeing huge changes yet,” Father Karam said.

What is needed, Father Karam explained, “is to encourage the concerned persons in Syria and in the international community to proceed with a peace process and peace talks and let the Syrians decide for their own future.”

Refugees are making the best of their situation.

Amina, 16, has been living in Lebanon for five years with her parents and five siblings who range in age from 5 to 22.

In Syria, Amina said, the family’s life on the outskirts of Damascus “was comfortable” before the war. Her father owned a food processing business, rental properties and a restaurant. But Amina says all was destroyed in the war, along with their home.

The responsibility of providing for the family of seven has fallen on her two older brothers, who have forfeited their education because neither of her parents has work in Lebanon.

“I want to finish my education. I don’t want to lose my future, like what has

happened to my brothers,” Amina said. She said she wants to be a doctor because “I love to help people.”

Amina already has participated in English and French courses at a Caritas-run center in the Bouchrieh neighborhood of Beirut.

Her new language skills help in the public school she attends, as schools in Lebanon are tri-lingual: Arabic, French and English.

Currently, Amina is enrolled in a Caritas Lebanon computer class. After a recent session at the Caritas center, Amina noted that she previously didn’t know at all how to use a computer.

“Now I feel more self-confident. I can search for a job, because I am more qualified with computer skills,” she said.

Ideally, she would like a part-time job so she can continue attending classes.

Amina said her family would consider returning to Syria if they are able to make a new life there. Still, education is her biggest priority, whether in Lebanon or in Syria. “I want to finish all my studies,” she said.

Nisrene, 30, a mother of four children ranging from 2 to 8 years old, is one of Amina’s classmates in the computer course. Her family fled to Lebanon six

years ago from Idlib, a current flashpoint town in northern Syria.

In addition to the computer course, the Muslim woman also has participated in an English course at the Caritas center.

“I’m doing everything so I can help my children,” Nisrene said. Admitting that she completed her education only up to the sixth grade, she said, “I don’t want the same for my children. I want them to have a good education. I have a goal that if someday my children need help with their studies, I can be the one to help them. I would like to build my children’s confidence.”

If it was safe to return Idlib, Nisrene would prefer to go back to Syria. “I’m not happy about our living situation here,” she said.

Father Karam, the Caritas official, said it is important for the international community to respond to the continuing refugee crisis, “but also to respond after the crisis and especially to deal with the consequences of the crisis.” He said economic assistance and employment are needed along with development projects.

“We wish that peace would reign,” Father Karam said. “People have the right to live in peace, in dignity and in justice.”

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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The papal trip to Ireland Pope acknowledges ‘repugnant crimes’ of abuse DUBLIN — Acknowledging the failures “of bishops, religious superiors, priests and others” in the Catholic Church to protect children from the “repugnant crimes” of physical and sexual abuse, Pope Francis began his two-day visit to Ireland. Meeting with civil, cultural and religious leaders in Dublin Castle Aug. 25, the pope said he knew that the horrendous history of abuse and its cover-up in Ireland “has rightly given rise to outrage and remains a source of pain and shame for the Catholic community.” “I myself share those sentiments,” the pope said.

Departing from his prepared text, Pope Francis said his letter to the people of God Aug. 20 included “commitment, a greater commitment to eliminating this scourge from the Church whatever the cost.” With the welcoming ceremony held at the presidential residence rather than the airport, the mood as the pope descended the steps from his plane was subdued. Few people were on the road from the airport into the city. Close to Dublin Castle a group of teenagers held welcome signs, including one that said, “We love the pope. He gives us hope.” Before heading to the castle, Pope Francis stopped at “Aras an Uachtarain,” the Irish president’s residence, where they planted a tree, just as St. John Paul II had done in 1979. The late pope’s oak is now a mature, shadeproviding tree. The Vatican press office said the pope and President Michael D. Higgins spent 15 minutes speaking privately.

Pope Francis prays in front of a candle in memory of victims of sexual abuse as he visits St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin Aug. 25.

CNS | PAUL HARING

Pope closes Dublin visit with penitential plea for abuse scandals CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

DUBLIN — Before celebrating Mass in a Dublin park, Pope Francis solemnly asked forgiveness for the thousands of cases of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by Catholics in Ireland.

“We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland, abuse of power and of conscience, sexual abuse” by clergy and religious, he said Aug. 26. “In a special way, we ask forgiveness for all the abuse committed in the different institutions run by religious men and religious women and other members of the church.”

In a litany of recognition and prayers for the Lord’s mercy, Pope Francis formally asked forgiveness for the forced labor that even children were forced to perform in Church institutions.

And, responding to a request made by two survivors he had met Aug. 25, the pope asked forgiveness for all the babies taken from their unwed mothers and put up for adoption without their mothers consent.

The mothers were told later it would be a “mortal sin” for them to try to find the children, but the pope said explicitly: “It is not a mortal sin. It is the Fourth Commandment,” which states, “Honor your father and your mother.”

“We apologize for some members of the hierarchy who did not own up to these painful situations and remained silent,” he said. “We ask for forgiveness.”

The pope’s penitential plea followed the introductory remarks of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, who told the pope, “The Church in Ireland has gone through challenging times. People have been wounded in the depth of their being by Church people; people’s faith has been challenged and the Church of Jesus Christ has been wounded.”

“Faith in Ireland is strong,” he said, and “faith in Ireland is fragile,” but that is not necessarily a surprise. “There is an intrinsic fragility in faith can steer us away from arrogance and self-centeredness.”

The Mass was the official closing of the World Meeting of Families, and Pope Francis used his homily to urge families from around the world to harness their joy and use it to transform the world into a place where all people feel loved, welcomed and supported in their commitments to each other.

“The Church as a whole is called to ‘go forth’ to bring the words of eternal life to all the peripheries of our world,” the pope told tens of thousands of people gathered in a slightly sodden Phoenix Park.

A view of the crowd from the altar was that of a mosaic of brightly colored rain gear flapping in the wind. But even close to the altar platform there were large open spaces set aside for people who never arrived.

At the end of his homily, Pope Francis urged each person present – “parents and grandparents, children and young people, men and women, religious brothers and sisters, contemplatives and missionaries, deacons and priests” – to share “the Gospel of the family as joy for the world!”

The Catholic teaching on marriage and family life is often challenging and not universally accepted, he said, but Jesus Himself promised that His words “are spirit and life.”

In fact, he said, it is the Holy Spirit who “constantly breathes new life into our world, into our hearts, into our families, into our homes and parishes. Each new day in the life of our families, and each new generation, brings the promise of a new Pentecost, a domestic Pentecost, a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, the paraclete, whom Jesus sends as our advocate, our consoler and indeed our encourager.”

The world needs such encouragement, the pope said, and laypeople in families are the best ones to give it.

In St. Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, describes marriage as “a sharing in the mystery of Christ’s undying fidelity to His bride, the Church,” he said.

“Yet this teaching, as magnificent as it is, can appear to some as a ‘hard saying.’ Because living in love, even as Christ loved us, entails imitating His own selfsacrifice, dying to ourselves in order to be reborn to a greater and more enduring love.”

That self-giving love, he said, is the only thing that “can save our world from its bondage to sin, selfishness, greed and indifference to the needs of the less fortunate.”

Self-giving love is what Christians learn from Jesus.

Self-giving love “became incarnate in our world through a family,” he said, and “through the witness of Christian families in every age it has the power to break down every barrier in order to reconcile the world to God and to make us what we were always meant to be: a single human family dwelling together in justice, holiness and peace.”

Pope Francis said participants, filled with enthusiasm after the World Meeting of Families, also need to “humbly acknowledge that, if we are honest with ourselves, we, too, can find the teachings of Jesus hard.”

For instance, he said, “how difficult it is always to forgive those who hurt us; how challenging always to welcome the migrant and the stranger; how painful joyfully to bear disappointment, rejection or betrayal; how inconvenient to protect the rights of the most vulnerable, the unborn or the elderly, who seem to impinge upon our own sense of freedom.”

But that is when Catholics must affirm that they believe and will follow the Lord, Pope Francis told them.

At Knock shrine, pope again begs forgiveness for betrayal of abuse KNOCK, Ireland — On a foggy, soggy day at a Marian shrine in County Mayo, Pope Francis said he prayed before a statue of Our Lady of Knock for all those who suffered sexual and physical abuse by Catholic clergy or in Catholic-run institutions in Ireland. “None of us can fail to be moved by the stories of young people who suffered abuse, were robbed of their innocence or who were taken from their mothers and left scarred by painful memories,” the pope said Aug. 26. The “open wound” of the memory and trauma of abuse “challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice,” the pope told thousands of people filling the shrine church and seated outside. “I beg the Lord’s forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in God’s family.” He prayed that Mary would “intercede for the healing of the survivors and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur.”

Pope meets survivors of abuse in Ireland DUBLIN — Pope Francis spent 90 minutes meeting privately with eight survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy or in Catholic-run schools and institutions. The meeting took place at the Vatican nunciature in Dublin Aug. 25, the first day of Pope Francis’ two-day visit to Ireland, the Vatican press office announced. Afterward, two of the survivors published a statement describing the meeting. They said, “Pope Francis condemned corruption and cover-up within the Church as ‘caca’ – literally filth as one sees in a toilet, his translator clarified.” The Vatican named seven of the survivors who met with the pope and said the eighth asked to remain anonymous.

Those named were: Marie Collins, a former member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors; Father Patrick McCafferty, who was abused in a seminary; Father Joe McDonald; Damian O’Farrell; Paul Jude Redmond; Clodagh Malone; and Bernadette Fahy. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin told reporters Aug. 22 that the number of children physically, sexually and emotionally abused by Catholic clergy and in Church-run institutions in Ireland was “immense.” It included victims in Church-run industrial schools, the Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and parishes.

Families called to share joy, love, life with the world, pope says DUBLIN — In a stadium of Catholic families from around the world, Pope Francis told the laypeople they are the vast majority of Church members and that, without them, the Church would be cold, a collection of statues. “God wants every family to be a beacon of joy of His love to our world,” the pope said Aug. 25, celebrating the Festival of Families in Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium. The Irish dance troupe Riverdance thrilled the crowd and brought a big smile to Pope Francis’ face. “The Priests,” a classical Irish trio of priests, performed, as did Nathan Carter, an Irish country singer, and tenor Andrea Bocelli. Families from India, Canada, Iraq, Ireland and Burkina Faso stood on stage near the pope while pre-recorded video versions of their testimonies played. The families, who have faced joys and heartache and have held on to each other and to their faith, are models of how each Catholic family is called to give a witness in the world to the love of God, the pope said. “That is what holiness is all about,” he said. “I like to speak of the saints next door, all those ordinary people who reflect God’s presence in the life and history of the world.”

— Catholic News Service

ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Drop your stone Fred Gallagher

Brian Pusateri

A

re Christians any different than non-Christians in their response and treatment of ministers, priests, bishops or clergy who have publicly sinned or committed crimes? When these things happen, do you stand in line to throw the first stone?

There are times when I wonder to myself if Christians really take seriously these words in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” How do you want God to treat you when you sin? Is that how you treat others?

A story was released two weeks ago about sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests spanning a 70-year period in six dioceses of Pennsylvania. This news comes right on the heels of the Archbishop Theodore McCarrick scandal. There is no shortage of sexual sins making the news. This includes clergy of all denominations. This is far from a Catholic-only issue.

What saddens me almost as much as the abuse is the reckless and seemingly unhinged self-righteous responses found in many Catholic/ Christian newspaper articles, online blog posts, and television reports.

Public castrations of the accused would not be enough to satisfy the vitriol and public indignation of many of these Christian commentators. I don’t understand the bloodthirsty response by some Christians as soon as a fellow Christian is found guilty of crimes and sins. Perhaps they just want to point the finger of indignation away from their own sins. Are we as outraged by our own sins as we are towards the sins of others? All sin offends God! So I ask again, what makes a Christian response to this any different that a non-Christian’s response? Do these less-than-Christian responses draw people to Christ or simply just push people further away from organized religion? Please permit me to share my view and my unique perspective.

To set the stage for my response, I need to tell you that 50 years ago, when I was a young altar server, I was sexually abused by a priest. I think this gives me a vested stake in this public debate. That abuse has had a negative impact on me throughout my life. With that said, I am still a proud, active and involved Catholic.

One man’s sin did not rattle my faith. In fact, in many ways it strengthened it.

So, just what do I think is the proper response

by Christians when their spiritual leaders commit criminal and morally reprehensible crimes? First and foremost, I think we need to pray for healing and recovery for those who were victims. Their scars last a lifetime. Second, we need to pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness on those who committed these acts.

We need to pray that these fellow Christians are reconciled with God and that God still grants them eternal life in heaven.

This is no time to jump on the bandwagon of condemnation of the sinner. Ask yourself the age-old question, “What would Jesus do?” We have all sinned against God! None of us, on our own, deserves eternal life. It is only attainable based on the undeserved mercy of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. To be clear, His death was for all sinners who seek His forgiveness – yes, even clergy who sexually abuse children.

Jump in line and grab a big stone for the public stoning of sinful minsters and priests if you care to. As for me, I have long ago forgiven the one who abused me, and I pray that he is in heaven. Any other response, as I see it, falls far short of the call to follow our Lord.

G.K. Chesterton once stated: “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” Loving your enemies and loving those who are sinners is the unique call of a Christian.

To be clear, I believe that ministers and priests who abuse children should be held criminally and/ or civilly liable for their actions. Where there was a cover-up, those who covered up crimes should also be held responsible. If crimes were committed, states should hand out the proper punishment. But as for us Christians, we should be praying for God’s mercy on these and all sinners.

I am not saying that Christians should not speak out for systemic change to prevent these crimes against children from happening in the future. We should! But inflammatory and judgmental condemnation of the sinners must be avoided. Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, He healed and forgave her. Do we have it within us to forgive like Jesus forgives? I think we do!

I have no doubt that Satan doubles down his attack on ministers and priests. Satan’s plan is to strike the Shepherd and scatter the flock.

Maybe we the lay faithful have failed our clergy. How often and how hard do you pray for God’s protection for your minister? Without our constant prayers, we leave them in the crosshairs of the evil one who rejoices when they sin, and rejoices even more when Christians, in their response, fail to act like Christians.

We should expect secular media to write stories about fallen ministers as salaciously as possible. We can expect them to try to make Christianity look bad. We should expect their language to be condemning. But you and I as Christians, as followers of Jesus, need to bring the love, peace, kindness, mercy and forgiveness of God to these stories.

Peter was told to forgive 77 times. In other words, he was told to forgive limitlessly. In the story of the unforgiving servant, the master forgave his debts, but the servant failed to forgive the debts of his fellow servants. God has shown mercy on each of us beyond our ability to comprehend. When you get involved in discussions with your friends or on the internet, will your words convey the forgiveness of Christ or the actions of the unforgiving servant?

Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.

‘One man’s sin did not rattle my faith. In fact, in many ways it strengthened it.’

A NOTE TO OTHER ABUSE VICTIMS

This is a special note to anyone, who like me, was sexually abused, whether that abuse came at the hands of a priest, minister, family member, neighbor, or someone else. I know and understand the pain and shame that comes from being abused. I kept mine silent for 42 years. On the outside I looked fine. Hidden inside, I was broken. Two things helped me find healing. The first one was to become open and honest about what happened to me. The second one was to totally forgive the abuser. I cannot stand in your shoes. Many victims suffered far more abuse than I did. I cannot, and should not, tell you how to handle your trauma. I can only say one thing: you and all who have been abused are in my prayers. My hope is that you will find peace and healing! Bad things happen to good people for no reason. Don’t turn away from Jesus or His Church because of the actions of a sinner. Instead, run to Him – He is the source of healing and peace!

BRIAN PUSATERI is the founder of Broken Door Ministries (www. brokendoorministries.com) and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

O

A restless Catholic and Holy Mother Church

nce again, we see headlines about the horrendous abuse of young people by priests and the cover-up by bishops. What on earth are we in the pews supposed to do in response to these revelations? They are disheartening to the point of possibly shaking the very foundations of our faith.

Some blame this crisis on the long-established custom of celibacy itself, some on the acceptance of homosexuals into American seminaries, and some on our refusal to heed the prophetic prescriptions of “Humanae Vitae.” Many have their black-andwhite theories and their black-and-white answers. I just don’t know.

How do we in the pews respond, realizing that thousands of Catholic children’s lives were terrorized in Pennsylvania alone?

How do we reconcile this news with something other than “the Church is full of humans and humanity is flawed”? Moralistic platitudes just don’t get it anymore.

A great benefit to me of late has been a book by Catholic theologian Cardinal Avery Dulles, “Models of the Church.” In it Cardinal Dulles relates the story of the blind men trying to describe an elephant by speaking of its individual parts. (The ears are like a fan; the trunk is like a hose, etc.) He takes the collective Church and describes its various spiritual components: the Institutional Church, the Church as Mystical Body, the Church as Herald, the Church as Servant, and the Church as Sacrament.

The Institutional Church has to do with Church structure: with teaching, sanctifying and governing. The Church as Mystical Body has to do with our unity as the People of God, our communion in fellowship and our sharing of grace through the Holy Spirit. The Church as Herald is the Church witnessing the Gospel in worship and in action, in the proclamation of our salvation through Jesus Christ. The Servant Church is the Church of faith, hope and charity as witnessed in our service to the “least of these” Christ spoke of. The Church as Sacrament is the Church that transforms us through grace as a testament to God’s enduring love and mercy.

Each model has its strengths and weaknesses but when brought together, like a diamond, they reveal the light of truth beautifully.

Because I cannot fathom Holy Mother Church unable or unwilling to dispense Her grace sacramentally; because I cannot keep from seeing Her serve the sick and the poor, the lonely and the oppressed, as She does throughout the world; because the Word of God is expressed in our liturgies and our catechesis; because families are converting to Catholicism in record numbers across Asia and Africa, I am inspired by the mystical unity I have witnessed since childhood.

The only model left wanting – left wounded by scandal – is the Institutional Church. Some of our leaders have failed us miserably; that part is simple. Our wariness is, unfortunately, earned. Yet we are a hierarchical community, for Jesus presented the keys to Peter and that will not change. But it is, in part, the Institutional Church that has left us frustrated, enraged and bewildered.

It is imperative for me to turn to those other models of the Church Cardinal Dulles outlined with a desperation that beckons Our Lord to come be with us – people in the pews wrestling with doubt and anger, most assuredly the victims of these heinous crimes and, yes, the perpetrators as well. We ask Him to animate us as members of a Mystical Body, of which He is the head; to enlighten us in the faces of those to whom we reach out in charity; to fill us with understanding and resolve with His Word upon our lips each day; to be present with us and in us in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

Holy Mother Church is a complex reality, but Her arms embrace us wherever we are, even when we detest the failures of the Institutional Church and some of its most powerful members. She is present in every facet of the diamond, even when some of its lights are dimmed by the fallen humanity within Her reach, even while the Institution, now more than ever, under the watchful eye of the laity, limps back to Her in contrition. And in this multifaceted image of Her, we pray that perpetrators may experience justice, victims receive divine comfort and strength in God’s love, and our restlessness be understood.

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

August 31, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Letters to the editor

Protecting reputations placed ahead of protecting children Father Noah Carter

Mass of Reparation: ‘For the Forgiveness of Sins’

T

he Church is the New Ark. As Noah led the animals and his family into the ark to save them from the flood, so we have been led into the ark of the Church for safekeeping until this boat reaches its final destination, Heaven. The flood is the world outside. Sometimes the waves lap, and sometimes they come crashing against the ark. But they have never overwhelmed her.

They have never – even now – capsized her.

She cannot be capsized.

Then there are the people in the boat.

Each in their own way, they play their part to care for the boat and operate all of its parts. I am referring to you and me with our different vocations, talents and gifts.

We all play our proper part. But some of the sailors may not perform their duties as well as they could. Some will do their part with only half the effort. And this would slow down the operations of the boat. Some have harmed their fellow sailors, even to the point that those harmed have thrown themselves overboard and given up being part of the crew. And this is awful. Others remain part of the crew but suffer horrible wounds that keep them from being fully alive and 100 percent part of the crew operations. Even worse is when the other officers knew about these crew members and do nothing. Worse yet is when some of those causing injury are officers themselves, and the other officers do nothing.

A few things must be done to remedy this situation. First, the officers who perpetrated the criminal violence against a crewman must be dealt with severely. While he cannot be thrown overboard, he must be stripped of his rank and tied to the mast. His freedom to move about the ship and function as part of the crew must be limited as much as possible.

This is for punishment and the good of the crew. The officers and crew should see him there as a warning to anyone who would dare to act contrary to the good of the ship.

The other officers who knew about it must also be disciplined according to the level of their cooperation. And the captain must do this himself to make a demonstration that he cares for the whole crew.

What must the crew do? The crew is left to pick up the slack. With many unworthy officers reduced in rank, thrown in the brig, or tied to the mast, crew members who have proved themselves loyal to the ship’s captain and his crewmates must be raised in rank.

The crew will never be the same, though.

Those who were injured still suffer and try to heal. Those who threw themselves overboard must be searched for. When they are found, no effort can be spared in pulling them back into the boat and resuscitating them. Those who have been half-hearted in their work must pick up the slack of those crew members who cannot work to their full potential because they are hurting and injured. All in all, those who are healthy must rededicate themselves in a new way to the ship and shipmates under the direction of the captain.

My dear brothers and sisters, we are the ones who must rededicate ourselves to the ship. Reparation is about turning

undividedly toward the Lord and plead for mercy on behalf of the whole Church.

“Parce, Domine, parce populo tuo.” “Spare, Lord, spare your people: Be not angry with us forever.” It is about making expiation with Jesus for the sins of our leaders. It is about making atonement and satisfaction for our countrymen who do not believe, do not love, and do not hope in God. It is about our own hearts being moved to weep for our own sins and the sins of others in the Church. It is about a promise to our God that we will never consort with the Evil One. It is about being restored to grace through the merits of Christ’s death, which grace enables him to add his prayers, works and trials to those of Our Lord “and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

It is about satisfying God’s justice and anger by penance, prayer and mortification.

St. Catherine of Sienna said of the evils of her own time: “We have been anointing everything with the ointment of mercy, when we have needed the knife of justice.”

Everything today is acceptable. In our relativistic society, no one dares speak the truth about God creating man and woman for a purpose. Instead, we glorify perversion and the over-sensualizing of our culture.

Even the virtue of modesty is laughed at as being “out of touch.” Worst of all, the complementarity of man and woman written into creation is doubted, denied and scorned.

And all of these things anger our God and those who truly pertain to Him. So, we call ourselves back to His purpose for creation: nothing but His glory made known on earth.

It is time for a spiritual renewal in the Church. It is time that we look at our own hearts and identify anything that keeps us from Him, and we turn it over to His throne for Him to dispose of. We must call ourselves back to a true interior life that integrates selfdenial, penance, prayer and mortification. All this for God’s glory and our sanctification.

We must willfully offer our sufferings for those victims who still hurt and are in need of healing. We must unite ourselves, for them, to the cross of Our Lord. We must accept them and love them within our community. We must listen to their sorrows and pains, knowing that there is no way to truly understand the evil they have suffered.

We must walk beside them and, many times, carry them on our shoulders.

We must allow Christ to renew our hearts, our families, our parish, our Church and our nation. We can make no more excuse to choose anything other than the will of God and those things in creation that bring us to Him. Because of our sins and the sins of our fellow Catholics, we deserve nothing from God. But may He have mercy on us. As He caused water to flow from the rock, may He bring forth from the hardness of our hearts tears for our sins, and merit to forgive us through His Son. FATHER NOAH C. CARTER, parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, delivered this homily during a Mass of Reparation Aug. 22.

I can no longer support a system in the Catholic Church that hides abuse of children to preserve its own reputation.

What is going on? To place articles that discuss this travesty on page 14 of the Aug. 17 publication demonstrates that the Church and some of its leaders are still trying to contain their failures for their own sake and not the sake of the victims.

I no longer have any faith that the bishops’ conference or, for that matter, the hierarchy of the Vatican are placing the victims first. The men who committed these abuses should not be allowed to find a hiding place to atone for their sins.

They are criminals, and they should be prosecuted and sent to a prison system that will punish them in a more just way.

Any priest, bishop, cardinal or pope

who was a predator, or allowed the predators to continue in ministry knowing that they would harm more children, should go to prison and make a public atonement to the victims.

I thought that when Pope Francis was elected pope that these perpetrators would be called out and punished.

Based on what we are finding out about the Catholic hierarchy regarding the Pennsylvania scandal, the resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the questions raised about Cardinal Donald Wuerl, remembering Cardinal Bernard Law and the scandal in Boston, I see the Catholic Church as a political system that protects its own before the people who put their faith in justice and God. PATRICIA MARINO lives in Charlotte.

Be at peace, despite the storm There is no need for us to lose our peace even though the boat is about to capsize.

Truly, to lose our peace at this moment would be to manifest that we have little faith in Our Lord. Such are His own words.

Remember how the story began: “And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep” (Mt 8:24).

In this time, when a great storm has churned up the world and the Church, more than once we have asked, “How long, O Lord, will you sleep?” We recall the martyrs in heaven, crying out in a similar manner, anxious for Our Lord to go and aid His children on earth.

To them, He simply said, “Rest a little longer, for the time is not complete.”

We, too, in the midst of this stormy chaos, must not dwell on the storm, but must focus on the ability to find peace despite it. Remember St. Peter’s flaw when, granted the grace to walk toward Our Lord on the water, he took his eyes off Our Lord and became fearful of the chaos of the storm. It was only then that he began to sink.

And what about St. John, the Beloved Disciple? Where do we imagine that he was when the storm began to attack the boat?

He was certainly with the apostles in the midst of that storm. Perhaps he, like Mary, the sister of Martha, was at Our Lord’s feet, or leaning already then, as he would later, upon Our Lord’s breast. Perhaps he was asleep with Our Lord on that boat, and was not even disturbed by the waves.

Was it St. Peter who, at this moment, as he did at the Last Supper, obtained help from Our Lord through the intercession of the faithful Beloved Disciple?

So, what are we to do in the midst of this storm? If Our Lord is truly with us, then we may simply rest with Him. Were the Apostles able, by their fears and cries and panicking, to calm the sea and still the waves and wind? Neither can we, by our fears and cries and panicking, calm the chaos of the world and that which dwells even within the Church.

From the story, what does Our Lord expect us to do? “And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?’” (Mt 8:26). Clearly He expects us to be at peace, not to fear, and to be filled

with faith. In what do we have faith? We have faith that Our Lord will be true to His promise, that He is with us, that He is the Head of the Church, that He is the King of all nations, that He is God. All these truths reinforce our faith that He will, in the end, save us.

From the story, what should we expect, and hope, that He will do? “Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Mt 8:26).

When Our Lord sees that the time has come, and when the number of those who have suffered for Him is complete, He will rise! And, when He rises, He will, by His authority and power, rebuke the winds of evil doctrines and silence the activities of the demons and those who have been employed in their works.

In the meantime, when we fret, He will say to us, “Children, children, you are anxious and troubled about many things. One thing is necessary. Choose the best part, and it will not be taken away from you.” (cf. Luke 10:38-42) We must stay at His feet and hear and heed His words. We must cast our eyes upon Him alone and walk directly through the stormy seas. We must lay our head upon His breast, study His Sacred Heart, rest a little while longer, and be at peace in faith and in hope and in charity. Then, when the time is right, Our Lord will act.

The Great King will rise. The just will be vindicated. The humble will be exalted.

Until then, love Him. Love Him and continue to row His boat to the shores to which He desires to go. Continue, like St. Peter, when his eyes remained fixed on Our Lord, to bring Him to others despite the tumult.

Continue, like Mary, to remain at His feet. Continue, like the Beloved Disciple, to lean your head near His breast.

Love Him, and long for the day when the whole world will cry out, as did the apostles, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Mt 8:27) Preach, despite the storm.

Rest, despite the storm.

Love Him, despite the storm.

CHARLES D. FRAUNE is founder of www. theretreatbox.com and a theology teacher at Christ the King High School.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 31, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“I Am The Living Bread”

John 6:51

14th Eucharistic Congress

September 7 & 8, 2018 Charlotte Convention Center Bishop Peter Jugis - Celebrant and Homilist - Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Trent Horn - The Beginner’s Guide to Defending the Faith Fr. Cassian Folsom - Transformed: Patristic Teaching On The Effects Of The Eucharist Sr. Johanna Paruch - The Catechism: A Gift to Prayer and Catholic Life Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers - Truth, Freedom, and the Human Person: Understanding Our Life in Christ FRIDAY EVENING: Byzantine : Vespers • Trent Horn - The Beginner’s Guide to Defending the Faith • College nighT • EUCHARISTIC ADORATION • Eucharistic Procession SATURDAY: Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Charlotte • Holy Hour • Confession • English and Spanish Tracks for Adults • K-12 Education Tracks for Students - Register online • Sacred Music Concerts • Religious displays • Vendors of Sacred Art • Vocation and Education info • Holy Mass – Concelebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis and the priests of the Diocese of Charlotte

www.GoEucharist.com