Jan. 31, 2020

January 31, 2020

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

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH

Why celebrate St. Joseph?

2

2019 DSA campaign surpasses goal 3 INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español.......................................... 7-9 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-6 Schools........................................ 12 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 13 U.S. news.................................14-15 Viewpoints..............................18-19 World news............................. 16-17

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‘Our Faith In Action’ ‘Nuestra Fe En Acción’ 2020 DSA campaign kicks off

10-11

March for Life draws thousands to nation’s capital ‘I am very proud of your school’

‘All of us are here to pray, to bear witness and to proclaim the truth’ 3

Bishop Jugis tells students, teachers during Catholic Schools Week celebrations 12

Vigilia Nacional por la Vida congregó a más de diez mil católicos 7

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Beatitudes are a Christian’s ID card

T

he beatitudes are a path to joy and true happiness mapped out

by Jesus for all of humanity, Pope Francis said.

“It is difficult not to be touched by these words,” the pope said Jan. 29 during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall. “They contain the ‘identity card’ of a Christian because they outline the face of Jesus Himself; His way of life.”

Beginning a new series of talks on the beatitudes, the pope said that there is more to the beatitudes than just a “passing joy or occasional enjoyment.”

“There’s a difference between pleasure and happiness. The former does not ensure the latter and sometimes puts it at risk, while happiness can also live with suffering” which often happens, he said.

Like God who gave Moses and the people of Israel the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Jesus chooses a hillside to “teach a new law: to be poor, to be meek, to be merciful.”

However, the pope said that these “new commandments” are more than just a set of rules because Christ did not set out to “impose anything” but instead chooses to “reveal the way to happiness” by repeating the word “blessed.”

“But what does the word ‘blessed’ mean?” the pope asked. “The original Greek word ‘makarios’ does not mean someone who has a full belly or is doing well, but rather a person who is in a condition of grace, who progresses in the grace of God and who progresses on the path of God.” Pope Francis invited the faithful to read the beatitudes in their free time so that they “may understand this very beautiful, very secure path of happiness that the Lord gives us.”

“In order to give Himself to us, God often chooses unthinkable paths, perhaps those (paths) of our limitations, our tears, our defeats,” the pope said. “It is the Easter joy that our Easter Orthodox brothers and sisters speak about; the one that bears the stigmata but is alive, who has passed through death and has experienced the power of God.”

‘Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces. When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, He unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.’

— St. Peter Julian Eymard

Why celebrate St. Joseph?

The Catholic Church as always fostered a strong devotion to St. Joseph as the head of the Holy Family, yet he has become increasingly prominent in the spiritual life of the Church over the past 150 years as Patron of the Universal Church.

Here’s a look at why St. Joseph is so important to our faith and the Church: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to enter the world through the human family. He came as an infant born into the marriage and home of the two holiest people who ever lived: Joseph and Mary.

Because of his special role as foster-father of Jesus, St. Joseph has merited singular privileges in heaven unmatched by any saint except the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary.

Certain saints have received special insight into his holiness and the wonderful power of his heavenly intercession.

“Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces,” wrote St. Peter Julian Eymard, “When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”

Read more testimonies about the power of St. Joseph’s intercession at www.yearofstjoseph.org.

Also on the website during this Year of St. Joseph, some of the saint’s titles and patronages – as listed in the Litany of St. Joseph – are being explored more deeply as monthly themes: n January – Most Valiant Protector of Church n February – Joseph Most Chaste n March – Joseph Most Just n April – Lover of Poverty n May – Model of Workers n June – Joseph Most Obedient and Head of Holy Family n July – Joseph Most Faithful n August – Mirror of Patience n September – Joseph Most Prudent n October – Terror of Demons n November – Patron of Dying and Solace of the Afflicted

n December – Chaste Guardian of Virgins and Pillar of Families St. Joseph is most well known as the patron saint of fathers, families and workers. However, he is in fact efficacious over many causes.

As St. Thomas Aquinas once noted, “Some saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking.”

Throughout history many of the Church’s sons and daughters have successfully gone to St. Joseph for various needs. As a result, St. Joseph has become known for his intercession for the following professions and causes: against doubt, against hesitation, accountants and bursars, attorneys, cabinetmakers and carpenters, cemetery workers and grave diggers, children, civil engineers, confectioners, craftsmen, dying people and for a happy and holy death, educators, immigrants and exiles, furniture makers, house hunters, interior souls, laborers, married people, orphans, people in doubt, people who fight Communism, pioneers, pregnant women, social justice, teachers, travelers, unborn children, and working people.

— Catholic News Herald

Don’t miss this!

St. Joseph Vietnamese Church in Charlotte is offering a Votive Mass of St. Joseph every first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. The next Mass will be offered Wednesday, Feb. 5.

The parish also welcomes you to join in special prayers to St. Joseph in front of its St. Joseph Shrine, located in front of the church, every third Saturday at 8 p.m. The next prayer vigil will be held Saturday, Feb. 15.

St. Joseph Vietnamese Church is located at 4929 Sandy Porter Road in south Charlotte.

More online At www.yearofstjoseph.org: Find educational resources, prayers and devotions, and “Year of St. Joseph” event details from across the diocese, as dates for special events are finalized.

Daily Scripture readings FEB. 2-8

Sunday (The Presentation of the Lord): Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Monday (St. Blaise, St. Ansgar): 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13, Mark 5:1-20; Tuesday: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday (St. Agatha): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Mark 6:1-6; Thursday (St. Paul Miki and Companions): 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13; Friday: Sirach 47:2-11, Mark 6:14-29; Saturday (St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita): 1 Kings 3:4-13, Mark 6:30-34

FEB. 9-15 Sunday: Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16; Monday(St. Scholastica): 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Mark 6:53-56; Tuesday (Our Lady of Lourdes): 1 Kings 8:22-23, 2730, Mark 7:1-13; Wednesday: 1 Kings 10:1-10, Mark 7:14-23; Thursday: 1 Kings 11:4-13, Mark 7:24-30; Friday (Sts. Cyril and Methodius): 1 Kings 11:29-32, 12:19, Mark 7:31-37; Saturday: 1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34, Mark 8:1-10

FEB. 16-22 Sunday: Sirach 15:15-20, 1 Corinthians 2:610, Matthew 5:17-37; Monday: James 1:1-11, Mark 8:11-13; Tuesday: James 1:12-18, Mark 8:14-21; Wednesday: James 1:19-27, Mark 8:22-26; Thursday: James 2:1-9, Mark 8:2733; Friday (St. Peter Damian): James 2:1424, 26, Mark 8:34-9:1; Saturday (The Chair of St. Peter): 1 Peter 5:1-4, Matthew 16:13-19

Our parishes

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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2019 DSA campaign surpasses goal, continues successful trend SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO AND JAMES SARKIS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

North Carolinians took part in the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 24.

March for Life draws thousands to nation’s capital ‘All of us are here to pray, to bear witness and to proclaim the truth’ CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTER

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tens of thousands of people took part in the 47th annual March for Life Jan. 24, including thousands of Catholics from parishes across North Carolina.

Not only was the crowd one of the largest ever recorded for the annual pro-life event, it marked the first time a current president spoke in person to march goers – and it comes at a time of much speculation about the future of legalized abortion in the United States.

“Together we are the voice for the voiceless,” President Donald Trump told the thousands of people gathered at a noontime rally Jan. 24 on the National Mall, crediting them for their commitment to the pro-life cause. “You stand for life each and every day. You provide housing, education, jobs and medical care for the women that you serve.”

“Today, as president of the United States, I am truly proud to stand with you. We’re here for a very simple reason: to defend the right for every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential,” Trump said.

The president also credited the young people who made up a large portion of the crowd for their commitment to life, saying they were “the heart of the March for Life.”

“It’s your generation that is making this a pro-life nation,” he said, adding, “You are powered by prayer and motivated by pure unselfish love.”

The pro-life movement has been buoyed by Trump’s appointment of two conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Their goal

has been a reversal of the court’s 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion. The nation’s highest court is set to hear its first abortion-related case this year.

North Carolinians gathered in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to attend Mass before joining the march up Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Supreme Court building.

The Mass was celebrated by Raleigh Bishop Luis Zarama and priests of the Raleigh and Catholic dioceses.

The homily was delivered by Father Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Charlotte diocese. In his homily Father Winslow encouraged the congregants who would soon be joining the March for Life of bearing witness as disciples of Christ, of “bringing the light of Christ more brightly into this world to those who now and in the future most desperately need it.”

“The people of North Carolina come here every year,” he said. “We come here to join with people from all over the country – other Catholics, Christians, people of faith, people of goodwill and people, quite simply, of sound reason – to bear witness to the dignity of life.”

Participating in the March for Life every year since 1973 is about more than raising one’s voice in opposition to the Supreme Court’s controversial decision in Roe v. Wade to legalize abortion, he said.

“More importantly, it’s our hope that no one would ever want or desire an abortion. More than the change of law, we want the change of hearts and minds.”

Hearts and minds are indeed changing, he

said, noting the decline in abortion rates and the increasing number of crisis pregnancy centers over abortion facilities.

“This is due to your prayers, your witness and your work,” he said.

But the fight must continue, he said, in our conversations with friends and family, with those who think abortion is acceptable or who don’t want to address it. Those conversations can be difficult, he said, because it’s a complex issue that can be considered from many angles.

The spiritual aspect of abortion is particularly insidious, he noted.

“When people – most importantly, women – are in these positions that are so traumatic and difficult, it is easy to believe a lie. A lie is seductive. And there is a father of lies who’s all too willing to make sure that the words are whispered in the ear of people in these difficult situations: ‘It doesn’t have to be. You can roll back the hand of time. You can undo this.’”

“But you, we, all of us are here to pray, to bear witness and to proclaim the truth over and against such lies, to shine light where there is darkness. And in this sense we are fulfilling our discipleship. We are bringing the light of Christ more brightly into this world to those who now and in the future most desperately need it.”

— Catholic News Service contributed

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more coverage of the 2020 National March for Life, including more photos and video highlights from the North Carolina Mass for Life

CHARLOTTE — The 2019 Diocesan Support Appeal campaign, “We Are His Hands,” raised $6.32 million from 16,551 donors across the Diocese of Charlotte – surpassing the campaign goal of $6.08 million by 4 percent.

Overall, 25 percent of registered parishioners across the diocese shared an average gift of $382, up from an average gift of $373 in the 2018 campaign. Sixtyone percent of parishes and missions across the diocese reached or exceeded their goal.

Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions in the Charlotte diocese fund the DSA. Parishes that exceed their goal keep the extra funds they collect, while parishes that fall short of their goal in donations from parishioners make up the shortfall from their operating budgets.

Some of the parishes receiving rebate funds include: Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington; St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem; St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville; St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro; St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby; and St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville.

“It is heartwarming to know that so many parishioners serve others by giving gifts to the DSA, helping to change thousands of lives through DSA-funded ministries and programs,” said Barb De Mase, the diocese’s associate director of development.

The 2019 campaign continues a trend of the DSA campaign goal being achieved every year in the diocese. The 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 DSA campaigns also broke each prior year’s fundraising total and campaign goal.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: FEB. 1 – 11 A.M. Holy Mass World Day for Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte FEB. 6-17 Ad Limina Trip to Rome

FEB. 21 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

FEB. 29 – 12 P.M. Rite of Election St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

MARCH 7 – 12 P.M. Rite of Election St. Eugene Church, Asheville

FEB. 23 – 3 P.M. Dedication of New Church Queen of the Apostles Church, Belmont

MARCH 5 – 12 P.M. Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting

Diocesan calendar of events January 31, 2020

ESPAÑOL

Volume 29 • NUMBER 9

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

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

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

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

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

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.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP methods, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting and marital sexuality. Sponsored

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS

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.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 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: 8 p.m.-8 a.m. FridaySaturday, Feb. 7-8, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Overnight vigil prayer that unites devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. All families are invited to join. To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration visit www.ProlifeCharlotte.org/ two-hearts. For details, email info@prolifecharlotte.org.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK MASS: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill.

Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical, mental illness, or someone who will be under-going surgery. Refreshments will be served following Mass. Sponsored by the HOPE Committee. For details, call Mary Forgach at 704-545-1224.

HELPER OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PROCESSION FOR LIFE: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Procession will begin with Mass, follow by one decade of the Holy Rosary on the way to the abortion facility, “A Preferred Women’s Health”, 3220 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte. Father Matthew Codd will be leading the procession. For details, contact Francesca Sperrazzo at fsperrazzo@gmail.com

THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1 in the Chapel at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road, Winston-Salem. The Divine Liturgy (Mass) will be celebrated in English. For details, contact ucmcanton@gmail.com.

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

Thursday, March 26, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

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. 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: CHARLOTTE: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 3, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road 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.

any other serious illness or injury. Participants will learn how to: apply practical ways to manage fatigue and stress, discover how to manage difficult behaviors and feelings, how to make good decisions and future plans for loved ones and themselves and will also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers who understand what you are going through. To register, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

A MATTER OF BALANCE CLASSES: Thursdays, March 5-April 23, St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville and Mondays, March 9- May 4, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Do you have concerns about falling? Are you interested in improving your flexibility, balance and strength? A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Participants will learn to: View falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, promote exercise to increase strength and balance. Classes are limited to 14 participants. Register by Monday, March 2. For details, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

YOUNG ADULTS JUVENTUTEM MASS & TALK, “DIVINE LITURGY- A STUDY OF THE EASTERN RITE,” : 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte.

Guest speaker, Father Joseph Matlak, pastor of St. Basil Ukrainian Rite parish. New young adult group is centered on growing in holinesss through the Traditional Latin Mass. Pizza and discussion following the talk. For details, contact Angela Kessler at JuventutemCLT@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. St. Lawrence Basilica: www.saintlawrencebasilica.org/young-adult-ministry.

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

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: on Facebook at “Our Lady of Consolation Young Adult Ministry GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: at www.stpiusxnc. com/woc, on Facebook at “wayofchrist” and Twitter @ wocgreensboro or email Dan McCool at wocgreensboro@ gmail.com.

WORKSHOPS BUILDING BETTER CAREGIVERS WORKSHOPS: Wednesdays, March 4-April 8, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte and Tuesdays, March 10-April 14, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Building Better Caregivers is a free 6-week workshop for family caregivers. The workshop addresses specific needs for caregivers who care for someone with dementia, memory problems, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or

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

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

Welcome, Lunar New Year!

CHARLOTTE — Members and guests of St. Joseph Vietnamese Church welcomed the Lunar New Year at the Têt Festival that took place Jan. 24-26. The festival featured music, games and delicious traditional Vietnamese food, as well as thanksgiving for the blessings received during the past year. Members of the parish’s renowned Hidden Dragon Lion Dance youth group also performed during the festival. It is tradition that, at the end of the Sunday Mass, the youngest parishioners received a red envelope with a dollar bill inside. During the Dragon dance, people placed the bill inside the mouths of the dancing dragons, hoping to receive prosperity in the coming year. The year 2020, according to the lunar calendar, corresponds to the sign of the rat, a protective animal that carries prosperity.

On the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page: See more photos and a video highlight of the 2020 Têt Festival

PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

OUR PARISHESI

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World Day for Consecrated Life Mass to be held Feb. 1 CHARLOTTE — All are invited to attend the annual Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life to be celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Patrick Cathedral located at 1621 Dilworth Road East.

Instituted by St. John Paul II in 1997, this annual celebration in the Church is held in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles.

Similarly, consecrated men and women are called to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ through their unique witness of selfless service.

On Feb. 1, Bishop Jugis will recognize consecrated religious in the Diocese of Charlotte celebrating milestone, or “jubilee,” anniversaries.

The 2020 jubilarians to be honored include seven Sisters of Mercy from the South Central Community in Belmont. They are: Sister Maureen Dees (75 years) Sister Mary Jerome Spradley, Sister Mary Robert Williams, Sister Maria Goretti Weldon (70 years); Sister Barbara Wheeley, Sister Mary Schmuck (60 years); and Sister Mary Rose Bumpus (50 years).

Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, reiterated the importance of the witness offered by those in consecrated life: “Consecrated men and women are a special treasure in the Church who allow the love of Jesus to become tangible. By dedicating their entire lives to following Christ, consecrated persons are particularly able to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society and bring the message of the Gospel to all those in need.”

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. USCCB contributed.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 OUR PARISHES

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In Brief

New young adults group in Charlotte organizes prayer vigil Tootsie Roll proceeds donated

PHOTOS BY PHIL ROCHE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Knights’ crosses for the unborn at Holy Redeemer ANDREWS — Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 14087 constructed and set out, with the help of spouses and parish members, a memorial of 61 white crosses this month to increase public awareness of the staggering number of children killed by abortion. Each of the 61 white crosses represent one million babies. Since Roe v.

Wade legalized abortion in the United States, more than 61 million babies have been aborted in the U.S. alone.

Worldwide that number is estimated at 1.5 billion. For some perspective, there are 400,000 men and women buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The display was blessed during a ceremony attended by people representing the parish, the Knights council and community. The Andrews police chief attended the Mass and the ceremony and expressed his appreciation for the effort to inform the public of the impact of abortion. As part of their month-long observations, the Knights also prayed a Novena for Life, a special rosary for the unborn, and attended a Jan. 29 Mass for the unborn at Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews offered by Father George Byers, pastor.

Planned Giving Officer The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time Planned Giving Officer who reports to the Director of Planned Giving. The successful candidate must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising; experience in carrying out gift planning programs preferred; extensive fundraising experience may be substituted for a completed undergraduate degree.

Responsibilities include assisting parishioners throughout the diocese to develop and implement long range financial plans for their benefit, the benefit of their family, their parish, diocesan entities and/or the diocese itself. Additional responsibilities include working directly with parishes to develop planned giving committees.

Please submit letter of interest and resume by February 15, 2020 to: Gina Rhodes – Office of Development gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org or by mail to 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SPARTA — St. Frances of Rome Roundtable, part of St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council 16839 in Jefferson, recently visited the Allegheny County Group home to present a $650 check to Executive Director Becky Miller. This was a product of their efforts with the Tootsie Roll donation program at Food Lion.

Pictured are (from left) Larry Carlson, Mark Whittle, Becky Miller, John Pokorney and Al Stanco, all from Sparta.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

Get ready for CRS Rice Bowl 2020 Catholic Relief Services, a relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, carries out the commitment of the USCCB to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten program of “prayer, fasting, learning, and almsgiving” held in more than 14,000 parishes and schools across the U.S. Based on the distribution and collection of a cardboard Rice Bowl box used to collect alms, this Lenten program also includes a Lenten calendar with reflections for each day of Lent, simple recipes to prepare meals from around the world, and stories from various countries where CRS provides assistance.

The upcoming 2020 CRS Rice Bowl Program begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26. Shipments of Rice Bowl materials should have arrived in parishes and schools in the latter part of January. Parishes and schools that wish to participate for the first time, and participating parishes and schools which need additional materials or have not received expected materials, should call toll-free 1-800-222-0025.

Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Orders for first-time or additional CRS Rice Bowl materials that are requested by Feb. 7 should arrive in parishes and schools in time for distribution prior to the start of CRS Rice Bowl on Ash Wednesday.

Learn more about CRS Rice Bowl at www. crsricebowl.org.

CHARLOTTE — Members of Juventutem, a new young adults group centered around the Extraordinary Form (Latin) Mass organized a rosary vigil outside Planned Parenthood in Charlotte Jan. 11. The event was to pray for an end to abortion in anticipation of the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion in 1973.

Juventutem will host a talk Wednesday, Feb. 5, with Father Joseph Matlak, pastor of St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Parish, about the Eastern Rite liturgies. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. Latin Mass at St. Ann Church in Charlotte followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. in the parish’s Allen Center. The event is free with food and drink provided.

Juventutem is focused on growing in holiness through the spirituality of the Latin Mass and related traditions and is open to all Catholic young adults aged 18 to 35, and newcomers are welcome. For more information, contact Angela Kessler at JuventutemCLT@gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/JuventutemCLT. — Mike FitzGerald, correspondent, and Angela Kessler

Malta member receives award CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Region for the Federal Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta announces that member Knight Joseph Tronco of Charlotte has been awarded the Cross Pro Merito Melitensi by the Sovereign Council in Rome.

The Cross Pro Merito Melitensi is awarded to those who have brought honor to the Order of Malta, promoting Christian values in serving the poor, sick and disadvantaged.

The Order of Malta was founded in 1050, and remains true to its inspiring principles, summarized in the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum,” nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick representing the Lord, which become reality through the voluntary work carried out by Dames and Knights in humanitarian assistance and medical and social activities. Today the order carries out these activities in more than 120 countries.

Tronco has been a member of the Order of Malta since 2001 and has served on its board of directors in Washington, D.C., as well as many other boards and organizations in the Charlotte and Charleston areas. He and his wife Kathy are parishioners of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

— Billy Schiffiano

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Fieles de Carolina del Norte agradecieron el regalo de la Vida Humana CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

FOTOS POR JAMES SARKIS

El celebrante principal de la Misa de agradecimiento por el regalo de la Vida en Carolina del Norte fue el Reverendísimo Luis Zarama, Obispo de Raleigh (al medio). El Padre Patrick Winslow, Vicario General y Canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte (izquierda), ofreció la homilía.

Vigilia Nacional por la Vida congregó a más de diez mil católicos CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Miles de peregrinos católicos de todo el país se congregaron en la Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Inmaculada Concepción en Washington DC el jueves 23 de enero, en el marco de inicio de la Vigilia Nacional de Oración por la Vida 2020.

La jornada, una de las actividades de la Marcha por la Vida que se realiza todos los años en la capital del país, comenzó con una Misa solemne a las 5:30 de la tarde, aunque desde las diez de la mañana la Basílica ofreció confesiones en la capilla Nuestra Señora de Hostyn, advocación mariana originaria de la República Checa.

Desde casi el mediodía, decenas de buses con delegaciones de todas las edades fueron llegando a la Basílica, ubicada en las inmediaciones de la Universidad Católica de América. Alrededor de las tres de la tarde, la Basílica, así como la Cripta -en el sótano del mismo edificio- se estima que acogían a diez mil peregrinos.

El oficiante y homilista de la celebración eucarística fue el Reverendísimo Joseph F. Naumann, Arzobispo de Kansas City en Kansas y presidente del comité de actividades Pro Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos. También estuvo presente como concelebrante el Reverendísimo Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico de los Estados Unidos. Un total de 67 diáconos, 303 sacerdotes, 39 obispos y tres cardenales participaron en la Misa.

Después del ingreso procesional de los ordenados, el Arzobispo de Washington, su excelencia Wilton Gregory, dio la bienvenida a los obispos de la nación, que “juntos

hacemos una entusiasta declaración al mundo: nuestro deseo de trabajar por la dignidad de toda la vida humana”.

“Agradezco a mis hermanos obispos, sacerdotes, diáconos y religiosos; así como también a todos los fieles laicos por su apoyo, junto con la gente joven, para proteger y reverenciar cada vida humana en cada momento de su existencia”, añadió.

Durante su homilía, después de agradecer especialmente la presencia de ordenados y fieles, el Obispo Naumann se refirió a una de las series televisivas favoritas de su juventud: ‘The Twilight Zone’, que en español se difundió bajo el nombre de ‘La dimensión desconocida’.

En uno de los capítulos que dijo especialmente recordar, “en una deformación de la realidad, lo bello era lo horrible y lo horrible había pasado a ser lo bello”. Lo mismo, señaló, sucede con el aborto.

La decisión de la Corte Suprema de hace 47 años, dijo, “abrió la puerta a una dimensión desconocida moral, donde el mal se revela como lo bueno”.

Tristemente, señaló, “durante los últimos años los defensores del aborto se han vuelto más radicales e intolerantes”. “La muerte de un niño es exaltada como heroica y valiente” y es vista “como la piedra angular de los derechos de la mujer”.

Luego, dirigiéndose a los jóvenes, dijo que Jesús nunca prometió que ser su discípulo sería un camino fácil. “Les dijo a sus primeros discípulos que, para seguirlo, debían de tomar su cruz. Así mismo nosotros debemos seguir a Jesús en todo su camino al calvario”.

“Toma mucho permanecer fiel al camino VIGILIA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­— Durante una Misa celebrada el viernes 24 de enero en la Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Inmaculada Concepción, centenares de fieles de las Diócesis de Charlotte y Raleigh agradecieron a Dios por el regalo de la Vida Humana.

El Reverendísimo Luis Zarama, Obispo de Raleigh, fue el celebrante principal, mientras que el Padre Patrick Winslow, Vicario General y Canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte, dio la homilía en reemplazo del Obispo Peter Jugis, quien se encontraba enfermo.

TODOS LOS AÑOS

“La gente de Carolina del Norte viene aquí cada año”, dijo el Padre Winslow dirigiéndose a los fieles. “Venimos para unirnos con personas de todo el país, otros católicos, cristianos, personas de fe, personas de buena voluntad y otras, simplemente de buena razón, para dar testimonio de la dignidad de la vida”.

Participar en la Marcha por la Vida “es más que levantar la voz” en oposición a la decisión de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos en Roe versus Wade que legalizó el aborto en 1973, anotó.

“Esperamos que nadie quiera o desee un aborto. Lo que es más importante, más que el cambio de ley, queremos el cambio en corazones y mentes”.

Luego resaltó que la reducción del número de abortos y el aumento del número de centros de apoyo para el embarazo es fruto de “tus oraciones, testimonio y trabajo”.

Animó a que se discuta con familiares y amigos el tema del aborto, un tema difícil con ángulos sociales, legales, médicos, morales y espirituales.

Desde un punto de vista social, dijo, el aborto es muestra del colapso de la sociedad en el que hombres y mujeres están envueltos.

Legalmente, añadió, reconociendo que no apoya la excesiva intervención de los gobiernos sobre los ciudadanos, “el estado tiene la obligación de proteger a los inocentes”.

Señaló que la tecnología, desde una mirada médica, nos permite ver el proceso de desarrollo de la vida humana en el vientre materno. Estos avances “son muy informativos, y cada vez hacen más difícil creer algo diferente al hecho real de que se trata de una vida humana”.

En lo moral fue enfático al afirmar que “no se requiere fe para ver el problema, para ver lo correcto de lo incorrecto. Las personas con buenas razones pueden ver claramente lo correcto y justo que hacer”.

Respecto al aspecto espiritual, explicó que las personas, especialmente en este caso mujeres, que atraviesan

una situación traumática y difícil, se les hace fácil creer una mentira. Una mentira es seductora. “Y hay un padre de las mentiras que está dispuesto a susurrarte al oído en estas situaciones difíciles: ‘no tiene que ser así’, ‘tu puedes retroceder el tiempo’, ‘puedes deshacer esto’. ¿Cuántos de nosotros conocemos a estas personas que han aceptado esta mentira? El padre de las mentiras es una fuerza oscura que se opone a la verdad”.

“Pero tú, nosotros, todos nosotros, estamos aquí para orar, para dar testimonio y para proclamar la verdad sobre y contra esas mentiras, para hacer brillar la luz donde hay oscuridad.

Así estamos cumpliendo nuestro discipulado, estamos trayendo la luz de Cristo con más brillo a este mundo para aquellos, que ahora y en el futuro, la necesitan desesperadamente”.

PEREGRINOS

Freddy García, integrante de RICA en la parroquia San Luis Gonzaga de Hickory, llegó en peregrinación acompañado de su familia como parte integrante de un grupo de aproximadamente cien personas guiadas por el Padre Nohé Torres, vicario parroquial de esa iglesia.

Ellos partieron desde Hickory el jueves 23 por la mañana y pernoctaron en el gimnasio de la escuela católica Reina de los Apóstoles en Alexandria, Virginia.

Con bolsas de dormir y comida que prepararon antes de salir pasaron la noche y celebraron la Santa Misa y una Hora Santa.

“Hoy, desde muy temprano nos preparamos unos sánguches para el mediodía de hoy. Venimos a peregrinar al Santuario y terminando la Misa nos incorporaremos a la marcha para luego retornar a casa”.

El tema del aborto afecta sensiblemente a Freddy. “Tengo un hermano que no puede tener hijos. En tres intentos se le han muerto los hijos.

Y hay mucha gente que no respeta, que no tiene conciencia de ese sentido”. Por ello, añadió, es parte de un grupo que “ha dejado el trabajo, a sus familiares encargados para poder venir” a esta tarea que “tenemos que hacer nosotros en esta nación”.

Después que concluyó la misa, la gente se unió a la Marcha nacional por la vida en el centro comercial para rezar frente al edificio de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos. Allí se congregaron algunos de los feligreses de Carolina del Norte a rezar el Santo Rosario que condujo el Padre Patrick Winslow.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea videos y fotografías de este evento especial

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Si se puede ir a la universidad” Así lo aseguraron expositores en seminario sobre becas universitarias CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — La organización sin fines de lucro Mira USA organizó una sesión informativa sobre el proceso de registro para obtención de becas y ayudas monetarias en los centros educativos superiores de todo el país.

La cita tuvo lugar el pasado sábado 18 de enero en la Biblioteca Steele Creek con la participación de Ana Silva Rey, directora ejecutiva de Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA), y Juana Hernández, representante estatal de servicios hispanos de College Foundation Inc. (CFI).

Gracias a los expositores, los participantes pudieron enterarse también sobre los requisitos para la graduación de secundaria, los requerimientos para ingresar a la universidad y estrategias educativas y de ahorro para estudiantes indocumentados o con DACA. La representante de LAWA informó sobre las becas que ofrece la institución, las fechas de presentación de solicitudes y la documentación necesaria. Silva Rey señaló que desde el establecimiento de las becas LAWA, 280 estudiantes han recibido ayudas por un monto de más de 850 mil dólares.

Por su parte, Hernández se centró en el proceso de navegación por la ayuda estudiantil federal (FAFSA, por sus siglas en inglés) y el servicio de determinación de residencia del estado de Carolina del Norte (RDS), que abre la posibilidad de elegibilidad para matrícula y subvenciones estatales.

Adicionalmente, explicó los diferentes requisitos para cada uno de los centros superiores, como Colegios Comunitarios, universidades independientes y la Universidad de Carolina del Norte.

College Foundation, dijo, tiene sugerencias para los jóvenes que aspiran a lograr una educación superior desde que ingresan a la

escuela secundaria.

Por ejemplo, señaló, que desde la estación de otoño en el noveno grado los jóvenes deberían crear una cuenta gratuita en CFNC.org que ayuda a planificar la carrera universitaria. Además, es el momento preciso para explorar las carreras de interés, aprender sobre las universidades y los requisitos de ingreso.

RECURSOS

Luz Marina Martínez, directora de Mira USA Charlotte, dijo que esa institución siempre está “mirando las necesidades de la comunidad” para buscar “especialistas que puedan ayudar a la gente con las herramientas que dominan” para que solucionen esas necesidades.

“Así, pudimos observar que en la comunidad inmigrante existe una gran necesidad de información de dónde encontrar becas y cómo poder acceder a estudios superiores”.

Con relación al estatus de residencia legal de los solicitantes, la directora anotó que puede “resultar frustrante si no se tiene el conocimiento que hoy se ha compartido”.

“Hoy nos hemos enterado que efectivamente si hay recursos, que tal vez no sean tan numerosos como para los residentes legales, pero que sí dan ayuda financiera a estudiantes con DACA o con otros diferentes estatus migratorios”.

Debido a que la asistencia desbordó en número a la capacidad limitada de 90 sillas del auditorio, se entregó información por escrito a los padres e interesados que no lograron llegar a tiempo para ocupar una butaca.

Si desea mayor información sobre las becas de LAWA, escriba a Ana Silva Rey, directora ejecutiva a arey@lawanc.org.

Para más datos sobre los servicios de College Foundation, escriba a Juana Hernández a juana.hernandez@cfi.org.

SUEANN HOWELL Y CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Estoy muy orgulloso de vuestra escuela”

CHARLOTTE — La escuela Holy Trinity dio la bienvenida al Obispo Peter Jugis el 28 de enero, durante la Semana Nacional de las Escuelas Católicas, que se realiza del 27 de enero al 2 de febrero. El Obispo Jugis celebró Misa en el gimnasio de la escuela y el Padre Joseph Matlak, capellán, sirvió como maestro de ceremonias. En su homilía, el obispo dijo a los estudiantes que espera que puedan darse cuenta “de lo afortunados que son al tener una comunidad escolar tan grande donde se vive y celebra nuestra fe en Jesús”. “Estoy muy orgulloso de vuestra escuela”, subrayó. Actualmente hay 5,817 estudiantes en 19 escuelas católicas en toda la Diócesis de Charlotte. Las escuelas han programado Misas, jornadas de puertas abiertas y otras actividades para estudiantes, familiares, feligreses y miembros de la comunidad.

Más online En www.bit.ly/2vpxHo0: Vea un video con el resumen de la Misa celebrada en la escuela Holy Trinity En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: También puede hallar el video y fotografías

FOTOS POR CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

¡Bienvenido Año Nuevo Lunar!

CHARLOTTE — Miembros de la Iglesia Católica Vietnamita San José, junto a numerosos invitados, dieron la bienvenida al Año Nuevo Lunar en el Festival Tet que se llevó a cabo del 24 al 26 de enero en los terrenos de la parroquia ubicada al suroeste de Charlotte. Fueron tres días de música, juegos, deliciosa comida típica vietnamita y de acción de gracias por las bendiciones recibidas durante el año pasado, las que esperan se multipliquen para 2020. Además de

los números musicales, llamó la atención de los asistentes la presentación del Baile del Dragón realizada por el grupo parroquial juvenil “Hidden Dragon Lion Dance.” Es tradición que, al término de la Misa dominical, los feligreses reciban un llamativo sobre de papel con un billete de un dólar en su interior. Durante el Baile del Dragón, las personas colocan ese billete dentro de la boca de los dragones, esperando recibir prosperidad en el año venidero. El año 2020, según

el calendario oriental, corresponde al signo de la rata, un animal protector que acarrea bonanza material.

En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea más fotografías y videos del Festival Tet

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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La Presentación de Jesús en el Templo, Óleo de Francisco Rizi (España 16141685), cortesía del Museo del Prado de Madrid.

Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor Cada 2 de febrero la Iglesia Universal celebra la Fiesta de la Presentación de Jesús en el Templo, donde se realiza el encuentro con Simeón y Ana, que se entiende como el encuentro del Señor con su pueblo.

En esa época cuando nacía el primogénito era llevado a los cuarenta días al Templo para su presentación, así como lo describe la Ley de Moisés, por eso desde el 25 de diciembre que se celebra el nacimiento del Verbo encarnado al 2 de febrero, José y María cumplieron con llevarlo a consagrar.

Al llegar al Templo, se encuentran con Simeón, a quien el Espíritu Santo prometió que no moriría sin antes ver al Salvador del mundo, y fue el mismo Espíritu quien le dijo al profeta que ese pequeño niño era el Redentor y Salvador de la humanidad.

Simeón declaró que Jesús sería una “luz”, y la Iglesia desarrolló la costumbre de encender y bendecir velas en este día. El sacerdote bendice las velas usadas durante la misa para todo el año. La congregación también recibe velas y las palabras de Simeón se repiten en la canción que se entona tradicionalmente.

También en este día se encontraba en el Templo la hija de Fanuel de la Tribu de Aser, de nombre Ana, de edad muy avanzada; Ana enviudó a los 7 años de haberse casado y permaneció así hasta los 84 años, y paraba día y noche en el Templo sirviendo a Dios y ofrecía ayunos y oraciones. Ana al ver al niño alababa a Dios y hablaba del niño a todos los que esperaban la redención de Jerusalén.

PURIFICACIÓN DE LA VIRGEN

Según la Ley judía, la madre que daba a luz quedaba ‘legalmente’ impura por cuarenta días si daba a luz un hijo y ochenta si era hija.

No podía en este tiempo tomar parte en los actos religiosos públicos. Cumplido el tiempo, debía ir al templo y, en el atrio de las mujeres, recibir la declaración de

estar ‘legalmente’ pura, por el sacerdote de turno. Por su purificación debía ofrecer un cordero de un año y una tórtola o paloma; pero, si era pobre, se podía sustituir el cordero por una paloma o una tórtola.

María, seguramente, aprovechó para llevar consigo al Niño y hacer que José pagase allí el ‘rescate’, consistente en cinco siclos de plata, para liberar a Jesús de ser destinados al culto por ser primogénito.

LA CANDELARIA

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Con casa llena, los dominicanos residentes en Charlotte recordaron a su protectora, la Virgen de Altagracia, con una Misa y compartir realizado en la parroquia San Gabriel. El Padre Fidel Melo, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, fue el celebrante.

Virgen de Altagracia, madre y protectora del pueblo dominicano CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

En la misma fecha, y en relación con el uso de velas, se celebra en Latinoamérica a la Virgen de la Candelaria, una advocación cuyo origen está ligado a las Islas Canarias y España.

En Puno, al sur de Perú, esta fiesta es una de las más importantes de la región.

Allí la imagen de la Virgen de la Candelaria es sacada en procesión por las calles de la ciudad, acompañada de danzas y música tradicional.

En noviembre de 2014, la UNESCO declaró la Festividad de la Virgen de la Candelaria de Puno como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad.

Otros países donde se festeja a la Virgen de la Candelaria son Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estados Unidos, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela y muchos más.

Durante la Misa de la Candelaria es costumbre en algunos países, especialmente en México, llevar a los Niños Jesús muy bien vestidos y colocarlos a los pies del altar para que sean bendecidos por el celebrante.

Finalmente, la fecha marca el fin de la temporada navideña. Recordemos que en la Epifanía, con la llegada de los Reyes Magos, se partió la Rosca de Reyes. Para quienes encontraron las pequeñas figuras de niños escondidas en la deliciosa pieza de pan dulce, es momento de ofrecer tamales y atole a todos los invitados.

— Condensado de ACIPRENSA

CHARLOTTE — La comunidad dominicana reunió a cientos de católicos en la Iglesia San Gabriel de Charlotte para rendir honores a la Virgen de Altagracia, popular devoción mariana en ese país caribeño.

La fiesta se realizó durante la celebración de la Misa dominical en español, el pasado domingo 19 de enero, que ofició el Padre Fidel Melo, vicario del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Una delegación de niños y jóvenes ataviados con trajes típicos abrieron la procesión de ingreso portando dos coches con productos típicos del país y una imagen de la Virgen de Altagracia.

Luego, ya frente al altar, saludaron y se dirigieron a uno de los laterales donde habían preparado un lugar especial para colocar la imagen, a la que se acercó el celebrante para orar momentos antes que de inicio la liturgia.

Durante la homilía, el Padre Fidel destacó el mensaje de las lecturas de esa fecha, “que nos invitan a ser testigos de la presencia de Dios a lugares donde a veces los sacerdotes no pueden llegar”.

Casi al término de la misa, el Padre Fidel dio gracias a la activa participación de la comunidad dominicana, “porque desde que arrancó esta celebración ustedes caminan solos y eso es muy lindo.

Soy testigo que con meses de anticipación comienzan con la preparación de la

fiesta”. Luego dio paso al relato de la señora Lourdes Páez, natural de Santiago, República Dominicana, quien explicó los orígenes y trascendencia de la veneración mariana.

HISTORIA Y SIGNIFICADO

Gerónimo Alcocer, historiador, escribió en 1650 que los hermanos Alfonso y Antonio Trejo, hidalgos de Plasencia, España, llevaron el cuadro a La Española, hoy República Dominicana.

Los investigadores demostraron que los hermanos vivieron en Higüey, desde 1508. Hay siete u ocho documentos que lo confirman, pero en España no hay ni la más mínima pista de su existencia: es un misterio.

La leyenda cuenta que un hacendado de Higüey, a la vuelta de un viaje a Santo Domingo, compartió su desilusión porque, aunque había encontrado las cintas y botones que le había pedido la hija mayor, no hallaba ni una estampita de la Altagracia que su hija menor quería tanto. Luego apareció un anciano que le entregó un lienzo de la Virgen y sorpresivamente desapareció.

El hacendado llevó el cuadro a su casa y lo colgó en la sala principal. Al día siguiente el lienzo no aparecía. Se lo encontró de nuevo en la copa de un naranjo. En los próximos días se repitió la desaparición una y otra vez. El Antiguo Santuario está construido donde se ubicó el naranjo.

VIRGEN, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

Lecturas Diarias FEB. 2-8

Domingo (La presentación del Señor): Malaquías 3:1-4, Hebreos 2:14-18, Lucas 2:22-40; Lunes (San Blas, San Ascario): 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13, Marcos 5:1-20; Martes: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3, Marcos 5:21-43; Miércoles (Sta. Agueda de Catania): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Marcos 6:1-6; Jueves (San Pablo Miki y compañeros): 1 Reyes 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Crónicas 29:10-12, Marcos 6:7-13; Viernes: Sirácides 47:2-11, Marcos 6:14-29; Sábado (San Jerónimo Emiliani, Sta. Josefina Bakhita): 1 Reyes 3:4-13, Marcos 6:30-34

FEB. 9-15 Domingo: Isaías 58:7-10, 1 Corintios 2:1-5, Mateo 5:13-16; Lunes (Sta. Escolástica): 1 Reyes 8:1-7, 9-13, Marcos 6:53-56; Martes (Nuestra Señora de Lourdes): 1 Reyes 8:22-23, 2730, Marcos 7:1-13; Miércoles: 1 Reyes 10:1-10, Marcos 7:14-23; Jueves: 1 Reyes 11:4-13, Marcos 7:24-30; Viernes (Santos Cirilo y Metodio): 1 Reyes 11:29-32, 12:19, Marcos 7:31-37; Sábado: 1 Reyes 12:26-32, 13:33-34, Marcos 8:1-10

FEB. 16-22 Domingo: Sirácides 15:15-20, 1 Corintios 2:6-10, Mateo 5:1737; Lunes: Santiago 1:1-11, Marcos 8:11-13; Martes: Santiago 1:12-18, Marcos 8:14-21; Miércoles: Santiago 1:19-27, Marcos 8:22-26; Jueves: Santiago 2:1-9, Marcos 8:27-33; Viernes (San Pedro Damián): Santiago 2:14-24, 26, Marcos 8:34-9:1; Sábado (La silla de San Pedro): 1 Pedro 5:1-4, Mateo 16:13-19

10

iiiJanuary 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

OUR FAITH IN ACTION

N E

2020 DSA campaign focuses on ‘Our Faith In Action’ SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — As Catholics, we know Sacred Scripture tells us that “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). The 2020 Diocesan Support Appeal’s theme “Our Faith In Action” keeps this truth in mind.

In his 2020 DSA appeal letter to the faithful, Bishop Peter Jugis shares a Scripture passage from James 1:22 which reflects this truth: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

“This is a shining reminder and an opportunity to put our faith into action to help others,” Bishop Jugis said.

The DSA campaign funds more than 50 programs within the core operations of 30 ministries and agencies, like those mentioned here, that serve thousands of people across the diocese. Most notably, the DSA is a significant funding source for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs, as well as the programs and ministries of the Education Vicariate.

The DSA also supports multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate,

the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocese’s housing corporation.

Catholic Charities receives 33 percent of the funds collected in the campaign. Other DSA funds are allocated to: the Education Vicariate (29 percent); vocations (14 percent); multicultural ministries (11 percent); and the Eucharistic Congress and the diocesan housing ministry (7 percent). Campaign administrative costs are projected to be 6 percent.

Last year, parishioners raised $6.32 million, $240,762 over the goal.

The 2020 DSA campaign has a goal of $6.2 million.

Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions in the diocese fund the annual DSA campaign. Each parish has an assessed goal. Parishes that exceed their goal in donations receive a rebate for 100 percent of the additional funds collected; parishes which fall short of their goal in donations from parishioners make up the shortfall from their operating budgets.

Bishop Jugis concludes his annual appeal letter stating, “I am confident that you will answer God’s call by putting your faith into action to help our brothers and sisters.”

Watch online On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: View the 2020 DSA video

Where does your money go?

The purpose of the Diocesan Support Appeal is to help provide the annual funding necessary to carry out the mission of our diocese – namely to fulfill our call to “grow ever more perfectly into a community of praise, worship and witness, and to become a leaven of service and sign of peace through love in the Piedmont and Western North Carolina.”

Parishioners in all our parishes and missions help fund the annual DSA. Parishes that exceed their goal in donations receive a rebate of 100 percent for the additional funds. Parishes that fall short of their goal in donations have the shortfall taken out of their operating budgets.

DSA funds are distributed as follows:

33% to CATHOLIC CHARITIES

29% to EDUCATION

14% to VOCATIONS

Burial Assistance Case Management Counseling Disaster Relief Elder Ministry Food Pantries Legal Immigration Services Marriage Preparation Natural Family Planning Pregnancy Support & Adoption Refugee Services Respect Life

Evangelization/Adult Education RCIA Campus Ministry Faith Formation Office Youth Ministry Young Adult Ministry Catholic Schools Offices Office of the Vicar of Education

Seminarian Education Permanent Diaconate

7% to OTHER

6% to DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS

Social Concerns & Advocacy Stay the Course Supportive Services for Veteran Families Teen & Young Parent Support Transition Out of Poverty Translation & Interpretation Enterprise Wee Care Shoppe Youth in Crisis

Eucharistic Congress Housing Ministry

11% to MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES Hispanic Ministries Hmong Ministry African American Affairs Ministry

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION REFLECTS PROJECTED 2020 DSA FUNDING FOR $6.2 MILLION WHICH IS ALLOCATED TO THESE OFFICES AND MINISTRIES.

How to support the DSA

PLEDGE: Make a pledge in response to a mailing you receive or in-pew appeal at you credit card or check. Pledging allows you to make a greater gift over time. You will r paid, or until December 2020.

DONATE ONLINE: Donate online at www. charlottediocese.org/dsa, either with a one you give online, please do not complete a pledge envelope at your local parish. This

ONE-TIME DONATIONS: Give a one-time contribution in response to a mailing you re “DSA” and note the name of your parish in the memo line of the check. Do not send

STOCK DONATION: Make a donation of publicly traded securities and receive the tax charlottediocese.org/ways-to-give.

IRA CONTRIBUTION: For donors over 70 1/2 years of age, contact your Financial Adv

FOR INQUIRIES: Contact Barb De Mase, associate director of development, at 704-37

HE COVER

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

NUESTRA FE EN ACCIÓN

ur local parish. An individual DSA pledge may be paid in up to 10 installments by EFT, receive monthly reminder statements in the mail or by email until your pledge is

e-time gift or set up a pledge with monthly gift payments via credit or debit card. (If s could result in having two gift records.)

eceive or in-pew appeal at your local parish. Please make checks payable to the cash through the mail.

x benefits for giving appreciated stock. Instructions are online at www.

visor to request a charitable distribution from your IRA.

70-3302 or email bldemase@charlottediocese.org.

PARISH/MISSION

Campaña del DSA 2020 se enfoca en ‘Nuestra Fe En Acción’ SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

CHARLOTTE — Como católicos, sabemos que la Sagrada Escritura nos dice que “la fe en sí misma, si no tiene obras, está muerta” (Santiago 2:17).

El tema de la Campaña de Apoyo Diocesano 2020 ‘Nuestra Fe En acción’ tiene en cuenta esta verdad.

En su carta de petición de apoyo al DSA 2020 dirigida a los fieles, el Obispo Peter Jugis comparte un pasaje de la Carta de Santiago 1:22 que refleja esta verdad: “Pero sean hacedores de la palabra, y no sólo oyentes, engañándose a sí mismos”.

“Este es un recordatorio brillante y una oportunidad para poner nuestra fe en acción para ayudar a otros”, dijo el Obispo Jugis.

El DSA financia más de 50 programas dentro de las operaciones centrales de 30 ministerios y agencias, como las que mencionamos aquí, que sirven a miles de personas en toda la diócesis En particular, el DSA es una importante fuente de financiamiento para Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte en sus servicios de consejería, despensas de alimentos, apoyo para el embarazo, reasentamiento de refugiados, ministerio de ancianos, Respeto a la Vida y otros programas; al igual que a los programas y ministerios de Educación del Vicariato.

El DSA también apoya a los ministerios multiculturales, la educación de los seminaristas, el diaconado permanente, el Congreso Eucarístico anual y la corporación de vivienda de la diócesis.

Caridades Católicas recibe el 33 por ciento de los fondos recaudados en la campaña. Otros fondos del DSA se asignan a Educación del Vicariato (29 por ciento); vocaciones (14 por ciento); ministerios multiculturales (11 por ciento) y el Congreso Eucarístico con el ministerio diocesano de vivienda (7 por ciento). Se proyecta que los costos administrativos de la campaña alcancen el 6 por ciento.

El año pasado, los feligreses recaudaron $ 6.32 millones, $ 240,762 por encima de la meta.

La campaña DSA 2020 tiene una meta de $ 6.2 millones.

Los feligreses de las 92 parroquias y misiones en la diócesis financian la campaña anual del DSA. Cada parroquia tiene una meta evaluada. Las parroquias que superan su objetivo en donaciones reciben un reembolso del cien por ciento de los fondos adicionales recaudados. Las parroquias que no alcanzan su objetivo en donaciones de feligreses compensan el déficit con sus presupuestos operativos.

El Obispo Jugis concluyó su carta de apelación afirmando, “estoy seguro que responderá al llamado de Dios poniendo su fe en acción para ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas”.

Vea online En el Canal de YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte: Vea el video del DSA 2020

11

DSA GOAL

Christ the King, High Point $14,203 Christ the King, Shelby $4,221 Divine Redeemer, Boonville $29,010 Good Shepherd, King $14,860 Holy Angels, Mount Airy $21,982 Holy Cross, Kernersville $85,647 Holy Family, Clemmons $157,173 Holy Infant, Reidsville $17,141 Holy Redeemer, Andrews $5,563 Holy Spirit, Denver $69,712 Holy Trinity, Taylorsville $7,355 Immaculate Conception, Forest City $42,553 Immaculate Conception, Hendersonville $145,685 Immaculate Conception, Waynesville $5,526 Immaculate Heart of Mary, High Point $138,421 Immaculate Heart of Mary, Murphy $22,807 Our Lady of Consolation, Charlotte $49,565 Our Lady of Fatima, Winston-Salem $10,914 Our Lady of Grace, Greensboro $119,982 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bryson City $3,395 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Charlotte $80,207 Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe $62,493 Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem $92,021 Our Lady of the Americas, Biscoe $36,696 Our Lady of the Angels, Marion $10,902 Our Lady of the Annunciation, Albemarle $29,192 Our Lady of the Assumption, Charlotte $53,576 Our Lady of the Highways, Thomasville $20,168 Our Lady of the Mountains, Highlands $12,940 Our Lady of the Rosary, Lexington $23,494 Prince of Peace, Andrews $3,049 Queen of the Apostles, Belmont $100,920 Sacred Heart, Hamlet $2,989 Sacred Heart, Brevard $58,247 Sacred Heart, Burnsville $9,233 Sacred Heart, Salisbury $97,957 St. Aloysius, Hickory $112,874 St. Andrew the Apostle, Mars Hill $9,341 St. Ann, Charlotte $120,163 St. Barnabas, Arden $81,833 St. Benedict, Greensboro $23,363 St. Benedict the Moor, Winston-Salem $12,677 St. Bernadette, Spruce Pine $35,723 St. Charles Borromeo, Morganton $53,406 St. Dorothy, Lincolnton $41,847 St. Elizabeth, Boone $46,538 St. Eugene, Asheville $85,653 St. Frances of Rome, Sparta $9,069 St. Francis of Assisi, Franklin $31,041 St. Francis of Assisi, Jefferson $18,937 St. Francis of Assisi, Lenoir $28,747 St. Francis of Assisi, Mocksville $25,678 St. Gabriel, Charlotte $378,990 St. Helen, Spencer Mountain $6,249 St. James the Greater, Concord $131,145 St. James, Hamlet $11,671 St. Joan of Arc, Candler $28,512 St. John Baptist de La Salle, North Wilkesboro $20,456 St. John Lee Korean, Charlotte $16,370 St. John Neumann, Charlotte $94,595 St. John the Baptist, Tryon $43,412 St. John the Evangelist, Waynesville $25,748 St. Joseph Vietnamese, Charlotte $50,568 St. Joseph, Asheboro $29,446 St. Joseph, Newton $29,057 St. Joseph of the Hills, Eden $10,611 St. Joseph, Bryson City $8,503 St. Joseph, Kannapolis $21,389 St. Jude, Sapphire $20,605 St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville $85,257 St. Leo, Winston-Salem $166,779 St. Lucien, Spruce Pine $10,999 St. Luke, Mint Hill $111,821 St. Margaret Mary, Swannanoa $25,908 St. Margaret of Scotland, Maggie Valley $22,000 St. Mark, Huntersville $335,488 St. Mary, Greensboro $42,541 St. Mary, Shelby $25,471 St. Mary, Sylva $16,798 St. Matthew, Charlotte $852,481 St. Michael, Gastonia $78,726 St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte $96,438 St. Paul the Apostle, Greensboro $105,099 St. Peter, Charlotte $179,975 St. Philip the Apostle, Statesville $46,932 St. Pius X, Greensboro $210,103 St. Stephen, Elkin $13,771 St. Therese, Mooresville $197,843 St. Thomas Aquinas, Charlotte $112,550 St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte $119,397 St. William, Murphy $19,613

TOTAL $6,200,000

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Clockwise from top) In Salisbury, Sacred Heart School students and faculty dressed up as book, TV or movie characters. Kindergarten and fifth-grade students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte spent a morning making snack bags to sell and raise money for a Cross Catholic water project. Bishop McGuinness High School alumni readers returned to St. Pius X School in Greensboro to read to the younger students. IHM students celebrated the nation and the role Catholic schools play in preparing good citizens.

Asheville Catholic students welcomed two sisters from the Nashville Dominicans to talk about their religious vocations.

‘I AM VERY PROUD OF YOUR SCHOOL’

Bishop Jugis celebrates Catholic Schools Week SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Holy Trinity Middle School welcomed Bishop Peter Jugis Jan. 28 during National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2.

Bishop Jugis celebrated an all-school Mass in the school gymnasium. Father Joseph Matlak, school chaplain, served as master of ceremonies, and a student choir accompanied by Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte provided the music.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis noted that National Catholic Schools Week is a special time to thank God for the gift of our Catholic schools and to ask God’s blessing upon teachers, staffs and all of the students and their families.

“I hope that you will take the opportunity through all of the events that are scheduled this week, to realize how fortunate you are to have such a great school community where our faith in Jesus is lived and celebrated,” Bishop Jugis told students.

“I am very proud of your school,” he emphasized. “By living your faith may it be evident to everyone that indeed Christ is alive here in this school. My wish for all of you is that you will always stay close to Jesus and you will always

be strong witnesses to the love of Christ and the presence of Christ here in this school and in your lives.”

Bishop Jugis celebrated a similar Mass Jan. 30 at Charlotte Catholic High School.

The theme for National Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Each day of National Catholic Schools Week focuses on a specific theme for students, teachers and families: Celebrating Your Parish; Celebrating Your Community; Celebrating Your Students; Celebrating the Nation; Celebrating Vocations; Celebrating Your Faculty, Staff and Volunteers; and Celebrating Families.

Nearly 1.8 million students are currently educated in 6,352 Catholic schools in the U.S. There are currently 5,817 students in 19 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Charlotte.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been the annual celebration of Catholic education in the U.S., sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Catholic Education. Schools typically observe the annual week-long celebration with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.

— National Catholic Education Association contributed.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter Jugis speaks with students who are members of the Little Flowers group at Holy Trinity Middle School after Mass Feb. 1. The Little Flowers group meets regularly to pray the rosary and learn about St. Therese of Lisieux and her Little Way.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See a video highlight from the Catholic Schools Week Mass at Holy Trinity Middle School, as well as more photos from Catholic Schools Week celebrations among the diocese’s 19 schools

13

Mix

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

two ethnic Chinese underworld figures (Tom Wu and Henry Golding), the part played by a boxing coach (Colin Farrell) whose pupils double as thugs and the role of the crime lord’s beloved wife (Michelle Dockery), is pitched as the opening salvo is a blackmail scheme. An energetic pace, witty exchanges and the effective spinning of the plot’s many wheels-within-wheels cannot compensate for the lighthearted outlook on brutal mayhem that marks this well-crafted but amoral film. Pervasive violence with much gore, relentless rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

‘Jojo Rabbit’

‘The Gentlemen’ Darkly sophisticated, but sometimes wildly wayward crime saga from writer-director Guy Ritchie. A British private detective (Hugh Grant) hired by the editor of a London tabloid to investigate an American-born drug kingpin (smooth Matthew McConaughey) recounts to the gangster’s loyal consigliere the complex web of facts he’s uncovered surrounding the boss’ effort to sell his massive marijuana operation.

His narrative, which also takes in the rivalry of

Writer-director Taika Waititi’s thoroughly offbeat satire, adapted from Christine Leunens’ 2004 novel “Caging Skies,” pretty much exemplifies the expression “not to all tastes” since it sees Waititi also playing a young German boy’s vision of Adolf Hitler as his imaginary friend during the final year of World War II. Roman Griffin Davis is Jojo, a 10-year-old seduced by what he’s learned in the Hitler Youth, at least until a teenage Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) hidden by his mother (Scarlett Johansson) begins to challenge his blind nationalism. Waititi shows, often in a deadpan way, the deadly consequences of surrendering to ideologies that marginalize entire categories of humanity and the singular evil of inculcating children with hateful beliefs.

Viewers interested in challenging, thoughtful fare will be left with much to consider. Mature themes, images of the aftermath of executions, antiSemitic dialogue, a single rough term, fleeting crude language.

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

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

Catholic Book Pick

On TV

‘Pure Power: A Spiritual Workout to Help You Break Free of Sexual Sin, or Avoid It in the First Place,’ by Nicole Abisinio

n Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m. (EWTN) ”Bakhita.” The dramatic life of Josephine Bakhita, Sudanese-born slave who converted to the Catholic faith and became a sister in the Canossian Daughters of Charity. She was canonized by St John Paul II. Part 1.

“Pure Power” is a fresh, encouraging and transforming how-to journey from flesh to spirit. Do you have a heart that longs to change, but simply don’t know how to begin or don’t even believe you can succeed? You can! But it takes work.

Drawing on the workout warrior in all of us, “Pure Power” is for anyone stuck in sexual sin of any kind and looking for a way out as well as for those living chastely but in danger of falling. Do you want to begin living for God but don’t know how to begin? Do you feel like you have no one to talk to about issues of purity? “Pure Power” is a must read.

Get ready to have a hope-filled and successful journey turning your struggle of temptation into a life of peace, joy and absolute freedom in your relationships, especially in the most important one – your relationship with God. At www.tanbooks.com: Order your copy of “Pure Power.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”

n Wednesday, Feb. 5, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Bernadette: Princess of Lourdes.”

Bernadette and her friends went out to gather firewood, but found something of far greater value, a true understanding of their faith through a special encounter with “The Immaculate Conception.” n Thursday, Feb. 6, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Catherine of Bologna.” Bob and Penny Lord examine the life of Saint Catherine of Bologna, an Italian Poor Clare nun known as a writer, teacher, artist and mystic. n Tuesday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “Miracles of Lourdes.” This EWTN Original Documentary shot on location in Lourdes, France interweaves the story of St. Bernadette, the visionary of Lourdes, with an examination of the numerous miraculous occurrences that take place in the small French town every year.

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

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

Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

Bob Gordon Field Agent

516-551-7838 robert.gordon@kofc.org

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

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

Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic agencies disappointed by court’s order limiting immigrant aid

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Federal judge says abortifacients lawsuit can proceed against Notre Dame SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A lawsuit to force the University of Notre Dame to provide free contraceptives and abortifacient drugs in its health plans will proceed after receiving a green light from a federal district court in South Bend.

Judge Philip Simon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana denied motions

by Notre Dame and the federal government to dismiss the case, Irish 4 Reproductive Health v. Department of Health & Human Services et al. He issued the ruling Jan. 16. The lawsuit originally was brought in 2018 against the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury, and Notre Dame by a handful of women students calling themselves Irish 4 Reproductive Health, or I4RH. The suit was filed for them by the National Women’s Law Center, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The latter organization will honor the I4RH in March as “2020 Students of the Year.” The lawsuit alleges that the university had reached an “unlawful settlement” with the federal government that allowed it to “deny students, employees and their dependents insurance coverage of birth control guaranteed to them by the (2010) Affordable Care Act,” better known as Obamacare.

Church’s social ministry is more than ‘single set’ of issues, cardinal says WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drawing from the teaching of Pope Francis and the documents of the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago called on attendees at the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering to remember that the work of the Church is rooted in Christ’s invitation to encounter poor and marginalized people. Such ministry requires having a “deep and loving respect for the poor, IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 15

CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic Charities USA and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, known as CLINIC, expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s Jan. 27 order allowing the Trump administration to go forward with a new rule meant to limit immigrants’ use of government benefit programs.

The court’s “unprecedented ruling” in favor of the administration’s revisions to government policy “harms families, targets lawful immigrants, and could prevent families from receiving vital nutrition and housing assistance,” said a Catholic Charities USA statement.

Dominican Sister Donna Markham, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, urged the Trump administration “to reconsider this harsh and unnecessary policy and rescind it in its entirety.” She said it will impose “a chilling effect on access to basic services, creating fear among eligible individuals threatening family unity and stability.”

She also said the decision in favor of this policy “signals a watershed change of course from the best moments of our American heritage of welcoming immigrants and refugees.”

In its 5-4 ruling, the court gave the Trump administration the go-ahead with its “public charge” rule allowing the administration to deny green cards to legal immigrants based on their reliance on public assistance such as food stamps, Medicaid and housing vouchers.

The rule was challenged by immigration groups and states, including California, Illinois, Maryland and Washington. It was put on hold by a nationwide injunction from a federal district court in New York.

The Supreme Court’s order reversed this injunction while legal challenges continue in several federal courts. A separate injunction still blocks the rule from being implemented in Illinois.

The government had argued to the

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

Supreme Court that it would suffer “effectively irreparable harm” if it could not implement the rule while it appealed a pair of orders by a federal district court in New York.

The Supreme Court’s brief order said it temporarily put the lower court’s rulings on hold until the government’s appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit or even the Supreme Court, were resolved.

The court’s decision ‘signals a watershed change of course from the best moments of our American heritage of welcoming immigrants and refugees.’

Donna Markham

President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA

In briefs urging the court to turn down the government’s request, challengers said the new rule was a “vast expansion” of how the government had initially defined a public charge, which applied only to people who were dependent on the government for long-term aid. They also said the government had not argued that it needed to enforce this rule for reasons of public safety or national security.

The rule, which stems from federal

immigration law, could prevent immigrants from receiving green cards, or documentation certifying permanent U.S. residency, if the government believes that they could become a public charge by their reliance on government assistance.

Last August, the Department of Homeland Security said the term “public charge” refers to noncitizens who receive government aid such as cash, health care or housing for more than 12 months over a three-year period. The rule also considers age, employment history and finances to determine if an immigrant could become a future public charge.

In a separate opinion to the court’s order, Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, said district court judges should no longer be allowed to issue nationwide injunctions.

“The rise of nationwide injunctions may just be a sign of our impatient times,” Gorsuch wrote. “But good judicial decisions are usually tempered by older virtues.”

Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security, praised the court’s order in a Jan. 27 statement, saying: “Self-sufficiency and self-reliance are key American values not to be litigiously dismissed, but to be encouraged and adopted by the next generation of immigrants.”

“We plan to fully implement this rule in 49 states and are confident we will win the case on the merits,” he added.

A Jan. 27 statement by CLINIC said the court’s action is far from the last word on whether the government’s rule is legal.

“While we are obviously disappointed that the Supreme Court has allowed the public charge rule to be implemented while the court challenges proceed, we remain hopeful that the rule will ultimately be declared illegal,” said Bradley Jenkins, CLINIC’s federal litigation attorney.

He added that the justices “did not say anything one way or another about whether they thought the public charge rule violates the law.”

Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate Settling an Estate? You don’t have to do it alone.

Contact Attorney Sabrina Winters to help navigate you through this complicated process.

St. Matthew Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

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January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 14

uniting with them, accompanying them, not to tell them what to do, but with an appreciation for the creative capacity to pursue the life God has always intended for them,” Cardinal Cupich said in an address Jan. 25 opening the largest regular Church-sponsored assembly of social justice advocates. “This means recognizing that Christ is already at work in the lives of the poor,” he said. The cardinal described the task of a Christian as working “with everyone in building a more human world. This is about taking a stand toward reality in which neither our spiritual lives nor religion can be understood without social commitment. Nor can salvation be understood without social commitment. Nor can salvation be understood without the need to transform history. They are linked together.”

After probe is announced, bishop says he wants his ‘good name cleared’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Archdiocese of New York has confirmed it has begun an investigation of an abuse claim against Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y., who was threatened with a lawsuit by an attorney in November, alleging the prelate had abused a child decades ago while serving as a priest in New Jersey. The bishop immediately denied the accusation Nov. 13, vowing to “vigorously defend” himself against the claim. Under new protocols concerning accusations against Church higher-ups, the metropolitan archbishop, in this case Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, is charged with investigating any accusation made against another bishop in his region. In a Jan. 21 statement from the Brooklyn Diocese, the bishop said he “looks forward to the investigation of the allegation made against him and having his good name cleared and restored.” Several news stories have painted the Vatican as ordering the investigation, but the development seems to be more of a result of a new process of investigating bishops accused of abuse set forth in the papal decree “Vos Estis Lux Mundi,” or “You are the light of the world,” which outlines the protocols. Under those new protocols, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith asks the metropolitan of the region to begin the probe.

Supreme Court to reexamine contraceptive mandate for religious employers WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Little Sisters of the Poor are once again going to the Supreme Court. The order of women religious who care for the elderly poor have been down this road before, twice defending their right to not comply with the government’s health law requiring employers to provide contraceptive coverage in their health plans. Now the court is about to look at the Affordable Health Care’s contraceptive mandate from a different angle, examining if the Trump administration can legally allow religious employers to opt out of the mandate. In 2013, religious groups and houses of worship were granted a religious exemption by the Supreme Court from the government’s mandate in the Affordable Care Act to include coverage of contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs in their employee health plan. Three years later, religious nonprofit groups challenged the requirement they comply with the mandate and the court sent the cases back to the lower courts with instructions for the federal government and the challengers to try to work out a solution agreeable to both sides. In 2017, religious groups were given further protection from the contraceptive mandate through an executive order issued

by President Donald Trump requiring the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services to write a comprehensive exemption to benefit religious ministries, including the Little Sisters of the Poor, from the contraceptive mandate.

Bishops welcome guidance on school prayer, Trump’s proposed rules WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ religious liberty and Catholic education committees Jan. 20 praised the Trump administration for issuing guidance on prayer in public schools. The chairmen also welcome the administration’s nine proposed rules to ensure the nation’s faith-based service providers and organizations are not discriminated against by federal agencies’ regulations or in their grant-making processes because of religion. “We wish to express our gratitude for these steps to ensure that the constitutional right of individual students and teachers to pray voluntarily in public schools is protected,” said Bishop George V. Murry, of Youngstown, Ohio, and Bishop Michael C. Barber, of Oakland, Calif. “This fundamental right ensures that persons may freely worship without sacrificing full participation in schools and in society.” The bishops – who are, respectively, the chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, and its Committee on Catholic Education – made the comments in response to President Donald Trump’s guidance on prayer in public schools and proposed rules issued Jan. 16, National Religious Freedom Day.

Judge blocks Trump’s order on state refugee resettlement WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction Jan. 15 blocking the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order that would allow state and local government officials to reject resettling refugees in their jurisdictions. The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, three faith-based resettlement agencies – HIAS, a Jewish organization; Church World Service; and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – who said their work would be directly impacted and harmed by the order. In his 31-page decision, U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte said the executive order could be seen as unlawful because it grants states and localities veto power that “flies in the face of clear congressional intent.” The judge also called for refugee resettlement to “go forward as it developed for the almost 40 years” prior to President Donald Trump’s executive order, announced last September. Ashley Feasley, director of policy for Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, echoed this sentiment, telling Catholic News Service that “refugee resettlement will continue as it has before” based on available resources and family connections. But she also acknowledged that the refugee resettlement process has taken a hit. “Everything is in flux,” she said just after the injunction was issued, and she pointed out it would likely be appealed by the Trump administration.

Archbishop Chaput retires; pope names successor WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia and has appointed Bishop Nelson J. Perez of Cleveland as his successor. Archbishop Chaput, who has headed the Philadelphia Archdiocese since 2011, turned 75 last September, the age at which Church law requires bishops to turn in their resignation to the pope. Archbishop Perez, 58, was installed as the 11th bishop of Cleveland Sept. 5, 2017.

Archbishop Perez will be installed Feb. 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

— Catholic News Service

You are Cordially Invited to the 17th Annual

VINEYARD OF HOPE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 Crowne Plaza Charlotte 5700 West Park Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217 Join us for Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and blessing of the meal at 6:45 p.m.

2020 Fruit of the Vine Award Recipients Mr. and Mrs. Joe & Carol Gigler At this complimentary event, you will be invited to make a generous gift to help raise our goal of $200k to Strengthen Families, Build Communities, and Reduce Poverty in the Charlotte area.

RSVP at vineyardofhope2020@charlottediocese.org or online at ccdoc.org/vineyardofhope

Parish School Principal St. Mary's Catholic School, a PK (3)-8 parish school located in Rome, Georgia, seeks a principal beginning on July 1, 2020. St. Mary's Catholic School enrolls 219 students with a dedicated and professional staff of 19. The school is fully accredited through Cognia District-Wide Accreditation.

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. This candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills and the ability to maintain the school's strong Catholic identity.

Additional requirements include: hold a minimum of a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, a minimum of three years of Catholic school experience, superior communication skills, a collaborative leadership style to lead others in the mission of Catholic education, be knowledgeable in current areas of professional development and exhibit excellent instructional leadership.

Send resume and letter of interest by February 20, 2020 to: Connie Urbanbski, Ed.D Associate Superintendent of Schools - Archdiocese of Atlanta 2401 Lake Park Dr. SE Smyrna, Georgia 30080 curbanski@archatl.com (no phone calls please)

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Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

New research details Catholic inmates at Auschwitz

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com CNS | YAD VASHEM ARCHIVES VIA REUTERS

In Brief Pope: Christian unity requires recognizing, welcoming others ROME — As Christians work and pray for the restoration of full unity among them, they must be willing to learn from one another, even from the smallest of the Christian communities, Pope Francis said.

“Each community has a gift to offer to the others,” the pope said Jan. 25 at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. “The more we look beyond partisan interests and overcome the legacies of the past in the desire to move forward toward a common landing place, the more readily we will recognize, welcome and share these gifts,” he said in his homily during evening prayer at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The service began with Pope Francis, Orthodox Metropolitan Gennadios of Italy and Anglican Archbishop Ian Ernest, director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, praying at the tomb of St. Paul and venerating the relics of the apostle’s friend and co-worker, St. Timothy. In his letters to Timothy, which are part of the New Testament, St. Paul calls the younger evangelizer his “child in faith.”

New martyrs include priests, laity martyred in 20th century VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of six religious priests and brothers and seven laypeople who were killed in the 20th century “in hatred of the faith,” clearing the way for their beatification. The pope approved the decrees during an audience Jan. 23 with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. Among the soon-tobe blesseds are three Spanish priests of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and seven laymen who were killed in Guatemala between 1980 and 1991.

— Catholic News Service

A Russian military doctor examines Holocaust survivors after the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 in Oswiecim, Poland. Historians estimate that the Nazis sent at least 1.3 million people to Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945, and it is believed some 1.1 million of those perished there. Auschwitz was liberated by the Russian Army Jan. 27, 1945.

JONATHAN LUXMOORE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Nazi’s largest camp and consisted of three parts: Auschwitz I, where many were imprisoned and murdered; the Birkenau extermination camp – also known as Auschwitz II – and Auschwitz III (Auschwitz-Monowitz), an area of auxiliary camps that included several factories.

In 1942, Auschwitz became the site of the mass extermination of over 1 million Jews, 23,000 Roma, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war and thousands of Polish citizens of different nationalities.

The Nazi’s systematic persecution and genocide led to the deaths of 6 million Jews in Europe.

During his visit to Poland in 2016, the pope visited the Auschwitz death camp, where he prayed in silence and met with survivors of the Holocaust.

The pope has also denounced anti-Semitism

WARSAW, Poland — A Polish researcher has published the first study of religious practices among Christian prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau, as the 75th anniversary of the Nazi-run death camp’s liberation was marked in Israel and Poland.

“Although most deportees to Auschwitz from occupied Europe were Jews, the camp was originally opened for Polish prisoners and also took in Catholic resistance fighters from France, Germany, Belgium and other countries,” said Teresa Wontor-Cichy, a historian at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

“This aspect of its history has been studied only randomly up to now. But it’s important the world knows more and takes it into account.”

The historian spoke after her study, “Religious Life of Christian Prisoners in KL Auschwitz,” was published by the state museum’s research center.

In a Jan. 23 Catholic News Service interview, she said the fate of some Catholic clergy at Auschwitz-Birkenau, notably St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Edith Stein, had been extensively documented.

However, she said thousands of lay Catholics also had kept their faith at the camp, where 1.2 million inmates were killed by the Nazis during World War II.

HOLOCAUST, SEE PAGE 17

AUSCHWITZ, SEE PAGE 17

Remembering Holocaust is ‘a duty,’ pope says JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said remembering the millions of men, women and children who perished in the Holocaust is a call for the world today to reflect and commit to not repeating the atrocities of the past.

Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 26, the pope said that “in the face of this immense tragedy, this atrocity, indifference is inadmissible, and remembering is a duty.”

“We are all called to have a moment of prayer and reflection, each one saying in his or her own heart, ‘Never again, never again!’” the pope said.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed around the world Jan. 27, which marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland.

Operated from 1940 to 1945, Auschwitz was the

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January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

AUSCHWITZ FROM PAGE 16

“Up to now, their religious devotions have been known about only through occasional memoirs and articles – it’s now possible to document them more completely,” WontorCichy said.

“Since 95 percent of the camp’s archives were destroyed, it’s impossible to state how many Christians were here. But religious affiliations were recorded when prisoners were registered and died, and we know Catholics made up the largest number – mostly from Poland, but also from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia and the Soviet Union.”

Besides Jewish inmates, who made up 90 percent of the victims, around 100,000 Poles were killed by German occupiers in Auschwitz’s gas chambers and execution sites. The Nazis also killed Russians, Roma and prisoners of other nationalities.

In her study, Wontor-Cichy said dispensing sacraments had been “strictly forbidden” on pain of death by Nazi commanders at Auschwitz-Birkenau, but priests still secretly administered them, providing “a form of spiritual and psychological support” and a “sense of community.”

She added that several Catholic clergy had detailed their pastoral work after surviving the camp, including Father Adam Zieba, a priest from Nowy Sacz, Poland; and Cardinal

Adam Kozlowiecki, who later became archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia.

Many previously nonbelieving prisoners had turned to prayer while incarcerated, the researcher said, “instinctively seeking contact” with Catholic priests and nuns who were known derisively as “Pffafen” by camp guards and assigned the harshest workloads.

“Catholics were deported here throughout the war for political crimes, as well as when other prisons were overloaded,” WontorCichy said.

In her study, Wontor-Cichy said many Catholic prisoners had shown “great determination” in concealing liturgical and devotional objects at the camp, such as rosaries made of dried bread.

She added that Auschwitz-Birkenau’s Nazi administrators had attempted to deter Christmas observances in 1944 by installing a decorated Christmas tree surrounded by dead bodies in the camp’s assembly yard, but added that one priest, Father Wladyslaw Grohs, had celebrated Mass and heard confessions in his cell.

While many inmates “doubted God’s providence” in a state of “permanent brokenness,” the historian said, some also turned to God during incarceration.

“So many people were deported here, all with a will to survive, that it’s easy to see why emotions and conflicts have sometimes flared. But our task is to research the camp’s history – the good and noble alongside the bad and wicked – and we should accept that academic research and politics follow separate paths.”

Administrative Coordinator

HOLOCAUST FROM PAGE 16

and violence against Jewish people, including in November when reports surfaced of an escalation in antiSemitic violence and vandalism across Europe.

During his weekly general audience Nov. 13, the pope said that the world has “seen so many brutalities done against the Jewish people, and we were convinced that this was over.”

“But today the habit of persecuting Jews is beginning to be reborn,” he said. “Brothers and sisters: this is neither human nor Christian; the Jews are our brothers and sisters and must not be persecuted! Understood?”

Two organizations representing the bishops of Europe also issued a joint statement to mark the anniversary of the liberation of the death camp.

The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union said “Auschwitz has become a symbol of all German concentration camps, and even of all such extermination sites.”

“Here, the Nazis took the power to decide who is human and who is not.

Here, euthanasia met with eugenics,” they said. “Auschwitz-Birkenau is

a result of the system based on the ideology of national socialism, which meant trampling the dignity of man who is made in the image of God. Another totalitarianism, namely communism, acted quite similarly, also reaching a death toll of millions.”

The bishops said they wished to “appeal to the modern world for reconciliation and peace, for respect for each nation’s right to exist and to freedom, to independence, to maintain its own culture.”

“We cannot allow the truth to be ignored or manipulated for immediate political needs,” said the Jan. 26 statement. “This appeal is extremely important now, for – despite the dramatic experience of the past – the world in which we live is still exposed to new threats and new manifestations of violence.”

Let’s keep talking.

Director of Communications The Catholic Diocese of Savannah is seeking a seasoned professional to direct diocesan Communication and Marketing strategies both internal and external. This position reports to the Senior Director Operations and facilitates internal communications and public relations; directs the

The Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting applications for a part-time Administrative Coordinator to support the Director of Planned Giving / Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte and the Office of Development staff.

editorial and business components of the diocesan newspaper, Southern Cross; as well as the website and social media presence consistent with diocesan policies, goals and guidelines.

This position requires a professional who can work independently, communicate well with donors, and can successfully work in an environment that requires extensive multi-tasking.

Specifically; plan, organize and direct department activities, provide leadership and

Knowledge and Experience:

mission of the diocese to maximize publicity for special events, programs and major

• Associates degree or greater in related field • Three years’ experience in administrative support • Proficient in Raiser’s Edge / Blackbaud / NXT • Competent in MS Office software • Strong planning and organizational skills • Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team • Strong written, verbal and inter-personal skills Please submit letter of interest and resume by February 15, 2020 to: Gina Rhodes – Office of Development gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org or by mail to 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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guidance to staff of 3; implement programs, budgets, operating plans, guidelines and diocesan policies. Work collaboratively with department directors to carry out the announcements from diocesan offices. Build relationships and maintain contacts with local media, Catholic media and national media, if needed. Work in tandem with and provide leadership to editor of Southern Cross to ensure positive and thorough coverage of diocesan events, initiatives and programs. Host regular webinars/workshops and one-on-one regional training on crisis communications for parishes and schools.

Successful candidates must be Catholic in full-communion with the Church and possess extensive knowledge of the policies and programs of the Roman Catholic Church and have the ability to explain and carry out the mission of the diocese and the teachings of the Church.

A minimum of a BA/BS in Mass Communications, Journalism, Marketing or Public Relations is required with 5-10 years’ experience with increasing levels of responsibility preferred.

To apply email a resume with three references to: jagreen@diosav.org.

The deadline for resumes is February 28, 2020.

The position will remain open until a candidate is hired.

ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Benjamin Roberts

Chris Hazell

W

Giving God our full and undivided attention

e’ve all been in the middle of a conversation, telling a story, asking for advice, or sharing how we’re doing when we notice the person across from us isn’t paying attention. Maybe they’re eyeing some odd character who just walked through the door behind us, or they’re glancing at their phone in response to a text alert, or they’re simply exhibiting that glazed-over look accompanied with an agreeable, I’m-not-listeningbut-am-pretending-to head nod. I’m guilty of this, as I imagine we all are. In many cases, it’s not because we don’t care, are bored, or necessarily have something better to do. Instead, it often has to do with the understandable reality that it’s hard, even at times exceedingly difficult, to give our full attention to something or someone for an extended period of time. And although I think the way we consume information these days, in short, easily-digestible snippets of content at an unending rate, definitely doesn’t make things easier in this department, we can’t blame it only on technology (yes, we’ve all heard a thousand times that the digital age is shortening our attention spans).

The reason it’s hard to pay attention – to give ourselves fully to the moment before us no matter what we’re doing – is because it often requires us to turn away from what we’re naturally conditioned to do. It’s hard to keep our thoughts reigned in; it requires an act of the will and a firm commitment to staying focused. And with a weakened ability to focus – to be fully attentive to what’s in front of us – we hinder our relationships with others, the fruitfulness of our prayer, and even our union with God and the knowledge of his will.

It’s well known that the ability to pay attention – or to live in the moment – can increase happiness.

An article from the Harvard Gazette, “Wandering Mind Not a Happy Mind,” claims that “people spend 46.9 percent of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing, and this mind-wandering typically makes them unhappy.” The article examines the research conducted by Harvard psychologists Matthew A. Killingsworth and Daniel T. Gilbert, which according to them, provides some illuminating insights on the peril of roaming thoughts: “Mindwandering is an excellent predictor of people’s happiness,” Killingsworth says. “In fact, how often our minds leave the present and where they tend to go is a better predictor of our happiness than the activities in which we are engaged.”

This has been well documented by other studies as well, which is why fashionable terms and phrases like “living in the moment” and “mindfulness” have come to the cultural fore. Yet, aside from the psychological and emotional benefits of living in the present, of paying attention, what are its consequences for the spiritual life?

Simone Weil, the brilliant French philosopher and Christian mystic, wrote an essay with the lengthy title “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God.” The essay expounds on the hidden spiritual benefits of focused study in academics. While the essay was specifically intended for students

and their commitment to study, the crux of it can be applied to any type of work or activity with which we are called to give our full, undivided attention. In the essay, Weil explains that the attention students give toward unveiling some aspect of academic truth – whether it’s solving a math problem or grasping a theoretical proof – strengthens their ability to commune with God in prayer: “If we concentrate our attention on trying to solve a problem of geometry, and if at the end of an hour we are no nearer to doing so than at the beginning, we have nevertheless been making progress each minute of that hour in another more mysterious dimension. Without our knowing or feeling it, this apparently barren effort has brought more light into the soul.”

And so, whether we are solving a math problem, crafting an email to a coworker, listening intently to a friend or cleaning a bathroom, by giving whatever the activity is our full attention – and therefore living within that moment – we widen our capacity to hear God’s voice in prayer.

“It is the orientation of all the attention of which the soul is capable towards God. The quality of attention counts for much in the quality of the prayer. Warmth of heart cannot make up for it,” Weil wrote.

Of course, all is grace, and our prayer is always first a response to God’s grace. God is ultimately the one who allows us to commune with Him, for as we know, we do not know how to pray as we ought.

Yet, we are still called to respond to His outpouring of grace – to His request to be in relationship with Him. And we respond by offering the full use of our natural faculties to God and trusting in Him to make up in us what we are lacking. If we don’t give God our full attention in our prayer, or in anything else we do which can be offered up to God, we’re only responding half-heartedly to His grace. We are still human, though, and we’ll get distracted, find ourselves wandering in thought, and forget that we were smack dab in the middle of a Hail Mary. But, we try as best we can, and that’s all that God asks of us. The more we practice focusing our attention on the ordinary tasks that make up our day, the more we’ll be able to keep our attention fixed on the extraordinary task of listening to God in prayer.

As St. Teresa of Avila once wrote, “The most potent and acceptable prayer is the prayer that leaves the best effects. I don’t mean it must immediately fill the soul with desire ... The best effects (are) those that are followed up by actions – when the soul not only desires the honor of God, but really strives for it.”

Herein is the beauty of the Christian life, and the implication of the command to “pray always” – everything we do can be offered up to God. And so the more attention and effort we give to anything we offer up to God, naturally, the more beautiful it is to Him. This is why He asks for us to do one thing at a time, to live in the moment that He has gifted us with. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow ATTENTION, SEE PAGE 20

Approach God in the Scriptures

L

ast September, Pope Francis declared today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, as the Sunday of the Word of God. He invites us to reflect on the place of the Scriptures, the Bible in our life as a Church, as parish and as individuals. So I have a little confession to make.

In August of 2002, I entered seminary in Buffalo, N.Y. I was discerning and studying with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a religious order of missionary priests and brothers. On the day after my arrival, I needed to borrow one of the community cars and go to the local Catholic bookstore. I did not need to buy books for my philosophy courses; that would happen a week later.

I needed to go and buy a Bible, because I had neglected to pack a Bible when I left North Carolina.

In August of 2005, I entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia to begin my theological studies for the Diocese of Charlotte. On the day after my arrival, I asked one of the other seminarians for a ride to the local Catholic bookstore.

I did not need to buy books for my theology classes; that would happen a week later. I needed to go and buy a Bible, because I had neglected to pack a Bible when I left North Carolina.

Oh, I had my prayer books.

I have the four volumes of the Liturgy of the Hours and most of those books are taken from the Bible. I had my missal that has all of the readings for all of the Masses that can be celebrated. I had access to the Scriptures, at least major parts of it, but I must confess that I did not keep a Bible nearby.

But then, I took classes for four years and every semester there was a course on one of the books or one of the sections of the Bible.

The Bible became a text for study.

I could learn about authorship and culture and language and structure. I approached the Bible as a student.

And then, I was ordained to the priesthood, and I approached the Bible as a preacher. We have a lot of the Bible at the liturgy: two reading at every weekday Mass and three readings on Sundays and Solemnities. There is a lot to preach. There are so many, many things that could be preached. What am I going to say? What word of inspiration can I draw from these texts? How

can we look at it differently? How can I find encouragement and inspiration and education and consolation for you in the texts of the Scriptures appointed for any celebration of the Mass?

There really is only one way, and I think I have learned it.

Maybe I have learned how to begin.

I cannot first approach the Sacred Scriptures as a student.

Study is good, and learning is good, and knowing things about the text is good. But I cannot first approach the Sacred Scriptures as a student. And I cannot first approach the texts of Sacred Scripture as a preacher. I cannot begin my look at the Word of the Lord looking first for something for you. I cannot first approach the texts of Sacred Scripture as a preacher and your pastor.

If I will ever have anything to say to you from the Sacred Scriptures, then I can only first approach the Sacred Scriptures with you as a disciple. I can only first approach the Bible as a baptized child of God seeking in faith to meet the Lord Jesus. I can only first approach the Sacred Scriptures enlightened by the Holy Spirit and guided by the faith of the Church.

That is how we come to the Scriptures. That is how we read the Bible. We come to hear the Scriptures with ears that were opened at our baptism. We open the Bible with hands that have been folded in prayer. We approach the Sacred Scriptures with minds that have been nourished in faith and nourished in worship. We come to the Sacred Scriptures as followers of the Lord Jesus seeking only to meet the Lord Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures. We want to meet the One who loves us.

And this Jesus whom we meet in the Word proclaimed comes to meet us at the altar. The promise proclaimed in the Word, the promise we hear in the Sacred Scriptures, calls us to the table where the disciples gather, and Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Living Word, nourishes us and leads us to that kingdom where He lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

FATHER BENJAMIN A. ROBERTS is pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe. This is adapted from his homily for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 26.

January 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Patricia J. Hennessy

Open the door of your heart

“

Behold I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).

Jesus is always knocking on the door of our hearts, asking if we’ll open up and invite Him to come in. He never just rudely barges in, forcing Himself upon us.

His patient, gentle knocking is an invitation to have a deep and personal relationship with Him, a desire that has been placed within each of us by Almighty God. Sometimes this desire is buried under the cares and worries of our lives. We just can’t imagine that getting closer to Jesus would help to solve our problems.

Maybe it’s hard to believe that Jesus really loves us personally and wants to be in a close relationship with us.

We may even fear that if we open the door, Jesus might request something of us that is too difficult to give.

Well, there is no reason to fear because our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is always ready to help and loves to light our path and direct us to Jesus.

Jesus knows we may need some courage to open the door all the way.

Looking through a tiny peephole, or opening the door just a crack, may be all that’s needed to get things started.

We may be happily surprised to discover that Jesus just wants to visit, friend to friend, sharing love and conversation with His beloved child.

The famous painting of Jesus knocking at an old wooden door in a garden shows that the door has no outside handle.

Like the door of our heart, it can only be opened from the inside.

Let’s be ready to answer when Jesus knocks. We will never regret welcoming this most loving and gracious Guest.

PATRICIA J. HENNESSY is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

Most-read stories on the web

‘God did not take on our human nature out of duty but out of love because one embraces what one loves.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “God’s Word brings light to life’s dark corners, pope says at Mass” Through press time on Jan. 29, 21,905 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 35,731 pages. The top 10 headlines in January have been: n Pope speaks to U.S. bishops about pro-life issues, transgender ideology............................ 1,824 n All of us are here to pray, to bear witness and to proclaim the truth’......................................1,102 n Fr. Leonard, pastor of Swannanoa church, passes away............................................................... 985 n Spectacular sacred art light show illuminates Pastoral Center through Jan. 12...................928 n March for Life Charlotte draws Christian faithful to witness to life Jan. 10............................ 906 n Bishop Jugis announces ‘Year of St. Joseph’.................................................................................. 834 n Charlotte diocese publishes list of 14 clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse.....................692 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald........................................................448 n Administrator appointed to St. Matthew Church while pastor remains on leave..................356 n Fr. Kloster passes away after 50-plus years in ministry............................................................... 204

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

VIRGEN VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 9

El cuadro cuenta con 62 símbolos diferentes, entre los que destacan la Estrella de Belén (es la Navidad) con ocho puntas (símbolo del cielo) con dos rayos extendiéndose hacia el pesebre: Dios Padre está bendiciendo a su Hijo.

Por encima de la Virgen hay doce estrellas (son las tribus de Israel y, a la vez, los apóstoles de Jesús). María es el puente entre el Antiguo y el Nuevo Testamento.

En la actualidad, casi no existe una familia dominicana en donde no se encuentre un testimonio de la intercesión de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia.

ATTENTION FROM PAGE 18

will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Our imaginations are great gifts, and the ability to re-live the past and fashion the future in our minds can be used to do great things. Yet, it can also keep us blind to the presence of God if we’re not careful. God does not reign in an anxietyhaunted vision of a hypothetical future, nor is He lurking in a past landscape saturated with regret. God is present to us in the present – in this exact instance of our existence.

As with everything in life, we only have to look to the source of all wisdom, truth and goodness: Jesus. Jesus was present in all that He did. Can you imagine Jesus sitting down with you at a meal and constantly looking out the window or asking you to repeat what you said, distracted and distant, as if wishing He was somewhere else? Or Jesus crafting a shoddy table, being only semi-competent in

VIGILIA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 7

de la santidad de la vida”, explicó. “En esta cultura de la moral de la ‘dimensión desconocida’, al permanecer fiel a la santidad de la vida de los niños no nacidos podrías enfrentar el ridículo y exclusión social, podrías ser castigado en tu centro de trabajo o estudios” y más adelante probablemente “ser penalizado y hasta sufrir encarcelamiento al rechazar cooperar con el mal intrínseco que es el aborto”.

Pese a todo, subrayó, los tiempos actuales están cambiando a favor de la vida y los índices de aborto se vienen reduciendo sensiblemente en las últimas décadas.

En el próximo mes de marzo, destacó, se celebrará el 25 aniversario de la encíclica de San Juan Pablo II, el Evangelio de la Vida, que ya nos advertía del sensible peligro moral de la confusión entre el bien y el mal en el derecho fundamental de la vida.

El Obispo Naumann dijo que desde 1973 cerca de 61 millones de niños fueron

Let’s keep talking.

Particularmente, relató la Sra. Páez, ella misma experimentó la bondad y misericordia de la “Tatica”, como cariñosamente llama el pueblo dominicano a Nuestra Madre.

Cuando se encontraba embarazada y a punto de perder a su hijo, su madre la animó para que asistiera a la novena de la Altagracia.

Esa noche asistió a misa “desobedeciendo a los médicos y en mi oración de sanación pedí la intersección de la Virgen por mi hijo. El niño que no se movía, esa noche se movió y yo entendí que gracias a ella el niño se estaba salvando”, declaró emocionada.

Domingo Monrobert, dominicano, dijo que desde muy pequeño se le inculcó el amor por esta devoción. “Para mi significa la protección de nuestro pueblo, la

His woodworking? No. When He bent down to heal someone, He looked into their eyes and spoke comfort to their heart. When He went away to be alone with God, He listened fully to His Father’s guiding voice.

And on the eve of His Passion, knowing full well that He would be tortured and killed the next day, He remained perfectly present to His disciples, to His friends. He ate with them. He prayed with them. He washed their feet in a spirit of humility and love.

Jesus lived presently and gave all of His attention to the work of love before Him. May we commit ourselves to loving God and others with our full attention – trusting that He’ll make up for whatever we’re lacking with His generous grace and love.

Keep in mind the words of St. Augustine: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

CHRIS HAZELL is the founder of The Call Collective (www. thecallcollective.com), a blog exploring the intersection between faith, culture and creativity.

asesinados por la práctica del aborto y “padres y madres fueron marcados por la muerte de sus niños”.

Además, anotó, en noviembre pasado, los obispos de Estados Unidos se pronunciaron por promover la responsabilidad de los votantes en otros temas importante como la reforma migratoria, bienvenida a refugiados, la asistencia a los pobres, el acceso al cuidado de la salud, la promoción de la libertad religiosa, la oposición al racismo y el odio, así como también el cuidado de la creación.

Finalmente, destacando el trabajo de la iglesia católica norteamericana en su defensa por la dignidad de la vida, el Obispo Naumann expresó que el Papa Francisco, anticipando una gran concurrencia juvenil a la Marcha por la Vida de este año, le pidió que transmita a los peregrinos que “el Papa está con ustedes, está orando por ustedes, los está apoyando, los invita a perseverar” y agradece especialmente a quienes trabajan en los centros de recursos de apoyo para mujeres con problemas de embarazo por ser parte de lo que llama ‘islas de misericordia’.

“Mis amigos, el sucesor de Pedro nos respalda”, sentenció.

Let’s keep talking.

santidad. A través de ella comencé a tener conocimiento de la Iglesia Católica y su espiritualidad”.

Explicó que en República Dominicana las celebraciones son “como un toque de queda” porque toda la población participa.

“De niño disfrutaba de la fiesta, de la alegría que se vivía en cada momento.

Había mucha comida y mucho baile, que es como celebramos nosotros los dominicanos”, dijo sonriente.

Por ello, al ver que la fiesta se celebra localmente en Charlotte, “siento como si me trajeran un pedazo de mi país, de mi pueblo, acá. Y me siento como si estuviera en el mismo patio, sin tener que ir a ningún lado, entre familia, porque la Virgen nos une a todos. Ya no veo más caras mexicanas, ni ecuatorianas, ni peruanas.

Solamente veo caras latinas, dominicanas

VIRGEN VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 20

todas”.

Después de la Misa, se sirvió un compartir en el salón comunitario parroquial. Los asistentes pudieron disfrutar de música y comida típica dominicana.

La feligresa Yazmín Plata informó que con este evento se abrió el ciclo anual de conmemoraciones de advocaciones marianas de 2020. Añadió que se aproximan las fiestas de la Virgen de la Candelaria y de Suyapa, que se realizarán el próximo 2 y 9 de febrero en la parroquia San Gabriel, auspiciados por la comunidad peruana y hondureña respectivamente.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea fotografías sobre esta celebración