Aug. 16, 2019

August 16, 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

Independent firm conducting comprehensive review of priest files 3 Father Benonis, Father O’Rourke announce retirement Father Sutter, Father Bond, Father McNulty appointed as new pastors 5

‘Deny yourself, let people see Christ’

Permanent deacons, candidates mark feast of St. Lawrence 3 Presencia de diáconos permanentes y candidatos marcó la fiesta de San Lorenzo

INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español....................................... 14-17 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................3-12 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 13 U.S. news..................................... 18 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news.................................. 19

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INSIDE

St. Luke launches campaign to build church 7

In gratitude for ‘a beautiful vocation’ 5

Holy Cross, Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes welcome new pastors 5

Our annual Back to School Guide

14

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Maximilian Kolbe:

Pope Francis

Church is a mother to all, remains close to those who suffer

L

ike the apostles who brought spiritual and physical healing to those in need, Christians are called to tend to the wounds of the suffering and the downtrodden, Pope Francis said.

The Church does not close its eyes when confronted with the sufferings of others but instead “knows how to look at humanity in the face to create meaningful relationships, bridges of friendships and solidarity,” the pope said during his weekly general audience Aug. 7.

It is a “Church without borders that is a mother to all, that knows how to take them by the hand and accompany them to lift up, not to condemn,” he said. “Jesus always, always stretches forth His hand, He always seeks to raise up to help people heal, be happy and encounter God.” Returning for the first general audience following a month-long summer break, the pope continued his series of talks on the Acts of Apostles, reflecting on the words spoken by Peter and John before healing a disabled man asking for alms at the entrance to the temple.

The pope said the man, who was excluded from the temple because it was believed that his illness was caused by his sins or the sins of his parents, represents “the many excluded and discarded of society.”

This exclusion from the temple, which was a “place of economic and financial exchange,” still occurs today in the Church, he added.

“Many times, I think of this when I see some parish that thinks that money is more important than the sacraments.

Please, a poor Church! Let us pray to the Lord for that,” the pope said.

The hallmark of a Christian life, he continued, is characterized by one’s prowess in the “art of accompaniment” to those in need, like Christ.

“This is what Jesus does with all of us. Let us think about this when we are passing through difficult moments, moments of sin, moments of sadness.

There is Jesus who tells us, ‘Look at Me, I am here.’ And we take Jesus’ hand and let ourselves be raised up,” the pope said.

True wealth, Pope Francis said, is not defined by the amount of one’s material riches but by one’s “relationship with the Risen One” which is shared with others by bearing witness to “the benefits of His love in our lives.”

“Let us not forget this: a hand outstretched to help raise up the other.

It is Jesus’ hand who, through us, helps raise others up,” he said.

Martyred in a concentration camp in 1941 Feast day: Aug. 14 St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan priest, missionary and martyr, is celebrated throughout the Church on Aug. 14.

The saint, who died in the concentration camp at Auschwitz during World War II, is remembered as a “martyr of charity” for dying in place of another prisoner who had a wife and children.

He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on Oct. 10, 1982.

St. Maximilian Kolbe is also celebrated for his missionary work, his evangelistic use of modern means of communication, and for his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

All these aspects of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s life converged in his founding of the Militia Immaculata. The worldwide organization continues St. Maximilian Kolbe’s mission of bringing individuals and societies into the Catholic Church, through dedication to the Virgin Mary.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, according to several biographies, was personally called by the Virgin Mary, both to his holy life and to his eventual martyrdom. As an impulsive and badly-behaved child, he prayed to her for guidance, and later described how she miraculously appeared to him holding two crowns: one was white, representing purity, the other red, AS A MEMBER OF THE MILITIA for martyrdom.

IMMACULATA, a Catholic When he was asked to choose consecrates himself or herself to between these two destinies, the Jesus and seeks the conversion of troublesome child and future saint sinners through the intercession said he wanted both. Radically of Mary and the wearing of the Miraculous Medal. This international changed by the incident, he entered the minor seminary of the evangelization movement, founded Conventual Franciscans at age 13,

by St. Maximilian Kolbe in 1917, aims to bring about spiritual renewal and in 1907.

At age 20 he made his solemn is open to all Catholics. It employs vows as a Franciscan, earning a prayer and apostolic action as the doctorate in philosophy the next main weapon in the spiritual battle year. Soon after, however, he with evil. developed chronic tuberculosis, which eventually destroyed one of GO ONLINE to www.consecration. his lungs and weakened the other. com or www.fisheaters.com/ On Oct. 16, 1917, in response to totalconsecrationkolbe.html to anti-Catholic demonstrations by learn more.

Italian Freemasons, Father Kolbe led six other Franciscans in Rome to form the association they called the Militia Immaculata. The group’s founding coincided almost exactly with the Bolshevik revolution in Russia, and the Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal.

As a Franciscan priest, Father Kolbe returned to work in Poland during the 1920s. There, he promoted the Catholic faith through newspapers and magazines which eventually reached an extraordinary circulation, published from a monastery so large it was called the “City of the Immaculata.”

Find out more

AUG. 18-24

Sunday: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10, Hebrews 12:1-4, Luke 12:49-53; Monday (St. John Eudes): Judges 2:11-19, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday (St. Bernard): Judges 6:11-24, Matthew 19:2330; Wednesday (St. Pius X): Judges 9:6-15, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Judges 11:29-39, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. Rose of Lima): Ruth 1:1,3-6, 14-16, 22, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday (St. Bartholomew): Revelation 21:9-14, John 1:45-51

AUG. 25-31

Sunday: Isaiah 66:18-21, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13, Luke 13:2230; Monday: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10, Matthew 23:1322; Tuesday (St. Monica): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 23:23-26; Wednesday (St. Augustine): 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:27-32; Thursday (The Passion of St. John the Baptist): 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Mark 6:1729; Friday: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Matthew 25:1-13; Saturday: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11, Matthew 25:14-30

In 1930 he moved to Japan, establishing a Japanese Catholic press by 1936, along with a similarly ambitious monastery.

That year, however, he returned to Poland for the last time. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and Father Kolbe was arrested.

Briefly freed during 1940, he published one last issue of the Knight of the Immaculata before his final arrest and transportation to Auschwitz in 1941.

At the beginning of August that year, 10 prisoners were sentenced to death by starvation in punishment for another inmate’s escape. Moved by one man’s lamentation for his wife and children, Father Kolbe volunteered to die in his place.

Survivors of the camp testified that the starving prisoners could be heard praying and singing hymns, led by the priest who had volunteered for an agonizing death. After two weeks, on the night before the Church’s feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the camp officials decided to hasten Father Kolbe’s death, injecting him with carbolic acid.

St. Maximilian Kolbe’s body was cremated by the camp officials on the feast of the Assumption. He had stated years earlier: “I would like to be reduced to ashes for the cause of the Immaculata, and may this dust be carried over the whole world, so that nothing would remain.”

— Catholic News Agency

SEPT. 1-7

Sunday: Sirach 3:17-18, 20,28-29, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24, Luke 14:1, 7-14; Monday: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Luke 4:16-30; Tuesday (St. Gregory the Great): 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday: Colossians 1:1-8, Luke 4:3844; Thursday (St. Teresa of Calcutta): Colossians 1:9-14, Luke 5:1-11; Friday: Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday: Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5

Our parishes

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Independent firm conducting comprehensive review of priest files PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

Thirteen deacon candidates, along with 55 permanent deacons, attended Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis Aug. 10 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Deny yourself, let people see Christ’ Permanent deacons, candidates mark feast of St. Lawrence SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis processed into St. Patrick Cathedral amid a sea of red stoles Aug. 10 to celebrate the Mass for the Affirmation of Ordination Promises by permanent deacons, held annually around the feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr.

This year Bishop Jugis also installed 13 deacon candidates for the permanent diaconate into the Ministry of Lector during Mass. This is the second step on the men’s journey, having gone through the Rite of Candidacy last August.

Joseph Becker, Eduardo Bernal, Carl Brown, Margarito Franco, Charles Hindbaugh, Todd Labonte, John Langlois, Thomas Martin, William Melton Jr., Richard Michaels, Francisco Piña, Herbert Quintanilla and Joseph Smith all presented themselves before Bishop Jugis when their names were called during Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis said, “The Lord gives us a joyous day in witnessing our brother deacons affirm their promises of ordination and our deacon candidates being instituted into the Ministry of Lector. It is a joy to see all of you offering yourselves for the ministry of the Church.”

He explained what the 13 deacon candidates will be responsible for upon becoming lectors.

“You will now have a very special office within the Church in the service of Jesus. There are several different things for which you will be responsible,” he said. “The most important will be the proclamation of the Word of God at Mass. You are placing yourselves and your voices at the service of God to communicate His word, His message of salvation to His people.

And through those words of God which you will be pronouncing, God is offering His people spiritual nourishment through His word and forming them – forming their hearts, forming their minds and DEACONS, SEE PAGE 21

CHARLOTTE — An independent investigative firm is reviewing the Diocese of Charlotte’s priest personnel files as part of the diocese’s effort to release the names of all clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, the diocese announced Aug. 12.

U.S. Investigative Security Services Agency is conducting a comprehensive review of priest files since the diocese was established in 1972, searching for any indication of sexual abuse of a minor. Their task involves reviewing tens of thousands of pages in more than 1,000 clergy personnel files.

Any suggestion of abuse turned up will be forwarded to the diocese’s Lay Review Board to determine whether the allegations are credible, the diocese said in a statement.

Bishop Peter Jugis has committed to making public the names of any clergy found to be credibly accused, with the goal of publishing a list before the end of this year.

Since 2002, the names of clergy credibly accused of abuse have been publicized – no matter when that abuse occurred – as called for by the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People enacted that year. The names of at least 20 clergy who formerly served in the diocese have already been made public over the years, in the Catholic News Herald and other media, with most of those cases involving abuse that occurred decades

ago and in locations outside the Charlotte diocese.

Since 2002, the Charlotte diocese has taken a zerotolerance approach to child sexual abuse and is unaware of any abuse allegations against clergy currently serving in ministry, Father Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, told reporters Aug. 12.

This historical file review is important to providing a comprehensive “public accounting” of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse who have served in the diocese since 1972.

“Most of the allegations of child abuse that we are dealing with now involve incidents that happened decades ago, and, sadly, those victims continue to suffer,” Father Winslow said.

“We know that a full public accounting of abuse that took place within our diocese is critical to promoting justice and healing for victims, and we believe that the independent investigation by third-party experts will move us closer to achieving both of these goals.”

Bishop Jugis began the process of reviewing personnel files and other historical records last fall, upon recommendation by the Lay Review Board and in consultation with abuse victims, clergy and the faithful.

“Through my discussions with abuse survivors, I have come to believe that a full airing of abuse from the past is crucial in the healing process for victims and for the entire Church,” Bishop Jugis said in May when he announced the comprehensive file review.

New vicar general launches media information sessions PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE AND SUEANN HOWELL CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Father Patrick Winslow, the Diocese of Charlotte’s new vicar general and chancellor, hosted an information session Aug. 12 for Charlotte area news media to talk about the diocese’s ongoing response to sexual abuse issues from the past and how protections put in place 17 years ago are working.

Winslow The information session was the first in a series of sessions Father Winslow plans to hold with media elsewhere across the diocese this year.

“The Diocese of Charlotte has zero tolerance for child sexual abuse, and we are committed to transparency and accountability in our handling of this crime,” Father Winslow said in a statement. “The goal of these sessions is to provide important background and context to help media – and the community – understand that the strong child protections and reporting protocols we put in place nearly two decades ago are working.”

Besides the Catholic News Herald, representatives from Charlotte’s three largest television stations, The Charlotte Observer and WFAE public radio attended the presentation and question-and-answer session.

During the session, Father Winslow explained the important role the Charter for the Protection of Children

and Young People has played in how the Church in the United States has responded to the child sexual abuse crisis since 2002.

The Charter is a comprehensive set of protocols established by the U.S. bishops in 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors

by Catholic clergy – whether past or present. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention.

The Diocese of Charlotte falls under the Charter, and has been found in compliance by independent auditors every year since the Charter was put in place.

Father Winslow said Monday’s briefing on how the Church has and is responding to abuse allegations is important for two reasons.

“First, we want to continue to express our sorrow and grief and our apologies to those who have been affected by sexual abuse by clergy.

People who have been affected so adversely and wounded need to hear that time and time again. And secondly, it is important for people to realize that the Church has had strict, broad, sweeping, aggressive policies since the Charter of 2002. And since then, for nearly two decades now, we have followed a zero-tolerance policy, effectively dealing with issues as they surface immediately in a way that is both transparent and accountable,” he explained.

Father Winslow also detailed how the diocese investigates allegations of abuse or misconduct, and what happens when an allegation is found credible by the diocese’s independent Lay Review Board.

“All too often people look at the Church from the outside and they wonder what is going on, on the inside,” he said. “We want people to see what we do. We want them to see the measures we have in place.

We want to let people know how rigorously we deal with these issues.”

“It is important for them to learn the procedures, to see how thorough they are and how we report all matters, both externally to civil authorities and to our own internal review process, specifically to the Review Board that advises the bishop,” he said.

Father Winslow noted that he is in a unique position to explain how the diocese has worked to respond to abuse allegations and prevent abuse from occurring, because he spent six years working with the Lay Review Board and serving as the diocese’s Promoter of Justice.

As Promoter of Justice, his responsibility was to advocate for victims and serve as prosecutor in Church court proceedings.

The volunteer Lay Review Board investigates allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct by clergy and other Church personnel and advises the bishop on how to respond, in accordance with Church protocols, if the board finds allegations to be credible.

Monday’s information session was also an opportunity for the secular media to meet Father Winslow, who was appointed to the diocese’s secondhighest leadership position in April

by Bishop Peter Jugis.

MEDIA, SEE PAGE 21

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SATURDAY, AUG. 17 – 5 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Benedict Church, Greensboro

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Good Shepherd Mission, King

MONDAY, AUG. 26 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Asheboro

MONDAY, AUG. 19 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Benedict the Moor Church, Winston-Salem

SATURDAY, AUG. 24 – 5 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

TUESDAY, AUG. 27 – 1 P.M. Diocesan Building Commission Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28 – 11 A.M. Mass for the Beginning of the School Year and 60th Anniversary of Bishop McGuinness High School Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville THURSDAY, AUG. 29 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events August 16, 2019

ESPAÑOL

Volume 28 • NUMBER 23

VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Es usted o un ser querido que busca la curación de los efectos de un aborto anterior?

Los retiros de fin de semana son ofrecidos por Caridades Católicas para hombres y mujeres en todas las regiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Para obtener información sobre los próximos retiros, incluidos retiros en las diócesis vecinas, comuníquese con Karina Hernández: 336-267-1937 o karinahernandez@live.com.

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

704-370-3333

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN: 6 p.m. los jueves, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Nos reunimos para una Vigilia de Adoración por la Paz y la Justicia en Nicaragua, que en estos últimos meses están pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos.

Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario, la hora santa de reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel.

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

STAFF

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.

Sept. 14, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help pray for the end of abortion, and feel free to invite anyone who would be morally supportive of this very important cause. For details, email Jim Hoyng at Ajhoyng@hotmail. com or Paul Klosterman at Pauljklosterman@aol.com.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: First Fridays and First Saturdays, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Join us each First Friday through First Saturday of the month in an overnight vigil to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to pray for our families, to offer penance for our sins, and to pray for the conversion of our nation. Sign up for Eucharistic Adoration at www.

ProlifeCharlotte.org/two-hearts.com. Sponsored by C-PLAN of Charlotte.

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 year-round (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 Good Shepherd Dr., 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: BREVARD: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, Sacred Heart Church, 4 Brian Berg Lane CHARLOTTE: 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road SALISBURY: 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, Sacred Heart School, 385 Lumen Christi Lane SYLVA: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, St. Mary Church, 22 Barlett St.

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP, ‘SENIOR FRAUD & SCAMS PREVENTION’: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, in the Holy Family hall at St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St., NE, Hickory and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, in the Family hall at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., Newton.

Presented by Joe Clark, Volunteer/Retired (USPIS) United States Postal Inspector and CCDOC Elder Ministry.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

For details and registration, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

EDUCATIONAL CLASS “LIVING HEALTHY WITH CHRONIC PAIN”: 1-3 p.m. Six week course, every Thursday starting Aug. 22 - Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte. Are you an adult age 18 or older with an ongoing health condition? This workshop will help you take back control of your pain and your life. You will learn how to manage symptoms, communicate effectively, manage stress and fatigue, build your confidence, make daily tasks easier, and incorporate exercise into daily routines. For details, register by Monday, Aug. 19 by contacting Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@ charlottediocese.org.

8TH ANNUAL POLISH DIOCESAN MASS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA, POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II, ST. MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Polish priest, Father Matt Nycz, will be celebrant and Deacon James Witulski will assist.

The Mass will be in Polish with the homily given in both

English and Polish. This Mass will fulfill your Sunday obligation. Confessions in Polish and English will be heard beginning at 1 p.m. A Polish choir will provide beautiful music and songs. After the Mass, the faithful will have the opportunity to venerate the first-class relics of the three apostles of Divine Mercy: St. John Paul II, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Father Sopocko. Light refreshments following Mass. Everyone, from any nationality, is invited to attend this very special and popular Mass. For details, contact Mary at 704-2906012.

FREE MEDICARE CHOICES MADE EASY CLASS: 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 28, Sacred Heart Church, 150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard. This workshop is designed to explain Medicare: when to sign up, how to save money, what they need to do to enroll, what options are available and answer questions they may have regarding the program.

To register, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org by Monday, Aug. 26.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 22, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

‘LIFE IN THE SPIRIT’ SEMINAR: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Invocation Mass and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22, Seminar Proper at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem. Retreat Master will be Father Eric de la Pena. Must be 18 years or older to attend. Early registration is required. For application forms, contact aimeeapena@gmail.com or glen.jenng@ ymail.com.

‘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.

SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the western, central and eastern regions of the Diocese of Charlotte. For details about upcoming retreats, contact Jackie Childers at 980-241-0251 or Jackie.childers1@gmail.com, or Jessica Grabowski at 910-585-2460 or jrgrabowski@ charlottediocese.org.

IS YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

In gratitude for ‘a beautiful vocation’ Jubilee Mass commemorates priestly ordination milestones SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Priests celebrating milestone anniversaries were honored Aug. 1 with a Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral offered

by Bishop Peter Jugis.

The Mass, held as part of the annual Priests’ Colloquium in Charlotte July 31-Aug 2, recognized priests marking their jubilee anniversaries of ordination of 25 years or more this year.

Honorees were Father Gabriel Meehan (60 years); Benedictine Father Francis Forster (55 years); Benedictine Father Arthur Pendleton (55 years); Father Louis Canino, OFM (50 years); and Father Michael Kottar (25 years).

Two other priests were also recognized at the Mass: Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, and Father Richard Benonis, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley. Both pastors recently announced they plan to retire this year.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis expressed his joy in offering prayers of thanksgiving and blessing upon his brother priests celebrating ordination anniversaries this year, as well as those beginning

OUR PARISHESI

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Father Benonis, Father O’Rourke announce retirement Father Sutter, Father Bond, Father McNulty appointed as new pastors CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — A real feast was celebrated in the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe Aug. 6, when Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated Mass and installed the parish’s new pastor, Vincentian Father Gregorio Gay. At the start of the Mass, Father Hugo Medellín, parochial vicar, read the official letter of appointment. Then, Father Gay made a profession of faith and, putting his hands on the Bible, renewed his oath of fidelity to the Church.

“Assuming the office of parish pastor, I promise to always remain in communion with the Catholic Church, both in what I express in word and in my way of acting,” he said.

After that, Father Gregorio signed the official Church documents of his new office, witnessed by Vincentian Fathers Hugo Medellín and Leo Tiburcio, parochial vicars and concelebrants of the Mass.

Then Bishop Jugis, addressing the faithful, said, “Parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, now I entrust you to this father as your new pastor” – prompting an enthusiastic ovation from everyone present.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis explained the responsibilities that, as a good pastor, Father Gay must exercise in his role as pastor, emphasizing that a pastor must

KERNERSVILLE — On a fitting feast day – that of St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests – Father Noah Carter was installed by Bishop Peter Jugis as pastor of his first parish, Holy Cross Church.

Hundreds attended the Aug. 4 Mass, with pews full of his new parish family as well as his parents, Greg and Holly, brother Zach, sister-in-law Erin, niece Lydia, and friends from across the diocese.

Participating clergy included Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, Father Peter Shaw, pastor of St. Joseph Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Bryson City, Deacon Tim Ritchey of Holy Cross, and Deacon Mark Mejias of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

“When a priest is first appointed as pastor, there’s a renewed purpose. It’s a fulfillment of what we’re educated and trained for,” Father Carter said in a recent interview. “Remembering the harder times, I realized you have to work through those things to be prepared to be the one to lead a whole portion of the people of God to heaven.”

The first-time pastor described what went through his mind upon receiving the Kernersville appointment from Bishop Jugis.

“I was extremely excited. I know many of the families and what’s going on in the community,” said Father Carter, who served as chaplain of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville during his ministry as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church. “The whole Triad is growing, especially Kernersville, where there’s

CHARLOTTE — Upcoming retirements for two beloved priests have triggered a series of priest assignment changes in several parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Peter Jugis announced Aug. 1 that Father Richard Benonis, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Church in Maggie Valley, and Father Frank O’Rourke, Benonis pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, are retiring this year.

During his homily message at a Mass honoring jubilarian priests at St. Patrick Cathedral, Bishop Jugis expressed gratitude for their years of priestly ministry and asked prayers that “God Bond continue to shower and bestow His blessings” on them.

Father Richard Sutter has been named pastor of St. Gabriel Church to succeed Father O’Rourke. Father Sutter has served as parochial administrator at St. John the Evangelist O’Rourke Parish in Waynesville and Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton since 2018.

Father Christopher Bond, parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for the past year, will succeed Father Benonis as pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church.

Sutter Succeeding Father Sutter in Waynesville and Canton will be Father Paul McNulty.

Currently the chaplain of Christ the King High School, Father McNulty will move Oct. 15 to become pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church and Immaculate McNulty Conception Mission when Father Sutter moves to St. Gabriel Church.

OLG, SEE PAGE 20

HOLY CROSS, SEE PAGE 20

RETIREMENTS, SEE PAGE 20

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MILESTONES, SEE PAGE 20

Franciscan Father Louis Canino, Bishop Peter Jugis, and Father Michael Kottar are pictured after the annual jubilee Mass Aug. 1 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Bishop Peter Jugis installed Father Noah Carter as pastor of Holy Cross Church in Kernersville Aug. 4, during a joyful Mass that drew hundreds of worshipers. While he was at the parish, Bishop Jugis also blessed the parish’s cemetery.

Father Gregory Gay, new pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, signs the official Church documents in front of Bishop Peter Jugis, during his installation at Mass Aug. 6.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BARBARA MARKUN

Father Gay installed as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

Holy Cross welcomes Father Carter as new pastor ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 OUR PARISHES

New college seminary building takes shape

Seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte gathered Aug. 4 with Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, to celebrate Mass at St. Ann Church in Charlotte and to welcome eight new men entering the college seminary this fall.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Your work is to prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ’ Eight more men enter St. Joseph College Seminary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Sunday, Aug. 4, was a special day for eight young men, as they entered St. Joseph College Seminary to begin a journey of discernment for the priesthood.

The day began with Mass at St. Ann Church celebrated by the college seminary’s rector, Father Matthew Kauth.

The eight men of the “Delta Class,” dressed in their black suits and ties, occupied the first pew of the church, where they listened to Father Kauth’s homily mostly directed to them on this important day.

“You are proclaiming to everyone in this church that you are going to attempt to do something, not knowing where the end lies, and not absolutely certain of the Lord’s will, but you are going to try to do something. You

are going to try to die (to self),” he told them.

“St. Paul says if you have been raised to life with Christ, he also says you have died to get there, and then you seek the things that are above. He speaks about putting on the virtuous man, putting to death the old man, and allowing the new one to live. That is why the priest wears black,” Father Kauth explained.

“That whether we accomplish it or not, we are attempting to be some sign, that to this world ‘I have died and I no longer seek its vanities,’ he noted.

He reminded the men that they will not be able to accomplish growth in virtue or holiness, or to become priests, without the Lord doing the work in them.

“Your work is very simple, it is to seek the things that are above,” Father Kauth said.

“Not the things of this earth. In the words of St. Benedict, ‘Your work is to prefer nothing

whatsoever to Christ.’”

Concelebrating Mass with Father Kauth were Father Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, who serves as a formation advisor for the college seminary. They were joined by judicial vicar and seminary formation advisor Father John Putnam and Father Matthew Buettner, college seminary house spiritual director.

Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church and seminary formation advisor, was in choir.

After Mass, the eight men and their families moved the men’s belongings into one of four of the seminary residences located on Hillside Avenue adjacent to St. Ann Church.

Like any college move-in day, the scene was joyfully chaotic as families pitched in to move WORK, SEE PAGE 21

MOUNT HOLLY — The St. Joseph College Seminary building currently under construction has seen notable progress this summer.

The diocesan Properties Office reports that framing and drywall work is progressing, shingles have been installed on the roof, and brick and pre-cast masonry work has begun on the exterior.

The brick is custom made by Taylor Clay, a Salisbury brick company owned by the Charles Taylor Jr. family, who are parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

The two-story building will include a chapel, classroom, library, conference rooms, a kitchen and refectory (cafeteria), faculty offices, and a guest room for speakers and visiting priests.

It will also include 40 dorm rooms or “cells” for the college seminarians.

The building is projected to be substantially completed by next spring.

The college seminary will have the permanent address of 22 Arctus Ave. The name was specifically selected as “arctus,” is Latin for “narrow.”

Avenue was chosen because it abbreviates to “Ave” – a nod to “Ave Maria.” The number 22 was chosen to coincide with the feast of the Queenship of Mary on Aug. 22.

Opened in 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary has been a magnet for young men wanting to discern the priesthood. Enrollment growth has been faster than the diocese had anticipated, from eight students in its first year to 26 this year.

Campaign fundraising is under way, with $11 million of the $20 million raised so far.

For information about the St. Joseph College Seminary capital campaign, go to www. stjosephcollegeseminary.org or contact Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, at 704-370-3301 or email jkkelley@charlottediocese.org.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain’ (John 15:16) CANTON — Sister Mary Ruth renewed her “yes” to Jesus for the 66th year in a row Aug. 11 during Mass at Immaculate Conception Mission.

Sister Mary Ruth took her perpetual vows as a religious on Aug. 11, 1959, after having made temporary vows three years prior, on Aug. 11, 1956.

In the summer of 1992, Sister Mary Ruth and her two fellow sisters, Sister Mary Isabel and Sister Mary Celine, came to the North Carolina mountains. In the fall of 1993, they founded St. Joseph Academy in a borrowed house in Waynesville while the present school building was under construction.

The land for the school was donated by Sister Mary Ruth’s father, and he and other family members and friends donated the money for construction. The school moved from Waynesville to the new building in Maggie Valley during Thanksgiving 1995.

Sister Mary Celine went to receive her eternal reward in 1994 while on a pilgrimage in Fatima, Portugal. Sister Mary Isabel was working and active in the school until 2008, and she passed to eternal life on June 29, 2017.

The Independent Catholic School of St. Joseph Academy, which teaches kindergarten through eighth-grade students, is blessed with a number of benefactors and volunteers.

Both Haywood County parishes (St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville and its mission in Canton, and St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley) support the school.

“What a gift to have Sister Mary Ruth in our presence today,” Father Richard Sutter, parochial administrator of Immaculate Conception Mission, said at Mass. “Her 66 years of ‘yes’ to Jesus and His call to her heart is an inspiration for us all. Let us pray a Hail Mary in thanksgiving for Sister Ruth, Sister Mary Celine, Sister Mary Isabel, and men and women religious throughout the world whose lives bear much fruit – the type of fruit that remains beyond this life; the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit: goodness, kindness, gentleness, generosity, peace, patience, joy, charity, modesty, chastity, faithfulness and self-control. Amen.”

Sister Mary Ruth is pictured with Father Sutter and longtime parishioner Gail Webb.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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St. Luke launches campaign to build new church LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT

MINT HILL — One of the newest parishes in the diocese is launching a capital campaign towards building a larger, more permanent church home.

St. Luke Parish has grown from 300 families to nearly 1,500 families since it was established – and the multipurpose building that the parish has been using since 1995 no longer meets their growing needs. The church’s current location on Lawyers Road offers no usable land to expand, either.

So the Mint Hill parish has launched a “Cornerstone Campaign” to build a new church on 30 acres on Highway 218 – close to its current location.

The $2.7 million campaign kicked off this month and has already raised over $1.1 million.

The parish community got its start in 1987, when Catholics in the area began gathering for Mass in a storefront and later a local movie theater.

Dedicated in 1995, the current church was designed to be a general-purpose facility, not a church, and its interior is simple, with no pews or kneelers for people to use. It seats 400 people – more than enough for the parish in the beginning. But over two decades later, Mint Hill is booming – and so is the parish.

Nearly every Mass is now standing-room-only – with people sitting on the windowsills, leaning against the walls, crowding the hallways, cramming in anywhere they can. Overflow parking is on the grass, which becomes a soggy field after a hard rain.

“We need to build, but we are not able to do anything more at this location,” said Father Paul Gary, pastor. “On Ash Wednesday, we had people not able to get out of the mud in the overflow parking. One family had to leave their car behind for three days.”

For years parishioners have been studying their options for expanding, but the current property is not usable.

The creek on the property is an important habitat for the

critically endangered Carolina heelsplitter, a freshwater mussel found only in the Carolinas. Environmental regulations limit the ability to expand the buildings on the site or pave over the property.

“Even though there is technically land, we are basically stuck with what we have at this location,” said campaign co-chair Eric Weghorst.

“Father Paul gets phone calls about people that have tried to come to our church and couldn’t park,” Weghorst said. “We are currently not able to serve all the Catholics in our surrounding community. My personal hope is that we can accommodate those we can really not accommodate now.”

Over the years parishioners have been working diligently on plans for building a new church home.

This effort is the parish’s seventh capital campaign since

the parish was established over 30 years ago.

“They have consistently had to address issues of growth over the years,” noted Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “St. Luke’s is a strong parish family that continues to attract more parishioners in the vibrant Mint Hill community.”

“They never seem to tire of investing in the future of their church with all these capital campaigns,” Kelley said.

The 30-acre site the parish has already purchased will give them the space they need to grow. Already, work is under way to build a rectory and an openair recreation pavilion on the site. But building a church is the major next step the parish needs to begin planning and raising money for.

After a recent Mass, Father Gary pointed to the campaign pledge board on display in the church and said, “Look how far we have come and how close we are. We are so close! We can do this.”

Plans for a new church are still in the very early stages in consultation with diocesan officials, but the building will feature a traditional cruciform design and provide seating for 1,200 people.

“It will have plenty of natural light,” noted Father Gary, plus “a bride’s room, a nursery and a large narthex/gathering space that can also be used as a cry room.”

The new church will also have a few of St. Luke’s current traditions, Weghorst said.

“A lot of families like the idea of a bell tower because one of our hallmarks are kids ringing the bell after Mass,” he said. “The difference between churches and styles is what is beautiful about the Catholic faith. We can all find worship that is unified in the same Mass that is meaningful for us. At the end of the day, we are all seeking the same thing: God.” Parishioners hope the “Cornerstone Campaign” will help them set the foundation for a new church that will enable even more people in Mint Hill to live out their Catholic faith.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 OUR PARISHES

Charlotte area teen pro-life group renews commitment to end abortion MIKE FITZGERALD CORRESPONDENT

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER; MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parish continues Mass, Holy Hour of Reparation HUNTERSVILLE — Continuing an annual tradition each first Wednesday in August, St. Mark Parish offered a Mass and Holy Hour of Reparation Aug. 7 for the sins of abortion, contraception, euthanasia and same-sex unions in the U.S., Ireland and Mexico. Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar, offered the bilingual Mass, wearing violet vestments to denote the penitential nature of this liturgy. In his homily, delivered in both English and Spanish, Father Becker exhorted the faithful to continue to pray for the conversion of sinners. “Each and every one of us is loved dearly by God, so much so that were the whole world to turn away, Our Lord would continue to bestow His love for the sake of one person who would convert. We remind ourselves that Our Lord wills not the death of a sinner, but that he be converted, and live,” he said. The event was organized by the St. Mark Respect Life Ministry.

CHARLOTTE — As Planned Parenthood prepares to open Charlotte’s newest abortion facility this summer, prolife groups are responding by organizing prayer rallies and sidewalk vigils in front of the facility, and by generating awareness of abortion among local Catholics.

Among these groups, one has a unique focus in mobilizing Catholics from an often overlooked demographic: Catholic teenagers. This group is called E.P.I.C. and stands for “Each Person Is Cherished.”

Founded in 2014 by St. Patrick Cathedral parishioner and pro-life teen activist Molly Rusciolelli – now professed with the Franciscan Daughters of Mary in Kentucky – the group is open to Catholic teens from ages 13 to 19 and its members participate in a variety of prolife activities.

E.P.I.C. coordinates a monthly prayer vigil at the Latrobe abortion facility, organizes pro-life conferences, and hosts social and educational events. This past spring it organized a pro-life movie night during which teens viewed and discussed “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer,” a documentary about convicted abortionist Kermit Gosnell.

They also hosted a speaker from the national group Students for Life to empower the teens to engage in pro-life conversations with their peers.

Prayer and fasting is also a key component to E.P.I.C.’s activities as it also runs a prayer and sacrifice sign-up page where members are asked to offer prayers and small penances each month.

Recognizing that many teenagers are dependent on their parents for transportation, this offers an option to help end abortion without leaving home.

The group also has an e-mail list to keep members updated on upcoming activities.

With Charlotte’s fourth abortion facility set to open, E.P.I.C. is renewing its efforts to engage Catholic teens and invite them to participate in pro-life advocacy.

Mary Ohlhaut, a 17-year-old St. Ann parishioner and cousin to Rusciolelli, now leads the group, supported and mentored by her parents Dan and Beth Ohlhaut.

“Abortion is a defining moral issue

Get involved To kick off the new school year, E.P.I.C. is holding a back-to-school event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The recently released movie “Unplanned” will be shown and discussed.

RSVPs are strongly encouraged.

To join E.P.I.C. or to learn more about the group, contact Mary Ohlhaut at theepicgroup12@gmail.com. among my generation, and teens have shown their enormous interest in ending abortion by participating at the March for Life in D.C. each January,” said Ohlhaut.

“We want to let them know there is an outlet at home where they can continue that momentum and enthusiasm for prolife work for the rest of the year – that place is E.P.I.C.” To engage more Catholic teens in the pro-life cause, E.P.I.C. is seeking to form a leadership team of teens and parents to expand its reach and activities. The team would focus on social media, e-mail communications, publicity, event organizing, hosting an annual conference, coordinating prayer efforts and fundraising.

The goal is to have one to two teens per task along with a parent or other adult to support them. No prior experience is required and the roles would only take a few hours a month.

With a team in place, Ohlhaut believes E.P.I.C. can hold more pro-life events and activities – thereby enabling teens to help end abortion in Charlotte.

“My generation of pro-life teens, which has grown up in the climate of easy access to abortion, wants to make it illegal and unthinkable. We want to help mothers and their babies.

“We want to make reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the outrages committed against Our Lord and Our Lady in the abortion facilities in our city. And we want to inspire one another to not grow tired of fighting this spiritual battle,” Ohlhaut said.

“E.P.I.C. is the place where we can do this, while growing in leadership and team-working skills that will prepare us for a lifetime of involvement on this issue of great national and moral importance.”

Prayer continues outside new Planned Parenthood

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSEPH PURELLO

Jesuit priest draws hundreds to series of talks on prayer BREVARD — Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, associate professor of philosophy at Fordham University in New York, recently spent five days in the Diocese of Charlotte to give a series of talks sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

His talks in Brevard, Gastonia, Greensboro, Lenoir and Winston-Salem focused on such topics as “Tools for Prayer,” “The Examen Prayer” and “Reading the Bible Intelligently and Faithfully – How Catholics Interpret Sacred Scripture.”

Approximately 250 people from 21 parishes and missions across the Diocese of Charlotte attended his talks.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about Planned Parenthood’s expansion in Charlotte and see video highlights from the Aug. 3 prayer vigil

CHARLOTTE — Women from local churches held another prayer vigil outside the new Charlotte location of Planned Parenthood Aug. 3, part of a community-wide effort by pro-life advocates from Catholic and Protestant churches and ministries to combat the evil of abortion in the city. More abortions are performed in Charlotte each year than anywhere else in North Carolina, and Planned Parenthood’s expanded facility will be the city’s fourth abortion mill. Mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters prayed and held witness outside the site, declaring, “We want Planned Parenthood and its allies to know: you are not welcome in this city. You are not welcome to destroy our families.” Motherhood is sacred, they said, and all women should be valued and respected for who they are as children of God, not exploited and butchered by the abortion industry.

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Vandal damages crucifixes at Bryson City parish KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

BRYSON CITY — Priceless crucifixes – one 7 feet tall that serves as a grave memorial – were destroyed at St. Joseph Church Aug. 7.

The man who damaged the outdoor crucifix, as well as one hanging inside the church, was arrested during the broaddaylight attack and charged with breaking and entering to terrorize, damage to church property, and trespassing.

Father Peter Shaw, pastor of the small mountain church that sits along the Tuckasegee River, was returning to the church property just as a man was inside “ranting.” A women’s study group was meeting in the church basement.

“Around 5:20 p.m., someone showed up on campus in broad daylight,” Father Shaw said. “He came out in a rant and destroyed the crucifix corpus that sits in front of the parish on Main Street.”

After destroying most of the outdoor crucifix, the man then went inside and grabbed the cross off the altar and used it to destroy the crucifix hanging in the sanctuary, Father Shaw said.

The church remains unlocked during the day. No damage was done to the altar or tabernacle, he noted.

A women’s group was meeting at the

time and heard the commotion, Father Shaw said. One of them confronted the man while another called police.

Bryson City Police responded quickly and the man was taken into custody, he said.

No one was injured. The man was charged with damage to personal property, breaking and entering to terrorize and trespassing. Father Shaw said he was not familiar with the man, nor was he connected to the parish.

Police said the man was suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The man’s rantings were about how the “town was going to hell” and about the “dead Jesus on the cross,” Father Shaw said.

The outdoor crucifix is a memorial marker for a Korean War veteran and about a half dozen, mostly indigent people. Their names are commemorated on plaques on the back of the cross, Shaw said. The memorial crucifix has been a prominent feature in front of the church since the 1950s.

Dedicated in 1941, St. Joseph Church is the oldest Catholic church in that area of the Smoky Mountains.

“I think there’s a shock that happens about how anyone would do this,” Father Shaw said. “That’s the initial human reaction when you witness the loss of any

sacred image, like the crucifix. The crucifix is a reminder of how deep God’s love is for us. To see it destroyed is jarring.”

Father Shaw said we have to be witnesses of what that crucifix represents and pray for the man responsible for destroying it.

“We should pray that God’s grace will be there to aid him through whatever struggle may be going,” he said. “It’s a sacred object that was destroyed, but it’s just that – an object.”

He stressed that the person is more valuable.

“We need to be reminded as a parish that when we lose something like that it can cause a deep emotional response. It shows us the preciousness in things,” Father Shaw said. “It reminds us how precious God’s love is to us.”

Some parishioners have asked if he will lock the church going forward, and Father Shaw’s response was no. He said the church must continue to be a refuge from the busyness of daily life, where people can come in and spend time with the Lord – and that far outweighs the risk of losing an object.

Father Shaw is working to determine how much it will cost to replace the damaged items. For the two crucifixes at St. Joseph’s, both of the damaged corpuses will be respectfully removed and buried.

When the parish has replaced them,

PHOTO PROVIDED

there will be a ceremony with the solemn blessing of a crucifix for public veneration.

Taking up their crosses FOREST CITY — The Knights of Columbus of Immaculate Conception Parish held their seventh annual Cross-a-Thon Aug. 3.

Approximately 90 parishioners marched, bearing crosses of various sizes, in a Eucharistic procession from Immaculate Conception Church down Main Street to Grace of God Rescue Mission and back.

Father Herbert Burke, Deacon Andy Cilone and Deacon Steve Puscas, along with altar servers, led the procession with the Blessed Sacrament.

The purpose of this annual event is to offer public witness to the Catholic faith, and to raise funds for the Knights of Columbus charities. The donations collected this year will go to a relief fund for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

Previous walks have raised a total of almost $30,000, which went to support a Catholic mission in Honduras, MiraVia, Regnum Day Retreat Center, L.A.M.B. Foundation of North Carolina, persecuted Christians in the Middle East, and the Warrior to Lourdes program.

“It is a beautiful sight to see all of these folks willing to bear witness to their Catholic faith in solemn, prayerful and worshipful reverence as we march down Main Street USA,” said parishioner Michael Daigle.

After the walk, participants gathered inside the church for Eucharistic Adoration, a bilingual homily by Father Burke, and Benediction.

The event ended with a grilled meal and fellowship in the parish hall.

PHOTOS BY GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 OUR PARISHES

Summer fun and faith ‘Teen Serve Week’ at St. Peter Parish CHARLOTTE — Young people from St. Peter Church’s faith formation program recently took part in the parish’s annual summer service effort, “Teen Serve Week.”

The teenagers served at Moore Place Urban Ministry, Boys and Girls Club, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry. They also built a ramp for a homeowner to access the house and cleaned a creek in Charlotte.

Kathy Izard, founder of Moore Place and author of “The Hundred Story Home,” spoke to the group about her inspiration to create housing for people experiencing homelessness, after they spent the day at Moore Place doing gardening and a craft project, serving beverages, and playing ping-pong and other games with residents.

Izard told the young people, “Just being with our neighbors in visiting makes them feel respected and heard.”

Teen Serve Week also featured

parishioner Mike Warner who spoke about the “Art of Immigration,” a journey through art, music and film into the hearts of migrants and immigrants and how society accepts the “stranger” among us.

The teens also had a chance to spend time with the parish’s senior citizens group, the St. Peter Sages.

“My favorite service experience was playing corn hole and ping-pong at Moore Place,” said Teen Serve Week participant William Kernodle. “It seemed like the residents really had a great time and we did too.”

“I found God at Urban Ministries doing art with the homeless. Being creative opened them up to discuss their hardships and allowed for very interesting and valuable discussions,” said Teen Serve Week participant Chloe Wilson.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOAN GUTHRIE AND CATHY CHIAPPETTA

PHOTOS BY GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY

AMBER MELLON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BOONE — During the week of June 24, the youth and children of St. Elizabeth Parish had the opportunity to participate in Totus Tuus. One of the final events of the week was the “sundae’ing” of two of the Totus Tuus team members.

FOREST CITY — Twenty-six children attended Totus Tuus at Immaculate Conception Church July 7-12. This year’s theme focused on learning about the sacraments and the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, besides fun activities including water games. The Totus Tuus teaching team included Quinn D’Andrea, Aidan Hammel, Susanna Wise and Mary Caddell.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Summer fun and faith

HUNTERSVILLE — Children at St. Mark Parish had fun during “CatChat Cathletics VBS” June 17-21.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY AMY BURGER

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

HUNTERSVILLE — A record number of 100 children attended St. Mark Parish’s Totus Tuus program July 8-12. Each day the children started with Mass, made all the more special as July 9 was Father Alfonso Gamez’s first day as parochial vicar at St. Mark. As with many youth programs at St. Mark, youth participation took place on several levels. Not only did the younger children attend, but middle and high school students volunteered all week to help chaperone the younger children. High school students also attended the Sunday-Thursday evening sessions, where they had fun but also discussed serious issues. The children’s sessions ended Friday with fun outdoor games and the opportunity to create a “human ice cream sundae” by dousing one of the Totus Tuus team members with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, marshmallows and of course, sprinkles.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DARBY MCCLATCHY

PHOTOS BY KARA THORPE ANTONIO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

NEWTON — Children and teenagers at St. Joseph Church in Newton also took part in Totus Tuus this summer.

CHARLOTTE — More than 150 children and 80 teen and adult volunteers celebrated a fun and faith-filled week of Vacation Bible School at St. Gabriel Church the week of June 17. With help from the characters in the Wonderful World of Oz, campers explored how to walk with others, be adventurous, make friendships along the way, and celebrate God’s love for us. By the end of the week, a yellow brick road encircled the school cafeteria, with each paper rectangle sharing a hand-written way campers demonstrate how they are loving, brave, and strong. As one demonstration of loving others, each day also included bringing non-perishables for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 OUR PARISHES

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In Brief Catholic health professionals form group CHARLOTTE — Attention all Catholic health professionals: a new group called Catholic Health Professionals is kicking off this Friday, Aug. 16, with a happy hour at Dilworth Grill in Charlotte, located at 911 E. Moorhead St. The group will help support Catholic doctors, nurses, NPs, PAs, dentists, etc. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Spouses welcome. Learn more via Dr. Meghan Lemke at catholichealthcharlotte@gmail.com.

St. Josaphat Eparchy formally opens Asheville area mission; retreat program announced CANTON — The Sixth Annual East Meets West retreat will be held Aug. 23-25, coinciding with the formal opening of St. Joseph Eparchy’s mission in the Asheville area.

“The Divine Liturgy Is Christ” will feature reflections on four sections of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the regular Sunday liturgy of the Byzantine rite and the equivalent of the Latin rite Mass. The retreat also features prayer, liturgy and fellowship.

The retreat will give those attending the opportunity to reflect deeply on the significance of the mystery of the Eucharist, while highlighting differences and similarities between the Byzantine and Latin rite celebrations.

East Meets West is a spiritual formation program of St. Josaphat Eparchy’s Asheville area mission in Canton. The retreat, held at Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton, is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help with costs.

Divine Liturgy (Mass) on Sunday, Aug. 25, will mark the formal opening of St. Josaphat Eparchy’s Asheville area mission. Starting in September, the mission will offer Divine Liturgy the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Newly ordained Father Kevin Bezner will serve the mission.

St. Josaphat Eparchy began offering an annual liturgy and retreat in western North Carolina in 2014. In 2017, the eparchy began offering a monthly liturgy celebrated by either a priest or a deacon.

With continued local interest in a mission, and the ability to designate a full-time priest, the eparchy has decided to develop a full-time mission in the Asheville area. The eparchy also has missions in Charlotte; Columbia and Greenville, S.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Louisville, Ky.; and Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn.

Police, churches host safety workshop MOORESVILLE — St. Therese Church recently partnered with the Mooresville Police Department to offer a workshop on what to do when encountering an active shooter in a public setting. The program was well attended by more than 300 members of the community. Cpl. Josh Glenn, Community Officer Dave Harding, and Officer Alex Arndt shared tips and techniques that could be used by attendees to protect themselves and their family in an active shooter situation. This was a community-wide event with representatives from 10 local churches as well as various businesses and schools.

Register online now Thursday, October 17 Sheraton Greensboro

Room At The Inn

~ 20 Annual Benefit Banquet~ th

Our speaker for the banquet this year is Pam Tebow. The notoriety of the Tebow family increased when their youngest son won the Heisman Trophy following his sophomore football season with the Florida Gators. Because ESPN aired the portion of the interview with Pam that focused on her refusal to abort 'Timmy' when she was advised to do so, she has been given a national platform to encourage the pro-life message.

If you would like to sponsor the event or host a table, please contact Marianne at 336.391.6299 or by email mdonadio@roominn.org For more info please visit www.roominn.org/events

Homeschool graduation held CHARLOTTE — A graduation ceremony was held June 8 at St. Ann Church for 15 young people in the St. Ann Homeschool Ministry: John Robert Blatchford, Mary Sue Brock, Michael Joseph Brock, Daniel James Carter, Ethan Presley Corner, Anna Mary Davison, Kenneth Lewis Davison III, Zoe Kathryn Griffin, Patrick Michael Martin, Zoe Rose Maxwell, Michael Alexander McCormick, Madison Louise Munnell, Emma Marie Nunn, Meganne Elizabeth Peetz and Luke William Rosamond. They are now being called to a variety of fields of study – priest, master carpenter, author, meteorologist, music teacher, vocal performer, veterinarian, interior designer, video game designer, healthcare professional, chemist, and an officer in the U.S. Air Force. They greatly appreciated the many sacrifices their families made to homeschool them, and they expressed gratitude for Father Timothy Reid, pastor, and St. Ann Homeschool Ministry for hosting a beautiful and holy baccalaureate Mass, graduation ceremony and reception.

— Heather and Thomas Martin

Knights, parishioners attend mission MURPHY — Members of Knights of Columbus Father James Wilmes Council 14087 and parishioners of St. William Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission took part in a combined mission Aug. 3-7 led by guest retreat leader Father Kevin MacDonald. The mission included Mass, reflection and prayer time, Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession, and talks

by Father MacDonald on the theme “Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening.” Several parishioners commented on how wonderful it was to see the “Knights presence” for the retreat, and Knights distributed nearly 200 “A Guide to Confession” brochures during the course of the retreat and served as ushers and gathered the free-will offering for the event.

— Phil Roche, correspondent

— Lisa Cash

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered?

Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

August 16, 2019

A S P EC I A L E D I T I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D

WELCOME

GROWING

New principals named for St. Michael School sees St. Mark, Immaculata significant renovation schools over the summer

TUITION HELP

ALSO INSIDE

Details on applying for financial aid

Upcoming open houses, Campus Ministry locations and more

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

St. Michael School sees significant renovation over the summer SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

About the cover Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point give a big thumbs-up on their first day back to class in August 2018. (Photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart of Mary School Facebook page)

GASTONIA — It has been a hectic summer at St. Michael School as the building has been undergoing significant renovations for nearly three months in an effort to complete as much as possible before school starts Aug. 21.

“From the beginning, the goal of completing the major scope of work over the short period of one summer has been very ambitious,” said diocesan construction manager Emmett Sapp. “We are grateful to Southside Constructors, our general contractor, who was undeterred by the challenge and is going above and beyond the call of duty to get the school ready.”

Projects at the 77-year-old school include: renovation of the existing library to create a new state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Maker Space; renovation of the existing science lab to expand capabilities for hands-on learning and experimentation; renovation of the current technology infrastructure; a new special education classroom; restoration of the elementary school restrooms; new roof; and new rooftop HVAC equipment.

“This is a hectic but exciting and energetic summer,” said Principal Sheila Levesque.

“You can see the transformation of the facility and we are looking forward to the new instructional programs that we will be offering our students.”

Sapp noted that when school reopens there will be items still requiring finishing touches, but most of the work will be complete and students will be walking into a fresh and exciting new look throughout the building.

The $1.6 million renovation was funded through a combination of a $990,000 gift, a $500,000 grant from the diocese’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, and another $110,000 expected to be raised through school fundraisers. The $990,000 gift comes from Shea Homes, a new home construction company in the Charlotte area. John Shea, a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, said his family “believes in the education and values taught by the dedicated teachers at Catholic schools.”

The school plans to show off the renovations during Family Fun Day on Oct. 19, and during open houses on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

St. Michael School in Gastonia went through a $1.6 million renovation over the summer months. The project is expected to be fully completed early this fall.

Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Church, said, “Each week I have made several visits to the school and have seen tremendous progress. The project has been immense and I know that God is guiding this work. I am very excited to bless our completely transformed school! Go Tigers!”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DIOCESAN PROPERTIES OFFICE

Two new principals join diocesan schools KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Meet two new principals who are taking the helm at two Catholic schools in the diocese this school year:

ST. MARK SCHOOL, HUNTERSVILLE

Julie Thornley has been named principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville after working for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools for more than a decade at St. Ann School as a counselor and St. Patrick School as assistant principal.

Thornley, a member of St. Mark Church, has a degree in social work from George Beale Mason University, with a minor in music education and a master’s degree in school counseling from North Carolina State University. She has a post-master’s certificate in school administration from UNC-Charlotte and was part of the Aspiring Principals program.

Thornley has worked as a behavioral therapist with Thornley at-risk youth involved with the juvenile justice system in alternative settings as well as a school counselor in public schools. She has also taught piano lessons for more than 35 years.

“It’s very exciting to be not only principal, but to be principal of a K-8 population,” Thornley said. “I started my education at a St. Mark School in Indianapolis and it’s neat that I’ve

landed at another St. Mark School as principal.”

She said she’d like to see St. Mark School and parish become more closely connected, with more parishioners involved in the school and more students engaged in parish activities.

“My educational philosophy is rooted in my Catholic faith,” Thornley wrote in a letter introducing herself to the school community.

“I believe that all learners possess strengths and gifts given to them by our Lord. With that belief, it is the duty of every educator to ensure that all students are given every opportunity to grow spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.”

She stressed that she wants to put an emphasis on the students being united in the goal of being Jesus to others.

“Our priority is to grow spiritually as a community,” she said.

St. Mark School has more than 700 kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

IMMACULATA SCHOOL, HENDERSONVILLE

Margaret Beale has been named the new principal of Immaculata School in Hendersonville, succeeding Meredith Canning.

Beale has taught middle school social studies, language arts and religion at Asheville Catholic School for eight years. She holds a Master of Education in instruction and curriculum and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Beale was an integral part of taking a struggling school and helping to transform it into a growing and vibrant Catholic institution, according to an announcement from Father Christian Cook, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

The principal search committee was impressed with Beale’s accomplishments and her positive and uplifting attitude, Father Cook said.

While at Asheville Catholic, Beale started an organization for girls that sought to instill leadership skills and reinforce Catholic values.

Beale has focused her career on promoting and maintaining positive, constructive relationships with parents, teachers, alumni and her principal to help build a strong community. She said she will be focused on doing the same at Immaculata School. She said she has high expectations, which requires her to be firm in her expectations of students, and of her teachers and school staff.

She aims to guide students towards those high goals through encouragement and love, she noted.

“We welcome Ms. Beale’s enthusiasm and drive to Immaculata Catholic School, and to our parish,” Father Cook said in his announcement.

“It is a time to be excited about the future of Immaculata, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the guidance of God, in His Holy Spirit.

“Being the principal at Immaculata is a vocational call to Beale, and she placed God at the center of her discernment to accept this position.”

Beale said she loves to be involved in every facet of Catholic school life, regularly attending athletic events, musicals and academic competitions and cheering her students on. Fostering these positive and supportive relationships with stakeholders will be a primary focus for her, she said, as she seeks to bring an energy and enthusiasm to build up and grow the school.

Opened in 1926, Immaculata School had more than 140 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade last school year.

Our principals Margaret Beale, Immaculata School Gary Callus, St. Leo School Christopher Kloesz, St. Pius X School Tyler Kulp, Sacred Heart School Sheila Levesque, St. Michael School Kathy McKinney, St. Ann School Michael Miller, Asheville Catholic School Kevin O’Herron, St. Matthew School Kevin Parks, Holy Trinity Middle School Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, Our Lady of the Assumption School Greg Roberts, Immaculate Heart of Mary School Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J., Our Lady of Mercy School Catherine Rusch, Our Lady of Grace School Dr. Carl Semmler, Christ the King High School Tracy A. Shaw, Bishop McGuinness High School Michele Snoke, St. Gabriel School Kurt Telford, Charlotte Catholic High School Julie Thornley, St. Mark School Amy Tobergte, St. Patrick School

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

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Christ the King High School moves closer to gym expansion project Father John Putnam

Catholic education: Helping children entrusted to us attain heaven

T

oday the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a saint better known by her worldly name, Edith Stein.

She was a renowned philosopher of the last century as well as an avowed atheist who, though culturally born Jewish, found her way into the bosom of the Catholic Church, and eventually, into a cloistered Carmelite monastery. She died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz on Aug. 9, 1942. For some of you, the question might arise: “What does this saint’s life have to do with me teaching in a Catholic school?”

I would suggest that it actually has a great deal to do with it. Edith Stein found Christ by seeking the truth. Her thirst for truth allowed her to be open to wherever that search led her. She was a teacher who desired to seek and find. That desire led her to the Truth himself, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Catholic education, as an arm of the Church’s evangelizing mission, is also concerned with seeking truth, the truth about who God is, and the truth about who we are. As such, Catholic education has the mandate from Christ of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations (Mt. 28:20), and each one of you is tasked with participating in that mandate.

The Church teaches that parents are the first educators of their children. This is affirmed in the baptismal rite and is reaffirmed time and again throughout Church teaching. At the same time, we know that most parents share their educational responsibility with others, especially educators. Catholic parents have the responsibility of handing on the faith to their children and, in a very particular way, the Catholic school has the responsibility of aiding parents in this task.

It is for this reason that the Church considers the school as an extension of the home. We are called, therefore, to offer assistance to parents in helping them fulfill their primary obligation and even remind them when necessary of the awesome responsibility entrusted to them by the Creator.

For those who have not previously served in a Catholic school, I think it is helpful to have a clear understanding of what the Church asks of you as educators. The Church considers the role of teacher in her schools as a ministerial one.

First, what is the Church’s understanding of a Catholic school? The Holy See answers this question in the following way: a Catholic school should be inspired by a supernatural vision, founded on Christian anthropology, animated by communion and community, imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum, and sustained by Gospel witness.

It is for this reason that the most important task for a Catholic school is to maintain and continually strengthen its Catholic identity. This task is far more than offering a few prayers during the day and offering the celebration of Mass on occasion. While these things are good and necessary, they can often become Catholic window dressing for an otherwise secular culture. Our ultimate goal as Catholic educators is to help, as the Baltimore Catechism pointed out, the children entrusted to our care to love and serve the Lord in this life so that they can live with Him forever in heaven.

Our treasure is not in this life, but in the life to come. This explains what is meant by a Catholic school having a supernatural vision.

When discussing the importance of a Christian anthropology, the Church’s magisterium affirms time and again that the philosophy that guides Catholic education must be built on a correct understanding of who the human person is.

A Catholic school does not exist as simply a factory of learning to create the future titans of industry. Our task is not simply to prepare our students for college – although, this is certainly a noble endeavor.

Our primary task is to help our students get to heaven. Your task then as an educator in the Catholic school is, first and foremost, to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give witness to His presence in your life. Christ is the teacher in the Catholic school par excellence. Christ has to be lived in the religion class and the science lab; at the cheerleading practice and on the football field; in the English literature class and in advanced calculus.

When I am celebrating infant baptism, I often remind the parents and godparents that they have been entrusted with a saint. Whether the little one grows into the saint that God created him or her to be depends on the adults in his or her life and the witness that the child is given as he or she grows and develops. As you begin teaching in our Catholic schools, you too are being entrusted with saints (even on days when they don’t act like it). I pray that your own holiness will be a shining witness to all of your students and that when they see you, they will be able to see the face of the Lord Himself. God bless you!

FATHER JOHN PUTNAM is pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville. This is adapted from a homily he gave for new diocesan school teachers at an Aug. 9 Mass in the St. Mark School Chapel in Huntersville. It is based on the work by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, “The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools” (Manchester, NH: Sophia Press, 2006).

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HUNTERSVILLE — Since exceeding a $500,000 challenge match in June, Christ the King High School has continued to get closer to its initial capital campaign goal of $3.5 million. To date, the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” campaign to build a new Athletic and Activity Complex has received $3.28 million in gifts and pledges, including a $1 million lead gift and a $500,000 challenge match from a Christ the King family, George and Pattie Fulford of Huntersville.

When the first fundraising campaign goal of $3.5 million is reached, the school will move ahead with expanding its gymnasium to include a fullsized court and two cross courts, plus increasing seating from 120 to 690 spectators. Also included are men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting

teams, coaches and trainer offices, space for a fitness center and a new main entrance from the school lobby into the gymnasium, which will also serve as an awards gallery.

“Apparently there are no ‘dog days of summer’ here at Christ the King,” said Principal Dr. Carl Semmler. “We are entering August with almost $3.3 million pledged towards our new Athletic and Activity Complex. We are well within sight of our level one goal. I am confident that the ‘back to school’ excitement will bring us to our $4.5 million level two goal. This will enable us to build the stage area, with all of the accompanying audio/visual, along with our athletic areas.”

Once the first two levels are

achieved, then the campaign moves on to its final level three goal of $5.5 million.

Semmler said he “keeps on thinking about the summer day when the Fulfords came to see the current gym and learn about the designs for the new complex. The Fulfords are the visionaries who built the current gym. They were so elated to see how much the school has grown and were in full support of expanding the current Fulford Athletic Building.”

— Christ the King High School contributed.

CCHS capital campaign nears halfway mark CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School is nearing the halfway mark of its “Expanding the Vision, Honoring the Tradition” capital campaign. The public phase of this capital campaign launched last April to build a new Fine Arts Center at the high school for all students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system to use.

“As we begin a new school year, we are thrilled to report that we have raised nearly $4 million of our $8 million goal,” said Principal Kurt Telford.

“Our extended CCHS family is truly rolling up its sleeves and coming together to expand our school and provide the Fine Arts Center we’ve dreamed of since we moved to this campus in 1994.”

“It has been exciting and

humbling to meet with so many people who want to be a part of this exciting time for Charlotte Catholic and our Catholic schools,” said Sally McArdle, the high school’s advancement director. The CCHS community is raising $8 million toward the $23 million project, with the other $15 million committed through the existing capital fees paid by all families in the MACS system.

The CCHS expansion will include a new, state-of-the-art building for the visual and performing arts program and a renovation of existing spaces to create updated athletic facilities and classrooms for teachers who currently do not have them.

Construction is planned to start in fall of 2020.

“The new MACS Fine Arts Center will serve not only as a

place for learning and growth for our high school students, but also as a place for educational programs and performances for all MACS students,” Telford said. “We are excited about this next chapter in our history, and are so grateful to the families and alumni who have already made their contributions and pledges. Our hope is that the entire community will join us in completing our fundraising effort and celebrate the groundbreaking with us very soon.”

— Carolyn Tillman

Learn more To learn more about the MACS Fine Arts Center and the “Expanding the Vision, Honoring the Tradition” capital campaign, go to the campaign website at www. playingyourpart.org.

Asheville Catholic School sees updates over summer ASHEVILLE — Students at Asheville Catholic School will notice new flooring when they return to school this month. All classrooms in pre-kindergarten through third grade have new flooring, as well as the hallways, offices and meeting spaces.

“We’ve got our new flooring installed, and it looks amazing!” said Principal Mike Miller.

Other enhancements to the school over the summer include the installation of security cameras around the perimeter of the building. The cameras were installed to update security measures at the school,

allowing officials to monitor and record activity using the latest technology.

“This is part of our work to enhance the safety of our school,” Miller explained.

Asheville Catholic School will kick off a capital campaign this fall to raise funds to make major renovations to the school that include a 12,000-square-foot addition to the existing building.

Organizers hope to celebrate a groundbreaking for the new wing in the spring.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Our Catholic schools at a glance PAGES 4-7: Basic facts to help you in considering a Catholic education for your children

How do I apply?

Within the Charlotte area, there are many schools to choose from, which may make choosing the right school a confusing process for parents. After choosing a school, the application process itself might bring rise to an entirely new batch of problems.

For this reason, the Catholic News Herald has created a guide to help families navigate the application process for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (MACS):

Step 1:

Take a Tour

KATHERINE MCCARTHY INTERN

By the numbers 99 percent of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education.

Scholarships awarded last year: Bishop McGuinness: $7,083,752 Charlotte Catholic: $19,633,500 Christ the King: $5,282,541

Did you know?

The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcome students of all backgrounds, even as most of their students are Catholic and the school system strives to inculcate the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church.

Catholic: 89.9% Non-Catholic: 10.1% Boys: 51.2% Girls: 48.8% Asian: 4.67% Black: 2.9% Caucasian: 85.47% Hawaiian-Pacific Islander: 0.31% Multi-race: 4.33% Native American: 0.79% Unknown: 1.53%

P

arents sacrifice a great deal to provide their children with an education.

From driving back and forth, to packing lunches and helping with math homework that seems much more challenging than it should be, at times it may feel as if parents themselves are back attending school.

Add in the cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees, and the dream of providing your child with a Catholic education suddenly appears unattainable. However, there is so much more than simply math homework and book reports tied into the tuition of a Catholic education.

In fact, St. Mark School parent Theresa Lister says the cost of a Catholic education is “well worth it” for the contribution it makes in grounding children in their Catholic faith. She adds that a Catholic education is “the best of all worlds – combining faith, community and education.”

When you send your child to any of the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) or any of the 10 parish-based schools in western North Carolina, you provide your child with a well-rounded Catholic education that works to cultivate their faith, volunteerism and creativity.

What sets a Catholic education apart from anything else? Along with the other 18 principals in the diocesan school system, Tyler Kulp, principal of Sacred Heart School, emphasizes that it is prayer and incorporating the Tyler Kulp Catholic faith into everything Principal, Sacred Heart School done as a school community.

“It is so important that we encompass it with everything. We pray every day – it’s the first thing we do every morning. As a school, we start the day with a daily reading and continue this prayer throughout the day. It is so important to include prayer in everything we do,” Kulp notes.

Along with prayer, students work to serve their communities, living beyond themselves by giving to others and connecting with people who may have lives very different from their own.

As Kulp puts it, “It’s so important for our kids to go out and serve our community. They come back on fire from seeing that they were doing something good.”

When you provide your child with a Catholic education, you start them on the right path to being active members in their community.

In a world deprived of compassion, our Catholic schools cultivate talented, compassionate and successful members of society.

Kulp adds, “What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.”

All three of the diocese’s high schools have a college counseling department and counselors who guide students through the college search, application and financial aid processes. Last year, graduates from the three high schools received a combined $32 million in college scholarships and grants.

Students have committed to play a variety of collegiate sports, including football, swimming, tennis and soccer, at different universities across the country.

Connor Malloy, a 2017 Christ the King graduate, notes, “My Catholic education gave me the tools to tackle a college education through a good building of character, a great work ethic, and a desire to do more than just the bare minimum.”

Malloy adds, “If approaching a Catholic education the right way, you will benefit in not just academics but more than you can imagine.”

‘What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.’

Step 2:

Complete Application Form

Step 3:

Pay Application Fee

Step 4: Complete Checklist Items

• Though not a required step, it is recommended to take a tour before officially applying to a school.

• Tours are typically done by the principal of the school.

• It is a great way to ask specific questions about curriculum and what is offered.

• The new online system for applying allows you to start at either a specific school’s website or at discoverMACS.org.

• Just click the big green button, labeled “Apply Now.” • Applicants are encouraged to call anytime throughout the application process with questions.

• Pay by mail or credit card.

• This fee is waived only for returning students.

• Along with the application, applicants must submit a birth certificate and proof of a physical exam and immunization records.

• Additionally, families that wish to qualify for participating Catholic tuition rates must submit a baptismal certificate, as well as a completed parish participation voucher.

• Some schools may ask for the student's most recent years of grades and standardized tests.

• MACS high schools require principal and teacher recommendations and transcripts.

All MACS work on rolling admissions until all spots are full. Additionally, each school offers a multiple child discount for participating Catholic families. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as the application opens for the next school year.

Following their motto “Start with Us, Stay with Us,” once a child is accepted into MACS he or she receives automatic acceptance into the next grade level (i.e., fifth graders do not need to re-apply to a MACS middle school, eighth-graders do not need to reapply to a MACS high school).

Questions? Call the MACS office any time in the application process at 704-370-3273.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

What is the cost of a Catholic education?

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL ST. ANN SCHOOL ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL ST. MARK SCHOOL ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Does my school offer financial aid?

TUITION FOR MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADES

PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

$4,147-$6,443 $7,030 $7,790 $11,352

$4,147-$6,443 $11,365 $12,159 $16,232

Pre-kindergarten Kindergarten - Grade 5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

NOTE: Tuition rates for MAP, PACE and Matthew Morgan programs vary from the above rates. Also, a capital fee of $1,382 is assessed annually to each family to cover new building debt as well as capital repairs and maintenance at all 9 MACS schools.

A multiple-child tuition discount is available for participating Catholic families: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 50% for the fourth child and free for the fifth child and beyond. Go to www.discovermacs.org/tuition for details.

TUITION FOR PARISH-BASED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

$10,105 $8,000 $5,565 contact school $6,024 contact school $6,773 $7,700 $6,035 $6,648

$13,777 $9,800 $7,635 contact school $8,748 contact school $8,034 $12,450 $8,035 $9,696

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL IMMACULATA SCHOOL IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL ST. PIUS X SCHOOL

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All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family.

Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.

A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is needbased and can only assist with the cost of tuition.

As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.

Other financial aid options include the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program (up to $4,200 per year), Disabilities Grant Programs (up to $8,000 per student per year), and Education Savings Accounts.

These programs can cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school.

Additionally, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.

For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

CAPITAL FEE

GRADUATION FEE

TECHNOLOGY FEE

IMPROVEMENT FEE

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL √ √ √ ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATA SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL √ OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL √ ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL √ √ ST. PIUS X SCHOOL √

√

DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees, and some other expenses at a participating school.

This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

√ √ √

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT

What about miscellaneous costs?

UNIFORMS

LUNCH PROGRAMS

The national average cost of uniforms at Catholic schools in the United States is $249.

Each school provides specific information about their uniforms on their websites. Most options can be purchased through Lands’ End, but some may provide used-uniform sales or swaps throughout the school year.

Additionally, check your local consignment shop for discounted uniform items such as pants and skirts.

Fees vary by school and by order. Some parishbased schools are in the process of adding a hot lunch program, but have not at this time.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Most parish-based schools provide after school services ranging from $180 to $260 a month with other daily price options, but check with your specific school for details.

TRANSPORTATION Bus routes can be found on the MACS website at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/7d4cc8_4826af 0c83054331813ec4ae08bb152f.pdf.

Transportation fees for parish-based schools range from $95- to $165 per month, but check with your specific school to confirm. Some schools do not provide a transportation system, but may provide parents with a car-pool list.

MACS TRANSPORTATION FEES REGISTRATION FEE $75

ONE-WAY RIDER TWO-WAY RIDER $1,782 $1,206

The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

This program provides funding of up to $4,200 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

AFTER SCHOOL FEES REGISTRATION FEE One child:

$60

Each additional child:

FULL-TIME

PART-TIME

$215 per month

$20 daily

$145 per month

$10 daily

An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card.

This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

What are the requirements to receive financial aid?

Eligible applicants must: n Be a resident of North Carolina n Be 5 on or before Aug. 31 of the upcoming school year n Be younger than 22 as of the date the upcoming school year begins n Not have a high school diploma n Apply and enroll to an eligible school n Has not enrolled in a postsecondary institution (college or university) as a full-time student taking at least 12 credit hours Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility.

For details, go to www.ncseaa.edu/K-12Grants.htm.

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CATHOLIC NEWS HER

Our Cathol

The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprise Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), diocesan p

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Mission Statement The Mission of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to provide a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting and responsible citizen.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 183 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8

St. Leo Catholic School

St. Pius X Catho

333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Gary Callus, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 232 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Upcoming open houses: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesdays, Oct. 16, Jan. 15, March 18, April 8, May 14

2200 North Elm St., 27408; 336-273-986 www.spxschool.com Christopher Kloesz, Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 450 Student-teacher rati Upcoming open hous a.m. Wednesday, Nov 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesd

Diocesan Parish-based Schools This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, they are directly tied to, and administered by, a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Sacre

385 Lu 704-63 www.sa Tyler K Grades Enrollm Studen

5 essential marks of a Catholic school 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 185-200 Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Upcoming open house: 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

2. Founded on Christian anthropology 3. Animated by communion and community 4. Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum 5. Sustained by Gospel witness — From: “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B.

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828-693-3277 www.immac.org Margaret Beale, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 143 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

NOTE: ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR OR AS REPORTED BY THE SCHOOL. SOURCES INCLUDE THE EDUCATION VICARIATE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CHARLOTTEDIOCESE.ORG, DIOCESAN SCHOOLS STAFF, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL WEBSITES. PHOTOS PROVIDED

St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052; 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelcs.com Sheila Levesque, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 148 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8 Upcoming open houses: Sunday, Oct. 20, Monday, Oct. 21

RALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

lic Schools

Leadership The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education Father Roger K. Arnsparger and led by Debbie Mixer, interim superintendent of schools.

Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. MACS also has its own appointed school board.

Learn more online at www. charlottediocese.org/schools-office.

ed of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: parish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.

olic School

, Greensboro, NC 865 principal

io: 15:1 ses: PK-1: 9:30-11 v. 6; all ages: day, Jan. 29

Diocesan High School

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Catherine Rusch, principal Grades: PK3-8 Enrollment: 243 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 11:1 for K-8

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area of North Carolina.

Bishop McGuinness High School

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Greg Roberts, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 198 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 for PK, 14:1 for K-5, 10:1 for 6-8

ed Heart Catholic School

umen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 33-2841 alisburycatholicschool.org Kulp, principal s: K-8 ment: 185 nt-teacher ratio: 10:1

1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336-564-1010 www.bmhs.us Tracy A. Shaw, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 375 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Upcoming open houses: Thursday, Oct. 3, Wednesday, Nov. 6

All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by AdvancEd, the largest community of preK-12 education professionals in the world, serving more than 36,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate more than 20 million students.

AdvancEd provides accreditation and continuous improvement resources to preK-12 institutions, and conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of preK-12 institutions to ensure continuous improvement.

Admissions, tuition

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $4,147 for half-day PK to $11,352 for high school. For details, go online to www.discovermacs.org.

Christ the King Catholic High School

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Dr. Carl Semmler, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 309 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olacatholic.org Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 145 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Charlotte Catholic High School

St. Ann Catholic School

7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.gocchs.com Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,240 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stanncatholic.org Kathy McKinney, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 186 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

St. Gabriel Catholic School

3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 815 Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Michele Snoke, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 573

1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Amy Tobergte, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 219 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

St. Mark Catholic School

Prospective families can take a tour of the school campus, watch fine arts performances, hear students speak about

their experiences, meet with teachers, and schedule a shadow day (for the middle and high schools only).

14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-­5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Julie Thornley, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 717 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.stmattwildcats.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 530 Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

St. Patrick Catholic School

Open houses MACS will hold an open house at all nine schools for prospective parents at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Accreditation

The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available.

Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parishbased schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2019-’20 year are posted online at www.discovermacs.org/tuition.

All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $6,000 to $11,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available.

For MACS schools, go to its webpage, www.discovermacs.org, to learn more and download application information, or call 704-370-3273. Admission information for each diocesan parishbased school and at Bishop McGuinness High School can be found on their websites.

Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open houses at the school or schools they are eyeing.

Tuition assistance Have you ever considered Catholic education for your children but wondered if it was within your reach?

A Catholic education may be more accessible than you realize, with needsbased tuition assistance available to qualified families. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Endowment funds for the benefit of our schools and Catholic education The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 59 endowments totaling $11,834,166 that directly aid the diocese’s 19 schools and their students: n American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School. n Asheville Catholic School Foundation Endowment Fund: Financial support to enable the school to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers, and enhance the school’s curriculum. n Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of St. Leo Parish families to attend St. Leo School in WinstonSalem. n Bishop McGuinness High School Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at this school in Kernersville. n Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Molly Cassidy Scholarship Fund: Tuition assistance for students in Catholic Schools in the Triad area. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: Financial assistance, at the board’s discretion, to Charlotte Catholic High School students. n James P. and Eunice S. Cherry Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students to attend St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Cornelius Alexander Davis Fund: Tuition

assistance for students at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem. n Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Church attending Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Derhofer Endowment Fund: For drama department productions, capital needs related to the drama department, and tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area. n Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. n Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign endowment: Tuition assistance n Gayden and Janell Gauthier Fund: Tuition scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n O’Brien and William Edwards Gibbs Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Gismondi Family Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Church parishioners to attend Christ the King High School in Huntersville. n Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte. n Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund for Asheville Catholic School: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School. n Immaculata School Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Immaculate Heart of Mary School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance

St. Michael Catholic School Everything we do begins with Faith and ends with excellence.

Join us on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 3 – 5pm for Open House and tours of our newly renovated school!

• Pre K – 8th Grade • Fully Accredited • NEW state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Makers Space • NEW Expanded Science Lab • NEW Special Needs Student Classroom • Fine Arts • Athletics • Clubs and Activities 704 St. Michaels Lane – Gastonia, NC 28052 stmichaelschool@stmichaelsgastonia.org www.stmichaelcs.com

Endowments aid students, schools $2,718,117 has been distributed from 59 endowments managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation that directly benefited students and schools

Did you know? $3 million in financial aid was provided to students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system in 2017-’18, with 87 percent of families who applied being awarded financial aid.

Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for families of Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Mooresville and St. Mark Church in Huntersville to attend Christ the King High School. n Catherine McAuley Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Development Council: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ students with special needs. n Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Vic Nussbaum Jr. Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n Poutre Family Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Quinn Family Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Catholic students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties to attend Catholic high schools in these counties, Davidson College or Queens University. n Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Salisbury.

n Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Victoria Sleeman Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Church to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: For professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School. n St. Ann School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Gabriel School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Mary Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mary’s parishioners attending Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X schools in Greensboro and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n St. Leo the Great School Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the general needs of this school in Winston-Salem. n St. Michael School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Gastonia. n St. Pius X Catholic School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in Greensboro. n Theresa Lasecki Talbert Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance for students in all nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Triad Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance to students attending a Catholic elementary or high school in the Triad area. n Villalon Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville. n Sabrinia Watt Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School to attend a college of their choice. n Woelfel Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance at Our Lady of Grace School for student educational purposes; such as purchasing textbooks or technology needs. n Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

MACS Education Annual Fund The MACS Education Annual Fund supports every student, faculty member, and program at all nine Catholic schools in the MACS system and provides the flexibility to remain current and respond to new and exciting opportunities, while maintaining a commitment to preparing students for lives committed to leadership and service. In fact, more than $390,000 will be invested in professional development opportunities for teachers, classroom resources and technology along with other essential components of a MACS educational experience for this school year.

Gifts to the Annual Fund makes a difference and ensures that our Catholic schools remain vibrant, competitive and relevant among today’s many educational choices. Below are just a few examples of how gifts to the Annual Fund are empowering our Catholic schools to provide quality Catholic education to our children: School Grants and Grants for Educational Excellence (GEE): n Active learning classrooms designed with flexible seating choices to foster independent learning, as well as essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity and collaborative problemsolving. n Artist in Residence Program: Enhance the performance skills of individual students in the entire MACS band program. Many of these students successfully entered the District and State Band. n Provide funding to enable nine teachers to attend the National Science Teachers Conference focused on the latest advancements in science content and teaching strategy.

Technology Grants: n Multiple classroom instructional technologies for all nine schools such as laptops, iPads and Apple TV, among others. n Multiple instructional software programs in areas such as math, reading and coding.

Teacher Appreciation Awards: n This past June, full and part-time teachers received financial appreciation awards. This additional support from the entire school community enables MACS to help retain talented teachers who inspire a passion for learning in students.

The caliber of the MACS experience greatly depends on the resources available to our Catholic schools. The size and flexibility of the Annual Fund ensures that there are adequate resources every year to enhance and sustain MACS’ distinctive margin of excellence. The community’s participation and generosity help make a substantial difference in the lives of students each day.

Invest in your success!

Advertise in the Catholic News Herald Kevin Eagan, Advertising Manager 704-370-3332 keeagan@charlottediocese.org

catholicnewsherald.com

What is the MACS Annual Fund used for?

42% School and GEE Grants

35% Technology Grants

42% School and GEE Grants

23% Teacher Appreciation Awards

Triad Catholic Schools Foundation funds needs at six area schools The TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation’s mission is to enrich and expand Catholic education by raising funds for quality programs within the six schools in the Triad region.

Through generous financial contributions from the 2018-’19 Annual Giving Campaign supporters, these schools were able to: n Bishop McGuinness High School: Provide tuition assistance for families seeking an exceptional Catholic education n Immaculate Heart of Mary School: Provide tuition assistance to families in need n Our Lady of Grace School: Provide tuition assistance opportunities so that all families may have access to our Catholic school

n Our Lady of Mercy School: Provide tuition assistance for families in need n St. Leo School: Assist families in developing the best financial plan to provide a quality Catholic education for their children n St. Pius X School: Provide tuition assistance to keep St. Pius X School accessible, affordable and available to all families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education To donate to the TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation, visit www.donatetriad.org or mail checks to: Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

For details, contact Ralph Perez at 704-3703303 or rperez@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

‘The future of our Church is now’ A family speaks on the impact of Catholic Campus Ministry SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

GREENSBORO — For one St. Paul the Apostle Parish family, Catholic Campus Ministry has been a vital part of their faith life for nearly a decade. Bill and Mary Wells and two of their three adult children, Matthew and Sarah, have seen the value of campus ministry at both Appalachian State University in Boone and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Their son Matthew attended Appalachian State University from 2010 to 2015, and their daughter Sarah attended UNCGreensboro from 2015 to 2019.

“While visiting colleges when I was in high school, one of the most important places for me to visit was each campus’s Newman or Campus Ministry center. I felt a connection while touring Appalachian State and it became one of the first things I got involved with after I moved to Boone,” said Wells, 27, who now works as a city planner in Archdale.

He became a member of the leadership team in 2011 and continued until he graduated in 2015, serving as campus ministry president in his final year.

Wells worked to prepare and clean up Wednesday night dinners and reflections, helped to organize retreats, and participated in various social events across

campus during his time of service. He was also part of a group of three young men who started a weekly men’s group.

“In today’s day and age, our faith is constantly being challenged, especially on college campuses,” he says. “For the first time in many people’s lives, it’s the first time they are independent of their parents and they have the choice to keep God in their lives or to turn away from the Church.”

For him, he explains, “It was a valuable way to get involved with a community and to keep my faith alive. It’s definitely not an easy decision, but it’s important. The people that I met through campus ministry are lifelong friends, even if we don’t always get the chance to see each other. Being part of a small group gave me a feeling of ‘home’ and friends that I could always rely on.”

His experiences with campus ministry have had a definite impact on his faith.

“Today, I am back in Greensboro involved with my own church, the Knights of Columbus and the Greensboro Catholic Young Adult Ministry (Way of Christ).

The experiences and challenges I faced in college made me stronger in my faith and encouraged to always get involved,” he explains.

“The future of our Church is now!” he CAMPUS, SEE PAGE 11

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW WELLS

Catholic Campus Ministry was a way of life for Matthew Wells, who attended Appalachian State University in Boone from 2010-2015. He became a member of the leadership team and continued until he graduated in 2015, serving as campus ministry president in his final year. This is an April 2015 photo taken at the last Wednesday night dinner for campus ministry participants before his graduation.

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August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

CAMPUS

why I believe it is a valuable ministry for young adults,” she says.

“Without the campus ministry, I wouldn’t be as dedicated to my faith as I am today. I have found myself FROM PAGE 10 determined to understand it and appreciate it more as I live my life faithfully each day.

“I am grateful for what the campus ministry has says. “We need to get more young people involved and provided for me – to make my faith stronger and to share campus ministry is a place to continue (or start, if you it with others.” were not involved before) your faith journey. Make a Bill and Mary Wells have seen their children grow in difference, get involved on our campuses and bring our their faith over the past nine years faith back to life.” since Matthew first went away to Sarah, 22, has also been greatly college. affected by her involvement “They have both learned a with campus ministry at UNClot about leadership and how to Greensboro over the past four work with others, helping them to years. develop friendships that will last “I was involved in many different them a lifetime,” Mary says. “We things in the campus ministry,” she have seen so much joy in the both recalls. “I assumed the position of of them in regards to their faith student leader during my second and the desires they have to want year and soon became the student to learn more and share it with president during my third and others.” fourth year.

“College is a very difficult time “Being part of the leadership for many students, especially those team helped me to come out of my that aren’t the most outgoing, and shell and be able to connect with Matthew Wells the CCM programs were a place for other people – students and nonApp State graduate and Campus Ministry leader both of them to meet others with students. I had the opportunity to similar values and desires,” she lead a weekly Bible study, assist says. with our on-campus Mass, participate in once-a-month “Both the programs at App State and UNC-G provided service projects, and spend time with other students environments of study, service and social as well as doing various activities inside and outside campus spiritual growth for them and the other kids that were ministry.” there with them, and that has continued even after both She also participated in retreats and service trips have graduated,” Bill adds. provided as part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Campus Bill and Mary now financially support the Catholic Ministry program.

Campus Ministry programs at both Appalachian State Campus ministry is valuable for young adults, she and UNC-Greensboro, because they have personally seen says, “because it’s a chance to build strong, life-long “the wonderful and truly positive impact” the programs friendships with people who become your second family. have in the lives of young adults.

It’s an atmosphere of positivity and community that Catholic campus ministry helps “to keep the Catholic makes it worth being a part of.”

“There are many opportunities in the ministry to learn college student passionate about their faith and wanting to share that passion with others,” she says. how to be a faithful servant to the community, and that’s

‘It was a valuable way to get involved with a community and to keep my faith alive.’

11

Campus Ministry: ‘College is 4 years; your Catholic faith is 4ever’ Off to college? Want to meet new lifetime friends? Look for Catholic Campus Ministry on your campus. They may have tables outside church and at campus club/organization fairs.

Or they may be helping firstyear students settle in their rooms or participating in the Week of Welcome (WOW) on your campus. Wherever they are and whatever year you are, you are welcome to join them. Go to www.catholiconcampus.com and click on “Directory” to find and contact the Campus Minister at your college or university.

Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte serves college students throughout western North Carolina, enabling them to continue their faith journey as young adults.

Campus Ministry encourages young adult Catholics to develop a closer relationship with God, continue forming their conscience within the teachings of our faith, build faith communities on campus, develop as future leaders and stewards of the Catholic community, and engage in social justice-oriented learning and activities.

All Catholic students attending university or college in the diocese are welcome in

the Catholic Campus Ministry community at: n Appalachian State University (with outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University) n Bennett College and North Carolina A&T (Thea House) n Davidson College n UNC-Asheville (with outreach to Warren Wilson College, AB Tech Community College and Mars Hill University) n UNC-Charlotte (with outreach to Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wingate University, Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales UniversityCharlotte) n UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Greensboro College, Guilford College and High Point University) n Wake Forest University (with outreach to Salem College and North Carolina School of the Arts) n Western Carolina University

More online At www.catholiconcampus. com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte

CCDOC.ORG

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

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

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

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August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

‘Wisdom from the women we love’ Local Catholics share life lessons in book on women’s wisdom SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ This otherwise benign tale of a man and his dog, adapted from the novel by Garth Stein, is marred by a treatment of reincarnation that prevents endorsement for impressionable viewers. A wise old golden retriever (voice of Kevin Costner) narrates part of the life story of the aspiring Formula One racecar driver (Milo Ventimiglia) who adopted him as a puppy.

Though his devoted owner faces professional and financial challenges, he hits the jackpot personally when he falls for a gentle teacher (Amanda Seyfried) and their model marriage produces a daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong).

But there are further difficulties ahead, beginning with the antipathy toward him of his wife’s snooty rich parents (Kathy Baker and Martin Donovan). With its portrait of spouses who support each other admirably in good times and adversity alike, director Simon Curtis’ film, written for the screen by Mark Bomback, would normally be a movie to celebrate. Yet the seriousness with which it takes the pooch’s aspiration to return as a human being in his next life makes it problematic for youthful viewers.

Their elders will note some clumsy storytelling and a high level of predictability. Probably acceptable for mature teens. Implied premarital sexual activity, a single use of profanity, brief but graphic scatological humor.

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

HUNTERSVILLE — A sleepless night and a visit from the Holy Spirit were the inspirations for Elza Spaedy’s new book “Wisdom From The Women We Love: Life Lessons Filled With Women’s Wisdom.”

The St. Mark parishioner says on that night, “In a matter of about one hour, God filled my soul with the vision for this beautiful book… I let God lead me to the right people to make creating this book possible.”

She shares that when she got the inspiration, she felt the Lord was telling her that this book would serve as a way for women everywhere to know that they are never alone in their struggles.

Spaedy says that her pastor, Father John Putnam, was the first person she got in touch with after getting the inspiration. “And in his wisdom he said very matter-of- fact, ‘Elza, I think you have something here,’” she recalls. “That was all I needed to hear to get the ball rolling. He’s been my biggest support throughout this project,” she adds.

“The book is also supposed to help open women’s eyes to all the beautiful teachings of our Catholic Church in a storytelling format, much like what Jesus did in His days with all His teachings in parables,” she explains.

Spaedy trusted in the promptings of the Holy Spirit and she and 24 women

have contributed short stories of faith, hope and love in this 167-page first edition released this spring. Each story has an accompanying Scripture verse, as well as questions to promote reflection for individual readers or book club participants.

“God is truly amazing and this book is a perfect example of that,” she says. “I have had many women stop me after Mass to tell me how much they have enjoyed the book and how very inspiring it has been to them. I also have had many women ask me if I have ever considered doing a Spanish version of the book.”

With the success of the first edition, Spaedy is already working on a second edition.

“I had a feeling from the beginning there would be more editions to this wisdom book. The stories from this second one are shaping up to be just as inspiring as the ones from the first one,” Spaedy says.

“Stories connect us more than anything else and we all have so much to share and learn from each other. I’m still blown away that God chose me for this project,” she says.

Get a copy “Wisdom From The Women We Love” is available online at www.amazon.com. Copies are also available at the St. Mark Parish Catholic Shop in the Monsignor Kerin Center. St. Mark Church is located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

‘Brian Banks’ Fact-based drama, about the football star of the title (Aldis Hodge) and the seemingly insurmountable hurdles he faced after being imprisoned on a false charge of rape. Xosha Roquemore plays his accuser while Greg Kinnear portrays the head of the California Innocence Project. The densely plotted courtroom procedural is not as clearly told as it should have been, yet it is effective at showing the power of unwavering hope. Mature themes, including sexual assault, a few sexual references, at least one use of profanity, fleeting rough language.

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

Other Movies: n ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG n ‘The Kitchen’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’: CNS: A-II (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Catholic Book Pick ‘God’s Wildest Wonderment of All,’ by Paul Thigpen, illustrated by John Folley When a curious little boy visits the zoo, he learns much more from the animals than his parents might have expected. The fascinating creatures he encounters there provoke in him a rousing round of questions and speculations that will set your child to thinking. Why has God created and preserved such an entertaining assortment of beasts?

As he surveys the wonderful critters all around him, at last he discovers God’s wildest wonderment of all – in a moment of joyous self-discovery that your child will share.

Bestselling author Paul Thigpen tells the tale in rollicking, musical verse, with vivid and playful illustrations by artist John Folley that will have your little one begging to read this book again and again.

At www.tanbooks.com: Order your copy of “God’s Wildest Wonderment of All.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”

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On TV n Sunday, Aug. 18, 3:30 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 Monday, Aug. 19, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Battle Ready: Fatima: 100 Years of Spiritual Combat”: Doug Barry marks the centenary of the Fatima apparitions by reflecting on the seriousness of Our Lady’s messages and how best to respond to them. n Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Witness of Love in a Secular Age.” Fathers Hogan and Gorman relate the remarkable life of Gianna Molla as exemplary wife, mother, physician and witness of self-giving charity. n Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Teresa of Avila.” An illuminating docudrama examining the life of the 16th Century saint and mystic Teresa of Avila. n Thursday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Chosen.” A documentary that follows one former internet blogger’s calling to a religious vocation as a contemplative nun, while presenting a rare look inside cloistered life within Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford, Illinois. n Friday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “A Force for Good: Michael Novak.” Jay Richards delves into the life and ideas of the late Michael Novak, an American Catholic philosopher, journalist, novelist, and former seminarian who distinguished himself as one of Catholicism’s brightest lights in the 1960s. Part 1. n Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Rose of Lima.” The faith journey of Isabel Flores de Oliva, whose great love for God and neighbor would lead to her canonization as Saint Rose of Lima, the first Saint of the Americas.

An EWTN Original Movie. n Monday, Aug. 26, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saints for Today: Blessed Kaspar Stanggissinger.” Father John Horgan explores the life of Blessed Kaspar Stranggassinger and his way of quiet, generous holiness. n Tuesday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “The Choices We Face: Shocking Forgiveness.” A survivor of the Rwandan genocide shares the incredible story of how he forgave the murder of his whole family. n Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Francis of Assisi.” A docudrama on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who renounced everything for God. n Thursday, Aug. 29, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saints Alive: Saint Irenaeus of Lyons.” Saint Irenaeus of Lyons gives a revealing interview to host Richard Payne, and then answers questions about his life from a live modern-day audience.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 14

Daniel Medina

Con la verdad y sin miedo

M

e llamo Daniel Moreno, tengo 22 años y soy coordinador del grupo juvenil Génesis de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Greensboro.

Empecé este grupo juvenil hace cuatro años, cuando tenía 18, porque veía la necesidad de los jóvenes. Durante las Misas en la parroquia, las clases de catecismo y las actividades de la comunidad en general, podía ver a muchos jóvenes, pero no había algo de seguimiento para que pudieran crecer más en la fe.

Con la experiencia de mi adolescencia en un grupo juvenil y los siete años participando con la Pastoral Juvenil de la Diócesis de Charlotte, he podido aprender la mejor manera de acercarme a los jóvenes.

Ellos, los mismos jóvenes, han sido los mejores maestros para mí. Me han enseñado a enamorarme de Dios y, a la misma vez, me han mostrado la manera de conducir a otros jóvenes a acercarse a la Iglesia y finalmente, al igual que yo, a enamorarse de Dios.

Durante estos cuatro años, el grupo juvenil que conduzco ha salido adelante. La fórmula para lograr esta meta es muy sencilla y quiero compartirla con todos ustedes: A los jóvenes debemos hablarles de la misma manera que los apóstoles hicieron en los principios de la Iglesia: hablándoles al corazón y con la verdad.

A nuestros jóvenes debemos mostrarles que hay que perder el miedo de ser llamado “católico”, miedo de no ser uno mismo, miedo de ser juzgado, miedo de seguir a Dios.

Con la verdad, debemos dejar que Dios haga su obra y que ellos abran su corazón, tan solo un poquito, al Señor.

En realidad, no creo que sea necesario enseñarles teología y filosofía complicadas, sino simplemente utilizar explicaciones sencillas, tal y como es el amor de Dios.

Así es como Dios puede entrar en sus corazones. Así ellos podrán escuchar su llamado y dejarán que Él les enseñe su camino.

En el peor de los casos ahora mismo no escucharán el llamado de Dios, pero en su debido momento lo sentirán.

Desde mi punto de vista, hay muchas otras formas para llegar a los jóvenes hoy en día.

Hay que utilizar los recursos que nos brinda la sociedad.

Al igual que Jesús, podemos valernos de los medios que mucha gente usa para hacer el mal y utilizarlos para el bien y llamar la atención de los jóvenes.

Finalmente, no me cansaré de repetir que lo importante es hacer lo mismo que los apóstoles hicieron: enseñar con la simple verdad.

Como San Francisco de Sales dijo: “Nada es más fuerte que la humildad, nada es tan humilde como la fuerza real”.

DANIEL MEDINA es coordinador del grupo juvenil en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Greensboro.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Trece son los hombres que se forman para el diaconado y que fueron instituídos como lectores el pasado sábado 10 de agosto por el Obispo Jugis en la Misa de Reafirmación de las promesas de ordenación de los diáconos.

‘Niéguense a sí mismos, dejen que la gente vea a Cristo’ Presencia de diáconos permanentes y candidatos marcó la fiesta de San Lorenzo SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

CHARLOTTE — El Obispo Peter Jugis ingresó a la Catedral San Patricio en medio de un mar de estolas rojas el 10 de agosto para celebrar la Misa de la Afirmación de las Promesas de Ordenación de los diáconos permanentes, que se celebra anualmente por la fiesta de San Lorenzo, diácono y mártir.

Este año, durante la Misa, el Obispo Jugis también instaló en el Ministerio de Lector a 13 candidatos para el diaconado permanente. Este es el segundo paso en el proceso, después de haber completado el Rito de Candidatura en agosto pasado.

Joseph Becker, Eduardo Bernal, Carl Brown, Margarito Franco, Charles Hindbaugh, Todd Labonte, John Langlois, Thomas Martin, William Melton Jr., Richard Michaels, Francisco Piña, Herbert Quintanilla y Joseph Smith se presentaron ante el Obispo Jugis cuando fueron llamados durante la misa.

En su homilía, el Obispo Jugis dijo

que “el Señor nos da un día alegre al presenciar que nuestros hermanos diáconos afirman sus promesas de ordenación y que nuestros candidatos a diáconos son instituidos en el Ministerio de Lector. Es una alegría ver a todos ustedes ofreciéndose para el ministerio de la Iglesia”. Luego explicó las responsabilidades de los diáconos al convertirse en lectores.

“Ahora tendrán un encargo muy especial dentro de la Iglesia al servicio de Jesús. Hay varias cosas de las que ustedes serán responsables”, dijo. “Lo más importante será la proclamación de la Palabra de Dios en la Misa. Ustedes y sus voces están al servicio de Dios para comunicar su palabra, su mensaje de salvación para su pueblo. Y a través de esas palabras de Dios que pronunciará, Dios está ofreciendo a su pueblo alimento espiritual a través de su palabra y formándolos, formando sus corazones, formando sus mentes y conciencias en su enseñanza”.

“El Señor les da las gracias que necesitan para cumplir este ministerio

especial”, dijo. “Pero ustedes también deben hacer su parte. Deben cultivar esa gracia, a través de su oración y a través de una amistad íntima con Jesús para que crezcan en santidad mientras ejercen su ministerio”.

Todos nosotros tenemos la obligación de crecer en santidad, enfatizó el obispo.

“Niéguense a sí mismos y síganlo.

Deben morir a sí mismos para seguirlo.

En otras palabras, Jesús debe poseer el primer lugar en sus corazones”.

“Niéguense a sí mismos, dejen que la gente vea a Cristo”, dijo. “Que todos vean en ustedes a siervos que aman y son fieles al Señor”.

Después de la homilía, uno a uno los candidatos se acercaron al Obispo Jugis y arrodillaron extendiendo la mano para sostener la Santa Biblia que les extendía mientras les confería el Ministerio de Lector.

El padre Brian Becker, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Marcos, cuyo padre Joseph Becker fue instituido como ‘NIÉGUENSE, PASA A LA PÁGINA 16

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe tiene nuevo párroco CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE ­— Una verdadera fiesta se vivió en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el pasado martes 6 de agosto, cuando el Obispo Jugis celebró la Misa de instalación del nuevo pastor, Padre Gregorio Gay. Cientos de fieles se dieron cita en la iglesia localizada al oeste de Charlotte, la que lució un lleno de bandera, al igual que en las misas dominicales que regularmente se programan en ese templo.

Previamente a la celebración eucarística, que dio inicio pasadas las 7:30 de la noche en el día en que la Iglesia celebraba la Transfiguración de Cristo, se leyó la carta que el Obispo Jugis dirigió al Padre Gay haciéndole saber su decisión de nombrarlo pastor, después de haber recibido la recomendación del provincial de la orden San Vicente de Paul, misma que tiene el encargo de atender la parroquia.

Luego, frente al altar y de rodillas ante su obispo, el Padre Gay juró reconocer las verdades de la fe católica y, poniendo sus manos sobre la Biblia pidió ayuda a Dios y los Santos Evangelios para cumplir la misión que se le encomienda.

PROMESA

“Al asumir el oficio de párroco, prometo mantenerme siempre en comunión con la Iglesia Católica, tanto en lo que exprese de palabra como en mi manera de obrar”, señaló y prometió cumplir fidelidad y diligencia sus funciones, evitando “cualquier doctrina que le sea contraria”.

Siguiendo con el orden protocolar, el Padre Gregorio firmó un documento sellando su compromiso, sirviendo de testigos los padres Hugo Medellín y Leo Tiburcio, sacerdotes de la parroquia y concelebrantes de la liturgia.

Tras cumplir el proceso, el Obispo

Jugis, dirigiéndose a la feligresía, dijo, “parroquianos de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ahora les encomiendo a ustedes al padre como su nuevo párroco”, lo que arrancó una larga ovación de los presentes.

Durante la homilía, que el obispo dirigió en particular al nuevo párroco, se hizo hincapié en el cumplimiento de las funciones que, como buen pastor, el Padre Gay deberá cumplir.

“Como hemos escuchado en el Evangelio, las palabras de Dios Padre fueron ‘este es mi hijo amado, escúchenlo’. Y por medio del ministerio del Padre Gregorio vamos a escuchar la voz del Padre”, dijo el Obispo.

TAREA IMPORTANTE

Tras ello subrayó que ser párroco de una parroquia es una responsabilidad muy importante. “Padre Gregorio tiene la responsabilidad, como se dice en latín, de ‘cura animarum’, el cuidado de las almas, el cuidado pastoral de ustedes, fieles de esta parroquia”.

“Por favor, recen por su párroco”, añadió el Obispo Jugis, “él reza cada día por ustedes en las oraciones del oficio divino, la liturgia de las horas y en la Santa Misa; pero ustedes también tienen la responsabilidad de rezar por él”, remarcó.

Posteriormente ambos se dirigieron a la puerta de la iglesia, la fuente bautismal, el salón de confesiones, el sagrario y el altar, lugares donde el Obispo Jugis fue muy específico con sus recomendaciones para con el flamante pastor.

Al término de la Misa, después de pedir permiso al Obispo, el Padre Gay se dirigió a los feligreses.

“Como todos sabemos, no es fácil seguir al Padre Vicente por el trabajo tan maravilloso que ha hecho guiando a esta comunidad”, pero, anotó, que siguiendo el ejemplo de Jesucristo, tanto él como la comunidad van a poder realizar una buena labor para la parroquia, a la que consideró

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Obispo Peter Jugis toma juramento al Padre Gregorio Gay, a quien nombró como párroco de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la iglesia con mayor número de fieles hispanos en la Diócesis de Charlotte. El Padre Gay fue instalado el 6 de agosto y reemplaza al Padre Vicente Finnerty. “un proyecto de todos nosotros”.

“Estoy sumamente agradecido a Monseñor Pedro por haber venido a nosotros a celebrar este día. Estamos honrados con su presencia y esperamos que siga visitándonos, orientándonos como trabajadores en la viña del Señor, en el Reino de Dios”.

Una nueva ovación, esta vez dirigida al Obispo Jugis, siguió a las palabras del párroco.

Finalizada la Misa y los saludos al nuevo pastor, se sirvió una cena para celebrar la

ocasión.

El Padre Gregorio Gay, miembro de la orden Vicentina, ha servido como Superior de la Provincia de Centroamérica por dos términos en 2004, presidente de la Conferencia de Religiosos en Guatemala en 2003 y 2004 y como Superior General de la Congregación de la Misión en 2004, siendo reelecto en 2010.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea videos y fotos sobre esta fecha especial

Ocho jóvenes ingresaron al Seminario Universitario San José En discernimiento para seguir una vocación sacerdotal CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Ocho son los nuevos jóvenes que ingresaron al Seminario Universitario San José. De ellos, dos son de orígen latino. Al momento son cuarenta los hombres que disciernen el camino al orden sagrado en este seminario de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE ­— El domingo 4 de agosto fue un dia muy especial para los ocho jóvenes que integran la nueva promoción de estudiantes que ingresaron al Seminario Universitario San José en Charlotte.

La “Promoción Delta”, como se les denomina a estos hombres que comenzarán su discernimiento a una vocación sacerdotal, se instaló en la casa que los acogerá temporalmente hasta que finalice la construcción del edificio del seminario que se levanta en Belmont.

Acompañados de padres, hermanos, familiares y amigos, descargaron cajas y bolsas con ropa de cama, zapatos, vestimenta y útiles de escuela, los que instalaron en sus dormitorios.

Dos de los ocho estudiantes son de ascendencia latina y comparten la modesta pero cómoda habitación que se les fue asignada.

David Cruz Pérez, de padres mexicanos, dijo sentirse feliz de que Dios lo quiera aquí para su trabajo y “porque, a lo mejor, quiere que vaya y ayude a la gente”.

Su padre, Marco Antonio Cruz, señaló que, ante la decisión de su hijo de discernir sobre una vocación sacerdotal, decidió apoyarlo. “Yo he nacido para el servicio y pienso que eso le llamó a él la atención”, añadió.

Más online En facebook.com/CNHEspañol y www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea fotos y videos sobre el ingreso de la Promoción Delta al Seminario Universitario San José

Por su parte Heriberta Pérez, madre de David, dijo que esta es la primera vez que su hijo se separa de la familia y va a extrañar prepararle sus potajes favoritos, como son los tamales, pozole y el mole de olla.

“Lo quiero mucho y espero ser un buen apoyo para él”, dijo la madre, antes de abrazar y besar a su hijo.

James Johnson, de ascendencia puertorriqueña, estaba acompañado de su madre, Carol, y su abuela, Carmen Pantoja Pérez.

Doña Carmen, contenta y agradecida a Dios, dijo que al nacer su nieto lo encomendó a la Virgen María. “Siempre he orado por las vocaciones sacerdotales y, no sé por qué con él, pero oraba todos los días con el Rosario y la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia pidiéndole que lo llame”, dijo, por lo que la decisión de su nieto no fue una sorpresa para ella.

La jornada de mudanza ya había dado inicio antes del SAN JOSÉ, PASA A LA PÁGINA 16

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SAN JOSÉ VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 15

mediodía, cuando la Promoción Delta en pleno atendió la Misa de 10:30 de la mañana en la Iglesia Santa Ana, al sur de Charlotte.

Los ocho jóvenes, de impecable traje y corbata negros, ocuparon la primera banca del lado izquierdo del templo. Detrás de ellos se ubicaron sus amigos y familiares.

La Misa fue celebrada por el Padre Matthew Kauth, rector del seminario universitario. Concelebraron el Padre Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte; el vicario judicial y consejero de formación, Padre John Putnam; el Padre Matthew Buettner, director espiritual del seminario universitario; y el Padre Timothy Reid, pastor de la Iglesia Sta. Ana. En su homilía el Padre Kauth dijo a los jóvenes que no podrán lograr un crecimiento en virtud o santidad, o lograr convertirse en sacerdotes, sin que el Señor haga el trabajo en ellos.

“Su trabajo es muy simple, es buscar las cosas que están arriba”, no el mundo terrenal. “En palabras de San Benito, vuestro trabajo es preferir nada más que a Cristo”.

Un caso particular es el de la familia Martin, parroquianos de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville, que tienen dos hijos en el seminario universitario: Patrick y Luke.

“Es un día maravilloso”, dijo Tom Martin, padre de los niños, quien se encuentra actualmente en el programa de formación del diaconado permanente. “El Señor los ha llamado a los dos. Estamos tratando de obedecer a Dios y ofrecerle nuestros hijos si los llama”.

Su esposa Heather Martin añadió, “Estoy encantada que Dios esté llamando a los hombres en mi vida para que lo sirvan. Es algo hermoso.”

El Padre Kauth dijo que la Diócesis de Charlotte ha sido bendecida por la presencia de vocaciones locales promovidas por los programas juveniles que ha instaurado el Obispo Jugis. Respecto a la labor del seminario universitario señaló que “estamos aquí solamente para ayudar, para proteger, para dar comida del cuerpo y del alma, para proteger estas vocaciones que el Señor crea”.

Los ocho integrantes de la Promoción Delta se suman a los otros 32 jóvenes que estudian en el seminario universitario de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Semana de la familia FOREST CITY — Bajo la conducción del Padre José Antonio Juya se realizó, del 22 al 26 de julio, la Semana de la Familia en la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción en Forest City. El programa, que incluyó oración, cantos, presentación de testimonios y charlas de promoción de los beneficios de estrechar los lazos familiares, así como relaciones personales y en el vecindario, concluyó diariamente con un mensaje de bendición del Padre Juya. Cerrando las actividades, más de 300 personas atendieron el domingo 28 a un convivio en el parque James F. Crowe Park, en Forest City, para celebrar el término del programa. A las 3 de la tarde el Padre Juya celebró la Santa Misa.

FOTOS POR GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Veneraron a la Virgen de los Ángeles CHARLOTTE — En la Misa de 6:30 de la tarde del domingo 4, celebrada en la parroquia San Gabriel en Charlotte, se rindió homenaje a la Virgen de los Ángeles, advocación mariana originaria de España que llegó a América en el período de la conquista y fue declarada Patrona de Costa Rica por el Congreso de la República de ese país en 1824.

La Misa fue celebrada por el Padre Fidel Melo, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Este año se celebró el 383 aniversario del hallazgo de la imagen mariana en la ciudad costarricense de Cartago.

Pequeña, hecha de roca volcánica, grafito y jade, es de color negro y por ello a la Virgen se le llama cariñosamente ‘La Negrita’. En una carta enviada a los católicos en Costa Rica por la clausura del Año Jubilar de 2011 en honor a Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, el Papa Benedicto XVI afirmó que esta devoción mariana es un signo sagrado de la religión cristiana y la fe en Latinoamérica.

Además de Cartago, existen otras basílicas en el mundo dedicadas a esta advocación, especialmente en Italia donde se encuentran tres. La más importante está ubicada en la ciudad de Asís, donde San Francisco recibió su vocación en el año 1208.

NIÉGUENSE VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 15

lector en la misa, compartió que se sintió conmovido por las palabras del obispo en su homilía al reflejar el ministerio del lector.

“Cuando las Escrituras se proclaman en la liturgia, es Dios quien habla a su pueblo.

Entonces, la alegría que celebramos al incorporar a mi padre en el Ministerio de Lector es que se está convirtiendo en ese canal a través del cual Nuestro Señor habla humanamente a su pueblo”, dijo el Padre Becker. “Es algo alegre para celebrar: ser un instrumento en la salvación de Nuestro Señor. Yo mismo he experimentado eso, y ahora puedo ver a mi padre ser parte de ese canal que Nuestro Señor nos da gratuitamente. Es una alegría ser parte de ELENA VÁSQUEZ Y CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘NIÉGUENSE, PASA A LA PÁGINA 21

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Lecturas Diarias AGOSTO 18-24

Domingo: Jeremías 38:4-6, 8-10, Hebreos 12:1-4, Lucas 12:4953; Lunes (San Juan Eudes): Jueces 2:11-19, Mateo 19:16-22; Martes (San Bernardo): Jueces 6:11-24, Mateo 19:23-30; Miércoles (San Pío X): Jueces 9:6-15, Mateo 20:1-16; Jueves (El reinado de la bienaventurada Virgen María): Jueces 11:29-39, Mateo 22:1-14; Viernes (Sta. Rosa de Lima): Ruth 1:1,36, 14-16, 22, Mateo 22:34-40; Sábado (San Bartolomé): Apocalipsis 21:9-14, Juan 1:45-51

Santa Rosa de Lima, consagrada por amor a Jesucristo CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

El próximo 23 de agosto la Iglesia Universal celebrará la fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima, patrona del Perú, América y Filipinas, aunque en su tierra natal, Perú, la fiesta se celebra el 30 de agosto, día feriado nacional.

AGOSTO 25-31

Domingo: Isaías 66:1821, Hebreos 12:5-7, 11-13, Lucas 13:22-30; Lunes: 1 Tesalonicenses 1:1-5, 8-10, Mateo 23:13-22; Martes (Sta. Mónica): 1 Tesalonicenses 2:1-8, Mateo 23:2326; Miércoles (San Agustín): 1 Tesalonicenses 2:913, Mateo 23:27-32; Jueves (La Pasión de San Juan Bautista): 1 Tesalonicenses 3:7-13, Marcos 6:17-29; Viernes: 1 Tesalonicenses 4:1-8, Mateo 25:1-13; Sábado: 1 Tesalonicenses 4:9-11, Mateo 25:14-30

SEPTIEMBRE 1-7

Domingo: Sirácides 3:17-18, 20,28-29, Hebreos 12:18-19, 2224, Lucas 14:1, 7-14; Lunes: 1 Tesalonicenses 4:13-18, Lucas 4:1630; Martes (San Gregorio el Grande): 1 Tesalonicenses 5:1-6, 9-11, Lucas 4:31-37; Miércoles: Colosenses 1:1-8, Lucas 4:38-44; Jueves (Sta. Teresa de Calcuta): Colosenses 1:914, Lucas 5:1-11; Viernes: Colosenses 1:15-20, Lucas 5:33-39; Sábado: Colosenses 1:21-23, Lucas 6:1-5

“Santa Rosa de Lima con el niño Jesus”, de autor anónimo (c. 1680-1700) se exhibe en el Museo de Arte de Lima.

Santa Rosa, nacida en Lima en 1586 y bautizada con el nombre de Isabel Flores de Oliva, fue la primera mujer americana declarada santa por la Iglesia Católica.

La historia cuenta que su madre, al ver que la carita de su bebé se volvía sonrosada y hermosa como una rosa, empezó a llamarla con ese nombre.

Se dice que la niña estaba un día rezando ante una imagen de la Virgen María y le pareció que el niño Jesús le decía: “Rosa conságrame a mí todo tu amor”.

Y en adelante se propuso no vivir sino para amar a Jesucristo.

Al ser tan hermosa, para evitar

ser tentación de nadie, se cortó el cabello, se propuso llevar el rostro cubierto con un velo y declaró a su familia que renunciaba a todo matrimonio, por brillante y económicamente conveniente que fuera.

Más adelante conoció a las terciarias dominicas, pidió ser admitida y la aceptaron. Tomó como modelo a la terciaria dominica más famosa, Santa Catalina de Siena, y logró de manera admirable imitarla en muchos aspectos.

Se dice que el demonio la atacaba constantemente. En el templo que lleva su nombre, ubicado en el centro de la ciudad de Lima donde vivió la santa, todavía se exhibe los restos de un árbol limonero seco. Ahí se dice se escondió el demonio que la atormentaba, provocando que el frutal se secara en el acto.

También se conserva una ermita que la misma santa construyó, en donde se recluía por largos períodos de tiempo, durmiendo sobre duras tablas, con un palo por almohada.

Cada 30 de agosto llegan en peregrinación hasta el templo limeño miles de fieles de todas partes del país inca y el mundo.

Es costumbre escribir una carta solicitando la intercesión de Rosa de Lima para recibir infinidad de favores. Las misivas se depositan en un pozo seco, con la esperanza y fe que la santa atenderá los más difíciles pedidos.

El 24 de agosto de 1617, a los 31 años, después de terrible agonía, expiró Rosa de Lima con la alegría de ir al encuentro del amadísimo Salvador.

A despedir a la santa acudieron multitudes. Recibió el homenaje de autoridades eclesiásticas, políticas y el pueblo al que siempre atendió. Después la sepultaron en una de las paredes del templo.

En 1667 fue beatificada por Clemente IX, y canonizada en 1671 por Clemente X.

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17

Firma independiente lleva a cabo revisión integral de archivos de sacerdotes PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

CHARLOTTE — Una firma de investigación independiente está revisando los archivos del personal del clero de la Diócesis de Charlotte como parte de un esfuerzo por divulgar los nombres de todos los clérigos acusados creíblemente de abuso sexual infantil, anunció la diócesis el 12 de agosto.

La firma Servicios de Seguridad de Investigación de Estados Unidos está llevando a cabo una revisión exhaustiva de todos los archivos del clero desde que se estableció la diócesis en 1972, en busca de cualquier indicio de abuso sexual de un menor. Su tarea consiste en revisar decenas de miles de páginas en más de mil archivos.

Cualquier indicación de abuso se enviará a la Junta de Revisión Laica de la diócesis para determinar si las acusaciones son creíbles, dijo la diócesis en un comunicado.

El obispo Peter Jugis se ha comprometido en hacer públicos los nombres de cualquier clérigo creíblemente acusado, con el objetivo de publicar una lista antes de fin de año.

Desde 2002, los nombres de clérigos creíblemente acusados de abuso, han sido publicados, un requisito de la Carta de los Obispos de los Estados Unidos para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes, en vigor desde ese año. Los nombres de al menos 20 clérigos que sirvieron anteriormente en la diócesis ya se han hecho públicos en el transcurso de los años, en el Catholic News Herald y en otros medios, con la mayoría de esos casos de abuso que ocurrieron hace décadas y en lugares ajenos a

la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Desde 2002, la diócesis de Charlotte ha adoptado un enfoque de tolerancia cero para el abuso sexual infantil y no tiene conocimiento de ninguna acusación contra el clero que actualmente sirve en el ministerio, señaló el Padre Patrick Winslow, vicario general de la diócesis y canciller, a los reporteros el 12 de agosto.

Esta revisión histórica de archivos es importante para proporcionar una “contabilidad pública” integral del clero acusado de abuso sexual infantil que haya servido en la diócesis desde 1972.

“La mayoría de las denuncias de abuso infantil con las que estamos tratando ahora involucran incidentes que ocurrieron hace décadas y, lamentablemente, esas víctimas continúan sufriendo”, dijo el padre Winslow. “Sabemos que un recuento público completo del abuso que tuvo lugar dentro de nuestra diócesis es fundamental para promover la justicia y la sanación de las víctimas, y creemos que la investigación independiente por parte de expertos externos nos acercará a lograr estos dos objetivos”.

El obispo Jugis comenzó el proceso de revisión de los archivos de personal y otros registros históricos el otoño pasado, por recomendación de la Junta de Revisión Laica y en consulta con las víctimas de abuso, el clero y los fieles.

“A través de mis conversaciones con los sobrevivientes del abuso, estoy convencido que el ventilar totalmente el abuso del pasado es crucial en el proceso de sanación para las víctimas y para toda la Iglesia”, dijo el obispo Jugis en mayo cuando anunció la revisión exhaustiva de los archivos.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Nuevo vicario general lanzó sesiones informativas para la prensa

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In Brief Church leaders react: Recent mass shootings show ‘all communities are affected by racism’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three mass shooting incidents in the United States in the span of a week are now showing that “their emotional impact is resonating, understandably, across the nation,” said Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of HoumaThibodaux, La., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. “The effects of the evil and sin, we are all impacted by it.”

Bishop Fabre said many people think of racism of being a matter for blacks and whites, “but I think there are many, many faces to racism, so I think it resonates with the pastoral letter,” assembled by his committee and approved by the bishops last year, “when we say that this evil affects everyone, and all communities are affected by racism.”

The pastoral letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” included separate sections detailing racist treatment directed at African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans.

The deadliest of the three shootings took place Aug. 3 in El Paso, Texas, where accused gunman Patrick Crusius opened fire at a

Walmart store in the city, with 22 dead and dozens more wounded. Many of the victims were Hispanic. Crusius had posted a manifesto – some called it a screed – online against an “invasion” of the United States by Hispanics.

Less than 24 hours after the El Paso shooting, a gunman shot nine people dead, including his sister, at a nightclub in Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 4 before police gunned him down. On July 28, a gunman killed three people at a garlic festival in Gilroy, California, before taking his own life. At least 15 others were injured.

Three U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen have called on the nation’s elected officials “to exert leadership in seeking to heal the wounds” of the country caused by the Aug. 3 and 4 mass shootings and urged an end to hateful rhetoric many see as a factor in the violence particularly in Texas. “The tragic loss of life of 22 people this weekend in El Paso demonstrates that hate-filled rhetoric and ideas can become the motivation for some to commit acts of violence,” the bishops said in a joint Aug. 8 statement. “The anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, anti-Muslim, and anti-Semitic sentiments that have been publicly proclaimed in our society in recent years have incited hatred in our communities.” The statement was issued

by Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration; Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Social Development; and Bishop Fabre.

The back-to-back mass shootings in Texas and Ohio Aug. 3-4, which left at least 31 dead and dozens injured, prompted Pope Francis to express his sorrow and solidarity with the

victims. After praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square Aug. 4, the pope said he wanted to convey his spiritual closeness to the victims, the wounded and the families affected by the attacks. He also included those who died a weekend earlier in a shooting in Gilroy, Calif.

Those on path to immigration face roadblock on public funds WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration announced Aug. 12 a plan to deny permanent legal immigration status for those who use public funds such as food stamps or public housing. The news came as no surprise as administration officials had been publicly discussing for months instituting a “public charge” policy that would hurt immigrants’ chances at permanent residency, citizenship and even threatened deportation for those who sign up for public benefits. The National Immigration Law Center said the term “public charge” in immigration law refers to “a person who is primarily dependent on the government for support,” and explained the new rule “would broaden the definition of who is to be considered a public charge so that it includes immigrants who use one or more government programs listed in the proposed rule.” Though immigrants have had to prove self-sufficiency to obtain permanent residency, the expansion of the definition would add a hurdle for some.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had long argued against it and in September 2018 said such action would “prevent families from accessing important medical and social services vital to public health and welfare.” The new policy is set to take effect in 60 days, but it

will likely be challenged in court. “Through the public charge rule, President (Donald) Trump’s administration is reinforcing the ideals of selfsufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America,” said Ken Cuccinelli, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Aug. 12.

Mississippi bishops condemn ICE raid, roundup of workers JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi’s Catholic bishops joined with the state’s Episcopal, Methodist and Lutheran bishops in condemning the Trump administration’s Aug. 7 raid on seven food processing plants in the state to round up workers in the country illegally. Such raids “only serve to ... cause the unacceptable suffering of thousands of children and their parents, and create widespread panic in our communities,” the religious leaders said in an Aug. 9 statement quoting Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, from a July letter he sent to President Donald Trump. “We, the undersigned, condemn such an approach, which, as he (Cardinal DiNardo) rightly states, ‘has created a climate of fear in our parishes and communities across the United States,’” they said. Signers included Catholic Bishops Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson and Louis F. Kihneman III of Biloxi.

In what is the biggest sweep in a decade, ICE arrested and detained nearly 680 people. About 300 were released that evening; another 380 people remained in custody.

— Catholic News Service

Our world

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complicated situation of our Chaldean Church in Iraq and diaspora, including the struggle with displacement, killing and destruction as well as current fears and concerns about the future.”

In Brief

Pope calls on nations to protect lives, dignity of war victims

In letter, pope encourages priests dejected by abuse crisis

VATICAN CITY — Marking the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Pope Francis urged nations to recall the need to protect the life and dignity of the victims of war and armed conflict. “Everyone is required to observe the limits imposed by international humanitarian law, protecting unarmed populations and civil structures, especially hospitals, schools, places of worship, refugee camps,” he said, after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square Aug. 11. The pope reminded people that Aug. 12 marked the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which, he said, were “important international legal instruments that impose limits on the use of force and are aimed at protecting civilians and prisoners in time of war. May this anniversary make states increasingly aware of the indispensable need to protect the life and dignity of victims of armed conflicts,” he said.

“And let us not forget that war and terrorism are always a serious loss for all of humanity.

They are the great human defeat!”

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis acknowledged the shame and frustration felt by priests who are discouraged by the actions of fellow clergy members who betrayed the trust of their flock through sexual abuse and abuse of conscience and power. In a letter addressed to priests around the world Aug. 4, the pope said that many priests have spoken or written to him expressing “their outrage at what happened” and the doubts and fears the sexual abuse crisis has caused. “Without denying or dismissing the harm caused by some of our brothers, it would be unfair not to express our gratitude to all those priests who faithfully and generously spend their lives in the service of others,” he said. Commemorating the 160th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, the pope praised those priests who, like their patron, carry out their mission “often without fanfare and at personal cost, amid weariness, infirmity and sorrow.” However, he also shared his concern that many priests “feel themselves attacked and blamed for crimes they did not commit.” Nevertheless, the pope said, the current crisis is a time of “ecclesial purification” that “makes us realize that without (God) we are simply dust.”

Laity participate for first time in Chaldean Catholic Church synod AMMAN, Jordan — The Chaldean Catholic Church concluded a weeklong synod in Ainkawa, a Christian enclave in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, in which laity from the Church’s various dioceses in the Middle East and the diaspora also participated for the first time. The synod, held Aug. 4-10 at the invitation of Cardinal Louis Sako, the Chaldean Catholic patriarch, brought together Church leaders and parishioners from Iraq, the United States, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Canada, Australia and Europe to discuss issues vital for the Church’s future in Iraq and worldwide. Cardinal Sako said it was important to engage the views of the laity and to “support the participation of people in the life of the Church” at such a critical moment in the church’s history.

“The lay faithful, men and women, are members and partners of our Church because of their faith and their common priesthood,” he said. He said it was essential to “take advantage of their (laity’s) charisma” in the service of the Church during what he described as a time of great difficulty in Iraq and Syria for thousands of Iraqi Christians who were forced to abandon their ancestral communities, including in Mosul and the Ninevah Plain. “It is a good opportunity for us to study the

Chaldean archbishop: Iraqi Christians face ‘extinction’ unless the world acts WASHINGTON — Iraqi Christians face “extinction” unless Islam recognizes the fundamental equality of all people and takes steps to overcome violent factions that seek to force religious minorities from the country, said Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda of Irbil. “The truth is that there is a foundational crisis within Islam itself, and if this crisis is not acknowledged, addressed and fixed, then there can be no future for civil society in the Middle East or indeed anywhere Islam brings itself to bear upon a host nation,” Archbishop Warda told Aid to the Church in Need. The archbishop voiced his concerns in an interview released by the organization Aug. 6, the fifth anniversary of the Islamic State group overrunning Christian communities on the Ninevah Plain in northern Iraq. The Islamic State group’s violence “shocked the conscience of the world” as well as Islamic majority nations, Archbishop Warda said. “The question now,” he said, “is whether or not Islam will continue on a political trajectory, in which sharia is the basis for civil law and nearly every aspect of life is circumscribed by religion, or whether a more tolerant movement will develop.” The archbishop also expressed concern that while the Islamic State group has been defeated in Iraq, the “idea of the re-establishment of the Caliphate” has not subsided.

19

In new interview, pope explains aim of synod, warns against nationalism CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Amazon is an “urgent” gathering, not of scientists and politicians, but for the Church whose main focus in discussions will be evangelization, Pope Francis said in a new interview.

However, the importance of the Amazon region’s biodiversity and current threats it faces also will be addressed because “together with the oceans, (the Amazon) contributes decisively to the survival of the planet.

Much of the oxygen we breathe comes from there. That’s why deforestation means killing humanity,” he said.

The pope also talked about the dangers of surging nationalism and isolationist sentiments, saying, “I am worried because you hear speeches that resemble those by Hitler in 1934. ‘Us first, We... We ....’” Such thinking, he said, “is frightening.”

The pope’s comments came in an interview posted Aug. 9 by “Vatican Insider,” the online news supplement to the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

Asked about the dangers of “sovereignism” or nationalism, the pope said it represented an attitude of “isolation” and closure. “A country must be sovereign, but not closed” inside itself, he said. National sovereignty, he said, “must be defended, but relations with other countries, with the European community, must also be protected and promoted.”

“Sovereignism,” on the other hand, he continued, is something that goes “too far” and “always ends badly – it leads to war.”

When asked about populism, the pope said it was one thing for people to be able to express their concerns, but quite another “to impose a populist attitude on the people.”

“The people are sovereign,” with their own way of thinking, feeling, judging and expressing themselves, he said, “while populism leads to forms of sovereignism.

That suffix, ‘-ism,’ is never good.”

Asked about “the right path to take when it comes to migrants,” the pope said, “First and foremost, never neglect the most important right of all: the right to life.”

“Immigrants come above all to escape from war or hunger, from the Middle

East and Africa,” he said.

When it comes to war, “we must make an effort and fight for peace” as well as invest in Africa in ways that help the people there “resolve their problems and thus stop the migration flows.”

Concerning immigrants already in one’s home country, certain “criteria must be followed,” he said. “First, to receive, which is also a Christian, Gospel duty. Doors should be opened, not closed.

Second, to accompany. Third, to promote.

Fourth, to integrate” the newcomers in the host communities.

“At the same time, governments must think and act prudently, which is a virtue of government. Those in charge are called to think about how many migrants can be taken in.”

If that threshold is reached, “the situation can be resolved through dialogue with other countries” because some countries need people, especially for working in agriculture or for reviving their economy and breathing new life into “half-empty towns” because of low birthrates, he said.

When asked why he convened a synod on the Amazon, Pope Francis said, “It is the ‘child’ of ‘Laudato si’.’ Those who have not read it will never understand the Synod on the Amazon. ‘Laudato si’’ is not a green encyclical, it is a social encyclical, which is based on a ‘green’ reality, the safeguarding of creation.”

Among the environmental issues the pope is concerned about, the one that “has shocked me the most,” he said, is the way resources are increasingly being consumed faster than they can be regenerated.

“It’s very serious. It’s a global emergency,” he said, highlighting that “Earth Overshoot Day” fell this year on July 29 – the day when resource consumption goes into “debt” because the annual demand on nature exceeds what the earth can regenerate in that year.

The seriousness of the problem means “ours will be an urgent synod.

But beware: a synod is not a meeting of scientists or politicians. It is not a parliament; it is something else,” he said.

The synod “is born” from the Church “and will have an evangelizing mission and dimension. It will be a work of communion guided by the Holy Spirit.”

— Catholic News Service

Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey and Priscilla Quinn of Winston Salem / Our Lady of Mercy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception on August 3, 2019 at Umi Japanese Steakhouse in Winston Salem.

The celebration was hosted by their children, Rand Quinn (Amy Yuen) of Philadelphia, PA, and Kathleen Quinn DuBois (Shane DuBois) of Winston Salem, NC. They renewed their wedding vows during a Mass on August 3, 2019 at Our Lady of Mercy in Winston Salem, officiated by Fr. Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv, Pastor.

Aubrey Quinn and Priscilla Magante were married August 9, 1969 at Main Chapel in Clark Air Force Base, Philippines.

They are blessed with 2 children, and 2 grandchildren (Olivia Marie DuBois and Claudia Laura DuBois).

20

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MILESTONES

HOLY CROSS

FROM PAGE 5

FROM PAGE 5

retirement.

“We pray in this Mass that God continues to shower and bestow His blessings upon all of them,” Bishop Jugis said.

Directing his comments to his fellow priests, he said, “The anniversary of a priesthood ordination is always celebrated with sentiments of gratitude to the Lord – gratitude for the opportunity to serve, for being called to serve, and gratitude for being called to enter so profoundly, so intimately into communion with Christ the High Priest to be a ministerial participant in His eternal, holy priesthood.”

Being a priest enables them to help people on the path to salvation, he said, “by offering them the sacraments, by offering them the Gospel teaching and by shepherding them with love and with courage as the Good Shepherd would.”

“Serving the salvation of our brothers and sisters, we all know, my brothers – and it is good to be reminded at a time like this – of the important work in which we are involved, that the most important work on the face of the earth is definitely the work of salvation. God has consecrated us for this most important work to which He has called us.”

The priesthood, he emphasized, is “a very beautiful vocation.”

“The faithful realize this,” he said. “That is why, as we have been hearing over the past year or more, that they demand holiness from their priests because they realize the beauty of the vocation and the intimacy and love of Christ that is present in that vocation.”

But jubilee anniversaries are not just a time to express gratitude, Bishop Jugis continued.

They offer the opportunity for priests to “think back on the amazing journey that we have had with God over the years ... all beginning from that discernment that takes place in accepting a call to the priesthood.”

“Many times,” he continued, discernment “is initiated by something as simple as someone saying, ‘I think you have a vocation to the priesthood.’ And many times, that is the idea that gets planted and starts the wheels turning and the mind thinking.

‘Maybe someone sees something in me that I do not yet see.’ And that begins a process of discernment.

“Then in the months and the years that follow that initial offer – which ultimately is coming from God – reflecting on all of the events and circumstances in our lives, all of the people and places that have been placed in our lives, eventually working through all of that and seeing God’s hand at work in everything that has been happening to us to that point – eventually coming to the conviction that God indeed has chosen you for this vocation, that God indeed has chosen you.”

Bishop Jugis reflected on a line from the opening prayer for the jubilarian Mass: “O God, bless those whom You have chosen for the special ministry of sanctification.”

“God has chosen you, giving you the grace of totally dedicating yourself to God, giving you the grace of dedicating yourself totally to the service of His Church and His people, and giving you the grace of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom.”

“That conviction,” he continued, “can only lead, and only led, to one response: ‘Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.’”

Discernment of God’s will does not end at their ordination, he also noted. “Even through the years of one’s service, the experience of God’s special affection, that you have been chosen, continues to mature.

‘That special affection continues to sustain the vocation bringing us to events like this, anniversary events, to reflect back and look over the whole course and say, ‘God has been good.

God is good. God has been very good to me.’”

growth in numbers and a natural energy and excitement amongst the parish community. It’s a great place to start.

When families are growing, the natural environment is good to live in. It’s a good seedbed for the Gospel.”

The western North Carolina native grew up in Mills River and attended St. Barnabas Church in Arden. In a recent interview, his mother said she raised all three of her boys in that church and had them participate in everything from ironing altar cloths to serving at funerals. “These boys are not mine. I didn’t make them,” Holly Carter said.

“They were created by God for God’s purpose.”

Father Carter was in middle school when he first noticed a draw to the priesthood. However, looking back, he realized the call came even earlier.

“When it comes to any vocation, we’re called from birth. God has a plan that He wants to set in motion. So reflecting on even before seventh grade, the calling was there – a natural love for the church building, the Mass, a natural aptitude to be drawn to the celebration of the Mass,” he said. “There was a new pastor in sixth grade. He invited other priests, not just to sub, to the parish – to call them in for fraternity. Outside of Mass times, I saw my pastor interacting with priests, so I saw more than just one priest; I saw them getting along as brothers. That’s what clicked. I was like, ‘Oh. This is what sustains the work he does. This is how he’s refreshed and renewed.’”

Father Carter became a spiritual son to several experienced priests in the diocese and was the first to go directly from high school graduation to seminary studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his studies in Rome and later returned there to earn a post-graduate degree in liturgical theology.

Said his mother, “I’m very proud that God has called him to this moment. It’s always been our responsibility to do what God leads us to for ourselves and

our children. I pray for him to make good decisions every day.”

She continued, “I once asked him what draws him to this life. He said, ‘the pure happiness of the priesthood and leading people to God.’” Holy Cross parishioners have given their new pastor and his family a warm welcome.

“I’m so elated to have Father Carter here. He’s so vivacious,” said longtime parishioner Gloria Frappier. “I’ve heard two homilies so far, and they’re wonderful. We have been at Holy Cross since 1980, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Our kids were married here, and we participated here. And it’s a joy, a real joy, to take part at Holy Cross.

It’s our family, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Henry Affeldt, faithful navigator for the St. Pope John Paul II Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 3017 at Holy Cross, was in full regalia at the installation with his brother Knights.

“We’re very honored and humbled to receive Father Carter into our multicultural, multilingual family here at Holy Cross Catholic Church,” Affeldt said of the new pastor, who speaks English, Latin, Italian and Spanish, “as our next vicar of Christ, as our next teacher, and also as the shepherd of our souls to salvation.”

Father Carter succeeds Father Paul Dechant, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales who pastored Holy Cross for the past decade before the order left parish ministry in the diocese earlier this year.

“We are very, very fortunate to be getting Father Carter as our pastor,” said Tom White, the parish’s sacristan coordinator. “He’s all excited and ready to go. It’s not an easy job to take on at 30 years old, but he brings everyone together. We have a family-oriented church. We’re a very active parish with many volunteers who wear many hats, and we all look forward to working with our young pastor.”

After serving as parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville for two years, Father Carter started his new position at Holy Cross July 1. At his installation Mass Aug. 4, Father Carter publicly made his profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the Church.

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do three primary things: teach, sanctify and lead his parishioners.

At the end of the Mass, Father Gay addressed parishioners. “As we all know, it is not easy to follow Father Vincent (Finnerty) for the wonderful work he has done guiding this community,” but, he noted, by following the example of Jesus Christ, he hopes to do a good job for the parish.

“I am very grateful to Monsignor Pedro (Jugis) for coming to celebrate this day with us,” he said. “We are honored with your presence and we hope you continue visiting us, orienting us as workers in the vineyard of the Lord, in the kingdom of God.” Father Gay has served as superior of the Province of Central America for two terms in 2004, president of the Conference of Religious in Guatemala in 2003 and 2004, and as general superior of the Congregation of the Mission in 2004 and reelected in 2010.

Father O’Rourke was ordained nearly 44 years ago.

“I find that I am ready to transition to the next phase of my ministry,” he wrote in a recent email newsletter to parishioners at St. Gabriel Church. “I am grateful to Bishop Jugis who has accepted my request to retire later this year. It is a great blessing to begin and end my years of active ministry as a priest at St. Gabriel.”

Father O’Rourke was ordained by the late Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Ann Church for the Feast of Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 23, 1975.

He is one of the first 10 priests ordained to serve the Charlotte diocese since it was established in 1972.

Originally from Philadelphia, his first priestly assignment was at St. Gabriel Church in 1976.

Father Benonis has served in priestly ministry for more than 60 years. A Pennsylvania native, Father Benonis grew up in a large family and was one of two brothers who were called to the

Bishop Jugis explained the significance of both during his homily.

“The priest takes on new responsibility of serious importance in the Church in the profession of faith,” he said.

With the hint of a smile, the bishop continued.

“It lets you know that he is Catholic,” he said, earning laughs from the congregation and from Father Carter, who emphatically agreed with the statement, “and that he accepts and professes the Catholic faith, and that what you’re going to be receiving from him is the pure, unadulterated Catholic faith. And I don’t think you’ll have any problems holding him to that because he is very faithful, very faithful to the Church.”

Bishop Jugis also outlined the three primary roles of the pastor – that of teaching, sanctifying and parish governance – drawing parallels to Christ.

“The most important thing he does is bring Christ to you, which happens here at the altar,” Bishop Jugis said, noting that the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist “transforms each one of us as we continue to grow, learning to love more, learning to be more self-denying.”

“The model for his pastoral ministry is Jesus Himself,” the bishop said.

“He taught the Kingdom of God to His apostles. He taught His doctrine of salvation to the apostles, and the apostles faithfully have handed that on to the Church for all generations to follow faithfully in His footsteps.”

After Mass, Father Carter joined Bishop Jugis in a procession to the parish cemetery, where the bishop blessed the people interred there.

Father Carter encouraged everyone to pray for one another, noting, “I began in 2008, at the behest of my spiritual director, to pray for everyone I would serve in the future. Ever since September 2008, in a certain way, you have been in my prayers.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from Father Carter’s installation Mass

priesthood.

In his early years of ministry, he served in several parishes, he worked with the Boy Scouts, and he planned medical ethics courses for Catholic nurses and students. He also served as a U.S. Army chaplain for 20 years, with many of those years serving overseas – including Germany and two tours in Vietnam, holding an officer’s rank. While serving in Germany, Father Benonis became an executive team priest with Worldwide Marriage Encounter for several years before retiring from the Army. He served again as the chaplain at the San Antonio, Texas, VA Hospital.

Upon retirement, he moved to Maggie Valley where he has faithfully served the people of God as pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about Father Benonis’ 60-plus years of priestly ministry and Father O’Rourke’s service as one of the first priests ordained for the Charlotte diocese

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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consciences on His teaching.”

“The Lord gives you the graces you need to fulfill this special ministry,” he said.

“But you must also do your part. You must cultivate that grace, through your prayer and through an intimate friendship with Jesus so that you grow in holiness as you exercise your ministry.”

All of us have an obligation to grow in holiness, the bishop emphasized.

“You must deny yourself and follow Him. You must die to self to follow Him. In other words, Jesus must possess the first place in your heart.

“Deny yourself, let people see Christ,” he said. “May everyone see in you a servant who loves and is faithful to the Lord.”

After the homily, each man approached

Bishop Jugis and knelt, one at a time, reaching out to hold the Bible he extended to them as he conferred on them the Ministry of Lector.

Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church, whose father Joseph Becker was instituted as a lector at Mass, shared that he found himself moved by the bishop’s words in his homily as he reflected of the ministry of lector.

“When the Scriptures are proclaimed in the liturgy – that is God speaking to His people. So the joy that we celebrate in my father being incorporated into the Ministry of Lector is (he is) getting to become that channel through which Our Lord speaks humanly to His people,” Father Becker said. “That is a joyful thing to celebrate – to be an instrument in Our Lord’s salvation.

I myself have experienced that, and now I get to watch my father be a part of that channel that Our Lord gives us freely. It’s a joy to be a part of.”

“To take on the role of lector in the

Church and to possibly progress towards the diaconate, it can only happen with the grace of God,” Joseph Becker said. “It’s only going to happen if I die to myself and receive the grace of God to do what He wants me to do. Kneeling before the Bishop made it very real.”

Charles Hindbaugh of Our Lady of the Americas Church in Candor, said, “It is a special moment when the entire Church can celebrate that we are taking steps to serve God.” Francisco Piña of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory commented, “Today really means big things for me. I feel it is a big responsibility to receive the Bible so we can proclaim it. It is a big load because we are supposed to be a herald for Jesus.”

Deacon Scott Gilfillan, director of formation for the permanent diaconate program, said, “The men have worked really hard to get to this point. I’ve seen a lot of growth in this past year – not only academically, but spiritually, emotionally

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ello”.

“Asumir el papel de lector en la Iglesia y posiblemente avanzar hacia el diaconado, solo puede suceder con la gracia de Dios”, dijo Joseph Becker.

“Solo va a suceder si muero a mí mismo y recibo la gracia de Dios para hacer lo que Él quiere que haga. Arrodillarse ante el obispo lo hizo muy real”.

Charles Hindbaugh, de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Américas en Candor, dijo que “es un momento especial cuando toda la Iglesia puede celebrar que estamos tomando medidas para servir a Dios”.

Francisco Piña, de la Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, comentó que “el día de hoy realmente significa mucho para mí. Siento que es una gran responsabilidad recibir la Biblia para que podamos proclamarla. Es una gran peso porque se supone que debemos ser un heraldo para Jesús”.

El diácono Scott Gilfillan, director de formación del programa de diaconado permanente, dijo que “los hombres han trabajado muy duro para llegar a este punto. He visto un gran crecimiento en el último año, no solo académicamente, sino también espiritual, emocional y pastoral.

Sus matrimonios se han vuelto aún más fuertes y centrados en la oración. Para mí, ver este tipo de crecimiento es la parte más satisfactoria de ser el director de formación”.

“Hoy es un paso más en el discernimiento de estos candidatos, junto con sus esposas”, dijo el Diácono John Martino, director del programa de diaconado permanente. “Que su fe y la de aquellos a quienes tocan se fortalezcan como lectores instituidos de la Iglesia de Charlotte”.

Los trece candidatos han sido programados para ser instituídos como acólitos en 2020. Se espera sean ordenados al diaconado permanente en 2021.

As vicar general, Father Winslow reports directly to Bishop Jugis on matters related to clergy and vocations, and acts in place of the bishop in his absence. As chancellor, he also oversees the diocese’s day-to-day administrative and business operations.

On Monday, he also shared some of his top priorities now that he has taken on these new roles in the diocese.

“My top priority is learning my job,” he said. “It’s a steep learning curve but I am surrounded by really amazing, capable people. That has been something for which I have been truly grateful since I have arrived. Everyone has helped me and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

I would like everyone at the diocese, the Pastoral Center, to work together harmoniously to achieve our goals. That is one goal unto itself.”

Father Winslow added that he also wants to “turn our attention to this issue (of child abuse) that we have been discussing because I think it is important to speak to the larger community about this topic.”

Lastly, he said, he wants to focus on vocations.

“Because we are a fast-growing diocese, we have a number of new parishioners. We keep growing every year. This means that we need more clergy to accommodate the pastoral needs of the faithful,” he said.

The diocese must not only keep up with its growing population, but diocesan leadership also has to plan for replacing diocesan clergy as they retire and religious order clergy as they move out of parishes in the diocese, he said.

Staffing parishes as orders leave and the parishes return to diocesan clergy is a “headwind that has become difficult to deal with,” he said.

“And, of course, we will never compromise on quality for quantity,” he added. “We are happy to say we have a good quantity of high quality men who are studying for the priesthood.”

The diocese has 40 men in various stages of formation for the priesthood, including 26 enrolled this fall at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

the men into their double rooms.

The Martin family of St. Mark Church in Huntersville now has two sons in college seminary, as Patrick has joined his brother Luke in discerning the priesthood. Parents of seven children, Tom and Heather Martin are grateful to God for His goodness in two of their sons’ discerning religious vocations.

“It’s a wonderful day,” Tom Martin said. “The Lord has called them both.

We are just trying to make sure we are being obedient to the Lord and offer our children up to Him as He calls them.

There are many things they can go do.

This is what God wants for them. This is what we want for them.”

Tom Martin is currently in formation for the permanent diaconate. On the topic of her husband and sons following the will of God in their lives, Heather Martin added, “I am thrilled that God is calling the men in my life to serve Him. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Glen and Lissette Yellico of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville are the parents of Delta Class member, Joseph Yellico, the oldest of their six children.

During the Mass Glen Yellico reminisced about their former home parish in New York City and how similar it is to St. Ann Church.

“I was thinking back to when Joseph made his first Holy Communion at St. Agnes Church in Manhattan and now he’s here. It just gave me chills. I am a little emotional about all of this,” he said.

“We are so thankful to God, in spite of us, he is here,” Lissette said. “This is God’s work in our family and His blessing to us.”

The Yellicos said they have prayed the rosary as a family, and have been active in the parish which they believe has contributed to Joseph’s discernment.

Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, is pastor to both Joseph Yellico and Patrick Martin, making a total of five seminarians studying for the priesthood from his parish in Huntersville.

“We have actively promoted vocations at St. Mark,” Father Putnam said.

“Obviously vocations are the future of the Church, so we have to keep working as hard as we can.”

He believes prayer and Perpetual Adoration are key to the growth in

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com:Vea más fotos y videos sobre la Misa para los diáconos celebrada el 10 de agosto.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more information about how the Diocese of Charlotte handles child sexual abuse allegations and how the diocese has embraced the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People since 2002

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and pastorally. Their marriages have become even stronger and centered in prayer. For me, seeing this type of growth is the most satisfying part of being the director of formation.”

“Today is another step in the discernment of these candidates, along with their wives,” said Deacon John Martino, director of the permanent diaconate program. “May their faith and the faith of those they touch grow stronger as instituted lectors of the Church of Charlotte.”

The 13 deacon candidates are scheduled to be instituted as acolytes in 2020, with ordination to the permanent diaconate expected in 2021.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video highlights from the Aug. 10 Mass for deacons and deacon candidates

vocations.

“We make sure we have folks pray every day for vocations,” he said.

“Happy priests (are important, too).

Showing them that the life that we lead is something worthwhile and something joyful and that is contagious,” he added.

Allen and Gini Bond, who helped start weekly and now Perpetual Adoration at St. Mark Parish, have a unique family vocation dynamic.

With their grandson, Simon Ohlhaut, entering college seminary in the Delta Class, they now have three grandsons in seminary. They also have a granddaughter who is a Franciscan sister and their son, Father Christopher Bond, is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte serving as parochial vicar of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Of all the blossoming family vocations, Gini Bond said, “It’s a gift, a surprise. It’s a joy.”

She noted that their son, Father Bond, is Simon’s godfather, which is very special.

“It’s all a work of God, we’re the vessel that it came through. We don’t know how or why, and we don’t feel deserving,” Allen Bond said. “We are truly blessed and we love it. Words can’t fully express how we feel.”

Dan Ohlhaut, Simon’s father, says that for him, seeing another son discern the priesthood is humbling. “God is good.

Despite my weakness, he feels called to give this a try,” Ohlhaut said.

David Cruz Pérez, a member of the Delta Class, said, “I feel happy to be here.

It’s like a place I belong. I think God wants me to be here to do His work.”

Heriberta Pérez, his mother, said he is going to miss her cooking. “He loves tamales, pozole, mole de olla. I am going to miss him a lot, I love him and I want to be a good support for him.”

Father Kauth was beaming with fatherly joy as the men were moving in, going room to room greeting parents and siblings.

“I am very proud of the young men,” he said. “In the midst of the media that is always highlighting failures, they are still courageous to say ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I am very proud of these men for having the courage to do it. I ask for people’s prayers for perseverance, that they will continue to persevere.”

The eight men of the Delta Class at St. Joseph Seminary now make a total of 40 men in various stages of formation for the priesthood for the diocese.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Father John Michalowski, S.J.

Do we share in the Transfiguration?

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ach August we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The apostles Peter, James and John, see the praying Jesus’ appearance shine forth with the glory of God. Then they see Moses and the prophet Elijah conversing with Him. Finally, they hear the voice of the Father saying, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” As many have pointed out, Moses and Elijah represent the testimony of the Law and the prophets to Jesus as Messiah, as the one who would fulfill God’s promises. He will bring a new covenant, not written on tablets of stone, as was the old covenant, but one written on people’s hearts. As the first reading from Daniel tells us, there will be “one like a Son of Man” (a human being), who will receive “dominion, glory and kingship; all nations and peoples of every language serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion…”

(7:13-14).

Jesus is that Son of Man. But He is also the Son of God, who, as St. Paul tells us, emptied Himself to become one with us. His reign will begin on the cross as He offers Himself for us in a great act of love. Like the father and mother who shielded their baby from the hateful gunman in El Paso, He gave His life that we might live.

That is the point of what the Father tells the three apostles: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” They didn’t want to listen to Jesus’ words that He must “suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). They were interested in glory and power, not in His call that “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For anyone who wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself ?” (Luke 9:23-25). It was all too much for them and so “They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.” Only after the Resurrection did they tell others, as we hear in the Second Letter of Peter.

How willing are we to follow Jesus, knowing that there is a cost to discipleship?

This is what the Mass and the Eucharist are all about. They are the grace-filled way to transform us after the image of Christ, to make us true sons and daughters of the Father. We listen to the Word so that we might come to know and put on the mind of Christ. Like the apostles, we are both challenged and comforted by what we hear. We offer ourselves, with the bread and the wine, that we might be transformed into true followers of Christ. We gather around the table of the Lord, knowing that He calls us not servants but friends, and nourishes us with His very self. We pray in the Our Father that we might forgive others, not just that God might forgive us, but in order that we might become reconcilers, exchanging peace not just with those around us in church, but bringing peace into our families, workplaces, community, nation and world. We receive the Eucharist that we might become the Body of Christ at work in the world.

Strengthened by this holy nourishment, we are sent forth to bring the Gospel out into the world, “glorifying the Lord by our lives.”

That is the transfiguration to which we are called.

JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is parochial vicar at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

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Domestic terrorism and the evil within

ecently, we experienced a heartbreaking series of mass shootings in California, Ohio and Texas. While the details and motivations behind these tragedies are still being investigated, the carnage in El Paso, which has now been officially identified as an act of domestic terrorism, is a clear continuation of a rising trend of violent right-wing extremism, and marks the deadliest attack against the Hispanic population in the modern history of the United States.

The violence of white extremism that we continue to witness is a result of individual acts of hatred as much as the lack of domestic counter-terrorist measures, due to a systematic racial and ethnic bias in our system, and the failure to recognize the danger of domestically-grown evil ideologies.

The focus of our national security to protect citizens against acts of terrorism has been mainly on dangers coming from the outside the United States, and has disproportionately targeted immigrants and minorities.

We have severely curtailed the acceptance of refugees, especially from Middle Eastern countries, and tried to close our southern border to immigrants and asylum seekers.

This has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. All this is despite the fact that the vast majority of jihadist terrorists (85 percent, according to the national security think tank New America) have radicalized in the United States, half of them were born here, and virtually no acts of terror have ever been committed by refugees.

Violent white supremacists tend to be almost exclusively white men born in America. Furthermore, violent acts by extremist right-wing groups or individuals have been a much more common occurrence in the United States than attacks by Islamist extremists – and they continue to rise.

According to the US Extremist database, since the Sept. 11 attacks, Islamist extremists have been responsible for 26 percent of acts of domestic terrorism, while the remaining 74 percent have been perpetrated by far-right extremists.

The decline of jihadist violent acts in our country has been the result of coordinated efforts by the CIA, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other counterterrorism agencies, who have been able to infiltrate terrorist cells, arrest suspects and prevent crimes.

This is largely thanks to the passing of the USA Patriot Act after Sept. 11, which provided government agencies with more access to data and allowed them to monitor jihadist groups, surveil internet chatrooms where jihadist propaganda is disseminated, and prevent suspects with a connection to international terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS to purchase explosives and board airplanes.

However, a similar legal framework is not available to law enforcement agencies when dealing with violent white supremacy. Racist hate speech, amplified through internet chatrooms and social media, is protected by the Constitution, as is the right of white extremists connected to well-known far-right violent groups to have unrestricted access to automatic and semi-automatic weapons.

While support for international terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS is criminalized and sympathizers may be apprehended and monitored, support and contributions to domestic groups with a violent history and known racist and anti-Semitic ideology, such as the KKK, the Aryan Nations and other neo-Nazi groups, is legal within our current system, and extremists cannot be apprehended

until after they have committed an actual violent crime.

This does not provide any possibility for prevention.

According to a study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, 75 percent of perpetrators of mass shootings showed signs of imminent attack through their racist and angry statements, references to past attackers, and allusions to a possible suicidal mission. The El Paso attacker used derogatory and hateful language against Hispanics, and expressed his inspiration from the recent mass murder in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Both the FBI and Homeland Security have been asking lawmakers for the past several years to expand the budget for monitoring far-right extremist groups (which now constitutes only a fraction of what we spend on monitoring Islamic extremism) and to expand the legal framework so that these agencies can more closely monitor white supremacist behavior and take preventive measures.

In July, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress that right-wing racist terrorism is currently the greatest threat to our country, and Mary McCord, a former top national security prosecutor, has drafted a proposition to criminalize domestic terrorism, including the stockpiling of weapons to be used for a domestic terrorist attack by anyone with known connections to violent hate groups.

However, such laws are not in place yet.

‘Ethnic and racial bias in our society presents an obstacle to address the problem of domestic terrorism effectively.’

To adjust the legal system, political representatives would have to engage in difficult discussions that touch on important constitutional rights, namely freedom of speech and the freedom to bear arms. These amendments would need to be reinterpreted in the light of technological advancements in the weapons industry, as well as new communication technologies, globalized internet culture and social media.

However, many politicians are reluctant to initiate such changes for fear of losing political support in a social climate where people are not used to associating terrorism with white American-born citizens, and where it is always easier and more popular to project violent extremist ideologies on foreigners, immigrants, and ethnic and religious minorities.

This ethnic and racial bias in our society presents an obstacle to address the problem of domestic terrorism effectively. Until we concede that evil ideologies can be the product of our own culture and society, instead of a foreign import, and that we may be just as vulnerable to violent extremism as people of different racial, ethnic and cultural origins, our national security strategies will continue to be misplaced – and we will suffer the tragic consequences.

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

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Brian Pusateri

What is your ‘butterfly effect’?

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e were like two ships passing in the night.”

This is a metaphoric expression, often used when two people have a short, chance or passing encounter. Often, only a few words are exchanged. The two people separate, continue on their way, and often never see each other again.

As Christians, should we be concerned about the butterfly effect of even such small encounters as these? Absolutely, we should.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in his poem “The Theologian’s Tale; Elizabeth” (published in his collection “Tales of a Wayside Inn”): “Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.”

A quick literary analysis of the lines in this poem suggests that the two ships left no lasting impact on each other. Is the same true when people meet? When we have random encounters, do we leave a lasting impact on each other? I believe we do.

I stopped to ponder this question recently when I heard the news of the death of someone I had briefly met. I sought help from a young physical trainer in 2017 to find appropriate exercises that might help with my Multiple sclerosis. We met for only one hour. Our conversation turned to our faith in Jesus Christ.

The hour passed quickly, without any discussion of exercise. Just a few days later, he suffered a brain aneurysm. We never did get back together. He died just a couple of weeks ago, leaving behind a wife and young child.

Can these short, seemingly chance encounters leave a lasting impact? If we believe in the “butterfly effect,” then we must believe they can.

What exactly is the “butterfly effect”?

The butterfly effect is a concept put forward by meteorologist and mathematician Edward Lorenz in 1960.

The idea is that small changes in a big system can cause long-lasting and complex results. The concept is often described as a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil and causing a hurricane in Texas. Of course, the single act of the butterfly flapping its wings cannot cause a hurricane. The point, however, is that small actions can – and do – leave a lasting impact.

Benjamin Franklin stated the same principle this way: For the want of a nail the shoe was lost, For the want of a shoe the horse was lost, For the want of a horse the rider was lost, For the want of a rider the battle was lost, For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost, And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.

I believe the “butterfly effect” exists in every aspect of our spiritual lives. We all learned as little children that our actions have consequences, and they do. Sin also leaves a lasting “butterfly effect.” What we

do, or fail to do, can leave a major impact on someone else’s life, and that impact might be bad or good. We are often blind to the lasting impact we have.

History teaches us that human actions have consequences. Certain choices, once made, cannot be undone. One person can impact millions. Contrast the lasting impact of Adolf Hitler to that of Mother Teresa. Ignorance about the lasting impact and consequences of our actions does not free us from our responsibility for them.

Therefore, our Christian actions should always be intentional. Everything we do should bring others closer to Christ.

‘What we do, or fail to do, can leave a major impact on someone else’s life, and that impact might be bad or good.’

We read in John 6:9 that a little boy offered his five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus and Jesus used the boy’s small act of kindness to feed a crowd estimated to be over 15,000. But the consequences of his actions did not stop there. More than 2,000 years later, all Christians know about the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The crowd might have gone hungry that day if the boy had not come forward to give all he had to Jesus. Our knowledge of that story is part of the “butterfly effect” of his actions.

Let me go back to my encounter with the physical trainer. We enjoyed a deep and meaningful conversation about our love for Jesus during our single meeting.

We discussed the possibility of getting together once a month to talk more about our faith. That opportunity never presented itself. Like a vapor or a puff of smoke, he was gone. I am glad for the conversation we had. I have no idea how our conversation impacted him over the last year and a half. It impacted me, and that is why I am writing about it today.

Today, and every day for the rest of your life, you will encounter many people.

Will your encounters be intentional? Will people know, as you pass them like two ships passing in the night, about your love for Jesus Christ and His love for you?

I’ll leave you with this final question: What will the “butterfly effect” of your life be?

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, Jesus taught me to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind.

He also taught me to love others as myself.

In all I do, and with everyone I meet, help me to leave the butterfly effect of Your love and mercy. Amen.

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

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Jesus made Himself the same as us and for this reason we have Him near us, to cry with us in the most difficult moments of our lives.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Closeness is God’s answer to suffering, pope says” Through press time on Aug. 14, 15,978 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 25,688 pages. The top 10 headlines in August so far have been: n Vandal damages crucifixes at St. Joseph Church in Bryson City...........................................6,096 n Father Sutter to become pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.......................................2,599 n New principal named at Immaculata School......................................................................................610 n Eight more men enter St. Joseph College Seminary.................................................................... 460 n New vicar general launches media information sessions..............................................................412 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald..........................................................317 n Former Charlotte parishioner makes first vows..............................................................................285 n Father Benonis, Father O’Rourke to retire.........................................................................................225 n St. Joseph College seminarians work, pray, play..............................................................................142 n Jubilee Mass commemorates priestly ordination milestones.......................................................114

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

STAY WITH US, LORD

– LUKE 24:29

15th Eucharistic Congress

September 6 & 7, 2019 Charlotte Convention Center Saturday Speakers Eucharistic Procession, Holy Hour – Fr. Patrick Winslow – Homilist Dr. Scott Hahn – The Eucharist and the New Evangelization Dr. Edward Sri – Vibrant Faith in a Secular Age Russ Breault – Shroud Encounter: Explore the Mystery

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – Bishop Peter Jugis – Celebrant

W

U S,

LO R D –

LU 24:29

www.GoEucharist.com

TH

KE

SATURDAY: Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Charlotte • Confession • K-12 Education Tracks for Students - Register online • Religious displays • Vendors of Sacred Art • Vocation and Education info

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FRIDAY EVENING: Byzantine : Vespers • Dr. Scott Hahn – Scripture Study– Stay With Us, Lord • College nighT • EUCHARISTIC ADORATION • Eucharistic Procession S TAY

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August 16, 2019

A S P EC I A L E D I T I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D

WELCOME

GROWING

New principals named for St. Michael School sees St. Mark, Immaculata significant renovation schools over the summer

TUITION HELP

ALSO INSIDE

Details on applying for financial aid

Upcoming open houses, Campus Ministry locations and more

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

St. Michael School sees significant renovation over the summer SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

About the cover Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point give a big thumbs-up on their first day back to class in August 2018. (Photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart of Mary School Facebook page)

GASTONIA — It has been a hectic summer at St. Michael School as the building has been undergoing significant renovations for nearly three months in an effort to complete as much as possible before school starts Aug. 21.

“From the beginning, the goal of completing the major scope of work over the short period of one summer has been very ambitious,” said diocesan construction manager Emmett Sapp. “We are grateful to Southside Constructors, our general contractor, who was undeterred by the challenge and is going above and beyond the call of duty to get the school ready.”

Projects at the 77-year-old school include: renovation of the existing library to create a new state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Maker Space; renovation of the existing science lab to expand capabilities for hands-on learning and experimentation; renovation of the current technology infrastructure; a new special education classroom; restoration of the elementary school restrooms; new roof; and new rooftop HVAC equipment.

“This is a hectic but exciting and energetic summer,” said Principal Sheila Levesque.

“You can see the transformation of the facility and we are looking forward to the new instructional programs that we will be offering our students.”

Sapp noted that when school reopens there will be items still requiring finishing touches, but most of the work will be complete and students will be walking into a fresh and exciting new look throughout the building.

The $1.6 million renovation was funded through a combination of a $990,000 gift, a $500,000 grant from the diocese’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, and another $110,000 expected to be raised through school fundraisers. The $990,000 gift comes from Shea Homes, a new home construction company in the Charlotte area. John Shea, a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, said his family “believes in the education and values taught by the dedicated teachers at Catholic schools.”

The school plans to show off the renovations during Family Fun Day on Oct. 19, and during open houses on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

St. Michael School in Gastonia went through a $1.6 million renovation over the summer months. The project is expected to be fully completed early this fall.

Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Church, said, “Each week I have made several visits to the school and have seen tremendous progress. The project has been immense and I know that God is guiding this work. I am very excited to bless our completely transformed school! Go Tigers!”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DIOCESAN PROPERTIES OFFICE

Two new principals join diocesan schools KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Meet two new principals who are taking the helm at two Catholic schools in the diocese this school year:

ST. MARK SCHOOL, HUNTERSVILLE

Julie Thornley has been named principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville after working for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools for more than a decade at St. Ann School as a counselor and St. Patrick School as assistant principal.

Thornley, a member of St. Mark Church, has a degree in social work from George Beale Mason University, with a minor in music education and a master’s degree in school counseling from North Carolina State University. She has a post-master’s certificate in school administration from UNC-Charlotte and was part of the Aspiring Principals program.

Thornley has worked as a behavioral therapist with Thornley at-risk youth involved with the juvenile justice system in alternative settings as well as a school counselor in public schools. She has also taught piano lessons for more than 35 years.

“It’s very exciting to be not only principal, but to be principal of a K-8 population,” Thornley said. “I started my education at a St. Mark School in Indianapolis and it’s neat that I’ve

landed at another St. Mark School as principal.”

She said she’d like to see St. Mark School and parish become more closely connected, with more parishioners involved in the school and more students engaged in parish activities.

“My educational philosophy is rooted in my Catholic faith,” Thornley wrote in a letter introducing herself to the school community.

“I believe that all learners possess strengths and gifts given to them by our Lord. With that belief, it is the duty of every educator to ensure that all students are given every opportunity to grow spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.”

She stressed that she wants to put an emphasis on the students being united in the goal of being Jesus to others.

“Our priority is to grow spiritually as a community,” she said.

St. Mark School has more than 700 kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

IMMACULATA SCHOOL, HENDERSONVILLE

Margaret Beale has been named the new principal of Immaculata School in Hendersonville, succeeding Meredith Canning.

Beale has taught middle school social studies, language arts and religion at Asheville Catholic School for eight years. She holds a Master of Education in instruction and curriculum and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Beale was an integral part of taking a struggling school and helping to transform it into a growing and vibrant Catholic institution, according to an announcement from Father Christian Cook, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

The principal search committee was impressed with Beale’s accomplishments and her positive and uplifting attitude, Father Cook said.

While at Asheville Catholic, Beale started an organization for girls that sought to instill leadership skills and reinforce Catholic values.

Beale has focused her career on promoting and maintaining positive, constructive relationships with parents, teachers, alumni and her principal to help build a strong community. She said she will be focused on doing the same at Immaculata School. She said she has high expectations, which requires her to be firm in her expectations of students, and of her teachers and school staff.

She aims to guide students towards those high goals through encouragement and love, she noted.

“We welcome Ms. Beale’s enthusiasm and drive to Immaculata Catholic School, and to our parish,” Father Cook said in his announcement.

“It is a time to be excited about the future of Immaculata, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the guidance of God, in His Holy Spirit.

“Being the principal at Immaculata is a vocational call to Beale, and she placed God at the center of her discernment to accept this position.”

Beale said she loves to be involved in every facet of Catholic school life, regularly attending athletic events, musicals and academic competitions and cheering her students on. Fostering these positive and supportive relationships with stakeholders will be a primary focus for her, she said, as she seeks to bring an energy and enthusiasm to build up and grow the school.

Opened in 1926, Immaculata School had more than 140 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade last school year.

Our principals Margaret Beale, Immaculata School Gary Callus, St. Leo School Christopher Kloesz, St. Pius X School Tyler Kulp, Sacred Heart School Sheila Levesque, St. Michael School Kathy McKinney, St. Ann School Michael Miller, Asheville Catholic School Kevin O’Herron, St. Matthew School Kevin Parks, Holy Trinity Middle School Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, Our Lady of the Assumption School Greg Roberts, Immaculate Heart of Mary School Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J., Our Lady of Mercy School Catherine Rusch, Our Lady of Grace School Dr. Carl Semmler, Christ the King High School Tracy A. Shaw, Bishop McGuinness High School Michele Snoke, St. Gabriel School Kurt Telford, Charlotte Catholic High School Julie Thornley, St. Mark School Amy Tobergte, St. Patrick School

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

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Christ the King High School moves closer to gym expansion project Father John Putnam

Catholic education: Helping children entrusted to us attain heaven

T

oday the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a saint better known by her worldly name, Edith Stein.

She was a renowned philosopher of the last century as well as an avowed atheist who, though culturally born Jewish, found her way into the bosom of the Catholic Church, and eventually, into a cloistered Carmelite monastery. She died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz on Aug. 9, 1942. For some of you, the question might arise: “What does this saint’s life have to do with me teaching in a Catholic school?”

I would suggest that it actually has a great deal to do with it. Edith Stein found Christ by seeking the truth. Her thirst for truth allowed her to be open to wherever that search led her. She was a teacher who desired to seek and find. That desire led her to the Truth himself, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Catholic education, as an arm of the Church’s evangelizing mission, is also concerned with seeking truth, the truth about who God is, and the truth about who we are. As such, Catholic education has the mandate from Christ of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations (Mt. 28:20), and each one of you is tasked with participating in that mandate.

The Church teaches that parents are the first educators of their children. This is affirmed in the baptismal rite and is reaffirmed time and again throughout Church teaching. At the same time, we know that most parents share their educational responsibility with others, especially educators. Catholic parents have the responsibility of handing on the faith to their children and, in a very particular way, the Catholic school has the responsibility of aiding parents in this task.

It is for this reason that the Church considers the school as an extension of the home. We are called, therefore, to offer assistance to parents in helping them fulfill their primary obligation and even remind them when necessary of the awesome responsibility entrusted to them by the Creator.

For those who have not previously served in a Catholic school, I think it is helpful to have a clear understanding of what the Church asks of you as educators. The Church considers the role of teacher in her schools as a ministerial one.

First, what is the Church’s understanding of a Catholic school? The Holy See answers this question in the following way: a Catholic school should be inspired by a supernatural vision, founded on Christian anthropology, animated by communion and community, imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum, and sustained by Gospel witness.

It is for this reason that the most important task for a Catholic school is to maintain and continually strengthen its Catholic identity. This task is far more than offering a few prayers during the day and offering the celebration of Mass on occasion. While these things are good and necessary, they can often become Catholic window dressing for an otherwise secular culture. Our ultimate goal as Catholic educators is to help, as the Baltimore Catechism pointed out, the children entrusted to our care to love and serve the Lord in this life so that they can live with Him forever in heaven.

Our treasure is not in this life, but in the life to come. This explains what is meant by a Catholic school having a supernatural vision.

When discussing the importance of a Christian anthropology, the Church’s magisterium affirms time and again that the philosophy that guides Catholic education must be built on a correct understanding of who the human person is.

A Catholic school does not exist as simply a factory of learning to create the future titans of industry. Our task is not simply to prepare our students for college – although, this is certainly a noble endeavor.

Our primary task is to help our students get to heaven. Your task then as an educator in the Catholic school is, first and foremost, to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give witness to His presence in your life. Christ is the teacher in the Catholic school par excellence. Christ has to be lived in the religion class and the science lab; at the cheerleading practice and on the football field; in the English literature class and in advanced calculus.

When I am celebrating infant baptism, I often remind the parents and godparents that they have been entrusted with a saint. Whether the little one grows into the saint that God created him or her to be depends on the adults in his or her life and the witness that the child is given as he or she grows and develops. As you begin teaching in our Catholic schools, you too are being entrusted with saints (even on days when they don’t act like it). I pray that your own holiness will be a shining witness to all of your students and that when they see you, they will be able to see the face of the Lord Himself. God bless you!

FATHER JOHN PUTNAM is pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville. This is adapted from a homily he gave for new diocesan school teachers at an Aug. 9 Mass in the St. Mark School Chapel in Huntersville. It is based on the work by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, “The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools” (Manchester, NH: Sophia Press, 2006).

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HUNTERSVILLE — Since exceeding a $500,000 challenge match in June, Christ the King High School has continued to get closer to its initial capital campaign goal of $3.5 million. To date, the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” campaign to build a new Athletic and Activity Complex has received $3.28 million in gifts and pledges, including a $1 million lead gift and a $500,000 challenge match from a Christ the King family, George and Pattie Fulford of Huntersville.

When the first fundraising campaign goal of $3.5 million is reached, the school will move ahead with expanding its gymnasium to include a fullsized court and two cross courts, plus increasing seating from 120 to 690 spectators. Also included are men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting

teams, coaches and trainer offices, space for a fitness center and a new main entrance from the school lobby into the gymnasium, which will also serve as an awards gallery.

“Apparently there are no ‘dog days of summer’ here at Christ the King,” said Principal Dr. Carl Semmler. “We are entering August with almost $3.3 million pledged towards our new Athletic and Activity Complex. We are well within sight of our level one goal. I am confident that the ‘back to school’ excitement will bring us to our $4.5 million level two goal. This will enable us to build the stage area, with all of the accompanying audio/visual, along with our athletic areas.”

Once the first two levels are

achieved, then the campaign moves on to its final level three goal of $5.5 million.

Semmler said he “keeps on thinking about the summer day when the Fulfords came to see the current gym and learn about the designs for the new complex. The Fulfords are the visionaries who built the current gym. They were so elated to see how much the school has grown and were in full support of expanding the current Fulford Athletic Building.”

— Christ the King High School contributed.

CCHS capital campaign nears halfway mark CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School is nearing the halfway mark of its “Expanding the Vision, Honoring the Tradition” capital campaign. The public phase of this capital campaign launched last April to build a new Fine Arts Center at the high school for all students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system to use.

“As we begin a new school year, we are thrilled to report that we have raised nearly $4 million of our $8 million goal,” said Principal Kurt Telford.

“Our extended CCHS family is truly rolling up its sleeves and coming together to expand our school and provide the Fine Arts Center we’ve dreamed of since we moved to this campus in 1994.”

“It has been exciting and

humbling to meet with so many people who want to be a part of this exciting time for Charlotte Catholic and our Catholic schools,” said Sally McArdle, the high school’s advancement director. The CCHS community is raising $8 million toward the $23 million project, with the other $15 million committed through the existing capital fees paid by all families in the MACS system.

The CCHS expansion will include a new, state-of-the-art building for the visual and performing arts program and a renovation of existing spaces to create updated athletic facilities and classrooms for teachers who currently do not have them.

Construction is planned to start in fall of 2020.

“The new MACS Fine Arts Center will serve not only as a

place for learning and growth for our high school students, but also as a place for educational programs and performances for all MACS students,” Telford said. “We are excited about this next chapter in our history, and are so grateful to the families and alumni who have already made their contributions and pledges. Our hope is that the entire community will join us in completing our fundraising effort and celebrate the groundbreaking with us very soon.”

— Carolyn Tillman

Learn more To learn more about the MACS Fine Arts Center and the “Expanding the Vision, Honoring the Tradition” capital campaign, go to the campaign website at www. playingyourpart.org.

Asheville Catholic School sees updates over summer ASHEVILLE — Students at Asheville Catholic School will notice new flooring when they return to school this month. All classrooms in pre-kindergarten through third grade have new flooring, as well as the hallways, offices and meeting spaces.

“We’ve got our new flooring installed, and it looks amazing!” said Principal Mike Miller.

Other enhancements to the school over the summer include the installation of security cameras around the perimeter of the building. The cameras were installed to update security measures at the school,

allowing officials to monitor and record activity using the latest technology.

“This is part of our work to enhance the safety of our school,” Miller explained.

Asheville Catholic School will kick off a capital campaign this fall to raise funds to make major renovations to the school that include a 12,000-square-foot addition to the existing building.

Organizers hope to celebrate a groundbreaking for the new wing in the spring.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Our Catholic schools at a glance PAGES 4-7: Basic facts to help you in considering a Catholic education for your children

How do I apply?

Within the Charlotte area, there are many schools to choose from, which may make choosing the right school a confusing process for parents. After choosing a school, the application process itself might bring rise to an entirely new batch of problems.

For this reason, the Catholic News Herald has created a guide to help families navigate the application process for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (MACS):

Step 1:

Take a Tour

KATHERINE MCCARTHY INTERN

By the numbers 99 percent of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education.

Scholarships awarded last year: Bishop McGuinness: $7,083,752 Charlotte Catholic: $19,633,500 Christ the King: $5,282,541

Did you know?

The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcome students of all backgrounds, even as most of their students are Catholic and the school system strives to inculcate the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church.

Catholic: 89.9% Non-Catholic: 10.1% Boys: 51.2% Girls: 48.8% Asian: 4.67% Black: 2.9% Caucasian: 85.47% Hawaiian-Pacific Islander: 0.31% Multi-race: 4.33% Native American: 0.79% Unknown: 1.53%

P

arents sacrifice a great deal to provide their children with an education.

From driving back and forth, to packing lunches and helping with math homework that seems much more challenging than it should be, at times it may feel as if parents themselves are back attending school.

Add in the cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees, and the dream of providing your child with a Catholic education suddenly appears unattainable. However, there is so much more than simply math homework and book reports tied into the tuition of a Catholic education.

In fact, St. Mark School parent Theresa Lister says the cost of a Catholic education is “well worth it” for the contribution it makes in grounding children in their Catholic faith. She adds that a Catholic education is “the best of all worlds – combining faith, community and education.”

When you send your child to any of the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) or any of the 10 parish-based schools in western North Carolina, you provide your child with a well-rounded Catholic education that works to cultivate their faith, volunteerism and creativity.

What sets a Catholic education apart from anything else? Along with the other 18 principals in the diocesan school system, Tyler Kulp, principal of Sacred Heart School, emphasizes that it is prayer and incorporating the Tyler Kulp Catholic faith into everything Principal, Sacred Heart School done as a school community.

“It is so important that we encompass it with everything. We pray every day – it’s the first thing we do every morning. As a school, we start the day with a daily reading and continue this prayer throughout the day. It is so important to include prayer in everything we do,” Kulp notes.

Along with prayer, students work to serve their communities, living beyond themselves by giving to others and connecting with people who may have lives very different from their own.

As Kulp puts it, “It’s so important for our kids to go out and serve our community. They come back on fire from seeing that they were doing something good.”

When you provide your child with a Catholic education, you start them on the right path to being active members in their community.

In a world deprived of compassion, our Catholic schools cultivate talented, compassionate and successful members of society.

Kulp adds, “What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.”

All three of the diocese’s high schools have a college counseling department and counselors who guide students through the college search, application and financial aid processes. Last year, graduates from the three high schools received a combined $32 million in college scholarships and grants.

Students have committed to play a variety of collegiate sports, including football, swimming, tennis and soccer, at different universities across the country.

Connor Malloy, a 2017 Christ the King graduate, notes, “My Catholic education gave me the tools to tackle a college education through a good building of character, a great work ethic, and a desire to do more than just the bare minimum.”

Malloy adds, “If approaching a Catholic education the right way, you will benefit in not just academics but more than you can imagine.”

‘What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.’

Step 2:

Complete Application Form

Step 3:

Pay Application Fee

Step 4: Complete Checklist Items

• Though not a required step, it is recommended to take a tour before officially applying to a school.

• Tours are typically done by the principal of the school.

• It is a great way to ask specific questions about curriculum and what is offered.

• The new online system for applying allows you to start at either a specific school’s website or at discoverMACS.org.

• Just click the big green button, labeled “Apply Now.” • Applicants are encouraged to call anytime throughout the application process with questions.

• Pay by mail or credit card.

• This fee is waived only for returning students.

• Along with the application, applicants must submit a birth certificate and proof of a physical exam and immunization records.

• Additionally, families that wish to qualify for participating Catholic tuition rates must submit a baptismal certificate, as well as a completed parish participation voucher.

• Some schools may ask for the student's most recent years of grades and standardized tests.

• MACS high schools require principal and teacher recommendations and transcripts.

All MACS work on rolling admissions until all spots are full. Additionally, each school offers a multiple child discount for participating Catholic families. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as the application opens for the next school year.

Following their motto “Start with Us, Stay with Us,” once a child is accepted into MACS he or she receives automatic acceptance into the next grade level (i.e., fifth graders do not need to re-apply to a MACS middle school, eighth-graders do not need to reapply to a MACS high school).

Questions? Call the MACS office any time in the application process at 704-370-3273.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

What is the cost of a Catholic education?

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL ST. ANN SCHOOL ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL ST. MARK SCHOOL ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Does my school offer financial aid?

TUITION FOR MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADES

PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

$4,147-$6,443 $7,030 $7,790 $11,352

$4,147-$6,443 $11,365 $12,159 $16,232

Pre-kindergarten Kindergarten - Grade 5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

NOTE: Tuition rates for MAP, PACE and Matthew Morgan programs vary from the above rates. Also, a capital fee of $1,382 is assessed annually to each family to cover new building debt as well as capital repairs and maintenance at all 9 MACS schools.

A multiple-child tuition discount is available for participating Catholic families: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 50% for the fourth child and free for the fifth child and beyond. Go to www.discovermacs.org/tuition for details.

TUITION FOR PARISH-BASED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS

$10,105 $8,000 $5,565 contact school $6,024 contact school $6,773 $7,700 $6,035 $6,648

$13,777 $9,800 $7,635 contact school $8,748 contact school $8,034 $12,450 $8,035 $9,696

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL IMMACULATA SCHOOL IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL ST. PIUS X SCHOOL

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All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family.

Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.

A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is needbased and can only assist with the cost of tuition.

As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.

Other financial aid options include the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program (up to $4,200 per year), Disabilities Grant Programs (up to $8,000 per student per year), and Education Savings Accounts.

These programs can cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school.

Additionally, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.

For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

CAPITAL FEE

GRADUATION FEE

TECHNOLOGY FEE

IMPROVEMENT FEE

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL √ √ √ ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATA SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL √ OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL √ ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL √ √ ST. PIUS X SCHOOL √

√

DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees, and some other expenses at a participating school.

This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

√ √ √

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT

What about miscellaneous costs?

UNIFORMS

LUNCH PROGRAMS

The national average cost of uniforms at Catholic schools in the United States is $249.

Each school provides specific information about their uniforms on their websites. Most options can be purchased through Lands’ End, but some may provide used-uniform sales or swaps throughout the school year.

Additionally, check your local consignment shop for discounted uniform items such as pants and skirts.

Fees vary by school and by order. Some parishbased schools are in the process of adding a hot lunch program, but have not at this time.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Most parish-based schools provide after school services ranging from $180 to $260 a month with other daily price options, but check with your specific school for details.

TRANSPORTATION Bus routes can be found on the MACS website at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/7d4cc8_4826af 0c83054331813ec4ae08bb152f.pdf.

Transportation fees for parish-based schools range from $95- to $165 per month, but check with your specific school to confirm. Some schools do not provide a transportation system, but may provide parents with a car-pool list.

MACS TRANSPORTATION FEES REGISTRATION FEE $75

ONE-WAY RIDER TWO-WAY RIDER $1,782 $1,206

The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

This program provides funding of up to $4,200 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

AFTER SCHOOL FEES REGISTRATION FEE One child:

$60

Each additional child:

FULL-TIME

PART-TIME

$215 per month

$20 daily

$145 per month

$10 daily

An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card.

This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

What are the requirements to receive financial aid?

Eligible applicants must: n Be a resident of North Carolina n Be 5 on or before Aug. 31 of the upcoming school year n Be younger than 22 as of the date the upcoming school year begins n Not have a high school diploma n Apply and enroll to an eligible school n Has not enrolled in a postsecondary institution (college or university) as a full-time student taking at least 12 credit hours Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility.

For details, go to www.ncseaa.edu/K-12Grants.htm.

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iiiAugust 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC NEWS HER

Our Cathol

The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprise Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), diocesan p

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Mission Statement The Mission of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to provide a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting and responsible citizen.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 183 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8

St. Leo Catholic School

St. Pius X Catho

333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Gary Callus, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 232 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Upcoming open houses: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesdays, Oct. 16, Jan. 15, March 18, April 8, May 14

2200 North Elm St., 27408; 336-273-986 www.spxschool.com Christopher Kloesz, Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 450 Student-teacher rati Upcoming open hous a.m. Wednesday, Nov 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesd

Diocesan Parish-based Schools This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, they are directly tied to, and administered by, a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Sacre

385 Lu 704-63 www.sa Tyler K Grades Enrollm Studen

5 essential marks of a Catholic school 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 185-200 Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Upcoming open house: 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

2. Founded on Christian anthropology 3. Animated by communion and community 4. Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum 5. Sustained by Gospel witness — From: “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B.

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828-693-3277 www.immac.org Margaret Beale, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 143 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

NOTE: ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR OR AS REPORTED BY THE SCHOOL. SOURCES INCLUDE THE EDUCATION VICARIATE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CHARLOTTEDIOCESE.ORG, DIOCESAN SCHOOLS STAFF, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL WEBSITES. PHOTOS PROVIDED

St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052; 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelcs.com Sheila Levesque, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 148 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8 Upcoming open houses: Sunday, Oct. 20, Monday, Oct. 21

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lic Schools

Leadership The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education Father Roger K. Arnsparger and led by Debbie Mixer, interim superintendent of schools.

Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. MACS also has its own appointed school board.

Learn more online at www. charlottediocese.org/schools-office.

ed of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: parish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.

olic School

, Greensboro, NC 865 principal

io: 15:1 ses: PK-1: 9:30-11 v. 6; all ages: day, Jan. 29

Diocesan High School

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Catherine Rusch, principal Grades: PK3-8 Enrollment: 243 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 11:1 for K-8

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area of North Carolina.

Bishop McGuinness High School

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Greg Roberts, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 198 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 for PK, 14:1 for K-5, 10:1 for 6-8

ed Heart Catholic School

umen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 33-2841 alisburycatholicschool.org Kulp, principal s: K-8 ment: 185 nt-teacher ratio: 10:1

1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336-564-1010 www.bmhs.us Tracy A. Shaw, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 375 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Upcoming open houses: Thursday, Oct. 3, Wednesday, Nov. 6

All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by AdvancEd, the largest community of preK-12 education professionals in the world, serving more than 36,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate more than 20 million students.

AdvancEd provides accreditation and continuous improvement resources to preK-12 institutions, and conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of preK-12 institutions to ensure continuous improvement.

Admissions, tuition

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $4,147 for half-day PK to $11,352 for high school. For details, go online to www.discovermacs.org.

Christ the King Catholic High School

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Dr. Carl Semmler, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 309 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olacatholic.org Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 145 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Charlotte Catholic High School

St. Ann Catholic School

7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.gocchs.com Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,240 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stanncatholic.org Kathy McKinney, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 186 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

St. Gabriel Catholic School

3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 815 Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Michele Snoke, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 573

1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Amy Tobergte, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 219 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

St. Mark Catholic School

Prospective families can take a tour of the school campus, watch fine arts performances, hear students speak about

their experiences, meet with teachers, and schedule a shadow day (for the middle and high schools only).

14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-­5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Julie Thornley, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 717 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.stmattwildcats.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 530 Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

St. Patrick Catholic School

Open houses MACS will hold an open house at all nine schools for prospective parents at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Accreditation

The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available.

Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parishbased schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2019-’20 year are posted online at www.discovermacs.org/tuition.

All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $6,000 to $11,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available.

For MACS schools, go to its webpage, www.discovermacs.org, to learn more and download application information, or call 704-370-3273. Admission information for each diocesan parishbased school and at Bishop McGuinness High School can be found on their websites.

Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open houses at the school or schools they are eyeing.

Tuition assistance Have you ever considered Catholic education for your children but wondered if it was within your reach?

A Catholic education may be more accessible than you realize, with needsbased tuition assistance available to qualified families. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 16, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Endowment funds for the benefit of our schools and Catholic education The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 59 endowments totaling $11,834,166 that directly aid the diocese’s 19 schools and their students: n American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School. n Asheville Catholic School Foundation Endowment Fund: Financial support to enable the school to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers, and enhance the school’s curriculum. n Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of St. Leo Parish families to attend St. Leo School in WinstonSalem. n Bishop McGuinness High School Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at this school in Kernersville. n Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Molly Cassidy Scholarship Fund: Tuition assistance for students in Catholic Schools in the Triad area. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: Financial assistance, at the board’s discretion, to Charlotte Catholic High School students. n James P. and Eunice S. Cherry Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students to attend St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Cornelius Alexander Davis Fund: Tuition

assistance for students at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem. n Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Church attending Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Derhofer Endowment Fund: For drama department productions, capital needs related to the drama department, and tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area. n Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. n Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign endowment: Tuition assistance n Gayden and Janell Gauthier Fund: Tuition scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n O’Brien and William Edwards Gibbs Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Gismondi Family Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Church parishioners to attend Christ the King High School in Huntersville. n Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte. n Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund for Asheville Catholic School: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School. n Immaculata School Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Immaculate Heart of Mary School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance

St. Michael Catholic School Everything we do begins with Faith and ends with excellence.

Join us on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 3 – 5pm for Open House and tours of our newly renovated school!

• Pre K – 8th Grade • Fully Accredited • NEW state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Makers Space • NEW Expanded Science Lab • NEW Special Needs Student Classroom • Fine Arts • Athletics • Clubs and Activities 704 St. Michaels Lane – Gastonia, NC 28052 stmichaelschool@stmichaelsgastonia.org www.stmichaelcs.com

Endowments aid students, schools $2,718,117 has been distributed from 59 endowments managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation that directly benefited students and schools

Did you know? $3 million in financial aid was provided to students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system in 2017-’18, with 87 percent of families who applied being awarded financial aid.

Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for families of Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Mooresville and St. Mark Church in Huntersville to attend Christ the King High School. n Catherine McAuley Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Development Council: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ students with special needs. n Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Vic Nussbaum Jr. Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n Poutre Family Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Quinn Family Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Catholic students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties to attend Catholic high schools in these counties, Davidson College or Queens University. n Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Salisbury.

n Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Victoria Sleeman Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Church to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: For professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School. n St. Ann School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Gabriel School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Mary Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mary’s parishioners attending Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X schools in Greensboro and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n St. Leo the Great School Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the general needs of this school in Winston-Salem. n St. Michael School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Gastonia. n St. Pius X Catholic School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in Greensboro. n Theresa Lasecki Talbert Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance for students in all nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Triad Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance to students attending a Catholic elementary or high school in the Triad area. n Villalon Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville. n Sabrinia Watt Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School to attend a college of their choice. n Woelfel Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance at Our Lady of Grace School for student educational purposes; such as purchasing textbooks or technology needs. n Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

MACS Education Annual Fund The MACS Education Annual Fund supports every student, faculty member, and program at all nine Catholic schools in the MACS system and provides the flexibility to remain current and respond to new and exciting opportunities, while maintaining a commitment to preparing students for lives committed to leadership and service. In fact, more than $390,000 will be invested in professional development opportunities for teachers, classroom resources and technology along with other essential components of a MACS educational experience for this school year.

Gifts to the Annual Fund makes a difference and ensures that our Catholic schools remain vibrant, competitive and relevant among today’s many educational choices. Below are just a few examples of how gifts to the Annual Fund are empowering our Catholic schools to provide quality Catholic education to our children: School Grants and Grants for Educational Excellence (GEE): n Active learning classrooms designed with flexible seating choices to foster independent learning, as well as essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity and collaborative problemsolving. n Artist in Residence Program: Enhance the performance skills of individual students in the entire MACS band program. Many of these students successfully entered the District and State Band. n Provide funding to enable nine teachers to attend the National Science Teachers Conference focused on the latest advancements in science content and teaching strategy.

Technology Grants: n Multiple classroom instructional technologies for all nine schools such as laptops, iPads and Apple TV, among others. n Multiple instructional software programs in areas such as math, reading and coding.

Teacher Appreciation Awards: n This past June, full and part-time teachers received financial appreciation awards. This additional support from the entire school community enables MACS to help retain talented teachers who inspire a passion for learning in students.

The caliber of the MACS experience greatly depends on the resources available to our Catholic schools. The size and flexibility of the Annual Fund ensures that there are adequate resources every year to enhance and sustain MACS’ distinctive margin of excellence. The community’s participation and generosity help make a substantial difference in the lives of students each day.

Invest in your success!

Advertise in the Catholic News Herald Kevin Eagan, Advertising Manager 704-370-3332 keeagan@charlottediocese.org

catholicnewsherald.com

What is the MACS Annual Fund used for?

42% School and GEE Grants

35% Technology Grants

42% School and GEE Grants

23% Teacher Appreciation Awards

Triad Catholic Schools Foundation funds needs at six area schools The TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation’s mission is to enrich and expand Catholic education by raising funds for quality programs within the six schools in the Triad region.

Through generous financial contributions from the 2018-’19 Annual Giving Campaign supporters, these schools were able to: n Bishop McGuinness High School: Provide tuition assistance for families seeking an exceptional Catholic education n Immaculate Heart of Mary School: Provide tuition assistance to families in need n Our Lady of Grace School: Provide tuition assistance opportunities so that all families may have access to our Catholic school

n Our Lady of Mercy School: Provide tuition assistance for families in need n St. Leo School: Assist families in developing the best financial plan to provide a quality Catholic education for their children n St. Pius X School: Provide tuition assistance to keep St. Pius X School accessible, affordable and available to all families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education To donate to the TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation, visit www.donatetriad.org or mail checks to: Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

For details, contact Ralph Perez at 704-3703303 or rperez@charlottediocese.org.

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‘The future of our Church is now’ A family speaks on the impact of Catholic Campus Ministry SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

GREENSBORO — For one St. Paul the Apostle Parish family, Catholic Campus Ministry has been a vital part of their faith life for nearly a decade. Bill and Mary Wells and two of their three adult children, Matthew and Sarah, have seen the value of campus ministry at both Appalachian State University in Boone and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Their son Matthew attended Appalachian State University from 2010 to 2015, and their daughter Sarah attended UNCGreensboro from 2015 to 2019.

“While visiting colleges when I was in high school, one of the most important places for me to visit was each campus’s Newman or Campus Ministry center. I felt a connection while touring Appalachian State and it became one of the first things I got involved with after I moved to Boone,” said Wells, 27, who now works as a city planner in Archdale.

He became a member of the leadership team in 2011 and continued until he graduated in 2015, serving as campus ministry president in his final year.

Wells worked to prepare and clean up Wednesday night dinners and reflections, helped to organize retreats, and participated in various social events across

campus during his time of service. He was also part of a group of three young men who started a weekly men’s group.

“In today’s day and age, our faith is constantly being challenged, especially on college campuses,” he says. “For the first time in many people’s lives, it’s the first time they are independent of their parents and they have the choice to keep God in their lives or to turn away from the Church.”

For him, he explains, “It was a valuable way to get involved with a community and to keep my faith alive. It’s definitely not an easy decision, but it’s important. The people that I met through campus ministry are lifelong friends, even if we don’t always get the chance to see each other. Being part of a small group gave me a feeling of ‘home’ and friends that I could always rely on.”

His experiences with campus ministry have had a definite impact on his faith.

“Today, I am back in Greensboro involved with my own church, the Knights of Columbus and the Greensboro Catholic Young Adult Ministry (Way of Christ).

The experiences and challenges I faced in college made me stronger in my faith and encouraged to always get involved,” he explains.

“The future of our Church is now!” he CAMPUS, SEE PAGE 11

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW WELLS

Catholic Campus Ministry was a way of life for Matthew Wells, who attended Appalachian State University in Boone from 2010-2015. He became a member of the leadership team and continued until he graduated in 2015, serving as campus ministry president in his final year. This is an April 2015 photo taken at the last Wednesday night dinner for campus ministry participants before his graduation.

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Prospective Parent Open House Dates Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Wednesday, November 6, 2019 9:30 AM-11:00 AM

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For more information or to schedule a campus tour, please contact: Jean Navarro at jnavarro@spxschool.com or call 336-273-9865

August 16, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

CAMPUS

why I believe it is a valuable ministry for young adults,” she says.

“Without the campus ministry, I wouldn’t be as dedicated to my faith as I am today. I have found myself FROM PAGE 10 determined to understand it and appreciate it more as I live my life faithfully each day.

“I am grateful for what the campus ministry has says. “We need to get more young people involved and provided for me – to make my faith stronger and to share campus ministry is a place to continue (or start, if you it with others.” were not involved before) your faith journey. Make a Bill and Mary Wells have seen their children grow in difference, get involved on our campuses and bring our their faith over the past nine years faith back to life.” since Matthew first went away to Sarah, 22, has also been greatly college. affected by her involvement “They have both learned a with campus ministry at UNClot about leadership and how to Greensboro over the past four work with others, helping them to years. develop friendships that will last “I was involved in many different them a lifetime,” Mary says. “We things in the campus ministry,” she have seen so much joy in the both recalls. “I assumed the position of of them in regards to their faith student leader during my second and the desires they have to want year and soon became the student to learn more and share it with president during my third and others.” fourth year.

“College is a very difficult time “Being part of the leadership for many students, especially those team helped me to come out of my that aren’t the most outgoing, and shell and be able to connect with Matthew Wells the CCM programs were a place for other people – students and nonApp State graduate and Campus Ministry leader both of them to meet others with students. I had the opportunity to similar values and desires,” she lead a weekly Bible study, assist says. with our on-campus Mass, participate in once-a-month “Both the programs at App State and UNC-G provided service projects, and spend time with other students environments of study, service and social as well as doing various activities inside and outside campus spiritual growth for them and the other kids that were ministry.” there with them, and that has continued even after both She also participated in retreats and service trips have graduated,” Bill adds. provided as part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Campus Bill and Mary now financially support the Catholic Ministry program.

Campus Ministry programs at both Appalachian State Campus ministry is valuable for young adults, she and UNC-Greensboro, because they have personally seen says, “because it’s a chance to build strong, life-long “the wonderful and truly positive impact” the programs friendships with people who become your second family. have in the lives of young adults.

It’s an atmosphere of positivity and community that Catholic campus ministry helps “to keep the Catholic makes it worth being a part of.”

“There are many opportunities in the ministry to learn college student passionate about their faith and wanting to share that passion with others,” she says. how to be a faithful servant to the community, and that’s

‘It was a valuable way to get involved with a community and to keep my faith alive.’

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Campus Ministry: ‘College is 4 years; your Catholic faith is 4ever’ Off to college? Want to meet new lifetime friends? Look for Catholic Campus Ministry on your campus. They may have tables outside church and at campus club/organization fairs.

Or they may be helping firstyear students settle in their rooms or participating in the Week of Welcome (WOW) on your campus. Wherever they are and whatever year you are, you are welcome to join them. Go to www.catholiconcampus.com and click on “Directory” to find and contact the Campus Minister at your college or university.

Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte serves college students throughout western North Carolina, enabling them to continue their faith journey as young adults.

Campus Ministry encourages young adult Catholics to develop a closer relationship with God, continue forming their conscience within the teachings of our faith, build faith communities on campus, develop as future leaders and stewards of the Catholic community, and engage in social justice-oriented learning and activities.

All Catholic students attending university or college in the diocese are welcome in

the Catholic Campus Ministry community at: n Appalachian State University (with outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University) n Bennett College and North Carolina A&T (Thea House) n Davidson College n UNC-Asheville (with outreach to Warren Wilson College, AB Tech Community College and Mars Hill University) n UNC-Charlotte (with outreach to Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wingate University, Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales UniversityCharlotte) n UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Greensboro College, Guilford College and High Point University) n Wake Forest University (with outreach to Salem College and North Carolina School of the Arts) n Western Carolina University

More online At www.catholiconcampus. com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte

CCDOC.ORG

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

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

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

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4111 South Boulevard | Charlotte, NC 28209 | www.edificeinc.com