Sept. 14, 2018

September 14, 2018

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

Reparation and renewal

Beacons of light and comfort Airport chaplains gather for 51st international conference

3

Greensboro priest removed from ministry

14th Eucharistic Congress draws thousands

6

10-17

INDEX

Contact us....................................4 Español...................................... 16-19 Events calendar...........................4 Our Faith.......................................2 Our Parishes.......................... 3-15 Schools.......................................20 Scripture readings......................2 TV & Movies.................................21 U.S. news...............................22-23 Viewpoints............................26-27 World news........................... 24-25

Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

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

St. Joseph Center answer to Immaculate Conception Parish’s growth

Delegates go to V Encounter with hope, commitment 5

Hendersonville parish’s capital campaign kicks off Sept. 22-23

Devotion to St. Francis of Assisi

Inspired by a mother

Mocksville parish offers 9-week novena, veneration of relics

Vet makes rosaries to honor Our Lady

6

7

21

Nos representarán con voces de esperanza y compromiso 18

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Love breaks chains of slavery to sin

O

nly true love for God and neighbor can destroy the chains of greed, lust, anger and envy that enslave humankind, Pope Francis said.

“True love is true freedom: It detaches from possession, rebuilds relationships, it knows how to welcome and value the neighbor, it transforms every struggle into a joyous gift and makes communion possible,” the pope said Sept. 12 during his weekly general audience.

Before addressing thousands of men, women and children, the pope made his way around St. Peter’s Square and greeted excited pilgrims lined up along the popemobile route.

While making his rounds, the pope abruptly ordered his driver to stop. He made his way to two disabled children and blessed them.

Continuing his series of talks on the Ten Commandments, the pope reflected on the Third Commandment, “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.”

The commandment to rest on the Sabbath was linked to the memory of Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt, he said, because slaves “by definition cannot rest.”

“There are many types of slavery, both exterior and interior,” the pope said. “There are external constraints such as lives sequestered by violence and other types of injustice. There are also interior prisons that are, for example, psychological blocks, complexes, limitations and more.”

Recalling the lives of St. Maximilian Kolbe and Cardinal Francois Nguyen Van Thuan, both of whom “turned dark oppressions into places of light,” the pope said their example proved that people who are physically or mentally imprisoned “can remain free.”

Nevertheless, he also warned that slavery to one’s ego can tie men and women down “more than a prison, more than a panic attack and more than any sort of imposition.”

The pope explained that the “deadly sins,” such as greed, lust, gluttony and sloth can turn people into slaves of their own passions, while others such as anger ruin relationships and envy can sicken a person like a disease.

Through His death and resurrection, Christ overcame “the slavery of our heart with His love and salvation” and guides Christians toward true freedom where every person “can find rest in mercy and freedom in truth.”

“True love frees us even in prison, even if we are weak and limited,” Pope Francis said.

“This is the freedom that we receive from our redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Right) The tomb of St. Robert Bellarmine is at the Church of Ignatius Loyola in Rome. His remains, in a cardinal’s red robes, are displayed behind glass under a side altar in the church, next to the body of his student, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, as he himself had wished.

St. Robert Bellarmine: ‘The most educated man in the Church’ Feast day: Sept. 17 BENJAMIN MANN CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY

On Sept. 17, the Church celebrates the Italian cardinal and theologian St. Robert Bellarmine, one of the most important figures of the Counter-Reformation. One of the great saints of the Jesuit order, St. Robert has also been declared a Doctor of the Church and the patron of catechists.

Robert Bellarmine was born on Oct. 4, 1542, in the Tuscan town of Montepulciano. His uncle was a cardinal who later became Pope Marcellus II. As a young man, Robert received his education from the Jesuit order, which had received written papal approval only two years before his birth.

In September of 1560, Robert entered the Jesuit order himself.

He studied philosophy for three years in Rome, then taught humanities until 1567, when he began a study of theology that lasted until 1569. The final stage of his training emphasized the refutation of Protestant errors.

Robert received ordination to the priesthood in Belgium, where his sermons drew crowds of both Catholics and Protestants.

In 1576, he returned to Italy and took up an academic position addressing theological controversies. The resulting work, his “Disputations,” became a classic of Catholic apologetics.

Near the end of the 1580s, the esteemed theologian became “Spiritual Father” to the Roman College. He served as a guide to St. Aloysius Gonzaga near the end of the young Jesuit’s life, and helped produce the authoritative Latin text of the Bible called for

by the recent Council of Trent.

Around the century’s end, Robert became an advisor to Pope Clement VIII. The pope named him a cardinal in 1599, declaring him to be the most educated man in the Church. Robert played a part in a debate between Dominicans and Jesuits regarding grace.

The pope later decided to appoint and consecrate him as the Archbishop of Capua.

The cardinal archbishop’s three years in Capua stood out as an example of fidelity to the reforming spirit and decrees of the Council of Trent. He was considered as a possible pope in two successive elections, but the thought of becoming pope disturbed him and in the end he was never chosen.

In the early years of the 17th century, the cardinal took a public stand for the Church’s freedom when it came under attack in Venice and England. He also attempted, though not successfully, to negotiate peace between the Vatican and his personal friend Galileo Galilei, over the scientist’s insistence that not only the earth, but the entire universe, revolved around the sun.

He retired due to health problems in the summer of 1621. Two years before, he had set out his thoughts on the end of earthly life in a book titled “The Art of Dying Well.” In that work, he explained that preparing for death was life’s most important business, since the state of one’s soul at death would determine a person’s eternal destiny.

St. Robert Bellarmine died on Sept. 17, 1621. He was 78. Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1931, and declared him to be a Doctor of the Church.

Your daily Scripture readings 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

SEPT. 23-29

Sunday: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20, James 3:164:3, Mark 9:30-37; Monday: Proverbs 3:2734, Luke 8:16-18; Tuesday: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13, Luke 8:19-21; Wednesday (Sts. Cosmas and Damian): Proverbs 30:5-9, Luke 9:1-6; Thursday (St. Vincent de Paul): Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, Luke 9:7-9; Friday (St. Wenceslaus, St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions): Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Luke 9:18-22; Saturday (Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael): Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, John 1:47-51

SEPT. 30-OCT. 6

Sunday: Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Monday (St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus): Job 1:6-22, Luke 9:46-50; Tuesday (The Holy Guardian Angels): Job 3:13, 11-17, 20-23, Matthew 18:1-5, 10; Wednesday: Job 9:1-12, 14-16, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday (St. Francis of Assisi): Job 19:21-27, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (BI. Francis Xavier Seelos): Job 38:1, 12-21, 40:3-5, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (St. Bruno, BI. Marie Rose Durocher): Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17, Luke 10:17-24

Our parishes

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

3

Beacons of light and comfort Airport chaplains gather for 51st international conference SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Honeymooners, refugees, mourners and vacationers can all have at least one thing in common: air travel. Occasionally these travelers need a friendly face, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on – or just a smile and directions to the food court in the airport.

Airport chaplains provide an essential ministry for these sometimes confused, weary or overburdened travelers.

Their work is somewhat hidden in the rapid-paced environment of the world’s airports. But they are there.

Two of their associations came together for the 51st annual conference of the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains Sept. 4-8 at the Omni Hotel.

Sixty-two members of the IACAC and the National Conference of Catholic Airport Chaplains from 10 countries and eight declared denominations had four days to form friendships, share best practices and learn more about how they can minister to world travelers.

“We are a mobile nation. Think of how much we move in basically a given year and how important those airports are and how important those airport chaplains are as beacons,” said Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee, who serves as the airport chaplains’ liaison with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Both Archbishop Listecki and Bishop Peter Jugis were present at the conference’s opening Sept. 4 at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

Archbishop Listecki shared that he believes people approach a chaplain, priest or deacon in the airport because there is a longing to affirm something that they know in their hearts: “There is a longing to address a problem that they might have. You never know what that problem is going to pique.”

Local conference host, Deacon George Szalony, executive director of airport chaplaincy at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, served as emcee for the opening ceremonies. He has worked in airport ministry for the past 10 years.

“We are thrilled to do it. This is a tremendous bunch of people to be with. We all do the same thing. We all hang out on the fringes. We respond to people when people need help,” he said.

Australian airport chaplain Mary Holloway, who traveled the greatest distance to attend the gathering, said, “Attending the conferences is really part of being a chaplain because it is really quite a unique ministry and it can be quite lonely. When we come to the conference, we are very connected to people who are doing similar work to us. It is important to come, no matter how far it is.”

Holloway’s father was the first chaplain in the southern hemisphere. He began his ministry at the Melbourne Airport in 1969.

“It’s been in my blood for a long time,” she said.

Holloway said what she loves most about serving in the airport chaplaincy is interacting with people.

“Because that is what it is about. It is about people.

You do have to like people. You need to be able to develop relationships with people, to be open to them. Because we are multi-faith, we deal with people whomever they are; we make no distinction for race, or religion or culture. You have to be sensitive to those things. They know you are there.”

She said that some of the people who look to airport chaplains more consistently are Muslims, which she finds interesting.

“They know you are Christian but they also know you are there for everybody,” she noted.

A recent study conducted at the airport in Melbourne where Holloway serves has yielded positive comments about the airport chaplaincy.

“The value of the chaplaincy has come up repeatedly: that we are there for everybody, that we don’t make

Airport chaplains from around the world were in Charlotte Sept. 4-8 for International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains conference Sept. 4-8 at the Omni Hotel.

(Above) The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte performed during the opening ceremony Sept. 4 at St. Peter Church. (Left) Deacon George Szalony, director of the Charlotte airport chaplaincy, addressed conference goers during the opening ceremony.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

distinctions. That is a great accolade for us,” she said.

Holloway shared that some of the challenges that arise in airport chaplaincy are loneliness, especially because many chaplains serve in ministry by themselves. “You have to have a good support network of your own. You have to be grounded in your own faith.”

Marieke Meiring is an airport chaplain from Amsterdam attending the international conference for the third time.

Her airport welcomes over 68 million passengers a year.

“I enjoy being able to help people who are not able to continue with their journey literally or sometimes emotionally,” Meiring said. “Sometimes they miss their family and they are in a strange environment and they don’t know where to go.

“Certain problems can be solved themselves, but some are not possible to solve themselves or they just need a listening ear or someone to assist practically. Just to (help them) connect to the next step. It’s very helpful. When they don’t know how the day was going to end and (you help them) to see a little bit of light,” she explained.

People come to the meditation center in the Amsterdam airport sometimes just to focus on something peaceful or to enjoy a quiet moment with God, she said. “It helps them to leave a lot of stress behind.”

Being the face of God for travelers is at the heart of Father Michael Zaniolo’s airport ministry. He is the president of the National Conference of Catholic Airport Chaplains and serves at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport – two of the busiest airports in America.

An airport chaplain for 17 years, Father Zaniolo said he has learned that people are usually happy to see a chaplain.

“Everybody’s happy, because of the 45,000 people who work there, they know they can see me anytime they want because they know my hours. Especially if it is something difficult – somebody gets killed on the job in an accident, or someone going through something difficult, I tell the managers to have them see me.”

Father Zaniolo spends a lot of time wandering around inside the airport, encountering people where they are, and that makes his ministry different from other kinds of priestly ministry.

“Generally as a priest you wait for the people to come to you – they come to church, they come to fill out wedding paperwork. But at the airport you have to go out and search for everyone,” Father Zaniolo said.

“Whether they are Catholic or not, they see me dressed like this (in my clerics) and my airport badge and they know I am someone they can talk to. I hear a lot of confessions. It’s just a great place to be a priest.”

Deacon Patrick Devine and his wife Michelle of the Diocese of Charlotte have been serving in airport chaplaincy for several years. Michelle recalled how just this past weekend a gentleman passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at another airport and his family came to the Charlotte airport to receive his body.

“That was one of the first times that I have had a sense of the importance of having a chaplain at the airport,” Devine said.

“I have enjoyed working at the airport with my husband for the services. People are so appreciative. They are so happy to have the resource of the Church, whether it is the Catholic Mass or a Communion service… It has been very inspiring to me,” she noted.

IACAC’s president Father George Lane lit a candle at the opening ceremony signifying the beginning of the conference, and he thanked all those responsible for welcoming the chaplains to Charlotte.

“As airport chaplains we know the transforming power of hospitality and welcome,” Father Lane said. “I pray that we will grow further together, recognizing one another as members, one of another. I will light this candle to celebrate that despite and because of our differences and distinctiveness, we can shine with the reflective light of God’s truth, God’s mercy and God’s hospitable and transforming love for God’s people everywhere in every corner of our world.”

The chaplains were treated to a concert by the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of Our Lady of Consolation Church during the conference opening ceremony Sept. 4.

Their closing number was “This Little Light of Mine” – which the airport chaplains, beacons of light and comfort to travelers around the world, greatly enjoyed and expressed their appreciation by giving the choir a standing ovation.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SEPT 15 – 10 A.M. Ground-breaking Ceremony for St. Joseph College Seminary building

SEPT 19 – 5:30 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Franklin

SEPT 25 – 12:10 P.M. Holy Mass for Catholic Home School Communities St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

SEPT 17 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Sacred Heart Church, Brevard

SEPT 22 – 5 P.M. Installation of Pastor and Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte

SEPT 29 – 4 P.M. Holy Mass for Respect Life Conference Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville

Diocesan calendar of events September 14, 2018

CONFERENCES

Volume 27 • NUMBER 25

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE: 8:30 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.

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.

MOON FESTIVAL: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, Lantern Parade; 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, and 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at St. Joseph Vietnamese Church, 4929 Sandy Porter Road. Spectacular Lion Dance, 90-plus item menu, games and fun for the entire family. For details, call 704-504-0907.

FIFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LEBANON: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22, at St. Stephen Maronite Church (which meets at St. Matthew Church), 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Join us for a day filled with fun for the entire family. For details, find us on social media at StStephenNC or go to www.ststephenmaronite.org.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, contact the parish office at 704-543-7677.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 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.

PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGIL, ‘EVERY LIFE, CHERISHED, CHOSEN, SENT’: Saturday, Oct. 6, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Join us in a special prayer vigil to inaugurate Respect Life Month. Prayer vigil will be led by Father Christopher Bond. After the prayer vigil, the Vigil of the Two Hearts, which links the Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Saturday devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, offers an opportunity to pray for the strengthening of families, offer reparation for the sins of our nation, and pray for its conversion. When the Vigil of the Two Hearts concludes with Mass at 8 a.m. Saturday, join the prayer vigil outside Preferred Women’s Health Center, 3220 Latrobe Dr. Charlotte, the city’s busiest abortion mill. Come out to pray for the unborn, the weakest and most vulnerable among us, and for the conversion of the women who turn to abortion instead of choosing life. May we show by our words and actions that every human life is cherished and chosen by God. For details, e-mail respectlife@ stpatricks.org or call Tina at 704-301-2531.

ROSARY COAST TO COAST: 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at Holy Trinity Middle School, 3100 Park Road, Charlotte.

All are invited to come together for a nationwide public recitation of the rosary. Charlotte-area Catholics will meet at the Holy Trinity Middle School athletic field to pray the rosary for the United States and for the Catholic Church.

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

Registration deadline is Sept. 28. For details and registration, email Sherill Beason at sabeason@ charlottediocese.org.

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.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

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.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING 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 704-370-3230.

‘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: BELMONT: 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St.

CHARLOTTE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St. CONCORD: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, St. James Church, 139 Manor Ave. GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road HICKORY: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second Street NE LENOIR: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328-B Woodsway Lane NW MINT HILL: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road 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, 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.

‘TEACHING KIDS TO CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION’: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, or 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in the Activity Center at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem. Presented by author Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ, Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Earth Center, Philadelphia. For details, call Jane Kane at 336-978-9282.

‘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 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 www.miraviabanquet24.eventbrite.com.

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.

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

Diocesan Respect Life Conference coming Sept. 29

Region’s bishops consider ways to lead in the face of crisis

KERNERSVILLE — Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to attend the annual Respect Life Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Bishop McGuinness High School.

The day will serve as a day of enrichment and education on a variety of Respect Life issues including, sidewalk counseling, prolife legislation, prayer, human trafficking and a re-visit of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae” 50 years later.

The keynote address will be given by Teresa Collett, J.D., a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law where she serves as director of the school’s Prolife Center.

Collett earned her doctorate at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. As a well-known advocate for the protection of human life and the family, she specializes in the subjects of marriage, religion and bioethics in her research.

She has published numerous legal articles and is the co-author of a law casebook on professional responsibility and coeditor of a collection of essays exploring “catholic” and “Catholic” perspectives on American Collett law.

Collett is an elected member of the American Law Institute, and has testified before committees of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, as well as before legislative committees in several states.

She was appointed to the Pontifical Council for the Family by His Holiness Pope Francis from 2009 to 2016 and has represented Congressman Ron Paul and various medical groups in the defense of the U.S. federal ban of partial-birth abortion, and the governors of Minnesota and North Dakota defending before the U.S. Supreme Court the requirement for parental involvement before a minor could get an abortion.

“The Respect Life Program is very excited to host this annual event again this year,” said Jessica Grabowski, diocesan Respect Life program director. “We are blessed to have some very educated speakers who are experts on a variety of issues and programs surrounding pro-life work.”

Grabowski noted that the conference will be used as a time of prayer and education as a collective group to enrich pro-life groups and organizations and enhance continued efforts of defending life in the diocese.

Bishop Peter Jugis will celebrate Mass for conference goers at 4 p.m.

“We are very thankful to Bishop Jugis for incorporating the Mass component this year, as prayers for life are extremely important in the fight for life. We are also extremely grateful to Bishop McGuinness High School for hosting us this year,” Grabowski said. “I look forward to seeing many of you on Sept. 29!”

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Priests and bishops from the Province of Atlanta recently spent time considering the most recent abuse crisis in the Church, how to respond to it and how to best carry on in serving the faithful.

The occasion was the Provincial Assembly of Priests and Bishops, held Aug. 20-22 at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C. The assembly’s theme, “Catholic Parishes of the 21st Century,” was meant to give the prelates and clergy a chance to look at trends in thought and practice among Catholics in the pews and develop more effective ministry at the parish level.

They reflected on that information against the backdrop of recent bad news, including the grand jury report documenting sexual abuse in Pennsylvania dioceses, as well as Archbishop Bishops of the Atlanta Province met recently in Charleston, S.C. While the Theodore McCarrick’s regular meeting had been on their calendars for months, the meeting became resignation in the wake of an opportunity to discuss how to respond to the turmoil in the Church. abuse allegations.

Discussions focused remember the importance of children, and on ways to reach out to increasingly large the respect owed to them. and diverse parishes in the Southeast, “There is a different order in God’s how to reach millennials and others kingdom, where being little is more leaving the Church, and how to improve important than being significant,” he said. communication among pastors, parish staff “We have been reminded recently of that and the laity. proper order, and the reminders have not Participants said the information will always been easy. God continually calls be helpful as priests and bishops consider us back to the order of His Kingdom, ways to help the Church confront the latest where the little ones are the first and the crisis. important ones are their servants.”

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory During closed discussion periods, the said in an interview that the assembly offered an important chance for the region’s priests had the chance to share their feelings and concerns about the recent leaders and clergy to talk and pray together abuse revelation with the bishops. Bishop during an era that he called “probably the Hartmayer said the emotions expressed most destructive moment we have faced as ranged from anger to disgust. a Church in our nation.”

“It was important for the priests to have Archbishop Gregory urged the faithful the opportunity to share their concerns as around the Atlanta Province to share their to what is going to be done to prevent this feelings and opinions in response to the moral crisis from ever happening again,” abuse crisis.

Bishop Hartmayer said.

“I would ask the people to speak boldly to Bishop Jugis said the assembly was their priests, to share their anger and their hearts’ concerns,” he said. “I would also ask valuable because it offered a chance both to confront the abuse crisis and consider ways them to face this moment with trust and to better serve the faithful in a province confidence in Christ and not necessarily in where the Catholic population is booming. individuals.”

“It is beneficial for us to consider how to Bishops in attendance were Bishop prepare for the growth that is still expected,” Robert E. Guglielmone of the Diocese Bishop Jugis said. “I would ask both the of Charleston, Bishop Peter J. Jugis of clergy and the laity to remember that we are Charlotte, Bishop Luis R. Zarama of all here to serve Christ the Lord.”

Raleigh, and Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer Bishop Guglielmone said the assembly’s of Savannah, Ga., plus Atlanta Auxiliary theme and the discussions on ways to Bishops Bernard E. Schlesinger III and Joel confront the future were especially M. Konzen. important in light of the recent news that The clergy attended a moving Mass at St. has come out of Pennsylvania.

Patrick Church on Aug. 21, celebrated by “We recognize that for many people Archbishop Gregory. Many of the priests there may be anger and disappointment who attended concelebrated from the pews, right now, and a fear that the Church they reciting the prayers and extending their knew and loved is falling apart,” Bishop hands in prayer during the consecration.

Guglielmone said. “By looking at ways Members of the parish sat beside them and to make the parishes stronger, we’re also joined in song and prayer. considering ways to rebuild the sense of Archbishop Gregory delivered a short but trust in the people we serve, to focus on pointed homily. He noted the Mass fell on what we’re all about and to do what they the feast day of St. Pius X, who rose to the have entrusted us to do, which is to spread papacy from humble beginnings in Italy. He the Gospel.” focused on the day’s Gospel, (Mt 19:23-30) in

Register online At www.ccdoc.org/respectlife: Register for the Diocese of Charlotte Respect Life Conference.

Contact Jessica Grabowski at JRGrabowski@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3229 with questions.

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS THE CATHOLIC MISCELLANY

which Jesus speaks the well-known lines, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” Archbishop Gregory said it was more important than ever for the clergy and the laity to remember the value that Christ placed on humility. It is an important time, he said, for the Church’s leaders to

OUR PARISHESI

5

Delegates go to V Encounter with hope, commitment CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Twelve delegates from the Diocese of Charlotte are ready to participate in the fifth National Encounter of Hispanic Ministry Sept. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas.

The national event, themed “Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love,” is expected to be a crucial turning point for the Catholic Church in America and its response to the growing numbers of Latino Catholics in the United States.

It will focus on discerning ways in which the Church in the U.S. can better respond to the Latino presence and strengthen the ways in which Latinos respond to the call to missionary discipleship. It will be led by U.S. bishops and delegates in diocesan leadership roles from across the country as well as leaders of Catholic ecclesial movements and Catholic organizations and institutions.

The 12 delegates have been commissioned by parishes and vicars of western North Carolina to be the bearers of the voices of thousands of Hispanic Catholics, practicing or not, about their spiritual and material needs in the Charlotte diocese.

Of the 64 parishes in the diocese which serve the Latino community, 42 – counting organized groups – sent final reports of conclusions and suggestions reached during a series of meetings held at the vicariate and regional levels over the past several months.

For Eduardo Bernal, coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry for the Charlotte vicariate, these grassroots-driven recommendations deal with familiar challenges: how to engage youth, improving adult faith formation, and training more lay leaders to assist priests in serving the fast-growing immigrant community of approximately 225,000 Hispanic Catholics in the diocese.

“The development of youth ministry is a very important issue,” Bernal said.

While there is a diocesan youth ministry office, it is predominantly geared to English-speaking youths, he noted. Parishes with large numbers of Hispanic youth have separate youth and faith formation programs in many cases, but the initiative is left to the parishes.

“Although 58 percent of our Catholics under 18 are Hispanic, we do not serve them as we should,” Bernal said. “And we limit ourselves, in the majority of cases, to offering them catechesis.”

“It is true that almost all of them speak English,” he added, “but the idea of ​​some pastors that these children should go to the group in English is not DELEGATES, SEE PAGE 28

6

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Greensboro priest removed from ministry CHARLOTTE — Vincentian Father Abel Osorio, parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Church in Greensboro, has been suspended from ministry and an investigation has been launched by his order following the reporting of an allegation of inappropriate contact with a child.

According to a Sept.

7 statement from the Congregation of Osorio the Mission Eastern Province USA and the Diocese of Charlotte, “This week it was reported to the pastor that, approximately a year ago, Father Abel Osorio had inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old girl by massaging her on her shoulders during a public event held in the parish.”

“We are taking this allegation very seriously. Father Abel has been suspended from religious ministry and is prohibited from engaging in priestly duties while this accusation is investigated,” said Vincentian Father Steve Grozio, provincial for the order’s Eastern province, which is based in Philadelphia and oversees the Vincentian priests who serve in the Charlotte diocese.

According to David Hains, spokesman for the Charlotte diocese, the incident is alleged to have occurred at the church in Greensboro. Hains said diocesan officials

were made aware of the allegation Sept. 7 “and immediately acted.”

Among its other ministries, the Eastern province staffs parishes in Philadelphia, New York, Maryland and Alabama.

Besides St. Mary’s Church, the order staffs Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte.

Father Osorio, who is from Mexico, ministered to Hispanic Catholics at the Greensboro parish.

The parish recently welcomed a new pastor, Vincentian Father William M. Allegretto, who replaces Vincentian Father Charles Strollo effective Sept. 10.

According to Hains, the parish’s leadership and staff were notified Sept.

7 and parishioners were notified at weekend Masses Sept. 8 and 9.

“The Vincentian Fathers and the Diocese of Charlotte condemn all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual abuse, especially concerning a child,” the statement from the Vincentian provincial and the Charlotte diocese stated.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment in our ministries and will take aggressive action when that commitment is violated. Any person who suspects, or has knowledge of, an incident of possible sexual misconduct by any church personnel of the Diocese of Charlotte is urged to immediately report the incident by reporting it to the pastor, or by calling the Chancery at 704-370-6299, or notifying the Department of Social Services.”

— Catholic News Herald

Program and Marriage Preparation Coordinator The Diocese of Richmond is seeking a Program and Marriage Preparation Coordinator to work on a collaborative team to assist in managing the nearly 150 programs and events sponsored by the Office for Evangelization, Office of Social Ministries, and Center for Marriage, Family, and Life. These programs and events range from 25 to 3,000 participants of all ages and demographics. In addition, the Coordinator oversees the implementation of the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program (Unveiled). This includes coordinating the logistics pertaining to each class, identification, development and supervision of facilitators, and ongoing maintenance of the marriage preparation program.

This is a full-time (minimum of 35 hours per week) position. Regular night and weekend hours may be required throughout the year, especially for diocesan programs. The position is based out of the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Richmond and requires travel to parishes or other event venues in the diocese.

Qualifications: This position requires the successful candidate to be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong working knowledge of relevant Church documents. Bachelor’s Degree is required. Must possess certification in Event Planning, Coordination or Management, or a willingness to work towards it.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and completed Diocesan Application to Sara Board, HR Coordinator, at jobs@richmonddiocese.org.

A copy of our Diocesan Application can be found here: https://richmonddiocese.org/office/office-of-human-resources/

St. Joseph Center an answer to Immaculate Conception Parish’s growth Parish capital campaign kicks off Sept. 22-23 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

$2.5 million capital campaign Sept. 22-23.

The campaign will also fund renovations to Immaculata School, which was built in 1961 and has never been renovated.

Of the campaign funds, $1.5 million will be used for the center and $1 million is earmarked for the school renovation.

Parishioners Jim Welter and Jay Thorndike are helping to spearhead the capital campaign.

“We’re going to take care of our buildings,” Welter said. “It’s a way to meet the educational needs of our parish family.

It’s taken a while, but we have to wait on the Lord.”

He said he is pleased with the growth of

HENDERSONVILLE — An influx of families has brought more life into Immaculate Conception Parish – so much so that the need for more space has culminated in what some are calling a perfectly timed blessing.

Immaculate Conception Church was founded in 1912 and now is home to more than 1,710 registered households. The parish has 113 parish organizations, more than 440 children in its faith formation program, and 150 students enrolled at Immaculata School. Space to accommodate all these activities has been sorely needed.

To accommodate the growth, the parish recently purchased a 9,500-square-foot building next door. Besides the extra space, the property also came with additional parking spaces.

“We’re keeping up with our 10-year plan,” explained Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor. “It’s been such a blessing. One thing after another has fallen into place.”

The building was renamed the St. Joseph Center, in honor of the patron of the Universal Church, spouse of the Blessed Mother and foster father of PHOTO PROVIDED BY IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH Jesus.

The 9,500-square-foot St. Joseph Center will provide much-needed “The St. Joseph Center looks space for parish faith formation and meetings. over our church (literally). We have a statue of him inside the this former “retirement parish.” doors,” Father Schratz said.

“I am so enthusiastic that the parish The center is a “green building,” which as a family is growing. I have such an means that it is energy efficient. appreciation for working with our parish The St. Joseph Center currently has 18 plan and the committee,” he said. tenants renting office space, so the parish “Father Schratz and the campaign works around their business hours when leadership have put together a strong plan using the additional space in the building. to encourage parishioners to make a pledge Those leases will end late next summer, and at that time the office spaces, which are to the campaign. They aren’t just taking care of buildings. The activities that will flexible spaces, will be altered by Sept. to happen in these buildings, whether it be meet the needs of the growing parish. the center or the school, will change lives,” “We needed more meeting rooms for said Jim Kelley, diocesan development groups, for our teens and for our Good director, who is assisting the parish with Shepherd catechesis program,” Father this campaign.

Martin said.

The capital campaign pledge period will In order to fund the upfit to the St. run for three years.

Joseph Center, the parish will kick off a

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

Mocksville parish deepens devotion to St. Francis of Assisi

ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

MOCKSVILLE — True devotion to St. Francis of Assisi is a powerful thing.

Bearer of the marks of Christ, example of purity, abounding in grace, reformer of the erring, pillar of the Church, defender of thy children, confounder of the heretics, healer of the lepers and raiser of the dead – the litany of St. Francis reads remarkably close to the life of Christ Himself.

Knowing this, Father Eric Kowalski, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, sought to increase awareness of their patron saint with a nine-week novena, including a bilingual Mass and veneration of a first-class relic of the saint. The novena began Aug. 9 and will end Oct. 4.

The parish holds its annual pet blessing and collection for the ASPCA the same day. Pets receiving blessings last year included turtles, birds, cats, dogs, two snakes, a gerbil and a ferret. This year, the celebration continues Oct. 7 with a special procession, Mass and fiesta.

“The parish has a real devotion to St. Francis. It’s not the pop-culture version.

It’s not just we love trees flowers, birds, animals. It’s a real understanding of who he was – someone captured and sold as a slave, a missionary, quite a preacher, bearer of the stigmata – and what it means to have him as a parish patron,” said Father Kowalski. “Their devotion is not a pretentious thing. I’ve sensed a very real love for him and desire to follow him. Having Franciscan Father Andrew Draper here melded it.”

Father Draper acquired the first-class relic – some of the saint’s ashes – during his time as pastor of St. Francis, from 1999 to 2010. The certificate issued with the relic from Rome used the Latin word for ashes: “cinere.” “Apparently he was cremated. When I saw it, I was surprised,” Father Kowalski said. “I thought, ‘Can they do that?’”

Father Draper secured the relic and

the certificate in a silver chest under the tabernacle. To increase visibility and maintain security, Father Kowalski acquired a reliquary to house the saint’s ashes and moved it above the statue of St. Francis inside the church.

“The second parish I was at in New Jersey had a great devotion to St. Jude.

The novena always ended on his feast day.

There were 300 to 400 people a week for it for 20 years. It’s simply nine prayers, one a week,” he explained. “Oct. 4 is our patron’s feast day, and whether you’re Catholic or Protestant you bless the animals, but to say we’re coming together for nine weeks increases knowledge, adds meaning and inspires devotion.”

The relic and St. Francis statue will be placed on a carrier during the procession before a bilingual Mass at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, followed by a parish fiesta.

“To do that in a place like this is very important,” Father Kowalski said.

“It helps build the community and strengthen the faith.”

Want to go?

St. Francis of Assisi Church will offer the following events as part of the parish-wide devotion to St. Francis of Assisi: n Bilingual Novena Mass and Veneration of a Relic of St. Francis of Assisi: 7 p.m. Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 n Pet Blessing: 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 n Procession, Bilingual Mass and Fiesta: 11 a.m. Oct. 7 The church is located at 862 Yadkinville Road in Mocksville. For more information, go online to www.stfrancismocksville.com.

7

St. Matthew Church donates $60k to six local groups to fight opioid crisis SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

Nine-week novena, veneration of relic herald patron saint’s Oct. 4 feast

OUR PARISHESI

CHARLOTTE — The country’s largest Catholic parish has stepped up in a big way to fight the opioid epidemic in the local community. The parish recently gave a total of $60,000 to six local charities which are coming to the assistance of people struggling to put their lives back together in wake of addiction.

Each of the six organizations – Dove’s Nest, The Dilworth Center, Hope Haven Inc., Safer Communities Ministry, The Bridge to Recovery and Adult and Teen Challenge USA – received $10,000 to further their ecumenical ministries.

The funds were donated from the offertory given by more than 10,600 households at St. Matthew Church as part of the parish’s charitable tithing commitment.

Father Pat Hoare, pastor, shared why this cause is so important to the parish.

“In recent years, I have been saddened by the prevalence of accidental death and suicide related to drug addiction, and have also spoke with many individuals who either struggle with addiction or are impacted directly by someone in their families who does,” Father Hoare said.

St. Matthew Parish recently hosted a forum on the opioid crisis in which families in the parish who have lost a child to this epidemic were generous and brave in sharing their stories. A coordinated panel discussion was also part of the event.

“After this event, it became clear to me that we had to do something to help the countless families who feel helpless in facing the problem,” Father Hoare explained. “The organizations we chose were as a result of the recommendations of those who personally knew of the good work these agencies were doing in combating the problem.”

One of the organizations receiving a $10,000 donation, Safer Communities Ministry, is headquartered in Monroe.

This non-profit organization provides rehabilitation programs for inmates, exoffenders, addicts and their families.

They partner with churches, religious organizations, community and government service providers, businesses and civic groups in Union County and the surrounding area.

Safer Communities Ministry offers life skills training and support through volunteers who believe in the power of the Gospel. Their goal is “to build safer

communities by transforming lives so that the broken find healing, takers become givers, and tax liabilities become tax paying, law-abiding citizens.”

The Rev. Daryl Oliver is the executive director of Safer Communities Ministry.

“Because of St. September is National Matthew’s kind Addiction Recovery donation, I was Month. For more able to make a line-item budget, information about the and we call it the support groups offered at St. Matthew Parish in ‘St. Matthew’s Charlotte, go online to Catholic Fund.’ www.stmatthewcatholic.

What we are org/support. able to do now,

Did you know?

is we take the money from the St. Matthew Fund and we can be the hands and feet of Jesus on a case by case basis,” Oliver said.

He shared that there are people in his addiction recovery program from all over the Southeast. He recalled recently that a man was participating in their recovery program who had five children. The ministry was able to provide the children with bookbags, clothes and shoes so they would be ready to start school.

There was another woman who called Oliver and left him a message, he recounted. Her husband had abandoned her and her five children, and she had no way to get groceries.

“I drove to Aldi’s and I called her to ask her what she needed,” he said. “She asked for sugar so the kids could have Kool-Aid. I loaded the buggies up with all I could and then went to Wal-mart and filled one up.

Because of St. Matthew, I was able to go over there with that,” Oliver said. “All five kids helped me unload the groceries. Then we were able to stand in a circle and pray and thank God for everything. That is what the gift St. Matthew gave is doing in our community.”

Another organization that benefited from a $10,000 donation was Dove’s Nest, a part of Charlotte Rescue Mission. The costfree women’s recovery program opened its doors in 1992 with a 12-bed residential home in the heart of historic Dilworth.

There is now a new 120-bed facility on the Charlotte’s west side to provide a structured yet loving and stable living environment, with a dedicated staff aimed at helping women understand and deal DONATION, SEE PAGE 28

“God made us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him.” Know Him, read: GOD REVEALS HIS DECREES – In 1622 God, St. Michael and the Blessed Virgin Mary dictated to Venerable Sr. Mary of Agreda. Recorded/published in 1657 as “Ciudad de Dios.” Published in English in 1914 by Fiscar Marison.

Condensed in good faith from 2,676 pages (8 books) to 190 pages for brevity and reverently paraphrased for easy reading by M. DiMaio. Paperback, $12.

Order from Amazon.com: ISBN-13:978-1723014147 “It greatly enhanced my Rosary meditations.” — Readers

Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price from anywhere in the USA We offer several other trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc…

We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. www.proximotravel.com Hablamos Español anthony@proximotravel.com

508-340-9370 855-842-8001 Call us 24/7

8

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Bereavement ministry aids those left behind DIANA PATULAK ROSS CORRESPONDENT

HUNTERSVILLE — Death and taxes.

Both are inescapable. But as Catholics we know that death is not the end. Earth is just the first part of our journey home to the Father. His Kingdom is our ultimate goal.

But even as practicing Catholics, losing a loved one can be extremely difficult.

That’s where the Bereavement Ministry at St. Mark Church in Huntersville can be a great comfort. The growing ministry launched group sessions to better serve parish families who have suffered a loss.

About 18 members serve in the parish ministry, which is led by Deacon Richard McCarron. “When I was in formation in the diaconate, we were required to get involved in various diocesan ministries and they assigned me to work in bereavement support at a local hospital in their hospice program,� Deacon McCarron said. “I facilitated group sessions and I was astounded to see the healing that took place there and how the participants helped each other after realizing that everybody grieved differently. It was truly an eye-opening experience for me.�

The bereavement team reaches out to the family of the deceased by attending the viewing and offering condolences on behalf of the parish family. On the day of the funeral they attend the Mass, distribute the Mass booklets and generally assist the family with whatever they need.

Nancy McGahey is one of the team members. “I am the registration person,�

McGahey said. “When people call I answer any questions they may have and gather their contact information. Each person I speak with is totally different than the next, with the exception that each one has suffered a loss. I never rush the calls and never try to ‘squeeze’ them in between something else that I’m doing, because I would hate to cut someone off as they are sharing about their loss.

Some folks just get the time and date information of the group sessions, while others want to share every detail and I

feel like that is part of what I can offer – just an ear.�

Even after the funeral, the Bereavement Ministry is there to support the family. “When we moved to St. Mark Parish from New Jersey, we found that they had a wonderful bereavement support group already in place,� said Deacon McCarron. “The one component missing was the group sessions. To rectify this, we had about 12 people trained to become facilitators so that we could start bereavement sessions in our parish.�

The sessions are running for eight consecutive weeks with the last session in November. On All Souls Day a Mass of Remembrance will be offered. At the Mass the names of all those who were buried from St. Mark Church that year are announced and a candle is lit in memory of the deceased.

Deacon McCarron leads all the sessions, which open with a thoughtprovoking idea either through a video, a poem or a story. Then participants can share what is on their mind. No one is forced to speak and what is said during the sessions is kept confidential.

McGahey is also a facilitator at the sessions. “Like so many things in life where that little voice inside whispers in your ear, I had thought about Bereavement Ministry, but it took Deacon Rich to invite me into this ministry,�

McGahey shared. “You should never underestimate that little voice that we often hear. And truly, being part of the Bereavement Ministry has been a gift where I have received much more than I feel I have given.�

After the sessions are over, on the first anniversary of their loved one’s death, a team member sends the family a card from St. Mark Bereavement Ministry so they know they are not forgotten.

Learn more For more information about St. Mark Parish’s Bereavement Ministry, call Nancy McGahey at 704-608-7067 or email Deacon Rich McCarron at deacon.rich@stmarknc.org.

K OF C HOLY SPIRIT COUNCIL # 10389

‘Spreading the love of God all over the world’ many people over the past several months with connections made, fundraising, etc., as Melina prepares to leave for the mission trip. “Through this experience Melina has been bold in expressing her beliefs and relying on God through prayer. Her Catholic faith has been strengthened, and I am confident that, in her words, as she ‘lets go and lets God,’ her relationship with Jesus will grow even deeper,� Lori says.

SUEANN HOWELL Tirrell’s father Ed shares that as Melina’s SENIOR REPORTER dad, his mission has been to protect and nurture her with unconditional love.

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic “Watching Melina grow into a loving, High School graduate Melina Tirrell is confident young woman has been an taking a leap of faith. Instead of heading incredible journey,� he says. “She will soon off to college this fall with her peers, she is embark on an amazing nine-month mission setting off on a worldwide mission called trip to serve others, and I am at peace the World Race. knowing God will be with her every step of Tirrell, a parishioner of St. Matthew the way.�

Church in south Charlotte, left Charlotte In order to participate in The World Race, Sept. 10 to volunteer with The World Race, Tirrell has had to fund raise on her own. a Christian mission that challenges young “Most of my donations have been adults “to abandon worldly possessions made directly and a traditional to my blog,� she lifestyle in exchange explains. She sold for an understanding about 200 T-shirts that it’s not about and conducted you; it’s about the an “adopt-aKingdom.� box� fundraiser She will be where donors serving people in could “adopt� a Costa Rica, South box (numbered Africa, Thailand and 1-100) and that’s Myanmar over the how much they course of her ninedonated. month mission trip. “My financial Tirrell explains goal is $15,800 set that ministry on by the Adventures the World Race in Missions includes anything Organization. I from working currently have in orphanages, raised about mentoring street $12,714,� Tirrell kids, befriending says. those trapped in Starting Sept. human trafficking, 10, she will be in going on door-toCosta Rica the first door outreach, three months of doing manual labor, PHOTO PROVIDED BY MELINA TIRRELL the World Race. teaching English, CCHS 2018 graduate Melina Tirrell (right) is now on a From there, she feeding the hungry, nine-month World Race mission trip. will travel to South clothing the naked, Africa for another and much more. three months, then serve in Thailand for “My sister had given me the idea to two months, then in Myanmar for the final take a gap year,� Tirrell explains. “When month. she brought it up, my very first thought “A few weeks ago I went to our 10-day was, ‘No, I have to go straight to college training camp. Just in those 10 days I felt like everyone else.’ But I quickly realized, an incredible impact on my Catholic faith,� ‘Yeah, I have to go to college, but why do I Tirrell notes. have to go right after high school?’� “I’ve already seen God move in amazing She started researching gap year ways through my team in prayer and programs and things all kind of fell into petition just from those 10 days. I’m so place from there, she says.

Tirrell shares that she has a family friend excited to see what God has in store for me in these next nine months as I grow with who completed the race a few years ago, Him on this journey I am about to embark and when she was looking for programs on! she remembered her. “The reason I chose the World Race “The funny thing was, when I brought is because it gives me the opportunity the idea to my mom about doing the World to follow my passion of serving others Race Gap Year, she told me that she had while spreading the love of God all over recently heard about it over social media the world! Who wouldn’t choose that over and thought it would be awesome.� going straight to college?�

Mom Lori Tirrell says she is excited for Melina to embark on this journey. “While I have a range of emotion as she prepares to leave, travel and serve for nine months, I remain focused on doing my best to trust that she is following God’s plan. As Want to help Tirrell meet her goal or follow I look back, I take comfort in seeing how her along on her journey? Go online to her blog God has been preparing Melina her whole at www.melinatirrell.theworldrace.org. More life to serve.� information about the World Race is at www.

Lori shares that it has also been amazing worldrace.org. to see how God has revealed Himself to

CCHS graduate goes on worldwide ninemonth mission

Help Tirrell in her mission

their family in so many ways, through so

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pastor appointment CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the appointment of Vincentian Father William M. Allegretto as pastor of St. Mary Church in Greensboro, replacing Father Charles Strollo, effective Sept. 10.

Respect Life prayer vigil coming up Oct. 6 CHARLOTTE — The St. Patrick Cathedral Respect Life Ministry and the Catholic ProLife Action Network (C-PLAN) of Charlotte are teaming up to offer a special prayer vigil Saturday, Oct. 6, to inaugurate Respect Life Month.

The prayer vigil will be led by Fr. Christopher Bond, parochial vicar at the cathedral, at the conclusion of the Vigil of the Two Hearts at St. Patrick Cathedral. The Vigil of the Two Hearts, which links the Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Saturday devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, offers an opportunity to pray for the strengthening of families, offer reparation for the sins of our nation, and pray for its conversion. When the Vigil of the Two Hearts concludes with Mass at 8 a.m. Saturday, join the prayer vigil outside

Preferred Women’s Health Center at 3220 Latrobe Dr. – Charlotte’s busiest abortion mill.

Come out to pray for the unborn, the weakest and most vulnerable among us, and for the conversion of the women who turn to abortion instead of choosing life. May we show by our words and actions that every human life is cherished and chosen by God. Any questions: e-mail respectlife@stpatricks.org or call Tina at 704-301-2531.

Lebanese fest set for Sept. 22 CHARLOTTE — St. Stephen Maronite Catholic Church will host its Fifth Annual Festival of Lebanon from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

22, at St. Matthew Catholic Church (8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.). Admission and parking are free. For details, go online to www. ststephenmaronite.org.

Tryon parishioners take part in Marian procession

THE ORATORY

TRYON — Parishioners at St. John the Baptist Church took part in a Marian procession Aug. 13 in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. Father Jason Christian, pastor, led the procession after reading from the events surrounding the August Marian apparition and leading recitation of the rosary.

OUR PARISHESI

Columbiettes unite to help mothers and children CLEMMONS — Each year the N.C. State Council Columbiettes sponsor “The Mother’s Coin Jar” Program in which Columbiettes from around the state put in their spare change at their monthly meetings. As reported at their 19th annual convention, the total collected from participating auxiliaries was $3,245.28.

Checks were issued to the Raleigh and Charlotte dioceses in the amount of $1,622.64 each, along with a letter stating the Columbiettes wished the donations to be used to help mothers and their children who are in need of assistance in the two North Carolina dioceses.

The 19th Annual Convention was held in Clemmons April 13-14. Columbiettes and Knights from across North Carolina came together for hospitality on Friday and the business meeting on Saturday, including a luncheon banquet.

New officers are: State President Ginny Grant from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Past President Sara Archer from St. Matthew, Charlotte; Vice President Maggie Herbstritt from Bishop Greco, Clemmons; Secretary Teresa Laraia from Father Waters, Wilmington; Financial Secretary Jo Katherine Dessaw from St. Michael, Ft. Bragg; Treasurer Kathy Thomas from Bishop Greco, Clemmons; Advocate Patricia Dmuchowski from Holy Cross, Kernersville; and Sentinel Marsha Hast from St. Raphael, Raleigh.

Fish fry held in Brevard BREVARD — The Faithful Youth of Sacred Heart (FYSH) recently organized a fish fry dinner at the parish. Funds raised by the sale of the dinners helped support the group’s activities.

— Dorice Narins, correspondent

— Maggie Herbstritt

— Joel Raines

Center for Spirituality

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

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.net

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Praying in the Thin Places The Wisdom of the Celtic Saints Friday, October 19, 2018 7:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday, October 20, 2018 9:00am – 4:00pm

Carl McColman

Discover the prayer, poetry, folklore and mysticism of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh saints of old – and how their down-to-earth, lyrical and hope filled wisdom still speaks to us today. Celtic spirituality is filled with legends and lore of holy saints, miraculous wonder and an appreciation of nature as the place where “God is not elsewhere”.

Discover how this ancient spirituality can bring a deeper sense of God’s love and presence in to every moment and corner of your life. During our time together we’ll reflect on holy wells and thin places, pray with St. Brigid, journey with St. Brendan the Navigator to the end of the world, and explore distinctively Celtic ways of meeting God in nature.

Carl McColman is a Catholic layperson and a Lay Cistercian, an associate of the Trappist Monastery in Conyers, GA. He is the author of several books on spirituality and is a popular presenter at The Oratory and around the region. $10 – Friday evening only $40 – Saturday only (lunch included) $ 45 – Both sessions for commuters (lunch included) $80 – Both sessions + overnight accommodations (meals included)

9

Save the Date 16th Annual

Vineyard of Hope February 28, 2019 Pre-event Reception 5:30 p.m.

Blessing of the Meal 6:45 p.m.

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

10

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 FROM THE COVER

‘We beg God to have mercy on His holy Church.’

Bishop Peter Jugis

Catholics pray for reparation, find renewal in the Eucharist (Top and right) Bishop Peter Jugis, flanked by transitional deacons Alfonso Gamez and Britt Taylor, leads clergy and people of the Diocese of Charlotte in praying the rosary during a Holy Hour of Reparation at the start of Saturday’s Eucharistic Congress events.

ALL PHOTOS BY DELLA SUE BRYSON, JOHN COSMAS, SUEANN HOWELL, SERGIO LOPEZ, GIULIANA RILEY, DOREEN SUGIERSKI AND BILL WASHINGTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

11

14th Eucharistic Congress draws thousands to Charlotte Convention Center PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — The 14th Eucharistic Congress was the Diocese of Charlotte’s “beautiful Catholic answer” to the tumult in the Church in recent weeks.

Thousands of Catholics from across western North Carolina flooded into the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 7-8 for the annual gathering which celebrates our faith in the Eucharist as the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Unlike previous years, this congress was one of reparation and prayer for healing, Bishop Peter Jugis emphasized, in response to recent revelations of child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and abuse of power by some Church leaders.

In what was an unprecedented move at the congress, the bishop led the thousands of faithful in a Holy Hour of Reparation, praying the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary while kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, praying for “God to have mercy on His holy Church.”

REPARATION

Three times during the Eucharistic Congress Bishop Jugis addressed the abuse crisis that has provoked an outcry among Catholics in the U.S. since allegations arose of sexual misconduct by Church leaders, including a retired archbishop of Washington, D.C., and the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing decades of child sexual abuse by hundreds of priests.

“Throughout the congress,” the bishop said in opening remarks Friday night, “we want to offer prayers of reparation, because as we all know from the horrible revelations from last month, that the horrible sins of abuse and misconduct and the sins of abuse of power and position have reared their ugly heads in the Church, and for this we are saddened and outraged.”

He expanded on that message in his homily at the closing Mass of the congress Sept. 8. The congress, he said, was a time for the people of the diocese to come together “with one united voice” to pray for healing in the Church, even as Catholics have reacted with “shame, anger, disappointment, disgust and feelings of betrayal” to the allegations of abuse and cover-up.

“I share your sorrow and I am truly sorry for these crimes that have been perpetrated against the innocent,” he said.

“We come with the intention of offering prayers of reparation for the horrible sins of abuse and misconduct and the sins of the abuse of power and authority that have been committed within our beloved Church,” he said.

“This abuse imprints lifelong scars on its victims,” he said. “In addition, the entire Church has been very seriously wounded.”

“We need to pray for healing in the Church,” he said – for abuse victims, for the perpetrators and for the entire Church.

Bishop Jugis also reiterated his support for calls by the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, for an investigation into the allegations against retired Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, “an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops,” and “better procedures” to resolve complains made against bishops.

“To begin to repair and restore trust,” Bishop Jugis said, “I agree completely with the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that there must be a Vatican visitation and investigation, and the appointment of an independent, national, lay commission with the authority to follow all leads wherever the truth may lead.”

The U.S. bishops are expected to take up the cardinal’s

proposals during their next meeting in November.

Meanwhile, Catholics must work to pursue “radical holiness in our own lives,” Bishop Jugis said.

“In this Eucharistic Congress, the whole family of the Diocese of Charlotte – clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful... – have come together, and with one united voice beseech the Most Holy Trinity to have mercy on the Church and grant the grace of cleansing and purification and renewal,” he said.

REVERENCE

The most dramatic moment of the congress came Saturday morning, when the bishop concluded a Holy Hour of Reparation by leading the faithful in praying the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary.

Thousands of people knelt on the concrete floor of the convention center and joined him in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

The rosary of reparation was “offered for sins against purity,” he explained.

“We offer the holy rosary of reparation Bishop Peter Jugis carries Our Lord through the streets of Charlotte during the Eucharistic for sins committed against chastity. We Procession Sept. 8. offer the holy rosary of reparation for sins committed against chaste Christian living.

More online We offer the holy rosary of reparation for sins of abuse of power and authority in the At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Church. We beg God to have mercy on His n Bishop Peter Jugis’ full homily from the closing Mass of the 2018 Eucharistic holy Church.”

Congress, in English and Spanish “Let us ask Him to cleanse and purify n Meditations on the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary that Bishop Jugis wrote in the Church from this open wound,” he continued, “and to bring healing to victims, response to the recent turmoil in the Church and ask Him to help us all to dedicate n More photos and video highlights from the 14th annual Congress, including the ourselves to the pursuit of holiness.”

Eucharistic Procession, Holy Hour, and Friday night welcome from Bishop Jugis Before each decade, the bishop voiced meditations he had written for the occasion, excerpted here: The mile-long Eucharistic Procession through the streets The First Sorrowful Mystery, The Agony in the Garden: of Charlotte “was our beautiful Catholic answer to the evil “After the Passover supper with His Apostles, Jesus Judases in the church!” wrote Stacy Peterson. went out to Gethsemane and He became very sad and The English live broadcast was played more than 20,000 sorrowful. He said to Peter and James and John, ‘My soul times, and the Spanish live broadcast was played more than is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death. Wait here and 7,500 times. People from as far away as Peru, the Philippines, watch with Me.’ In that moment, the sins of the whole India, the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria watched. world from all time pressed upon Him, including sins that “Beautiful amen x from Ireland,” wrote Charlotte Mary would be committed by the members of His Church.

Prenter.

The Second Sorrowful Mystery, The Scourging at the “I pray for more of this,” wrote Julia Spagnuolo from Pillar: “He was stripped of His garments, tied to a pillar, and Ontario, Canada.

His flesh lacerated from head to foot with cruel scourges until “We need more of this,” agreed Patty Harrington from His body could bear no more. The Body of Jesus, the Church, Binghamton, N.Y. has again been scourged by the sins of some of its members.”

“This is so good,” said Passy Agenonga from Kampala, The Third Sorrowful Mystery, The Crowning with Uganda.

Thorns: “The soldiers fashioned a crown of thorns and Those who took part in the rosary of reparation on fastened it on His head, driving the thorns deeply into His Saturday after the procession expressed similar feelings. head. They mocked His kingship, kneeling before Him “As one of those thousands, it was beautiful and moving. crying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Jesus, our true King, I’m grateful to have participated,” MaryPaul Forsyth said. does not reign through violence, but through a love which “It was a beautiful heartbreaking moment – I am so glad suffers for us and with us. Jesus, You are now suffering it was a part of the Congress this year!” said Andrea Baum with us, Your Body the Church, because of the sins of Walsh. abuse, misconduct and abuse of power and position.”

“So very grateful to our Bishop for addressing the situation The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery, Jesus Carries the Cross: with love and compassion,” said Debbie Shaw Flick.

“The weight of all of our sins presses upon Him. Jesus, The entire congress offered a moment of renewal in the Your Body the Church experiences the sufferings, the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, people also said. insults, the indignities of the way of the cross. Only Your Newly ordained Deacon Steffen Fohn of Holy Family grace and power can lift us up when we have fallen – once, Church in Clemmons said he found the congress enriching. twice, three times and many times. O suffering Savior, by “It’s beautiful just to spend a day with fellow Catholics Your passion cleanse and purify Your Church.” and focus on a day centered on the Eucharist – the source The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery, The Crucifixion of Our Lord: and summit of our faith,” Deacon Fohn said.

“Through Your passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection, Jeannie Wray, a member of St. Anne Church in Rock Hill, Jesus, You have brought us the gift of forgiveness of sins.

S.C., said she enjoyed seeing “people who have joy in the Lord, Cleanse and purify the Church You love of the sins of abuse people who celebrate our faith, people who believe that the and misconduct which have seriously wounded the Church.

Church is a wonderful thing. It gives me the gift of renewal.”

Bring healing and love to victims. Help us all to rededicate “Seeing people coming to adore our Lord Jesus Christ in ourselves to the pursuit of true holiness.” the Blessed Sacrament and also the love for the Church, even with all the problems going on, we can see that people love the Church,” said Father Ambrose Akinwande, a REACTION Missionaries of St. Paul priest who serves at Our Lady of Responses were enthusiastic – not just from people the Rosary Church in Lexington. “What brings us together attending the congress but from Catholics around the is the Eucharist. Each one of us – we are connected world who tuned in to the live broadcast of the Eucharistic powerfully to the Eucharist.”

Procession Saturday morning on Facebook.

12

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 FROM THE COVER

CCDOC.ORG

(Above) Parish banners are processed into Hall A during the closing Mass of the 14th annual Eucharistic Congress Sept. 8.

(Right) Deacon Brian McNulty carries the Book of the Gospels in the processional.

Upcoming Days of Reflection Join Catholic Charities for an opportunity to gather with other seniors from around the diocese to deepen and share one’s faith. Days of Reflection provide the chance to experience the inspiring power of God’s love and be nourished by His word as one continues a life-long journey of faith.

• Wednesday, October 17th Catholic Conference Center 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory, NC 28602 Presenter: Fr. Patrick Cahill Topic: “How can silence and imagination improve your prayer life?”

Check-In: 9:45 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Program: 10:20 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $18 per person includes light morning refreshment & lunch – Make checks payable to Catholic Charities Deadline for Registration: Monday, October 8th • Wednesday, October 24th St. William Catholic Church 765 Andrews Road, Murphy, NC 28906 Presenter: Fr. Brian Cook Topic: “Mercy, Mercy, Me?” Check-In: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Program: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Program and Lunch are FREE but registration required Morning Refreshments and Lunch are being provided by St. William’s Ladies Guild Deadline for Registration: Monday, October 15th To Register or for additional information: Contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org (Above, clockwise) Bishop Peter Jugis distributes Communion at the closing Mass. Altar servers pray at Mass.

Members of the Akerblom family receive a blessing after presenting the offertory gifts to Bishop Jugis.

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

(Above, clockwise) The Blessed Sacrament is processed through The Green to St. Peter Church Sept. 7. College students pray during the College Night program Sept. 7. Adorers pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel during the Eucharistic Congress. A father teaches his daughter about the history of the Eucharist.

FROM THE COVERI

(Above) Children pray with a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia during the Children’s track at the congress Sept. 8. Father Joseph Matlak, pastor of St. Basil the Great Mission (Byzantine Rite) of Charlotte, chants the Byzantine Rite Great Vespers Sept. 7.

(Left) Shoppers had plenty of time during the Congress to look for devotional items, books, music, clothing and more.

(Above) Father Matthew Bean, along with the priests of the diocese, spent time in Adoration in St. Peter Church in Charlotte before the Eucharistic Procession Sept. 8.

13

14

iiiSeptember 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

(Right) First Communicants are invited each year to take part in the Eucharistic Procession before the Blessed Sacrament.

They are given rose petals to cast into the street. (Below) An army of altar servers from around the Diocese of Charlotte assisted in the processions at the congress.

(Above, clockwise) Participants in the Eucharistic Procession sing songs as they move along the procession route. Transitional Deacon Britt Taylor had the opportunity to carry the Blessed Sacrament during part of the Eucharistic Procession Sept. 8.

(Above) Children are a major part of the Eucharistic Procession. (Left) Thousands of people processed through the streets of Charlotte during the Eucharistic Procession Sept. 8. First Communicants gently distribute their rose petals onto the street during the procession.

HE COVER

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

15

(Above) Religious sisters from three different orders pray the rosary during the Eucharistic Procession.

(Left) Young adults involved in Catholic Campus Ministry process with their banner.

(Above) Members of the Knights of Columbus process through Charlotte during the Eucharistic Procession. (Right) The St. Mary’s Myro-Salabar Catholic community processes with its banner.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 16

FOTOS POR SERGIO LOPEZ, SUEANN HOWELL, BILL WASHINGTON, DOREEN SUGIERSKI, GIULIANA RILEY, DELLA SUE BRYSON AND JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Miles de católicos hispanos del oeste de Carolina del Norte respondieron al llamado del 14 Congreso Eucarístico de la Diócesis de Charlotte y participaron fervientemente en todas las actividades programadas.

Durante la Misa de cierre, el Obispo Jugis encaró la crisis actual de la Iglesia y dirigió su homilía con mensajes en inglés y español.

Como Iglesia se vivió el Congreso Eucarístico CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Demostrando una creciente participación en la comunidad católica de la Diócesis de Charlotte, miles de hispanos provenientes del occidente de Carolina del Norte participaron con fe y alegría en el 14 Congreso Eucarístico celebrado el pasado viernes 7 y sábado 8 de septiembre.

El sábado, desde muy temprano, un gran número de autobuses provenientes de los vicariatos de Smoky Mountains, Winston Salem, Asheville, Hickory y otros arribaron al Centro de Convenciones movilizando a una verdadera marea humana ansiosa de demostrar su fe y confianza en la Iglesia.

Convocados bajo el lema de este año, ‘Yo soy el Pan Vivo Bajado del Cielo’, nuestros hermanos rezaron, cantaron, desfilaron, asistieron a las conferencias de los oradores invitados y participaron en La Hora Santa y la Liturgia del cierre de actividades.

En comunión con el Obispo Jugis, sacerdotes, religiosos, laicos consagrados y seminaristas, la feligresía demostró su alegría, muy en especial durante la Procesión Eucarística que recorrió las calles del centro de Charlotte.

El Santísimo Sacramento fue portado por el Obispo Jugis y dos diáconos transicionales, entre ellos el Diácono Alfonso Gámez, de orígen mexicano.

El Diácono Gámez dijo estar impresionado al “ver la fe de la gente, la reverencia que tiene hacia el Santísimo Sacramento”. Luego, con humildad expresó haberse sentido “como el burro que llevó a Jesús en Jerusalén”, y también honrado por “llevar a Jesús entre su pueblo”.

Recordando que el Evangelio relata sobre la mucha gente quería ver y tocar a Jesús para sanarse, señaló que “aquí

también había gente buscando su sanación y, al estar ahí, tan cerca con Jesús, sosteniéndolo, estaba rezando pidiéndole que sanara a esa gente que desea ese encuentro más profundo con el Señor”.

Al término de la procesión, los fieles participaron de la Hora Santa, una jornada en la que se ofreció el rezo de los Misterios Dolorosos del Rosario en reparación por las víctimas del abuso perpetrado por miembros de la Iglesia.

Luego se dio paso a las conferencias de los oradores invitados, Presbítero Luis Eduardo Jaimes Toro, Padre Ángel Espinoza de los Monteros y Licenciado Marcial Padilla, quienes cautivaron a la audiencia, no solo por su mensaje sino también por su sencillez en el vestir y el trato familiar con el auditorio.

“Es la primera vez que vengo, me estoy llevando algo muy agradable”, dijo Luis Herrera, feligrés de San Aloysius, en Hickory, Carolina del Norte. “Estoy enamorado de Dios, y lo más bonito es que lo estoy viviendo en familia, acompañado de mi esposa y mis hijas”, resaltó.

José Luis y Patricia, una pareja proveniente de Marion, NC, dijeron estar gozando el congreso. José Luis señaló que “no solo por lo gracioso que dice el Padre (Ángel de los Monteros) sino por las enseñanzas que nos está dando”, mientras que su pareja, con un niño en brazos, dijo estar tomando nota de todo “para luego aplicarlo en casa”. La joven pareja confesó estar próxima a casarse por la Iglesia y, “siguiendo lo que dijo el Padre, hoy estamos dispuestos a perdonarnos todo, porque en el matrimonio hay que saber perdonar”.

Para el Padre Camilo Cárdenas, pastor de la Misión Santísima Trinidad en Taylorsville, Carolina del Norte, el participar cada año en el Congreso Eucarístico es muy importante. “Muchas personas tienen dudas, hay

confusión y aquí encuentran enseñanza. Además, muchas veces las personas se encierran en lo que es su trabajo, la casa, los quehaceres y no ve otro tipo de vida. Yo veo acá la alegría de muchas personas que se encuentran con conocidos y comparten como una sola familia, la familia grande de la diócesis”.

Durante la homilía de la Misa de cierre, el Obispo Jugis relató su reacción inmediata a las noticias de los escándalos cuando visitaba la Parroquia Inmaculado Corazón de María en High Point, para instalar a su nuevo pastor, el padre Peter Leonard, de la orden de los Oblatos de San Francisco de Sales, el pasado 18 de agosto, solo cuatro días después que fuera dado a conocer el informe de la Corte Suprema de Pennsylvania.

Las “revelaciones escandalosas” sobre el abuso sexual, mala conducta y abuso de poder por parte de los líderes de la Iglesia, dijo, lo hicieron retroceder.

“Mi corazón está muy dolido y disgustado”, aseguró.

“Todos estamos completamente justificados en nuestras reacciones de vergüenza, enojo, desilusión, disgusto y sentimientos de traición.

“Comparto vuestro dolor y realmente lo siento por estos crímenes que se han perpetrado contra inocentes”.

“Este abuso marca cicatrices de por vida en las víctimas”, remarcó, y añadió que, además, “toda la Iglesia ha sido gravemente herida” y “necesitamos orar por las víctimas de los abusos, por los perpetradores y por toda la Iglesia”.

Más en línea En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea más fotos y videos del Congreso Eucarístico, incluida la homilía del Obispo Jugis en la misa de vigilia

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

17

Rezando el Rosario, cantando o dando vivas a Jesucristo, la Virgen María y la Iglesia Católica, las diferentes delegaciones de fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte mostraron su devoción al Dios Vivo que recorrió las calles del centro.

El sábado por la mañana, miles se arrodillaron acompañando al Obispo Peter en el rezo de los Misterios Dolorosos del Rosario.

“Estamos tristes, indignados y disgustados por estos pecados”, dijo el Obispo Jugis antes de comenzar el Rosario durante la Hora Santa.

18

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Partió la Antorcha Guadalupana CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Portando un mensaje de amor, amistad y unidad familiar que trasciende fronteras, el domingo 9 de septiembre partió ‘La Antorcha Guadalupana’, una carrera de postas que inició en la ciudad de México y debe concluir el 12 de diciembre en Nueva York.

La Asociación Tepeyac, que organiza el evento desde fines del siglo XX, informó que aproximadamente 8 mil corredores participarán en la carrera internacional portando La Antorcha, atravesando nueve estados mexicanos y catorce en la Unión Americana.

Los nueve estados mexicanos que recorre la Antorcha Guadalupana son México, Morelos, Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Veracruz y Tamaulipas. En Estados Unidos pasa por Luisiana, Misisipi, Alabama, Georgia, Carolina del Sur, Carolina del Norte, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pensilvania, Nueva Jersey y Nueva York.

“Carolina del Norte es un estado muy privilegiado”, dijo Alejandro Altamirano, colaborador de la Antorcha en su recorrido por nuestro estado, y afirmó que, al igual que el estado de Texas, “la Antorcha y las imágenes de San Juan Diego y la Morenita del Tepeyac permanecerán por varios días en nuestro territorio”, bendiciendo a los fieles que la acompañen.

Si todo marcha según lo previsto, la Antorcha arribará a la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes el sábado 10 de noviembre, para luego el domingo 11 dirigirse a la parroquia San James the Greater en Concord. Posteriormente, el lunes 12 partirá hacia la parroquia San José en Newton y el martes 13 visitará San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville.

El miércoles 14, después de llegar a la parroquia Santa María en Greensboro, realizará un recorrido por otras parroquias del área y pernoctará en

Greenboro, para el jueves 15 dirigirse a Thomasville.

Finalmente, el viernes 16, tras retornar a Greensboro, abandonará el territorio de la Diócesis de Charlotte e ingresará al área de Raleigh, siendo su próximo destino la ciudad de Durham.

En una entrevista realizada por ACIPRENSA, Diego Abel Reyes, coordinador de logística de la carrera, explicó que anteriormente la antorcha y las imágenes eran recibidas por el Arzobispo de Nueva York en la Catedral San Patricio, donde se celebraba una Misa.

Sin embargo, debido a la gran cantidad de fieles que asisten, ahora se reciben en Central Park y de ahí son llevados a la sede de la ONU, donde se imparte la bendición.

“Algo muy hermoso es que en la sede de la ONU muchas comunidades cercanas encienden sus antorchas y regresan corriendo a sus localidades para celebrar a la Virgen de Guadalupe en su día”, dijo Reyes.

“No tengo familia migrante en Estados

Unidos, pero quiero hacer algo para que, quienes sí la tienen, puedan estar comunicados con ellos espiritualmente.

A nuestro paso por las comunidades hay mujeres que nos abrazan porque ven en nosotros a su esposo o a sus hijos, a quienes no han visto en muchos años”, concluyó Reyes.

En un comunicado público, el Sistema Informativo de la Arquidiócesis de México (SIAME), señaló que a través de esta carrera se quiere llevar consuelo “a quienes tienen algún familiar migrante y hacer un llamado a los connacionales a recordar a sus familias y sus raíces”.

Las personas que deseen anotarse como corredores pueden contactar a los representantes del ministerio hispano de sus respectivas parroquias o llamar a Alejandro Altamirano al 704-965-1290. El costo del registro, que incluye la entrega de una sudadera oficial del evento, es variable de acuerdo a cada parroquia.

El monto intenta cubrir los gastos de logística de la carrera.

Nos representarán con voces de esperanza y compromiso CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Son doce los delegados de la Diócesis de Charlotte que se aprestan a participar el próximo 20 al 23 de septiembre en el V Encuentro Nacional del Ministerio Hispano de la Iglesia Católica de los Estados Unidos en Grapevine, Texas.

Estos discípulos misioneros, testigos del amor de Dios, han recibido el encargo de diferentes parroquias y vicarías del oeste Carolina del Norte de ser portadores de las voces de miles de hispanos católicos, practicantes y no practicantes, sobre sus necesidades espirituales y materiales.

En la diócesis, de las 64 parroquias existentes que sirven a la comunidad hispana, 42 – contando grupos organizados – enviaron reportes finales de las conclusiones y sugerencias alcanzadas durante los encuentros de escucha.

Para Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Charlotte, las conclusiones diocesanas y de toda la región son muy similares.

“En ambas el desarrollo de la Pastoral Juvenil es un tema de mucha importancia”, señaló. Según Bernal, en la diócesis no existe un ministerio

organizado para jóvenes y todo se deja en manos de la iniciativa de cada parroquia, “pese a que el 58 por ciento de nuestros católicos menores de 18 años son hispanos, no los atendemos como se debe y nos limitamos, en la mayoría de los casos, a ofrecerles catequesis”.

“Es verdad que casi todos ellos hablan inglés”, añadió, “pero la idea de algunos pastores de que estos niños deben ir al grupo en inglés no es necesariamente correcta”, dijo, “pues existen muchas diferencias culturales y no se sienten cómodos”.

Otras prioridades diocesanas que llevarán al V Encuentro son la necesidad de incrementar la formación y programas de acompañamiento espiritual, promoción vocacional y de ministros bilingües, formación y capacitación de líderes, desarrollo de la Pastoral Familiar, búsqueda de mayor apoyo de los líderes de la diócesis y expansión de la misión de evangelización.

Pero no todo lo que se presentará son puntos a superar. Los encuentros han sido valiosos en la elaboración de sugerencias y determinación de estrategias de probado éxito que se desea compartir con otros grupos.

Al escuchar las voces, señala un

documento de resumen tras el encuentro diocesano, se destacan deseos de superación personales y familiares en la fe católica, el talento y laboriosidad de nuestra comunidad, la intención de algunas parroquias por alcanzar a la población latina, la creación de comunidades de base, el trabajo misionero y de programas de asistencia. Sin embargo, también se identifica la falta de atención a la periferia y a los católicos que, por diversas razones, no se congregan los domingos.

Como señaló la hermana Joan Pearson, delegada por la Vicaría de Salisbury, “ahora nos toca prepararnos para ser verdaderos delegados de nuestra diócesis y región”.

A nivel nacional, el proceso del V Encuentro ha involucrado a más de 250 mil discípulos misioneros en organización, recolección y procesamiento de información. En la cita se espera la participación de más de 2.500 delegados laicos, 250 obispos, representantes de la Santa Sede y observadores del Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM), la Conferencia del Episcopado de México (CEM) y la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos Canadienses (CCCB).

Sacerdote de Greensboro retirado del ministerio CHARLOTTE — El padre vicentino Abel Osorio, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia Santa María en Greensboro, ha sido suspendido del ministerio y se ha iniciado una investigación por su orden, después que se reportó una acusación de contacto físico inapropiado con un menor.

Según una declaración conjunta de la Congregación de la Osorio Misión de la Provincia Oriental de Estados Unidos y la Diócesis de Charlotte, “esta semana se informó al pastor que, hace aproximadamente un año, el padre Abel Osorio tuvo contacto inapropiado con una niña de 14 años, a la que masajeó sus hombros durante un evento público celebrado en la parroquia”.

“Estamos tomando esta acusación muy en serio. El padre Abel ha sido suspendido del ministerio religioso y está prohibido de realizar sus deberes sacerdotales mientras se investiga esta acusación”, dijo el padre vicentino Steve Grozio, provincial de la Provincia Oriental de la Orden, con sede en Filadelfia y que supervisa a los sacerdotes vicentinos que sirven en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Según David Hains, portavoz de la diócesis de Charlotte, se alega que el incidente ocurrió en la iglesia de Greensboro. Hains dijo que los funcionarios diocesanos conocieron la acusación el 7 de septiembre y “actuaron de inmediato”.

Entre sus otros ministerios, la provincia Oriental cuenta con parroquias en Filadelfia, Nueva York, Maryland y Alabama.

Además de la Iglesia Santa María, la orden trabaja en la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte.

El padre Osorio, nacido en México, fue ministro de los católicos hispanos en la parroquia de Greensboro.

La parroquia recientemente dio la bienvenida a un nuevo pastor, el padre vicentino William M. Allegretto, quien reemplazará al padre vicentino CharlesStrollo a partir del 10 de septiembre.

Según Hains, el liderazgo y el personal de la parroquia han sido notificados y los feligreses serán informados en las Misas de este fin de semana.

“Los Padres Vicentinos y la Diócesis de Charlotte condenan todas las formas de conducta sexual inapropiada y abuso sexual, especialmente con respecto a un niño”, afirma la declaración del provincial vicentino y la Diócesis de Charlotte.

“Nos comprometemos a proporcionar un entorno seguro en nuestros ministerios y tomaremos medidas enérgicas cuando se viole ese compromiso. Se insta a cualquier persona que sospeche o tenga conocimiento de un incidente de posible mala conducta sexual por parte de cualquier miembro del personal de iglesia en la Diócesis de Charlotte a que informe inmediatamente el incidente comunicándolo al párroco o llamando a la Cancillería al 704-370-6299, o notificándolo al Departamento de Servicios Sociales”.

— Catholic News Herald

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Virgen de las Mercedes, patrona de los reclusos ACIPRENSA — Cada 24 de septiembre se celebra a la Virgen de la Merced que significa “misericordia”, advocación que se remonta al siglo XIII cuando la Virgen se le apareció a San Pedro Nolasco y lo animó a seguir liberando a los cristianos esclavos.

En esa época los moros saqueaban las costas y se llevaban a los cristianos como esclavos a África. En esa horrenda condición, muchos perdían la fe al pensar que Dios los había abandonado.

Pedro Nolasco, al ver esta situación, vendió hasta su propio patrimonio para liberar a los cautivos.

De igual modo, formó un grupo para organizar expediciones y negociar redenciones.

Cuando se les acabó el dinero, entonces pidieron limosnas. Sin embargo, las ayudas también se terminaron.

Es aquí que Nolasco pide a Dios que le ayude. En respuesta, la Virgen se le aparece y le solicita que funde una congregación para redimir cautivos.

Nolasco le preguntó: “¡Oh Virgen María, madre de gracia, madre de misericordia! ¿Quién podrá creer que tú me mandas?”

Y María respondió diciendo: “No dudes en nada, porque es voluntad de Dios que se funde una orden de ese tipo en honor mío; será una orden cuyos hermanos y profesos, a imitación de mi hijo Jesucristo, estarán puestos para ruina y redención de muchos en Israel es decir, entre los cristianos y serán signo de contradicción para muchos”.

Ante este deseo, se funda la orden de los Mercedarios el 10 de agosto de 1218 en Barcelona, España, y San Pedro Nolasco fue nombrado por el Papa Gregorio IX como Superior General.

Los integrantes, aparte de los votos de pobreza, castidad y obediencia, hacían un cuarto voto en el que se comprometían a dedicar su vida a liberar esclavos y que se quedarían en lugar de un cautivo que estuviese en peligro de perder la fe, cuando el dinero no alcanzara para lograr su liberación.

Más adelante, en el año 1696, el Papa Inocencio XII fijó el 24 de septiembre como la Fiesta de la Virgen de la Merced en toda la Iglesia.

Cuando los frailes mercedarios llegaron a América, llevaron también la devoción a la Virgen de la Merced, la que se propagó en República Dominicana, Perú, Ecuador, Argentina y muchos otros países, donde es conocida y amada.

Oración a la Virgen de las Mercedes ¡Oh! Virgen Santísima de las Mercedes, Redentora de Cautivos y Reina de los cielos y tierra: Ante tu altar postrados, aquí estamos para solicitar tus auxilios y pedir tu bendición de Madre. No nos abandones. Ruega al Señor por nosotros y sigue ejercitando tu oficio de Patrona y abogada nuestra. Todo lo esperamos de Jesucristo en quien confiamos y de tu benigna y amorosa protección, que en tantas ocasiones nos ha librado del mal. Atiende a nuestra súplica y remedia la necesidad que te presentamos. Amén.

Tiempo de celebrar CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Por una razón u otra, los meses de septiembre y octubre son de celebración. Cada año, del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, se celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Estados Unidos, tiempo que coincide con las fiestas de la temporada de otoño y de la cosecha previa al invierno.

En lo que se refiere a la celebración hispana, esta dio inicio en 1968, cuando el presidente Lyndon B. Johnson proclamó una semana de septiembre como La Semana Hispana. En 1988, la semana se extendió a un mes, en reconocimiento al aporte cultural y económico de los hispanos a la Unión Americana.

La razón para haber seleccionado el 15 de septiembre como inicio de la festividad es que en esa fecha cinco países latinoamericanos: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua celebran su independencia.

Además, México celebra ‘El Grito de independencia’ el 16 de septiembre y Chile su independencia dos días después. ¿Otra razón más?, en muchos países se celebra en octubre el Día de la Raza, llamado Columbus Day en Estados Unidos.

Es por ello que diversas instituciones, empresas e iglesias católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte aprovechan para celebrar, de una parte la herencia cultural hispana y de la otra el cambio de estación y bendición de la cosecha.

La Iglesia vietnamita San José de Charlotte prepara su festival de otoño que tendrá lugar del viernes 21 al domingo 23 de septiembre. Una gran celebración, con estilo oriental, que incluye deliciosa comida típica, juegos, música y velada nocturna.

Imelda Aragón y Verónica García, organizadoras de la Gran Kermés Internacional que se realizará el 22 de septiembre en la parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Salisbury, realizaron una invitación a este evento que busca recaudar fondos para la iglesia. “Habrá diferentes platillos internacionales, bailables típicos, música y mucho más.

Venga a divertirse y así cooperarán con la iglesia”, dijeron. La actividad iniciará a las 11 de la mañana y se prolongará hasta las 6:30 de la tarde.

Ese mismo día, la parroquia San Lucas de Mint Hill ha anunciado su festival de otoño. Debido a la importante presencia de la comunidad hispana, estamos seguros que se ofrecerá comida típica latinoamericana.

Aunándose a las celebraciones del sábado 22, la parroquia San Marcos en Huntersville celebrará su festival anual de 6:15 a 8:45 p.m. Se ofrecerá música en vivo, loncheras con diversos estilos de comida, entre ellos mexicana, juegos, bingo, saltarines, bebidas para adultos y más.

Por su parte la parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Lexington, ha planeado un festival para el domingo 23 de septiembre. Los organizadores pidieron a la comunidad la donación de refrescos y agua embotellada.

Mientras tanto, la Iglesia San Gabriel ha previsto realizar su Festival Internacional el sábado 29 de septiembre, de 4 de la tarde a 9 de la noche; el mismo día que el Festival Latinoamericano organizado por La Coalición Latinoamericana, a desarrollarse en Symphony Park, detrás de South Park Mall, y donde se espera la presencia de una delegación de las

ARCHIVO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El grupo de Danza ‘Cielito Lindo’, que cuenta con integrantes de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, muestra el arte de México en varios festivales a los que es invitado. escuelas católicas de la diócesis que ofrecerá sus servicios educativos.

También el sábado 29 la parroquia Santa Teresa en Mooresville ha planificado un ‘Festival de los Ministerios’ de 6 a 8:30 p.m. “El Ministerio Hispano tiene más de 6 años organizando las mesas de México, Colombia, Venezuela y Ecuador. Es una verdadera fiesta que elegimos para celebrar el cumpleaños de Santa Teresita”, dijo Leyda Carrillo, una de las organizadoras.

Finalmente, no se olvide de participar en Sonfest, el sábado 6 de octubre, de 2 a 10 p.m. en la parroquia San John Neumann, donde se ofrecerá comida, música, juegos y muchísima diversión.

En la misma fecha, la Iglesia Santa Ana celebrará, desde las 10 de la mañana y hasta las 6 de la tarde, la edición 22 de su tradicional Carnaval con juegos mecánicos, bingo, comida y diversión para grandes y chicos.

Lay Fraternity of St Dominic New Inquirer Meeting 8:30am - 9:15am Saturday, October 27

All are Welcome!

St Thomas Aquinas Church 1400 Suther Road Charlotte NC 28213 For more information: charlottelaydominicans@gmail.com Order of Preachers since 1216

CCDOC.ORG

Success in School Starts Here Hundreds of refugees arrive in North Carolina each year. Children living in refugee camps and war-torn countries have limited access to education and often arrive years behind educational standards.

Catholic Charities provides homework assistance, enrichment, mentoring, and additional learning experiences to ensure students have the skills they need to excel in school and achieve educational goals.

To donate school supplies to help refugee youth and other children in need as a new school year begins, visit ccdoc.org or call 800-227-7261 to schedule a drop off at a local office.

19

Our schools 20

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Crusaders and Villains rivalry plays out this fall ‘Catholic Bowl’ coming Sept. 21 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — It’s game on for sports rivalries all around the country now that schools are back in session. And a new local rivalry between Christ the King High School in Huntersville and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville has principals and school chaplains making friendly wagers – betting that both schools will strive for faith-filled discipleship.

Now that Christ the King High School is part of the N.C. High School Athletic Association, the two schools will play each other in five contests this fall. So far, they have played each other in varsity boys soccer, and junior varsity and varsity girls volleyball.

Whichever school wins at least three out of five games is considered the winner of the contest.

The Crusaders and Villains will meet on the gridiron Sept. 21 in Kernersville for a Friday night game under the lights. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Christ the King High School’s principal, Dr. Carl Semmler, and Bishop McGuinness High School’s principal, Tracy Shaw, are betting on a best-out-of-five match-up between their schools. The losing principal has to wear the T-shirt of the winning school for an entire week.

“We are so excited to be part of the NCHSAA and are honored to be competing with Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School,” says Semmler. “McGuinness has a high quality athletic program and wellrespected scholar athletes.

“We are looking forward to these competitions as a fellow Catholic school.

Mrs. Shaw is a wonderful principal and she and I are having a lot of fun boasting about our respective schools.

These games are a great chance for fans from both schools to get to know each other and have a few laughs,” he explains.

Tracy Shaw says her school is excited to be playing Christ the King this year.

“We are hoping this will create a new tradition for us,” she says. “We are dubbing the football game the ‘Catholic Bowl.’ It is so nice to have another Catholic high school the same size as ours which we can play against in this arena.

“We hope it creates a greater sense of community among not only our schools, but the diocese in general. Father Christian Cook, our chaplain, has invited the chaplain from Christ the King High School (Father Paul McNulty) and some other area priests

to come, so we are excited to have not just the school communities involved but the Church community as well,” Shaw says.

The schools’ two chaplains are apparently enjoying the new rivalry as well.

“I am very excited about the building (of) athletic rivalries between our Catholic high schools,” says Father Cook.

“When I began seminary in Philadelphia, I was amazed at how intense the Catholic high school football rivalries were in that region. Growing up a Catholic in the South, we were never exposed to such an idea, so it’s very exciting to be a part of building them here in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

Father Cook notes that being a Catholic athlete brings with it a certain perspective on athletic competitions, however. “As Catholics, we should always be wary of creating a ‘cult of the body,’ in that we must resist the idolization of physical perfection, and a ‘victory at all costs’ mentality in sports.”

He points out that Pope Pius XII reminded Catholics the prime objective of sports is to cultivate the dignity and harmony of the human body; therefore, Catholics should care very much about athletic competitions,

but for the proper reasons.

“Sport is the school of loyalty, of courage, of fortitude, of resolution and universal brotherhood: all natural virtues, these, but which form for the supernatural virtues a sound foundation, and prepare man to carry, without weakness, the weight of the greatest responsibilities,” he wrote.

“We should compete hard against one another, in the Catholic tradition of sports. But at the end of the battle, both schools should bond like brother and sister Catholics as we endeavor to live the great responsibilities of our faith together,” Father Cook says.

The chaplains also have a friendly wager on the football game: the loser must wear the winning team’s apparel (a T-shirt over their clerics) during a subsequent school day.

“Christ the King has been improving in all its athletics over the past few years, showing that it can compete against well-established programs such as those at Bishop McGuinness,” Father McNulty says. “I’ve told the students that while we shouldn’t become known for our athletics over our Catholicism, we should indeed strive to succeed in them and seek to give God glory in body, mind and spirit, through our competitions.”

“I can assure you that I do not want to have to wear a CTK T-shirt on campus at Bishop,” Father Cook says. “So I need the Villains to win one for the Gipper! Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!”

Join Our Team!

E S T F IVAL L L FA

Serve your local Catholic community, become an agent with the Knights of Columbus!

Contact me today to learn more: Shawn Williams Williams Agency 704-602-5194 shawn.williams@kofc.org LIFE INSURANCE

LIFE INSURANCE

DISABILITY INSURANCE

DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE

LONG-TERM CARE

RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Mix

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Inspired by a mother

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters ‘God Bless the Broken Road’ Evangelical drama in which an Afghan War widow (Lindsay Pulsipher) and her young daughter (Makenzie Moss) both benefit from the upbeat presence in their lives of a racecar driver (Andrew W. Walker). As Mom struggles to regain her faith and pay the bills, the speedster grapples with his inability to slow down on the curves. Iinspired by a country music song, is suitable for a wide audience. Mature themes and stylized combat violence.

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

Vet makes rosaries to honor Our Lady SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

ASHEBORO — Rosary maker Joe McGinty admits he went through a dark period in his life after he left the U.S. Marine Corps seven years ago. He was deployed six times during the eight years

On TV

he served, and like many veterans, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and alcoholism after his return.

But the Blessed Mother did not abandon him – thanks to the devotion of McGinty’s mother Eileen.

A retired nurse and a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, she is a devoted Catholic who over the years has made at least 10,000 rosaries that have been sent around the world to help others grow in faith, hope and love.

ROSARY, SEE PAGE 28 Mother and son, Eileen and Joe McGinty, make thousands of rosaries each year to share with people near and far. Joe, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, finds rosary making therapeutic since coming home from active duty.

‘Searching’ Thriller in which a doting widowed father (John Cho) discovers he knows less about his teen daughter’s (Michelle La) life than he thought after she mysteriously disappears, and he has to aid the detective on the case by investigating the high schooler’s online social interaction for clues about her fate. Mature themes and a few crude terms.

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

Other movies: n ‘Peppermint’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Invites You

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.

21

n Friday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Cuba: Our Lady of Charity, Mother of the Cuban People.” Our Lady of Charity is Cuba’s most profound symbol. She is their queen and a big part of their history.

Despite Communist takeover, devotion to her has not been eroded. This documentary illustrates the 400th anniversary of her statue’s discovery in 1612. n Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Polycarp” When the Roman proconsul demands all citizens to worship Caesar, Polycarp and other Christians must find the courage to stand up for their faith against the growing threat of persecution. n Sunday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Holy Hour for Healing and Justice.” From Hanceville and Irondale, a weekly Holy Hour for healing and justice. n Monday, Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Case for Jesus: Were the Gospels Anonymous?” Noah Lett and Dr. Brant Pitre refer to historical evidence, Scripture and Church teaching to answer common questions about Jesus and the Gospel. n Sunday, Sept. 23, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Candles in the Dark.” A documentary detailing the life of Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, from his humble beginnings to his mission of joyful service to society’s most forgotten people. n Monday, Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Skinny on Catholic Fashion.” DonnaMarie Cooper O’Boyle looks at the various issues affecting Catholic families today from the Catholic mother’s point of view.

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cardinal to meet with pope to discuss resignation as Washington archbishop

Clear response to abuse crisis is urgently needed, cardinal says CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Responding quickly and appropriately to the problem of abuse must be a priority for the Catholic Church, said Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

“Recent events in the Church have us all focused on the urgent need for a clear response on the part of the Church for the sexual abuse of minors” and vulnerable adults, he told Vatican News Sept. 9.

“Bringing the voice of survivors to leadership of the Church is crucial if people are going to have an understanding of how important it is for the Church to respond quickly and correctly anytime a situation of abuse may arise,” he said.

The cardinal, who is the archbishop of Boston, spoke at the end of the papal commission’s plenary assembly in Rome Sept. 7-9. Afterward, Cardinal O’Malley remained in Rome for the meeting Sept. 10-12 of Pope Francis’ international Council of Cardinals.

Cardinal O’Malley said that in cases of abuse “if the Church is unable to respond wholeheartedly and make this a priority, all of our other activities of evangelization, works of mercy, education are all going to suffer. This must be the priority that we concentrate on right now.”

The pontifical commission, he explained, is an advisory body set up to make recommendations to the pope and to develop and offer guidelines, best practices and formation to Church leaders throughout the world, including bishops’ conferences, religious orders and offices in the Roman Curia.

The commission is not an investigative body and does not deal with past abuses or current allegations, but its expert-members try, through education, leadership training and advocacy, to “change the future so that it will not be a repeat of the sad history” the Church has experienced, he said. “There are other dicasteries of the Holy See that have the responsibility for dealing with the cases and dealing with individual circumstances of abuse or negligence on the part of authority, and our commission cannot be held accountable for their activities,” he said.

Most allegations of clerical sexual abuse are handled through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

MARK ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Saying that the best way to serve the Catholic Church as it moves into the future, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington announced he plans to meet soon with Pope Francis to discuss the resignation that he submitted three years ago when he turned 75, as required by canon law.

The cardinal made the comments in a Sept. 11 letter to the priests of the archdiocese. He recently met and prayed with the clergy to discuss and discern his leadership.

He said he would meet with the pope in Rome “so that this archdiocesan church Wuerl we all love can move forward.” He cited a need to “bring healing and a new beginning at the service of this church.”

Cardinal Wuerl submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Francis on Nov. 12, 2015, but the pope has not yet accepted it. The prelate will turn 78 Nov. 12 of this year.

“It was clear that some decision, sooner rather than later, on my part is an essential aspect, so that this archdiocesan church we all love can move forward,” the cardinal said in his letter.

Cardinal Wuerl said this action is a “fruit of our discernment” following the prayers and discussion that he held with priests of the archdiocese at a Labor Day gathering.

He noted that before that gathering, the pope had asked him to meet with his priests “to discern the best course of action for me to pursue as we face new revelations of the extent of the horror of the clergy abuse of children and the failures in episcopal oversight.”

Cardinal Wuerl has been under heavy criticism following the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report in midAugust that detailed sexual abuse that more than 1,000 survivors alleged they suffered at the hands of 300 priests and other Church workers over the past seven decades in six dioceses in that state.

The dioceses included Pittsburgh, which was headed by then-Bishop Wuerl from 1988 until he was named archbishop of Washington in 2006.

After the grand jury report was issued, Cardinal Wuerl expressed sorrow for the suffering of abuse survivors, and he also defended his record in Pittsburgh, saying he reached

out to survivors there, removed all priests credibly accused of abuse from parish ministry, and enacted strong child protection measures.

Afterward, protesters gathered outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral after the cardinal celebrated a recent Mass there, and a group of teachers demonstrated outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception following the archdiocese’s opening school Mass. Some protesters called for Cardinal Wuerl’s resignation.

In June, it was announced that former Washington Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick had been credibly accused of abusing a minor nearly 50 years ago when he was a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, and that settlements had been made in the New Jersey in the Newark Archdiocese and the Metuchen Diocese, where he had earlier served as archbishop and bishop, respectively. The settlements were related to his alleged sexual misconduct with seminarians.

Cardinal Wuerl has said that he was not aware of any earlier sanctions imposed on then-Cardinal McCarrick, whose resignation from the College of Cardinals was accepted by Pope Francis July 28.

In his Sept. 11 letter to the archdiocese’s priests, Cardinal Wuerl said, “At issue is how to begin effectively to bring a new level of healing to survivors who have personally suffered so much and to the faithful entrusted to our care who have also been wounded by the shame of these terrible actions and have questions about their bishop’s ability to provide the necessary leadership.”

Cardinal Wuerl concluded his letter by noting that he intended to meet in the very near future with Pope Francis “about the resignation I presented nearly three years ago.”

The cardinal added, “Our discernment here, I believe, has indicated the way forward to bring healing and a new beginning at the service of this church.”

In an earlier letter to priests, Cardinal Wuerl said that at a Sept. 14 Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, he would initiate a six-week “Season of Healing” in the Archdiocese of Washington. In that letter, he encouraged parishes to unite in prayer in whatever way they found to be appropriate, and he said that resources would be provided to help bring healing to abuse survivors and to parishioners wounded by the Church’s sex abuse scandals.

“This is just a beginning,” he said in that earlier letter.

“The work of healing must and will continue. This special time is intended to call attention to our need to pray and to reach out to survivors throughout the year.”

CCDOC.ORG

Asset Manager The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation seeks a junior Asset Manager in Charlotte, NC, who, among other duties, oversees the physical, financial and regulatory operations of our housing portfolio; assists with project/partnership closings through construction, lease-up and stabilization; and coordinates with local churches to aid in the delivery of services and activities for our residents.

For a full job description, please visit www.charlottediocese.org/housing.

Volunteer Coordinator Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is seeking a full-time, dynamic Volunteer Coordinator for the Charlotte area. This position requires innovation and enthusiasm to plan and coordinate a robust volunteer program. Applicants should have experience working with volunteers and a strong skill set that includes: excellent organization, attentions to detail, the use of technology, public speaking, oral and written communication, and ability to work within the community to promote the mission of the agency. The Volunteer Coordinator duties include recruiting, training, scheduling, and retaining volunteers; maintaining volunteer database, preparing required reports. Flexible hours including nights and weekends are required.

Interested candidates should possess a four-year degree in a relevant field. Cover letter

Interested applicants please submit both a cover letter and resume by September 21, 2018

and resume (no more than one page each) must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on

to cdchc@CharlotteDiocese.org (No phone calls, please).

Friday, September 21, 2018 to ahloesch@charlottediocese.org. No telephone calls, please.

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Problems related to sex abuse keep growing for U.S. dioceses WASHINGTON, D.C. — Though recent revelations of past sex abuse by priests began in Pennsylvania when a grand jury released a report Aug. 14 detailing the claims, it has given rise to similar claims and investigations at dioceses big and small around the country.

In Nebraska, the state’s attorney general is said to be looking at decades-old allegations of sex abuse by priests in the Diocese of Lincoln.

The New York attorney general also announced it is launching an investigation of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, sending out subpoenas on Sept. 6 seeking documents from the state’s eight dioceses.

Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington is pledging to cooperate after state and local officials announced they are investigating reports of alleged abuse of former residents of a Catholic orphanage.

In Illinois, the Diocese of Joliet announced in late August it was settling, for $1.4 million, a lawsuit brought about by men who said they were molested as boys by a priest. And in Texas, the Diocese of Dallas said on Aug. 30 it had

reached a settlement, but did not say for how much, with men who said they were abused more than a decade ago by one of its priests, who has recently gone missing.

Lawyers for the Diocese of Joliet disclosed on Aug. 30 they had settled a lawsuit with three men who in 2014 said they had been abused by Father Leonard Mateo in the early 1980s when they were aged 8, 6 and 10, The Associated Press reported.

Another legal fight likely looms over child immigration detention WASHINGTON, D.C. — In what is likely to result in another legal showdown over immigration, the Trump administration is seeking to set down new rules that would allow government officials to detain children in immigration detention facilities – this time accompanied by their undocumented parents – for longer periods of time than currently allowed. After the outcry that resulted over images this summer of children in detention deliberately separated from their parents, the administration has been moving toward detaining undocumented families, children and adults, in the same detention space. On Sept. 7, the Trump administration proposed “to amend regulations relating to the apprehension, processing, care, custody, and release” of children in immigration detention. The proposal would essentially nix a long-standing legal agreement known as the Flores Settlement Agreement.

— Catholic News Service

Elite tours planned just for you …

Specializing in trips to:

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

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

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

Please submit cover letter and resume by October 3, 2018 to Jim Kelley, Office of Development, jkkelley@charlottediocese.org

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

Exclusive 5-star accommodations and services.

Maximum group size 24 people. Airfare and all-inclusive prices.

Call us for more information and brochures.

Call Jenninfer: 612-730-2890 Jennifer@procatholictours.com www.procatholictours.com

The 38th Annual Cardinal Newman Lecture Saturday, October 6, 2018 9:30am – 2:30pm

Presented by: Dr. C. Vanessa White

Experiencing difficulties in your marriage?

A Lifeline for Marriage October 12-14, 2018 in Raleigh, NC The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6 post-weekend sessions. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.

For confidential info or to register: (434) 793-0242 or retrouvaillenc@msn.com. Visit our Web site: www.retrouvaille.org.

23

Remember the Sabbath: T aking Time for Rest, Renewal and Re-Creation In our busy lives, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take time for rest and renewal. Our Christian tradition and scriptures remind us of taking Sabbath time, to consecrate the day to help us to be better disciples. The challenge becomes how to take Sabbath in our current busy context with cell phones, email, internet and other major distractions. Dr. White will share with us the practice of Sabbath Keeping for today’s times.

Vanessa White is an Assistant Professor of Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and on the faculty of Xavier University in New Orleans. She is a writer and editor, a Secular Franciscan and past Convener of the Black Catholic Theological Symposium.

The Newman Lecture is an annual gift from the Rock Hill Oratory to the regional Church to celebrate the life and ministry of the English Oratorian, Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman. It is open to all without charge. The day includes noon Eucharist, a light lunch and short musical concert. Books and other resources will be available for purchase. Pre-registration is not required but please let us know if you are attending so we can plan accordingly.

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief 19 more Catholic institutions divest from fossil fuel industry WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Caritas India are among 19 Catholic institutions that have decided to divest from the fossil fuel industry. The Global Catholic Climate Movement joined other organizations in announcing the latest group of dozens of institutions to divest Sept. 10, ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit Sept.

12-14 in San Francisco. Tomas Insua, GCCM executive director, said the expanding divestment movement comes as the world sees the impact of fossil fuel consumption on climate change and the resulting extreme weather.

In total, 122 Catholic entities have divested since the GCCM campaign began in 2016.

Chilean archdiocese responds with measures to tackle abuse SANTIAGO, Chile — Chilean Catholics are training clerics and parishioners in abuse prevention and counseling victims, but not just abuse in Church settings. The training looks at abuse in relationships, at parties, on social media and also among people in positions of power, such as clergy. Thirtythree youth workers from different parishes in the south of Santiago have signed up for the sessions.

Pope: Satan is attacking bishops; they must fight with prayer VATICAN CITY — Bishops must remember, particularly when under attack, that their role is to pray, be humble in knowing God chose them and remain close to the people, Pope Francis said in his morning homily. In fact, a bishop “does not seek refuge from IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 25

Pope to convene world meeting on abuse prevention with bishops’ leaders CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is calling the presidents of every Catholic bishops’ conference in the world to Rome Feb. 21-24 to discuss the prevention of the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.

The Vatican made the announcement Sept. 12 after the pope and members of his international Council of Cardinals wrapped up three days of meetings.

After hearing from his council, the pope “decided to convoke a meeting with the presidents of the bishops’ conferences of the Catholic Church on the theme of the protection of minors,” the council said in a written communique.

The members present “extensively reflected together with the Holy Father on the matters of abuse” during their deliberations Sept. 10-12. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also updated those present with the commission’s ongoing efforts.

Three of the nine council members were absent for the meetings: Cardinal George Pell, 77, who currently is on trial in Australia on sex abuse charges; Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, 85, retired archbishop of Santiago, Chile, who is facing questioning over his handling of abuse allegations; and Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Congo, who turns 79 in early October.

The six present for the September meeting were: Cardinals O’Malley, 74; Pietro Parolin, 63, Vatican secretary of state; Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, 75, of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Oswald Gracias, 73, of Mumbai, India; Reinhard Marx, 64, of Munich and Freising, Germany; and Giuseppe Bertello, 75, president of the commission governing Vatican City State.

The papally appointed group of nine cardinal members, the so-called C9, has been tasked with helping advise the pope on the reform of the Vatican’s organization and Church governance.

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

CNS | PAUL HARING

Pope Francis speaks during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sept. 12.

The council said in its communique that, concerning work on the reform of the Curia, it finished “rereading the texts already prepared (and) also called attention to the pastoral care of personnel who work there,” in the Roman Curia.

Paloma Garcia Ovejero, vice director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that a major part of the council’s work was making final changes to the draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Curia.

The document, provisionally titled “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Preach the Gospel”), is still set for further “stylistic editing” and canonical review, she said.

Pope Francis reviewed for his considerations the finalized draft at their last meeting in June. The draft document emphasizes four points: the Curia is at the service of the pope and the local churches throughout the world; the work of the Curia must have a pastoral character; the new section in the Vatican

Secretariat of State would oversee the training, assigning and ministry of Vatican nuncios and diplomats around the world; and the proclamation of the Gospel and a missionary spirit must characterize the activity of the Curia.

Garcia Ovejero reiterated the council’s last written statement from Sept. 10 in which the members asked Pope Francis for a reflection on “the work, structure and composition of the council itself, also taking into account the advanced age of some of its members.”

The six again “expressed full solidarity with Pope Francis for what has happened in the last few weeks,” she said.

In response to questions, she said there was no word yet on the expected release of the “possible and necessary clarifications” the council said were being formulated by the Holy See given the current debate on abuse in the church.

The council will meet again Dec. 10-12.

Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate

Has a loved one died?

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do?

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

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

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

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE X

the powerful, the elite, no. It will be the elite who criticize the bishop,” while the people show love toward their bishop and confirm him in his vocation, the pope said Sept. 11. In these times, Pope Francis said, it seems like the devil, “the great accuser, has been let loose and he’s got it in for the bishops. True, there are, we are all sinners, we bishops.” The great accuser “seeks to reveal sins, which people can see, in order to scandalize the people” of God, he said in his homily during morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Pope to new bishops: Build Church unity, shun clericalism VATICAN CITY — The Church needs bishops who promote unity, “not soloists singing their own tune or captains fighting personal battles,” Pope Francis told new bishops from the Church’s mission territories. “And, dear brothers, flee from clericalism, an anomalous way of understanding the Church’s authority, one common in many communities where sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience have occurred,” the pope told the bishops Sept. 8.

While some bishops, “poor things,” think they have “all the talents, all the charisms” necessary to run the Church, the pope said that is never true. But what a good bishop does have, he said, is passion for communion with the Church and with each and every member of his flock. On the other hand, clericalism “generates a division in the Church body that supports and helps perpetuate many of the evils that we are condemning today,” he said, quoting from his letter Aug. 20 to the Church about the clerical abuse scandal.

The pope was meeting with 74 bishops from 34 countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. The prelates had been in Rome for a course for new bishops sponsored by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

CCDOC.ORG

Letter confirms Vatican knew of McCarrick allegations in 2000 VATICAN CITY — A top official from the Vatican Secretariat of State acknowledged allegations made by a New York priest in 2000 concerning Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, according to a letter obtained by Catholic News Service.

Father Boniface Ramsey, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church Yorkville in New York City, told CNS Sept.

7 he received the letter dated Oct. 11, 2006, from then-Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, the former Vatican substitute for general affairs, asking for information regarding a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark who studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary and was being vetted for a post at a Vatican office. He made the letter available to CNS. Then-Archbishop Sandri wrote to Father Ramsey, “I ask with particular reference to the serious matters involving some of the students of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, which in November 2000 you were good enough to bring confidentially to the attention of the then Apostolic Nuncio in the United States, the late Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo.” Father Ramsey had been on the faculty of the seminary from 1986 to 1996 and had sent a letter in 2000 to Archbishop Montalvo informing him of complaints he heard from seminarians studying at the seminary, located in South Orange, New Jersey. In the letter, Father Ramsey told CNS, “I complained about McCarrick’s relationships with seminarians and the whole business with sleeping with seminarians and all of that; the whole business that everyone knows about,” Father Ramsey said.

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

— Catholic News Service

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

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

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

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

25

ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Robert Barron

All sinners are welcome W

hile I was in central Georgia, filming the Flannery O’Connor episode of my “Pivotal Players” series, I saw a sign on the outside of a church that would have delighted the famously prickly Catholic author: “All sinners are welcome!” I thought it was a wonderfully Christian spin on the etiquette of welcome that is so pervasive in our culture today. In a time of almost complete ethical relativism, the one value that everyone seems to accept is inclusivity, and the only disvalue that everyone seems to abhor is exclusivity. “Who am I to tell you what to do?” and, of course, everyone gets inside the circle. What I especially liked about the sign in Georgia was that it compels us to make some distinctions and think a bit more precisely about this contemporary moral consensus.

Is it true to say “everyone is welcome”?

Well, yes, if we mean welcome into the circle of the human family, welcome as a subject of infinite dignity and deserving love and respect.

Christians – and indeed all decent people – stand against the view, pervasive enough in the supposed culture of inclusion, that the unborn, the aged, the unproductive are not particularly welcome. If by “all are welcome,” one means that all forms of racism, sexism and elitism are morally repugnant, then yes, the slogan is quite correct.

But let’s consider some other scenarios. Would we claim that everyone is welcome to become a member of the college baseball team? Everyone is welcome to try out, I suppose, but the coach will assess each candidate and will then make a judgment that some are worthy of being on the team and others aren’t. Like it or not, the coach will include some and exclude others.

Would we claim that everyone is welcome to play in a symphony orchestra? Again, in principle, anyone is invited to give it a go, but the conductor will make a fairly ruthless determination as to who has what it takes to make music at the highest level and who doesn’t, and he will include and exclude accordingly.

Would we argue that everyone is welcome to be a free member of our civil society? Well, yes, if we consider the matter in abstraction; but we also acknowledge that certain forms of behavior are incompatible with full participation in the public space. And if misbehavior is sufficiently egregious, we set severe limits to the culprit, restricting his movement, bringing him to trial, perhaps even imprisoning him.

With this basic distinction in mind, let us consider membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. Are all people welcome to the Church?

Yes, of course! Everyone and his brother cites James Joyce to the effect that the Catholic Church’s motto is “here comes everybody,” and this is fundamentally right. Jesus means to bring everyone to union with the Triune God, or to state the same thing, to become a member of His Mystical Body, the Church. In John’s Gospel, Jesus declares, “When the Son of Man is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself.” Bernini’s colonnade, reaching out like great in-gathering arms from St. Peter’s Basilica, is meant to symbolize this universally inclusive welcome offered by Christ. Is the Church, as Pope Francis says, a field hospital where even the most gravely wounded are invited for treatment? Is the Lord’s mercy available to everyone, even to the most hardened of sinners? Yes! And does the Church even go out from itself to care for those who are not explicitly joined to Christ? Yes! In fact, this was one of the reasons the Church was so attractive in the ancient world: when Roman society left the sick to fend for themselves and often cast away the newly-born who were deemed unworthy, the Church included these victims of the “throwaway culture” of that time and place.

However, does this mean that the Church makes no judgments, no discriminations, no demands? Does the Church’s welcome imply that everyone is fine just as he or she is? Here we have to answer with a rather resounding no.

And that Georgia sign helps us to understand why. The Greek word we translate as “church” is “ekklesia,” which carries the sense of “called out from.” Members of the Church have been called out of a certain way of life and into another one, out of conformity with the world and into conformity with Christ. Every ecclesiastical person, therefore, is a welcomed sinner who has been summoned to conversion.

He or she is someone who is, by definition, not satisfied with who he or she is. To return to the pope’s famous image, a field hospital receives not those who are doing just great but those who are deeply, even gravely, wounded.

The problem is that any time the Church sets a limit or makes a demand or summons to conversion, she is accused of being “exclusive” or insufficiently “welcoming.” But this cannot be right. As Cardinal Francis George once put it, commenting upon the famous hymn “All Are Welcome,” all are indeed welcome – but on Christ’s terms, not their own.

BISHOP ROBERT BARRON is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is also the host of “Catholicism,” an award-winning documentary about the Catholic faith.

Father Deacon Kevin Bezner

‘Good fences make good neighbors’: The need for boundaries

R

obert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” begins with the line “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” thought by the speaker of the poem and closes with the speaker noting the words of his neighbor, “He says again, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.’”

The speaker of the poem gives us two different explanations for his thought. Winter can make gaps in a wall, but in the poem the work of nature, which “spills the upper boulders in the sun,” is far less damaging than the silent and disrespectful hunters, who have “left not one stone on a stone” to create a gap in the wall in pursuit of a rabbit.

Each spring the speaker walks the line of the wall with his neighbor, each on his own side of the wall, to repair the damage caused by winter and hunters.

The speaker questions the need for a wall and wonders about the offense a wall might cause to some, but the neighbor responds with the words he has learned from his father: “Good fences make good neighbors.”

Despite the questions raised by the poem’s speaker, the poem leads to the knowledge that it is wise to build and maintain good boundaries, physical and spiritual, but that it takes cooperation, work and respect for God, self and others to do so.

Too many today are like Frost’s disrespectful hunters. Their lives reveal their complete disrespect for boundaries, whether they are those created by God or those created by a man who seeks to cooperate with God’s laws, whether they are natural or legal, physical or spiritual. The damage they do with their disrespect is far greater than that of the hunters.

A society cannot exist without good boundaries. A person cannot live a good life without good boundaries.

The boundaries a Christian must respect, boundaries that any wise person would accept, are found in Scripture. In His teaching, Our Lord reminds us of the boundaries set by the Father that human beings since the beginning repeatedly have transgressed.

Our Lord took the Ten Commandments, summarized them as two, and so set for us our most essential boundary: Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.

With the Beatitudes, He shows

us how a person lives by the commandments in this life and the rewards that person will receive for living according to the will of God. With the prayer He gave us, He shows us how to praise the Father out of love each day and what it means to live as a good neighbor in the world.

St. Paul gave his life to Jesus Christ and speaks of how those who have been baptized into Christ reveal their baptism in the lives they lead. Living as Jesus Christ taught, St. Paul preaches that a Christian dies to sin and finds life instead in Christ (Rom 6:11-17).

A Christian dead to sin understands boundaries. He is no longer the sinner he was. He is no longer the adulterer, the fornicator, the slanderer he once was. He no longer worships idols. He is no longer greedy. He no longer gives into his desires. He no longer gives into that something that doesn’t love a wall.

Those following the ways of the world think a fool gives up what they consider to be the pleasures of the world. St. Paul teaches us that it is far better to be a fool than wise in the eyes of the world (1 Cor 3:18-23).

St. Gregory the Great teaches that we have the power to choose whether or not we give into vice.

The worst way we can give into vice is to pretend it does not exist or to redefine a vice as a virtue.

Sin, St. Gregory teaches, derives from our desires. The hunter who tears down a wall redefines the boundary line, set by the property’s owner, to make his vice a virtue that satisfies only his immediate desire.

All who transgress the boundary lines set by God do the same.

Our Lord set boundaries for us.

If we are to love God and neighbor, we are required not only one day in spring but each day to walk the fence line of our lives and to do the work of mending, with God’s help, what we have torn down by following worldly desires.

The line Frost’s neighbor heard from his father is handed down knowledge that can help us in our efforts to reject the destruction of that something that doesn’t love a wall, and it bears repeating: “Good fences make good neighbors.”

FATHER DEACON KEVIN BEZNER serves at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Raleigh.

This was originally published in The Christian Review, where Deacon Bezner is a contributing editor.

September 14, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Letters to the Editor

Parish profile

The foundation is cracking At Mass Sept. 2 we began with singing the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.”

However, the Church’s foundation appears to have significant fissures. Our quixotic pope (no judgment, just an observation on my part), is neglecting the needs of the Church Jesus established. The underground Church in China has been undermined. Ambiguous statements on divorce/remarriage, homosexual unions, nonCatholics receiving the Holy Eucharist, and the failure to reform and properly address priestly sexual abuse do not reinforce traditional Church teaching. Pope Francis needs to render to God and not Caesar. The Church must come first!

A watered-down teaching of Catholic teaching serves no one. Let us pray: Our Father...

WILLIAM J. BARKER lives in Charlotte.

We must remember that hope remains One of the greatest enemies of the Church is once again afoot: scandal. Swift and sure justice needs to be done for the victims of abuse. They were lambs terrorized by the shepherds who should have protected them.

We should not forget, however, that the Church endures, even when it is betrayed from within.

It is not merely an institution. It is not only a community. The Church is Christ in the world.

And Christ Himself was betrayed by one He loved. The Church always has had and always will have its Judas. But Christ’s betrayal and Passion was then followed by His glory. And it is a glory that endures still – to the end of time.

I have always cherished the words of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, reflecting on the great turmoil of his own times: “Hope! The fault of many Christians of our day is to hope too little. They believe that every battle and every obstacle will be the downfall of the Church. They are the Apostles in the boat during the storm: they forget that the Savior is with them!”

SCOTT SALVATO lives in Davidson.

Something has to change in our Church I am a 63-year-old Catholic living in Charlotte for the past seven years. Originally from New Orleans where everyone is Catholic, I come from a family of priests, nuns, brothers, nurses, etc. – I count one cousin as the mother superior of the order of sisters in Louisiana. For decades, I liked being Catholic.

I don’t know if I “grew up” and forgot to work at it, or if the Church just sort of went a way that I found less fulfilling, but Catholicism became nothing but the transport medium I chose to use to maintain my attachment to organized religion. My wife, on the other hand, needs active

participation in the Catholic faith. I get angry when I hear priests refer to Catholicism as “the one true religion” – which I feel like is their way of looking down on others who have elected to worship God using a different medium – but my wife agrees with the priests. Probably like a lot of Catholics, I am holding on probably because I am too lazy to look elsewhere.

Imagine my shock, then, when my wife described her disgust at the Church’s leaders over the recent abuse scandals and hinted that it might be time to consider something else besides Catholicism. It would be so easy for me to leverage her feelings and begin my search for another church, but honestly, I don’t really want to find another church. I am holding on by my fingernails to my recollections of the Church I grew up in – when I was in parochial school, as an altar server, and in the children’s choir. I just really miss that. I imagine that I might get that Church back one day.

This crisis does make me contemplate what has to change – not only to calm the shocked faithful who remain, and to bring back Catholics who have left the Church or quit coming to Mass.

Every single scandal – whether involving one priest, one parish, one diocese, one state, one region – has been revealed because of the complaints of victims. Every one. When we hear things like the fact that the attorney general in Pennsylvania had to force dioceses to relinquish their “secret files” on abuse by priests, and consequently, the failure to act by Church leaders, it demonstrates to me that the Church leaders currently in place have no intention of cleaning things up.

It is impossible to believe the sincerity of Church leaders, that they will change their attitudes about such issues, when we have no evidence that Church leaders have taken proactive legal action against these predators.

Pennsylvania was loud, but not nearly last – every state Attorney General in a tough election is going to be looking for “those secret files.”

Church members are not interested in the Church taking action within the Church. People want these criminals treated like the societal evil-doers they are. When Jesus offered to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to the Lord what is His, I don’t think He had just tithing on His mind, but maybe that’s just me.

Until Church leaders begin to take proactive legal action against predator priests and bishops, the exodus of the faithful will continue.

My Church has a real problem. My Church has allowed many of its leaders and pastors to victimize some by touching them in ways that never should have happened, and victimize others by effectively sucking the life out of our Church – our Church, not their Church. If it is going to continue to be our Church, something very dramatic is going to have to take place involving the current leadership.

RICK WHEELAHAN lives in Charlotte.

@CatholicNewsCLT

Diocese of Charlotte

Pinterest.com/ charlottecnh

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

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebrating their first anniversary FOREST CITY — The Immaculate Conception chapter of the Nocturnal Adoration Society celebrated its one-year anniversary of official installation in the society Aug. 18. The anniversary program included a speech about the Eucharist by Father Herbert Burke, pastor, and a talk about worshiping and humility in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by Eliseo Pacheco, representing the National Nocturnal Adoration Society. Afterwards, participants gathered in the chapel of Immaculate Conception Church for 90 minutes of prayer and meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. Father Burke celebrated Mass and eight more members were officially inducted in the Nocturnal Adoration Society, including Father Burke, Alma Resendiz, Amilia Resendiz, Joshua Resendiz, Jezrael Resendiz, Javier Mendez, Maria Flores and Maria Conception Perez. The event ended with a reception in the parish hall where attendees were presented with a souvenir leather pouch, inscribed with the date of the ceremony, that could be used for storing the Nocturnal Adoration medal or other religious items such a rosary. A laminated Eucharistic prayer was also distributed.

Most-read stories on the web

‘We have all been entirely justified in our reactions of shame, anger, disappointment, disgust and feelings of betrayal.’

Bishop Peter Jugis

From his homily for the closing Mass of the 14th annual Eucharistic Congress Through press time on Sept. 12, 13,443 visitors to www. catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 2,342 pages. The mostread stories from the Eucharistic Congress so far have been: n Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte................................................ 3,975 n Bishop Jugis addresses current crisis in the Church..............................................632 n Pray for healing in the Church, bishop preaches at closing Mass....................... 441 n Thousands of Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte.................................................314

Join the conversation online facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD

27

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

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

Catholic News Herald

1123 S. Church St.

Charlotte, N.C. 28203

Videos from the Eucharistic Congress were viewed on Facebook and Youtube more than 32,800 total minutes. The top viewed videos are: n Live videocast from the Eucharistic Procession on Facebook........................ 22,761 n Live videocast from the Eucharistic Procession on Facebook (Español)......4,475 n Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily during the 2018 Eucharistic Congress................. 2,102 n Bishop Jugis addresses current crisis in the Church........................................... 1,872 n Bishop Jugis prays the rosary during Holy Hour.................................................... 1,821 n Eucharistic Procession highlights..............................................................................1,382 Posts on the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page were viewed more than 83,000 times during the Eucharistic Congress week. Videos posted to Facebook about the Congress were viewed more than 45,000 total times.

Posts on Catholic News Herald-Español Facebook page were viewed more than 44,000 times during the Eucharistic Congress week. Videos posted to Facebook about the Congress were viewed more than 9,325 total times.

28

catholicnewsherald.com | September 14, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

DELEGATES

DONATION

ROSARY

FROM PAGE 5

FROM PAGE 7

FROM PAGE 21

necessarily correct, because there are many cultural differences and they do not feel comfortable.”

Other diocesan priorities that will be brought to the National Encounter are the need to: increase formation and spiritual direction programs for adults, the promotion of religious vocations, an increase in the number of bilingual ministers, training of lay leaders, development of family ministry, and expansion of evangelization efforts.

But not everything the Charlotte group will present are obstacles to overcome. The regional meetings thus far have been valuable in compiling suggestions and proven success strategies that they want to share with other groups, delegates have said.

As Sister Joan Pearson, delegate for the Salisbury vicariate, pointed out, “Now we have to prepare ourselves to be true delegates of our diocese and region.”

At the national level, the V Encuentro process has involved more than 250,000 missionary disciples in organization, collection and processing of information. More than 2,500 lay delegates, 250 bishops, representatives of the Vatican and observers from the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), the Episcopal Conference of Mexico (CEM) and the Canadian Catholic Bishops Conference (CCCB) are expected to attend the event.

with the core issues of addiction as a disease.

Dove’s Nest is using the $10,000 donation from St. Matthew to sponsor three women through the recovery program.

“We are grateful for the generosity of St. Matthew’s,” said Barbara Thompson, Dove’s Nest program director.

St. Matthew Church also directly helps people who are recovering from addictions. The parish offers a counseling program at its Ballantyne Commons Parkway location in south Charlotte, coordinated by Mercy Sister Marie Freschette.

The parish also hosts several groups for regular meetings on its campus. The Alcoholics Anonymous group offers meetings five days a week, every week of the year. Meetings average 100 participants, which means the parish serves more than 26,000 people in this program during the course of the year.

Father Hoare noted that when meeting with individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by addiction, “My heart breaks, and very often, there are no words to say.

I can only cry with them and share in their pain. The parishoners at St. Matthew are blessed to help in even a small way to love our brothers and sisters in need.”

“A couple years ago, my mom got me to start praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day at 3 o’clock,” McGinty explains. “I started doing that and then I felt the desire to start praying the rosary. At the time I started praying the rosary, I got a fire in me to start making rosaries.

“I started learning how to make them and I found it to be extremely therapeutic.

I couldn’t put them down. I learned how to make the cord rosaries. Then I got my mom to teach me how to make the metal ones. It just went from there. I got hooked on it.”

Now he focuses on making Seven Sorrows rosaries in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The Seven Sorrows devotion dates back to as early as the 13th century and is attributed in part to writings of St. Brigid of Sweden. The devotion was brought into the spotlight more recently in the 1990s due to the genocide in Rwanda, where Our Lady of Kibeho appeared to young Catholics urging them to pray the Seven Sorrows rosary to ward off impending violence.

Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide who prayed the rosary repeatedly throughout the 91 days she spent in hiding, now travels the world speaking about her experiences and the power of the rosary and the Seven Sorrows rosary devotion.

McGinty was moved by Ilibagiza’s story when his mother took him to see her when she visited the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I heard her story and brought one of her Seven Sorrows rosaries. It sat around the house (at first) and I didn’t pray it. Something in my head kept saying, ‘pray it,’ and one day

Fr. Vinny Fortunato, Appointed

by Pope Francis as a Missioner of Mercy is coming to Charlotte

I asked my parents where the rosary was and I started praying it.”

He felt the urge to start making Seven Sorrows rosaries. He leaves baskets full of 40 rosaries each in local churches for parishioners to take. In each rosary bag he places a pamphlet in English or Spanish explaining the history of the rosary, the devotion to the Seven Sorrows rosary and Our Lady’s promises to those who pray it.

McGinty quickly realized that many Catholics have never heard of the Seven Sorrows rosary. He has been met with skepticism but he keeps making and distributing them.

“We make these rosaries because of our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Eileen says. “We make them and send them to missionaries for free and would eventually like to teach other churches how to produce and disseminate these rosaries, so everyone can be a spiritual bladesmith. In these times, everyone needs to be armed with the most powerful and effective spiritual sword against evil – that is, the rosary.”

She and her son also credit the Holy Spirit for their devotion to the rosary.

“When prayed devoutly, it can combat many of today’s immoralities and injustices,” McGinty says. “The Blessed Virgin appeared twice in apparitions requesting this specific devotion to be prayed for a reason: it’s powerful and effective.”

Let’s keep talking.

How Does The Divine Mercy Movement Transform The Culture of Death?

HEAR Renowned Capuchin Preacher, Fr. Vinny Fortunato, OFM Cap, speak on “How Mercy Defeats the Culture of Death” 9th Annual Divine Mercy Day of Healing

Divine Mercy Movement Transforms The Culture of Death October 6, 2018—9 am to 3 pm St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte NC $35 pp—$25 seniors/students: Cont’l Breakfast & Lunch

Register: www.stmatthewcatholic.org/divinemercy

Deronda Metz, Director of Social Services for the Center of Hope; Deacon James Witulski, Diocesan Liaison for Catholic Jail Ministry and Deacon Gary Schrieber, Director of Cenacles of Divine Mercy at St. Matthew Catholic Church: manifest mercy’s redemptive power.