Aug. 30, 2019

August 30, 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

‘Jubilant praises’

SPECIAL GUIDE INSIDE

Divine Redeemer Church celebrates 15th anniversary of dedication

3 Divino Redentor cumplió 15 años

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Foundation distributions top $10M 5 INDEX Contact us.....................................4 Español........................................11-13 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-9 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 10 U.S. news.................................14-15 Viewpoints..............................18-19 World news............................. 16-17

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Stay With Us, Lord September 6-7, 2019 Charlotte Convention Center

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September 6 & 7

Decimoquinto Congreso Eucarístico Anual de la Diócesis de Charlotte

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24:29

2019 Eucharistic Congress Diocese of Charlotte

Diocese of Charlotte 15th annual Eucharistic Congress

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– Luke 24:29

2019 Eucharistic Congress Diocese of Charlotte

September 6 & 7

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Patron saints of students and teachers Pope Francis

Proclaim God’s love through care for needy

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hile listening to and obeying God’s word brings healing and comfort to those in need, it also can attract disdain and even hatred from others, Pope Francis said.

Christians are called to proclaim the love of God through their care for the sick and the needy, like St. Peter and the other disciples who went to various cities bringing spiritual and physical healing to many, the pope said during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Aug. 28.

While Peter’s healing of the sick also “aroused the hatred of the Sadducees,” the pope said, his response to them to “obey God instead of men” is the “key to Christian life.”

“Let us also ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to not be frightened in the face of those who command us to be silent, who slander us and even threaten our lives,” he said. “Let us ask Him to strengthen us inwardly to be certain of the loving and comforting presence of the Lord at our side.”

The pope continued his series of talks on the Acts of the Apostles and reflected on St. Peter’s role in leading the early Church’s mission of proclaiming Christ’s love and of healing the sick and the suffering.

Today, like in St. Peter’s day, he said, “the sick are the privileged recipients of the joyous proclamation of the kingdom, they are brothers and sisters in whom Christ is present in a special way so that they may be sought out and found by all of us.”

“The sick are the privileged ones for the Church, for the priestly heart, for all the faithful. They are not to be discarded; on the contrary, they are to be cured, to be cared for: they are the object of Christian concern,” the pope said.

Despite their good works, Christ’s early followers were subject to persecution by those who saw the miracles performed “not by magic but in the name of Jesus” and did not want to accept them.

“Their hearts were so hardened that they did not want to believe what they saw,” the pope explained.

Nevertheless, Pope Francis said, Peter’s response to obey God is a reminder for Christians today to listen to God “without reservation, without delay, without calculation” so that they may be united with Him and with their neighbor, especially the poor and the sick.

“In the wounds of the sick, in the sicknesses that are impediments to moving forward in life, there is always the presence of Jesus,” he said. “There is Jesus who calls each of us to look after them, to support them, to heal them.”

“Saint Catherine”

by Bernardino Luini (16th century) on display at the State Art Museum of Azerbaijan

St. Catherine of Alexandria (c. 287-305) n Feast day: Nov. 25 Catherine is thought to have been born to a noble family in Alexandria, Egypt. Through a vision, this scholarly young woman converted to Christianity and began evangelizing others, including the wife of the pagan emperor who was persecuting Christians. According to legend, after she defied the emperor and refuted philosophers brought in to test her faith, she was imprisoned and tortured. She was put on a rotating spiked wheel; when it broke, she was beheaded. She is venerated as the Great Martyr St. Catherine in the Orthodox tradition and her voice was among those heard by St. Joan of Arc. Today, she is known as the namesake of a monastery at Mount Sinai that claims to be the oldest in the world. She is the patron saint of wheelwrights, and also a patron saint of teachers, jurists, philosophers, students and teachers.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) n Feast day: Jan. 28 Thomas so shocked his noble Italian family when he entered the Dominicans about 1244 that his brothers kidnapped him from the Dominicans, took him to the family’s castle, and at one point even sent a woman to seduce him – whom Thomas drove out by brandishing a poker from the fireplace. But he would not yield, and studied under St. Albert the Great, becoming a master of theology in 1256. As a priest, he showed great reverence for the liturgy and skill as a homilist. In keeping with the Dominican order’s charism for preaching, he strove to bring

Daily Scripture readings 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 5:16, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday: Colossians 1:1-8, Luke 4:38-44; 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

his own family to a sincere practice of the faith, and largely succeeded. For the rest of his brief life, the “dumb ox,” as he was dubbed, taught, preached and wrote, producing the monumental “Summa Theologica.”

The 13th century theologian showed that the Catholic faith is in harmony with philosophy and all other branches of knowledge. His thinking became enormously influential in later centuries and he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1567. In 1965, the Second Vatican Council taught “Saint Thomas Aquinas” by Carlo Crivelli (1476) on that seminarians display at the National Gallery in London should learn “under the guidance of St. Thomas,” in order to “illumine the mysteries of salvation as completely as possible.” He is also a patron saint of academics, chastity, colleges and universities, Catholic schools and theologians.

St. Peter of Alexandria (died 311) n Feast day: Nov. 26 Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Peter headed its catechetical school before being named bishop-patriarch in 300. In his early Church history, Eusebius called Peter an excellent teacher.

Peter’s own theological writings were cited in a fifth-century dispute over Christ’s divinity and humanity. Peter fought two heresies, Arianism and Origenism, and for much of his episcopate encouraged his people to remain Christian in the face of Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions. When he eventually went into hiding, Alexandria experienced a schism, and when a new emperor renewed Christian persecutions, Peter was seized and summarily executed. He was the last Christian martyred in Alexandria by civil authorities. His instructions on how to receive “lapsed” Christians who had denied their faith back into the Church were adopted by the entire Eastern Church.

Although his feast day in the Western tradition is no longer a part of the Roman Catholic Church’s universal calendar, he remains especially beloved among Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the Egyptian Coptic tradition. He is also a patron saint of Egypt.

— Catholic News Service and Catholic News Agency

SEPT. 8-14

Sunday: Wisdom 9:13-18, Philemon 9-10, 12-17, Luke 14:25-33; Monday (St. Peter Claver): Colossians 1:242:3, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday: Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 6:1219; Wednesday: Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (The Most Holy Name of Mary): Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 6:27-38; Friday (St. John Chrysostom): 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14, Luke 6:39-42; Saturday (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross): Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17

SEPT. 15-21

“The Evangelist Matthew and the Angel” by Rembrandt (c. 1661) on display at La Galerie du Temps in Lens, France

Sunday: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-32; Monday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian): 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday (St. Robert Bellarmine): 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday: 1 Timothy 3:14-16, Luke 7:31-35; Thursday (St. Januarius): 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Luke 7:36-50; Friday (Sts. Andrew Kin Tae-gon and Paul Chong Hasang and Companions): 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Matthew): Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:9-13

Our parishes

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits collection set for Sept. 14-15 CHARLOTTE — The annual diocesan collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans will be taken up in all parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte the weekend of Sept. 14-15.

The Diocese of Charlotte currently has 111 diocesan and religious order priests serving the faithful of western North Carolina in its 92 parishes and missions.

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

“Each year at this time, we have the opportunity to respond generously and with grateful hearts to the priests who serve us faithfully in the 92 parishes and missions throughout our diocese,” Bishop Peter Jugis stated in a message to all parishioners.

“With the annual collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans, we financially sustain these men who give their lives to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith, to lead God’s people in love, and to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist,” he added.

Bishop Jugis pointed out that, “Even through the years of their retirement, these priests will continue to serve the people of our diocese. They will visit the sick in nursing homes and hospitals. They will go to our prisons, where they will counsel the inmates.

“Retired priests pray daily for the people of the diocese, offer Mass for the intentions of parishioners, and give of their time and talent to help with confessions and Sunday Masses in parishes throughout the diocese,” he noted.

The diocese’s goal for the 2019 collection for the priests’ retirement and benefits plan is $1.92 million.

Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory to support the priests’ retirement and benefits plans. This second collection defrays the amount that the parishes pay from their operating budgets.

For every dollar contributed, 55 cents go to the Diocese of Charlotte Priests Pension Plan; 27 cents go to the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Clergy Health Plan; 14 cents go to pension contributions for religious order priests; and 4 cents go to campaign costs.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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‘Jubilant praises’ Divine Redeemer Church celebrates 15th anniversary of dedication CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

BOONVILLE — Members of Divine Redeemer Parish celebrated the 15th anniversary of the dedication of their church Aug. 15 with the bishop who originally consecrated it: Bishop Peter Jugis.

Divine Redeemer was one of the first churches Bishop Jugis dedicated after being installed as the fourth Bishop of Charlotte.

Fifteen years later, he returned to the church and recalled the words he had prayed during the dedication Mass – worshiping the Lord “with jubilant praises” and asking Him to sanctify the church so that it could be used for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in which the people could in turn be sanctified through the reception of the sacraments.

Bishop Jugis noted, “How good it is to return today to celebrate, on the solemnity of our Blessed Mother Mary, to this house of prayer, the church of the Divine Redeemer, where the love of God has been celebrated for 15 years and the love of God is still present today through the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Mass.”

“Jubilant praises,” he said, referring to the prayer of dedication, are what he heard at the church’s dedication 15 years ago and what he heard again that day. “Jubilant praises, with the whole community singing jubilant praises to God.” “May God increase in us His love that we celebrate here because, as St. John Paul II has said, opening one’s heart to the love of God also opens us to love our brothers, and we grow as a Christian community of faith, holiness and love,” he said.

Bishop Jugis concelebrated the Mass with Father Enrique González, pastor; Father Fidel Melo, vicar of Hispanic Ministry; and Father Eulogio Álvarez. Deacon Michael Langsdorf assisted and seminarian Camilo Salas-Bowen also served.

After Communion, Father González led the congregation in praying, in Spanish and in English, a prayer of thanksgiving expressing gratitude to God for His blessings over the 15 years parishioners have “lived together as family.”

After Mass parishioners enjoyed a traditional Mexican potluck called a “compartir,” with the festivities seasoned with Mariachi music.

For Jaime Ruiz, one of the oldest parishioners at the parish, the community has grown tremendously over the years. “We started with eight people and now we are a very large community, thank God and our Blessed Mother.”

Juana Silva de Rodríguez, another founding member of the parish, said the community grew due to the interest of parishioners like her who were “calling families one by one to integrate.”

Divine Redeemer Church’s roots run deep in Yadkin County. In the 1980s, a significant number of Hispanics arrived in the area, northwest of Winston-Salem, as migrants working in the tobacco industry.

They were predominately Catholic, and the Diocese of Charlotte responded by establishing a migrant ministry, eventually named Cristo Rey (“Christ the King”), in Yadkinville in the summer of 1982 to serve

PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners at Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville gathered for a special celebration of the 15th anniversary of the dedication of their church Aug. 15, with Mass offered by Bishop Peter Jugis. families in Yadkin and south Surry counties.

The four Catholic parishes of Winston-Salem – Our Lady of Mercy, St. Leo the Great, St. Benedict the Moor and Our Lady of Fatima – founded the ministry in a joint effort.

In 1985, La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (“Sacred Heart of Jesus Church”) was established 20 miles north in Dobson.

The local community converted a former housing facility for migrant workers into a church. Although the structure had no running water and relied on kerosene heater for warmth, it was utilized as the church for eight years.

Father Joseph Waters, a pioneer in ministry to Hispanics in the diocese, was appointed director of diocesan migrant ministry in 1982. He led a search for Spanishspeaking priests to celebrate Mass for the Hispanic communities in the western Piedmont.

By 1986, the growth of Hispanic Catholics in the area prompted the diocese to buy a former hardware store just south of Yadkinville to provide a permanent pastoral center.

Father Joseph Mack, then-pastor of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro, celebrated the first Mass in the hardware-store church in 1990. In December then-Bishop John Donoghue blessed the facility, giving it the name Cristo Rey (“Christ the King”).

The number of migrant families permanently settling the Yadkinville area continued to rise, and by 1995, Sunday Mass attendance was so high that some worshipers were forced to stand outside.

A second location was found south of Dobson and the building was converted into a church in 1994. Soon, the Hispanic population outgrew both the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and Cristo Rey facilities.

Both communities launched a plan to unite and build a new church between the two existing centers of worship for all of

Yadkin County’s Catholics.

Twenty acres were purchased in Boonville, at the midpoint between Dobson and Yadkinville, and in 2003 an 18,000-squarefoot, $1.5 million building was constructed to serve as a worship, educational and gathering space. Named “Divino Redentor” (“Divine Redeemer”), the church features traditional Mexican architecture, stucco and a red tile roof to pay homage to the heritage of the founding Catholics of the community.

The sanctuary’s crucifix and altar were also crafted in Mexico.

Father Melo, among the first native Spanish-speaking priests to serve the community, said the church was designed so that parishioners, mostly who emigrated from Mexico, can feel at home.

“We have a great responsibility to make felt the strong presence of the Catholic Church, especially by demonstrating our identity as Christian Catholics,” he noted.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SEPT. 1 – 11 A.M. Pastor Installation of Father Brendan Buckler St. Elizabeth Church, Boone SEPT. 6-7 Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte

SEPT. 10 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte SEPT. 14 – 2 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Luke Church, Mint Hill

SEPT. 15 – 11:30 A.M. Pastor Installation of Father Matthew Codd St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte SEPT. 16 -12:10 P.M. Mass with Charlotte Area Home Schoolers St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

SEPT. 18 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews SEPT. 20 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joan of Arc Church, Candler

Diocesan calendar of events August 30, 2019 Volume 28 • NUMBER 24

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

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

STAFF

ENTERTAINMENT PERPETUAL HOPE GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS “THE SOUND OF VICTORY”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave., Charlotte ESPAÑOL 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.

ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@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.

HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org

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:

FEMALE’: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 26 and Oct. 17 in the Upstairs Conference Room Activity Center at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. The book club will read the following four selections and discuss over tea and treats: ‘The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand,’ ‘The Other Side of Beauty by Leah Darrow,’ ‘The Anti-Mary Exposed by Carrie Gress’ and ‘Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft.’ Read the book prior to the meeting. Books may be purchased new or used from your favorite retailer. If you have trouble finding a book or you are wondering which edition to purchase, email Mary Beth Richardson Worthington at Worthingtonmarybeth@ gmail.com.

ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp.

CHARLOTTE: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA: www.saintlawrencebasilica. org/young-adult-ministry.

CONCORD: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, St. James Church, 139 Manor Ave.

CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry.

GASTONIA: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, St. Michael Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road HAYESVILLE: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission, 1433 Highway 64 West

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS ‘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.

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: on Facebook at “Our Lady of Consolation Young Adult Ministry” ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: https://stgabrielchurch.org ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587 or visit www.4sjnc.org/faith-formation/ adult-ministry/young-adult-ministry St. Luke Church: www.stlukechurch.net/young-adult-ministry ST. MARK CHURCH: on Facebook at “The Young Adult Ministry of St. Mark” St. Matthew Church: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” or visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/youngadultministries ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: Look them up on Facebook: “St. Peter 20s and 30s Ministry” ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest

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.

YOUNG ADULTS BOOK CLUB FOR YOUNG WOMEN ‘THE CULTURE & THE

Correction The Aug. 16 article “Christ the King High School moves closer to gym expansion project” misidentified a current CTK family who gave a $500,000 challenge match to the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” campaign for CTK’s Athletic and Activity Complex. The donor wishes to remain anonymous. An earlier gift from George and Pattie Fulford of Huntersville enabled the school to build the existing gym in 2011.

We regret the error.

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

Diocesan Foundation distributions top $10M Asheville Catholic School exceeds $620,000 with largest amount distributed SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation recently reached a milestone: giving out more than $10 million from its endowments.

The foundation provides a means for people and organizations to provide long-term financial stability for the diocese and more than 181 recipient parishes, schools and ministries. It now tops $55 million in assets with 268 endowments.

An endowment is a permanent fund in which the principal is never touched, but the income from it can be used according to the wishes of the donor organization or individual. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the long-term strength and viability of the diocese and its parishes, schools and ministries.

The $10 million was distributed from 146 of these endowments. For the other 122 endowments, distributions will be made when the recipients have a particular need.

The Asheville Catholic School Endowment Fund, established in 1997 with an initial gift of $395,000, has given out $620,000 over the past 22 years – the largest amount distributed to a single recipient. The endowment has grown to $605,000 and will continue to provide distributions every quarter, depending on how financial markets grow or decline.

“We have been blessed to receive so much support from this endowment,” said Principal Mike Miller.

“The donors who have been so generous in helping to create and grow our endowment have helped hundreds of students over the last decade at Asheville Catholic School. The disbursements have gone to subsidize tuition assistance, fund professional development for our teachers, and provide a high quality education for all of our students,” he said.

“The Asheville Catholic School staff have been good stewards of these funds in making sure they were utilized for the greatest benefit to our students. This is the best way we can show our appreciation to those who generously gave to Asheville Catholic through this endowment,” he said.

The school has five other named endowments that have been established over the years.

Jim Kelley, diocesan development director, said that to date, more than 1,100 people in the Diocese of Charlotte have notified his office that they are making an estate gift to a diocesan entity in their will or estate plan.

Since the foundation was established in 1994, Kelley has seen endowment gifts range from the thousands to the millions of dollars, and donors will continue supporting the Church through endowments as a way to keep giving long into the future.

Kelley said he is gratified to see these endowments being put to good use for the benefit of parishes, schools and ministries throughout the diocese.

“These distributions provide funds that change people’s lives. This is all done because individuals or entities established endowments because they love the Church and they want to provide for its future here in western North Carolina. It’s a wonderful gift, people making these endowments,” he said.

Learn more Interested in setting up an endowment? Individuals can establish an endowment in the diocesan foundation by leaving a bequest in their will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a gift of real estate, a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment, or a life income arrangement such as a trust or annuity. For details about setting up an endowment to benefit the Church in western North Carolina, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or email gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

OUR PARISHESI

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Celebrate World Day of Migrants and Refugees JOSEPH PURELLO SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

This year, on Sept. 29 the Catholic Church celebrates the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis designated the last Sunday of September to be the day when the Church celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

In this upcoming celebration, the Holy Father not only desires to highlight the plight of migrants and refugees around the world, but also calls upon all humanity to overcome the fears and misconceptions that lead to seeing migrants as “emblems of exclusion.”

It is for this reason that the theme of this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees is “It Is Not Just About Migrants.”

In his 2019 message, Pope Francis uses four action verbs to sum up how we are to respond to migration today: “to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate.” Pope Francis also wants the readers of his message to understand that his concern extends beyond migrants and refugees, for he states that how we respond to the concerns of migrants is also “about our fear” … “about charity” … and “about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family.”

Following from the commitment of the U.S. bishops to protect the life and dignity of the human person, the mission of the five offices of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services is to “serve and advocate for refugees, asylees, migrants, unaccompanied children, and victims of human trafficking.”

The policies and direction of USCCB MRS are set by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, chaired by Austin Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, and which includes eight

additional bishops.

Learn more about this work of the U.S. bishops on behalf of migrants and refugees at www.usccb.org/about/ migration-and-refugee-services.

JOSEPH PURELLO is director of Catholic Charities’ Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy.

Learn more online At www.ccdoc.org/education: Find resources (English and Spanish) to learn more about the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, including Pope Francis’ message and ways to celebrate the day.

Celebre el Día Mundial de los Migrantes y Refugiados JOSEPH PURELLO ESPECIAL PARA THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Este año, el 29 de septiembre la Iglesia Católica celebra el Día Mundial de los Migrantes y Refugiados 2019.

A principios de año, el Papa Francisco designó el último domingo de septiembre a ser el día cuando la Iglesia celebre el Día Mundial de los Migrantes y Refugiados.

En esta próxima celebración, el Santo Padre no solo desea subrayar la delicada situación de los migrantes y refugiados alrededor del mundo, sino también hacer un llamado a toda la humanidad a superar los temores e ideas falsas que llevan a ver a los migrantes como “emblemas de exclusión”. Es por esta razón que el tema de este año para el Día Internacional de los Migrantes y Refugiados es ‘No se trata solo de migrantes’.

En su mensaje de 2019, el Papa Francisco usa cuatro verbos de acción para resumir nuestra respuesta a la migración hoy: dar la bienvenida, proteger, promover e integrar.

El Papa Francisco también quiere que los lectores de su mensaje comprendan que su preocupación se extiende más allá de los migrantes y refugiados, porque afirma que la forma en que respondemos a las preocupaciones de los migrantes también es “sobre nuestro miedo” ... “sobre la caridad” ... “sobre todos nosotros y sobre el presente y futuro de la familia humana”.

Siguiendo el compromiso de los obispos de Estados Unidos de proteger la vida y la dignidad de la persona humana, la misión de las cinco oficinas de los Servicios de Migración y Refugiados de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB MRS) es “servir y defender a los refugiados, asilados, migrantes, niños no acompañados y víctimas de tráfico humano”. Las políticas y la dirección de la USRSB MRS son establecidas por el

Comité de Migración de los obispos de Estados Unidos, presidido por el obispo de Austin Joe S. Vásquez, y que incluye ocho obispos adicionales.

Obtenga más información sobre el trabajo de los obispos de Estados Unidos en defensa de los migrantes y refugiados en www.usccb.org/about/migration-andrefugee-services.

JOSEPH PURELLO es director de la Oficina de Asuntos Sociales y Defensa de Caridades Católicas.

Más online En www.ccdoc.org/education: Encuentre recursos en inglés y español para conocer más sobre el Día Mundial de los Migrantes y Refugiados 2019, incluyendo el mensaje del Papa Francisco y las diversas maneras de celebrar este día.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 OUR PARISHES

8th annual Polish Mass offered at Charlotte parish LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT

(Above) Children wore traditional Polish garb for the special Mass Aug. 25 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. The annual Mass is a way for Polish immigrants and people of Polish descent to celebrate their heritage.

(Right) Father Matt Nycz celebrated the Mass, giving his homily in English and Polish, and hearing confessions in Polish for over two hours during his visit to Charlotte.

PHOTOS BY LISA GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — The feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa was celebrated a day early at St. Thomas Aquinas during the eighth annual Polish Mass Aug. 25.

Young children, crowned in flowers and wearing traditional Krakow folk attire, graced the pews, and hundreds of visitors from across the Carolinas sang along with the choir to Polish hymns. Near the altar an adorned copy of the icon of the Black Madonna, with her facial scars and skin darkened by soot, silently contributed to the homily given by Polish priest, Father Matt Nycz.

Father Nycz venerated the special icon of Our Lady, which remains a beloved symbol for the Polish people. “Since the 1400s, whenever Poland has been under attack,” he said, “Our Lady of Czestochowa has remained vigilant, giving the Polish people hope and perseverance – helping us have a closeness to God during our toughest times.”

For the past eight years, Deacon James Witulski and his wife Mary Witulski have organized the Polish Mass as a way for the Diocese of Charlotte to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Deacon Witulski explained, “We try to make it a high Mass with the Knights of Columbus and the children wearing the Polish attire. People find this endearing and it keeps the heritage alive.”

The couple, both of Polish ancestry, came to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish from a Polish parish in Rochester, N.Y., called St. Stanislaus Kotska, and they find it important to keep the Polish traditions alive for others here in the Charlotte diocese.

The Witulskis met Father Nycz in 2002 while on a pilgrimage to visit the icon of the Black Madonna.

Traditionally believed to be hand-painted by St. Luke on the tabletop of the Holy Family, the sacred image is kept in a monastery on a hill in Czestochowa, Poland. Since then, the Witulskis have remained close friends with Father Nycz, and this occasion was his fifth celebration of the special Mass in Charlotte.

The priest made the 11-hour journey from Buffalo, N.Y., by car, but he did not travel alone. He was accompanied with the first-class relics of some of Poland’s favorite Catholics including St. John Paul

II, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Father Sopocko – all three commemorated as apostles of Divine Mercy.

After Mass, people had the opportunity to venerate each relic with a kiss, a picture, or a touch.

St. John Paul II’s relic was a drop of blood from his cassock when he was shot in 1981. Father Nycz, who was born in Poland, acquired these relics through various pilgrimages he has made during his 25 years of ministry. Next year, he said he hopes to receive a relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish priest who traded his life for another at Auschwitz during World War II. Father Nycz spent his day in Charlotte as a true confessor, dedicating more than two hours in the confessional absolving a long line of Catholics who desired to make their confession in Polish.

Mary Witulski noted, “There are people that relocate here that are more comfortable confessing in their native tongue; or, some that know little English. It was particularly important for us to find a Polish-speaking priest for the sake of confession.”

The Witulskis were delighted with the turnout and said they especially appreciated the traditional ambiance of St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s sanctuary, which was recently renovated to incorporate a dramatic baldacchino over the altar.

Deacon Witulski explained, “The Polish love the beauty of the church and the sights of the church.

Polish immigrants are accustomed to beautiful murals and paintings, and St. Thomas Aquinas delivers such beautiful sights in the sanctuary. The murals and the baldacchino, the incense, the handcarved confessionals and the communion rail all help create a traditional worship space.”

He added, “Having these relics help to spread the message of Divine Mercy. Youngsters, older people, college ages – so many people all came and kissed the relic. It was such a moving sight. Holding the relic for veneration was such an honor. A visitor said, how could someone not feel closer to God after this Mass?

“We are humbled to have this opportunity,” he said. “We never know how many are going to attend, but we know we want to have this next year as well.

Every year we put this Mass in the hands of Our Lady and she has always provided.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DARBY MCCLATCHY

St. Gabriel parishioners ‘Caring for Charlotte’ CHARLOTTE — In its first parish-wide “Morning of Service,” St. Gabriel Church parishioners spread out across Charlotte on a recent Saturday in August serving their neighbors in need. More than 120 people provided a combined 290 hours of service at eight agencies that the parish supports. The event was part of the parish’s ongoing commitment to “Caring for Charlotte,” its response to the city’s economic mobility crisis. Participants ranged in age from preschoolers to retirees, sorting clothes at Crisis Assistance Ministry, making breakfast at The Relatives Youth Crisis Center, and serving lunch at the Urban Ministry Center. Others helped process donations at Habitat Restore, distributed food at a Loaves and Fishes pop-up food share, beautified flower beds at Cochrane Academy, played games with children at the Salvation Army

Center of Hope, and picked up trash at Eastover Park. Many who could not attend also baked cookies or donated school supplies and new backpacks to families in crisis.

Karen Brown, St. Gabriel Ministry volunteer coordinator, noted, “We were delighted to have so many people participate who were first time volunteers at these organizations. Offering a morning of service gave parishioners an opportunity to do something they may not normally be able to do. By serving our most vulnerable neighbors, we come away with a greater appreciation for how significant their needs are and how we can make a difference. We all have a part to play.”

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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‘I felt a tug on my heart for something more’ St. Ann parishioner professes final vows as Dominican SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

DAVIDSON — Katie Lewis felt the first inkling of a religious vocation when she was a sophomore in high school. She had a restlessness of heart, but at 15, she was not yet able to appreciate what it meant.

“This was God trying to speak to me,” explains Katie, who now goes by the religious name Sister Marie Jeannette. “I felt a tug on my heart for something more.

There was something more God was asking me to do with my life.”

A parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, she was homeschooled and was also active in the high school LifeTeen ministry at St. Mark Church near her family’s home in Davidson. She prayed about pursuing a degree in biomed or possibly enlisting in the military, and she thought about the idea of married life. But none of those “clicked.”

One day she came across a TV show featuring the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. That encounter changed her life.

“I was in awe. Hearing the sisters tell their stories – the joy, the sincerity! It was true, good, beautiful; they knew who they were and whose they were,” she recalls. “That struck me as a high school student. For the first time I could point to that joy and sincerity the sisters had – I could point to something.

“I didn’t know what that was, but I wanted it.”

When Dominican Sister Joseph Andrew came to Belmont Abbey College to give a presentation on St. John Paul II’s “Letter to Women,” she jumped at the chance to meet a Dominican sister in person.

“I wanted to meet one of those sisters, to see if they were really who I thought they were. I spent time with Sister Joseph Andrew. I relayed to her the restlessness I had. Sister said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with you, but you might have a religious vocation.’

After hearing that, she says, “it was like this overwhelming wave of peace.”

Their conversation started her on the path to a religious vocation. She traveled to the sisters’ motherhouse in Ann Arbor, Mich., twice for discernment retreats during her junior and senior years of high school.

“Each time I went there were 100-plus

young women there from all over country,” she says. “All bright, beautiful, intelligent young women looking for God’s will wherever it was. Some excited for marriage, some called to religious life somewhere else. Some with me on the retreats ended up professing final vows with me. It was wonderful to be in that environment with others who were in same boat, open to what God was telling us at that time.”

Confident in God’s will, Katie entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary after graduating from high school in 2011, eventually receiving the name Sister Marie Jeannette.

She knew this was the order she was being called to, she explains, because “I loved the Dominican charism of preaching the truth. I also recognized that there is a reason why God put this community in my life at this time. It would be foolish for me to push that aside.”

Over the course of the next eight years, both she and the community discerned if this was where God was calling her.

On July 24, she professed her final vows during Mass at Christ the King Church in Ann Arbor. There to witness and support her were her parents, Kathleen and Craig Lewis, her siblings, friends and several priests of the Diocese of Charlotte who have guided her in her discernment.

The first member of her community to complete a special education degree, Sister Marie Jeannette now teaches kindergarten through eighth grade special education at a Catholic school in Sacramento, Calif., where she lives in community with four other Dominican sisters.

She cherishes her vocation. “I just love it! It’s my life! All of the ups and downs, knowing that it is in Our Lord’s hands.

Through whatever is going to happen to me in the course of my life, I know that He is the one ultimately in control,” she says.

What advice does she have for someone who may be feeling restless at heart, just as she once did?

“Ultimately, I would say trust God. Trust Him. There is a lot you won’t know. We live in a culture of fear in some ways: What if I make the wrong choice? What if they get to know the real me?

“Instead of the fear, trust Him. If He’s put this desire in your heart, don’t be afraid to take that first step.”

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Sister Marie Jeannette Lewis, OP, (front row, third from right) made her final vows with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist on July 24.

Born Katie Lewis, she is the daughter of Kathleen and Craig Lewis, parishioners of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CRAIG LEWIS AND THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF MARY FACEBOOK PAGE

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 OUR PARISHES

PC Support Specialist II Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Reports to IT Director JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides level I, and level II helpdesk technical support for end-users for the computer and network environment at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

Employee serves as a project team member on technology projects. Works with various Diocesan departments delivering technology solutions that align with the strategic direction of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Works in Autotask helpdesk management system; triage and prioritize calls, uses Autotask as a primary tool for tracking, documenting, communicating, and closing helpdesk tickets with customers • Deliver level I and level II technical support for Diocese of Charlotte employees • Troubleshoot Microsoft Office and Microsoft Lync 2013 UC/UM • Assists with endpoint management including desktop management, mobile device management, creation of images for standard PC models, updating OS, inventory/asset management

Catholic health care group launches in Charlotte JESSICA R. GRABOWSKI SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Catholic health care workers from around the Diocese of Charlotte gathered after work Aug. 16 at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille to meet and learn more about the newly formed Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte.

Over 50 health care professionals including several physicians attended the organization’s inaugural event. Among the attendees were the founding doctors of the group: Dr. Matt Harrison, Dr. Meghan Lemke of St. Mark Parish, and Dr. Julia Saluke of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Gastonia.

“It was heartwarming to see so many Catholic health professionals from varied specialties and geographic locations come together. We were blessed with an excellent turnout which affirms the desire within our healthcare community to connect and support one another through our shared spiritual beliefs,” Lemke said.

Harrison agreed. “It was a great opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues and to meet new ones who are not only dedicated to the delivery of quality and compassionate health care, but also in deepening their Catholic Faith. We look forward to the growth of this vibrant group of professionals and hope others will join throughout the diocese.”

Also present at the event was the group’s new chaplain, Father Cory Catron, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte, who recently obtained

a degree in bioethics from the University of Mary.

Father Catron remarked at the importance of the event, “I was excited and encouraged by the great turnout for the event. It was amazing to see not only a full house, but one full of such a diversity of health care practices and specializations.

What we see here is the beginnings of a great force for good for serving the needs of Catholic professionals in the healthcare field in the region, and in turn support for them to provide greater service through their vocation to care for others.”

Before the evening concluded, the group paid a special tribute to their new patron, St. Gianna Molla, a wife, mother and doctor who died in 1962 from complications after the removal a tumor that endangered her unborn baby’s life. She died a few days after giving birth and was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2004.

Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte is designed to support Catholic health care workers both professionals and spiritually and to promote the Catholic faith in the fields of medicine and science.

It is open to all Catholic physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, medical students, and other health care workers in the diocese.

The group will host its next event, a dinner presentation, on Oct. 4 at St. Vincent de Paul Church. To learn more, email catholichealthcharlotte@gmail.com.

JESSICA R. GRABOWSKI is the Respect Life Program Director for the Diocese of Charlotte.

• Network printer setup and ability to troubleshoot printing issues • More …

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED: • Required; CompTIA A+ Certification • Preferred; 4-year degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking, or equivalent • Possess excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills • Research solutions to resolve unique technical issues • Three (3) or more years providing PC support in a corporate and/or school environment WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Position is hourly however; some evening and weekend work may be required with overtime pay. Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods. Ability to lift and move bulky objects weighing 50+ pounds may be required.

Qualified candidates send resume/CV to employment@charlottediocese.org before September 6, 2019 to be considered.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Director of Real Estate Catholic Diocese of Richmond The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is seeking a Director of Real Estate. The Director of Real Estate will manage real estate transactions and will monitor construction and renovation projects throughout the Diocese. The successful candidate will assess, evaluate, and make recommendations with regards to existing real estate and will act as liaison with legal counsel and Risk Management.

The Director of Real Estate will negotiate terms with regards to selling, purchasing, or leasing real estate. In addition, the Director of Real Estate will oversee construction and renovation projects and act as a resource to pastors and administrators of the property, while monitoring compliance with the diocesan construction and renovation policies; and will assist in developing a long-term capital budget for properties as assigned.

Qualifications: This position requires a degree in architecture, engineering or equivalent experience in facilities maintenance and engineering; and, experience working with historic facilities, older buildings and places of worship and/or educational facilities. A minimum of ten years’ experience in the construction and facility maintenance industries.

Must demonstrate mature judgement in the general business terms and conditions with regards to leasing, construction and renovation matters. Must possess strong teamwork skills and respond to requests with a customer-service oriented manner. Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential. Must possess a valid drivers license.

Interested candidates should please send a cover letter, resume, and completed diocesan application to Catherine Carney, Human Resources Coordinator, to ccarney@richmonddiocese.org.

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Girl Scouts celebrated at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — Girl Scouts at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte held their annual Girl Scout Mass to kick off Girl Scout Week earlier this year. Father Pat Hoare, pastor, blessed the Girl Scouts at the end of Mass and encouraged them to use the skills they learn in Girl Scouts to become leaders in their communities. After Mass, a banquet was held and six members of Junior Troop 73 presented a puppet show entitled “Zaccheaus and Jesus” to complete their religious award requirements. The original play was written by the girls and is based on the preschool song “Zaccheaus was a Wee Little Man.” Religious awards were presented after dinner, which was blessed by Father Binoy Davis. A total of 25 Catholic religious awards developed by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in

Washington, D.C., were earned by members of the following Girl Scout troops: Daisies in Troop 3493 earned the God Is Love award; Brownies in Troops 453, 1732, 2217 and 2265 earned the Family of God award; and Juniors in Troop 73 earned the I Live My Faith award. The Divine Mercy Award is administered by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, to continue St. Faustina’s mission of spreading the message and devotion of Divine Mercy. Girl Scout leader Gina Wells and her daughters, Samantha and Allison, all earned the award this year, which was presented to them on Divine Mercy Sunday. In addition, members of Junior Troop 1768 and mixed Troop 1732 earned the My Promise, My Faith Award developed by the Girl Scouts of the USA.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NANNETTE GORMAN AND TOM GORMAN

Want to learn more?

Charlotte-area girls in kindergarten through high school interested in Girl Scouts and their parents are encouraged to attend Registration Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Parish Center Family Room at St. Matthew Parish. Adult troop leaders are also needed. The Girl Scout Ministry at St. Matthew Church is led by Donna Sams (who can be reached at dsams1319@ gmail.com), and religious award coordinator is Nannette Gorman.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Parish celebrates fifth year in new church JEFFERSON — Parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church marked the fifth year in their new church with Mass and recitation of a Living Rosary Aug. 18. Four Fourth Degree Knights from Lenoir and nine Fourth Degree Knights from St. Francis of Assisi Parish provided an honor guard at Mass. After Mass, members of the parish enjoyed a picnic on the church grounds. Entertainment included a DJ, a music group, traditional Mexican dancers, games for kids, door prizes and a raffle.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

summer crowd of more than 90 people attended the August Vigil of the Two Hearts devotion at St. Patrick Cathedral Aug. 2. Father Peter Ascik, parochial vicar at St. Matthew Parish, who offered the first vigil in 2017, returned to offer the First Friday Mass. After Mass Deacon Paul Bruck from the cathedral led the faithful in a Holy Hour of Reparation for the sins of abortion.

Joining the attendees were several pilgrims from the Crossroads Pro-Life ministry, a national pilgrimage of young adults who walk from coast to coast to promote a culture of life, covering nearly 10,000 miles. The pilgrims, who visited several area parishes during the weekend, were on their last leg of their three-

month pilgrimage, which ended in Washington, D.C., Aug. 8-9.

The Vigil of the Two Hearts, which begins its third year, is sponsored by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network (C-PLAN) and is to honor the First Friday Sacred Heart of Jesus and First Saturday Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions.

The vigil also prays for an end to abortion, strengthening of families, and the conversion of the country all while offering penance for sins.

Because of the Eucharistic Congress the first weekend in September, the next vigil will be held Friday, Oct. 4. For more information, go online to www.prolifecharlotte.org/two-hearts.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

Raleigh seminarians begin studies at Belmont Abbey BELMONT — Three seminarians for the Diocese of Raleigh are studying at the newlyformed Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati House of Formation at Belmont Abbey College.

Kolbe Flood, of Wake Forest, and Philip Tooley, of Apex, will begin 1st college at the Frassati House. They will be joined by Tyler Di Vito, who completed 1st college at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa., and transfers to Belmont Abbey College as a sophomore.

Located just west of Charlotte, Belmont Abbey College is the only Catholic college between northern Virginia and Florida. The Frassati House is situated within the 700-acre campus adjacent to the Benedictine monastery of Belmont Abbey.

The House includes living quarters for the seminarians, studying areas and a chapel.

A number of monks at the abbey have committed to help govern and form the seminarians. Those monks include: Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey; Benedictine Brother Anselm Cundiff, an assistant professor of philosophy, who will serve as academic advisor; and Benedictine Brother Columban Ryan, who will serve as resident assistant for the House of Formation.

The mission of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati House of Formation is to provide an environment that forms men to be committed disciples of Christ while they pray and discern God’s call to the priesthood. While operating within a college campus of more than 1,400 students, the House provides a balanced program of spiritual, human, intellectual and pastoral formation, as outlined by St. John Paul II in his pastoral exhortation “Pastores Dabo Vobis” (“I Will Give You Shepherds”).

— Diocese of Raleigh

Knights raise funds for L.A.M.B. KERNERSVILLE — Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 8509 recently participated in Kernersville’s annual Honeybee Festival, collecting donations for L.A.M.B. Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., a public charity dedicated to the sole purpose of assisting people in North Carolina with intellectual disabilities. The L.A.M.B. Foundation gets its namesake from Matthew 25:40: “…whatsoever you do to the least among my brethren, that you also do to me.”

— Paul Doizé, correspondent

Pro-life prayer vigil set for this Saturday in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Everyone is invited to join a prayer vigil outside the new Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Charlotte on Saturday, Aug. 31. Sponsored by the Respect Life Ministry of St. Patrick Cathedral, the vigil will take place outside the abortion mill, located at 700 S. Torrence Ave., about a mile away from the cathedral. The vigil will be held after the 8 a.m. Saturday Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral.

Pro-Life pilgrims join faithful for August Two Hearts devotion CHARLOTTE — An unexpectedly large

25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration If you were married during 1969 or 1994, you and your family are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Mass begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception.

To receive an invitation, you must call your church office to register.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities

ccdoc.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

Catholic Book Pick ‘Raising Catholic Kids for their Vocations’ by John and Claire Grabowski

In theaters ‘Angel Has Fallen’ Third installment in the series focusing on a dedicated and highly skilled Secret Service agent (Gerard Butler) who, this time out, is elaborately framed for a devastating assassination attempt against the president (Morgan Freeman) that left a slew of the operative’s comrades dead and the chief executive in a coma. As the vice president (Tim Blake Nelson) takes over and uses evidence of Russian involvement to push for a war that would benefit an old buddy of the protagonist’s who’s become a private military contractor, and an FBI official tries to figure out the truth, he escapes and goes on the lam to get to the bottom of it all himself. Frequent harsh and often bloody violence, some gruesome images, a couple of uses of profanity, several milder oaths, pervasive rough and crude language.

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

Raising kids these days is no small feat.

As any parent knows, raising children is beautiful, exhausting, and often bewildering.

How are they doing in school? Do they get good grades? Are they eating the right foods? Are their friends a good influence? And the list goes on.

These concerns are real, but there are also more spiritual concerns that can get lost in the mix of what the world sees as important. What about raising your child for their vocation?

As parents, it’s our job to get our children to heaven, and helping them discern the vocation God is calling them to is one of the most important parts of that job.

In this practical guide, John and Claire Grabowski offer real advice on how to form your children in the faith. This is not high philosophy or deep theology (though it’s rooted firmly in Church teaching) but real advice, from real parents who have raised five children.

Other Movies: n ‘Blinded by the Light’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘47 Meters Down: Uncaged’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Ready or Not’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

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Praying in Color

Using Art, Spirit & Rest as Our Tools Presented By: Claudia Fulshaw Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2019 Give yourself a full weekend away to delve into the realms of creative prayer and meditation using unique, hands-on, process oriented artistic activities that will open you to different ways to pray and meditate – in color!

Never a lecture, always hands-on, this retreat will invite your spirit to roam. No art experience is required! Amazing creations, relaxation and smiles are guaranteed during this soul-stirring weekend. All art materials will be provided.

Claudia Fulshaw lives in Durham, NC and is a graphic designer & artist. She reminds us of how the arts offer us insights into ourselves and can influence our spiritual lives. Her fun-loving personality fosters a warm, natural and personal connection that will leave you energized.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 3, 2019 – Space is Limited! $225 – Retreat, Overnight Accommodations and Meals $150 – Commuter, Saturday lunch & dinner

On TV n Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Bridget of Sweden.” An EWTN original movie presenting the life and mystical revelations of Saint Bridget of Sweden, known for her great charity and prayer. n Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Letters of St. Therese.”

Father Jacques Daley begins his study of the spiritual insights found in the letters of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux with an introduction to her life and spirituality. n Thursday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Rita of Cascia.” Bob and Penny Lord examine the remarkable life of Saint Rita of Cascia, sharing how this wife and mother became one of the Church’s greatest saint. n Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Padre Pio: Miracle Man.” This movie presents the distinctive life and holiness of Saint Padre Pio marked by his great faith and devotion. We also see his persecution by others and some within the Church, the devil’s frequent attacks on him and his great compassion for the sick and suffering.

Part 1. n Thursday, Sept. 12, 10:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Defending Life: The Reality of Late Term Abortion.” Janet Morana and Father Denis Wilde are joined by a variety of guests involved in the pro-life movement to discuss practical ways viewers can protect all lives.

Stay With Us, Lord September 6-7, 2019 Charlotte Convention Center

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2019 Eucharistic Congress Diocese of Charlotte

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iiiAugust 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

EUCHARISTIC CON

2019 Eucharistic Congre Hahn

4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7

Join Bishop Peter Jugis and priests of the Diocese of Charlot 2019 Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sep

A renowned author, speaker and Biblical scholar, Dr. Scott Hahn teaches at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the founder and president of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is the author of numerous bestselling books, including “The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross.”

Very Rev. Fr. Patrick J. Winslow, J.C.L Saturday: Homilist, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over’ (Lk 24:29)

Winslow

Since coming to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2002 from the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., Father Patrick Winslow has served with distinction in several important diocesan roles, including as an ex-officio member of the Lay Review Board, the Promoter of Justice in the diocese, and as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

In April, Bishop Jugis appointed him vicar general and chancellor.

Dr. Edward Sri Saturday: ‘Vibrant Faith in a Secular Age’

Sri

Dr. Sri taught at Benedictine College and helped to launch FOCUS. At the Augustine Institute, he has taught Scripture, Moral and Spiritual Theology, Mariology, the New Evangelization, Christian Marriage and Theology of the Body. He has also served as content director for several of the institute’s programs, including “Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained” and “Beloved: Finding Happiness in Marriage” and as executive director of Formed.org.

Russ Breault Saturday: ‘Shroud Encounter: Explore the Mystery’

Eucharistic Procession

LINE UP: LINE UP:

9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7

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

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

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

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

Saturday, Sept. 7, at St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St. Line up along the procession route as noted at right and join in with your parish once its banner passes.

The 2019 First Communicants will lead the procession along with Bishop Jugis.

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

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

(Wells Fargo Plaza) • Banners

S. T RYO

Breault

Russ Breault has been researching and lecturing on the Shroud of Turin for more than 30 years. His presentation makes use of over 200 superb images and unfolds like a “CSI” investigation.

Carefully designed to be educational and entertaining, he delivers a dynamic, fast-paced experience. He is a founding member of the Shroud Science Group, an international consortium of scientists and scholars dedicated to further research until the mystery is solved.

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

Friday: ‘Stay With Us, Lord: Lessons along the Road to Emmaus’ Saturday: ‘The Eucharist and the New Evangelization: The Power of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament’

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More information online

Dr. Scott Hahn

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CHARLOTTE — The faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the 15th annual Eucharistic Congress – a free, two-day event celebrating our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist Sept. 6-7 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

In what has become an annual gathering of the Church in western North Carolina, the Eucharistic Congress is expected to attract more than 16,000 people from around the state and the Southeast.

This year’s Eucharistic Congress theme is “Stay With Us, Lord,” which is taken from Luke’s Gospel, 24:29.

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

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a time of quiet reflection and chant, then a welcome at 6:45 p.m. from Bishop Peter Jugis in Hall A of the Convention Center. At 7 p.m. Byzantine rite vespers will be prayed.

This will be followed by a talk at 8 p.m. by Dr. Scott Hahn entitled, “Stay With Us, Lord: Lessons along the Road to Emmaus.”

Hahn is a convert to the faith who is the founder and president of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is a longtime professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.

He is also a bestselling author who has appeared on EWTN. His numerous books include “The Lamb’s Supper,” “Reasons to Believe,” and “Rome Sweet Home” (co-authored with his wife, Kimberly). Some of his newest books are “The First Society,” “The Fourth Cup,” “Romans: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture,” “The Creed,” “Evangelizing Catholics,” “Angels and Saints” and “Joy to the World.”

After Hahn’s talk, there will be an evening Eucharistic procession to St. Peter Church starting at 9:15 p.m., where Adoration will take place all night. There will also be a special College Night program for college students during which there will be a Q&A with Hahn and music by Dana Catherine Schwartz.

Saturday’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with a Eucharistic procession that follows a route from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center. A Holy Hour – featuring a homily by Father Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte – will immediately follow the procession at 10:15 a.m.

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

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Mass

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15th annual Eucharistic Congress to be held Sept. 6-7

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PROCESSION ROUTE LINE UP 8:30 AM - PROCESSION 9:00 AM Adorers to line up along 3rd Street.

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

Th fo in se re

NGRESS PREVIEW GUIDE

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

ess: ‘Stay With Us, Lord’ Oradores Padre Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros ‘La felicidad al Reconocer a Cristo’

tte for the celebration of Holy Mass at the conclusion of the pt. 7, inside the Charlotte Convention Center.

Espinosa

El P. Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros Gómez Haro, Legionario de Cristo, nació en Puebla, México. Tiene maestría en Humanidades Clásicas por el Instituto de Estudios Humanísticos de Salamanca, España. Desde que se ordenó sacerdote, en noviembre de 1994, ha trabajado como orientador juvenil, y después como orientador familiar en México, Colombia, Italia, y Francia. Publicó el libro: “El anillo es para siempre”, traducido a diferentes idiomas. Actualmente se dedica a tiempo completo a impartir conferencias y organizar renovaciones matrimoniales en veinte países del mundo.

Padre José Luis Serrano ‘Lo Reconocieron al Partir el Pan’

Serrano

El Padre José Luis Serrano es sacerdote de la Diócesis de Tampico, México. Nació en el estado de Zacatecas, México en 1978. Estudió en Roma, donde obtuvo la licenciatura en Filosofía y Teología. Ha ejercido como formador de futuros sacerdotes en Italia y México, donde además ha dirigido grupos de pastoral familiar, juvenil y vocacional. Posee una maestría en Psicología de consultación y se ha dedicado a asesoría matrimonial, dirección espiritual y discernimiento vocacional, predicador de ejercicios espirituales y retiros para laicos y religiosos en Italia, México y Estados Unidos.

Padre Julio Dominguez ‘Caminar con Cristo’

Domínguez

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El Padre Julio C. Domínguez, sacerdote diocesano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Miembro activo del Consejo presbiteral y miembro del consejo de consultores y promoción de vocaciones. Padre Julio ha trabajado en varias parroquias y es un promotor muy activo de la adoración al Santísimo Sacramento. Ha sido encargado del Congreso Eucarístico en la parte Hispana desde que comenzó la organización del Congreso añadiendo la hora Santa en el salón Hispano a petición de muchos fieles que lo estaban pidiendo.

LYNX STATION STONEWALL

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

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

La procesión, presidida por el Obispo Jugis, se inicia a las 9 a.m. el sábado 7 de septiembre, en la Iglesia St. Peter, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Por favor, no se reúnan cerca de la Iglesia St. Peter. Le animamos a unirse a la procesión y seguir a la Eucaristía, hacia el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

Los Primeros Comulgantes del 2019 encabezarán la procesión, junto al Obispo Jugis.

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

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

Sólo los portadores de banderas procesarán por el pasillo principal.

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

Décimoquinto Congreso Eucarístico anual será del 6 al 7 de septiembre CHARLOTTE — Los fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados al Décimoquinto Congreso Eucarístico anual, un evento gratuito de dos días que celebra nuestra fe católica en la presencia real de Cristo en la Eucaristía, del 6 al 7 de septiembre en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

En lo que se ha convertido en una reunión anual de la Iglesia en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, se espera que el Congreso Eucarístico atraiga a más de 16,000 personas de todo el estado y el sureste.

El tema del Congreso Eucarístico de este año es ‘Quédate con nosotros, Señor”, que está tomado del Evangelio de Lucas, 24:29.

El congreso incluirá Misa, procesión Eucarística por las calles del centro de Charlotte; el sacramento de la confesión; conferencistas y programas orientados especialmente para adultos, niños, jóvenes y estudiantes universitarios; venta de artículos religiosos, información católica y más.

Comenzará a las 6:30 de la tarde del viernes con un momento de tranquila reflexión y canto.

Luego, a las 6:45, será la bienvenida formal del obispo Peter Jugis en el pabellón A del Centro de Convenciones. A las 7 se rezarán las Vísperas de rito Bizantino.

Le seguirá una charla en inglés a las 8 p.m. por el Dr. Scott Hahn titulada, “Quédate con nosotros, Señor: Lecciones a lo largo del camino a Emaús”.

Hahn es un converso a la fe, fundador y presidente del Centro San Pablo de Teología Bíblica. Es profesor desde hace mucho tiempo en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville en Ohio y autor de bestsellers que ha aparecido en la cadena televisiva católica EWTN. Luego vendrá una procesión Eucarística vespertina a la iglesia San Pedro, donde la adoración tendrá lugar toda la noche. También habrá un programa especial de ‘College Night’ para estudiantes universitarios.

Los eventos del sábado comienzan a las 9 a.m. con una procesión Eucarística que sigue una ruta desde la Iglesia San Pedro hasta el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte. La Hora Santa, homilía del Padre Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte, seguirán inmediatamente después de la procesión a las 10:15 a.m.

Durante el día se ofrecerán sesiones en inglés, español, vietnamita, así como programas para jóvenes y otros.

Las charlas que se ofrecerán en español son “La felicidad al Reconocer a Cristo”, a las 12:30 p.m. por el P. Ángel Espinosa; “Lo Reconocieron al Partir el Pan”, a la 1:30 p.m. por el P. José Luis Serrano; y finalmente, a las 2:30 p.m., el P. Julio Domíguez dictará “Caminar con Cristo”.

El obispo Jugis celebrará la Misa de cierre el sábado a las 4:15 de la tarde.

Más información online En www.goeucharist.com: Vea la programación completa, entérese acerca de los conferencistas y actividades, consiga información sobre estacionamiento vehicular y más.

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EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS PREVIEW GUIDE catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019

Connect with the Congress REVERENT COVERINGS Offering chapel veils and other clothing for following Our Lady in reverent femininity

Please visit us at the Eucharistic Congress Booth #s 501, 503, 505

“I Come from Heaven” Our Lady of Fatima

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

FOLLOW COVERAGE OF THE EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION starting after 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, on Facebook and Twitter (@CatholicNewsCLT).

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND COMMENTS via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #GoEucharist to connect with other participants. Follow the Catholic News Herald’s coverage on Twitter and Instagram (@CatholicNewsCLT) and Facebook.

MORE PHOTOS, NEWS AND VIDEO from the 2019 Eucharistic Congress will be posted online at www.catholicnewsherald.com and in the Sept. 13 edition of the Catholic News Herald.

IS GOD CALLING YOU? "If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, like the Apostles John and Paul...

Holy Cross Catholic Parish Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00am, 11:00am & 2:00pm Spanish

be generous, do not be afraid, ...because you have nothing to fear when the prize that you await is God Himself, for Whom, sometimes without ever knowing it, - Saint John Paul II all young people are searching."

The Office of Vocations Diocese of Charlotte Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations (704) 370-3353

616 South Cherry Street Kernersville, North Carolina, 27284

1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

Phone: (336)996-5109

We welcome volunteers!

Put your faith into action and join us in serving those in need. ccdoc.org/volunteer ccdoc@charlottediocese.org 1-800-227-7261

ccdoc.org

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com

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La comunidad católica de la parroquia Divino Redentor en Boonville celebró el 15 Aniversario de la Consagración de esa iglesia con una Misa celebrada por el Obispo Peter Jugis el pasado jueves 15 de Agosto.

Cientos de fieles llenaron el templo y la sala auxiliar, donde posteriormente se ofreció una cena matizada por música Mariachi.

Divino Redentor fue consagrada por el Obispo Jugis el 21 de agosto de 2004, poco después de asumir la posición de obispo de la diócesis.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Divino Redentor cumplió 15 años CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

BOONVILLE — El Obispo Peter Jugis se hizo presente el pasado jueves 15 de agosto en la parroquia Divino Redentor de Boonville con el objeto de conmemorar el decimoquinto aniversario de la consagración de esa Iglesia.

Por tal motivo, el Obispo Jugis presidió la celebración de la Santa Misa en homenaje a la fecha, junto a los sacerdotes Eulogio Álvarez, Fidel Melo, Enrique González; la presencia del diácono Michael Langsdorf y la asistencia del seminarista Camilo Salas-Bowen.

En su homilía, el Obispo Jugis repitió las palabras que pronunció en el día de la consagración: “!Oh Dios!, santificador y guía de tu Iglesia. Celebramos tu nombre con alabanzas jubilosas porque en este día tu pueblo quiere dedicarte para siempre, con ritos solemnes, esta casa de oración en la cual se honra con amor, se instruye con tu palabra y se alimenta con tus sacramentos. Te suplicamos pues, Padre Santo, que te dignes impregnar con santificación celestial esta Iglesia y este altar para que sean siempre lugar santo y una mesa siempre lista para el sacrificio de Cristo”.

Luego, explicando el sentido de la frase “alabanzas jubilosas”, el obispo señaló que eso fue lo que escuchó al entrar a Misa esa noche. “Alabanzas jubilosas, con toda la comunidad cantando alabanzas jubilosas a Dios”, precisó. “!Que bueno es regresar hoy a celebrar, en la solemnidad de nuestra Santísima Madre María, esta casa de oración!, nuestro templo del Divino Redentor, donde se ha celebrado por quince años el amor de Dios y el amor de Dios está todavía presente hoy, la presencia de Jesucristo en la Santa Misa”.

“Que Dios aumente en nosotros su amor que celebramos aquí, porque, como ha dicho San Pablo II, abriendo el corazón al amor de Dios lo abre también al amor de los hermanos y crecemos como comunidad cristiana de fe, de santidad y de amor”, concluyó.

Tras la comunión, junto con toda la comunidad, el Padre Enrique leyó una oración, escrita en español e inglés, en la que se agradeció a Dios las bendiciones, de salud y enfermedad, recibidas durante los quince años y que han “vivido juntos como familia”.

Posteriormente se realizó un convivio en el que se sirvieron platillos y refrescos tradicionales mexicanos, aderezado con la compañía musical de mariachis que amenizó la cena.

Para Jaime Ruiz, uno de los más antiguos feligreses de la parroquia, la comunidad ha crecido muchísimo desde sus orígenes. “Comenzamos con ocho personas y ahora somos una comunidad muy grande, gracias a Dios y a nuestra Madre Santísima”.

Juana Silva de Rodríguez, quien también fue testigo del nacimiento de la parroquia, dijo que la comunidad creció debido al interés de sus feligreses que fueron “llamando de una a una a las familias para que se integren”.

LARGA ESPERA

El 21 de agosto de 2004, tras pocos meses de haber sido nombrado al mayor cargo en la Diócesis de Charlotte, el Obispo Peter Jugis ofició la Misa de Consagración de esa parroquia, después que la feligresía se congregara por dos décadas en una antigua tienda de ferretería y un restaurante.

El edificio de 18 mil pies cuadrados, construído a un costo de un millón y medio de dólares, se concluyó en enero de 2003, por lo que el Padre Fidel Melo comenzó de

inmediato a celebrar misas en la nueva iglesia, quedando todavía pendiente la nominación del nombre oficial.

El P. Melo dijo en aquella ocasión que la iglesia fue construida para que los feligreses, en su mayoría mexicanos, se sientan como en casa.

“Tenemos la gran responsabilidad de hacer sentir la fuerte presencia de la iglesia católica, especialmente demostrando nuestra esencia como católicos cristianos”, anotó.

Más online En facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea videos sobre esta celebración y la homilía completa del Obispo Peter Jugis pronunciada durante la Misa de Aniversario

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Colecta anual para beneficios y retiro de sacerdotes será del 14 al 15 de septiembre CHARLOTTE — La colecta anual diocesana para financiar los planes de jubilación y beneficios de los sacerdotes se llevará a cabo en todas las parroquias de la Diócesis de Charlotte el fin de semana del 14 al 15 de septiembre.

La Diócesis de Charlotte tiene actualmente 111 sacerdotes diocesanos y de orden religiosa que sirven a los fieles del oeste de Carolina del Norte en sus 92 parroquias y misiones.

Las contribuciones de esta colecta se agregarán a los planes de pensiones para los sacerdotes activos que actualmente sirven en la diócesis, así como al plan de beneficios de salud para nuestros sacerdotes diocesanos activos cuando ellos se jubilen.

“Cada año, por esta temporada, tenemos la oportunidad de responder generosamente, con nuestros corazones agradecidos, a los sacerdotes que nos sirven fielmente en las 92 parroquias y misiones en toda nuestra diócesis”, dijo el obispo Peter Jugis en un mensaje dirigido a todos los feligreses.

“Con la colecta anual para financiar los planes de jubilación y beneficios de los sacerdotes, sostenemos financieramente a estos hombres que dan sus vidas para predicar el Evangelio, enseñar la fe católica, guiar al pueblo de Dios con amor y celebrar los sacramentos, especialmente la Sagrada Eucaristía”, agregó.

El Obispo Jugis señaló que, “incluso durante los años de su retiro, estos sacerdotes continuarán sirviendo a la gente de nuestra diócesis. Visitarán a los enfermos en hogares de ancianos y hospitales. Irán a nuestras cárceles, donde ofrecerán consejo a los reclusos”.

“Los sacerdotes jubilados oran diariamente por la comunidad, ofrecen Misa por las intenciones de los feligreses y dan su tiempo y talento para ayudar con las confesiones y misas dominicales en las parroquias de toda la diócesis”, subrayó.

La meta de la diócesis para la colecta del plan de jubilación y beneficios de los sacerdotes en 2019 es de 1,92 millones de dólares. A cada parroquia se le solicita el 3.5 por ciento de su ofertorio anual para apoyar los planes de jubilación y beneficios de los sacerdotes. Esta segunda colecta sufraga el monto que pagan las parroquias con sus presupuestos operativos.

De cada dólar aportado, 55 centavos van al Plan de Pensiones de los Sacerdotes de la Diócesis de Charlotte; 27 centavos al Plan de Salud para el Clero Retirado de la Diócesis de Charlotte; 14 centavos a contribuciones de pensiones para sacerdotes de órdenes religiosas; y 4 centavos se destinan para cubrir los costos de la campaña.

— SueAnn Howell, reportera senior

Tras una fructífera estadía en la diócesis de Charlotte, donde visitó doce diferentes parroquias ofreciendo bendiciones, misas, confesiones, temas de predicación y otros servicios, el Padre Eulogio Álvarez retornó a la Diócesis de Choluteca, Honduras.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Padre Eulogio retornó a Honduras CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Con un emotivo mensaje dirigido a la feligresía que atendió la Misa de 6:30 de la tarde del domingo 18 de agosto en la parroquia San Gabriel, el Padre José Eulogio Álvarez se despidió de la feligresía de Charlotte después de una fecunda estadía de tres meses.

El P. Álvarez, de la diócesis de Choluteca, al suroeste de Honduras, concluyó su cuarta visita a nuestra diócesis. En esta última oportunidad visitó doce parroquias en donde desarrolló temas de predicación, misas de sanación, catequesis, formaciones, bendiciones de casas, personas, confesiones y otras labores.

“Ha sido una experiencia maravillosa. La respuesta ha sido agradable, se puede ver que nuestra gente tiene una gran sed Dios que se nota desde lejos”, dijo.

Agradeciendo a la colaboración de las autoridades eclesiásticas de la diócesis y, en especial la parroquia San Gabriel que lo acogió, dijo sentirse halagado de haber sido acogido por el Padre Fidel Melo, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de

Charlotte, a quien calificó como un “gran pastor y padre espiritual”.

Durante su homilía, el Padre Eulogio destacó el llamado que Dios nos hizo durante nuestro bautismo a ser sacerdotes, profetas y reyes. “El papel de profeta nunca ha sido fácil”, señaló, para luego dar los ejemplos de San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y otros seis sacerdotes jesuitas asesinados en el campus de la Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) en San Salvador.

“Pero nuestro trabajo es ese, señalar las injusticias de la sociedad y proteger a los desvalidos, a los pobres, a los que tienen necesidades”.

“En nuestra Iglesia latinoamericana, en el continente que se cree el más católico, más religioso, que es el continente donde tenemos más desigualdad, pobreza, violencia, muerte, corrupción, debemos de apropiarnos de las palabras del Señor Jesús y poder estar más cerca de Dios”, dijo.

En Estados Unidos, el padre reconoce, se tiene una gran necesidad de sacerdotes, por lo que expresó estaría dispuesto a retornar pronto. “Solo con el hecho de estar con ellos, con el pueblo de Dios, de orar, de compartir, es una gran bendición”.

Como profetas señaló, en la Unión Americana, como parte de anunciar el Reino y la justicia, “debemos denunciar que no se tire la comida, de apreciar lo que tenemos, de cuidar la familia, que no almacenemos muchas cosas cuando hay otros que necesitan”.

“Es otra forma de hacer justicia, de predicar que, más bien, hay que limpiar la casa de muchas cosas que hay”.

Casi al término de la Misa, después de agradecer la visita y ayuda del Padre Eulogio, el Padre Melo invitó a dos miembros de la feligresía para que hagan entrega de “un pequeño obsequio y reconocimiento” que el Padre Frank O’Rourke, pastor de la parroquia San Gabriel, destinó para el P. Eulogio.

Ya en el nártex, a la salida del templo, el P. Eulogio recibió el saludo de decenas de feligreses que esperaban por una bendición o solo el momento de estrechar sus manos.

Como luchador por la justicia social en su país, el P. Eulogio confiesa que “no sabe lo que le espera” a su retorno a Honduras.

“La situación es complicada en la que era mi parroquia, Cristo de Esquipulas”, en la Diócesis de Choluteca, “pero ya Dios verá”.

Lecturas Diarias SEPTIEMBRE 1-7

Domingo: Sirácides 3:17-18, 20,28-29, Hebreos 12:18-19, 22-24, Lucas 14:1, 7-14; Lunes: 1 Tesaloniceses 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 1:9-14, Lucas 5:1-11; Viernes: Colosenses 1:15-20, Lucas 5:33-39; Sábado: Colosenses 1:21-23, Lucas 6:1-5

SEPTIEMBRE 8-14

Domingo: Sabiduría 9:13-18, Filemón 9-10, 12-17, Lucas 14:25-33; Lunes (San Pedro Claver): Colosenses 1:24-2:3, Lucas 6:6-11; Martes: Colosenses 2:6-15, Lucas 6:12-19; Miércoles: Colosenses 3:1-11, Lucas 6:2026; Jueves (Santísimo nombre de María): Colosenses 3:12-17, Lucas 6:27-38; Viernes (San Juan Crisóstomo): 1 Timoteo 1:1-2, 12-14, Lucas 6:39-42; Sábado (La Exaltación de la Santa Cruz): Números 21:4-9, Filipenses 2:611, Juan 3:13-17

SEPTIEMBRE 15-21

Domingo: Éxodo 32:7-11, 13-14, 1 Timoteo 1:12-17, Lucas 15:1-32; Lunes (Santos Cornelio y Cipriano): 1 Timoteo 2:1-8, Lucas 7:1-10; Martes (San Roberto Bellarmine): 1 Timoteo 3:1-13, Lucas 7:11-17; Miércoles: 1 Timoteo 3:14-16, Lucas 7:31-35; Jueves (San Genaro): 1 Timoteo 4:12-16, Lucas 7:36-50; Viernes (Santos Andrés Kin Tae-gon, Pablo Chong Ha-sang y compañeros): 1 Timoteo 6:2-12, Lucas 8:1-3; Sábado (San Mateo): Efesios 4:17, 11-13, Mateo 9:9-13

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Culminó con éxito programa policial para jóvenes católicos CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Con una fiesta en la que se entregaron diplomas de participación y se sirvieron pizzas y refrescos, culminó el programa de proyección a la comunidad que desarrolla anualmente el Departamento de Policía de Charlotte Mecklenburg (CMPD, por sus siglas en inglés) en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Decenas de jóvenes hispanos participaron de cinco días en los que, de la mano de los oficiales de policía, conocieron el trabajo de los agentes del orden y otras agencias de emergencia, visitaron diferentes instalaciones, pudieron ver de cerca las diferentes unidades móviles que utiliza CMPD en su patrullaje y, lo más importante, se integraron con los oficiales y reconocieron en ellos su gran calidad humana.

El Oficial CMPD Bill Haynes dijo que el programa que mantienen con la parroquia se estableció hace algunos años con el propósito que los jóvenes de la comunidad hispana pudieran entender mejor el trabajo de la policía y otras agencias de asistencia en emergencias. “Queríamos presentarles a las personas y agencias que trabajan por ellos en la comunidad”, añadió.

Durante una semana laboral completa, por ocho horas diarias, los jóvenes recibieron la visita de miembros de la Policía, el departamento de bomberos, MEDIC, visitaron la base aérea de la Guardia Nacional y conocieron de cerca un helicóptero policial que llegó hasta los terrenos de la parroquia.

Haynes dijo que la mayoría de veces el contacto de la comunidad con los oficiales se produce en ocasiones desafortunadas, por lo que se hace necesario que “se conozcan en otros términos más positivos, más felices”.

Andy Pérez, uno de los participantes, dijo que el tiempo que disfrutaron con el programa “tendrá un efecto muy positivo para todos”.

Por su parte Lezly Reyes, otra joven participante, dijo que gracias a la visita a un laboratorio policial se interesó muchísimo en la investigación de crímenes.

“Antes los veía como personas malas, sin corazón”, señaló, pero ahora incluso considera seguir una carrera policial en investigación de escenarios de crímenes.

El Padre Gregorio Gay, pastor de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, presente en la ceremonia y fiesta de cierre, dijo que la colaboración de los oficiales de CMPD es constante y generosa con la comunidad. “Ellos quieren que la comunidad no les tenga miedo”, anotó y anunció que, gracias a la buena experiencia que mantienen desde hace tres años, continuarán con este y otros programas.

“Tenemos la garantía del Oficial Bill, quien ya está jubilándose, que él va a continuar siendo parte con su presencia de la comunidad. Para él no es un trabajo, es dar de sí mismo por una comunidad que él sabe que ha sufrido”.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba) Especialistas de los servicios de asistencia médica de emergencia del condado Mecklenburg, MEDIC, explicaron a los jóvenes los procedimientos de atención en las emergencias médicas que atienden con mayor frecuencia. (Abajo) Miembros de la Unidad K-9 del Departamento de Policía de Charlotte Mecklenburg efectuaron una demostración de sus destrezas de búsqueda. Los participantes también visitaron las instalaciones del Departamento de Control de Animales donde se efectúan las adopciones de mascotas.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Paramédicos del Departamento de Bomberos de Charlotte demostraron la manera en la que inmovilizan a las víctimas de accidentes de tránsito antes de su traslado a un centro hospitalario. Los jóvenes recibieron charlas de los servicios de emergencia durante cinco días.

Más online En facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea un video y fotografías sobre este programa juvenil

ST. ANN’S FAMILY CARNIVAL $$$ Cash Raffles $$$ Saturday, October 5, 2019

Drawings to be held at 6pm after the carnival.

Please support our outreach to the least among us by visiting this link*

stanncharlotte.org/cash-raffle St. Ann Catholic Church 3635 Park Road – Charlotte, NC 28209

*online ticket sales end September 27, 2019

INDEPENDENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Root Candles is seeking a sales representative that can engage with customers and prospects to develop sales opportunities.

This individual will work on the designated geography, building customer rapport, providing superior service and presenting marketing material of Root Liturgical Candles. Must be able to grow current business, plus look for acquisition of new accounts along with being able to identify continuous territory improvements and drive efficiencies.

Interested candidates please email your résumé to James Turski at jturski@rootcandles.com.

Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Migrant children will suffer most under new detention rule, says head of U.S. bishops’ migration committee CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee said Aug. 23 sees “heartbreaking consequences for immigrant children” in a final rule issued by the Trump administration that allows the federal government to hold immigrant children in family detention indefinitely.

The new rule was issued jointly by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services that will end a long-standing legal agreement put in place in 1997 – known as the Flores Settlement Agreement – to ensure the safety and care of children in immigration detention settings.

Pope Francis has deemed immigrant children “the most vulnerable group’ among migrants,” and they will be most affected by this new rule, said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the

U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration.

This “is an attempt by the administration to circumvent existing obligations and undermine critical protections for these children,” the bishop said in a statement.

“This rule will jeopardize the well-being and humane treatment of immigrant children in federal custody and will result in children suffering long-lasting consequences of being held for prolonged periods in family detention.”

“We oppose this rule that we believe is unlawful and inhumane. Countless children will be harmed by this new rule and this is simply not acceptable,” he said.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also opposed this rule when it was initially proposed by DHS and HHS by submitting comments Oct. 23, 2018, detailing concerns with the rule and urging it be rescinded.

The government received more than 98,000 comments in response to the proposed rulemaking.

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The Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. said it likewise submitted comments, calling the proposed rule “unlawful and immoral” as it negates “the child-friendly provisions in the Flores agreement.”

Said Anna Gallagher, CLINIC’s executive director: “This rule would destroy longterm child protection standards created by our government and the courts. There is no justification to keep families and children in immigration jails longer. Separation of children from their parents is inherently wrong. The same is true for keeping children in detention.”

“Once again, the Trump administration is using children as pawns in its attack on immigrants,” said Lawrence E. Couch, director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan of the Department of Homeland Security said the new guidelines would help the government maintain the “integrity of the immigration system.”

“The facilities that we will be using to temporarily house families under this rule are appropriately, fundamentally different than the facilities where migrants are processed following apprehension or encounter at the border,” McAleenan said in announcing the rule.

Currently, there are only three family immigration detention facilities in the U.S.: one in Karnes City, Texas, one in Dilley, Texas, and another in Leesport, Pa. Combined they have 3,335 beds, according to the USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services.

The Flores Settlement Agreement has protected children in immigration custody

by guaranteeing them the least restrictive setting. Courts have interpreted this rule to limit family detention to a maximum of 20 days in facilities that are not state licensed to provide child care. Opponents of the Trump administration’s rule say it will allow the government to keep families in detention indefinitely.

According to a CLINIC news release, Flores “not only spells out the time period children can be kept in detention, but also mandates the type of conditions facilities must provide, including sanitary, temperature-controlled conditions, as well as access to water, food, medical assistance, ventilation, adequate supervision and contact with family members.

The rule must be approved by the Flores court before the settlement can be dissolved and the rule implemented, CLINIC said.

Judge Dolly Gee, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, oversees the Flores case. The plaintiffs in the Flores case have one week following publication of the final regulations to brief the court on whether the regulations comply with the Flores settlement. If the judge rules in the government’s favor, the new rules would go into effect in 60 days.

Among others who condemned the administration’s new rule were Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Franciscan Action Network, whose executive director, Patrick Carolan, said: “The Trump administration continues its war against migrant children and families. ... This latest attack is cruel, inhumane, and un-American.”

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(803) 327-2097

Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.

Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome.

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

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Lectio Divina On Our Lives: God’s Story, My Story A Retreat for Women

Saturday, September 28, 2019 9:00am – 4:30pm Presented By: Sister Gay Rowzie, HM & Sister Susan Schorsten, HM Ising lectio (a way of looking at and praying with Scripture) we will take a pilgrimage through our lives, looking at and reflecting on God’s story and my story and how they are intertwined.

Sister Gay Rowzie, HM & Sister Susan Schorsten, HM are Humility of Mary Sisters. Both were active in the Diocese of Charleston for many years before moving on to other ministries and have now returned to this area.

Cost: $50 (lunch included) + $40 additional for Friday night accommodations (includes breakfast)

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Two bishops sued over abuse claims after yearlong ‘window’ statute of limitations opens in N.Y. Two bishops being sued over allegations of past child sexual abuse have issued statements strongly denying the claims and vowing to fight their case in court.

Both lawsuits were filed the day New York state’s Child Victims Act went into effect.

The new law opens a yearlong “window” on the statute of limitations, allowing victims to file civil suits against abusers or institutions until they reach age 55, no matter how long ago the alleged abuse occurred.

Attorneys for Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C., released a statement Aug. 14 saying an allegation of child sexual abuse levied against him is “provably false.” In the lawsuit, Powers v. Diocese of Rockville Centre, filed the same day in State Court in Nassau County, N.Y., the plaintiff alleged that Bishop Guglielmone sexually abused him in 1978 or 1979. At the time, the bishop was serving as a priest at St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville, N.Y., in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

“These allegations are false, provably false,” wrote attorneys Bruce Barket and Aida Leisenring. “As the plaintiff admitted to a family member, he made this up in order to get money from the Church (‘it’s worth a try,’ the plaintiff said).” The statement continued: “Bishop Guglielmone is a good man who has devoted his entire career to the Church, education and

community service.”

“We will not allow these false allegations to tarnish the outstanding and selfless work he has done throughout his life. We will see the plaintiff in court and the bishop will be cleared,” they stated.

Retired Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y. said in a statement Aug. 16 he “never sexually abused anyone” and is taking a voluntary leave of absence from the Diocese of Albany to deal with the allegations. The Evangelist, Albany’s diocesan newspaper, reported that a lawsuit filed Aug. 14 accuses Bishop Hubbard of sexually assaulting a 16-yearold in the late 1990s.

“When I retired as bishop of the Diocese of Albany five years ago, I put my name on the list of retired priests who help out as needed in our parishes,” said Bishop Hubbard, who headed the diocese for 37 years. “For the last five years, I have had the privilege of celebrating Mass and presiding at weddings, baptisms, confirmations, graduations and funerals at parishes in every corner of our diocese. This opportunity for continued service to our people has been a spiritual joy for me,” he said in a statement.

“Earlier this week, I was publicly accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a minor in the 1990s.

With full and complete confidence, I can say this allegation is false. I have never sexually abused anyone in my life. I have trust in the canonical and civil legal processes and believe my name will be cleared in due course.”

N.J. appeals court lets state’s assisted suicide law stand TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey state appeals court allowed a new law permitting assisted suicide to continue, overturning a lower court decision that temporary blocked the law.

A pair of judges ruled Aug. 27 that a state Superior Court “abused its discretion” in stopping the law. The appeals court determined

that “the court failed to consider adequately the interests of qualified terminally ill patients, who the Legislature determined have clearly prescribed rights to end their lives consistent with the Act,” the appeals court ruling said.

No immediate reaction to the ruling was available from the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops. The bishops opposed the measure while it was being considered by the New Jersey Legislature.

Gov. Phil Murphy, a Catholic, signed the bill into law April 12, making New Jersey the seventh state allowing assisted suicide.

Judge blocks 8-week abortion ban KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A federal judge temporarily blocked Missouri’s ban on abortion on or beyond the eighth week of pregnancy that was to take effect Aug. 28. U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs delayed implementation of the law in a ruling Aug. 27 while a legal challenge to it continues.

The decision comes in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and Planned Parenthood. The organizations argued that the law is unconstitutional and violates the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Gov. Mike Parson’s signing of the bill May 24 was welcomed by Catholic and pro-life leaders.

The law provides an exception in cases of medical emergencies, but there are not exceptions for rape or incest. Doctors performing abortions after eight weeks under the law would have faced five to 15 years in prison. There is no punishment for the mother.

The Missouri Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops, has noted the law also features other pro-life measures, including increased parental notification and informed consent provisions, a ban on abortions based on race, gender and Down syndrome diagnosis.

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Appeals court allows Indiana abortion facility to stay open SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A federal court of appeals issued a narrow opinion that allows a South Bend abortion clinic to continue operating, at least for the time being. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago upheld an injunction Aug. 22 that permits the Whole Woman’s Health Alliance to remain open without a state-required license until a lawsuit on the license is settled.

The case is scheduled for a full hearing in 2020. Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. had asked to court of appeals to reverse the injunction that allowed the clinic to open in June.

— Catholic News Service

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope, bishops urge action to save burning Amazon rainforest CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Describing the Amazon rainforest as “vital for our planet,” Pope Francis joined the regions bishops in praying for action to extinguish the massive fires burning there.

“We are all worried about the vast fires that have developed in the Amazon,” the pope said Aug. 25 after leading the recitation of the Angelus prayer. “Let us pray that with the commitment of all they will be brought under control quickly. That forest lung is vital for our planet.”

Leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Latin American bishops’ council also urged international action to save the Amazon rainforest from the fires.

“We urge the governments of the Amazonian countries, especially Brazil and Bolivia, the United Nations and the international community, to take serious measures to save the lungs of the world,” said the statement Aug. 22 by the top officers of the council, known by its Spanish acronym, CELAM. “What happens to the Amazon is not just a local issue, but is of global reach,” the bishops said. “If the Amazon suffers, the world suffers.”

The USCCB statement, issued Aug. 27, echoed Pope Francis’ comments and expressed “solidarity with our brother bishops in Latin America who ... have

Brazil’s space research institute, responsible for satellite monitoring of the Amazon, had reported that the number of wildfires, common in July and August, had reached a record number already in 2019, with 72,843 fires spotted.

The U.S. space agency, NASA, Aug. 21 and 22 released satellite imagery showing how smoke from the fires had created “a shroud that is clearly visible across much of the center of South America.”

French President Emmanuel Macron called CNS | NASA, NOAA HANDOUT VIA REUTERS on world leaders to place the Fires burning in the Amazon rainforest are pictured from space by the fires at the top of their agenda geostationary weather satellite GOES-16 Aug. 21. Leaders of the Latin as they meet in France for American bishops’ council urged international action Aug. 22 to save the the Group of Seven summit rainforest as massive fires continued to burn. starting Aug. 24. Attendees will include President Donald Trump, Macron and the expressed their desire for a prompt leaders from Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan extinguishment of these fires.” The U.S. and the United Kingdom. bishops also welcomed a decision by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has said leaders of industrialized nations “to extend publicly that he believes nongovernmental financial support for these efforts.” agencies – including Catholic-backed The Amazon produces 20 percent of the agencies such as the Land Pastoral and world’s oxygen, according to scientific the Indigenous Missionary Council – are measurements. behind the illegal burnings because they

have opposed his call for development of the rainforest. The organizations have strongly denied the allegations.

In its edition released Aug. 23, the front page of the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, led with two articles about the Amazon fires. The first, titled “The Amazon must be protected,” included general coverage of the fires’ scope and the alarm launched by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. A second article reported on the CELAM statement under the headline, “Save the forest to save the world.”

In their statement, the bishops noted that the upcoming October Synod of Bishops for the Amazon will discuss the plight of the indigenous living in the area as well as the deforestation of the region. Sixty percent of the Amazon rainforest is in Brazil.

“Hope for the proximity of the Amazon synod, convened by Pope Francis, is stained by the pain of this natural tragedy,” the bishops said. “To the brethren indigenous peoples who inhabit this beloved territory, we express all our closeness and join your voices with yours to shout to the world for solidarity and pay attention to end this devastation.”

And while the deforestation of the world’s largest tropical forest and the violence against the indigenous population there have been a great concern to the Catholic Church, the upcoming synod also has caused apprehension for the Bolsonaro government.

Pope encourages interreligious dialogue initiative 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

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Bishop Ayuso said the document is an VATICAN CITY — At a time when appeal to build a “civilization of love,” and conflict and division dominate the world’s should not lead to a fear that Catholics will headlines, people need to know there are a growing number of important initiatives to promote interreligious dialogue and understanding, Pope Francis said.

The pope welcomed the Abu Dhabi government’s formation of an international committee to implement the document on “human fraternity,” which he and Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of Egypt’s al-Azhar mosque and university, signed in Abu Dhabi in February.

“Although sadly evil, hatred and division often make news,” the pope said, “there is a hidden CNS | PAUL HARING sea of goodness that is growing Pope Francis and Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of Egypt’s aland leads us to hope in dialogue, Azhar mosque and university, are seen in Abu Dhabi, United Arab reciprocal knowledge and the Emirates, Feb. 4. Pope Francis welcomed Abu Dhabi’s formation possibility of building, together of an international committee to implement the “Document for with the followers of other Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” which he religions and all men and women and Sheik el-Tayeb signed in the country in February. of goodwill, a world of fraternity and peace.”

The Vatican press office published the stop believing that the fullness of salvation pope’s remarks Aug. 26, a week after Abu lies in Christ.

Dhabi’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohamed “I think fear is the number one enemy bin Zayed, announced the initiative to of interreligious dialogue,” he said. “The promote meetings of religious leaders, Catholic Church remembers the value of academic study of the document and its own identity, the courage of otherness support legislation to broaden religious and the sincerity of intentions” of those liberty and tolerance. who engage in dialogue.

Spanish Bishop Miguel Angel Ayuso “It is not about creating a ‘melting pot’ in Guixot, president of the Pontifical Council which all religions are considered equal,” for Interreligious Dialogue, was named a he said, “but that all believers – those who member of the committee. seek God and all people of good will without In an interview with Vatican News, religious affiliation – are equal in dignity.”

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Appeals court upholds Cardinal Pell conviction on abuse charges MELBOURNE, Australia — An Australian appeals court upheld the conviction of Cardinal George Pell on five counts of sexually assaulting two choirboys more than two decades ago. A three-judge panel of the Appeals Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria announced its decision Aug. 21 in Melbourne with the cardinal in attendance. “Cardinal Pell is obviously disappointed with the decision today,” said his spokesperson, Katrina Lee. “Cardinal Pell maintains his innocence,” and his legal team will study the panel’s judgment before deciding whether to appeal to the High Court of Australia.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said an investigation of the cardinal by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would not begin until after the entire civil process concludes.

Indonesian police arrest 6 suspects linked to 2018 church bombings JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian police have arrested six terrorist suspects, two of whom have been linked to last year’s bombings at three churches in Surabaya, the country’s second-largest city. Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters during an Aug. 26 media briefing that the arrests were made in mid-August in several locations in East Java province and that all those arrested were

members of the Islamic State-affiliated group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah, reported ucanews. com. The group was behind the suicide bombings at Santa Maria Catholic Church and two Protestant churches May 13, 2018. Nineteen people were killed and dozens were injured after members of a single family, including young children, carried out the bombings. Another attack on the city police headquarters the following day by another family left at least four dead and 10 injured. Hanafi Abu Zufar, 39, a suspected JAD cell leader in Madura in East Java, and Salman, 31, a suspected cell leader in Lamongan, also in East Java, were arrested Aug. 22. “Both are closely linked to the Surabaya bombings,” Prasetyo told reporters.

“At least, they knew of the plan to launch the attacks in Surabaya.”

Syriac Church reestablishes diocese in northern Iraq BERUIT — To support the faithful and encourage them to stay in their homeland, the Syriac Catholic Church has reestablished a diocese for the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan celebrated the new diocese at a Mass at Queen of Peace Syriac Catholic Church in Irbil, Iraq, Aug. 24. In his homily, he commended the faithful for being “the embodiment of the living faith, and a testimony to the challenge and steadfastness amid takfiri terrorism and in the face of evil forces that wanted to kill hope in your believing souls. I say and repeat: You have carried the cross on the example of the Savior, our divine teacher, and you have persevered in your faith, your heritage and your hope, which has been admired around the world, East and West alike,” Patriarch Younan said. Archbishop Nathaniel Nizar Semaan heads the new Diocese of Hadiab-Irbil and all Kurdistan. Previously, the area was under the Mosul Archdiocese’s jurisdiction.

— Catholic News Service

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 2019 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Lucas Rossi

W

The Eucharist: God’s greatest gift to us

hen I was in high school, I can remember being asked to care for my neighbor’s plants, giving them water while they were on vacation. At other times, I remember being asked to care for the neighbor’s dog, giving it food and water and taking it walking each day. When I was a senior in high school, I remember being asked to watch the two young children of a different neighboring family while the parents went to work for the day. In all these instances, I knew I was being entrusted with a responsibility – watching over the children being the greatest of the three examples. The greater the value of what was entrusted to me, the more I was focused and attentive.

If I did not recognize the value of what others had entrusted to me, it is likely that I could have been negligent and uncaring.

Jesus offers a parable in the Gospel of a steward who is takes poor care of his master’s household. Jesus warns that much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person who is entrusted with more. What comes to mind when we hear these words?

We may think of material possessions and wealth. If we have much wealth, then we suppose that God expects us to show generosity. If we think of successful career, then perhaps we are to work honestly and diligently. If we think of our families, we know we are to care for one another out of love and serve each other in gratitude. In each of these circumstances, it is recognizing the value of what we have been given in our lives that matters. This flows from gratitude.

If I am aware that my life and all of its blessings are from the Lord, then I live in thanksgiving. The word in Greek for “thanksgiving” is a form of the word “Eucharist.” God has entrusted us with so many blessings, but none is greater than the gift of His only Son: on the Cross, in the Mass, in the Eucharist.

God has entrusted the Church with the Risen Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. When we own something of great value, something that is a true treasure, we place it in a box or secure place for safe-keeping. In every Catholic church we find a tabernacle, often made of precious metals, lined with gold or silver. It is most appropriately placed in the center of the sanctuary to show the great prominence of so great a gift. To recognize and love the great gift of the Eucharist means to live a life that is Eucharistic. This means to live in thanksgiving for such a tremendous gift of God’s love.

I return again to the question earlier: what has been entrusted to us? The Eucharist. The Father has given His only Son to us to be present to us always.

Notice that at the end of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the remaining consecrated hosts are placed in the tabernacle. Jesus wishes to be continually present to us. He wants us to know that He is truly present.

He has not left us. He is truly with us in the tabernacle. It is His love for us that allows Him to remain with us, inviting us to remain with Him. On Sept. 6 and 7, Bishop Peter Jugis will lead our diocese in another great Eucharistic Congress. Each year, the Eucharistic Congress draws tens of thousands of Catholics from all over the diocese to spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a time to gather as one Catholic family around Jesus. He is the source of all unity. The Congress is a time to grow in our love and devotion for Jesus in the Eucharist.

The theme this year is “Stay with us, Lord.” What a beautiful theme! It comes from the last part of the Gospel of Luke.

It is a prayer of great pleading. It is clear our world continues to grow more divided and more violent, as we recall recent horrible shootings in our nation. We need Jesus to stay with us. We need to remain with Him in His love. If our hearts are far from the Lord, then our faith and love of Jesus in the Eucharist will grow cold. We will easily neglect Him, and our hearts will lack any gratitude for the love He has given us in the Eucharist.

Leading up to the Eucharistic Congress, I ask each of us to make a commitment to pray for the Eucharistic Congress. I also ask everyone to seriously consider attending. This is a time to be revived in our Catholic faith and especially in our love for our Eucharistic Lord.

Whether we attend the Congress to not, each of us can be revived in our love of the gift of the Eucharist. We can commit to spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, whether in front of the tabernacle or before the Host in the monstrance. We can genuflect with reverence and devotion each time we are before Jesus in the tabernacle.

We can make the sign of the cross each time we pass a Catholic church to demonstrate we know that Jesus is inside. While at work, we can take a few brief moments to place our hearts before Jesus in the nearest church tabernacle and pray a spiritual communion prayer. We can make a brief visit to a Catholic church on our way home from work to spend a moment before the Lord. In every instance we can pray “Stay with us, Lord!” These examples show Jesus that we want Him to be the true treasure of our hearts. “Stay with us, Lord!”

FATHER LUCAS ROSSI is the pastor of St. Michael Church in Gastonia. This commentary has been adapted from a homily he delivered Aug. 11 for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Deacon David Powers

Are you prepared to meet Jesus?

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You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

In 1978, I was a college option Officer Candidate School or OCS appointee, and before I could go to OCS, I had to pass Army Basic Training. My drill sergeant in basic training made me a squad leader. During an inspection one day he found candy wrappers in the laundry room area. We were not allowed to have candy bars during the first four weeks of basic training, so he called his squad leaders including me together and said he would make us do push-ups until our arms didn’t work anymore if he found another candy wrapper.

The drill sergeant had told us we would never be ready for inspections, but we should always be prepared for them. To be prepared, I inspected the common areas of the barracks every afternoon when we came in from training. One day, another soldier found a candy wrapper and brought it to me, so I called my squad together. I was reading them the riot act when the drill Sergeant walked in unexpectedly. There I was, holding the candy wrapper in my hand and yelling at my squad, using words that were not very “deaconly.” My life passed before my eyes as I feared I would be scrubbing latrines or doing push-ups forever. Luckily, he had stood outside long enough to hear what I said to my squad for this infraction, and all he told me was, “Good job, Private Powers – I said if I found candy wrappers in the barracks again, there would be hell to pay, but since you found it first, it means you were prepared. Carry on!”

In this Gospel, Jesus talks to His followers about being prepared to meet Him when they least expect it. When we hear this Gospel passage, most of us tend to think that Jesus means for us to be ready for the end of the world and the final judgment. Or many of us think He means for us to be ready for our particular judgment when we die. We can certainly see how being prepared to meet Jesus in those two instances would easily apply to today’s Gospel message.

But what if Jesus means for us to be prepared to meet Him at other times as well? Most of us think we have all the time in the world before we will die. Other people die, not us, we might say. We put off our preparation to meet Jesus until later.

But we meet Jesus in other ways each and every day – not just at the moment of our death or at the final coming of Christ.

How do we meet Jesus daily? Jesus says what we do for the least of our sisters and brothers, we do unto Him. In other words, we meet Jesus in other people. We meet Him in our families, in our work and school relationships, in our Church relationships, and in people we pass by on the street or in a store or in a restaurant, yes, even people we don’t know or even like. Yes, it is hard to see Jesus in some people – we may have to go on a scavenger hunt to find Him. But He is there if we look hard enough.

How do we treat the people we encounter

every day? Would we treat them differently if we saw Jesus in them? Would we be kinder to them or more patient with them if we believed that Jesus is really in them?

We also meet Jesus when we come to Mass and when we receive the sacraments.

The Catholic Church has always taught that Jesus is really and truly present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – in the Eucharist we receive at Mass. We have never taught or believed that the Holy Eucharist was just a symbol. A recent Pew survey of people identifying themselves as Catholics were asked what they believed about the Eucharist – if it is the Body and Blood of Jesus or if it is only a symbol. Half of those who identified as Catholics – whether they went to Mass regularly or not – said the Eucharist was only a symbol. Of those who said they went to Mass on a regular basis, 69 percent said they believed Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. That means 31 percent of regular Mass goers wrongly believe the Eucharist is only a symbol.

If you don’t believe or you have doubts, I offer two suggestions. First, get a Bible and read St. John’s Gospel Chapter 6, the Bread of Life Discourse: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you will have no life in you.” Then read the words at the Last Supper in any of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark or Luke, and notice that Jesus says “this is my Body and this is my Blood” when referring to the bread and wine He offered, not “this is a symbol of my Body and Blood.”

The apostles and the Fathers of the Church taught the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Church has held this truth consistently for 2,000 years.

It is a gift of faith, like we hear in the Book of Hebrews, and I believe that if you can’t recognize Jesus in the Eucharist, you won’t see Him in others.

Knowing that we meet Jesus in the Eucharist, how do we prepare to meet Him? Are we prepared to recognize Him in Holy Communion? Have we confessed our sins and cleared our minds from all distractions? Did I recognize Jesus in my squad members or my drill sergeant? No, I didn’t – but I should have and I do so today.

My dear sisters and brothers, in the words of my drill sergeant, we may never be ready to meet Jesus but we should always be prepared. We can see Jesus in the smile of an infant, in the kiss of a mother, in the kind or consoling words of a coworker or fellow student, in the sign of peace at Mass, or in the look of someone who is lonely or lost. We can see Him in the priest at the altar or in the confessional, and when we receive Him in Communion at Mass. In any and all these ways, we must be prepared to meet Jesus or we risk not recognizing Him at all until Judgment Day, when it just may be too late.

DEACON DAVID POWERS serves at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe. This commentary is adapted from a homily he gave at Masses Aug. 10-11 for the 19th Week in Ordinary Time.

August 30, 2019 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Deacon Matthew Newsome

How to complain: Lessons from a saint C

hristians are often advised against complaining. St. Bernadette said, “I must die to myself continually and accept trials without complaining.”

St. Macarius warns, “Watch out for complaining. It only makes situations worse and increases sorrow.” In a September 2013 interview published in America magazine, Pope Francis said, “Complaining never helps us find God.” This advice is sound. Often our complaints arise from a lack of humility.

Our egos are offended, or we desire attention or affirmation. Complaining about others easily devolves into gossip or calumny, which are serious sins (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 24752479). It is easy to see why the scriptures so often warn against “grumbling” (see 1 Cor 10:10, Phil 2:14, James 5:9 and 1 Pt 4:9).

Christians are called to give cheerfully, suffer quietly, endure trials with joy and give thanks in all things. Complaining doesn’t seem to fit with the program.

But what if there is a legitimate situation that needs addressing? And what about the therapeutic value of “blowing off steam”? St. Francis de Sales dealt with this ever-relevant topic way back in 1609 in his “Introduction to the Devout Life.”

He also admonishes us to “complain as little as possible of the wrongs which are done to you; for it is certain that ordinarily he who complains sins.” But “as little as possible” does not mean never and “ordinarily” does not mean every time.

He acknowledges that it may at times be expedient to complain to someone “either to redress the injury or to tranquilize your spirit.” But we need to be prudent about who we complain to.

“Above all do not complain to such persons as are prone to wax indignant and to think evil.” These people, the saint says, will not ease our trouble but provoke it further. “Instead of removing the thorn which is pricking you, they will drive it deeper into your foot.” He advises that we complain instead to “such persons as are peaceable and love God.” In other words, we want to complain to people who can calm us down, not rile us up. Complaining to a peaceable person can allow us to blow off steam but complaining to someone who loves conflict only enflames our passions.

I would add to the saint’s advice that if we are complaining about a wrong that needs addressing, we should make our complaint dispassionately to those who are in a position to address the matter. In all cases we should seek to avoid gossip and certainly not complain to people prone to gossip themselves.

St. Francis de Sales also warns against a wrong way of not complaining. He writes, “Many when they are sick, afflicted, or offended by anyone, refrain from actually complaining… but they desire extremely, and by diverse artifices contrive, that others should sympathize with them, feel great compassion for them, and esteem

them not only afflicted but patient and courageous.” In other words, while we might not complain about our burden, we want others to see us not complaining so take every opportunity to call attention to our suffering. We want to appear to be a martyr, which is a form of pride. St. Francis calls this “a false patience which is in fact no other thing than a very fastidious and very subtle ambition and vanity.”

‘Complaining to a peaceable person can allow us to blow off steam but complaining to someone who loves conflict only enflames our passions.’

Does this mean we have to suffer in silence? No, but we should be humble and honest, not making our problems out to be smaller or greater than they are. “The truly patient man does not complain of his ill, nor does he seek for sympathy; he speaks of it unaffectedly, truthfully and simply, without murmur, without complaint, and without exaggeration: if he be pitied, he patiently suffers himself to be pitied.” By neither hiding nor calling undue attention to your difficulty, St. Francis says you will “remain peaceful betwixt truth and patience.”

As parting wisdom, St. Francis de Sales references John 16:21: “When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.” As Christians, we have conceived Christ in our soul and are now laboring to deliver Him. We can expect this to involve many pains, but we will know unending joy on that great day when Christ has been fully formed in our hearts.

For now, “when you are sick, offer all your sufferings, pains and weariness to the service of Our Lord, and beseech Him to join them to the torments which He suffered for you.”

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

Letters to the editor

Hope in Christ is what we must share to combat gun violence “Man has forgotten God,” Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn declared in 1983. After recent news of more mass shootings in our country, we must face these prophetic words. Most Americans will address this news with political solutions: tighter gun control laws, increased security in public places, or loosened concealed carry laws are the fix, depending on who you ask. But these political solutions will not correct the spiritual problem that our culture faces. We must examine this problem at the philosophical and theological levels.

First, who commits mass shootings?

Usually the killers are young white males, described as loners, have few or no close friends, and more often than not come from fatherless homes and broken families. They’re alienated from family and the society as a whole. But the most important factor here is their religion: they are usually atheists and militantly so. Mass shootings, statistically, are a rarity in the set of violent crimes.

However, the phenomenon of young men coldly murdering defenseless and unsuspecting strangers in public places an indicator of a serious cultural sickness, a nihilism that results from rejecting God and searching for meaning in ideologies that oppose the faith.

There is no truth, beauty or goodness apart from God. Man is created by God to search for Him. But when this search is made without faith, man loses hope of eternal life and finds himself hating, rather than loving, God and neighbor.

To cure this cultural sickness, we must make known to others that the emptiness

they experience is filled by God’s love and that they can only be healed by His grace. St. John Paul II wrote in “Fides et Ratio”: “The mystery of the Incarnation will always remain the central point of reference for an understanding of the enigma of human existence, the created world and God Himself.” Fulfillment of our desires and our search for meaning comes in Jesus Christ, and this is the hope that the Church must offer the world.

MATTHEW BOSNICK is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte.

Violence of abortion contributes to lack of respect for all people Our country is in a fervor again over mass shootings. One of the deeper issues or root causes that Americans refuse to consider or much less talk about (because it seems “intolerant” of us) is the selective and total disregard for life in the womb. Abortion is kept hidden because it is barbaric. We too hide under covers and pretend God somehow loves these innocents less than those killed by guns. How else could a society so easily dispose of 60 million babies? This number represents the current population of both California and New York! The fruit of abortion is violence. Silent Americans on this issue contribute to the continuing deterioration of the love, care and respect that should be given to every person, born or unborn.

CHRIS GOODMAN is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 30, 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

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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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