October 11, 2019
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
Belmont Abbey College breaks ground on residence hall Largest capital investment in college’s history
7
Sister Terry Martin Endowment Fund created 5
INDEX
Contact us.....................................4 Español.......................................10-13 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-9 Schools....................................18-19 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies............................20-21 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!
‘We come to give thanks to God’
Asheville basilica, Lexington parish mark historic anniversaries 14-17
Father O’Rourke retires after 44 years of priestly ministry 5, 10
Celebrating Respect Life Sunday 2-3
Taller ‘Cristo Vive’ renovó compromiso de pastoral juvenil 11
Our faith 2
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘Christ Our Hope: In every season of life’ Pope Francis
The Christian battle is against evil, not people
W
hen Catholics attack other members of the Church, they are hurting Christ, Pope Francis said. “Even those who are ideologists, because they want the ‘purity’ of the Church, strike at Christ,” he said during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 9. Taking a break from the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, the pope led the audience and continued his series of talks on the Acts of the Apostles. He focused on the persecution of the Church after St. Stephen’s martyrdom, and on St. Paul’s transformation from being known as Saul and a persecutor to being Paul, a disciple of Christ and courageous preacher of the Gospel. Saul wanted to destroy the Church and he would hunt down Christians to be imprisoned. Pope Francis said those people at the audience who have experienced or whose communities have experienced “persecution by dictators understand well what it means to ‘hunt people down,’ and that is what Saul did.” Saul thought he was serving God’s law, the pope said, and he saw Christianity as a doctrinal divergence from Judaism. But inside of Saul, with his “murderous threats,” there “blew a breeze that smelled of death, not life,” the pope said. It is only with his conversion on the road to Damascus, when Christ touches his heart, that Saul, blinded and helpless, becomes Paul and is reborn through baptism. “Only after he has been transformed by Christ will he teach that the true struggle ‘is not with flesh and blood,’ but against the powers of darkness, against the evil spirits,” Pope Francis said. Paul, he said, teaches “that you mustn’t fight people, but fight the evil that inspires their actions.” Saul’s angry and confrontational approach, the pope said, “invites all of us to ask ourselves: How do I live my life of faith? Do I go to encounter others or am I against others? Does everyone – the good and the bad – belong to the universal Church or is it a selective ideology? Do I worship God or do I worship dogmatic formulations? Does the faith in God I profess make me friendly or hostile toward those who are different from me?” When the risen Christ calls to him on the road to Damascus and asks, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” the pope said, he is showing how hurting one member of the Church is hurting Christ Himself, because all those who believe in Him are one body in Christ. With baptism, Paul’s life and his way of seeing God, himself and others are transformed, the pope said. Now other people are no longer enemies, but are “brothers and sisters in Christ.”
From the time we are knit together in our mothers’ wombs until we take our final breaths, each moment of our lives is a gift from God. While every season of life brings its own challenges and trials, each season also gives us new opportunities to grow in our relationship with God. Today the gift of life is threatened in countless ways. Those who are most vulnerable, rather than receiving the protection they deserve, are all too often seen as a burden and as expendable. As new attacks on human life continue to emerge, we can be tempted to despair, but Christ instead offers us unfailing hope. Hope is not false optimism or empty positivity. Christian hope is something much more profound and goes to the very depths of our identity as followers of Christ. Hope is the virtue “by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1817). Like us, Christ entered the world through the womb of a woman. He willingly experienced the fullness of human suffering. He breathed His last on the Cross at Calvary in order that He might save us. Therefore, “God is the foundation of hope: not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end” (“Spe salvi,” 31). Christians know “they have a future: it is not that they know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness” (“Spe salvi,” 2).
For this reason, a woman experiencing a difficult pregnancy can find the strength to welcome her precious child into the world. A man facing a terminal diagnosis can see that the end of his earthly life is only the beginning of eternal life with Christ. The Church teaches us that “the one who has hope lives differently” (“Spe salvi,” 2). Christ’s promise of salvation does not mean that we will be spared from suffering. Rather, the promise of salvation ensures that even in the darkest moments of our lives, we will be given the strength to persevere. By virtue of this Christian hope, we can face any challenge or trial. When the seas of life swell and we are battered by the waves, hope allows us to remain anchored in the heart of God. May we hold fast to Christ our hope, from the beginning of life to its very end. — USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
‘Hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm.’ Hebrews 6:18-19
How to build a culture of life THE PROBLEM
Watching the news and reading the headlines, we may feel helpless seeing the heartbreaking lack of respect for human life. How do we respond when our efforts seem small in the face of the culture of death?
OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
To understand more fully how to defend and protect human life, we must first consider who we are, at the deepest level. God creates us in His image and likeness, which means we are made to be in loving relationship with Him. The essence of our identity and worth, the source of our dignity, is that we are loved by God: “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son.” (John Paul II, homily for the 17th World
Youth Day 2002) We are called to divine intimacy, true communion with God, and we can grow in this closeness with Him through daily prayer, reading the Scriptures, and frequent participation in the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist.
OUR MISSION AS CHRISTIANS
The knowledge and realization of how deeply we are loved by God elicits a response of love that simultaneously draws us closer to God and, at the same time, impels us to share His love with others. Embracing a relationship with God means following in His footsteps, wherever He may call. Just as Jesus invited St. Peter and St. Andrew to become His disciples, He invites us to do the same: “Come after me, and I
A prayer for life Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. — USCCB
LIFE, SEE PAGE 28
Daily Scripture readings OCT. 13-19
Sunday: 2 Kings 5:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:813, Luke 17:11-19; Monday (St. Callistus I): Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:29-32; Tuesday (St. Teresa of Jesus): Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:3741; Wednesday (St. Hedwig; St. Margaret Alacoque): Romans 2:1-11, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Ignatius of Antioch): Romans 3:21-30, Luke 11:47-54; Friday (St. Luke): 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:1-9; Saturday (Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues and Companions): Romans 4:13, 16-18, Luke 12:8-12
OCT. 20-26
Sunday: Exodus 17:8-13, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, Luke 18:1-8; Monday: Romans 4:20-25, Luke 1:69-75, Luke 12:13-21; Tuesday (St. John Paul II): Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21, Luke 12:3538; Wednesday (St. John of Capistrano): Romans 6:12-18, Luke 12:39-48; Thursday (St. Anthony Mary Claret): Romans 6:19-23, Luke 12:49-53; Friday: Romans 7:18-25, Luke 12:54-59; Saturday: Romans 8:1-11, Luke 13:1-9
OCT. 27-NOV. 2
Sunday: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14; Monday (Sts. Simon and Jude): Ephesians 2:19-22, Luke 6:12-16; Tuesday: Romans 8:18-25, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday: Romans 8:26-30, Luke 13:22-30; Thursday: Romans 8:31-39, Luke 13:31-35; Friday (All Saints): Revelation 7:24, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12; Saturday (The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, All Souls Day): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, John 6:37-40.
Our parishes
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
3
Respect Life Sunday Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte gathered Sunday, Oct. 6, to kick off Respect Life Month and form “Life Chains” as a public witness for the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS
Twenty St. Patrick Cathedral parishioners participated in the annual Life Chain on East Boulevard in Charlotte, an hour of silent pro-life witness held on sidewalks each year on Respect Life Sunday.
More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from Respect Life Sunday
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
More than 25 parishioners of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone and St. Bernadette Church in Linville turned out on a cloudy, windy, misty day to tell Boone that they believe in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
The Knights of Columbus of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City sponsored the annual Life Chain Oct. 6 in front of the Marian garden and memorial to the unborn. Participants prayed silently while holding pro-life signs and facing Main Street.
Parishioners at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville participated in a Life Chain Oct. 6.
PHIL ROCHE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
St. William parishioners took part in a Life Chain prayer vigil outside the Cherokee County Courthouse in downtown Murphy. Our Lady of Grace parishioners including the Wong family attended the Life Chain in Greensboro Oct. 6.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
More than 200 people joined in a Life Chain along the sidewalk in front of St. Mark Church in Huntersville Oct. 6.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TONYA WONG
UPcoming events 4
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: OCT. 13 – 12:30 P.M.
OCT. 15 – 6 P.M.
Holy Mass with the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville OCT. 16 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte
OCT. 17 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe OCT. 20 – 2:30 P.M. Mass for Heritage Society St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
OCT. 26 - 5 P.M. Pastor installation of Father Paul McNulty St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville OCT. 27 - 10 A.M. Pastor installation of Father Christopher Bond St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley
Diocesan calendar of events October 11, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
Volume 29 • NUMBER 1
MOVIE ‘UNPLANNED’: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville. Learn the powerful story of Abby Johnson’s conversion from Planned Parenthood clinic director to passionate prolife advocate. Anyone under 17 years of age requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. For details, contact Debbie Wadhams at respectlife.steugene@gmail. com.
1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte
STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org
THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.
ESPAÑOL PROGRAMA EDUCATIVO, ‘PREVENCIÓN DE ESTAFAS Y FRAUDES’: 1:30-3 p.m. Martes, 15 de octubre, Catholic Charities, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte. Descubra las razones por las cuales usted puede ser víctima de fraudes y estafas, los tipos de estafas que más comúnmente apuntan a las personas mayores, consejos para evitar ser estafado, qué hacer si ha sido víctima de una estafa. Presentado por A. Mercedes RestuchaKlem, Abogada de Políticas y Difusión, Departamento de Justicia de Carolina del Norte, Sección Protección Ciudadana. Inscríbase respondiendo a Sandra Breakfield, Directora del Programa Elder Ministry, al 704-370-3220 o por email a sabreakfield@ charlottediocese.org, o Paola Quiterio Candelaria al 336-727-0705. PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY: Noon, Saturday, Oct. 12, at the corner of Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., and Rea Road, Charlotte. The Public Square Rosary rallies take place on the closest Saturday to Oct. 13, the feast of the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun. Hosted by St. Matthew Church. For details, call Pearl at 227-459-0567. ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA: Sunday, Oct. 13, St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St., Asheville. Schedule as follow: 9 a.m. Solemn Holy Mass, 10:30 a.m. potluck snacks, Noon Solemn Holy Mass, 5 p.m. Misa Solemnis (Español), 6:15 p.m. Potluck snacks. One of the year’s Basilica Days, when a plenary indulgence may be obtained under the usual conditions. PARISH MISSION, ‘BLESSED, BROKEN AND SCARED’: 6-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18 and 10 a.m.-Noon, Saturday, Oct. 19, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road Charlotte. Presented by Brian Pusateri of Broke Door Ministries. Brian is a Catholic lay evangelist and the author of 4th Day Letters. Come and learn what it means to be Eucharist and learn how to live closer to Christ through true authentic Christian friendship. Each day’s talk will build on the previous day. Try to make all 3 sessions. Friday’s and Saturday’s talk will start with a brief recap of the previous day’s talks. Reception to follow the Saturday closing. For details, contact the parish office at 704-536-6520. WOMEN’S MORNING OF REFLECTION, ‘RIVER OF WISDOM – A RETREAT GUIDE ON THE ROSARY’: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Our Lady of Grace Parish Life Center, 2203 W Market St, Greensboro. Reflection will take place following the 8 a.m. Mass offered in the church. The morning will include refreshments, praying
of the Rosary and small group discussions. To register, visit www.rcwomenOct19.eventbrite.com. Donations accepted at the door. For details, contact Kate Boschini at regnumchristitriad@gmail.com or 336-430-8856. ST. THOMAS MORE RED MASS: 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Abbot Placid Solari, OSB, will be the main celebrant. For details, contact the parish office at 704-332-2901. SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENTATION ENTITLED, ‘HOW DO SCIENTISTS STUDY & UNDERSTAND CLIMATE CHANGE?’: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Family Room at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. The Science of Climate Change is a phenomenon studied by scientists at various levels worldwide, to promote a better understanding of this subject in our community, the Peace & Justice Committee of St. Therese Church will host the event. Guest speaker, Mona Becker, PhD. Dr. Becker is a geochemist, environmental educator and a student of climate change. For details, contact Janet Zaccarelli at janz1210@gmail.com. LIVING HEALTHY WITH CHRONIC PAIN: 9:30-11 a.m., 6-week sessions on Fridays, Oct. 11-Nov. 22, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Are you aged 18 or older with an ongoing health condition? This workshop will help you take back control of your pain and your life. Learn how to: manage symptoms, communicate effectively, manage stress and fatigue, build your confidence, make daily tasks easier and incorporate exercise into daily routines. For details and registration, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org. MATTER OF BALANCE: 10 a.m.-noon, 8-week sessions on Thursdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 21, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Do you have concerns about falling? Are you interested in improving your flexibility, balance and strength? A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Participants will learn to: View falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, promote exercise to increase strength and balance. For details and registration, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION ‘FRAUD & SCAMS PREVENTION’: 1:30 -3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, Catholic Charities, 1612 East 14th St., Winston-Salem, and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, Catholic Charities, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte. Presented by A. Mercedes Restucha-Klem, Outreach and Policy Counsel for the N.C. Department of Justice–Public Protection Section. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. To register, contact Sandra Breakfield at sabreakfield@ charlottediocese.org, or Sylvia Sekle, Direct Assistance Coordinator, at 704-370-3295 or smsekle@ charlottediocese.org by Monday, Oct. 14. FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte. Learn about wills, trusts, powers
of attorney, probate, bequests, and other planned gifts as well as Catholic teachings on end-of-life issues. Attorney Christian Cherry with Crisp, Cherry and McCraw in Charlotte, will present legal information on how to coordinate estate planning with your overall financial plan while providing security for your family and loved ones. Q&A available after presentation. For details and registration, contact Judy Smith at jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3320. 9TH BISHOP BEGLEY CONFERENCE ON APPALACHIA, ‘WORKING FOR SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN FAR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA’: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Macon County Robert C. Carpenter Community Facilities Building, 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin. The conference will focus on affordable housing in the far western counties of North Carolina, its causes and its effects on vulnerable populations and the efforts being made to address this concern. For details and registration, visit www.ccdoc.org/education or email your questions to cdocsca@charlottediocese.org.‘I Firmly resolve’ series of talks by Father Matthew Kauth: Seven-day online devotional series designed to help you get your life on the right spiritual track. Free viewing at www. catholiccompany.com/good-catholic/about-familyresolve.tr. ‘EVOLUTION & THE CULTURE OF DEATH- UNMASKING THE ROOTS OF TODAY’S ABORTION MOVEMENT’: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Kerin Family Center, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Today’s culture of death permeates all aspects of our society and culture. Many souls are being lost, and innumerable unborn children are being killed by abortion and abortifacient contraception. In order to roll back the culture of death and restore a culture of life, Catholics must unmask the roots of the abortion movement, which lie in Darwinism and molecules-to-man evolution, and see how it influences today’s culture. Event is open to ages 12 and up. Guest speakers Hugh Owen and Pamela Acker with the Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation. For details and to RSVP, contact Mike FitzGerald at respect.life@ stmarknc.org. YOUNG ADULTS BOOK CLUB FOR YOUNG WOMEN ‘THE CULTURE & THE FEMALE’: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 in the Upstairs Conference Room Activity Center at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. The book club will read the following four selections and discuss over tea and treats: ‘The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand,’ ‘The Other Side of Beauty by Leah Darrow,’ ‘The Anti-Mary Exposed by Carrie Gress’ and ‘Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft.’ Read the book prior to the meeting. Books may be purchased new or used from your favorite retailer. For details, email Mary at Worthingtonmarybeth@gmail.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.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com
‘It was wonderful to be part of the new frontier’ Father Frank O’Rourke retires after 44 years of service to the diocese SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Father Francis “Frank” O’Rourke, 76, was among the first seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte when it was carved out of the Raleigh diocese in the early 1970s. Ordained by Bishop Michael J. Begley at St. Ann Church in Charlotte in 1975, Father O’Rourke has served as pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte for the past 12 years. He is retiring this month after 44 years of priestly ministry. “When I first came to the diocese (from Philadelphia, Pa.) parish councils were being formed,” Father O’Rourke recalls. “It was all new. Liturgical committees, education committees were being formed, for both Catholic schools and religious education. All those offices just started. “It was wonderful to be part of what I used to say was the new frontier,” he says. “This Diocese of Charlotte was a new frontier. When I got here there were 40,000 Catholics. To be part of that was wonderful.” Father O’Rourke admits he has worn many hats in the diocese over the years.
SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte for the past 12 years, will retire Oct. 15 after 44 years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte. One of the first seminarians ordained for the Charlotte diocese which was formed in 1972, Father O’Rourke has been instrumental in serving the people of God during the explosive growth and development of the Catholic Church in western North Carolina. “I started out helping in the Tribunal. I accompanied the Tribunal secretary, Mary Lou Hildreth. She really knew her stuff. For many years she developed the work of the Tribunal,” he explains. “It taught me a lot about marriage. It helped me be
more committed to marriage preparation. I worked for years with Catholic Engaged Encounter marriage preparation.” O’ROURKE, SEE PAGE 28
Sister Terry Martin Endowment Fund created SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
HAYESVILLE — A beloved member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission and St. William Parish communities is being recognized for her substantial contributions to the people of western North Carolina. Sister Therese “Terry” Martin, CND, has a parish hall at IHM named in her honor: Sister Terry Hall. Now there is an endowment set up in her name to benefit students from Clay and Cherokee counties who are pursuing higher education. The Sister Terry Martin Endowment Fund has been established by Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville as a way to honor her for all her years of service to the parish. The endowment was funded by parishioners through several fundraisers. The initial endowment contribution was a little over $27,000. The endowment income is to be used for the benefit of students in Clay and Cherokee counties to provide scholarships for higher education. Allocation of these funds will be determined by a five-member scholarship committee. This year marks Sister Terry’s 70th jubilee anniversary of profession with the Congregation of Notre Dame. She turned 90 in February. For more than 27 years, Sister Terry has been helping people struggling at the margins in the far western Appalachian counties. In her ministry as the Far Western North Carolina Outreach Worker for the Diocese of Charlotte, based out of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville, she is a witness to the preferential love of Christ for the poor – bringing food, clothing and other essential
items to migrant farm workers; serving as a team member of Catholic Charities’ family strengthening services; visiting the sick; and working with victims at domestic violence shelters in Hayesville and Murphy. She has also made it her personal task to help children in struggling families have shoes, warm coats and school supplies. She has also helped many adults earn their GED. Sister Terry has been a volunteer with the Murphy office of Catholic Charities since its founding 19 years ago, working alongside Catholic Charities’ staff and community partners in offering a variety of charity and justicepromoting works out of the Bishop Begley Center for Economic Development in Murphy. Martin Bob McGinnis, an IHM parishioner who helped spearhead fundraising for the endowment fund, said, “We decided based on her years of involvement in education and her deep concern for both parishes in both counties we would raise money to be given out in her name.” He said that when Sister Terry entered her religious order, she wanted to be a missionary. “She was a missionary within the country,” McGinnis explained. “She is the most loving, giving woman I have ever known in my life. When I think of Sister Terry I think of Mother Teresa… She’s had an amazing impact on our community.” The Sister Terry Endowment Fund will be managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation.
The annual scholarship will be disbursed starting next fall. It will be managed by a committee of five people, a chairperson and two members of both IHM and St. William parishes. They will work with school systems in both counties to invite students to apply for the scholarship. Any high school student from either county going on to higher education may apply. “Currently almost half of our 260 endowments are named endowments – that is, the endowments were established to honor or remember an individual or individuals,” noted Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “Some of these endowments are established at the death of an individual through a will or other estate gift. Others, like the Sister Terry Martin endowment, are established when a group raises some money to honor an individual or individuals. In any event, more and more people are establishing named endowments to leave a legacy to loved ones – gifts from thousands of dollars to millions – and we are thankful for their generosity.” — Joe Purello of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte contributed.
Learn more Interested in setting up an endowment? Individuals can establish an endowment in the diocesan foundation by leaving a bequest in their will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a gift of real estate, a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment, or a life income arrangement such as a trust or annuity. For details about setting up an endowment to benefit the Church in western North Carolina, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or email gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.
OUR PARISHESI
5
World Mission Sunday collection set for Oct. 19-20 CHARLOTTE — Pope Francis has set October 2019 as an Extraordinary Missionary Month to foster greater awareness of “missio ad gentes” (“mission to all peoples”) and to animate the missionary transformation of Church life and pastoral activity. World Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on Oct. 20. A special collection will be taken up in all parishes Oct. 19-20 to further the work of the Holy Father and the Propagation of the Faith around the world. In his message for World Mission Sunday 2019 entitled, “Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World,” Pope Francis expressed his hope that celebrating this Extraordinary Missionary Month will “help us first to rediscover the missionary dimension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism. “Our filial relationship with God is not something simply private, but always in relation to the Church. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale – we do not practice proselytism – but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission,” he said. Promoted by the Pontifical Mission Societies, World Mission Sunday is the annual worldwide Eucharistic celebration for the Missions and missionaries of the world. The special second collection taken up during Masses Oct. 19-20 is a global effort for the entire Church to provide for the building up of more than 1,000 local churches in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and parts of Latin America and Europe. Through the work of these churches and their witness to Christ, the poor receive practical help and experience God’s love and mercy, His hope and peace. “The Pontifical Mission Societies serve the Church’s universality as a global network of support for the Pope in his missionary commitment by prayer, the soul of mission, and charitable offerings from Christians throughout the world,” Pope Francis said. He further explained that their donations assist the pope in the evangelization efforts of particular Churches (the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith), in the formation of local clergy (the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle), in raising missionary awareness in children (Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood) and in encouraging the missionary dimension of Christian faith (Pontifical Missionary Union). The Holy Father added, “In renewing my support for these Societies, I trust that the extraordinary Missionary Month of October 2019 will contribute to the renewal of their missionary service to my ministry.” For more information about the Pontifical Mission Societies, go to www. propfaith.net/onefamilyinmission/ default.aspx. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter Pontifical Mission Societies contributed.
6
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 OUR PARISHES
Father Cook installed as pastor in Hendersonville PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR
HENDERSONVILLE — Smiles greeted Father W. Christian Cook at Mass Sept. 28, as he was officially installed as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish by Bishop Peter Jugis. The installation Mass drew hundreds of parishioners, clergy, family and friends, members of the Knights of Columbus, and St. Joseph College Seminary students from Charlotte. In his homily, Bishop Jugis described the responsibilities of a pastor that he had outlined in Father Cook’s letter of appointment, which was read out at the start of the Mass. Through his roles of teaching, sanctifying and governing, Father Cook is to support and encourage the people of his parish to become holy, the bishop explained. “The Church has a mission, and that is the salvation of souls,” the bishop said. Jesus and His Church offer sure answers to life’s perennial questions: “What am I doing here? Where am I going? What is my purpose?” The duty of a pastor, Bishop Jugis said, is to help people navigate these questions in life and reach their ultimate goal: union with God in heaven. “What a tragedy it would be if we were to live our whole life here and never get to our goal. It would be a complete waste of time, everything that we did here,” he said. Through offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a priest enables the faithful then to go out into the world and share the love of God with others, he continued. “The most important work of the priest is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,” he said. “The celebration of the Mass, the worship of God, is first and foremost, and everything flows from our worship of God – our ministry to the poor, our Respect Life ministry, our ministry to young people, ministry to the sick and dying... Everything starts from the love of God and the presence of Christ Jesus that we carry in our hearts from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and take with us” into our day-to-day lives. Father Cook most recently served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and as chaplain of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. He succeeds Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, after the New Jersey-based order withdrew its clergy from the parish and the diocese last summer.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARY ANN KIRCHNER
Seminarian Jake Mlakar was ordained a transitional deacon last week in Rome, one of the last steps in is formation for the priesthood. He is pictured with his family (Bruce Mlakar, Nicholas Mlakar and Marilyn Mlakar) and Father Patrick Hoare, their pastor at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Bishop Peter Jugis congratulates Father Christian Cook after installing him as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville Sept. 28. The parish’s transition to diocesan clergy after 28 years of leadership by the Franciscans necessarily brings a great deal of change, Father Cook noted, and his primary goal has been to interact with the Franciscans “to try and make any disruption in the transition minimal.” “The pastor is tasked with a lot in a parish of this size, and it is easy to be consumed with managing the temporal and business side of the parish church and school,” Father Cook said. “However, my prayer is that I integrate the three munera (duties) of ordained priests in my daily life – that is, to teach, to sanctify, and to shepherd the people of God, in persona Christi.” Reiterating the bishop’s homily message, Father Cook said, “The whole point here is for all of us to be reunited in heaven; and while living in this world, our entire lives should be directed towards heaven in everything we do. That is my ultimate goal, as pastor of Immaculate Conception – to always be centered on Christ, and to then shepherd His sheep home to Him.” PASTOR, SEE PAGE 28
Father Codd installed as pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT
CHARLOTTE — Father Matthew Codd was officially installed as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church Sept. 15, succeeding Father Patrick Winslow, who is now the vicar general and chancellor for the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Peter Jugis installed Father Codd during Mass Sept. 15. The official letter of appointment was read aloud to the congregation at the start of the Mass, and Father Codd then made a profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the Church. During his homily, Bishop Jugis drew parallels between the pastor’s responsibilities and the day’s Gospel reading from Luke, chapter 15 (“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine and go after that the lost one until he finds it?…I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance”). A pastor has three primary roles: teaching, sanctifying and governing, the bishop noted. A pastor must be mindful of all three aspects in his ministry but remain focused on his most important work: offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is “the very center of the life of the parish. It is the most important event that takes place in the parish.” “It is here Jesus is continuing to save us, the giving of His life is still being offered to us for the salvation of the world. What He accomplished once and for all through Calvary is made perpetually present through the ages, through the Real Presence of the Sacrifice at Mass,” he said. “Everything else we do in the parish flows from the
light and the love we celebrate here at this altar.” He encouraged parishioners to cooperate and assist their new pastor in continuing St. Thomas Aquinas Parish’s mission to serve Christ and be a beacon of the Gospel in the community, and he urged them to pray daily for Father Codd’s ministry, “that he may be an effective shepherd for you.” Present at the installation Mass were Father Codd’s parents, Trent and Celine Codd, who came in from Asheville for the special day. Concelebrating the Mass with the bishop and Father Codd were Father Matthew Bean, parochial vicar; and Father Paul McNulty, in residence. Deacon James Witulski, who assisted at the Mass along with Deacon Joe Diaz, noted, “St. Thomas Aquinas was fortunate to also have had Father Patrick Winslow, who did amazing work as our pastor prior to recently becoming the chancellor and vicar general of our diocese. We are now blessed to have Father Matthew Codd as our new pastor, as he is a holy and reverent priest. We look forward to Father Codd’s time with us as he begins his new journey as our pastor.” “We are so blessed to have Father Codd,” added parishioner Monica Bailey, who helped coordinate a reception for the new pastor after the Mass. Since his ordination in 2012, Father Codd served at St. Mark Church in Huntersville and St. Aloysius Church in Hickory before becoming pastor at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and helpful,” Father Codd said of his transition to his new parish. “I was not expecting to leave St. Elizabeth at all – in fact, it was a complete surprise to me. Now that I am here, what I mainly wish to do at St. Thomas is to bring the love of Christ here in whatever way I can.”
Mlakar ordained transitional deacon in Rome ROME — Charlotte seminarian Jacob (Jake) Mlakar was ordained to the transitional diaconate during a Mass Oct. 3 at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. Deacon Mlakar is the son of Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar and is a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. He is in his final year of studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He is expected to be ordained to the priesthood next June along with Deacon Jonathan Torres, who is studying at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. Deacon Mlakar was vested at Mass by Father Paul Buchanan, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. Thirty-one men were ordained during the two-and-a-half-hour Mass. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Meet Deacon Jake Mlakar Birthplace: Akron, Ohio Birthday: April 10, 1992 Raised in: Hudson, Ohio (moved to Waxhaw in 2007 at age 15) Elementary and middle school: Hudson City Schools (Hudson, Ohio) High school: Marvin Ridge High School (Marvin) College: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, B.A. in history and religious studies Pre-theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Bachelor in Philosophy Theology: Pontifical North American College (earned the S.T.B at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, beginning work on the S.T.L. at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas) Home parish: St. Matthew Church in Charlotte Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church (Asheville), St. Mark Church (Huntersville), St. Vincent de Paul Church (Charlotte) CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies? Deacon Mlakar: I love to read, hike and watch good movies. I especially enjoy reading history and religious books. I also love to spend time with friends and family. CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood? Deacon Mlakar: I grew up Catholic, but being a priest was not something I thought about when I was younger. In high school and college, I became more involved with my faith, and I found a vibrant Catholic community when I went to UNC. This caused me to think and pray more about what God was calling me to do with my life, and it was in the middle of my sophomore year of college when I first strongly felt the call to the priesthood. I prayed about it often and began to meet with my pastor in Charlotte, Monsignor John McSweeney, who was a great source of encouragement. By the time I graduated college, I knew I had to take the next step and apply for the seminary. Following the path of this vocation is something that has continued to bring a great peace and joy to my life. CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte? Deacon Mlakar: I’m extremely grateful for the support I’ve received from the countless parishioners across the diocese, especially those I have gotten to know at my parish assignments. I look forward to serving you as a priest after this final year of seminary formation!
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
7
Belmont Abbey College breaks ground on residence hall BELMONT — Ground was broken Oct. 3 on Belmont Abbey College’s latest building project: a 68-room residence hall that will house approximately 136 students. At $12.4 million, the building project is the largest capital investment in the college’s 143-year history. The 42,500-square-foot, five-story residence hall will primarily serve upperclassmen but also add new classroom, office and meeting space for the college, where enrollment now exceeds 1,500 students. The building will feature first-floor meeting and lounge areas for students as well as two classrooms. Each floor will also feature a gathering area on each side to help students connect and create community. MKC Architects designed the new building, located directly across from the Abbey Yard baseball field, to mirror the Gothic architecture prominent on the college’s campus. University Housing Solutions is the contractor for the project. “We’re one the fastest growing Catholic colleges in the United States,” noted Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College. The new residence hall is designed to accommodate that growth but also foster the college’s “inviting community” that enables students to form long-lasting friendships. “This new residence hall enables us to give more students that opportunity,” he said, “to come here and get a world-class education, sound formation – especially from a Catholic perspective – and then
also have a community that encourages them to grow and live and develop deep friendships.” The residence hall, the seventh for the college, is expected to be completed in June 2020. Thierfelder noted that the residence hall will be at full capacity when it opens next year, so the college is already planning a second similar residence hall nearby to meet future growth needs. The growth of Belmont Abbey College “is an extraordinary blessing,” he said. Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, prayed at the Oct. 3 groundbreaking ceremony, “Father, as we begin this good work, we ask the blessing of Your grace” on the college and its community. The groundbreaking ceremony drew community leaders from Belmont, the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, and alumni and supporters of Belmont Abbey College. Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic, baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Its mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that “in all things God may be glorified.” Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, the college welcomes a diverse body of students and provides them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. — Catholic News Herald
CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor; Dr. William Thierfelder, president; and others from Belmont Abbey College broke ground Oct. 3 on the college’s largest capital investment in its history: a 68-room residence hall to accommodate the college’s rising enrollment.
8
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 OUR PARISHES
For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com
In Brief Conference on Appalachia to focus on affordable housing
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICK MENZE
Order of Malta investiture WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nine men and women from the Diocese of Charlotte recently became members of the Catholic lay religious Order of Malta, invested during a special Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Pictured with Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, are Natalie Jackson, Jim DeSart, Harry Rice, Cameron Jackson, Jim Honaker, David Springer, John Sequeira, John McComb and Steve Buisson. They completed more than a year of formation exercises including prayer, religious retreat, education about the traditions of the order, and practice of the works of mercy to become the newest members of this religious community founded more than 900 years ago. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, commonly known as the Order of Malta, is one of the oldest institutions of western and Christian civilization. Its dual charisms are defense of the faith and service to the poor and the sick. In the year 1099 in Jerusalem, Gerard, a European lay brother, founded the order and enlisted other lay brothers as an outgrowth of his service directing the Hospital of St. John. Notwithstanding the conflicts of the Crusades, this Catholic hospital provided care without discrimination to Muslims and Jews as well as Christians. Later beatified by the Church, Blessed Gerard made it a rule that he and his confreres should call the patients and guests “our lords, the sick and the poor.” The Knights of Malta also became a most admired fighting force, protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and Europe against invasion. Today, its defense of the faith activities are largely educational in nature by defending the truths of the Catholic faith. The Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.
FRANKLIN — The ninth Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia will be held Saturday, Nov. 2. Themed “Working for Safe and Affordable Housing in Far Western North Carolina,” the conference will focus on affordable housing in the far western counties of North Carolina – its causes and its effects on vulnerable populations, and efforts being made to address this concern. Come to learn, celebrate and pray. Go to www.ccdoc.org/ education for event information and registration details. Questions? E-mail ccdocsca@ charlottediocese.org.
Donations made to aid the needy HENDERSONVILLE — Parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church collected more than three vans full of new and gently-used winter jackets, towels and blankets they donated to Interfaith Assistance Ministry. IAM will distribute the items to their clients ahead of the winter season. — Sidney Baker
Fr. Cahill marks 90th birthday WAYNESVILLE — Friends of Father James Cahill recently threw a birthday celebration for the priest, who turned 90 in September. The event, held at St. John the Evangelist Church’s parish hall, was attended by around 150 wellwishers from parishes all over western North Carolina. He is pictured blowing out the candles on the birthday cake at the celebration for his 90th birthday. He is assisted by Patti Schandevel, St. John’s parishioner, and Anne Weatherford. Since retiring as pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva, Father Cahill has devoted his time to filling in at parishes in the area. Eight priests who have known Father Cahill’s tireless efforts to minister to the people of North Carolina attended the celebration to express their gratitude to him. “We are grateful for Father Cahill’s witness and service,” said Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard. “We love the way Father Cahill shares God’s light with everyone.” Father Cahill was ordained in 1961 by Cardinal Richard Cushing in western Massachusetts and came to St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte in 1986. In 1991, he was appointed pastor in Sylva and also served on the diocesan vocations board. — Carol Viau
sacraments, SACRAMENTS, Sacraments Thursday, November 7, 2019 9:30am – 4:00pm
Presented by: Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM Basic to religion is the expression of its beliefs in worship. How do Christians acknowledge and ritualize their God-experience? This day will explore the Catholic theology and practice of its understanding of sacrament. The day includes Eucharist and lunch.
Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM has degrees in Math Education from NC State, an MA in Theology from St. Bonaventure University and a graduate certificate in Liturgy from St. Joseph College. She is a frequent speaker and popular presenter in the Diocese of Charlotte. Cost: $40 – which includes lunch
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
MARKUS KUNCORO AND MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Celebrating Michaelmas CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Parish and the Charlotte Latin Mass Community celebrated the feast of St. Michael the Archangel (formally known as the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel) with a Solemn High Latin Mass Sept. 29. The Extraordinary Form Mass was offered by Father Matthew Buettner, house spiritual director for St. Joseph College Seminary, and assisted by St. Ann’s pastor Father Timothy Reid as deacon and Deacon Peter Tonon as subdeacon. In the Extraordinary Form (Latin) calendar, each archangel (Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael) retains its own separate feast day, with the feast of St. Michael occurring on Sept. 29. The feast day, otherwise known as “Michaelmas,” was established to commemorate the establishment of the Basilica of St. Michael (Monte Sant’Angelo) on Mount Gargano, Italy, where in the 5th century, the archangel appeared in a cave. A basilica was later built on the site and in an apparition St. Michael indicated that he sanctified the cave – so the rocks of the cave are considered relics. Since then many people have been healed of afflictions from the rocks. After Mass, the nearly 330 faithful in attendance approached the altar rail and venerated the stones of St. Michael the Archangel held by Fathers Buettner and Reid (also pictured). With the veneration concluded, the Charlotte Latin Mass Community hosted a reception outside with coffee and cookies, along with St. Michael’s bannock, a traditional Irish flat bread honoring St. Michael that was baked by a parishioner. For more information about the Latin Mass, contact Chris Lauer at info@charlottelatinmass.org or visit www.charlottelatinmass.org.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
9
Parishes celebrate festivals
WINSTON-SALEM — Parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy Church celebrated various cultural traditions during their annual “Fiesta val” Sept. 22 at Our Lady of Mercy School field. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROL BENFORD JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
THOMASVILLE — Parishioners and friends recently gathered at Our Lady of the Highways Church to celebrate Our Lady of the Highways Day. The event was first started in 1989 and has been an annual tradition ever since. It celebrates the parish’s feast day and the varied international backgrounds of the parishioners. There have been as many as 27 countries represented by families that have traced their roots to their countries of origin. The day began with an outdoor Mass attended by a large crowd. After Mass everyone enjoyed food provided by the parish and entertainment that included tradition Aztec dances performed by parish members. Faith formation children were given “passports” to be stamped as they went around to the individual country tables where they could sample food from each country.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS
CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral hosted its annual end-of-summer parish picnic Sept. 22 with food, games, arts and crafts, a slip-n-slide and the everpopular dunk tank. Even the youngest parishioners got in on the act and enjoyed dunking Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor, who endured all the dunking with good cheer. Proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. PHOTOS BY GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
FOREST CITY — Immaculate Conception Parish held a Hispanic Festival Sept. 14. The all-day event featured traditional music and dances, ethnic food cooked on location, crafts and games for a day full of fun and fellowship. Children competed for the title of Queen and King of Festival 2019 and they raised more than $7,500. The festival raised a total of $14,000, which will be used to repair the church. Members of the Knights of Columbus council attended the festival, passing out Tootsie Rolls, and collecting donations to support the L.A.M.B. Foundation of North Carolina, a charity dedicated solely to assisting people with intellectual disabilities.
SHELBY — St. Mary Help of Christians Parish held its fourth International Food Festival Sept. 21. The event included homemade food from nine countries, a silent auction, games and music. Proceeds from the festival will be used to make improvements in the social hall.
GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 10
Colecta por las Misiones Mundiales será el 19 y 20 de octubre CHARLOTTE — El Papa Francisco estableció octubre de 2019 como un Mes Misionero Extraordinario para fomentar una mayor conciencia de la “mision ad gentes” (“misión para todos los pueblos”) y animar la transformación de la vida de la Iglesia misionera y la actividad pastoral. El domingo por las Misiones Mundiales se celebrará este año el 20 de octubre. Una colecta especial se realizará en todas las parroquias durante el fin de semana del 19 al 20 de octubre para promover la obra del Santo Padre y la propagación de la fe por todo el mundo. En su mensaje para el Domingo por las Misiones Mundiales 2019 titulado “Bautizados y enviados: la Iglesia de Cristo en misión en el mundo”, el Papa Francisco expresó su esperanza que la celebración de este mes extraordinario por las Misiones “nos ayudará primero a redescubrir la dimensión misionera de nuestra fe en Jesucristo, una fe que nos ha otorgado gentilmente en el bautismo”. “Nuestra relación filial con Dios no es algo simplemente privado, sino siempre en relación con la Iglesia. A través de nuestra comunión con Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, nosotros, junto con muchos de nuestros otros hermanos y hermanas, nacemos a una vida nueva. Esta vida divina no es un producto para la venta, no practicamos el proselitismo, sino un tesoro para ser dado, comunicado y proclamado: ese es el significado de la misión”, dijo. Promovido por las Obras Misionales Pontificias, el Domingo Mundial de las Misiones es la celebración Eucarística mundial anual por las misiones y misioneros del mundo. La segunda colecta especial que se llevará a cabo durante las Misas del 19 al 20 de octubre es un esfuerzo global de toda la Iglesia para proveer la construcción de más de mil iglesias locales en Asia, África, las Islas del Pacífico y partes de América Latina y Europa. A través del trabajo de estas iglesias y su testimonio de Cristo, los pobres reciben ayuda práctica y experimentan el amor y la misericordia de Dios, su esperanza y paz. “Las Obras Misionales Pontificias sirven a la universalidad de la Iglesia como una red global de apoyo al Papa en su compromiso misionero mediante la oración, el alma de la misión y las ofrendas caritativas de los cristianos en todo el mundo”, dijo el Papa Francisco. Explicó además que sus donaciones ayudan al Papa en los esfuerzos de evangelización de Iglesias particulares (la Sociedad Pontificia para la Propagación de la Fe), en la formación del clero local (la Sociedad Pontificia de San Pedro Apóstol), en la sensibilización misionera en niños (Sociedad Pontificia de la Infancia Misionera) y en alentar la dimensión misionera de la fe cristiana (Unión Misionera Pontificia). El Santo Padre añadió: “Renovando mi apoyo a estas Sociedades, confío en que el extraordinario mes misionero de octubre de 2019 contribuirá a la renovación de su servicio misionero a mi ministerio”. Para mayor información sobre las Sociedades Misioneras Pontificias, visite www.propfaith. net/onefamilyinmission/default.aspx. — SueAnn Howell, reportera senior. Contribuyeron con información las Sociedades Misioneras Pontificias
El Padre Frank O’Rourke, pastor de la parroquia San Gabriel en Charlotte por los últimos 12 años, se retirará el 15 de octubre tras 44 años de ministerio sacerdotal en la Diócesis de Charlotte. Uno de los primeros seminaristas ordenados por la nueva diócesis formada en 1972, el Padre O’Rourke ha sido fundamental para servir al pueblo de Dios durante el explosivo crecimiento y desarrollo de la Iglesia Católica en el oeste de Carolina del Norte. SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
“Fue maravilloso ser parte de la nueva frontera” El Padre O’Rourke se retira después de 44 años de servicio a la diócesis SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR
CHARLOTTE — El Padre Francis ‘Frank’ O’Rourke, de 76 años, fue uno de los primeros seminaristas de la Diócesis de Charlotte cuando ésta se formó a principios de la década de 1970. Ordenado en 1975 por el Obispo Michael J. Begley en la Iglesia Sta. Ana en Charlotte, el Padre O’Rourke ha sido pastor de la Iglesia San Gabriel en Charlotte durante los últimos 12 años. Se retira este mes después de 44 años de ministerio sacerdotal. “Cuando vine por primera vez a la diócesis (de Filadelfia, Pensilvania) se estaban formando consejos parroquiales”, recordó el Padre O’Rourke. “Todo era nuevo. Se formaron comités litúrgicos, comités de educación, tanto para las escuelas católicas como para la educación religiosa. Todas esas oficinas acaban de abrir”. “Fue maravilloso ser parte de lo que solía decir era la nueva frontera”, dijo. “Esta diócesis de Charlotte era una nueva frontera. Cuando llegué aquí había 40,000 personas, no familias. Ser parte de eso fue maravilloso”. El padre O’Rourke admite que ha desempeñado muchos cargos en la diócesis a lo largo de los años. Empezó ayudando en el Tribunal. “Me enseñó mucho sobre el matrimonio”, dijo. “Me ayudó a estar más comprometido con la preparación para el matrimonio. Trabajé durante años con la preparación matrimonial del Encuentro católico comprometido”. El Padre O’Rourke explicó que a través de ese esfuerzo, que era parte de Caridades Católicas, se conectó mucho con los Trinitarios, los Siervos Misioneros de la Santísima Trinidad en Charlotte. “Llegaron a la comunidad en la vida familiar, formaron una comunidad y ayudaron a las personas que necesitaban
consejería”, recordó. Compartió que cuando estudiaba para obtener un título en trabajo social en la Universidad Católica de América en Washington, D.C., realizó una pasantía en Caridades Católicas en su parroquia con la guía de los Trinitarios. “Las Hermanas Trinitarias tuvieron un gran impacto en mi vida”, dijo. También marcaron una diferencia en su sacerdocio las Hermanas de la Misericordia, cuya casa matriz está en Belmont. En realidad, fue ordenado diácono transicional en la Capilla de las Hermanas de la Misericordia en Belmont. “Creo que soy el único (seminarista) ordenado en esa capilla”, recordó con cariño. En los primeros años de su ministerio sacerdotal, el Padre O’Rourke se mantuvo muy ocupado y cree que toda la participación que tuvo en varias oficinas y comités lo convirtió en un mejor sacerdote. “Siempre sentí en esos momentos (cuando estaba en parroquias pequeñas) que el tiempo que pasaba no me quitaba de la parroquia a la que servía, más bien lo enriquecía por lo que estaba aprendiendo en el campo”, explicó. El padre O’Rourke incluso fue director de vocaciones diocesanas por un tiempo. “Ser director de vocaciones fue otra de esas oportunidades privilegiadas que me trae muchos buenos recuerdos”, dijo. “La mayoría de hombres que se ordenaban entonces eran mayores, en general. Ahora, ver crecer el número de vocaciones y la diversidad en muchas comunidades étnicas representadas en nuestra diócesis es una verdadera bendición”. El Padre O’Rourke afirma que siempre se ha sentido abrumado por la generosidad de las personas, sus dones y talentos. “A través de los comités, consejos, etc., he conocido personas que me han inspirado. Creo que para llevar adelante un ministerio real debe haber un sentido de respeto mutuo. Tengo que mostrar respeto a la gente así como ellos me respetan. Es maravilloso”. “Cuando llegué aquí por primera vez como pastor, tenía un lema que usaría cuando conociera al personal por primera vez. Era: “patea más alto”. Ello reconocía que todo estaba bien. Le digo a la gente que todo lo que ve aquí ahora, todo esto se ha construido de nuevo desde que llegué aquí hace años. O’ROURKE, PASA A LA PÁGINA 12
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
11
Taller ‘Cristo Vive’ renovó compromiso de pastoral juvenil CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO
CHARLOTTE — Adolescentes y adultos, colaboradores de la pastoral juvenil de los vicariatos de Charlotte y Asheville, participaron de un Taller de formación que se llevó a cabo el pasado sábado 5 de octubre en la parroquia Santa Juana de Arco, en Candler, Carolina del Norte. Poco más de 30 jóvenes asistieron al evento que contó con el apoyo logístico de la Vicaría de Asheville y el contenido y materiales de la Pastoral Juvenil Hispana de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Según explicó Antonio García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Asheville, el taller se centró en la exhortación apostólica postsinodal ‘Cristo vive’ del Papa Francisco. Ibis Centeno, coordinadora de la Pastoral Juvenil del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, fue quien impartió la capacitación. Acerca de la exhortación apostólica, García dijo que es un documento muy importante no solo para la pastoral juvenil sino para la Iglesia en general. “Como católicos, vivimos la pascua de resurrección con mucha alegría pero, en ocasiones, se nos olvida o pensamos que la pascua son solo 50 días después de la cuaresma. El Papa Francisco, a través de ‘Cristo Vive’ nos hace la invitación a que vivamos todos los días esa pascua con Cristo, actuando en la acción evangelizadora, entusiasmados con la presencia viva de un Cristo resucitado”. Así, señaló, gracias a la instrucción impartida, al trabajo en grupo, a las dinámicas de participación, se generó un trabajo grupal en el que los participantes conversaron a profundidad sobre los temas, se involucraron en un cien por ciento, motivaron, trabajaron y sacaron sus propias conclusiones sobre el llamado a una acción evangelizadora y ‘de salida a la periferia’, como la llama el Papa Francisco. “El taller cumplió su cometido”, anotó García, pues “renovó nuestro encuentro con el Señor, nos dio la fuerza necesaria para seguir en la lucha e interiorizamos lo que el Papa nos está llamando a hacer: creer y sentir que Cristo vive”. Respecto a próximas actividades, García anunció que el fin de semana del viernes 11 al domingo 13 de octubre llevarán a cabo un retiro para jóvenes, entre 14 y 17 años, en la parroquia Santa Juana de Arco. Además, señaló, se prepara un segundo encuentro de pastoral juvenil para el 11 de enero, después de las fiestas decembrinas.
‘El taller cumplió su cometido.’ Antonio García
Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Asheville “Este documento (Cristo Vive), nos servirá de referencia para la Pascua Juvenil y como motor de acción para nuestra pastoral de jóvenes” y, siempre contando con la “asistencia y apoyo de la pastoral FOTOS POR SERGIO LÓPEZ
Más de treinta jóvenes y adultos participaron del taller de formación en pastoral juvenil organizado por el Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Asheville en colaboración con la Pastoral Juvenil del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Ibis Centeno, coordinadora de esta última, fue la capacitadora.
juvenil del ministerio hispano diocesano, continuarán la tarea de seguimiento a la misión durante el próximo año”. Por su parte, Ibis Centeno informó que el próximo 19 de octubre un gran número de delegados de los vicariatos de la diócesis, entre ellos varios jóvenes, participarán de una importante reunión del V Encuentro para las regiones XIV y V en Atlanta. Centeno dejó claro que los jóvenes desean trabajar en las prioridades señaladas por el V Encuentro. En esta reunión regional, tras las conclusiones de los obispos de Estados Unidos, se entregarán documentos de trabajo basados en las resoluciones, en los que se indicará las áreas de trabajo, específicamente del Ministerio Hispano, para los próximos años.
Lecturas Diarias OCTUBRE 13-19
Domingo: 2 Reyes 5:14-17, 2 Timoteo 2:8-13, Lucas 17:1119; Lunes (San Calixto I): Romanos 1:1-7, Lucas 11:29-32; Martes (Sta. Teresa de Jesús): Romanos 1:16-25, Lucas 11:37-41; Miércoles (San Gerardo Majella; Sta. Margarita de Alacoque): Romanos 2:1-11, Lucas 11:42-46; Jueves (San Ignacio de Antioquia): Romanos 3:21-30, Lucas 11:47-54; Viernes (San Lucas): 2 Timoteo 4:10-17, Lucas 10:1-9; Sábado (San Juan de la Cruz, San Isaac Jogues y compañeros): Romanos 4:13, 16-18, Lucas 12:8-12
OCTUBRE 20-26
Domingo: Éxodo 17:8-13, 2 Timoteo 3:14-4:2, Lucas 18:18; Lunes: Romanos 4:20-25, Lucas 1:69-75, Lucas 12:13-21; Martes (San Juan Pablo II): Romanos 5:12, 15, 17-21, Lucas 12:35-38; Miércoles (San Juan Capistrano): Romanos 6:1218, Lucas 12:39-48; Jueves (San Antonio María Claret): Romanos 6:19-23, Lucas 12:49-53; Viernes: Romanos 7:18-25, Lucas 12:54-59; Sábado: Romanos 8:1-11, Lucas 13:1-9
OCTUBRE 27-NOVIEMBRE 2
Domingo: Sirácides 35:12-14, 16-18, 2 Timoteo 4:6-8, 16-18, Lucas 18:9-14; Lunes (Santos Simón y Judas Tadeo): Efesios 2:19-22, Lucas 6:12-16; Martes: Romanos 8:18-25, Lucas 13:1821; Miercoles: Romanos 8:26-30, Lucas 13:22-30; Jueves: Romanos 8:31-39, Lucas 13:31-35; Viernes (Todos los Santos): Apocalipsis 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 Juan 3:1-3, Mateo 5:1-12; Sábado (Todos los difuntos): Sabiduría 3:1-9, Romanos 5:5-11, Juan 6:37-40.
12
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
O’ROURKE VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 10
FOTOS CORTESÍA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE
Miles disfrutaron de la tradicional kermés que organiza anualmente la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe a inicios del mes de octubre. Desde las ocho de la mañana del pasado domingo 6, con atole, chocolate caliente y tamales, se atendió a los visitantes. Más tarde, las tortas, tacos, pupusas, fruta picada, aguas frescas y otras delicias tradicionales fueron las preferidas. El evento recuerda la fiesta de San Vicente de Paúl, fundador de la Congregación de la Misión en 1625, además de celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Estados Unidos.
“Con ‘patea más alto’, estaba diciendo que este era un regalo, uno de San Gabriel” explicó. “No solo un regalo para mí, sino también para otros que estaban compartiendo esta comunidad conmigo. A través de ‘patea más alto’, quería decir que todo estaba bien, pero que observes y veas cómo podías hacerlo mejor”. Él cree que la parroquia de San Gabriel es un legado que se ha transmitido a sus miembros. “Tenemos que nutrir esta parroquia. Esta parroquia siempre ha tenido la sensación de llegar más allá, uniéndose con otros en comunidad para dar una respuesta especial a los pobres y necesitados”. El Padre Frank tiene debilidad por el ministerio de RespetAbilidad, que sirve a las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y de desarrollo. “Tenemos personas que vienen de todas partes de la ciudad, de hogares, para bailes, bingo y una misa anual de RespetAbilidad”, dijo. “La comunidad de Holy Angels viene y participa en la liturgia”, agregó. “Es un privilegio ser el sacerdote que reúne a otros en la mesa del Señor para esa liturgia”. Subrayó el explosivo crecimiento de la diócesis, señalando que cuando llegó a la diócesis desde Filadelfia, solo había un puñado de parroquias en el área de Charlotte. “El crecimiento de solo la comunidad de San Gabriel a 3.400 familias (ahora) y una liturgia en español que está prosperando y creciendo, es maravilloso. Somos afortunados de tener dos sacerdotes, (vicario parroquial), el padre Gabriel Salazar y el padre Fidel Melo (vicario del ministerio hispano), para ayudar y asistir a la creciente comunidad hispana en la parroquia”, señaló. De sus hermanos sacerdotes en San Gabriel, dijo: “Tenemos una relación muy singular, un gran respeto mutuo. Un día, de repente, me di cuenta de que están cuidando del “viejito”, en un sentido agradable. Incluso ahora verifican para asegurarse que estoy bien para celebrar la próxima Misa. Siento una gran fraternidad y un cuidado amoroso (de parte de ellos)”. El padre Melo compartió: “Dios provee a su pueblo con pastores generosos en todo momento. El incansable amor, dedicación y servicio del Padre Frank ha sido una bendición e inspiración para muchos en la comunidad de la Iglesia, entre personas de todos los orígenes. Oramos por él en este momento de su retiro”. El Diácono Larry O’Toole, quien ha servido en la parroquia de San Gabriel desde que él y su esposa Judy se mudaron a Charlotte en 2010, dijo que “con la orientación y el espíritu de colaboración del Padre Frank estos últimos 10 años en San Gabriel han sido satisfactorios. No solo encontré un ministerio con significado, sino también una comunidad acogedora y un hogar espiritual, amoroso y afectuoso”. El Padre O’Rourke dijo que en cada parroquia donde ha servido, ha sentido unidad con la gente de allí. “Mientras estoy empacando y tratando de resolver las cosas, me encuentro con recordatorios de todas las diferentes parroquias y oficinas en las que he servido”, dijo. “He tenido muchos recuerdos maravillosos que me han afirmado en mi sacerdocio y enriquecido mi vida”. “Creo que siempre me he visto compartiendo con otros el camino de la vida en la fe. El viaje de la vida en la fe no es algo que haces solo. Es algo que haces con personas que están juntas en el mismo camino”, explicó. “El padre Frank habla a menudo de cómo somos” compañeros en el viaje “y realmente camina con todas las personas que su vida toca y ha tocado”, señaló Libby McLaughlin, feligresa de San Gabriel y miembro del comité de diezmos. “En su ministerio en San Gabriel, él ha sido una presencia constante, compartiendo nuestras alegrías y penas, alentando y nutriendo a todos los que encuentra con una sonrisa y una palabra amable; pero también ha significado un desafío: el de compartir nuestros dones y talentos, no solo entre nosotros y nuestra parroquia, sino también en la gran comunidad de Charlotte donde vivimos y trabajamos”, dijo McLaughlin. “Creo que vive, todos los días, lo que el Papa Francisco exhorta a sus sacerdotes a hacer mientras dirigen sus parroquias y viven su don del sacerdocio: ‘oler como ovejas’, (para ser) un compañero en el viaje de la vida”, agregó. El 15 de octubre, el padre O’Rourke se retirará oficialmente y entregará las riendas de la parroquia al padre Richard Sutter. “Siento que el padre Richard aprecia lo que hay aquí. Estuve feliz de saber que él venía. Tengo muchas ganas de pasar la posta, como dicen, y espero que encuentre lo que yo encontré aquí: un hogar entre hermanos y hermanas que trabajan para la construcción del reino”.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
13
Instruyeron a madres e hijas en métodos naturales de planificación familiar JULIETH DUARTE INSTRUCTORA DE PLANIFICACIÓN NATURAL
ARDEN — ¿Es la virtud de la castidad sólo abstinencia? Este fue uno de los temas que se abordó en el retiro de madres e hijas realizado el 21 de septiembre en la parroquia San Bernabé en Arden. Las madres latinas pudieron aprender del programa de Educación en la fertilidad y manejo médico (FEMM, por sus siglas en inglés), mientras que sus hijas participaban en la versión dirigida a adolescentes. FEMM es un programa que enseña a las mujeres a conocer su cuerpo, sus hormonas y el ciclo menstrual. En este retiro las madres latinas aprendieron sobre el ciclo menstrual como indicador de la salud y dignidad femenina en el contexto de la enseñanza de la Iglesia. Madres e hijas también tuvieron la oportunidad de evaluar su relación y conocer cómo demostrarse amor de la mejor manera. Arely Romero, madre de tres niñas, agradeció a Dios por la oportunidad de contar con el taller cercano a su parroquia.
Resaltó la importancia de mostrar a sus hijas “el don de la vida y, más que eso, enseñarles a seguir el modelo de la Virgen María”. Por su parte Isabel Montiel, feligresa de San Eugenio en Asheville, dijo estar contenta y agradecida por la charla y que, de hoy en adelante, cuando su hija visite un doctor, “podré ayudarla”. El retiro fue organizado por el programa de Planificación Natural de la Familia de Caridades Católicas. FEMM es un programa de salud centrado en utilizar el ciclo de ovulación de la mujer como el quinto signo vital al monitorear los signos diarios de fertilidad para obtener una imagen de la salud en general. Joan Pajak, MS, RN, Elizabeth Harris BSN, RN, y Julieth Liliana Duarte-Jimenez (bilingüe) son educadoras certificadas de FEMM que ofrecen clases en la región occidental de Carolina del Norte. Contacte a Batrice Adcock, MSN, en bnadcock@charlottediocese.org para obtener información sobre futuros retiros que se ofrecerán en la diócesis.
FOTO CORTESÍA
El programa de educación en fertilidad y manejo médico (FEMM) se enfoca en el uso del ciclo de ovulación de la mujer como el quinto signo vital para conocer su estado de salud general. Joan Pajak, Elizabeth Harris y Julieth Liliana Duarte-Jimenez están certificadas para ofrecer estas clases en la diócesis.
Previenen diabetes con programa de salud CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO
eso te motiva y te lleva a seguir adelante”. Cabarrus Health Alliance ha realizado previamente el mismo evento con la parroquia San Santiago el Grande en Concord y actualmente se encuentra coordinando su próxima presencia en la parroquia San José de Kannapolis. Gloria Solórzano, una de más entusiastas participantes, dijo que el curso la ha ayudado mucho. “Ha influido en mí y mi familia a
CHARLOTTE — Son 17 los participantes que se benefician del primer programa integral de prevención de diabetes promovido por la Pastoral de la Salud del Vicariato de Charlotte, gracias a la colaboración de Cabarrus Health Alliance, departamento de Salud del Condado Cabarrus. Cada jueves, los salones de la parroquia San Gabriel acogen las charlas y actividades de este grupo, donde se promueve un estilo de vida más saludable, en el que la alimentación, adecuada hidratación y ejercicio físico se combinan para reducir las condiciones de riesgo que causan la diabetes. Carolina Bonilla, quien tiene a su cargo la capacitación, dijo que la intención del programa es que “al término de seis meses las personas que se inscriben logren alcanzar un cinco por ciento en la reducción de su peso corporal y realicen 150 minutos de actividad física CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD semanal”. Carolina Bonilla, capacitadora de Cabarrus Health Alliance, se La especialista señaló que dirige a los participantes del primer programa de prevención de “aunque la meta de pérdida de peso diabetes que ofrece a través de la pastoral de salud del Vicariato puede parecer poca”, ésta puede de Charlotte. hacer una gran diferencia en su salud, “no solo en la prevención de la diabetes sino también en la reducción de aumentar el consumo de vegetales y reducir los niveles de colesterol, presión arterial y el de carne”. muchas otras cosas que van de la mano con Solórzano, quien se enteró de su condición el sobrepeso y la obesidad”. de pre-diabética gracias a los exámenes Para participar, los interesados ofrecidos por el programa, señaló que “la cruz previamente debieron pasar por algunos que se carga en la espalda” es la disciplina del exámenes que determinaron su elegibilidad, ejercicio, “de aprender a comer y dejar ciertos ya que el programa está dirigido a personas hábitos en beneficio de su salud”. diagnosticadas con prediabetes. Por su parte Carolina Bonilla dijo que “es El programa, que viene realizándose bien lindo saber que el tiempo que dedicas a en la región desde hace cuatro años, tiene la gente les permite hacer cambios en ellos una duración de doce meses. Y, aunque mismos y también en sus familias. el compromiso es un tema delicado por la Si requiere de mayor información sobre los extensión de tiempo, Bonilla asegura que los programas que ofrece la Pastoral de la Salud participantes, a medida que se desarrollan del Vicariato de Charlotte llame a Fravelin las sesiones, se van motivando, comparten Cuesta, coordinadora, al teléfono 704-726experiencias, se apoyan mutuamente y “todo 6397.
FOTOGRAFÍAS DE GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
FOREST CITY — La parroquia Inmaculada Concepción realizó un Festival Hispano el 14 de septiembre. El evento contó con música y danzas tradicionales, comida típica preparada en el lugar, artesanía y juegos en un día lleno de amistad y diversión. Los niños compitieron por el título de Reina y Rey del Festival 2019, recaudando más de 7.500 dólares. El festival reunió la suma total de 14.000 dólares, los que serán destinados a efectuar reparaciones en la iglesia. Miembros del Consejo de los Caballeros de Colón atendieron al festival distribuyendo Tootsie Rolls y recolectando donaciones en apoyo de L.A.M.B. Foundation of North Carolina, una obra social dedicada exclusivamente a asistir personas con discapacidades intelectuales.
14
iiiOctober 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com
FROM TH
About St. Lawrence Basilica St. Lawrence Basilica is one of two minor basilicas in the Charlotte diocese; the other is Mary Help of Christians Basilica in Belmont. There are two kinds of basilicas in the Catholic Church: major (or papal) and minor. The Church’s four major basilicas are all in Rome: St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major. Minor basilicas, on the other hand, are churches around the world designated by the pope that stand out because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance, architectural and artistic worth, or significance to the Church. Pope John Paul II designated the Asheville church as a minor basilica in 1993 for its unique architecture: with its massive tiled dome, it is the only church designed and built by the renowned Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. The basilica sits on a hill in downtown Asheville, overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. The red brick building, built in the Spanish Renaissance style, is capped by a copper dome that is guarded by statues of St. Lawrence, St. Stephen and St. Aloysius Gonzaga. The 82-foot-by-58-foot dome, which is constructed of terracotta tile and mortar like most of the 110-yearold church, is one of the largest free-standing elliptical domes in North America. It features the same vaulting technique and herringbone tile pattern that Guastavino used at Grand Central Terminal and Ellis Island’s Registry Room, as well as 200-plus other locations in New York City, and at Asheville’s Biltmore House. Guastavino is actually buried inside the basilica he built, and visitors can visit his crypt to the left of the main altar. The church also features two chapels: the Chapel of Our Lady and the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Life-size statues of St. Peter, St. Patrick, St. Rose of Lima and St. Cecilia, a frieze of stained-glass windows, and paintings adorn the altars and walls. Artifacts of great historical and artistic value are carefully positioned to be admired and used as instruments of prayer and reverence throughout the basilica. Self-guided and complimentary guided tours are available.
More online At www.saintlawrencebasilica. org: Learn more about the history and architecture of St. Lawrence Basilica, view the Mass and confession schedule, and plan your visit At www.savethebasilica.org: Support the Basilica Preservation Fund to repair and restore the historic basilica
‘Here we are healed by the One St. Lawrence Basilica reaches anniversary milestone ASHEVILLE — This year marks the 110th anniversary of the dedication of St. Lawrence Basilica, and on the anniversary of its dedication Oct. 1 the historic basilica was on display for tours, special Masses were offered, and an organ recital was performed for the enjoyment of parishioners and visitors. Originally known as St. Lawrence Church, it was dedicated on Oct. 1, 1909. In his homily, the basilica’s rector and pastor, Father
Roger Arnsparger, mused about the dedication Mass that was celebrated 110 years earlier. “We can imagine the excitement of 110 years ago, in 1909, when Abbot Leo Haid, Cardinal (James) Gibbons, other bishops and priests and the laypeople of this parish and from around gathered together for the dedication of this church. They watched it for four years, rising from the foundation, they prayed for it daily, they donated for it generously,” he said. And through their efforts and prayers, a church was built that was “large enough to welcome as many people as possible for the sacred rites, that people might be healed, coming into union with Christ Jesus.” A church points to “the vision of the glory of heaven,” Father Arnsparger noted, referring to the Temple described in the Old Testament Book of Zechariah and in St. John’s vision of heaven in Revelation. “In this place, we are in
heaven.” “As St. John looked to placed in that vision, to he said. “Here we are, in these mysteries.” As beautiful as St. La achievement, Father Ar is to provide a dedicated Mass, where the Lamb sins so that we may be h “When you walk thro a Catholic church are e represent going into the – you see that beautiful healing the sick,” Fathe are healed ... through o
HE COVER
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.comiii
Basilica Days of Pilgrimage and Celebration St. Lawrence Basilica is filled with artistic treasures, including this baptismal font (left), an altar depicting the Last Supper (below) and stained glass windows, but its crowning feature is an elliptical dome (bottom). It was said that the architect, Rafael Guastavino, “covered heaven with a dome.” FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
e who loves us most’
o that beautiful vision, you and I are o celebrate the sacred mysteries here,” n the heavenly Jerusalem, celebrating
awrence Basilica is as an architectural rnsparger pointed out, its purpose d place for the Holy Sacrifice of the is offered for the forgiveness of our healed. ough the doors – and the doors of extremely important because they e Holy of Holies, the door of heaven l terracotta panel (depicting) Christ er Arnsparger said. “It is here that we our personal encounters with the One
15
‘Here we are, in the heavenly Jerusalem.’ Father Roger Arnsparger
Rector and pastor, St. Lawrence Basilica who loves us most, God Himself, who stays with us. For all these years, staying with us – our parishioners, our visitors, our community.” Coming into the basilica, he said, people are “invited to experience the love of the One who is true love.” “Let us thank God for the privilege of being able to be part of such a great mystery and let us pledge to Him that as He has stayed with us, we will always stay with Him – the One who loves us most.” — Catholic News Herald
Also online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch a video featuring images from St. Lawrence Basilica and highlights from the Oct. 1 anniversary Mass and organ recital
As a minor basilica, St. Lawrence is a special place of pilgrimage in the Diocese of Charlotte, and on certain days of the year, a pilgrimage may bring with it a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions). Among its special privileges, St. Lawrence Basilica provides an opportunity for the faithful to receive a plenary indulgence if they devoutly visit the basilica on specific days during the year. “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1471). A plenary, or full, indulgence is offered to pilgrims who devoutly visit the basilica on these “Basilica Days” and either attend Mass or at least pray the Our Father and recite the Creed, receive Holy Communion (preferably on the same day of the visit), and go to confession and offer prayers for the Holy Father within 20 days before or after their visit. They must also have no attachment even to venial sin. Upcoming “Basilica Days” are: n Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter n Friday, March 13, 2020: Anniversary of the election of Pope Francis n Monday, April 6, 2020: Granting of the title of basilica, close of 26 years as a minor basilica n Monday, June 29, 2020: The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Other “Basilica Days” held each year include the basilica’s patronal feast day, the feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, on Aug. 10, and the anniversary of the dedication of the church on Oct. 1. Pilgrims can also visit on a “Basilica Day” of their choosing, such as Corpus Christi on June 11, 2020, or any day that is significant to them. Another upcoming special day you won’t want to miss is Oct. 13, the anniversary of the consecration of St. Lawrence Church. The day will feature Masses in English at 9 a.m. and noon and Mass in Spanish at 5 p.m. Potluck snacks and visiting will be available after each Mass.
16
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 FROM THE COVER
PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington join hands in prayer during the 75th anniversary Mass Oct. 5. Bishop Peter Jugis served as main celebrant and blessed a new altar donated in memory of a late parishioner during the Mass.
‘We come to give thanks to God’ Our Lady of the Rosary Parish celebrates 75th anniversary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
LEXINGTON — The 75th anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary Church was commemorated Oct. 5, with a special Mass offered by Bishop Peter Jugis that also included the blessing of a new altar. Bishop Jugis was joined at the altar by Father Ambrose Akinwande, MSP, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish; retired Father Wilbur Thomas, who grew up at the parish; Father John Paul Arowosoge, MSP, who has assisted at the parish over the past three summers; Father Peter Nouck, parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons; and Father Paul Asoh, MSP, parochial vicar of St. Therese Church in Mooresville. “You have reached a significant milestone in the history of your parish, now 75 years. I am happy to be here with all of you,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily. He recalled that St. Paul wrote to the Christians of the first century that we are to give thanks to God the Father always and in everything in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. “So it is in that spirit today that we come in thanksgiving to God the Father, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ… to give thanks for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish which He, God the Father, has planted here in Lexington, North Carolina,” Bishop Jugis said.
He noted that it was fitting to come together to give thanks to God for all the graces He has granted throughout the years to help the faithful grow in holiness: by receiving the sacraments; by listening to the Word of God and putting it into practice; and by being formed in the teachings of the Catholic faith given to us by Jesus. “We come with that sense of thanksgiving to God for all of the blessings and graces that have been bestowed upon the Catholic community here over the past 75 years,” he said. The new altar, carved from wood, was donated by a longtime parishioner in memory of her late husband. It features a relief image of the Last Supper. Before blessing the new altar, Bishop Jugis explained the dedication ceremony and why it was a significant moment for the parish. “It is quite significant that the Holy Mass is the place where we come in thanksgiving to God the Father through Jesus, because the Holy Mass is where it all began 75 years ago in 1944 – with the celebration of the first Mass here in Lexington.” “So it is a beautiful testimony to the faith and the holiness of the faithful of this parish that you present a new altar to the Lord for the celebration of Mass today,” he said, “to honor the 75th anniversary year of the celebration of the first Mass and the establishment of the Catholic mission here in Lexington.” “What we celebrate here transforms us and we carry that transformation and that power of Christ’s grace and love and holiness with us into our homes, into our families, into our workplaces, into our schools, into stores, into every place we go.” Parishioner Mary Ann Brown has been a member of the Lexington parish since 1971, and helped get a weekly
Spanish Mass arranged at the parish. “I was fortunate to find a wonderful, welcoming parish,” Brown said. “I feel like our church has been so open and caring for the community.” Jimmy Day, a member of the Knights of Columbus, has been at the parish for 30 years now, ever since he relocated with his job from Pittsburgh, Pa. “It’s a small-town atmosphere, like a family more or less… we do everything together,” Day said. “In our parish we try to get our kids involved. They are our future.” Teresa Kines, a lifelong member of the parish who was instrumental in organizing the 75th anniversary events, said, “I think tradition is ingrained in me, in that I have never looked at any other church to attend.” She added, “I think the next 75 years will be amazing as we begin building a new foundation for the future.” Father Akinwande has served at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish for the past three years and shared that his experiences there have been spiritually enriching, morally uplifting and pastorally inspiring. “I have encountered wonderful parishioners who love and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Catholic faith and principles,” he said. “Their belief in the salvation that our Lord Jesus Christ has brought us, has always strengthened their resolve to be true ambassadors of God’s Holy Church. We’ve really come a long way, leaning and depending on Jesus.” In the closing remarks of his homily, Bishop Jugis prayed, “May this 75th anniversary year encourage you to a greater witness and service to Christ. As the Gospel reading today reminds us, we are His servants. We have done what we have been asked us to do. It is all about Jesus and faithfully following Him.”
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com
FROM THE COVERI
17
(Left) Bishop Jugis elevates the Eucharist during the 75th anniversary Mass. (Below from left) The new carved wooden altar depicting the Last Supper was blessed by Bishop Jugis during the Mass. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIA FREDRICA FOY MICHAELS
Pictured above is the original home for Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington.
History of Our Lady of the Rosary Church 1944
In January, the current parish of Our Lady of the Rosary was a mission of St. Edward Church in High Point. At that time, Davidson County was only 1 percent Catholic. In April, the mission was transferred as a mission of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.
1945
With 15 Catholics enrolled, the mission was named Holy Rosary Parish.
1946 (Left) Bishop Peter Jugis and five priests concelebrated the 75th anniversary Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Pictured from left are: Father John Paul Arowosoge, MSP; Father Peter Nouck; Father Ambrose Akinwande, MSP, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church; Bishop Jugis; Father Paul Asoh, MSP; and retired Father Wilbur Thomas, a local vocation from the parish. (Below) Father Akinwande incenses his parishioners during the Mass.
A house and property located at 619 S. Main St. was purchased for approximately $7,000. The house was more than 100 years old, and was owned by Dr. Cathell, who was a mayor of Lexington. That November, Our Lady of the Rosary Church was officially named.
1948
Weekly Masses began being offered at Ideal Funeral Home, and continued until 1952. Mass also held in homes.
1951
Thomasville became a mission of Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
1953 ‘We’ve really come a long way, leaning and depending on Jesus.’ Father Ambrose Akinwande
Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Parishioners requested permission to build a church with $8,000 in savings. They were required to have one-third of the cost, so a fundraiser was held. Pews were $75 each and a brick was 50 cents.
1954
The Thomasville church was completed.
1957
The parish was given permission to evaluate building a church at a cost of about $15,000, not to exceed $18,000, on the present site. In September, construction began on the new church.
1958
Holy Rosary Church was completed, and on July 16, 1958, the church was formally dedicated by Raleigh Bishop Vincent S. Waters. In November, Mocksville became a mission of Holy Rosary Parish and the mission of Thomasville then became a mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Late that year, the old residential house was demolished.
1960s
The parish, numbering approximately 2,000 members, celebrated its 25th anniversary.
1973
Father Wilbur Thomas, a Lexington native and former member of the parish, was ordained to priesthood – one of the first priests for the Diocese of Charlotte.
1990
Patrick Pollen was commissioned to design the stained glass windows. These windows were made and installed by Glass Sculpture for $15,750.
2017
The church went through an extensive renovation. The parish used $46,520 of its “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign money towards the $70,000 remodeling effort. Parishioners pitched in with their own labor, saving thousands of dollars.
Our schools 18
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
MACS open houses coming up Oct. 22 CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools will hold an open house at all nine schools for prospective parents at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Prospective families can take a tour of the schools, watch fine arts performances, hear students speak about their experiences, meet with teachers and more. Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is a centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area comprised of nine schools (two high schools, a middle school, four elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and two K-8 schools). The nine schools in MACS are: St. Ann School (PK, TK-5), St. Gabriel School (K-5), St. Matthew School (TK-5), St. Patrick School (K-5), Our Lady of the Assumption School (PK-8), St. Mark School (K-8), Holy Trinity Middle School (6-8), Charlotte Catholic High School and Christ the King High School. MACS also offers special needs programs at various locations including: PACE (Providing an Appropriate Academic Catholic Education), MAP (Modified Academic Program) and MMP (Matthew Morgan Program). Each offers a specific educational experience for students with special needs. The mission of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte is “to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to provide a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting citizen.” Tuition discounts are provided to participating Catholic parishioners and for multiple children enrollment. Financial assistance is also available to qualifying families based on need. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Learn more
At www.discovermacs.org: Get more information about MACS schools, including tuition rates, application forms and financial aid opportunities. You may also contact the MACS Admissions Office at 704-370-3273.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROBIN FISHER
Sacred Heart students celebrate leaders, support Walk for Life SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School recently recognized its Sacred Heart Community Leaders for September, welcoming Elaine Spalding, president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, to the school. Spalding spoke to students about being leaders in their classrooms, leaders in their school, and then becoming leaders in our community and in our
world. She told them to be “the best version of themselves” every day, by being kind and helping others. Also in September, students raised money for the Walk for Life event sponsored by the Rowan County Pregnancy Support Center. Its director, Shari Evans, came to the school’s Morning Assembly and received a donation totaling $274.50.
S T. G A B R I E L M E N ' S C L U B
OYSTER ROAST AND MUSIC JAM Saturday | October 19, 2019 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. St. Gabriel Catholic Church 3016 Providence Road | Charlotte, NC 28211
MENU Roasted Oysters | Low Country Boil Cake, Ice Cream | Beverages
KIDS MENU Hot Dogs | French Fries | Peel and Eat Shrimp
$30 single ticket $55 two tickets $10 kids 6 to 12, kids under 6 FREE
For additional information, 704-236-8145 sgmcoysterroast@gmail.com
Cash, Credit Card, Checks; Payable to St Gabriel Men’s Club To Order Online, sgmcoysterroast.com
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MINISTRIES SUPPORTED BY SGMC.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
19
SPX kicks off new year with new features for students, teachers, parents APRIL PARKER SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School kicked off an exceptional new school year Aug. 23. Parents and students were greeted by new floors, fresh paint colors, and new water fountains. However, these were not the only changes that caught students’ attention. Third- through fifth-grade classes found new science and reading textbooks in their desks from publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Elementary Spanish students began their first week of school enjoying a new Sonrisas Spanish curriculum with bright word cards, fun cultural posters, and integrated technology features. Middle school students began to reap the benefits of a new Friday writing lab, where they revised and published their summer reading essays. All students are also enjoying a few changes to the religion curriculum as each class K-8 began writing Mass homily responses right after Mass on Tuesdays. Students are also encouraged to participate in weekly stewardship by bringing a canned good to Tuesday Masses. In addition, all classes are getting in the habit of saying the Angelus prayer together as a school each day just before noon. Parents are enjoying new advancements as well. The school’s website now features syllabus, rubric, pacing guide, and technology links for parents, along with a new set of “Parent Learning” videos posted through Vimeo. St. Pius X School has many new enrichment programs happening before and after school allowing students to
participate in extracurricular activities such as a Foreign Language Lab, dance, chess, sports, drama, geography and spelling bees, Battle of the Book competitions, choir, and the opportunity to learn a new instrument. All these new features in the school go far to demonstrate that the student is the center of St. Pius X School. Classroom instruction is differentiated within all subjects, especially during a dedicated reading and math morning block. Teachers assess students frequently to learn each student’s individual needs and provide constant feedback to parents and support staff. Teachers also use adaptive math technology such as Redbird, Khan Academy and ALEKS to add additional supplementary math practice to the students’ day. This year parents are also receiving weekly newsletters from teachers, as well as email communications, and constant access to the Renweb platform giving parents grades, lesson plans, uploaded documents, and classroom calendars. As the year progresses, St. Pius X School hopes to offer alumni events for past graduates all the way back to the Class of 1955, as well as a parent book club As St. Pius X School leads the way in academics and faith formation, students can look
Caroline Eachus and her daughter Virginia inquire with ministry leaders Carolyn Painley and Becky Camden about this year’s CROP Walk. Many of St. Pius X School students and families participate in Greensboro’s annual walk to end hunger. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARYANN LUEDTKE
forward to an engaging new elementary STEM lab and being able to communicate with students around the globe through collaborative 21st century projects. The school also hopes to add enough Chrome
book labs for students in each class to have one-to-one access to technology. APRIL PARKER is the director of curriculum and instruction at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.
Fall in Love with St. Michael Catholic School all over again! Come see our beautiful new campus improvements!
Family Fun Day and Open House Saturday, October 19 11:00am – 4:00pm Bounce Houses • Face Painting • Game Truck • Music with a DJ • Cotton Candy • Food & Drinks • Games • Crafts There will also be an opportunity to purchase bricks as part of our Reach to Teach Campaign. Purchase one in honor or memory of loved ones and friends of St. Michael Catholic School. 704 St. Michael Lane - Gastonia, NC 28052 stmichaelschool@stmichaelsgastonia.org www.stmichaelcs.com
Mix 20
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com
Catholic Book Pick
In theaters
‘Apostles of the Culture of Life’ by Dr. Donald T. DeMarco ‘Abominable’ The dreaded Yeti monster, the legendary abominable snowman, becomes a loveable fur ball in this family-friendly animated adventure directed by Todd Wilderman and Jill Culton. A resourceful teenager (voice of Chloe Bennet), aided by two friends (voices of Tenzing Norgay Trainor and Albert Tsai), embarks on an epic adventure across China to return the creature to his Himalayan home, away from the clutches of his wicked captors. Along with eye-popping animation, roller-coaster action (nothing too perilous for the little ones), and good humor are worthy lessons on the importance of family, friendship and helping others in need. Nonperilous action sequences. CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: PG
‘Joker’ Origin stories of Batman villains don’t get any darker than this one. Director Todd Phillips and screenwriter Scott Silver turn the cackling maniac into a warped homage to Travis Bickle, the violent anti-hero in 1976’s “Taxi Driver,” and a bit of frustrated stand-up comic Rupert Pupkin in 1983’s “The King of Comedy.” To drive home the point, Robert De Niro, who played both roles, has a cameo as talk show host Murray Franklin, who, Arthur Fleck/Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) regards as a sort of father figure whose approval he craves. It’s a familiar and unappealing narrative with no sense of moral uplift. A vengeance theme, gun and knife violence, some gore, fleeting rough and crude language. CNS: L (limited adult audiences); MPAA: R
‘Rambo: Last Blood’ Bleak, absurdly brutal swan song for the character of the title, first played by Sylvester Stallone in 1982. Working from a script by Stallone and Matthew Cirulnick, director Adrian Grunberg relies on the old trick of setting up easy-to-hate villains, then doling out their presumably just desserts. In this case, it’s the Mexican white slavers (led by Sergio PerisMencheta and Oscar Jaenada) who have drugged and kidnapped the Vietnam veteran’s adoptive niece (Yvette Monreal). The sadistic revenge he exacts via booby traps and butchery is so over-the-top that it ceases to shock and becomes laughable. Much rough and crude language, CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R
CNS | PAUL HARING
People attend a prayer vigil, led by Pope Francis to open a month dedicated to missionaries, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 1.
Pope opens Missionary Month with call to share joy, hope, talents CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — God wants everyone to take a risk to share with others the gifts he has given to them – their life, talents and his love, Pope Francis said. Opening the Extraordinary Missionary Month at a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 1, the pope said God “is asking you not simply to go through life, but to give life; not to complain about life, but to share in the tears of all who suffer.” Offering his encouragement, the pope said: “The Lord expects great things from you. He is also expecting some of you to have the courage to set out and to go wherever dignity and hope are most lacking,” as there are still many people living without the joy of the Gospel. Pope Francis called for the special month to remind people of their responsibility to share the Gospel and to proclaim the Gospel with renewed enthusiasm. Similar to his commissioning missionaries of mercy for the Jubilee of Mercy, the pope commissioned 10 special missionaries at the end of the ceremony, presenting the five religious women, four religious men and a family with a small simple wooden cross to wear around their neck as they go on missions in various parts of Africa and Asia. God “loves the Church on the go,” the pope said in his homily. “If it is not on the go, it is not Church.” A missionary Church, he said, “does not waste time lamenting things that go wrong, the loss of faithful, the values of a time now in the past,” he said. The Church “does not seek safe oases to dwell in peace, but longs to be salt of the earth and a leaven in the world” because she knows her strength is Jesus Himself, “not
social or institutional relevance, but humble and gratuitous love.” The pope used the parable of the talents to explain how God entrusts people with His greatest treasures: “our own lives, the lives of others” and a number of different gifts and talents. God does not want those gifts to be “stored in a safe,” but to be dedicated “with boldness and creativity” to a true vocation that will bear fruit, the pope said. On the day of judgment, “God will not ask us if we jealously preserved our life and faith, but instead whether we stepped forward and took risks, even losing face,” he said. The Extraordinary Missionary Month is meant to “jolt us and motivate us to be active in doing good. Not notaries of faith and guardians of grace, but missionaries,” he said. Like martyrs, missionaries live a life spreading peace and joy, loving everyone, even their enemies, out of love for Jesus, he said. In the parable, the master is pleased with his enterprising servants as “good and trustworthy” and harshly criticized his fearful servant as “wicked and lazy.” God severely reproaches the fearful servant because his evil “was not having done good; he sinned by omission,” the pope said. “Omission is the opposite of mission,” he said. People sin by omission “whenever, rather than spreading joy, we think of ourselves as victims, or think that no one loves us or understands us. We sin against mission when we yield to resignation, ‘I can’t do this: I’m not up to it.’” “We sin against mission when we complain and keep saying that everything MISSIONARY, SEE PAGE 28
This inspiring book presents the opposite side of the coin of Dr. Donald T. DeMarco’s previous bestseller, “Architects of the Culture of Death,” and presents short but vivid and insightful profiles of individuals who worked heroically, consistently and effectively in defense of life. Grouped according to various fields of endeavor – medicine, philosophy, theology, sports, entertainment, and politics and the arts – and hailing from many different countries, the heroes described within exemplify the diversity of the pro-life movement. Some are still living, others have passed from the scene. Men and women from different races are represented. Offering the most extensive and diverse representation of pro-life stalwarts that has ever been collected, “Apostles of the Culture of Life” will serve as an inspiration to anyone who loves justice, while at the same time providing cogent and convincing arguments as to why the defense of life is the most important issue of our time. Read it and be inspired! At www.tanbooks. com: Order your copy of “Apostles of the Culture of Life.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
21
On TV n Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Heart Speaks to Heart from Heaven: The Newman Miracle Story.” The life and miraculous intercession of Blessed John Henry Newman, and the Newman conference, where Deacon Jack Sullivan gave his testimony of healing through Newman’s intercession.
Capuchin Father Emiliano Antenucci presents an image of Our Lady of Silence to Pope Francis at the Vatican March 22, 2019. Father Antenucci said that silence “is the womb where words that are true are born.”
n Saturday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “John Henry Newman: A Saint for Our Times.” Through looking back the life of John Henry Cardinal Newman, Father Ian Ker and Joanna Bogle discover many links between Newman and modern Catholicity. n Monday, Oct. 14, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Crash Course in the Saints: Holy Virgins and Women Rights.” Father John Trigilio and Father Ken Brighenti, along with Noah Lett, tell of the many heroines of the Faith, who offered their lives as spouses of Christ in whatever state of life they were called to live out their missions of holiness. n Monday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Message of Fatima: The First Saturday Devotion.” Following the death of her beloved cousins, Lucia enters an introspective life in a convent where she continued to receive apparitions from the Blessed Mother, and new insights on the Immaculate Heart. n Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Teresa of Avila.” An illuminating docudrama examining the life of the 16th Century saint and mystic Teresa of Avila. n Friday, Oct. 18, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Speaking of Saints, Sufferings.” Susan Conroy looks at how Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta dealt with suffering. n Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Karol- A Man Who Became Pope.” Follow the young future pope’s life journey as we see him transition from a worker, poet, teacher and to his true calling, the priesthood of Christ. Part 1. n Sunday, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saints vs. Scoundrels: St. Maximillian Kolbe vs. Joseph Goebbels.” When Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels interrupts St. Maximillian Kolbe’s chess game with Dr. Benjamin Wiker, the saint reaches out to the man with a profound kindness that leaves Goebbels questioning his beliefs. Part 1 of 2. n Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Church and the Poor: The Encounter Service, at the Heart of Christianity.” The Missionaries of the Poor reflect on what it truly means to be Christian as they work towards imitating Christ in serving those who are less fortunate than themselves. n Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Letters of St. Therese: Being Unknown.” Father Jacques Daley continues his study of the spiritual insights found in the letters of St. Thérèse of Lisieux with a look at what the saint shows us about the meaning of humility.
CNS | COURTESY FATHER EMILIANO ANTENUCCI
HUSH HOUR Spirituality of silence is a journey toward God, priest says CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis hung a bright red sign on his home-office door two summers ago that reads, “No Complaining Allowed.” It was a succinct reminder to guests at his residence of one of his favorite invitations: drop the “sourpuss” scowl and radiate the true joy that comes from being loved by God. Even his more formal visitors get a similar, more subtle, message as they enter the apostolic palace where the pope receives bishops and heads of state and holds other important gatherings. Near the elevators people take to reach the papal study or meeting halls, the pope hung a copy of the icon of Our Lady of Silence – an image of Mary with her index finger poised gently in front of her closed lips. “Just think how many Marian icons he gets (as gifts) and he decides to put this one there” as well as a smaller copy of one on his desk, said Capuchin Father Emiliano Antenucci, who commissioned the icon and gave a copy to the pope. The preferential treatment, the priest said, shows the pope’s deep understanding of the importance of holy and humble silence. Father Antenucci has spent the past 10 years developing and offering special courses on silence, which is an important part of Christian spirituality and mental wellbeing, but, he said, is increasingly scarce in a busy, noisy, media-saturated world. Together with a number of books he has authored, Father Antenucci’s three-day weekend retreats teach people how to carve out a moment each day of inner peace and outer quiet in order to better perceive and embrace God’s presence. “Silence is a revolution,” he said. Silence “is the womb where words that are true are born.” While his books and courses are currently available only in Italian and Spanish, he said he has been getting the materials translated into English and finding a publisher for North America. Father Antenucci said Pope Francis was quite moved when he saw the icon of Our Lady of Silence the priest had first brought with him to be blessed in 2016. The pope even wrote on the back of the wooden panel in gold pen, “Do not bad-mouth others!” which ended up being the title and cover picture of Father Antenucci’s most recent booklet, which the Vatican newspaper reviewed in late July. The booklet is not a scolding lecture, he said, but explains what drives people to cut others down and offers techniques for “a conversion of heart.” It lists pertinent quotes from the pope and suggests a 12-step remedial program for kicking the habit of gossip, “a sport practiced all over the world,” the priest said. The pope’s appeal for people to stop, think and not “drop bombs with their tongues” reflects the Christian understanding that people are created by God in his image, Father Antenucci said, so smearing a person’s reputation also “sullies the face of God” and makes the
world a more polluted place. Father Antenucci explained that silence asks people to suspend their judgment and be more merciful, “because we don’t know what is going on with the other person, what wounds they carry,” and that ignorance can lead to criticism. However, not every critique or accusation is calumny or a hit job and biting one’s tongue is not an absolute rule of thumb. Silence, like words, can be weaponized, Father Antenucci said, like the Mafia’s restrictive code of “omerta’” or the corrosive, manipulative silence among families, friends and coworkers, when needs, problems or concerns are shunned, denied or ignored. Speaking up and out against injustice, illegality and sin comes from “Christ the liberator,” said the priest who ministers to Mafiosi in maximum security prisons and encourages young adults to fight against such evil.
‘If Our Lady asks us to be quiet, it’s because her Son has something to tell us.’ Because both words and silence can be used as “medicine or poison,” he said, it comes down to properly discerning when it is best to speak and when it is best to be silent. Make sure love is the motive, he said, as St. Augustine taught, be “silent out of love” and “speak out of love” always. Another tip comes from Socrates, he said, who advised “If what you want to say is neither true, nor good or kind, nor useful or necessary, please don’t say anything at all.” Backstabbing, envy and slander are all rooted in the same philosophy: “Mors tua vita mea,” (“Your death, my life”) which means, “we want to put down the other in order to glorify ourselves,” he said. That is why speaking up about something to someone requires “it not be about judgment but be about correction,” he said. “If we judge the person, we abandon them. Whoever corrects, loves. You do it together, saying, ‘I will support you. I am here.’ This is mercy. This is the Christian way,” said the priest, who served as a papal Missionary of Mercy during the Year of Mercy. “Condemn the sin, save the sinner,” he added. Father Antenucci said, “in a world bombarded by noise,” everyone should experience at least 30 minutes of silence each day. “It’s good for your head, clearing your mind, and purifies your heart.” “Christian silence” is not about seeking a sense of emptiness or nothingness, but “is about presence. It is an encounter with Jesus,” he said. The spirituality of silence, Father Antenucci added, can be summed up best by “a very wise girl,” appropriately named Sofia, who told her mother, “who then told me, ‘If Our Lady asks us to be quiet, it’s because her Son has something to tell us.’”
Our nation 22
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Justice is ‘a divine characteristic’ of God, archbishop says at Red Mass MARK ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Addressing a congregation that included Supreme Court justices and law students attending the Oct. 6 Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory encouraged those involved in law to reflect God’s justice and mercy. “Justice is a divine characteristic of God himself. Whether we are Christian, Jewish or Muslim in heritage – we all believe that God is perfectly just and always merciful,” Washington’s archbishop said. “And those of you engaged in the administration of justice can and must never completely remove those divine qualities from your service and your calling.” The annual Mass, traditionally held on the Sunday before the Supreme Court opens its term on the first Monday of October, invokes God’s blessings and guidance on those responsible for the administration of justice as well as on all public officials. Archbishop Gregory noted, “We pray for all of the members of the judiciary and legal world because yours is the tremendous responsibility of attempting to reflect God’s perfect justice and mercy in interpreting the laws of our nation and for all those who will come before you during
this next year.” Those affected by the administration of justice, he added, include those who may have committed crimes, and “those whose language, culture, race, or religion are not your own, as well as those who are at precarious moment on the spectrum of human life.” “None of them are unimportant and all of them approach you for what they hope will be a sign and an expression of God’s truth,” he added. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. attended the Mass along with Associate Justices Clarence Thomas and Stephen G. Breyer. Retired Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy also was there. Massgoers also included U.S. Attorney General William Barr; U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia; and U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco; along with numerous judges and local attorneys, along with deans, professors and students from area law schools. John Garvey, president of The Catholic University of America; and John DeGioia, president of Georgetown University, also were at the Mass. The name of the Red Mass derives from the red vestments worn by the clergy during the solemn votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, representing the tongues of fire symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit. “We begin another judicial season asking for a generous outpouring of God’s Holy
Formation Coordinator Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Salisbury, NC Sacred Heart is looking to hire a full time Formation Coordinator. This person would provide leadership to a variety of catechetical programs including, but not limited to, Faith Formation, Sacramental Preparation, and Youth Ministry. Education, Experience and Skills: • Be a Catholic in good standing with the church • Have skills in administration, organization, supervision, mentoring, teaching, and public speaking. • At least a Bachelor’s degree (religious studies or theology preferred). • At least 2 years of work experience in a church (preferred but not required) • Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred but not required) Work Environment: • This position is a 40 hours/week, salary position, that includes benefits. • Evening and weekend work IS required. All applications must include a Resume, Cover Letter, and the Application for Lay Employment - https://charlottediocese.org/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ Please submit applications by October 31st, 2019 to: Michael Becker, Director of Operation mbecker@shcatholic.org Or by mail to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Attn: Michael Becker 375 Lumen Christi Lane Salisbury, NC 28147
Spirit upon all who serve us in the realm of our legal structures,” the archbishop said. “May each one of you rejoice in a spirit of integrity, courage and wisdom each day of this new year of legal justice and human compassion.” Archbishop Gregory added, “We begin a new judicial season always filled with hope that honesty and integrity will prevail and that the laws of our nation will be properly applied and observed. Those who work in the legal world carry a heavy burden and you must constantly work relentlessly to ensure that truth and fairness are not denied to any plaintiff or defendant.” The 67th annual Red Mass in the nation’s capital was sponsored by the John Carroll Society, a group of 1,000 lay men and women in the Archdiocese of Washington from a variety of professions
Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory celebrates the annual Red Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral Oct. 6, 2019. CNS | ANDREW BIRAJ, CATHOLIC STANDARD
who participate in religious, charitable and social activities.
Red Mass to be offered in Charlotte A Red Mass for legal professionals will be offered starting at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey will be the main celebrant of the liturgy, which is organized each October by the St. Thomas More Society. St. Peter Church is located at 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com
In Brief Bishops urge Supreme Court not to redefine ‘sex’ in civil rights law WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairmen of three U.S. bishops’ committees have urged the U.S. Supreme Court not to redefine “sex” in civil rights law, arguing this would change the definition of “a fundamental element of humanity that is the basis of the family and would threaten religious liberty.” Redefining “sex” in the law would be “an interpretive leap away from the language and intent” of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, they said. The bishops’ statement was issued Oct. 8, the same day the high court heard oral arguments in a trio of cases on the question of whether U.S. law prohibiting employment discrimination based on “sex” in Title VII includes “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” discrimination, respectively. Signing the statement were: Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Massachusetts, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty; Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; and Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. The cases Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, and Altitude Express v. Zarda, which were consolidated because both claim discrimination based on sexual orientation. The third, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, which questions whether Title VII’s protections apply to transgender employees.
is based on the premise “that U.S. citizens do not accept abortion as the law of the land,” said organizers, and “represents many who wish to see the innocent lives of children in the womb protected under the Constitution.” The day that pro-life leaders gathered outside the court, the justices held a behind-closed-doors conference on the upcoming term, which opens Oct. 7. The court announced Oct. 4 that it has decided to hear a challenge to a Louisiana law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. On opening day of the new term, the high court will announce whether it will take up an Indiana case over the constitutionality of the state’s law requiring an ultrasound be performed at least 18 hours before receiving an abortion.
U.S. judge temporarily blocks Ga. ‘heartbeat’ law ATLANTA — A U.S. District Court judge Oct. 1 temporarily blocked a Georgia law that would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is around six weeks. Known as the “heartbeat bill,” it was signed into law May 7 by Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and was to have taken effect Jan. 1. The ruling by Judge Steve C. Jones will put it on hold while a lawsuit against it is argued in court. The suit was filed by Planned Parenthood Southeast, Sistersong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Feminist Women’s Health Center, and several patients and doctors. In reaction to Jones’ ruling, a spokeswoman for Kemp was quoted by USA Today as saying, “Despite today’s outcome, we remain confident in our position. We will continue to fight for the unborn and work to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live, grow and prosper.” The measure makes exceptions to save the life of the mother and in the case of rape and incest if a police report is filed. It also makes exceptions to allow abortions when a fetus has serious medical issues.
Court urged to hear La., Ind. cases and overturn abortion law
Bridgeport bishop hopes report on abuse brings healing, renewal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of national prolife leaders gather outside the Supreme Court Oct. 2 to release a petition bearing 250,000 signatures that calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions. The group urged the court to use two cases -- from Louisiana and Indiana -- this term to overturn the companion decisions that legalized abortion virtually on demand nationwide. “We are honored that 250,000 people have joined us in calling on the Supreme Court to overturn Roe,” said Allan Parker, president of the Justice Foundation, a pro-life nonprofit organization spearheading the effort. Named “The Moral Outcry,” the petition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg Oct. 1 released the results of a nearly yearlong independent investigation into the handling of the abuse crisis by the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. The investigation covered the approximately 66 years from the establishment of the diocese to the present. It found that “the existence of sexual abuse by certain priests of this diocese, particularly abuse of children, was known to the diocesan leadership at least as early as 1953. 281 individuals have been identified as having been abused during the diocese’s approximately 66-year history, nearly all when they were minors, by 71 priests.” “The
71 priests constitute 4.7% of the approximately 1,500 priests who have served the diocese since 1953,” it said. The report, titled “Clerical Sexual Abuse Accountability Report,” credits Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, who has headed the Bridgeport Diocese since 2013 – and who in October 2018 retained Holzberg and the law firm of Pullman and Comley to conduct this investigation – and his predecessor, then-Bishop William E. Lori, with reversing the diocese’s “approach to reporting abuse and disciplining abusers.”
Reviewer: N.Y. Archdiocese complying with charter in ‘all respects’
Buffalo bishop says he welcomes Vatican-authorized visitation WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., said late Oct. 3 he welcomes an apostolic visitation by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y. News of the visitation, which will include “a review of the Diocese of Buffalo,” came via a communique released earlier by the apostolic nunciature in Washington, which is coordinating it. For more than a year, the Buffalo bishop has faced questions about how he has handled allegations of abuse against diocesan priests. — Catholic News Service
NEW YORK — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York said Sept. 30 he was “grateful and relieved” by the report of a comprehensive independent review of archdiocesan compliance with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Child and Young People.” At a Sept. 30 news conference at the chancery in New York, former federal Judge Barbara S. Jones said, “Overall, I have found that the archdiocese has complied with the charter in all material respects. It has faithfully followed its policies and procedures and responded appropriately to abuse complaints, and is committed to supporting victim-survivors of abuse.” A year ago, on Sept. 20, 2018, Cardinal Dolan introduced Judge Jones as his first special counsel and independent reviewer. He tasked her to study archdiocesan policies and procedures with respect to sexual abuse by clergy and recommend enhancements directly to him. Jones said she had complete access to archdiocesan records and conducted dozens of interviews, an exhaustive review of documents and an assessment of the practices of the archdiocese. She and her team at Bracewell, an international law firm, reviewed “easily a couple of thousand” personnel files for every priest and deacon in the archdiocese and are confident that no archdiocesan priest or deacon with a substantiated allegation of abuse remains in ministry, she said.
Elite tours planned just for you … Specializing in trips to:
the Holy Land, Italy, Lourdes, Fatima and custom tours to all of Europe. Exclusive 5-star accommodations and services. 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
23
Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Allergies Cholesterol / Fatigue
Our world 24
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Pope declares special Sunday each year dedicated to Word of God CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — To help the Church grow in love and faithful witness to God, Pope Francis has declared the third Sunday in Ordinary Time to be dedicated to the Word of God. Salvation, faith, unity and mercy all depend on knowing Christ and sacred Scripture, he said in a new document. Devoting a special day “to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God” will help the Church “experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of His Word and
enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world,” the pope said. The declaration to have a “Sunday of the Word of God” was made in a new document, given “motu proprio,” on the pope’s own initiative. Its title, “Aperuit Illis,” is based on a verse from the Gospel of St. Luke, “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” “The relationship between the risen Lord, the community of believers and sacred Scripture is essential to our identity as Christians,” the pope said in the apostolic letter, released by the Vatican Sept. 30, the feast of St. Jerome, patron saint of biblical scholars.
“The Bible cannot be just the heritage of some, much less a collection of books for the benefit of a privileged few. It belongs above all to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words,” he wrote. “The Bible is the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division toward unity” as well as come to understand God’s love and become inspired to share it with others, he added. Without the Lord who opens people’s minds to His Word, it is impossible to understand the Scriptures in depth, yet “without the Scriptures, the events of the mission of Jesus and of His Church in this world would remain
incomprehensible,” he wrote. Pope Francis encouraged people to read the Second Vatican Council’s dogmatic constitution, “Dei Verbum,” and Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic exhortation, “Verbum Domini,” whose teaching remains “fundamental for our communities.” The third Sunday in Ordinary Time falls during that part of the year when the Church is encouraged to strengthen its bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity. That means the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God “has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.”
Pope to cardinals: Loving, loyal service requires feeling God’s love CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — In a ceremony to create 13 new cardinals, Pope Francis reminded new and old members of the College of Cardinals how much their ministry and service depends on their realizing how much God loves them and has been compassionate with them. “Unless I feel that I am the object of God’s compassion, I cannot understand His love,” he said Oct. 5 during the consistory, a prayer service during which he personally welcomed 13 churchmen from 13 countries into the College of Cardinals. A person either feels God’s love or doesn’t, he said, and “If I don’t feel it, how can I share it, bear witness to it, bestow it on others?” “Am I compassionate toward this or that brother or sister, that bishop, that priest? Or do I constantly tear them down by my attitude of condemnation, of indifference?” he asked, adding that it is a measure of one’s loyalty in ministry. “So many disloyal actions on the part of ecclesiastics are born of the lack of a sense of having been shown
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
compassion, and by the habit of averting one’s gaze, the habit of indifference.” Pope Francis’ meditation at the ceremony focused on the many ways God has shown his love and concern for his children. In fact, he said, “the Lord’s compassion is not an occasional, sporadic emotion, but is steadfast and indeed seems to be the attitude of his heart, in which God’s mercy is made incarnate.” Jesus is the compassionate redeemer of humanity, the pope said. “He incarnates God’s will to purify men and women afflicted by the scourge of sin; He is ‘the outstretched hand of God,’ who touches our sickly flesh and accomplishes this work by bridging the chasm of separation.” While God is “drenched with compassion,” Pope Francis said, many times people – even Jesus’ disciples – appear to lack compassion; they make excuses or feel indifferent. The position or ministry someone has in the Church “is not enough to make us compassionate,” he said. An intense, personal awareness within of having been the object of God’s compassion is needed. This is why, he said, “I ask this of you, brother cardinals and those about to become cardinals: Do you have a lively awareness of always having been preceded and accompanied by His mercy?” Without this feeling of his love, it cannot be understood, explained or shared, he said.
Pope Francis places a red biretta on new Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny during a consistory for the creation of 13 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 5. CNS | PAUL HARING
“The readiness of a cardinal to shed his own blood – as signified by the scarlet color of your robes – is secure if it is rooted in this awareness of having been shown compassion and in the ability to show compassion in turn,” the pope said. “Otherwise, one cannot be loyal.” The pope asked the new cardinals to pray that the apostle Peter would intercede on their behalf for the grace “to have a compassionate heart, in order to be witnesses of the one who has looked with favor upon us, who chose us,
(Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. You must publish it, and it will be granted to you. Thank you, S.A.
Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate Settling an Estate? You don’t have to do it alone. Contact Attorney Sabrina Winters to help navigate you through this complicated process.
St. Matthew Parishioner
704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com
6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
consecrated us and sent us to bring to everyone his Gospel of salvation.” Choosing prelates from 13 different nations – eight of whom belong to religious orders – the pope had said he wanted to signal “the missionary vocation of the Church that continues to proclaim the merciful love of God to all men and women of the earth.” The Oct. 5 ceremony fell during the extraordinary Missionary Month. The consistory brought to 225 the total number of cardinals in the world; 128 cardinals are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com
In Brief Vatican: First Amazon synod talks look at climate, priests, inculturation VATICAN CITY — Climate change, water resources, inculturation and indigenous practices were among the topics discussed during the first afternoon session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon. A few presentations also focused on the question of ordaining married “viri probati,” or men of proven virtue, as one possible way to help Catholics access the sacraments in very remote locations. During the general sessions of the Oct. 6-27 synod, bishops have a maximum of four minutes to talk about one topic treated by the synod’s working document. The Vatican press office published a general summary of the different topics discussed during the closed-door session Oct. 7. A few speeches touched on the role of “viri probati,” the press office summary said, adding that offering more frequent access to the sacraments where there was a lack of priests was a legitimate need. However, the summary said, such a provision could not be part of changing the essential nature of the priesthood and celibacy. A different suggestion was to have vocational programs for young indigenous men in order to promote evangelization in remote areas so that there would not be “first-class Catholics” who have easy access to the Eucharist and “second-
Saturday October 19th 11:00-6:00pm
class Catholics” who go without the sacrament, sometimes even for two years at a time. Another topic was the need to avoid the forms of “colonialism” that had characterized early missionary efforts, it said. Cultural identities in the Amazon should be preserved since every culture makes its contribution to the “catholicity” of the Church, which is built on respect and complementarity, the summary said.
Pope: Christians have ‘moral duty’ to help migrants, refugees VATICAN CITY — Christians have a moral obligation to show God’s care for all those who are marginalized, especially migrants and refugees, Pope Francis said. “This loving care for the less privileged is presented as a characteristic trait of the God of Israel and is likewise required, as a moral duty, of all those who would belong to His people,” the pope said in his homily Sept. 29 during an outdoor Mass for the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Some 40,000 men, women and children packed St. Peter’s Square as the sounds of upbeat hymns filled the air. According to the Vatican, the members of the choir singing at the Mass hailed from Romania, Congo, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Peru and Italy. The choir wasn’t the only aspect of the liturgy that celebrated migrants and refugees. According to the Vatican Section for Migrants and Refugees, the incense used at the Mass came from the Bokolmanyo refugee camp in southern Ethiopia, where refugees are restarting the 600-year-old tradition of collecting high-quality incense.
25
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
Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of October. Rev. Msgr. William Wellein 1997 Reverend Aloysius D’Silva 2005 Reverend Raymond B. Hourihan 2016
— Catholic News Service
Your Life’s Journey… Join us at St Luke's in Mint Hill
how will you be remembered? Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.
FREE Admission!
Community event for all ages Free activities include: bounce house, train rides, escape room, cornhole tournament, face painting, Knight's soccer challenge, free throw contest, & festival games Vigil Mass to follow Designated Charity: Food/drinks to purchase & Vendors
Auctioned baskets & book sale
Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte
For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.
ViewPoints 26
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Bobby Speers
Keep your faith from becoming ‘gone with the wind’
D
uring a recent homily I heard, the priest noted that St. Paul was on fire for the Lord. Normally, these words would drift over my complacent self, but this time, the Holy Spirit dropped a bucket of water on my head. I realized that my candle is a mere flicker that comes and goes at will, and with one strong wind – poof, it might be extinguished. But St. Paul, who was in prison and shackled by his horrendous conditions, had such zeal that his fire blazed strong, lighting others’ matches and sending them out to preach the Gospel. Paul had the love of Jesus in his heart. He endured with trusting, persevering patience because he loved Jesus. He endured with hope, all because he loved Christians. His candle turned the world upside down, despite his chains. Now that’s being on fire! In Colossians 4:14, we read that Paul is praising his coworkers who steadfastly worked beside him for the cause of Christ: “Luke the beloved physician sends greetings, as does Demas.” In Philemon 1: 23-24, Paul mentions Demas again: “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as well as Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.” Several years pass, and although Paul is still in prison, he has this to say about Demas in 2 Timothy 4:9-10: “Try to join me soon, for Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.” Christians were held in bondage by the world in the first century A.D., and we still are in bondage today. The world has us chained to money, prestige, careers, success, status symbols, glamor, gadgets, and miscellaneous sinful pleasures. Our lives revolve around us, not God. We dabble in our faith because we are too caught up in the things of this passing world. The only thing burning in our lives is the Sunday afternoon barbecue or the burned toast on Monday morning! The priest’s words got me thinking: How do I – we – get on fire for the Lord? As with any relationship, we must keep the spark alive. We have a relationship with our Savior, Jesus. We have a relationship with a loving God, our Father. We have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, who imparts every good gift. We have a relationship with the Blessed Mother. We have a relationship with the saints who have gone on before us – our “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1-2). God’s hand is always there for us, but we tend to let go of Him, trying to grasp on to the world, just like the prodigal son did in Luke 15:11-32. He ended up destitute, craving the slop being fed to the swine. Here are some “matchsticks” to help rekindle your faith: n Talk to your pastor, and go to confession. Reconciliation is the best way to renew your relationship with God. n Make a spiritual investment in yourself – read your Bible. If your parish has a literature rack, browse the titles. There are countless Catholic faith-building resources and media out there for you to enjoy. Store up knowledge and treasure in heaven (see Luke 12:16-21). n Take a leap of faith and get more involved with your parish, to put to use the gifts and talents that God has given you. n Go on a retreat or a pilgrimage. Spiritual happiness is peace with God. Finally, remember what the Bible says in Psalms 103:15-17: “As for man, his days are like the grass; he blossoms like a flower in the field. A wind sweeps over it and it is gone, its place knows it no more. But the Lord’s mercy is from age to age, toward those who fear Him.” BOBBY SPEERS is an author who lives in Hickory. Her writing can be found online at www.writecatholic.com.
Father Damian Ference
Real Presence and real absence: Why fast food and cell phones can be bad for Catholics
N
early 70 percent of US Catholics do not believe that the bread and wine they receive at Communion has, during Mass, become the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. That statistic is among the findings reported in a recent Pew Research Center study, and it should concern every one of us. Transubstantiation, the action by which bread and wine become the Real Presence of Christ within the Holy Eucharist, is a concept and teaching central to the fact of that Presence, and it is understood or believed in by only 31 percent of those surveyed. A constant refrain in the Word on Fire movement is “Don’t dumb down the faith,” because when we do, bad things happen, and they show up in Pew studies, and in the emptying of our pews, and in a troubled society wide with scorn and narrow in solace. So we’ve got a lot of work to do in our homes, in the classroom, from our pulpits, online and wherever else that we live and move and have our being. We have to help “smarten up” our fellow Catholics about their faith, and then help them to apply it to the culture all around. Because as with any knowledge, left unapplied it becomes sterile and empty. There are two aspects of American culture that have greatly impacted our understanding of and devotion to the Eucharist that I think have been flying under the radar. The first is our flawed understanding of the role food plays in the life of a human being, and the second is the effect of technology on our lives – specifically that of the cell phone. Believe it or not, the two are related. Human beings are the only animals who share a meal. All other animals eat, they all take nourishment, but only human beings cook, set a table, read recipes, mix ingredients, pour wine, use utensils, add spices, wear napkins on their laps, and enjoy dessert. As philosopher Leon Kass notes in his classic work “The Hungry Soul,” on important occasions we humans dine, and on the most important occasions we feast. For human beings, meals are not simply about nourishment; they’re about engaging in conversation – speaking, listening, inquiring, being truly present to one another and thus building community. When I was part of the admissions team at our college seminary, I would ask the young man I was interviewing how often his family eats a meal together. Since meals are one of the few times during the day where people are intentionally present to each other, they serve as a good indicator of one’s family dynamic. People live busy lives, but most of our guys were eating meals with their families at least a few times a week, which is good. Eating a meal with your family usually means that you are present to your family and that your family is present to you. It means that you know you matter to your family and that your family matters to you. And that matters to the world. It’s an important part of being both human and Catholic. Think how often Jesus ate with people in the Gospels, and how often He fed people. He dined with sinners and tax collectors, with Pharisees and friends, with the rich and the poor, and did some of His finest ministry around a table. In fact, the night before He died, He gathered His disciples and celebrated the first Eucharist, making the bread and wine into His Body and Blood, and He told them to eat it and drink it. It was a meal, yes, though one forever connected to a distinct sacrifice: the Mass. But we live in a culture that does not promote or
encourage families and friends to make time to share meals together. We often choose to “fuel up” or “have a quick bite.” We regularly eat alone in our cars or at our desks, rather than around a table with others. We may get more done by replacing a meal with a shake or by snacking throughout the day, but human beings flourish when we are present to each other at meals. Sharing meals allows us to experience the real presence of one another. When we choose to eat alone or on the run, or we simply decide to “take nourishment,” we are training ourselves to live with absence. A culture that promotes eating alone or on the run is a culture that promotes real absence. It’s a culture that values calories more than community, and efficiency over being. It’s not a good place to be, but unfortunately, it’s where many of us are.
‘Bringing our phones to the table encourages us to put what is present to us on hold in order to be absent to each other.’ Now, the cell phone (especially when it shows up during a meal) renders us absent to each other in a profound way. When your phone is sitting next to your fork or above your plate at a meal, it’s telling the people around you that the phone is more important than they are, that the phone is more interesting, that it has a priority even at the feast. How often do we place our phones on the table while eating, or take a phone call, or answer a text, or even check social media while dining with family or friends? We may think doing so is insignificant, but we are fooling ourselves. Bringing our phones to the table encourages us to put what is present to us on hold in order to be absent to each other. Our phones distract us from one another, and at meals in particular, they work against our humanity and train us to be a society in absentia. If we do not know how to come together and be present to each other at a simple meal, how can we ever become a formed community of faith? So do we need more and better catechesis, especially regarding Christ in the Holy Eucharist and how we understand and relate to Him there? Absolutely. But we also need to take a closer look at the way our culture has formed our understanding of presence and absence, specifically in how we eat, and how we use our cell phones at the table. Because the way we conduct ourselves outside of Mass prepares us – for better or for worse – for how we experience what happens within the metaphysical realities of the Mass, and how we then take it forward to a society that desperately needs Christ. FATHER DAMIAN FERENCE is a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland and a doctoral student in philosophy at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
October 11, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
27
United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Publication Number: 007-093 Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2019 Issue frequency: Every other Friday Number of issues published annually: 26 Annual subscription price: $23.00 Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 1123 S. Church St, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 Contact Person: P. Guilfoyle Telephone: 704-370-3333 Publisher: The Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Editor: Patricia L. Guilfoyle Owner: Cathedral Publishing Corp. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None Tax Status - The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months
Oct. 11, 2019
Most-read stories on the web
‘The conditions Christian says things like: ’I am a Christian as long as things are done this way.’ ‘No, no, these changes aren’t Christian.’ ‘This is heresy.’ ‘This won’t do.’ Christians who place conditions on God, who place conditions on the faith and the action of God.’
60,404
61,564
60,257
61,347
0
0
60,257
61,347
126
200
126
200
60,383
61,547
21
17
60,404
61,564
99.79
99.68
Pope Francis
From online story: “Beware of those who want God to live up to their standards, pope says” Through press time on Oct. 9, 4,847 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 7,335 pages. The top 10 headlines in October so far have been: n Mlakar ordained to the transitional diaconate in Rome..................................................................196 n Local filmmaker, collaborators create ‘Messiah’.............................................................................. 188 n Praying for life.............................................................................................................................................. 99 n ‘Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday’............................................................... 52 n Father Peter Ascik: There is no doubt as to when life begins........................................................ 49 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald...........................................................48 n CCHS celebrates Marian Day...................................................................................................................46 n ‘Phishing’ scam targets Charlotte-area pastors, parishioners....................................................... 41 n Seven diocesan schools receive FFHL tuition assistance funds................................................... 35 n Thea House: ‘A true treasure’.................................................................................................................. 33
Join the conversation online facebook.com/ catholic newsherald
Diocese of Charlotte
@CatholicNewsCLT
Pinterest.com/ charlottecnh
973
941
b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
61,230
62,288
c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
61,356
62,488
99.79
99.68
a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies
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.
16. Electronic Copy Circulation
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
d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100) I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner
10-11-2019 Date
09-30-2019 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
28
catholicnewsherald.com | October 11, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
LIFE FROM PAGE 2
will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). Being a disciple of Jesus naturally includes sharing the Gospel with others and inviting them into a deeper relationship with God. As Christians, our identity and our mission are two sides of the same coin; like the apostles, we are called to be missionary disciples.
MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP
This doesn’t necessarily mean quitting our jobs or moving to foreign countries. For most of us, our mission field is daily life: “Christ teaches us how to evangelize, how to invite people into communion with Him, and how to create a culture of witness: namely, through love. A Christian life lived with charity and faith is the most effective form of evangelization.” (USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, “Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization,” 2012)
O’ROURKE FROM PAGE 5
Father O’Rourke explains that through that effort, which was part of Catholic Charities, he became very connected with the Trinitarians, the Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity in Charlotte. “They did outreach in the community on family life, forming a community and helping people who needed counseling,” he recalls. He shared that when he was studying for a degree in social work at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., he did an internship at Catholic Charities at his parish with the Trinitarians’ guidance. “The Trinitarian Sisters had a big impact on my life,” he says. Also making a difference in his priesthood were the Sisters of Mercy, whose motherhouse is in Belmont. He was actually ordained a transitional deacon in the Sisters of Mercy Chapel in Belmont. “I think I am the only one (seminarian) to be ordained in that chapel,” he recalls fondly. In the early years of his priestly ministry, Father O’Rourke was kept very busy and he believes all the involvement he had in various offices and committees made him a better priest. He even served as diocesan vocations director for a time. “Being the vocations director was another one of those privileged opportunities that I had that brings back many good memories,” he says. “Then, most of the men we were ordaining were older men, generally speaking. Now, to see the number of vocations growing and the diversity of the vocations across many different ethnic communities represented in our diocese is a real blessing.” Father O’Rourke says he has always been humbled by the generosity of people, their gifts and talents. “Through the committees, councils, etc., I have met people who have inspired me. I have come to believe that for real ministry there has to be a sense of mutuality. I have to reverence people as they reverence me. It’s marvelous.” “When I first came here as pastor I had a theme I would use when I first met the staff. It was: ‘kick it up a notch.’ It recognized that everything was good here. I tell people everything you see here now, this has all been built anew since I was first here years ago. “By ‘kick it up a notch,’ I was saying this was a gift, St. Gabriel’s,” he explains. “It was
The first step towards living this life is allowing Jesus to meet and transform us daily. If we respond to His grace, our lives will show we have something beyond what the world offers: we follow a person whose love changes our lives, so we want others to also experience His transforming love. When we live in union with God, open to His prompting, we’re more able to see the opportunities for witness and His guidance in responding to these opportunities. We may fear doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing, but we do not need to be afraid. Jesus promised His disciples, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
decreased value or worth. But God’s love – individual, real, unchanging –is the true source of our worth, identity and dignity. It really is not a question of who we are, but rather whose we are. Because His love will never change, nothing can reduce our God-given dignity, and nothing can diminish the immeasurable worth of our lives.
OUR RESPONSE
As a society and as individuals, we often measure ourselves by false standards: by what and how much we do, our successes or failures, how others treat us, the degree of our pleasure or independence, etc. And when these changeable substitutes prove to be insufficient, or when we are faced with challenges and suffering, we may feel helpless, alone, or abandoned; we may be tempted to feel as though our lives have
When someone is facing great trials, we need to meet them where they are, walk with them on their journey, intercede for them, and be open to sharing Christ’s love however He directs. When a woman becomes pregnant, and her boyfriend threatens to leave if she continues the pregnancy, we need to lovingly walk with her. When family members or friends become seriously ill, we need to assure them that God still offers them something in this life, and they still have purpose. We need to consistently be with them every step of the way. Sometimes our actions speak for themselves; other times, words are needed. Whatever the situation, Jesus knows how
not just a gift to me, but it was a gift to the others who were sharing this community with me. By kicking it up a notch, I just meant everything is good, but just look and see how you can make it better.” He believes St. Gabriel Parish is a legacy that has been passed on to its members. “We have to nurture this parish. This parish has always had a sense of reaching out beyond to others, joining with others in the community in a special response to the poor and needy.” Father Frank has a soft spot for the parish’s RespectAbility ministry, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ”We have people come from all over the city from group homes for dances and bingo and an annual RespectAbility Mass,” he says. “The community from Holy Angels comes and participates in the liturgy,” he adds. “It is very humbling to be the priest who gathers others at the table of the Lord for that liturgy.” He remarks upon the explosion in growth of the diocese, noting that when he moved to the diocese from Philadelphia, there was only a handful of parishes in the Charlotte area. “The growth of just the St. Gabriel community, to 3,400 families (now) and a Spanish liturgy which is thriving and growing, is wonderful. We are fortunate we have two priests, (parochial vicar) Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar and Father Fidel Melo (vicar of Hispanic Ministry), to help assist the growing Hispanic community at the parish,” he notes. Of his brother priests at St. Gabriel, he says, “We have a very unique relationship, a great respect for each other. One day I suddenly realized they are taking care of ‘the old man,’ in a nice sense. Even now they check to make sure I am OK to celebrate the next Mass. I feel a great fraternity and loving care (from them). It’s nice to be a part of that.” Shares Father Melo, “God provides for His people with generous shepherds at every time. Father Frank’s tireless love, dedication and service to the Church has been a blessing and inspiration to many in the Church’s community, among people of all backgrounds. We pray for him at this time of his retirement.” Deacon Larry O’Toole has served St. Gabriel Parish since he and his wife Judy relocated to Charlotte in 2010. “With Father Frank’s guidance and collaborative spirit these past 10 years at St. Gabriel’s, it has been fulfilling,” Deacon O’Toole says. “I not only found meaningful ministry but a welcoming community and
a spiritual, loving, caring home.” He adds that Father O’Rourke’s concern for all the people of Charlotte, demonstrated by his collaboration with many churches and community outreach services, has inspired him and his wife, and Father O’Rourke’s leadership in these areas has helped him grow in his ministry. “Father Frank’s persona of welcoming, generosity, helpfulness, availability, spirituality and reverence, and his unbelievable memory of people (present and past) is remarkable,” Deacon O’Toole says. Father O’Rourke says that at every parish where he has served, he has felt a unity with the people there. “As I am packing up and trying to sort things out, I come across reminders of all the different parishes and offices I have served in,” he says. “I’ve had many wonderful memories that have affirmed me in my priesthood and enriched my life. “I believe that I have always seen myself as sharing with others the journey of life in faith. The journey of life in faith is not something you do alone. It’s something you do with people who are on that same journey in faith together,” he explains. “Father Frank often speaks of how we are ‘companions on the journey,’ and he truly walks with all of the people his life touches and has touched,” notes Libby McLaughlin, St. Gabriel parishioner and tithing committee member. “In his 44 years as a priest, and as we reflect on his ministry at St. Gabriel’s, he has been a constant presence, sharing our joys and sorrows, encouraging and nurturing all those he encounters with a smile and a kind word, but also issuing a challenge – to stretch and share our gifts and talents, not only with each other and our parish, but in the greater Charlotte community where we live and work as well,” McLaughlin says. “I think he lives, every day, what Pope Francis admonishes his priests to do as they lead their parishes and live their gift of priesthood… to ‘smell like the sheep’, (to be) a companion on life’s journey,” she adds. On Oct. 15, Father O’Rourke will officially retire and turn over the reins of the parish to Father Richard Sutter. “I feel that Father Richard appreciates what is here. I was happy when I heard he was coming. I am looking forward to passing on the torch, as they say, and hopefully he will find what I found here – a home among brothers and sisters who are working for the building up of the kingdom.”
IDENTITY CRISIS
to speak to each person’s heart; we simply need to follow where He leads.
A CULTURE OF LIFE
This is how we answer our missionary call. This is how we build a culture of life, a culture that joyfully proclaims the truth of God’s love, purpose and plan for each person. Changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts and includes a willingness to be instructed and a desire to be close to Jesus – the source of joy and love. When we encounter Christ, experience His love, and deepen our relationship with Him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share His love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them. Let us go, therefore, and not be afraid. God is always with us. — Reprinted with permission from the 2019 Respect Life Program, USCCB. All rights reserved.
MISSIONARY FROM PAGE 20
is going from bad to worse, in the world and in the Church,” he said, “when we become slaves to the fears that immobilize us, when we let ourselves be paralyzed by thinking that ‘things will never change’” and when life is lived as a burden, not as a gift, “when we put ourselves and our concerns at the center, and not our brothers and sisters who are waiting to be loved.” The pope highlighted the lives St. Therese of the Child Jesus, whose feast day is Oct. 1, St. Francis Xavier and Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot, who helped lay the foundations of the Pontifical Mission Societies. By highlighting a religious woman, a priest and a laywoman, the pope said he wanted to show no one is excluded from the Church’s mission. “Yes, in this month the Lord is also calling you” – fathers, mothers, young people, bankers, restaurant workers, the unemployed, the infirm. “The Lord is asking you to be a gift wherever you are, and just as you are, with everyone around you.”
PASTOR FROM PAGE 6
Parishioners’ reactions to their new pastor have been positive. “He’s very well-liked by everyone he’s met so far. He seems to be getting everything very well organized. We have a lot of different groups that he’s quite interested in, and everyone seems to like him,” said Gene Cox, minister of hospitality and an Immaculate Conception parishioner of five years. Added parishioner Betty Connolly, “We are feeling very blessed to have Father Cook with us. He has such a beautiful smile and a joyfulness about him that we are really pleased to have him here, and we look forward to getting to know him as we grow together at Immaculate Conception.” — Annie Ferguson, correspondent, contributed.