March 1, 2019

March 1, 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

Richmond abuse list includes 2 former Belmont Abbey monks

VATICAN ABUSE SUMMIT

Pope: Time for ‘all-out battle’ against abuse,

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FFHL funds $2.5M in Catholic schools’ improvements 14 INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español......................................... 8-11 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................. 3-7 Schools....................................14-15 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 16 U.S. news.................................18-19 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news............................ 20-21

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Asheville parishioner lends a hand at Texas border shelter 6

Belmont parish breaks ground on new church 5

Sheriff de Mecklenburg y comunidad de fe estrechan lazos 8

CRS RICE BOWL: Be unafraid to ‘share the journey’ this Lent No tengas miedo de compartir el viaje esta Cuaresma 11, 12-13

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PALMS TO ASHES: A few things to know about Ash Wednesday Pope Francis

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‘Evil’s days are numbered’

he holiness of God is a power that is constantly expanding and will defeat all evil once and for all, Pope Francis said. “Evil’s days are numbered,” the pope said Feb. 27 during his weekly general audience. “One thing is certain: It is evil that should be afraid, and this is beautiful.”

Continuing his audience talks about the Lord’s Prayer, Pope Francis said the prayer is divided into three requests about God – that His name be made “hallowed” or holy, that His kingdom come and that His will be done – and four petitions about basic human needs for daily bread, forgiveness of sins, help in resisting temptation and liberation from evil.

The prayer, he said, has everything that is essential for a Christian prayer: contemplation of God in His mystery and goodness, and a “sincere and courageous request for what we need to live and live well.”

“When we speak with God,” he said, “we do not do it to reveal to Him what we have in our heart; He already knows that better than we do.”

“God is like those moms who, with just a glance, understand everything about their children, whether they are happy or sad, whether they are sincere or hiding something,” Pope Francis said.

Turning to the line “hallowed be thy name,” the pope said it is a recognition of God’s greatness and an expression of hope that all people will recognize and love him for who He is. It also is a plea that “His name would be sanctified in us, in our families, in our communities, in the whole world.”

While obviously it is God who makes people and the world holy, believers must “manifest the holiness of God in the world,” he said. “The holiness of God must be mirrored in our actions, in our lives.”

His Feb. 27 talk continued from his Feb. 20 audience on the first verse of the Lord’s Prayer. When speaking to God as a father, Christians experience a love that goes beyond human love and affection, he said Feb. 20.

While often compared to the love of parents, the love of God is greater; “there is a God in heaven who loves us like no one on this earth has ever done and can ever do. God’s love is that of the father ‘who is in heaven,’ according to the expression that Jesus invites us to use.

It is the total love that we in this life can savor only in an imperfect way,” he said.

While God’s paternal love is a reminder of the love humans experience, the pope said that there can be no comparison between the two since human love is “capable of blossoming” in one moment and “withering and dying” in the next.

While human love can be fickle, he said, “no one should doubt that” they are worthy of God’s love.

“None of us are alone,” he said.

MARK PATTISON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ash Wednesday is March 6 this year.

Here are some things to know about Ash Wednesday and the kickoff to Lent: In the Table of Liturgical Days, which ranks the different liturgical celebrations and seasons, Ash Wednesday ties for second in ranking – along with Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter, and a few others.

But Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, though it is a day of prayer, abstinence, fasting and repentance.

Top ranked in the table are the Paschal Triduum – the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil – along with Easter Sunday. Good Friday isn’t a holy day of obligation either, but Catholics are encouraged to attend church for a liturgy commemorating Christ’s crucifixion and death.

Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent. There are hymns that speak to the length of the season – one of them is “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” – but the span between March 6 and Easter Sunday, which is April 21, is 46 days. So what gives?

“It might be more accurate to say that there is the ‘40-day fast within Lent,’” said Father Randy Stice, associate director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship.

“Historically, Lent has varied from a week to three weeks to the present configuration of 46 days,” Father Stice said. “The 40-day fast, however, has been more stable. The Sundays of Lent are certainly part of the time of Lent, but they are not prescribed days of fast and abstinence.” There are six Sundays in Lent, including Passion Sunday.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.

It is a day of fast and abstinence, though it is not a holy day of obligation.

ASHES

The ashes used for Ash Wednesday are made from the burned and blessed palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

“The palms are burned in a metal vessel and then broken down into a powder. I believe ashes can also be purchased from Catholic supply companies,” Father Stice said.

“As far as I know, palms from the previous year are always dry enough,” he added. “Parishes normally ask parishioners to bring their palms shortly before Ash Wednesday, so there is no need to store them. People usually like to keep the blessed palm as long as possible.”

Almost half of adult Catholics, 45 percent, typically receive ashes at Ash Wednesday services, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University.

During Ash Wednesday services, ashes are marked on the foreheads of the faithful with the Sign of the Cross. The ashes are a symbol of penance and remind us that we are creatures of the earth and mortal beings: “For dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19).

ALLELUIA

You might not have noticed, but the use of the word “Alleluia” is verboten during Lent. What is known as the “Alleluia verse” preceding the Gospel becomes known during Lent as “the verse before the Gospel,” with a variety of possible phrases to be used – none of which include an alleluia.

“The Alleluia was known for its melodic richness and in the early Church was considered to ornament the liturgy in a special way,” Father Stice said, adding it was banned from Lenten Masses in the fifth or sixth century.

BILL WASHINGTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Students at Sacred Heart School receive ashes from Father John Eckert, pastor, during Ash Wednesday Mass last year at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

FASTING

Ash Wednesday also is a day of abstinence and fasting; Good Friday is another. Abstinence means refraining from eating meat; fish is OK. Fasting means reducing one’s intake of food, like eating two small meals that together would not equal one full meal.

“Fasting during Lent followed the example of Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness. It also recalled the 40 days that Moses fasted on Sinai and the 40 days that Elijah fasted on his journey to Mount Horeb,” Father Stice said.

“In the second century, Christians prepared for the feast of Easter with a two-day fast. This was extended to all of Holy Week in the third century. In 325 the Council of Nicea spoke of a 40-day period of preparation for Easter as something already obvious and familiar to all.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about the customs of Ash Wednesday

Your daily Scripture readings MARCH 3-9

Sunday: Sirach 27:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:5458, Luke 6:39-45; Monday (St. Casimir): Sirach 17:20-24, Mark 10:17-27; Tuesday: Sirach 35:1-12, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday (Ash Wednesday): Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20- 6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday (Sts. Perpetua and Felicity): Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Luke 9:22-25; Friday (St. John of God): Isaiah 58:1-9, Matthew 9:14-15; Saturday (St. Frances of Rome): Isaiah 58:9-14, Luke 5:27-32

MARCH 10-16

Sunday: Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Romans 10:8-13, Luke 4:1-13; Monday: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, Matthew 25:31-46; Tuesday: Isaiah 55:1011, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday: Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29-32; Thursday: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25, Matthew 7:7-12; Friday: Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday: Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48

MARCH 17-23

Sunday: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17- 4:1, Luke 9:28-36; Monday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem): Daniel 9:4-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday (St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary): 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Matthew: 1:16, 18-21; Wednesday: Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (St. Turibius of Mogrovejo): Micah 7:14-15, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Our parishes

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Bishop Jugis issues statement on Vatican meeting about clergy sexual abuse CHARLOTTE — As Church leaders from around the world met in Rome last week, Bishop Peter Jugis reiterated his “sincere apology” to all victims of clergy sexual abuse and urged people to report any allegations of abuse to civil authorities.

The Vatican meeting Feb. 21-24 brought together almost 190 Church leaders: the presidents of the world’s bishops conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic churches, superiors of religious orders of men and women, Roman Curia officials and invited experts and guest speakers. Its aim is to focus on responsibility, accountability and transparency at a global level as a step forward in strengthening each country’s particular response to the problem.

“As worldwide attention once again turns to the scourge of sexual abuse of the young, the Diocese of Charlotte in solidarity with Pope Francis offers a sincere apology to any who have been victimized by this crime and awful sin. And we urge anyone who has been Jugis abused to report it to the authorities,” Bishop Jugis said in his Feb. 20 statement.

The meeting came in the wake of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ attempt to improve its own policies last November, which the Vatican delayed for this worldwide meeting, and the recent release by many U.S. dioceses of lists of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse.

The Archdiocese of Atlanta and the dioceses of Raleigh; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Richmond and Arlington, Va.; Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn.; and others have released lists.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, a similar list is also under consideration.

Allegations of child sexual abuse against clergy who have served in the Charlotte diocese are published in the Catholic News Herald, in print and online, and archived editions are searchable at www. catholicnewsherald.com – something the diocese has been doing for decades “in an effort to be open and transparent,” the bishop’s statement said.

In his statement, Bishop Jugis said, “The Diocese of Charlotte has trained more than 50,000 people in sexual abuse awareness. All employees and volunteers in the diocese also go through background checks. Our effort to combat this sinful crime will continue.”

His statement continued, “We look forward to receiving the results of that meeting of Church leaders taking place at the Vatican this month, and then to undertake the work of applying all concrete action items to the particular situation of the Church in the United States in our future meetings of the U.S. Catholic bishops.”

“Please join me in praying for healing for all victims of sexual abuse and also for a productive outcome from the meeting with the Holy Father.”

— Catholic News Herald. Catholic News Service contributed.

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Richmond abuse list includes former Belmont Abbey monks BELMONT — Two former Benedictine monks with ties to Belmont Abbey and the Diocese of Charlotte have appeared on a list of Virginia clergy accused of child sexual abuse.

Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Va., released a list Feb. 13 of 43 diocesan and religious order clergy that their records show had “a credible and substantiated allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor.” Three of the priests on the list served in the Charlotte diocese: Benedictine monks Father Donald Scales and Father Frederick George, and Jesuit Father C. Jeffries Burton.

Two of the abuse cases reportedly occurred in the Charlotte diocese approximately 40 years ago.

Scales and George, both Benedictine monks living in Richmond who formerly served at Belmont Abbey, were removed from ministry following the allegations.

Scales died in 2008; George was permanently dismissed by the Vatican in 2004.

In a Feb. 18 statement, Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey said, “In neither case did the alleged abuse occur at Belmont Abbey, nor did it involve students of Belmont Abbey College. The allegations against these monks come from a single individual in each respective case. The alleged incidents took place in the late 1970s, but were reported only at a later time.”

The third priest on the Diocese of Richmond’s list, Burton, was removed from ministry by the Jesuit order in 2007 and died in 2011. His case was reported by his order last December.

SCALES Donald Scales served in various positions at Belmont Abbey College and in parish work in the Charlotte diocese after entering Belmont Abbey in 1948.

A single allegation of sexual abuse was reported in 2006 to Abbot Placid involving Scales’ ministry at St. Michael Parish in Gastonia “approximately 40 years earlier” when the parish was staffed by the Benedictines, according to information provided by the Charlotte diocese and Belmont Abbey. At the time the allegation was reported, Scales had been living at St. Benedict Priory in Richmond since 1980.

No details about the allegation itself were available, and the person reporting the allegation did not want further action taken or to be contacted further.

Child Protective Services of the Department of Social Services in Gaston County was notified, as well as the Charlotte diocese and the Richmond priory. Civil authorities took no action, but the Charlotte diocese’s Lay Review Board determined in its investigation that the allegation was credible.

Scales denied the allegation. Although he was elderly and no longer active in parish ministry, he was removed from ministry in 2006. He died in 2008.

Other than his ministry in North Carolina, Scales had assignments in Richmond in 1955-’57, 1960-’61 and 1970’71, and a leave of absence from 1971 to 1975 to serve as a drug and alcohol counselor, according to information from Abbot Placid.

In a statement, Charlotte Bishop Peter

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS BURTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

OLC hosts Black history lecture, ‘Harambee’ Mass CHARLOTTE — Parishioners young and old at Our Lady of Consolation Church took part in an African American History Month program Feb. 24 entitled, “The Greatness of Ancient Kemet to Making Black Lives Matter: Using the Stories of Our People to Inspire and Empower Us!” The program featured a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman, pastor of Greenville Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte and one of the Charlotte region’s most popular lecturers on black history and social and racial equity. The program aimed to share a more nuanced perspective on African American history. The story of black people in the United States usually begins with the arrival of enslaved Africans to American shores in 1619. They were chained, seemingly broken and “uncivilized” – if one is to believe the pictures and the portrayals in general American history curricula. However, black history also encompasses the innate eloquence of Frederick Douglass, the mastery of Benjamin Banneker, the poetry of Phyllis Wheatley, the defiance of Nat Turner and the military mastery of Toussaint L’Overture.

Father Basil Sede, pastor, led everyone in prayer, parishioner Natalie Isabel Warren recited poetry, and Gary Mumford and the African Drum Ensemble gave a special drum performance. The program was presented by Our Lady of Consolation Parish’s Black Culture Commission, co-chaired by Toni Tupponce. The program was cochaired by Deborah Wadsworth. They are pictured (right) with Father Sede, Rev. Dr. Shipman and Natalie Warren.

The day also included a “Harambee” Mass, inspired by the Kenyan tradition of community self-help efforts, in recognition of Black History Month. “Harambee” means “all pull together” in Swahili.

Jugis expressed “profound regret for the apparent sexual abuse of a minor that occurred at St. Michael Parish in Gastonia approximately 40 years ago.”

Charlotte diocese spokesman David Hains said the diocese is unaware of any other allegations regarding Scales.

GEORGE The single abuse allegation against Frederick George related to his ministry in Richmond.

Ordained in 1975, George was assigned to St. Benedict Priory from 1975 to 1987, where he served as parochial vicar and pastor at St. Benedict Church and taught religion at Benedictine High School, according to information provided by Belmont Abbey. Before his ordination, he served for six months as a deacon at St. Michael Parish in Gastonia.

“In November 1987, the Richmond diocese was contacted by parents who alleged that Frederick George had abused their son at St. Benedict Parish in the late 1970s. He was removed as pastor of St. Benedict’s and left residence at the monastery,” Abbot Placid said in his statement. “He was briefly assigned by the bishop to other pastoral ministry in the diocese and removed himself in 1988 from ministry and religious life for several years.”

George returned to Belmont Abbey in 1991.

“As was a usual practice at the time – very different from the current policy – he received two separate comprehensive psychological evaluations and two LIST, SEE PAGE 17

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: MARCH 3 – 11 A.M. Concelebration of Mass with Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat Aquinas Hall, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte MARCH 10 – 2 P.M. Rite of Election St. Pius the X Church, Greensboro

MARCH 12 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

MARCH 25 – 5:30 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Angels Church, Mt. Airy

APRIL 5 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

MARCH 16 – NOON Rite of Election St. Mark Church, Huntersville

MARCH 26 – 2 P.M. Diocesan Building Commission Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

APRIL 6 – 9 A.M.-3 P.M. Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage Belmont Abbey College, Belmont

MARCH 23 – NOON Rite of Election Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville

MARCH 29 – 1:30 P.M. Signing of Lutheran/Catholic Covenant Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury

Diocesan calendar of events March 1, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 28 • NUMBER 11

MOVIE NIGHT, ‘ANGST’: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. This film is designed to raise awareness around anxiety. It includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. Learn how to identify and understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety and where to reach out for help. Q&A session afterwards with Dr. Richard Cook, clinician at New Directions, a treatment center for anxiety and depression.

For details, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

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

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

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.

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

Saturday, March 2, St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Please come and help us pray for the end of abortion and feel free to invite anyone who would be morally supportive of this very important cause. For details contact, Jim Hoyng at AJHoyng@hotmail.com or Paul Klosterman at PaulJKlosterman@aol.com.

CCWG MORNING REFLECTION: 9 a.m. Mass,Monday, March 11, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Coffee and a reflection by Father Timothy Reid at 10 a.m. in the Assembly Room behind the chapel. To RSVP, visit www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

AOH ST. PATRICK’S MASS: 11 a.m. Mass, Friday, March 15, at old St. Joseph’s Church, Mount Holly. The Ancient Order of Hibernians will host the annual Mass and honor St. Joseph’s first pastor, Father T.J. Cronin. St. Joseph’s Church was constructed in 1843 and is the oldest original remaining Catholic church in North Carolina and was the first Catholic church built west of Raleigh. The parish was formed to serve the families of immigrant Irish Catholic who came to America in the 1830s to work in the newly discovered gold mines along the Catawba River. All are welcome to join the AOH in celebrating the local Irish and Catholic heritage. For details, email bryan.somerville@me.com.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE: March 6-April 14, vigils will be held daily outside the Planned Parenthood location in Winston-Salem and outside Preferred Women’s Health Center in Charlotte. Join the nationwide vigil and help pray for an end to abortion in 40 Days for Life’s spring campaign. To pray at home, church or online, visit www.40daysforlife.com. To learn more and find a campaign near you contact John Humphreys at johnhumphreys50@yahoo.com (Charlotte) or ws40daysforlife@gmail.com (Winston-Salem).

PARISH MISSION, ‘THE CROSS AND THE BEATITUDES, LESSONS ON LOVE AND FORGIVENESS’: Monday, March

18 - Wednesday, March 20, St. Therese, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. On one mountain (The Mount of Beatitudes) our Blessed Lord preached to the multitudes and on another mountain (Calvary) our Blessed Lord practiced what He preached. Mission Preacher, Father Richard Sutter, Pastor St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville, Mission of Immaculate Conception, Canton.

For details, visit www.sainttherese.net/parish-mission DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR: 7 p.m. each first Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

The Divine Mercy Holy Hours are celebrated (except for Lent) and consist of Eucharistic Adoration, readings from the diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the sung chaplet of Divine Mercy and benediction. Is Divine Mercy needed today? St. John Paul II had this to say: “There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights, to the holiness of God.” The Lord told St. Faustina: “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.” For details, call Paul Deer at 704-577-3496.

24-HOUR ADORATION: First Friday of every month at Good Shepherd Mission, 105 Shepard, King. For details, call the parish office at 336-983-2680.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING ‘Protecting God’s Children’ workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: ASHEVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 2, St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St. CHARLOTTE: 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road; 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

GREENSBORO: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, and 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 2, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS FAMILY HONOR LEADING & LOVING PROGRAM: Two sessions; 7-9:15 p.m. Friday, March 8, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2203 West Market St., Greensboro. Leading & Loving will help you become more confident and competent in raising virtuous children and how to respond to your young child’s questions about the truth and meaning of God’s gift of sexuality. This program presents the beautiful truths of human sexuality, family life and virtue cultivation through the lens of Pope Saint John Paul the II’s Theology of the Body. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge for this program, though donations will be requested. Childcare will be provided on site. To register, visit www.familyhonor.org. For details, email Vincent Weaver at upstatefamilyhonor@gmail.com. For parents only.

‘LIVING HEALTHY WITH DIABETES’ CLASSES: 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays, March 11-April 15, Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave., Charlotte. Living Healthy with Diabetes is a Stanford University program designed for people with pre-diabetes, diabetes or at risk for diabetes who want to better manage their health. This workshop will provide techniques to self-manage symptoms associated with diabetes, mutual support and group interaction will boost participants’ confidence in utilizing techniques that address: depression, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, fatigue, appropriate use of medications, exercises for health, effective communication skills and healthy eating choices. For details and registration, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org. Registration required.

HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE, ‘HUMAN DIGNITY AT THE BEGINNING OF LIFE’: 8 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Saturday, April 6, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

The St. John Paul II Foundation, in collaboration with the Diocese of Charlotte and Belmont Abbey College, present the second annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference. The conference theme will focus on “Human Dignity at the Beginning of Life” and continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. A White Mass, honoring health care professionals and their role in the Church, will open the conference. Speakers include: Maureen Condic, Ph.D., University of Utah, School of Medicine; David A. Prentice, Ph.D., Charlotte Lozier Institute; Ashley K. Fernandes, M.D., Ph.D., Ohio State University College of Medicine. For details and registration, visit www.convergingroads.com.

FREE MEDICARE CHOICES MADE EASY CLASS: 10 a.m.noon Tuesday, April 9, St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville & 2- 4 p.m. St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Drive, Arden. This presentation will cover how the program works, what they need to do to enroll, what options are available, ways they can save money and answer questions they may have. This event is intended for; those already on Medicare, those turning 65 and new to the program, those leaving employer insurance for Medicare and for those who help Medicare beneficiaries with their insurance. For details and registration, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-3220 or sabreakfield@ charlottediocese.org.

‘SENIOR FRAUD & SCAMS PREVENTION’: 10-11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 24, St. Edwards Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., High Point.

Presented by Hugh A. Harris, outreach and policy counsel for the N.C. Department of Justice - Public Protection Section. This workshop will provide answers as to why you are at risk for fraud and scams, the most popular scams targeting seniors, tips to protect yourself and what you should do if you’ve been scammed. Sponsored

by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and Elder Ministry at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. To RSVP, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org by April 17.

‘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/goodcatholic/about-family-resolve.tr.

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Parishioners at Queen of the Apostles Church broke ground for their new church after all Masses Feb. 10. Each person was given a small plastic scoop and invited to turn over some dirt after a prayer and Father Frank Cancro, pastor, blessed the area with holy water. The ceremony closed with a hymn. The parish hopes to be in its new church by year’s end if the weather cooperates.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN EAGAN | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘We’re building a house of prayer for all’

Queen of the Apostles Parish breaks ground on new church The church will have a new entrance off Franklin Street as well as additional parking that will make the church more handicapped accessible. It will offer new restrooms, a cry room and nursery, a large narthex, a parlor for families and ministers attending weddings and funerals, a sacristy and a dedicated space for the sacrament of reconciliation.

Once the new church is completed, the current church building will be converted into a daily chapel and additional administrative offices as funds become available to complete those renovations.

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

BELMONT — Parishioners at Queen of the Apostles Church had a dream 14 years ago that is now on its way to being realized as a new 13,430-square-foot church is under construction to accommodate the growing Catholic community 20 minutes west of Charlotte.

Parishioners’ hopes, planning and fundraising have borne fruit, and on Feb. 10 they held a groundbreaking for their new church. Father Frank Cancro, pastor, and the Queen of the Apostles Church community all participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies held after each of the Sunday Masses.

Participants of all ages were given small scoops to serve as shovels so they could help “turn the dirt” during the groundbreaking.

Stu LaFrancis, chairman of the build team, is a retired commercial contractor who will help supervise the project on behalf of the parish. He has been a member of the parish for the past 10 years.

“We are building a house of prayer for all,” LaFrancis said. “This is really exceptional and exciting for our parishioners.”

The cost to build the new church is projected to be $4.15 million. The new church will offer seating for 750 people – more than double the capacity of the current church.

“It’s going to have a big space feel when

PROVIDED

Sketch of the front elevation for the new Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont you walk in. It’s going to give you a ‘pop’ when you walk in because of the lush colors selected for the interior,” LaFrancis said.

He is concerned the recent rainy weather may pose a challenge during the initial phase of the project, pushing completion of the church into early 2020, but he also noted that weather delays are par for the course in most construction projects.

WKWW Architects of Charlotte, which specializes in church architecture design, served as architect. Southside Constructors will serve as general contractor for the

project.

“This is a community effort. All of the parishioners have contributed and paid for this. This is a church of the people,” LaFrancis said.

A much-anticipated feature of the new church will be its six front doors crafted out of repurposed, now rare, northern Appalachian longleaf pine taken from the floorboards of Chronicle Mill on Catawba Street in Belmont, which is owned by Queen of the Apostles parishioners John and Jennifer Church. Each door will stand over eight feet tall and weighs 225 pounds.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 OUR PARISHES

St. Eugene parishioner lends a hand at Texas border shelter KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

ASHEVILLE — The stories of many of the migrants Cynthia Gibbs encountered while volunteering in the border city of McAllen, Texas, touched her heart.

“I was helping a mom from Guatemala in the shoes room of the Catholic Charities-run McAllen Humanitarian Respite Center,” recalls Gibbs, a parishioner at St. Eugene Church. “I asked her if she had to cross the river since her own shoes were wet – how did she do it with her two girls, that were sitting near her, so quietly.

“She explained how she lifted and held on to her girls and showed me a bruise on her leg. Then she started sobbing and couldn’t stop. She had been traveling for four weeks, and I think she finally felt she and her daughters were safe. I hugged her, and she did not want to let go.”

For a month, Gibbs encountered hundreds of families a day while volunteering at the Respite Center, which provides temporary shelter for immigrants who cross from Mexico into the United States but who have been released by federal authorities.

The Respite Center’s goal is to restore human dignity to families, Gibbs says.

Gibbs, who in retirement remains active at her parish, was inspired to go to Texas after reading an email alert from the Sisters of Mercy South Central Justice in November. It said volunteers were needed at the border to assist with the overflow of immigrants, Gibbs explains. “This particular call to action hit me hard, and I could not stop thinking about it. I called Sister Rose Marie Tresp, and she helped me narrow down the choice of border cities looking for help to McAllen, Texas.”

The Respite Center is run by Sister Norma Pimentel, who has been praised by Pope Francis for her work with migrants.

It helps immigrants – many of whom are seeking asylum and passing through the border city – have access to a shower, a clean change of clothes, a quick medical exam if needed, and a warm meal.

“I feel like I did not have a choice,” Gibbs says. “I was horrified when I learned that children were being separated from their parents at the border and the challenges these families faced. I finally had the opportunity to help and do something positive about it.”

Her husband Sam supported her call, and they paid for her airfare, hotel and car rental during her Jan. 8-Feb. 6 stay.

“I have a particular affinity for immigrants,” Gibbs explains. “My parents immigrated to this country from Italy. I also know some Spanish and have enjoyed working with the Hispanic community here at St. Eugene with tutoring and on St. Eugene’s Friendship Garden.”

On her first day, she was given a tour of the facility. Instead of being assigned a station, Gibbs was allowed to choose where to help. She organized the women’s clothing room, then tackled the men’s clothing room.

“Since I received so many requests from the men and older teens at the center for baseball caps and belts, I put the word out that these items were sorely needed,” Gibbs says. “The following weeks, I can’t tell you how many boxes of donated baseball caps and belts were delivered to the center, but it was a lot! It

was so much fun to distribute these.”

Besides helping stock the clothing rooms, Gibbs helped make snacks, assemble hygiene bags, translated for the nurse in the clinic and tied shoelaces together to be distributed.

“The biggest surprise for me was to find out that the border patrol confiscates everyone’s shoelaces, belts, baseball caps and wallets,” Gibbs says. “They all come to the center, young and old, without any shoelaces. Also, many of the adults

opened in 2014, when Sister Pimentel saw an influx of immigrants arriving in Rio Grande Valley region. Out of a property that belonged to a local church, she and local volunteers began clothing and feeding the newcomers. Since then, respite centers at various temporary locations have helped thousands of migrants.

City leaders in McAllen voted in February to remove the Respite Center from its current location.

Sister Pimentel, executive director for the

Cynthia Gibbs (center) is pictured in a borrowed pink cap, with a couple of the men who received baseball caps at the McAllen Humanitarian Respite Center in Texas.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY CYNTHIA GIBBS

are wearing ankle monitors and have to carry a shoebox-sized box with the charger for the ankle monitors.”

Something Gibbs wasn’t expecting was the gratitude she witnessed.

“I wasn’t expecting these exhausted, often traumatized families, to take the time to thank us volunteers,” she says.

“I cannot tell you how many times I was told, ‘you are so kind,’ ‘God bless you’ and ‘thank you so much.’”

One man came back to the clothing room after his shower to show her how well his new clothes fit.

“He was all smiles,” Gibbs recalls. “I can still see that happy face.”

Small miracles and moments of grace like that happened every day, she says.

“On one of the last nights of my volunteer stint, I ran out of men’s socks. It broke my heart,” she says. “The next morning, after I had gotten the word out that I desperately needed men’s socks, one of the men I couldn’t help with socks the night before stopped by the clothing room to show me how the ankle monitor he was wearing was rubbing painfully against his skin. He asked if I had gotten in any more socks.

“At that moment, one of our ‘angel’ volunteers stopped by the room with bags of men’s socks. I watched as he put on the pair of socks, a grateful smile on his face.”

Another work of providence was the outpouring of prayers, support and donations from the St. Eugene Parish community, Gibbs notes.

Gibbs sent weekly email updates, and her Bible Study group decided to put together a donation box for the center.

They collected 100 pounds of donations.

“It still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the kindness and generosity of this group and all the others who donated sorely needed items,” she says.

The original Respite Center in the area

charitable agency running the temporary shelter in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, has won national and international praise for her work. She and the diocese are now trying to find a new location to continue the work of the Respite Center, and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley is raising money to build a permanent facility.

“These families could be you or me,” Gibbs says. “We could have been born in a country where it is impossible to earn enough money for our own family to survive, or where we are threatened with our lives or the lives of our children.

“One of the men at the center had a brother who was killed by a drug cartel and the cartel threatened him, too. What would we do to provide for our family or to keep them safe? The center families left so much behind to take a chance at a new life, at a new start. The families I saw and talked to have sacrificed much and are willing to work hard to make a new life for themselves.”

Want to help?

Donations of clothing, hats, belts, shoes, food, water bottles, toiletries and financial contributions are needed. Checks payable to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley should be mailed to Humanitarian Respite Center, c/o Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan, TX 78589. Note “Humanitarian Center.”

Interested in volunteering?

A number of U.S.-Mexico border towns need volunteers. Contact Sister Rose Marie Tresp at rtresp@mercysc.org or 956-324-7057.

To volunteer at the McAllen Humanitarian Respite Center, call Michelle Nuñez at 956702-4088.

Diocesan finance conference to be held March 19-20 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Finance Office, in partnership with ParishSOFT, will offer a two-day finance conference Tuesday-Wednesday, March 19-20, at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.

ParishSOFT is the standard accounting platform used by all diocesan parishes and parish based schools. The program incorporates key internal controls designed to achieve diocesan objectives of accurate, complete, timely and transparent financial reporting.

The diocesan Finance Office sponsors annual workshops designed to educate parish and schools financial staff on new accounting and tax requirements, implementing best practices, software training and diocesan financial matters. The diocesan Finance Office also performs internal audits of parish and school financial activities to determine whether parish assets are properly safeguarded, whether parish accounting procedures are appropriate and in compliance with diocesan and civil requirements.

This is the first time the diocese has sponsored a two-day conference and the first time partnering with ParishSOFT. Finance staff and volunteers from all 92 parishes and missions, as well as Catholic schools, are encouraged to attend.

The conference will be both educational and a time of retreat, offering workshops along with time for spiritual reflection.

Father Richard Sutter, parochial administrator of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, will give a Lenten reflection March 19. The theme of his talk will be “Let Us Climb Together!” His reflection is based on Psalm 121:1-2 and Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s “The Cross and the Beatitudes.”

Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, will offer Mass March 20 during the conference.

General sessions over the two days will include: Ledger and Payable Reports and Analyzing Financial Statements; Projects – Organize for Effective Reporting; Overview of Family Suite, Ministry Management and My Own Church; Update from the Diocesan Finance Office; and Church Manager Advanced Options.

Workshops will include: What You Need to Know About Bank Reconciliation; Importing and Exporting in Accounting; How to Build Your Budget; Ledger Report Writer – Getting the Custom Statements You Need; Accounting Tips and Tricks; and Effectively Recording Credit Card Transactions.

Bill Weldon, chief financial officer of the diocese, announced plans for the financial conference last fall.

In a letter to pastors announcing the conference, he said, “This is a unique opportunity for parish finance personnel to come together to grow in faith, to learn and to relax. How wonderful it would be if every parish was represented!”

Advance registration for the finance conference is required. The cost to attend varies from $50 to $175 per person, depending on the number of days a participant attends and if overnight lodging is needed.

The diocesan finance office is offering financial assistance for attendees from parishes without the financial resources to cover the cost of attending.

For more information and to register, contact Mason Beaumont at mtbeaumont@ charlottediocese.org or call 704-370-3396.

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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In Brief

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RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

Boone parishioners connect to make diaper donation possible KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

Campus minister appointed CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the appointment of Father Moses Nikume Njoh to Campus Ministry for High Point University in High Point. He will reside at St. Benedict Parish rectory in Winston-Salem. Father Njoh was ordained in 2013 for the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon.

Eden street renamed EDEN — A street named in honor of a priest later accused of child sexual abuse has been renamed.

Kuder Street runs alongside St. Joseph of the Hills Church, and was named decades ago for the parish’s first pastor, Father William J. Kuder, who presided over the construction of the church in 1938. He served as pastor until 1940, then went on to serve as pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler until his death in 1960.

In 1995, a former member of the Candler parish came forward to accuse the late priest of raping him when he served as an altar boy in the early 1950s, starting when he was 9 years old and continuing until he was 13. The abuse survivor said he knew of at least 10 other boys in his parish school who had been similarly molested.

In 2007, the Diocese of Raleigh – responsible for Father Kuder because the Diocese of Charlotte was not established until 1972 – paid a financial settlement to the man and his brothers.

Last fall City of Eden officials received a letter from one of Kuder’s victims asking them to consider changing the street’s name.

At their Nov. 20 meeting, the City Council voted 4-2 to proceed with renaming the street Mansfield Street, as requested by St. Joseph Church in honor of Joseph Mansfield, one of its founding members.

Men’s conference on March 16 CHARLOTTE — All men of the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the ninth annual Catholic Men’s Conference Saturday, March 16, featuring keynote speaker Doug Barry, founder of the Battle Ready Catholic apostolate.

Hosted at St. Patrick Cathedral and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the day-long men’s conference will also feature talks by Father Richard Sutter, parochial administrator of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, and Father David Miller, pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will be offered, and participants will have the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. For details, go online to www.catholicmenofthecarolinas.org.

BOONE — Appalachian State student Clair Williams didn’t know the impact that a simple announcement at Mass could make.

Williams, a senior music education major who is active in campus ministry and App State Students for Life, made an announcement about a diaper drive before Mass at her parish, St. Elizabeth.

“We were advertising at our church about the diaper drive and the need in the community, like we’ve done the past couple of years,” Williams said. “I found out that one of the members of the parish heard the announcement and knew who to call to make a major diaper donation happen.”

That parishioner was Jack Ryan, who retired to the Blue Ridge Mountains from Florida to be closer to his grandchildren.

Ryan is also active in Knights of Columbus Council 11966.

Ryan had worked for 20 years in the coverting industry. In his experience, he knew that there is often product overruns and diapers with discontinued features that get discarded or recycled.

“I got on the phone, and I just got lucky,” Ryan explained. “I called someone at First Quality who I actually hired into the company, and they had five pallets of diapers they were willing to donate.”

First Quality Baby Products in Macon, Ga., donated about 30,000 diapers to Who Needs a Change? of the High Country, a project of the Children’s Council of Watauga County. The organization distributes diapers to families in need.

That total is almost half of the amount of diapers the diaper bank distributed last year, said Meggan Knight, program

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MEGGAN KNIGHT

First Quality Baby Products in Macon, Ga., donated about 30,000 diapers to Who Needs a Change? of the High Country with help of St. Elizabeth Church parishioners. Pictured are (from left) Mike Parichuk and Jack Ryan, parishioners at St. Elizabeth Church; Meggan Knight, diaper bank program coordinator; Clair Williams, Appalachian State senior; and Jeannie Parsons-Rhymer, resource specialist at The Children’s Council of Watauga County that distributes the diapers. coordinator for Who Needs a Change? of the High Country and Children’s Council board member. Knight started the diaper bank in 2012 after being inspired by news coverage of a child with a maggotinvested diaper and learning about her community’s needs.

The diaper bank provides 50,000 to 80,000 diapers to children annually. Last year, they gave out 67,000 diapers, Knight said.

Knight helps solicit diapers for the community, and they are distributed through the Children’s Council.

This is the largest single donation the organization has ever received.

“We were very, very thankful for that,” Knight said. “It’s a sizable donation. We are excited about it.”

Ryan said the donation, which was delivered Jan. 21, included all different

One of the guests at St. Pius X Church’s “Night to Shine,” Rebecca, dances with her friends.

Music was provided by DJ KC from 102 Jamz.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TERRY RUMLEY

“Seargeant Swarm,” the mascot for the Greensboro Swarm basketball team, made an appearance at this year’s “Night to Shine,” entertaining everyone while they were waiting on their limousine ride.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARYANNE LUEDTKE

African American history program focuses on prayer WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church celebrated African American History Month with a panel discussion Feb. 16 entitled “The African American Journey Through Prayer.”

Panelists were: Rev. Ronald E. Speas, pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church; Dr. Winston Bell, African and African American historian; Rev. Derwin Montgomery, pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church and state representative for the 72nd District; and Charles Osgi, St. Benedict the Moor parishioner.

The program director was Daisy Foster, the parish’s commission chair for evangelization.

— Gloria Wilson

size diapers and training pants.

“I’m quite surprised by how this turned about,” Ryan said. “We provided about half of their yearly need in one transaction. I feel real good about being able to help when I can. You can’t predict what companies have to donate, if anything. It worked out this time.”

You never know who your words can reach.

“It’s incredible,” Williams said. “I didn’t believe it at first. I didn’t think that could even be possible. It feels amazing to know a simple announcement for our simple little club at App State could make a difference.”

Not counting the large donation, App State Students for Life collected almost 500 diapers this year for their drive, up from around 300 the prior year, Williams said.

St. Pius X celebrates life at ‘Night to Shine’ LINDSAY KOHL SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

GREENSBORO — For the second year in a row, St. Pius X Church hosted “Night to Shine,” a prom night experience for people with special needs that is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Men and women aged 14 and older were welcomed as guests to the event, where they enjoyed a sit-down dinner, dancing, bingo, a photo booth and limousine rides.

The Tim Tebow Foundation has been sponsoring Night to Shine events all over the world for the past five years, and this was the second event held in Greensboro.

“Night to Shine” was a natural fit considering the Greensboro church’s existing ministries that celebrate diversity in the parish community, such as the Sunshine Club. The event emphasized Catholic teaching that all human life is valuable and worth celebrating.

With more than 120 guests, this

year’s “Night to Shine” took a team of approximately 80 volunteers to provide support in many different areas. The event allowed many generations of parishioners, and even whole families, to come together for a common purpose and serve together. Their hard work and preparations were rewarded by seeing the joy on their guests’ faces.

LINDSAY KOHL is the director of Formational Ministries at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019

El Obispo Jugis emite declaración sobre reunión en el Vaticano acerca del abuso sexual del clero CHARLOTTE — Mientras los líderes de la Iglesia de todo el mundo se reunían en Roma la semana pasada, el Obispo Peter Jugis reiteró su “sincera disculpa” a todas las víctimas de abuso sexual del clero e instó a las personas a reportar cualquier denuncia de abuso a las autoridades civiles.

La junta del Vaticano, realizada del 21 al 24 de febrero, reunió a casi 190 líderes de la Iglesia: presidentes de las conferencias de obispos del mundo, dirigentes de las iglesias católicas orientales, superiores de las órdenes religiosas de hombres y mujeres, funcionarios de la Curia Romana, expertos y oradores invitados.

Su objetivo fue centrarse en la responsabilidad, rendición de cuentas y transparencia a nivel global como un paso adelante en el fortalecimiento de la respuesta particular de cada país al problema.

“Cuando la atención mundial se vuelve una vez más hacia el flagelo del abuso sexual a los jóvenes, la Diócesis de Charlotte, en solidaridad con el Papa Francisco, ofrece una sincera disculpa a todas las víctimas de este crimen y pecado horrible. Asimismo, instamos a cualquier persona que haya sido objeto de abuso a que informe de ello a las autoridades”, dijo el Obispo Jugis en su declaración del 20 de febrero.

Jugis La reunión se produjo tras el intento de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos de mejorar sus propias políticas en noviembre pasado, así como la reciente publicación de muchas diócesis norteamericanas de listas de clérigos acusados de abuso sexual infantil. Ello originó que el Vaticano retrasara la conversación hasta esta asamblea mundial.

La Arquidiócesis de Atlanta y las diócesis de Raleigh; Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA; Richmond y Arlington, VA; Nashville y Knoxville, TN; y otras han publicado listas. En la Diócesis de Charlotte también se está considerando una lista similar.

Las denuncias de abuso sexual infantil contra clérigos que han servido en la diócesis de Charlotte se publican en Catholic News Herald, en forma impresa y online, y las ediciones de archivo pueden consultarse en www. catholicnewsherald.com, algo que la diócesis ha estado haciendo durante décadas, “en un esfuerzo de apertura y transparencia”, señaló la declaración del obispo.

En su manifestación, el obispo Jugis dijo que: “La Diócesis de Charlotte ha capacitado a más de 50,000 personas en temas de concientización de abuso sexual.

Todos los empleados y voluntarios en la diócesis también pasan por verificaciones de antecedentes. Nuestro esfuerzo por combatir este crimen pecaminoso continuará”.

Su declaración continuó, “Esperamos recibir los resultados de esa reunión de líderes de la Iglesia que se celebrará en el Vaticano este mes, y luego emprender el trabajo de aplicar todos los elementos de acción concretos a la situación particular de la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos en nuestras futuras reuniones de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos”.

“Por favor, únanse a mí para orar por la sanación de todas las víctimas de abuso sexual y también por un resultado productivo de la reunión con el Santo Padre”.

— Catholic News Herald, Catholic News Service

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com y www.facebook.com/ CNHEspañol: Puede ver el video del comunicado del Obispo Peter Jugis

CORTESÍA CONGRESO ORGANIZACIONES LATINAS DE CAROLINA DEL NORTE

Los sacerdotes Gregorio Gay y Hugo Medellín, en compañía de líderes de otras comunidades de fe, participaron de un encuentro con Garry L. McFadden, Sheriff del condado Mecklenburg, para fomentar el acercamiento y confianza de la comunidad latina con esa agencia del orden.

Sheriff de Mecklenburg y comunidad de fe estrechan lazos CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Más de setecientas personas repletaron las instalaciones de la Iglesia Pentecostal Ministerio Internacional Lirio de los Valles, al oeste de Charlotte, para ser testigos del encuentro entre líderes de organizaciones religiosas y Garry L. McFadden, Sheriff del condado Mecklenburg.

Según indicaron los organizadores, más de trescientos asistentes provenían de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, cuyos sacerdotes, Padres Gregorio Gay y Hugo Medellín, forman parte activa en el liderazgo de esta coalición de pastores, líderes latinos del condado y el Congreso de Organizaciones Latinas de Carolina del Norte.

Después del saludo de bienvenida del pastor Mario Guzmán, representante de Lirio de los Valles, tomó la palabra Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte.

Bernal dijo que la decisión de unirse y organizar a la comunidad trata de lograr una voz en los asuntos que impactan a la población hispana. “Somos iglesias y grupos comunitarios representando la diversidad étnica, política y geográfica de nuestra comunidad. Nuestro objetivo es simple, queremos que nuestra comunidad tenga voz en las decisiones que nos afectan. Por eso hemos acordado trabajar juntos en este y otros asuntos en el futuro por el bien de nuestra gente”, subrayó.

Luego Ana Miriam Carpio, directora ejecutiva de UNISAL, organización pro inmigrante de la Ciudad Reina, después de presentar a los representantes de las instituciones participantes, dio paso a Susan Suarez Webster, pastora de la Iglesia Central Metodista Unida, quien señaló que en el pasado, pese a que nuestra comunidad siempre ha estado interesada en trabajar y

colaborar con las autoridades, la colaboración del antiguo Sheriff con ICE “generó miedo y desconfianza”.

Luego Suarez Webster propuso que se exploren maneras para fortalecer las relaciones y estrechar los lazos directos entre nuestra red de organizaciones y el nuevo Sheriff, “ya que “todos estamos más seguros cuando hay una relación de confianza y diálogo con las autoridades”.

Añadió que, “esta cooperación y la solidaridad de la comunidad entera se hace mucho más necesario y urgente en el contexto de las recientes acciones de ICE en el condado” y denunció que “ha habido amenazas al Sheriff y a las organizaciones comunitarias”.

La pastora manifestó el deseo de la alianza de “comenzar una nueva etapa de convivencia con nuestro nuevo Sheriff” y establecer acuerdos claros de cooperación mutua “en el marco de la realidad de nuestra comunidad Latina”.

Señaló que el apoyo mutuo entre organizaciones comunitarias, la solidaridad de aliados importantes “y una relación clara con el Sheriff del Condado es lo que quisiéramos lograr”.

“Sabemos que el Sheriff se ha dirigido a la comunidad en SHERIFF, PASA A LA PÁGINA 17

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Diácono Guillermo Anzola

Una invitación a ser sinceros

C

on el Miércoles de Ceniza, una vez más llegamos al comienzo de la Cuaresma, época de nuevas bendiciones y gracias de Dios, tiempo en el cual el Señor nos invita a cambiar de conducta, para entrar en una nueva comunión de amor y vida con Cristo Jesús.

Cuarenta días que la Iglesia marca para la conversión del corazón.

En este inicio de la Cuaresma, se nos invita a ser sinceros, de verdad, con nosotros mismos y aceptar lo poco que tenemos presente a Dios en nuestras vidas. Debemos de lanzar una mirada dentro de nosotros mismos y reconocer nuestros pecados. Pero, al mismo tiempo, debemos mirar hacia Dios, nuestro Padre, y reafirmar nuestra confianza en su amor.

La imposición de la ceniza sobre nuestra cabeza será esta señal de reconocimiento. Será como decir: somos débiles, somos pecadores, no acabamos de salir de esta situación, de este estado. Pero no será decírnoslo a nosotros mismos, no será decirnos que no hay nada que hacer, que no hay salida. Será decirlo ante Dios, reconocerlo ante Dios. Y decirlo y reconocerlo ante Dios es decir y reconocer que en Él está el perdón, la vida, la salvación, el amor inagotable.

Por eso, especialmente en este tiempo, la Iglesia nos invita a adoptar ciertas prácticas muy valiosas, que nos ayudan a disponer el corazón y la mente para buscar una relación más profunda con Cristo, como son la oración, el ayuno y la limosna.

Así que debemos hacer un plan de ayuno para esta Cuaresma, debemos dedicar tiempo a la oración sincera cada día, estudiar y meditar en la palabra de Dios, y debemos también ser generosos con los más necesitados. Si llevamos a cabo estas prácticas, estemos seguros que nos estaremos acercando más al Señor Nuestro Dios y Él nos bendecirá en abundancia.

Precisamente el Miércoles de ceniza y el Viernes Santo son días de ayuno y abstinencia, es decir, que se toma una sola comida al día y no se come carne. Esto implica, naturalmente, un cierto sacrificio, pero que no es nada si pensamos en el gran sacrificio que hizo Cristo en la cruz para salvarnos.

Así que, la imposición de las cenizas nos recuerda que nuestra vida en la tierra es pasajera y que nuestra vida definitiva se encuentra en el Cielo.

Procuremos, pues, aprovechar las gracias divinas que se derraman con abundancia en este tiempo de Cuaresma, y digámosle al Señor que queremos comprometernos nuevamente con Él y renovar nuestra entrega, para que recibamos la vida que Él nos ha prometido.

Que esta Cuaresma sea el comienzo de la vida gloriosa que tendremos en el cielo.

Amén.

EL DIÁCONO GUILLERMO ANZOLA sirve en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe.

SERGIO LOPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Las personas reciben cenizas durante un servicio del Miércoles de Ceniza en la Iglesia Divino Redentor en Boonville en 2017.

Miércoles de Ceniza, llamado a la conversión CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — El 6 de marzo, Miércoles de Ceniza, inicia los 40 días en los que la Iglesia llama a los fieles a la conversión y a prepararse verdaderamente para vivir los misterios de la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Cristo en la Semana Santa.

“Es la puerta que nos lleva a dar inicio a la Cuaresma, tiempo propio para la reflexión, renovación, penitencia”, nos dice el Padre José Camilo Cárdenas, pastor de la Misión Holy Trinity en Taylorsville, Carolina del Norte.

La palabra ceniza, que proviene del latín ‘cinis’, representa el producto de la combustión de algo por el fuego. Esta adoptó tempranamente un sentido simbólico de muerte, caducidad, pero también de humildad y penitencia.

La tradición de imponer la ceniza se remonta a la Iglesia primitiva. Por aquel entonces las personas se colocaban la ceniza en la cabeza y se presentaban ante la comunidad con un hábito penitencial para recibir el Sacramento de la Reconciliación el Jueves Santo.

“Las cenizas puestas en la cabeza de los fieles nos recuerdan la caducidad humana. Somos seres limitados y pasajeros, lo que perdura es el espíritu, nuestro ser hijos de Dios, y por eso le dedicamos este tiempo”, amplía el Padre Cárdenas, asegurando que las cenizas como signo de conversión tienen un uso muy antiguo y se encuentra su registro en las Sagradas Escrituras, tanto en el Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento (Job 42, 3-6; Jr 3, 25-26; Dn 9, 3; Jonás 3; Mt 11, 21; Heb 9,13).

Para aquellos que ven algo “mágico” en el uso de las cenizas, el P. Cárdenas aclara que “no tiene nada de mágico, debe ser símbolo de que quiero una mejor vida, por eso busco convertirme de todo lo negativo, salir del descuido o desorden y buscar una mejor vida según el modelo de Nuestro Maestro Jesucristo”.

El sacerdote añade que la Iglesia no solo nos pide ir a la Iglesia a ponerse la Ceniza, “esta debe ir acompañada de

la oración, el ayuno, abstinencia y ojalá participar de la Eucaristía y hacer alguna obra de caridad”.

El ponerse la Ceniza, según indica, “es aceptar con humildad nuestro ser limitado, perecedero, frágil pero con una gran esperanza de que nuestro Creador está ahí para ayudarnos, fortalecernos, para iluminar nuestras oscuridades.

Por eso acudimos renunciando a cosas de este mundo, no porque sean malas, sino porque el apego a muchas de ellas nos hace mal, nos separa del creador, nos hacen menos solidarios y compasivos, no nos deja ver el sentido puro y verdadero de la vida”.

¿Sabías que? n Las cenizas se producen de las palmas del Domingo de Ramos.

Para la ceremonia se deben quemar los restos de las palmas bendecidas el Domingo de Ramos del año anterior. Estas son rociadas con agua bendita y luego aromatizadas con incienso. n Las cenizas se imponen al término de la homilía. Las cenizas son impuestas mientras el ministro dice las palabras bíblicas: «Acuérdate que eres polvo y en polvo te convertirás», o «Conviértete y cree en el Evangelio». También pueden imponerse sin Misa, pero siempre por un sacerdote o diácono. n No es necesario responder cuando el ministro impone las cenizas. Quien recibe las cenizas debe retirarse en silencio meditando la frase o invitación que la acaban de hacer. n Las cenizas pueden ser recibidas por no católicos. Como especifica el Catecismo (1670 y siguientes) los sacramentales no confieren la gracia del Espíritu Santo como sí lo hacen los sacramentos. n No es obligatorio recibir las cenizas, pero siempre es recomendable. n No existe tiempo exacto para llevar las cenizas en la frente. n En Miércoles de Ceniza es obligatorio el ayuno y la abstinencia para los mayores de 18 año y menores de 60. ­— Aciprensa contribuyó con información.

Lecturas Diarias MARZO 3-9

Domingo: Sirácides 27:4-7, 1 Corintios 15:54-58, Lucas 6:3945; Lunes (San Casimiro): Sirácides 17:20-24, Marcos 10:17-27; Martes: Sirácides 35:1-12, Marcos 10:28-31; Miércoles (Miércoles de ceniza): Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corintios 5:20- 6:2, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves: (Sta. Perpetua y Felícita): Deuteronomio 30:15-20, Lucas 9:22-25; Viernes (San Juan de Dios): Isaías 58:1-9, Mateo 9:14-15; Sábado (Santa Francisca Romana): Isaías 58:9-14, Luke 5:27-32

MARZO 10-16

Domingo: Deuteronomio 26:4-10, Romanos 10:8-13, Lucas 4:113; Lunes: Levítico 19:1-2, 11-18, Mateo 25:31-46; Martes: Isaías 55:10-11, Mateo 6:7-15; Miércoles: Jonás 3:1-10, Lucas 11:29-32; Jueves: Ester C:12, 14-16, 23-25, Mateo 7:7-12; Viernes: Ezequiel 18:21-28, Mateo 5:20-26; Sábado: Deuteronomio 26:16-19, Mateo 5:43-48

MARZO 17-23

Domingo: Génesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Filipenses 3:17- 4:1, Lucas 9:28-36; Lunes (San Cirilo de Jerusalén): Daniel 9:4-10, Lucas 6:36-38; Martes (San José, esposo de María): 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romanos 4:13, 16-18, 22, Mateo: 1:16, 18-21; Miércoles: Jeremías 18:18-20, Mateo 20:17-28; Jueves: Jeremías 17:5-10, Lucas 16:19-31; Viernes: Génesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46; Sábado (Sto. Toribio de Mogrovejo): Miqueas 7:14-15, Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Con más de 100 artistas en escena grupo parroquial prepara obra de Semana Santa CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Dando un paso adelante en el crecimiento de su grupo teatral aficionado, la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte anunció que en 2019 concretará la realización de un proyecto largamente anhelado, una obra teatral de Semana Santa que comienza con la resurrección de Lázaro y culmina con la resurrección de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Así lo dió a conocer Esteban Chávez Moreno, originario de San Luis, México, y coordinador del grupo teatral de esa parroquia. “Hasta el momento solo hemos representado el Viacrucis, pero para este año hemos preparado toda una obra completa con catorce escenas”, señaló.

El proyecto movilizará a más de 100 artistas en escena y aproximadamente a otras cincuenta personas que estarán detrás del escenario atendiendo el vestuario, maquillaje, efectos especiales, luces, llamados a escena y hasta comida para los artistas y equipo técnico.

La obra, que ya se realizó anteriormente en 2001, espera reeditar el éxito obtenido con un solo propósito: “evangelizar a través de esta importante herramienta que es el teatro”, dijo Chávez.

Según refiere Chávez, lo más difícil es la planeación de la obra por la precisión que se requiere para coordinar los recursos técnicos y humanos. Pero, lo más bonito, señala, es cuando la obra concluye y todos aseguran que valió la pena. “El ver la alegría de la comunidad, los aplausos.

Uno como director vive las frustraciones, pero al ver sus rostros, sus ojos, a sus familias, sus hijos, todos alegres y celebrando, se olvidan los momentos difíciles y solo hay

lugar para la celebración y felicidad”.

Los proyectos son grandes para este grupo que solo piensa crecer, formarse profesionalmente y mirar hacia adelante. “Hemos pensado desarrollar otras obras, algunas para reflexionar, para crear conciencia, para reír, musicales. Necesitamos de todo para que venga la familia y puede gustar de una obra bonita”.

Como la representación de las Apariciones Marianas en el cerro Tepeyac, la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe tiene una larga tradición, “y gracias a Dios es algo muy bello que año con año va gustando más”, señala Chávez, pues incluso ello los ha llevado a incluir escenas musicales en la próxima obra de Semana Santa que trabajan.

La inspiración que mueve a este joven aficionado director teatral, según nos confiesa, es trabajar por la juventud, promover que los jóvenes crezcan interesados en este proyecto. “Quiero acompañarles pues tienen muchas ideas. No podemos dejarlos solos, sino ¿a donde se irían?

Queremos que se realicen dentro de nuestra comunidad.

Eso y evangelizar es nuestro propósito”, subraya.

Respecto a la obra, serán dos las representaciones que se realizarán el martes 16 y miércoles 17 de abril, durante Semana Santa. Generosamente, el grupo ofrece desinteresadamente realizar otras funciones para las parroquias que deseen invitarlos.

Chávez dijo que, para aquellos que estén interesados, todavía hay oportunidades para colaborar en la obra. Si bien los personajes principales ya están trabajando, aún existen espacios disponibles para cubrir apariciones con diálogos breves y extras.

Las prácticas son los miércoles y jueves a las 7:30 de la noche en las instalaciones parroquiales. Si desea

participar o registrar a alguno de sus hijos, contacte con Esteban Chávez durante los ensayos o, en cualquier momento, déjele un mensaje con su nombre y teléfono en la secretaría de la parroquia.

“La oportunidad es para todos y cada uno de nosotros.

Para que tengamos la ocasión de vivir lo que es esta representación. Es una obra de amor, más que nada porque Jesús allí, en ese momento, nos dejó la Eucaristía”, puntualizó el director.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHespañol: Vea un video sobre este grupo aficionado de teatro parroquial

Capacitaron a ministros extraordinarios de la comunión CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Casi un centenar de fieles del Vicariato de Charlotte participaron en la jornada de capacitación de ministros extraordinarios de la comunión que se realizó el pasado sábado 16 de febrero en las instalaciones del Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Pese a las bajas temperaturas, desde muy temprano los participantes empezaron a llegar al evento planeado para las 10 de la mañana.

Según explicó Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte, el entrenamiento sirve de base para entender el servicio como ministro extraordinario de la comunión, aunque luego cada parroquia tenga sus propias particularidades para aplicarlo.

Durante su exposición, Bernal señaló que el compromiso de ser portador del cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo es de servicio a la comunidad, no para el lucimiento personal,

aunque “nosotros, por una razón misteriosa en este momento de nuestras vidas, podamos tener el privilegio de servir” en ese campo.

“Es importante que nosotros nos humanicemos, nos cristianicemos, retomemos lo que significa ser bautizados y empecemos a servir con toda nuestra mente, con todas nuestras fuerzas, con toda nuestra sed, con toda nuestra alma”, resaltó.

Mery Aparicio, una de las participantes en la jornada de capacitación, dijo que la reunión le dejó muchas enseñanzas, “en especial para esa responsabilidad tan grande que tenemos sobre nuestros hombros que es un compromiso con Dios y con la comunidad.

Aparicio, nacida en Colombia, quien sirve en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte por más de 10 años, dijo recordar la primera vez que sirvió como ministra extraordinaria de la comunión. “Eso es algo indescriptible que nos da como un temblor en el cuerpo por esa oportunidad que el Señor nos está brindando, no porque lo merezcamos sino porque es compasivo, misericordioso y

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nos da ese regalo tan grande”.

José Capistrano dijo que gracias a Dios “el grupo de personas que ayudan a los sacerdotes ha aumentado en su parroquia” y siempre es bueno asistir a este tipo de eventos para “aprender un poco más y fortalecer nuestra fe”.

Capistrano, quien en la actualidad también sirve como ministro extraordinario, dijo que su servicio lo ha animado, lo ha llevado “a dar más de sí mismo, a caminar en la fe, porque creo que tomar a Jesús en las manos me da fortaleza, lo comparto con la persona que lo necesita y de esta forma me siento servicial, me siento que estoy compartiendo parte de lo que Dios me ha dado y me siento identificado con Él”.

ASISTENCIA MASIVA

Originalmente planeado para atender a 40 personas registradas, la masiva asistencia obligó a las autoridades diocesanas a autorizar un cambio de salón para acoger más gente.

“Realmente estamos abrumados por la gran presencia de feligreses de muchas parroquias que han mostrado su interés de capacitarse y servir en sus comunidades”, dijo Bernal.

El coordinador explicó que la asistencia

sobrepasó sus consideraciones “extras” al número de registrados, lo que causó problemas de logística para atender a quienes se presentaron sin previo aviso.

“Hemos tenido que realizar más copias del material que entregamos a los participantes y hacer correcciones de último minuto”, señaló, para ofrecer café y bocadillos.

Ofreció disculpas a las personas que puedan haberse sentido incómodas y solicitó que, para ocasiones futuras, quienes tengan intención de presentarse a las jornadas de retiro o capacitación lo hagan con anticipación. “Así podremos planear mejor nuestras necesidades”, subrayó.

Bernal anunció que el 9 de febrero se estará realizando un Taller de Catecismo para jóvenes en la parroquia San John Neumann de Charlotte. “Será dictado por SEPI y ya estamos recibiendo inscripciones”, añadió. Para mayores informes escriba un correo a hispmincharlotte@gmail.com o icenteno@charlottediocese.org.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea un video sobre esta jornada de capacitación

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March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

16th Annual

With gratitude, we thank all those who sponsored, attended and supported this outstanding event.

En Cuaresma, participe y aporte al Plato de Arroz CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Seguro que ha notado que en cada tiempo de Cuaresma se entrega en su parroquia unas pequeñas alcancías hechas de cartón. Debe recordar también que los pastores apelan a su solidaridad y caridad para que lleve una a casa y deposite en ella sus donaciones en monedas o cambio que no afecten su bolsillo.

Sin embargo, es posible que no le haya prestado atención y, aunque tomara una al salir de Misa, probablemente no la devolviera y hasta se hubiera arrojado a la basura.

Estamos seguros que si conociera el propósito de esas pequeñas alcancías las llevaría a casa, compartiría la información e invitaría a toda la familia a participar de la campaña de recolección de fondos que representa El plato de arroz.

¿QUÉ ES EL PLATO DE ARROZ?

El Plato de Arroz es el programa de Cuaresma de Catholic Relief Services (CRS), la agencia oficial de ayuda y desarrollo de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos. A través de Plato de Arroz de CRS, las comunidades católicas de todas las diócesis de los Estados Unidos ponen en práctica su fe a través de la oración, el ayuno y los donativos. Los sacrificios de Cuaresma donados a través de Plato de Arroz de CRS apoyan el trabajo de CRS en aproximadamente 45 países diferentes cada año. El 25% de todos los donativos a Plato de Arroz de CRS permanecen en la diócesis local, apoyando los esfuerzos para combatir el hambre y la pobreza. Desde su creación en 1975, Plato de Arroz de CRS ha recaudado casi 300 millones de dólares.

El Plato de Arroz de CRS, una simple caja de cartón y elemento básico en la mesa durante la Cuaresma, es una herramienta para recolectar donativos y ​​viene con un calendario que guía a las familias a través de los 40 días de Cuaresma con actividades, reflexiones e historias.

PLATO DE ARROZ EN GUATEMALA

Para las familias jóvenes que viven en las montañas de Guatemala, criar un bebé puede ser difícil. La mayoría de las familias cultivan maíz y frijoles para ganarse la vida, pero una sequía prolongada ha hecho que las cosechas se reduzcan. Hay pocas oportunidades de empleo, lo que significa que poner comida en la mesa es un desafío diario. Por eso, cuando Norma descubrió que estaba embarazada, se preguntó cómo se las arreglaría. “Cuando era joven, mi mamá y mi papá no tenían dinero para comprar mucha comida”, dice. “Mi madre dividía un huevo entre cuatro niños”.

Norma quería más para su hijo, Víctor.

Sin embargo, a los 20 años, no tenía mucha experiencia más allá de ayudar a su madre en la casa. Entonces, ella buscó ayuda. La encontró en un programa patrocinado por CRS que enseña a las madres jóvenes cómo criar niños sanos, cultivar alimentos nutritivos en pequeños jardines y llevar una dieta saludable.

Además, CRS brindó a Norma alimentos durante todo el embarazo y revisiones médicas mensuales durante los primeros

A special thank you to our sponsors...

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dos años de vida de Víctor.

“Aprendí muchas cosas hermosas”, dice Norma. “Aprendí cómo cuidar a mi hijo y qué alimentos darle para que pueda crecer sano y fuerte”.

Ahora, Norma comparte lo que aprendió con otras personas como una “madre monitora”.

“Me enorgullece compartir la experiencia que tuve y las lecciones que aprendí con otras mujeres”, dice. Eso enorgullece a Norma, y ​​ hace que su comunidad sea un lugar mejor para formar una familia.

En Guatemala, gracias a la aplicación de los programas con fondos de Plato de Arroz, entre 2012 y 2018, la desnutrición crónica en niños menores de 5 años disminuyó un promedio de 1.5 por ciento por año, cinco veces el promedio nacional de 0.3 puntos por año. Además, la pobreza se redujo del 29.6% al 8.3% en los hogares encabezados por mujeres.

PARTICIPE

Llevar a cabo el programa Plato de Arroz es posible gracias a la colaboración de un ejército de voluntarios. ¿Le gustaría participar y convertirse en un elemento de cambio de la sociedad a través del amor y la caridad?

Todavía hay tiempo para que pueda solicitar materiales y apoyar el programa en su parroquia y comunidad. Es muy fácil, solo tiene que visitar www.crsricebowl. org/es y solicitar los materiales de manera gratuita. Si tiene preguntas, ellos tienen las respuestas con muchos recursos digitales, fotos, videos y sugerencias para implementar efectivamente el programa.

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Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea una serie de videos sobre este programa y sus beneficiarios en diferentes partes del mundo

ccdoc.org

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iiiMarch 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

CRS Rice Bowl: Be unafraid to ‘share the journey BALTIMORE — A young South Sudanese refugee raising her siblings in Uganda’s Bidi Bidi refugee settlement. A father returning home after decades of civil war in Sri Lanka to find his farm overgrown. A young woman unable to find work in Gaza – and forbidden from seeking opportunity abroad. These are just some of the stories participants will explore through CRS Rice Bowl, CRS’ Lenten faith-in-action program.

Following the lead of Pope Francis, CRS Rice Bowl invites Catholics across the country to take part in the second year of “Share the Journey” (www.sharejourney. org), a global campaign launched by the pope to raise awareness and inspire action on behalf of migrants and refugees worldwide.

“We hear about migration and refugees in the news every day,” said Beth Martin, director of U.S. Programs for Catholic Relief Services. “We encounter so many families around the world forced to migrate, either because of conflict and violence or the inability to make a living, and their stories lead us to a more human understanding of this complex issue.”

CRS Rice Bowl has been sharing the stories of women, men and children with whom CRS works for nearly 45 years. Built around the Lenten spiritual pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the program has been a tradition for thousands of Catholic families in every diocese in the U.S. Every year, people in more than 14,000 faith communities across the country are using nearly 4 million “rice bowls” for almsgiving, resulting in nearly $12 million annually – $9 million of which supports CRS programs around the world. The remaining $3 million, or 25 percent of total alms collected, stays in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts.

Last year’s 25 percent of the CRS Lenten Rice Bowl

Rights and Responsibilities Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are to live and work in the world. In this principle, Rights and responsibilities, we remember that every person has basic rights that make life truly human.

Corresponding to our rights, we all have duties and responsibilities to one another, our families and the larger society.

Share the journey: A good education doesn’t just benefit the student.

It benefits the family, the community, and the common good, allowing individuals to flourish without needing to leave home:

PRAY

FAST

GIVE

we shou moment An im than mo people fe passiona commun “It’s th makes C journey, the stran time to r to our n

LEARN

Resources available online At www.crsricebowl.org: Catholic Relief Services has a lot of resources for you and your family this Lenten season. Besides the rice bowl kit that you can download online, find “Stories of Hope” from people who have been aided by CRS, a video series of reflections exploring the meaning of Lent, a Lenten “digital retreat,” and meatless recipes from the countries featured during Lent. All materials are available in English and Spanish.

How to give and mini-grants information If your parish or school participates in the CRS Rice Bowl campaign, giving guidelines are provided. You can also give directly to CRS Rice Bowl securely online at www.crsricebowl. org; by phone at 1-877-435-7277; or by mail to CRS Rice Bowl, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303. Find info on CRS Rice Bowl $1,000 Mini Grants at www.ccdoc.org/cchdcrs.

Collection – $15,088 – has helped fund hunger and poverty fighting programs of diocesan parishes and ministries through Catholic Charities $1,000 CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grants. With such a grant, the Food for Families Program of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle provided food to 51 families

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DON BARKER

Our Lady of the Annunciation Church’s Community Table Soup Kitchen volunteers include (from left, front row) Natalie and Karina Sedano; (from left, second row) Nancy Barker, Kellie Fischer, Alice Lombardo, MaryBeth Staiano, Vince Lombardo and Rick Matthews; and (from left, back row) Rob Ostrander, Joe Cutrone, Greg Fischer and Bill Staiano. at Christmas through its STAR ministry and also supported the parish’s ongoing Community Table Soup Kitchen.

For people like Alejandra Estrada, parish volunteer in the Diocese of Orange, CRS Rice Bowl isn’t just a charity – it’s a way of living out her Catholic faith.

“We are all children of God and, therefore, we deserve to live with dignity,” she said. “We are called to announce the Gospel with our actions. And what better opportunity do we have than Lent? As Catholics,

Encounter the Kamara family Waisa Kamara didn’t spend a single day in school. When she was young, no one thought girls should receive an education. Plus, there was work to do. She helped her 12 siblings at her family’s farm. She was responsible for helping her mom sell meat to their neighbors.

Now, things have changed in Sinkunia, a town in the north of Sierra Leone. Waisa knows the importance of education – especially for girls. “If there’s education, Sierra Leone will develop,” she says. “Our students will make sure of it.”

That’s why Waisa insists that her 12-year-old granddaughter, Kumba Kamara, attends the nearby CRSsponsored school, so she can learn how to make a difference in her community and her country. And, through the nutritious lunch that CRS gives to each student every day, Kumba and her classmates can focus on their studies and not on their hunger.

Kumba’s favorite subject is math because she likes the challenge. And when she completes her education, she wants to be a nurse. A nurse, Kumba says, helps cure the sick, and if there were more nurses in Sinkunia, those who get sick wouldn’t have to leave the town to get healthcare.

Waisa is proud of her granddaughter and continues to work hard to support her. With no shade from the hot sun, Waisa cares for the family’s garden, watering eggplants, tomatoes, onions and more to be harvested and sold through the streets of Sinkunia. Kumba helps, too, visiting the garden every day after school.

“I’m happy if I can support my daughters and granddaughters, even through university,” Waisa says. With a smile, she adds, “I know that educated girls help their parents and their communities.”

At www.crsricebowl.org/stories: Watch a video about Kumba Kamara and her family

Ground nut stew from Sierra Leone 2 tbsp. fair trade olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 red pepper, chopped

4 tomatoes, diced 2 carrots, chopped 1 chili pepper, diced 2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. black pepper 3 cups water or vegetable broth, plus more as needed

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 cups white rice

Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until brown and add garlic. Add red pepper, tomatoes, carrots, chili pepper, spices and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low until veggies are soft. Stir in peanut butter until evenly mixed. Serve over rice.

Makes 4-6 servings.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Find more meatless recipes and the stories behind their cultures online at www.crsricebowl.org.

Facts: Sierra Leone Population: 6,163,195 Size: 71,740 square miles – slightly smaller than South Carolina n After a 10-year civil war in the 1990s, CRS projects in Sierra Leone are helping to rebuild the country with a focus on integrating peace-building. n Rates of child and maternal mortality are high, levels of education are low and, despite rich resource endowments and abundant land, more than 60 percent of Sierra Leoneans live on less than $1.25 a day. n The Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone in 2014 was the worst the world has seen, covering the entire country and causing thousands of deaths. CRS was one of the organizations on the front lines controlling the outbreak.

HE COVER

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

y’ this Lent

uld live Lent with a lot of intensity, through ts of prayer, reflection, and almsgiving.” mmigrant herself, Estrada understands better ost the kinds of struggles faced by many of the eatured in the CRS Rice Bowl stories. And she’s ate about bringing those stories to life for her nity. hat connection to those we’ve never met that CRS Rice Bowl an integral part of the Lenten y,” Martin said. “Our faith calls us to welcome nger and care for those in need. Lent is a perfect reflect on our lives and deepen our commitment neighbors – both near and far.”

Kumba B. Kamara, 12, and her cousin, Saio B. Kamara, 8, with their grandmother, Waisa Kamara before school. CRS partners with the District Education Council (D.E.C.) Sinkunia primary school in the town of Sinkunia, Sierra Leone, to provide school lunches as part of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. As part of this program, CRS feeds 32,000 school children across Sierra Leone each day. In a country with a literacy rate of 43 percent, this initiative encourages students to stay in school and focus on their studies instead of their hunger.

PHOTO BY ERIC CLAYTON | CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

13

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FFHL funds $2.5M in Catholic schools’ improvements SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Six Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte are receiving a total of more than $2.5 million from the “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign for diocesan schools’ capital improvement projects.

FFHL grants for the schools are earmarked for non-routine facility improvements, with awards ranging from $12,709 to $500,000.

To qualify, projects must improve security, accessibility or aesthetics or directly enhance the learning environment, noted Bill Weldon, the diocese’s chief financial officer.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide much needed funding to the recipient schools for these critical campus improvements,” Weldon said.

Schools receiving awards are: n Asheville Catholic School – $500,000 to renovate the existing school and construct additional classroom space n Immaculata School in Hendersonville – $500,000 to replace the fire alarm system, improve building egress, upgrade lighting and replace the HVAC systems

n Charlotte Catholic High School – $500,000 to help build the MACS Fine Arts Center and re-purpose existing classroom spaces, including physical education and art rooms n Our Lady of Mercy School in WinstonSalem – $12,709 to replace lighting in the gym and cafeteria n St. Ann School in Charlotte – $500,000 to relocate administrative offices and the school’s main entry n St. Michael School in Gastonia – $500,000 to install new playground fence and make security improvements; to relocate the administrative offices and the school’s main entry; and to renovate existing restrooms “The entire Asheville Catholic community is grateful to the Diocese of Charlotte for awarding us this opportunity through the grant we received,” said Principal Michael Miller. “We are especially grateful to all of those who donated so generously to the FFHL campaign. The gifts of all of these people made this possible.”

Miller noted that by combining the funds from the FFHL grant with challenge goal funds collected by St. Eugene Church in

Asheville and savings from the school, Asheville Catholic has a total of $900,000 to put towards building additions and renovations.

“Thank you to all in the diocese who generously gave to the ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign,” Miller said.

“I can tell you that I was speechless when I received the letter announcing the grant award,” remarked St. Michael School’s Principal Sheila Levesque.

“I am so excited to share this award with our students, staff, parents and community.

It is a tremendous blessing to have the ability to make the security upgrades and renovations that benefit all. This, along with other projects and fundraising efforts, will allow St. Michael School to enhance the school property, the facilities and instruction,” Levesque said.

Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, is principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in WinstonSalem, which received a $12,709 FFHL grant.

“In 2002 the school moved from the south side of Winston-Salem into the former Bishop McGuinness High School.

The building is now 60 years old,” she

explained. “The current lights in the gym have often been hit during volleyball games and have been proven to be a safety hazard, as well as costly. The grant was applied for to provide a safer environment for our students and to be energy efficient.

Replacing the current lights in the gym and cafeteria will provide LED lighting and help to lower expenses.”

All capital projects that receive FFHL grants must begin within two years of the grant being awarded. For projects with costs that exceed the amount of the awarded grant, the school must have the ability to raise the balance of the funds needed within two years of receiving their grant award.

“FFHL is having a significant impact on the work being done in parishes, schools and ministries across the diocese and will impact work done in our diocese for years to come,” said Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director. “Funding for capital projects, like the funds being provided to these six schools, will have an impact on the education our students receive now but FFHL also provides for parishes, schools and ministries long in to the future through endowments.”

Parishioners donate $74K for technology, curriculum updates at OLG School ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School has been blessed with three substantial gifts from parishioners, including two gifts totaling $49,000 from Don and Mary Gay Brady. The third came from an anonymous donor who gave $25,000 to create an endowment with the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte to fund the school’s curriculum and technology updates in perpetuity.

“We are overjoyed to receive these incredibly generous donations,” said Principal Catherine Rusch. “The gifts from the Brady family provided critical technology updates, and the endowment will be a reliable source of money for key improvements to our school now and in the years to come. It will help protect us from fluctuations in the economy and allow us to continue to provide a high-quality, Catholic education.”

Because there’s enough money to start the endowment, others wishing to contribute in this way can add to it in any amount, helping increase the annual distribution to the school.

The donations from the Brady family provided much-needed, more-immediate boosts in technological improvements.

Members of the parish since 1962, the couple donated $35,000 for new computers in the school’s lab and $14,000 for new smart projectors in the middle school.

“Mary Gay and I have been very blessed, and we wanted to share our blessings with the Our Lady of Grace community,” said Don Brady, the chairman and founder of Brady Services, a provider of HVAC and building solutions in Greensboro. “I envision a tremendous future for the school and wanted help ensure the students’ success.”

The new Epson Brightlink 685Wi projectors in the middle school will match the ones in the lower grades. They not only bring more reliability and better

instruction, but they also reduce the number of devices teachers must learn to operate.

Parishioner and volunteer Pat Tighe, a retired IT professional, led a team of school parents and other parishioners as they tackled the work of installing the 35 lab computers. Tighe and the school’s media specialist/technology coordinator Angie Messick worked for months on planning, research and implementation of the new lab. Brady Services IT Professionals Karen Branson and Eric Haitz donated their time and expertise to selecting and purchasing the computers and working with Tighe and Messick on the installation.

“Seeing the final product made it so worth it,” Messick said. “Our school is known for its academic excellence.

Having adequate technology helps us to continue to achieve that goal. Although I feel that our students need to have a well-rounded education that doesn’t rely solely on technology, it is also an important component and teaching tool. We need to be able to provide our students with the best technology we can so that they are better prepared, 21st-century learners. Our lab will allow us to keep current with new software and benefit from digital textbooks and other learning resources.”

The new Lenovo All-In-One Desktop computers feature the Windows 10 operating system. Most of the workstations in the school use Windows 7, an old operating system for which support and software compatibility are slowly phasing out. The computers in the lab were showing age, too. Some of the machines became corrupt, making them difficult and time-consuming to restore.

“With Mr. Tighe and myself being the IT support staff for the school, we knew it would make a huge difference to be able to replace the lab and start from scratch, so to speak, with new, updated devices, not to mention having the correct number of workstations needed to adequately serve

Mary Gay and Don Brady are pictured in the updated computer lab at Our Lady of Grace School with their grandchildren Lance Farley and Levi Brady, both OLG students.

The Brady family and an anonymous donor gave a combined $74,000 to fund technology upgrades at the school, both now and into the future.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY PAOLA SCILINGUO

the needs of our students,” Messick said.

The students have been very excited about the updates. “The new computers are great!” exclaimed fourth-grader Hannah Carney. “They run really fast and they are much easier to work with.” Eighthgrader Lance Farley, one of the Bradys’ 14 grandchildren, said he was happy to have Windows 10 before he graduates in May. His cousin, kindergartner Levi Brady, and the rest of the elementary school will enjoy the upgrades much longer and will see continued improvements thanks to the technology and curriculum endowment.

Lance and Levi are two of more than a dozen members of the Brady-Farley family to attend OLG over the years. Among them were Don and Mary Gay Brady’s five children: Ann Leigh, Jim, Mary Kate, Joe and Amy Beth.

The couple has donated the money for a variety of additions to the Our Lady of Grace campus, including the pre-kindergarten playground, a new sound system for the church, and a campus security system.

They made significant contributions to new building projects as well.

Brady began supporting education decades ago. He was chair of capital campaign for the 1976 expansion of OLG School, which was later blessed by Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen on Nov. 14 that year. He also served on the capital campaign committee for the current school building that opened in 2014. Brady has been chair of the parish council twice and was a member of the Board of Education for Guilford County Schools.

Formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church, he converted to Catholicism more than 45 years ago on the same day his son Jim received his First Holy Communion at Our Lady of Grace.

“As a long-time parent, I have always been grateful for the generosity of our parish family toward our school,” Rusch said. “The investments made in Catholic education by families like the Bradys have a tremendous impact on our students as they are prepared at OLG to serve and to lead as Christ’s light in our community and beyond. Their commitment ensures the continued growth and success of our school.”

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

15

St. Michael student comes ‘full circle’ as teacher SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

GASTONIA — Courtney Carey exemplifies the impact a Catholic education can have on a community. Once a student at St. Michael School and a graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School, Carey is now completing her degree at Belmont Abbey College and teaching at her alma mater on St. Michael Lane.

“St. Michael Catholic School was my home from pre-K to eighth grade. It is where I learned math and reading, but also where I learned how to make friends, set goals and establish my own personal values and beliefs,” Carey explains.

She is now student teaching with her former fifth-grade teacher, Ruth Bernet.

“When I was asked to choose my student teaching location, I requested to return to SMCS and Mrs. Bernet because she had been my hardest teacher. She never just accepted my work, but required me to do more,” Carey recalls. “I felt she would push me to become the best possible teacher as well.”

Before Carey’s return to the school to complete her classroom observation hours in 2017-’18, Bernet had not seen her former student since she graduated from St. Michael School in 2011.

“I was delighted to see her last fall when she came to our school to observe classes for her course requirements at Belmont Abbey. Later, I was informed by my principal that she had requested to practice teach in my classroom,” Bernet says.

Bernet believes that Carey is a “natural” teacher, and that she and her students “enjoy her entertaining lessons and kind personality.”

Principal Sheila Levesque says the

her sister have opened a dance studio in Cramerton that values the art of dance for all levels of dancers while nurturing their self-esteem and establishing values which Carey says she learned from her time in Catholic schools.

“I learned that I have the potential and desire to teach not just dance, but academics,” Carey asserts.

“As a student, I walked through the halls full of hope, dreams and a feeling of comfort. Now, I walk through the halls as a PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHEILA LEVESQUE student teacher with Courtney Carey, a graduate of St. Michael School in Gastonia, is now student those same feelings, teaching with her former fifth-grade teacher Ruth Bernet. Carey graduates but along with a desire from Belmont Abbey College in May and hopes to find a permanent teaching to create those same position in the area. feelings within the students.”

Carey hopes to find a excitement of Carey completing her teaching position within the Mecklenburg requirements there spread, with well Area Catholic Schools system or Charlotte wishes from former students and families Mecklenburg Schools this spring. to creating new relationships with current “I feel extremely blessed to have students and families. attended SMCS as student. My success as “Ms. Carey has come full circle – from a person, college student, business owner, being a former student to now completing college athletic coach, student teacher her student teaching requirements,” and a classroom teacher is because of the Levesque notes. “This is a testament to support I received from my family and the amazing impact St. Michael Catholic the program and teachers at St. Michael School has on graduates and families.”

Catholic School,” she says.

Carey will graduate with honors from “The school has never been just a school, Belmont Abbey College in May. She and but a way of life and a real family.”

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Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV

In theaters

‘Fighting With My Family’ The fact-based story of a tight-knit British family obsessed with the sport of wrestling makes for an entertaining comedy-drama.

Saraya-Jade Bevis (Florence Pugh) is inspired by her parents (Lena Headey and Nick Frost), both former wrestlers, and her brother and erstwhile sparring partner (Jack Lowden), to pursue her talent in the ring. Facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, she is invited by the World Wrestling Entertainment empire to compete under the name “Paige.” Although the film’s rough edges, including streetwise cursing, place it out of bounds for younger viewers, an exception might be made for mature adolescents who would benefit from this uplifting picture’s positive messages about perseverance, forgiveness and the bonds of friendship and family. Occasionally violent wrestling action, an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, some profane and crude language.

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

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ Adapted from a series of graphic novels by Yukito Kishiro by screenwriter James Cameron and director Robert Rodriguez, this futuristic action adventure follows the romantic and crusading exploits of the titular cyborg (Rosa Salazar). After a specialist in human-mechanical fusion (Christoph Waltz) finds her in a garbage dump and restores her to life, she falls for a lad with a motorbike (Keean Johnson) but remains preoccupied with her high-octane martial arts-style fighting prowess, demonstrated against an array of bad guys (led, behind the scenes, by Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali). Though it makes some weak feints in the direction of pondering the divide between its big-eyed heroine’s two natures, Cameron’s script is primarily focused on having its angel do battle at every opportunity. Viewers can judge for themselves whether her clashes represent female empowerment or male wish fulfillment.

Either way, the suggestion in the dialogue that she has an inherent appetite for mayhem makes this inappropriate fare for impressionable youngsters. Much violence, some of it gory, a couple of rough terms, several crude and crass expressions.

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

Other movies: n ‘Happy Death Day 2U’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Isn’t It Romantic’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

PHOTO PROVIDED

Holy Angels opens restaurant, gift shop in McAdenville MERCY SISTER NANCY NANCE SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MCADENVILLE — Spruced Goose Station – a hybrid restaurant, gift shop and art studio – has opened in downtown McAdenville, just west of Charlotte.

Established by Holy Angels, Spruced Goose Station features an eclectic mix of local artwork and gifts as well as a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The business, one of four that Holy Angels operates in Gaston County and its first in McAdenville, will employ adults with intellectual developmental disabilities for a chance to develop real-life career skills.

“Founded in 1955, Holy Angels is dedicated to believing in the possibility that lies within everyone. The Holy Angels businesses such as Spruced Goose Station allow us to achieve our mission, helping each person reach their full potential. We also use this opportunity to share our story of loving, living and loving for the differently abled,” said Regina Moody, Holy Angels’ president and CEO. Holy Angels is committed to providing educational and vocational opportunities to the individuals in its care with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. As a non-profit organization, all proceeds from Spruced Goose Station will help fund Holy Angels’ programs and services.

The gift shop and art studio is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and features artwork, dog beds and accessories, jewelry, baby items, lotions, monogram decals, athletic wear and gift baskets made by the residents of Holy Angels and other North Carolina artisans.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner along with ice cream, and it proudly serves Dilworth Coffee.

The new venture in McAdenville has received strong support from local business Pharr, a manufacturing and real estate company and the town’s largest employer.

“We wanted to bring to McAdenville a family friendly business, a gathering space serving

ice cream and coffee. Holy Angels has a successful café in downtown Belmont and felt they would be a perfect match,” according to Bill Carstarphen, Pharr’s president and CEO. Preston Wilson of Bower Traust Construction in Belmont brought his creativity to the project, with much of the wood throughout Spruced Goose repurposed from a mill in Spencer Mountain that was built more than 100 years ago.

Spruced Goose Station joins other recently opened businesses, including Spruced Goose Belle Boutique, Station is located at McAdenville Table 118 Wesleyan Dr. in and Market, William downtown McAdenville. Henry Signature They are online at Salon and 115 Main www.gotgoose.org.

Gifts and Provisions, as the latest tenant in the revitalization of downtown McAdenville.

Holy Angels also operates three businesses in Belmont: Cherubs Café, Cotton Candy Factory and Bliss Gallery.

Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy – beginning a much-needed specialized service for children from Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland and Mecklenburg counties as well as children from throughout North Carolina. The private, nonprofit corporation in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

The CARF-accredited programs include Holy Angels Morrow Center, the McAuley Residences (Fox Run ICF/IDD group homes (three six-bed), Belhaven ICF/IDD group home (15-bed), Moody Place ICF/IDD group home (15-bed), four community group homes, Great Adventures and Camp Hope.

To learn more about Holy Angels, make a donation or volunteer, call 704-825-4161 or go online to www.holyangelsnc.org.

Check them out

MERCY SISTER NANCY NANCE is vice president of community relations for Holy Angels.

n Saturday, March 2, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “The Passion of Bernadette.” Sequel to the acclaimed film, “Bernadette: Her Vision Became a Legend,” explores St. Bernadette’s life with the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. n Sunday, March 3, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” A look back on the life, ideals and works of 1960s community activist Saul Alinsky through the lens of a Catholic perspective. n Tuesday, March 5, 5:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Story of Father John Sullivan.” Leaving behind his life as an Irish Protestant aristocrat, Father John Sullivan gave himself entirely to God, where many suffering souls flocked to him for healing. n Wednesday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Holy Mass with the Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes.” Pope Francis presides over the Stational Prayers and Penitential Procession from the Church of St. Anselm to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, where he celebrates Mass with the Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes.

n Wednesday, March 6, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Rising from the Ashes.” A documentary on infant mortality in Sierra Leone and the alliance effort of the Healey International Foundation to bring hope and healing. n Friday, March 8, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Tokimane.” A documentary profiling the efforts and remarkable people of the Diocese of Tshumbe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who are working to rebuild their community in the wake of a catastrophic war. n Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Poveda.” Courageous and innovative, Father Pedro Poveda fought tirelessly against social injustices until the moment of his death at the onset of the Spanish Civil War. n Monday, March 11, 3:20 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Peter in Chains.”

Dr. Timothy O’ Donnell visits St. Peter in Chains, the ancient church which was believed to have been the site where St. Peter was arraigned before his death. n Wednesday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Patrick: Brave Shepherd of the Emerald Isle.”

Kidnapped and enslaved by pagans as a child, Patrick makes a daring escape home only to return and lead his captors and the Irish people to Christianity.

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

LIST FROM PAGE 3

letters of suitability from two different psychologists,” Abbot Placid explained in his statement.

George was certified as a hospital chaplain and served as a hospital chaplain from 1992 to 1994. He then served as chaplain at Belmont Abbey College from 1994 to 1997.

George left Belmont Abbey and priestly ministry in 1998 “to care for his ailing mother,” according to Abbot Placid, and after he declined to return to Belmont Abbey he was permanently dismissed by the Holy See from monastic life and ministry in 2004.

BURTON

C. Jeffries Burton was assigned to the Charlotte and Richmond dioceses by his order, the Maryland Province of Jesuits, and appeared on the order’s list of credibly accused priests that was released in December 2018.

The allegation against Burton dated from when he was co-director of youth ministry for the diocese at the Youth Ministry Center in Flat Rock.

In 1994, the Maryland Province received a report against Burton of a “single allegation of unwanted touching over clothing” involving an adolescent at Flat Rock in 1982.

According to the province’s policy at the time, Burton had “a brief period of therapy” and the allegation was reported to Charlotte diocese officials. By that time, Burton no longer served in North Carolina.

The Charlotte diocese offered counseling to the victim.

After the U.S. bishops adopted the

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, the Maryland Province aligned its policy to the new child abuse prevention and reporting standards.

In 2007, the allegation came to light during a review of Burton’s file.

When questioned, Burton acknowledged that the misconduct occurred, said Kate Pipkin, the Jesuit province’s spokeswoman at the time. He was removed from ministry in 2007 by the order and underwent additional counseling. The province also publicly reported the allegation for the first time.

Besides his time at the Youth Ministry Center from 1978 to 1982, Burton also served at Spring Creek Elementary and High Schools in Hot Springs (1969-1971), St. Teresa’s Church in Revere (1971-1972) and Hot Springs Boys Home (1972-1978). He died in 2011.

In a statement accompanying the release of the Richmond diocese’s list, Bishop Knestout said, “This crisis calls us to be immersed in three aspects of reconciliation. We need to bring to light the damage that has been done by child sexual abuse in the Church in order for healing to take place. We must express our sorrow and contrition publicly and clearly to acknowledge what we have done and what we have failed to do. We must continue to demonstrate our commitment to never let this happen again. In doing so, we make known – and support with actions – our commitment to repair the damage that has been done.”

In his Feb. 18 statement, Abbot Placid echoed, “If we are to end the crisis of clerical sexual abuse we must be transparent and honest communication regarding allegations of sexual abuse. It is painful to have to communicate this information to you. However, clerical sexual abuse has caused grave damage to victims, has damaged the Church and its

mission, and is a source of shame to all of us who seek to live and minister with integrity.”

“There are no allegations of any kind against the current members of the Belmont Abbey monastic community,” Abbot Placid noted, but he added, “I am engaging the service of an independent private investigator to audit the personal files of the monks to provide an assurance of independent verification that there are no other credible allegations against current or former monks of this community.”

“While we cannot undo actions and decisions of the past,” his statement continued, “we are deeply contrite that former monks of our community have credible allegations of harm to others. The monks of Belmont Abbey are committed to proper screening and formation of candidates for monastic life in our community, and to transparent and honest communication of allegations of sexual abuse in keeping with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the national bishops’ conference. We continue to pray for all who have been harmed by the evil of clerical sexual abuse, and are committed to moving forward with integrity in our service to the church and our college community.”

Abbot Placid and Bishop Jugis urged anyone who may be a victim of abuse to contact the authorities.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor. Catholic News Service contributed.

Online At at www.charlottediocese.org/humanresources/safe-environment: Get details about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Safe Environment policies and how to report an allegation of abuse

17

SHERIFF VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 8

general por los medios de comunicación, pero nunca con una manera directa como en esta reunión. Nuestro interés es que las relaciones que desarrollemos en esta junta no sean algo momentáneo. Por el contrario, creemos en el desarrollo de una relación a largo plazo por el beneficio de nuestra gente”, puntualizó.

Por su parte el Sheriff McFadden ratificó su compromiso de cancelación del programa 287g y precisó que hay áreas en las que siempre han y seguirán colaborando con ICE, como el compartir datos de huellas dactilares y servir órdenes de detención de criminales autorizadas por un juez.

“Estoy para proteger a todos los residentes del condado de Mecklenburg”, añadió, lo que generó una larga ovación que coreó su nombre.

El Padre Gregorio señaló que la reunión, “gracias a Dios fue un gran éxito” y destacó la presencia otras autoridades locales así como todos los jefes de la oficina del Sheriff.

“Alguna personas se sintieron decepcionadas porque no pudieron hacer preguntas directamente”, dijo, pero “las preguntas y comentarios de la gente se canalizaron para que todos entendieran en su totalidad el contenido de la reunión”.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea un video sobre la reunión sostenida por el Sheriff y representantes de las comunidades de fe

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In Brief McCarrick defrocked after being found guilty of abuse VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has removed from the priesthood Theodore E. McCarrick, the 88-year-old former cardinal and archbishop of Washington. The Vatican announced the decision Feb. 16, saying McCarrick was found guilty of “solicitation in the sacrament of confession and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.” A panel of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith found him guilty Jan. 11, the Vatican said. McCarrick appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected Feb. 13 by the congregation itself.

McCarrick was informed of the decision Feb. 15 and Pope Francis “recognized the definitive nature of this decision made in accord with law,” making a further appeal impossible.

McCarrick loses all rights and duties associated with being a priest, cannot present himself as a priest and is forbidden to celebrate the sacraments, except to grant absolution for sins to a person in imminent danger of death.

The only Church penalty that is more severe is excommunication, which would have banned him from receiving the sacraments. McCarrick’s punishment is the toughest meted out to a

cardinal by the Vatican in modern times. He now lives in a Capuchin friary in rural Kansas.

Senate fails to pass bill opposing infanticide WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate in an evening vote Feb. 25 failed to advance a measure sponsored by Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., requiring that babies born alive after an abortion be given medical attention and “the same protection of law as any newborn.” The vote to bring forward the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act failed in a 53-44 vote. Sixty votes were needed for the bill to move forward.

Bill would lift confessional seal on confessions of abuse SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Under California state Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill’s new bill, Catholic priests would be required to report to civil authorities if they learn in confession that a penitent has sexually abused someone. Current state law, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, “makes certain persons, including clergy, mandated reporters.” When clergy and other individuals, like therapists – acting “within their professional capacity, or within the scope of their employment” – have reason to believe someone is the victim of child abuse or neglect, the law says they are required to report it to the appropriate civil authorities except if learned “during a penitential communication.” Hill’s measure, “Removing Clergy Exemption from Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting,” would delete that exception and require clergy to report what they

hear in confession as it relates to abuse.

many states are now in “somewhat of a panic attack,” with states that support legal abortion wanting to “keep it intact” if Roe v. Wade were overturned. In this environment, he said, it is important for pro-life activists to “ramp up our efforts on every level.” He called on Catholics to get involved in local Right to Life chapters or with state Catholic conferences to have direct interaction with state legislators.

Trump administration finalizes ‘Protect Life Rule’ for Title X WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration Feb. 22 finalized its “Protect Life Rule” preventing funds appropriated under the Title X Family Planning Program from being used in services that include abortion as a method of family planning or that make abortion referrals. It bars Title X grant money from any clinic that performs abortion, which will especially impact Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. According to the organization’s website, Planned Parenthood affiliates receive roughly $290 million in Title X funds and serve about 41 percent of those who benefit from Title X funding.

Brooklyn’s list has 108 credible abuse claims

Archbishop: Changing abortion laws should spur pro-life action WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid current discussion that the Supreme Court could possibly overturn Roe v. Wade, the decision legalizing abortion, some states are currently working to make sure their laws legalizing abortion are secure, while other states are trying to pass laws to further restrict or ban the procedure. There are about 20 suits challenging state laws restricting abortion that could make their way to the Supreme Court.

The current mood “is calling for us to have a new energy and new zeal to win the culture,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. He said

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Diocese of Brooklyn Feb. 15 released a list of clergy credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor, saying the 108 names on the list represent less than 5 percent of clergy who have served in the diocese in its 166-year history. The diocese said in a news release that about two-thirds of the accused are dead and that the “vast majority” of cases involved priests ordained between 1930 and 1979.

The diocesan news release noted that the list shows the number of incidents of clergy sexual abuse peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, but the reports largely came in after 2002, the year the U.S. bishops enacted the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” The reports peaked again in 2017, the diocese said, when it started the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. This program is run independently by Kenneth Feinberg, known for his administration of compensation programs for victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

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March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 18

Colorado dioceses, AG launch initiatives to address abuse DENVER — Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, on behalf of the bishops of Colorado’s three Catholic dioceses, and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced several measures Feb. 19 to address child sex abuse, including an independent review of records on abuse claims from the three dioceses. The three dioceses also will fund an independent, voluntary program that will compensate victims of abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred. A separate victims’ support service will be created to assist victims/ survivors with the reparations program and connect them with resources for future care. The independent review will be conducted by Robert Troyer, former U.S. attorney for Colorado, with cooperation from the Denver archdiocese and the dioceses of Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colo.

Covington Catholic student sues newspaper for $250M WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic high school student at the center of an encounter with a Native American tribal leader in Washington filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit Feb. 19 against The Washington Post, claiming the newspaper’s coverage of the Jan. 18 incident at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington was biased. Nick Sandmann, a junior at Kentucky’s Covington Catholic High School, is known now for wearing a “Make America Great Again� hat while smiling just inches away from the Native American leader, Nathan Phillips, who faced him as he chanted and beat a drum.

Bishops oppose Trump’s call for national emergency WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic bishops near the U.S.-Mexico border, joined by other U.S. prelates, voiced opposition after President Donald Trump’s Feb. 15 declaration of a national emergency3_27_FtmTrp.pdf so he can order construction of a 1 3/16/15 1:15 PM barrier along parts of the border.

“In our view, a border wall is first and foremost a symbol of division and animosity between two friendly countries. Furthermore, the wall would be an ineffective use of resources at a time of financial austerity; it would also would destroy parts of the environment, disrupt the livelihoods of ranchers and farmers, weaken cooperation and commerce between border communities, and, at least in one instance, undermine the right to the freedom of worship,� said the statement released just after Trump, in a news conference, said he was going to sign a national emergency declaration to stave off a flow of drugs, human trafficking, gang members and illegal immigration coming across the southern border. The president later signed a spending bill that provides $1.375 billion for fencing and other border control measures – a fraction of the $5.7 billion he had been asking from Congress.

In a separate statement, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said they were “deeply concerned about the president’s action to fund the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, which circumvents the clear intent of Congress to limit funding of a wall.�

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of March.

Rev. J. Paul Byron - 2011 Rev. P. Patrick Gavigan - 2007 Rev. Robert A. Gibson - 1987 Rev. Francis Gorham - 1981 Rev. John Houston - 1976

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Catholic foundations show continued growth in 2017-’18

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid worry that bad news about the Church and the clergy abuse scandal could impact Catholic giving, one financial expert just published a paper with a different story. Walter Dillingham, a Catholic, managing director of endowments and foundations at a New York firm that helps nonprofits manage their finances, has released a study that shows Catholic foundations have been growing – and multiplying – at near-record rates over the past two years. The report by Dillingham and his firm Wilmington Trust, titled “Catholic Foundations Continue to Advance in the United States,� reveals an optimistic outlook for the country’s Catholic foundations. Some of its findings include that, from 2011 to 2018, 23 percent of the total number of Catholic foundations in the U.S. were started – 41 of them.

On top of that, the total foundation assets for all surveyed Catholic foundations more than doubled since the last report in 2016, expanding from $4.6 billion to $9.5 billion in only two years. — Catholic News Service

2019 Fatima Pilgrimage Fatima, Portugal & Avila, Spain July 17-30, 2019 Join Father John Putnam and Father Christopher Roux for the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima & to Spain following the footsteps of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross Total cost from Newark - $2,990.00 (Price includes air-fare, meals, accommodations and side trips. Additional taxes may apply)

DEADLINE IS APRIL 20, 2019 For More information, contact:

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For more information, visit www.tedeumfoundation.org

19

K OF C HOLY SPIRIT COUNCIL # 10389

THE ORATORY

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(803) 327-2097

oratorycenter@gmail.com

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

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What does the Bible say about suffering?

Thursday, March 28 or Saturday, March 30

Presented by: Dr. Peter Judge

We all think we know what suffering is and have experienced it. Yet, it doesn’t take long to realize it means different things to different people and in different cultures. Is there any meaning in suffering? Where does God come into this picture? What does the Bible have to say? We will look at passages from both the Old and New Testaments, with time to reflect on what meaning, if any, suffering has for a person of faith.

The same program is offered both days.

Dr. Peter Judge did his doctoral work in scripture at the Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium. He is the Chair of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Winthrop University, where he teaches a variety of courses in religion and scripture.

Cost: $20

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

At summit, survivors expose ‘cancer’ of clergy sexual abuse

VATICAN ABUSE SUMMIT

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican summit on child protection and the abuse crisis began Feb. 21 with harrowing stories of survivors of sexual abuse, coverup and rejection by Church officials.

A man from Chile expressed the pain he felt when, after reporting his abuse to the Church, he was treated “as a liar.”

“You are physicians of the soul and yet, with rare exceptions, you have been transformed – in some cases – into murderers of the soul, into murderers of the faith,” he said. Comparing the crisis to a cancer in the Church, the survivor said that “it is not enough to remove the tumor and that’s it,” but there must be measures to “treat the whole cancer.”

A U.S. survivor said what wounded him the most “was the total loss of the innocence of my youth and how that has affected me today.”

“There’s still pain in my family relationships,” he said. “There’s still pain with my siblings. I still carry pain. My parents still carry pain at the dysfunction, the betrayal, the manipulation that this bad man, who was our Catholic priest at the time, wrought upon my family and myself.”

Superiors admit ‘slowness to act’ VATICAN CITY — Twisted ideas of power and authority in the Church have contributed to the clergy abuse crisis, leaders of religious orders said, but sometimes the positive “sense of family” in their own communities also made them slow to act.

“Pope Francis rightly attacks the culture of clericalism which has hindered our fight against abuse and indeed is one of the root causes,” said a statement Feb. 19 from the women’s International Union of Superiors General and the men’s Union of Superiors General. But, they said, “the strong sense of family in our orders and congregations – something usually so positive – can make it harder to condemn and expose abuse. It resulted in a misplaced loyalty, errors in judgment, slowness to act, denial and at times, cover-up.”

The two groups sent 22 superiors general to the Vatican’s summit.

Their statement asked parents, especially mothers, to assist them in responding to the crisis. “It is fair to say that if women had been asked for their advice and assistance in the evaluation of cases, stronger, faster and more effective action would have been taken. Our ways of handling allegations would have been different, and victims and their families would have been spared a great deal of suffering.”

— Catholic News Service

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read full coverage from the summit on child protection in the Church

Pope: Time for ‘all-out battle’ against abuse CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The time has come for an “all-out battle” against the abuse of minors, erasing this abominable crime from the face of the earth, Pope Francis said, closing a global four-day summit on child protection in the Church.

For some time, the world has been aware of the “serious scandal” that abuse of minors by clergy has brought to the Church, because of the suffering of victims and the “unjustifiable negligence” and “cover-up” by Church leaders, he said.

Since the problem is present on every continent, the pope said he called leaders of the world’s bishops and religious superiors to Rome “to face it together in a co-responsible and collegial way,” he said Feb. 24.

The Feb. 21-24 summit brought together almost 190 Church leaders: the presidents of national bishops’ conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches, superiors of some men’s and women’s religious orders and top Vatican officials.

“The time has come, then, to work together to eradicate this evil from the body of our humanity by adopting every necessary measure,” he said. “I make a heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle against the abuse of minors ... for we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth.”

The Church, Pope Francis noted, should recognize that people’s anger is nothing other than a reflection of “the wrath of God, betrayed and insulted by these deceitful consecrated persons.”

The Church, he said, must concentrate on protecting children, being serious in bringing justice and healing to victims, undergoing genuine purification, giving proper training for priests and religious, and adopting strong guidelines for bishops’ conferences.

After the summit ended, Church leaders set to work to ensure that laws and concrete actions can be put in place.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, who served as moderator of the summit, and Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna of Malta, who deals with abuse cases for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said one of the first initiatives will be a “practical handbook” for bishops from the CDF listing guidelines to “help bishops around the world clearly understand their duties and tasks” when handling abuse cases and “indicating the steps to be taken by authorities at key moments when a case emerges.”

Pope Francis also expressed his intention to set up task forces “made up of competent persons” to assist dioceses and episcopal conferences, especially those lacking resources and skilled personnel.

Archbishop Scicluna also insisted on the importance of involving local police and other authorities, especially because while bishops exercise spiritual authority over their priests, they have no actual “coercive measures – and we don’t have any nostalgia for the coercive measures of the Inquisition” – to force priests to cooperate with investigations and obey when punishment has been imposed.

Also considered at the summit was the idea of changing

Church law “to raise the minimum age for marriage to 16 years.” Church law currently says the minimum age is 16 for men and 14 for women, but bishops in many countries have passed laws establishing 16 as the minimum age for both.

Apparently in some parts of the world, sexual abuse of a 14- or 15-year-old girl is not considered child abuse since she is old enough to marry. However, in cases of clergy sexual abuse, Church law already defines a minor as anyone under 18.

Father Lombardi said the pope also wants to amend Church law concerning the crime of a cleric acquiring, possessing or distributing child pornography by raising the age of children in such images from 14 to 18 years old.

Another suggestion was to establish “specific protocols for handling accusations against bishops,” a matter highlighted in 2018 when credible allegations were made public against thenCardinal Theodore E. McCarrick.

The summit affirmed U.S. bishops’ strong belief that bishops and cardinals who abuse children or cover up abuse must be held accountable, said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston, who attended as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. They had planned to vote last November on procedures for reviewing complaints against bishops, but the Vatican asked them to delay their work until after the summit.

“While here, it became obvious to me” that several speakers were insisting that “any loopholes” in how bishops are treated – if they are accused of abuse or of negligence in handling allegations – “must be closed,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago presented a step-by-step plan for bishops’ accountability at the summit Feb. 22 using what has been described as a “metropolitan model” that would rely on the metropolitan archbishop of each Church region coordinating the initial investigation into complaints made against a bishop in that region. For the Diocese of Charlotte, that would Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Atlanta Archdiocese.

Both Cardinal Cupich and Cardinal DiNardo insisted that model would need to include laypeople.

Cardinal DiNardo said it will be up to the entire U.S. bishops’ conference to decide, but the final plan could end up being a “fusion” of a “metropolitan model” and a new commission of mostly laypeople to receive and review complaints against bishops.

Survivors and advocacy groups were disappointed the pope and the Vatican did not go further with more direct mandates, especially in ordering bishops to implement existing laws.

Peter Isely, spokesman for the Ending Clergy Abuse coalition, said he wished the pope had told bishops to remove known abusers from public ministry immediately in order “to keep them from harming children. That’s pretty simple.”

Miguel Hurtado, a survivor from Spain, said the Church still needs a clear mechanism or process for bishop accountability and making public the dismissal of a leader for negligence.

“This is what changes the hearts and minds – seeing a colleague lose his job.”

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March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Cardinal Pell convicted on five counts; verdict will be appealed MELBOURNE, Australia — An Australian court has found Cardinal George Pell guilty on five charges related to child sexual abuse.

The 77-year-old former prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy and former member of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals will remain behind bars ahead of his sentencing March 13 on five charges related to the sexual abuse of two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s when he was archbishop of Melbourne. The cardinal continues to affirm his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict.

Cardinal Pell is expected to be sentenced to serve jail time for the five counts: one count of “sexual penetration,” in this case oral sex, and four counts of indecent acts with or in the presence of a minor under 16 years of age. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Also on Feb. 27, the Vatican announced his case would be investigated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This canonical investigation is not the first Church investigation of allegations against him; in June 2002, thenArchbishop Pell stepped aside as archbishop of Sydney while an independent Church review board investigated a claim that he sexually abused a 12-year-old boy at a youth camp in 1961 while a seminarian. The board found insufficient evidence to corroborate the accusations.

The jury’s verdict that Cardinal Pell, shortly after being named archbishop of Melbourne in 1996, sexually assaulted the two boys was handed down in December, but the

court demanded the verdict not be reported until after a second trial on allegations that he abused several boys in the 1970s. The judge lifted the reporting ban Feb. 25 after prosecutors announced they would not proceed with the second trial.

Tensions grow along Venezuelan borders SAO PAULO — Tensions were high along Venezuela’s borders after clashes protesting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s decision not to allow humanitarian aid into the country for millions of vulnerable citizens. The situation was complicated by politics: Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president and has the backing of 50 governments around the world, has been supporting the influx of aid, including aid staged at the ColombiaVenezuela border by the U.S. Presidents and vice presidents of 14 countries, including U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, were meeting in Bogota, Colombia, Feb. 25, to discuss the crisis.

At the border crossing in Pacaraima, Brazil, two trucks carrying humanitarian aid crossed into Venezuela Feb. 23, but were stopped by the Venezuelan military. On Feb. 24, the Brazilian government issued a statement saying the two trucks had returned to Pacaraima, unable to deliver the aid. The Brazilian government, however, pledged to try the crossing once again as soon as Venezuela’s “diplomatic situation” is resolved. At least two indigenous Venezuelans were killed by Venezuelan security forces along the border with Brazil. But the situation was worse along the border with Colombia. Two people were killed, and Colombia’s foreign minister said 285 people were injured and 37 hospitalized on the Colombian side of the border after clashes between supporters Guaido supporters and Venezuelan military blocking aid Feb. 23.

Holy Land Pilgrimage September 3-12, 2019 $4,399 from Charlotte

This Pilgrimage includes: • Round trip airfare on Lufthansa Airlines • Breakfast and Dinner per itinerary • Specially selected hotel accommodations • Air-Conditioned motor coach • Full time tour manager • Departure tax and current fuel charge For information and reservations contact: Rev. Carl Zdancewicz, Our Lady of Mercy Parish 1730 Link Road, Winston Salem, NC 27103 Tel: 336-722-7001 X103 - Email: fr.carl@triad.twcbc.com Have questions about this pilgrimage? Ask us!

Go to www.Unitours.com/questions.

— Catholic News Service

C AT H O L I C R A D I O I N C H A R LOT T E I S O N T H E A I R !

WHAT ROLE ARE YOU BEING CALLED TO PLAY?

Founding members Marlene and John Olenick explain what prompted them to support Room At The Inn through an endowment fund:

“Having been involved in the pro-life movement since 1973, when we decided to establish an endowment through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Room at the Inn seemed to be a natural choice. We have long admired the ministry for “walking the talk” in the pro-life movement. By supporting Room at the Inn as they support moms and babies, we will be leaving a legacy of life.”

Join the Room At The Inn Heritage Society by making a planned gift now.

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For more info about our programs, visit www.roominn.org

21

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Brian Pusateri

Deacon Matthew Newsome

We all need a spiritual MRI “Probe me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me on the path to everlasting life.” (Psalms 139:23-24)

P

eople with multiple sclerosis often undergo an annual MRI to monitor their disease. Recently I was at Duke Medical Center being prepped for my annual cerebral MRI to monitor the advancement of my MS. As I was slid into the cylinder of the MRI scanner, I had the thought that maybe we all need a spiritual MRI. Engulfed in the noise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, I had the following thoughts. Permit me to share them with you.

An extremely nice radiology technician greeted my wife and me at the Duke Medicine Pavilion on Sunday afternoon.

Following some initial small talk, which happily included an opportunity for me to testify to this young woman about my faith in Jesus and the work of Broken Door Ministries, she was soon inserting an IV into my arm for the contrast medicine to be used later during the procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory, condition of the central nervous system that destroys nerve tissue.

MRIs of the cerebral hemispheres and spinal cord are used to detect MS lesions, known as plaques, which may form in central nervous system white matter at any location. The formation of these lesions often leads to physical disability and, sometimes, to cognitive decline.

Many of you have, no doubt, had an MRI. Some people struggle with the claustrophobic torpedo-like enclosure that they are slid into for this procedure. After years of testing, I have grown used to it.

They always offer a headset for music to block out the noise of the magnets and as always, on this day, I chose 1960s music.

My head was placed in a device to keep it from moving, and into the machine I went.

Partway through the procedure, a contrast agent was inserted into the IV to enhance the scans.

Regular scanning allows my doctor to observe the progression of the disease.

Active bright white spots or plaques will, in time, turn to what are known as black holes, which usually indicate extreme and permanent tissue destruction and resulting loss of function and permanent disabilities.

Likewise, regular scanning of our soul points out our sin. As I was lying there in the MRI, I thought of the plaque as similar to the sin in our lives. Just as in the brain, the

white plaque indicates active lesions; the sin in our lives indicates the ongoing disruption of our relationship with God. If our sin is left untreated, and we fail to repent and be changed, our sin can form a permanent “black hole” in our soul, and just as with MS, this black hole of sin can severely disable our ability to walk as disciples of Jesus.

Now for the good news, unlike MS, a disease with no cure, there is a cure for the sinful lesions on our soul. If we turn to Jesus and repent, He blots out our inequities and cleanses us from our sins (Psalms 51:34). After all, He is the great healer.

On this day, as I laid there in the MRI scanner, a medley of ’60s tunes attempted to block out the beeping, buzzing and knocking noises of the magnets. I thought it ironic that as I listened to “The Twist”

by Chubby Checker and “Twisting the Night Away” by Sam Cook, I realized that the MS was slowly robbing me of my ability to walk, much less twist again. As I listened to “This Magic Moment” by Jay and the Americans, I thought there was nothing magical about this moment in the MRI scanner. As I listened to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, I gave praise to Jesus that there was no sin that could keep me away from His love and mercy. And finally, just before my procedure concluded, “I Hear a Symphony” by the Supremes came on my headset. This made me smile because the noise of the MRI procedure was far from a symphonic melody.

Permit me to bring my thoughts to a conclusion. The great news, as I stated above, is that there is a cure for the damaging effect of sin in our life. That cure is Jesus. The bad news is that there is no SMI (Spiritual Magnetic Imaging) device that detects the sin on our soul.

We also can’t afford to only do a oncea-year checkup, as I do for my MS, to do a spiritual scan. We must turn to the magnetism of Jesus Christ daily. We need to employ constant prayer, spiritual counseling and Scripture reading to assist us in scanning ourselves for any potentially damaging sinful lesions. The moment any spiritual plaque is detected, we must repent and turn to Jesus before these sins continue to advance, thereby forming a black hole in our soul.

Get your checkup today. Don’t delay.

Make Spiritual Magnetic Imaging (an examination of conscience) a part of your prayers every day.

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

Shhh… it’s a secret

F

rom time to time I’ve heard it suggested that you should keep your Lenten penance a secret. This suggestion is tied to our Lord’s admonition in Matthew’s gospel to not look gloomy when we fast, so as not to appear to be fasting (Mt 6:17-18). It may seem ironic that this passage is read on Ash Wednesday, when the faithful go about with black smudges on our foreheads.

Indeed, there is something to be said for the public witness offered by Catholics going to work or school branded with the sign of our faith. But what are we to make of our Lord’s instructions to keep quiet about our piety? Should we keep our Lenten penance a secret from others?

The three traditional Lenten practices are prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and Jesus instructs us to do each quietly, without seeking attention. When we pray, Jesus tells us to “go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret” (Mt 6:6). When we fast, He says to “anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting” (Mt 6:17-18). And when we give alms, He says “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret” (Mt 6:3-4).

It would be wrong for us to be overly scrupulous by applying a literal interpretation of Jesus’ words. A little later in this same gospel passage, our Lord tells us not to store up treasure on earth (Mt 6:19) and not to worry about what we are to eat or drink (Mt 6:25).

Christ is telling us to trust in God rather than material goods. He’s not saying it’s immoral to have a savings account or to go grocery shopping.

Likewise, Jesus is not forbidding us from revealing our Lenten penances to others.

But He is warning us to be careful of our motivations when we do penance. The things we give up for Lent, and the extra devotions and charitable works we take on, are meant to help us grow closer to God and so should primarily be between us and God. If we do them for the sake of appearance, or because we want others to see how pious we are, we do them for the wrong reasons. In that case, they can actually do us spiritual harm.

Every year around Ash Wednesday, I hear the same conversations among my Catholic friends: “What are you giving up for Lent?” Generally speaking, people are not bragging about their piety. They are looking for ideas, or seeking to connect with other Catholics around our common religious observance. Talking about our Lenten practices can be an encouragement to others and a means of fellowship and support.

But if we do choose to share our penances with others, there are two things we should avoid. The first is bragging. When we give alms, Jesus says not to “blow a trumpet before you, as

the hypocrites do… to win the praise of others” (Mt 6:2). And when we pray, He says, “do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray… on street corners so that others may see them” (Mt 6:5).

Jesus calls those hypocrites who pray and give alms for public accolade because they do them for the wrong reasons. They show outward piety but their hearts are prideful.

Pride is a temptation for us all, so it is good for us to avoid bragging about our Lenten penance so as not to rouse that beast. This does not, however, mean we cannot share our penitential experiences with others in a helpful or encouraging way. Learning about how others approach penance can be a useful tool to help us grow in our faith.

The second thing to avoid is complaining. Jesus says, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting” (Mt 6:16). Like bragging, complaining is also an expression of pride, serving to draw attention to ourselves. Fasting is meant to be a voluntary act of penance; something we intentionally take on for our spiritual good. Fasting should teach us to endure suffering with patience and even joy – and not make everyone around us miserable by being grumpy. Our penance shouldn’t be penitential for others!

We find solidarity in shared experience, so it can be good to talk about your Lenten observance with fellow Catholics if you avoid the two pitfalls just mentioned. This is especially true when it comes to those you live with. Giving up certain foods for Lent affects family meal planning, for example. Sometimes consideration of others might preclude us from keeping our penance a secret.

Talking to someone else about your Lenten practices can also help with accountability. This can be especially important if you are considering taking on a particularly strict penance. It’s always good to seek the counsel of a pastor or spiritual director to make sure you are taking on your penance for the right reasons, in a way that is spiritually helpful.

In short, while there is no need to keep our Lenten practices strictly secret, especially from our family and friends, we probably shouldn’t be posting daily updates on social media about how holy we are becoming. As we enter into this season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, let us wash our faces, anoint our heads and strive to give up bragging and complaining this Lent.

DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate. He and his family are parishioners at St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva. He blogs about ministry, spirituality and the Catholic faith at www. testeverythingblog.com.

March 1, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

23

Bobby Speers

A ‘valley of slaughter’

T

here is one point we all can agree on which is found in Numbers 23:19: “God is not a human being who speaks falsely, nor a mortal who feels regret. Is God one to speak and not act, to decree and not bring it to pass?” We also read in 1 Kings 18:21, “Elijah approached all the people and said, ‘How long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord is God, follow Him; if Baal, follow him.’ But the people did not answer him.”

Why didn’t the people answer Elijah? They were ensnared by the social, economic and religious culture of where they lived.

Their silence revealed that they were no longer God’s people.

Instead, they were prisoners of a false god, sojourning in a land that worshiped false gods.

Over the past several years, London, Dubai, New York and Washington, D.C., had a traveling roadshow when a replica of the Arch of Baal was unveiled, portraying a time of ancient history. Thousands upon thousands of spectators, both religious and non-religious, were in awe over this historical reproduction. If you go online, there is a picture of the Arch of Baal, and through the arch, you can see the U.S. Capitol. You will also find other fascinating snippets of information.

What was the Arch of Baal and who was Baal? The Arch of Baal was the entrance to the temple of Baal, where thousands would worship this false god and when finished, they would exit through the arch. The prophet Jeremiah gives an accurate description of Baal: “Thus said the Lord: Go, buy a potter’s earthenware flask.

Take along some of the elders of the people and some of the priests, and go out toward the Valley of Ben-hinnom, at the entrance of the Potsherd Gate; there proclaim the words which I will speak to you: You shall say, Listen to the word of the Lord, kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am going to bring such evil upon this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring.

All because they have forsaken me and profaned this place by burning incense to other gods which neither they nor their ancestors knew; and because the kings of Judah have filled this place with innocent blood, building high places for Baal to burn their children in fire as offerings to Baal – something I never considered or said or commanded. Therefore, days are coming – oracle of the Lord – when this place will no longer be called Topheth, or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but rather, the Valley of Slaughter.”

In 2 Chronicles 28:1-3, a similar warning was given: “Ahaz was 20 years old when he became king, and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord as David his father had done. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made molten idols for the Baals.

Moreover, he offered sacrifice in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, and immolated his children by fire in accordance with the abominable practices of the nations whom the Lord had dispossessed before the Israelites.”

The practice of infanticide had been around since the time of Moses, the Bible tells us. “The Lord said to Moses: Tell the Israelites: Anyone, whether an Israelite or an alien residing in Israel, who gives offspring to Molech shall be put to death. The people of the land shall stone that person. I myself will turn against and cut off that individual from among the people; for in the giving of offspring to Molech, my sanctuary was defiled and my holy name was profaned. If the people of the land condone the giving of offspring to Molech, by failing to put the wrongdoer to death, I myself will turn against that individual and his or her family, and I will cut off from their people both the wrongdoer and all who follow this person by prostituting themselves with Molech.” (Leviticus 20:1-5) What we are hearing, seeing and reading today is no different from what people in the Old Testament were doing by placing their infants into the burning hands of Molech or Baal. They offered these innocent victims hoping to receive special favors or thanksgiving for favors received, rather than remaining faithful to God. Today, many politicians and even so-called Christians embrace abortion, even up to delivery, ignoring the truth that every life is made in the image of God. Is America becoming the new “Valley of Slaughter”? Will God bring evil upon America for “straddling the issue”?

BOBBY SPEERS is an author who lives in Hickory.

Letter to the editor

‘Lack of leadership’ on abortion by Church hierarchy I was gratified to read the commentary by Father Thomas Kessler in the Feb. 15 edition.

Like many of my fellow Catholics, I am disappointed and disgusted by the lack of leadership of our Catholic hierarchy in the United States in failing to publicly name and censure those Catholics who supported, and in some cases applauded, the recently passed New York legislation and similar bills working their way through legislative bodies in other states. Where is their moral leadership? Where is their outrage?

I lived in California until two years ago. I was very active in my parish there and have many friends and family there and in other dioceses across the nation.

As we talk and chat, every one of us is appalled at the lack of leadership from our shepherds.

My personal feeling is that our leaders are running scared because of the continuing focus on sexual abuse cases. But that does not excuse or make acceptable the total lack of leadership on this infanticide movement.

Maybe, just maybe, one courageous Church leader

will come out and essentially say: “Laws such as the recently passed New York law concerning abortion up until moment of birth are completely anathema to the teachings of our religion. Therefore, any recognized leader – political or otherwise – who supports such laws and identifies themselves as a Catholic deserves the censure and outrage of all Catholics.”

Will that happen? I don’t think so. I’ve waited for years for any Church leader to come out and censure any of the Kennedys, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Andrew Cuomo and too many others who espouse views contrary to Catholic teaching, justify their behaviors with “I’m a Catholic but…”, and then publicly receive Communion. I don’t wonder any more why so many Catholics are leaving the Church and finding the Christian evangelical movement more acceptable. For me, I will stay with my Church but I have lost respect for most of our current Church leaders.

ROSEMARY HAGEROTT lives in Hendersonville.

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on Feb. 27, 14,502 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 26,134 pages.

The top five headlines in February were: n Richmond abuse list includes former Belmont Abbey, St. Michael clergy...........................................................................................760 n McCarrick removed from the priesthood after being found guilty of abuse.......................................................................................734 n ICE agents detain the father of a local seminarian.................................................................................................................................... 654 n Rusciolelli joins Franciscan order......................................................................................................................................................................613 n Catholics in Charlotte diocese react against New York abortion law....................................................................................................532

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 1, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Bishop’s Youth

Stay With us, Lord 2019

Luke 24:29

April 06, 2019 9:00am - 3:00pm

register online at goeucharist.com Bishop Peter J. Jugis invites middle and high school youth to join him at Belmont Abbey for a day of prayer and adoration of our Eucharistic Lord. The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage is graciously hosted by Belmont Abbey College and Monastery and provides youth with an experience of the Catholic faith with uplifting music and dynamic speakers. The Youth Pilgrimage is the perfect opportunity to prepare the way for the Eucharistic Congress.

Cost $15/person, includes lunch and a t-shirt.

S, LORD.” HU LU IT

IHS

9 24:2 KE

“STA YW

24

Register goeucharist.com