2020 Vocations

July 31, 2020

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

“Be holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16

‘APOSTOLIC MISSION’

‘FILLED WITH GRATITUDE’

‘A SERVANT FIRST’

‘A PRIEST FOREVER’

Priests, deacons ordained

Our 2020 jubilarians

Three priests enter retirement Msgr. Showfety marks 65 years

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Jacob Mlakar (left) and Father Jonathan Torres (right) were ordained priests of the Diocese of Charlotte

by Bishop Peter Jugis July 24 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Father Mlakar will serve as parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

Father Torres will serve as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Carry out the Church’s apostolic mission’ More ordination coverage online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch videos and see more photos from the priesthood and diaconate Masses, Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders and Bishop Peter J. Jugis’ homilies, and learn more about the new priests and transitional deacons

About the cover This year’s Vocations cover features a depiction of the Holy Family by the 17th-century Spanish painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. The image was chosen by Bishop Peter Jugis to illustrate this year’s Eucharistic Congress theme, “Be Holy,” from 1 Peter 1:16. “The Holy Family is a model for our families and for each individually of our vocation to holiness in Christ,” the bishop said.

The in-person Eucharistic Congress has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are being encouraged to celebrate our devotion to the Eucharist locally in parishes and at home.

— Catholic News Herald

Two priests ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte SUEANN HOWELL AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte has welcomed two new priests during this Year of St. Joseph: Father Jacob Mlakar and Father Jonathan Torres were ordained during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis July 24 at St. Mark Church.

This year’s ordination Mass was noticeably more subdued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet hundreds of people were in attendance, including a representative group of priests and deacons. Measures including face coverings and social distancing were put in place to minimize the public health risk.

Seated before the sanctuary at the start of the two-hour Mass, both men were presented for ordination to the bishop by Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the diocese.

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Father Gober said. Upon Bishop Jugis’ inquiry as to their worthiness, Father Gober affirmed it and Bishop Jugis accepted them for the order of the

priesthood. Applause erupted from the faithful gathered for the celebration.

“Deacon Jacob and Deacon Jonathan, you have been chosen for the order of the priesthood,” Bishop Jugis said to begin his homily.

“Upon entering today this sacred office, you now join me and your brother priests in the important work of carrying out the apostolic mission entrusted to us by Christ. That mission, which Jesus gave to the Apostles as reported by St. Mark, is ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.’”

The Church’s apostolic mission has been passed on to us to fulfill in the Charlotte diocese, he said, and the diocese’s two newest priests have an important role to play in continuing that mission.

“Through your ordination as priests of Christ’s new covenant of grace and salvation, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination, you receive the special anointing of the Holy Spirit, which bestows an indelible spiritual character on you – consecrating you as priests and configuring you to Christ the High Priest.”

Through their priestly ministry to the faithful, Jesus Christ Himself will be made present, Bishop Jugis told the men.

“You act in the person of Christ, the teacher, the priest and shepherd. You are to teach the truth of the faith that has been handed on to us from the Apostles – the truth of Jesus’ Gospel.

MISSION, SEE PAGE 3B

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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‘You are to teach the truth of the faith that has been handed on to us from the Apostles – the truth of Jesus’ Gospel.’

Bishop Peter Jugis

In his homily to the newly ordained Father Mlakar and Father Torres

Bishop Jugis invokes the Holy Spirit with the laying on of hands during the ordination rite. (At top right) The two men stand with their families at the beginning of the ordination Mass July 24.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MISSION FROM PAGE 2B

“Remember that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.”

“Through your ministry, you will shepherd the flock of Christ on its way to salvation – not domineering over the flock, but in a spirit of service; after the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve,” he told them.

“Christ Jesus, the teacher, the priest and the shepherd, is your model to follow as His priest.”

Bishop Jugis then reiterated the four priorities of his episcopacy: the Eucharist, catechesis, vocations and evangelization.

Over the past 16 years, these four priorities have guided his work and the work of the diocese in leading the faithful, and all of them “involve very profoundly the ministry of the priest,” he noted.

The first three strengthen the faith and holiness of the

faithful to love and serve God and each other, he said, and the fourth looks to the Church’s ministry in the community and the world.

Bishop Jugis concluded his homily with a prayer to St. Joseph, in honor of 2020 as the Year of St. Joseph.

“Using the words of a popular prayer to St. Joseph,” he said, “let us ask Almighty God to bless, sanctify and consecrate these chosen men who are to be ordained priests.”

After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked the men a series of questions to express their desire and willingness to be ordained priests and to fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination. Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience to him and to the Church.

The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and the Litany of the Saints was chanted.

Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.

Other priests of the diocese then took their turn laying hands on the newly ordained priests, joining the bishop in invoking the Holy Spirit to come upon the two men.

During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, Father Mlakar was vested by Father John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Church. Father Torres was vested by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

During Communion each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their parents and families.

The family of Michael Kitson, a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte who died suddenly on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2014, attended the Mass. White flowers placed by the statue of the Blessed Mother for the Mass were in memory of Kitson.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Jugis announced that Father Mlakar has been assigned as parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. Father Torres has been assigned as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

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(Above) Bishop Jugis smiles as the congregation applauds for the new men about to be ordained priests for the diocese.

(Top and right) During the ordination rite, the two men receive a chalice and paten and also have their hands anointed with sacred chrism by the bishop. After being anointed with sacred chrism, each new priest’s hands are wrapped in a linen cloth called a maniturgia.

Father Mlakar is vested by Father John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Church. Father Torres is vested by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

SUEANN HOWELL AND AMY BURGER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Bishop Jugis elevates the Eucharist during the ordination Mass, with newly ordained Father Mlakar and Father Torres concelebrating.

First blessings are also an important part of ordination day: Father Mlakar and Father Torres each prayed over Bishop Jugis at the end of the Mass, and they each gave their parents a blessing after Mass.

SUEANN HOWELL AND AMY BURGER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Your DSA contributions at work Our seminarians’ education is partially funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. For information on making a gift to support seminarian education through the DSA, contact Barb De Mase, associate director of development, at 704-370-3302 or email bldemase@ charlottediocese.org.

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Meet our two newest priests

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Two chalices and a ciborium were blessed by Bishop Peter Jugis July 23 at the conclusion of the Holy Hour for the ordinands, Jacob Mlakar and Jonathan Torres. The men used the sacred vessels at their first Masses celebrated on July 25.

First Mass Vestments and Chalices Father Jacob Mlakar The chasuble I wore for my First Mass is white with a gold cross down the front. It is in the ample “Charles Borromeo” style, which is named so because St. Charles favored this kind of vestment.

My chalice is from 19thcentury Italy and has recently been restored. It means a great deal to me that at my first Mass I used a chalice that was used by other priests in the past, since the priesthood is also passed on through apostolic succession, and all priests share in the one priesthood of Christ. I also like that the chalice has four angels depicted on it, since it reminds me that the angels and saints are present at every Mass.

The vestments were given to me by my grandparents and the chalice was given to me by my parents, and I am very thankful for these sacred gifts.

Father Jonathan Torres The vestments I wore at my First Mass were made

by Tiffany Peoples, through her company, Lily and Rose Vestments. On my chasuble, which is ivory and burgundy in color, there is an image of a phoenix on the back.

The phoenix is an ancient symbol which Christians have appropriated from Greek mythology that symbolizes Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Having majored in literature, I have always been fascinated by the use of archetypes and symbols throughout the stories of various cultures. Understanding Jesus Christ as the source and summit of all archetypes – in other words, what all good symbols point to – is what attracted me to the priesthood in the first place.

I found the chalice I used at my First Mass in Assisi, Italy, while I was on a retreat there with my classmates from the Josephinum. I wasn’t looking for a chalice at the time, but I remember walking down the street and seeing it in a shop window and immediately loving it. The images on the chalice portray Christ’s life – there are eight images total: four on the base of the chalice, and four on the cup. The image of the Last Supper on the bottom of the chalice is directly under the image of the Crucifixion, making the connection between the two events very apparent. Also, the adorning garnets help communicate the preciousness of the Blood of Christ, which the chalice will hold.

Father Jacob Mlakar

Father Jonathan Torres

Home parish: St. Matthew Church, Charlotte City of birth: Akron, Ohio Birthday: April 10, 1992 Raised in: Hudson, Ohio (moved to Waxhaw in 2007) Family: Parents Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar, sibling Nicholas High School: Marvin Ridge High School, Marvin College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Degree: Bachelor of Arts in history and religious studies Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio; earned Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome; earned Bachelor of Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Summer assignments in the Diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte

Home parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte City of birth: New York City Birthday: Jan. 31, 1988 Raised in: Charlotte since 2003 Family: Parents John and Lucy Torres, siblings Matthew, Elisa, Sarah, Joseph, Maria, Anna, Max and Xavier High School: Homeschool College: Belmont Abbey College, Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English literature Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Therese Church, Mooresville

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Mlakar: I love to read, hike and watch good movies.

I especially enjoy reading history and religious books.

I also love to spend time with friends and family.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Mlakar: I grew up Catholic, but being a priest was not something I thought about when I was younger. In high school and college, I became more involved with my faith, and I found a vibrant Catholic community when I went to UNC. This caused me to think and pray more about what God was calling me to do with my life, and it was in the middle of my sophomore year of college when I first strongly felt the call to the priesthood. I prayed about it often and began to meet with my pastor in Charlotte, Monsignor John McSweeney, who was a great source of encouragement. By the time I graduated college, I knew I had to take the next step and apply for the seminary. Following the path of this vocation is something that has continued to bring a great peace and joy to my life.

CNH: Who is vesting you at the ordination? Why did you choose this particular priest?

Mlakar: Father John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Church, will be vesting me at the ordination. When I began my seminary formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum, he was serving there as a spiritual director and vice president for advancement. He has been a mentor and friend ever since, and I am very thankful for his priestly example.

I am also grateful for his hospitality in having me stay at St. Matthew Church these past few months to complete my studies online and prepare for ordination.

CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about serving as a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Mlakar: I am happy to call Charlotte my home, and I am excited to serve here as a priest! The Catholic priesthood exists for the good of the faithful, so I look forward to serving the people of God here how ever I can, especially by providing the sacraments that Christ gave to His Church. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Torres: Tennis with my siblings Matthew and Elisa, writing fiction, and reading fiction CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Torres: Growing up, I always wanted to get married and have a family like my parents did. It was my brother Matthew who always wanted to be a priest (as fate would have it, Matthew is now married and has three kids, while I’m becoming a priest).

During my time at Belmont Abbey, I began to study literature, which did wonders for my faith. While I grew up in a good Catholic family, my experience of Catholicism had become rather dull. Studying literature at Belmont Abbey helped me see how beautiful the faith was. In particular, reading Dante’s “Divine Comedy” was a major factor in me coming to love my faith in a new way. I had known the truths of my faith all my life, but it wasn’t until I saw its beauty expressed in classic literature that I began to desire God more. Needless to say, my faith, which had become mundane, had now become something I was passionate about.

After graduating I wanted to be a novelist, where I could express the same beauty that inspired me to live an all-consuming Christian life. I landed an editing job at St. Benedict Press, where I worked with renowned professors from all around the country to create “Catholic Courses,” a video lecture series on topics such as history, literature, philosophy, theology and scripture. It fit well with my love of literature and my Catholic background. However, after working there for a year, I felt something lacking in my life.

In the summer of 2013, a good friend of mine entered the seminary. When he came back the next summer to begin his first summer assignment, he invited me to dinner with a few priests of Charlotte (Fathers Patrick Winslow, Matthew Kauth and Timothy Reid). Something happened during that dinner. It was as though scales fell from my eyes, and I saw before me men who did not live compartmentalized lives.

During my year at St. Benedict Press, I felt like I had divided my life in a very unappealing way: I had my faith life on Sunday, my work life during the week, and my social life on the weekends. I knew I wanted something more – something fuller and more encompassing. The life of a priest was the answer to that desire.

CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about serving as a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Torres: My parents have done so much for me over the years, from passing down the faith, to supporting me in my vocation. A simple “thank you” would not suffice. I feel like responding to the call to the priesthood is a way I can give back to those who first gave to me. Even beyond my parents, there have been so many people – friends, priests, fellow parishioners at numerous parishes in the diocese – who have given me more than I deserve. I feel extremely grateful for this opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much throughout my life.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Parents reflect on sons’ vocations Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar: CNH: When did you first notice that Jake had a vocation to the priesthood?

Mlakars: We had seen a subtle change in Jake’s faith life in the summer leading up to his sophomore year at UNC; he started attending daily Mass and weekly Eucharistic Adoration.

While he stayed connected to our pastor, Monsignor John McSweeney, and the pastor at the UNC Newman Center, Monsignor John Wall, throughout his undergraduate years, it was in his senior year at Carolina when we realized the seminary was in his future. Jake was very pragmatic as he approached his UNC graduation, in that he told us that he was going to apply to the seminary to find out if he was being called to the priesthood. He didn’t say he was going into the seminary to become a priest; that was the moment when we knew he was going into seminary for all the right reasons.

CNH: How do you feel about having your son ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte?

Mlakars: We cannot fully express our joy and appreciation for the love and support that the parishioners and staff of St. Matthew have shown for us and for Jake. The transformation we’ve seen in Jake through six years in seminary is absolutely inspiring. Jake’s journey to the priesthood has been a blessing for us, as our faith life has been strengthened exponentially by the connections we’ve made and the experiences we’ve shared. We are thrilled that Father Jake will serve in the

Diocese of Charlotte, where he can share his faith and passion for our Lord Jesus Christ.

John and Lucy Torres: CNH: When did you first notice that Jonathan had a vocation to the priesthood?

Torres’: Jonathan always had a love for the Truth and God’s Holy Church. It was actually on Pentecost Sunday 2014, after serving two Masses at St. Thomas Aquinas and having dinner with about 12 priests at Father Winslow’s house that he came home elated, telling us what a fulfilled day he had. He was inspired by their brotherhood and most especially their love for the Church and Her Truths. That’s when he told us that he felt called to enter seminary.

CNH: How do you feel about having your son ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte?

Torres’: With great humility, we stand before God and feel so blessed to witness Jonathan called to be of service to God’s one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. It has been an incredible manifestation of God’s unfathomable mercy and amazing grace. To be ordained a priest of Jesus Christ under the authority of Bishop Peter Jugis in the Diocese of Charlotte is another reaffirming grace of God’s Divine Providence. We are overjoyed and in awe of what God has done for our family. We pray that His grace continues to help Jonathan with endurance, perseverance and ultimately great fortitude.

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Prayerful best wishes on the occasion of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Fr. Jacob A. Mlakar

Fr. Jonathan D. Torres

“If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, like the Apostles John and Paul...

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

- Saint John Paul II

Office of Vocations Diocese of Charlotte SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

New priests receive special kneelers CHARLOTTE — Special prie-dieu, or kneelers, that will be given to the two men being ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte were on display at churches including St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte prior to the ordination of Deacon Jacob Mlakar and Deacon Jonathan Torres to the priesthood. The kneelers are commissioned each year for the ordinands by the lay apostolate Mary’s Sons. Typically, the kneelers travel around the diocese, enabling the faithful to pray for the men and sign journals conveying their well-wishes.

Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

(704) 370-3353 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

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Bishop Peter Jugis ordained Juan Miguel Sanchez and Joseph Wasswa to the transitional diaconate during a July 17 Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Answering ‘a divine call’ Two men ordained transitional deacons July 17 SUEANN HOWELL AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — “You are being ordained deacons on a Friday, the day of the week that we especially commemorate the Lord’s sacrifice on Calvary when He made Himself the servant for all out of His love for us and our salvation,” Bishop Peter Jugis told seminarians Juan Miguel Sanchez and Joseph Wasswa.

“Keep Jesus and His witness of servanthood before your eyes and He will make your service as deacons fruitful for the kingdom.”

Sanchez and Wasswa became the Diocese of Charlotte’s newest deacons and took the next step on their journey to the priesthood July 17 during a two-hour Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

A couple dozen clergy members participated at the Mass and were on hand to congratulate the new deacons, but the Mass was overall a low-key occasion with limited attendance due to COVID-19 public health restrictions.

There was no grand procession, no congregational singing, no presentation of the offertory gifts by family and friends, no kiss of peace for the men from their fellow deacons.

Yet the ordination Mass had a determinedly joyful atmosphere, as the Charlotte diocese celebrated Sanchez and Wasswa receiving the sacrament of holy orders as deacons – a visible sign that not even a pandemic can stop the saving mission of the Church.

Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director, attested to the preparedness of the two men, who were called to stand before Bishop Jugis at the steps of the altar during the start of the ordination rite.

“We receive from the Lord with joyful hearts today the gift of two new deacons for the Church,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily. “They become ordained sacred ministers through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination and enter into the official ministry of the Church – the ministry of salvation that Jesus commissioned His Church to undertake until the end of time.”

This ordination is possible because of a divine call the two men began to receive years ago, Bishop Jugis told them.

“The Lord began giving you special graces, thus manifesting His love for you in a special way. What He once said to the Apostles, which we hear in today’s Gospel, is true also for you: ‘It is not you who has chosen me, but I who have chosen you.’”

“You have been chosen by the Lord, from many disciples of the Church, to be imprinted with the special character of holy orders, which configures you to Christ, the Servant.

“You have been loved by Christ, loved by God for this special order and, God willing – and only by His choice of you – may you also arrive at ordination to the priesthood.”

Bishop Jugis also told them the diaconate ministry is a ministry of service, and he described the functions and responsibilities to which the men are called.

After the homily, Sanchez and Wasswa stood before the bishop and publicly affirmed their intentions to serve him and the Church. Then they prostrated themselves before the altar, as Bishop Jugis knelt in prayer with them and the faithful while the Litany of Supplication (also known as the Litany of the Saints) was chanted.

Sanchez and Wasswa then arose and, one by one,

approached the bishop. He laid hands on each man’s head and prayed the prayer of ordination over them, thus consecrating them as deacons.

The newly-ordained deacons were then vested with a stole, a sign of the deacon’s office of service, and the dalmatic, the outer garment used in the liturgy. Deacon Juan Miguel Sanchez was vested by Father Alfonso Gamez of St. Mark Church in Huntersville and Deacon Joseph Wasswa was vested by Deacon James Mazur of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

The newly-vested deacons then again approached the sanctuary one by one, receiving the Book of the Gospels from Bishop Jugis and an acknowledgement from him to welcome them to their new role in the Church.

The two deacons will now be able to proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach at the invitation of the priest, prepare the altar for the sacrifice of the Eucharist, distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood to the faithful, administer baptisms, officiate at marriages, bring Viaticum to the dying, conduct funeral rites, instruct believers and nonbelievers in Church doctrine, preside over public prayer and perform works of charity.

“You bring with you today your love for Jesus as you are ordained deacons of the Church,” Bishop Jugis told the new deacons, “and you should let that love for Jesus continue to grow and be your mainstay as you are consecrated to Him in the sacrament of holy orders.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video from the ordination Mass

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Deacon Joseph Wasswa Home parish: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury Birthplace: Kalisizo, Uganda Birthday: Nov. 22, 1988 Raised in: Kalisizo, Uganda Family: Parents Henry Gideon Kisekulo and Antonietta Namaganda; siblings Florence, John Vinay, Robert, Olivia, Salome, Josephine and Julian College: St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Katigondo-Masaka, Uganda Degree: Bachelor of Philosophy Pre-Theology/Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Summer assignments in the diocese: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Mary Mother of God Church, Sylva; and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

(Clockwise from top) Wasswa prays as Bishop Jugis invokes the Holy Spirit during the diaconate ordination. Deacon James Mazur of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury vests Deacon Wasswa. Deacon Sanchez prepares the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Wasswa: Soccer, movies, spiritual reading, gardening and board games.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Wasswa: In fourth grade; I was very close to my parish and extremely loved being at church with priests and seminarians. While in sixth grade, during the confirmation Mass, it was very clear to me that the Lord wanted me to discern priesthood.

CNH: Who has helped you (mentored you) or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Wasswa: My parents, my siblings, my priest friends and in the formation houses I have been to.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Wasswa: I am very grateful for the incredible support I have received from the people across the diocese, and I am really looking forward to serving them with all my heart, and leading them to heaven.

Deacon Juan Miguel Sanchez Home parish: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir Birthplace: Ixtlahuacán del Río, Mexico Birthday: Dec. 1, 1984 Raised in: Ixtlahuacán del Río and Guadalajara city until age 20, then moved to Charleston, S.C. Family: Parents Ignacio Sanchez Yañez and Maria Garcia Perez; siblings Rosario, Dolores, Teresa, Pedro, Jesús, Luis, Aurora, Guadalupe, Martin, Ignacio, Leonardo, Andrés, Edith and Lizbeth College: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Philosophy Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe; St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; and St. Therese Church, Mooresville

During the ordination rite, the Litany of the Saints is chanted. Both Sanchez and Wasswa prostrate themselves before the steps of the altar.

Deacon Sanchez is presented the Book of the Gospels during the ordination rite.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Sanchez: I like to hike, to do some crafts and art, to draw and to do calligraphy. I also like to cook and to do some gardening.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Sanchez: When I was around 8 years old and I was serving as an altar boy.

CNH: Who has helped you (mentored you) or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Sanchez: Father Julio Dominguez (of the Diocese of Charlotte).

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Sanchez: It is an honor for me to be part of the Diocese of Charlotte and I am looking forward to serving the community.

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‘True leadership comes by being a servant first’ Father Cook, pastor of St. Leo Church, retires SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

WINSTON-SALEM — “Every day I wake up and thank God for being a priest,” says Father Brian Cook, who is retiring as pastor of St. Leo the Great Church effective Aug. 4. He has served the parish for the past 14 years and marks his 35th anniversary of his priestly ministry this year.

Father Cook grew up outside Washington, D.C., where in his childhood he met a young priest who was to become the third Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I was fortunate as I met a young priest at my parish outside Washington, D.C., by the name of William Curlin, who gave me my first Communion and preached my first Mass and was an endearing influence in my life, just a dear friend. That was absolutely profound,” Father Cook recalls.

He remembers Dec. 8, 1985, when then Monsignor Curlin preached at Father Cook’s first Mass after ordination. “He looked out at the congregation and said, ‘Father, there is your family. In time, for one reason or another, they will move away and your parish will become your family.’

Father Brian Cook, longtime pastor of St. Leo Church in Winston-Salem, will retire effective Aug. 4 after 35 years of priestly ministry.

Father Cook learned the joys of servant leadership from the late Charlotte Bishop William G. Curlin, whom he met as a boy. Bishop Curlin enlisted his help in the early years of his priesthood at Gift of Peace, Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity’s home for people dying of AIDS. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE

“He said, ‘Love your people. If you love your people, they will do anything for the Church and they will do anything for you.

If you do not love your people, they will not cross the street to say hello.’”

“That has always stuck with me,” Father Cook says. “Certainly in my ministry I have tried to love whatever congregation I am serving, imperfectly to be sure.”

Father Cook was asked by Bishop Curlin to work with him in the 1980s at Gift of Peace, Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity’s home for people dying of AIDS. “Those were the days when there was no treatment, where people came to our home to die,” Father Cook recalls. “That had a profound influence on me as a young priest. Mother Teresa always encouraged us to see Jesus in the distressing disguise of the dying and, by His grace, we did.”

He says, “What I have tried to impress on my ministry, with notable mistakes, is a type of servant leadership. Even with all of the grace involved in the laying on of hands by the bishop, true leadership comes by being a servant first. You must be a servant first before you can lead others.”

“You have to have that kind of experience,” he continues, “and you have to be ready to accept your failures and move on. It is the humble and fallible servant that becomes an effective leader in the Church to pastor his flock.”

Father Cook has spent much of his adult life working with the sick, first in health care and later as a priest. In the Washington area he worked as a paramedic, then later in respiratory therapy in a hospital, and for the past three decades he has ministered as a priest to the sick and dying in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities.

Enduring his own physical illness over the past several years has given him a new appreciation for people who serve the sick and dying.

“When the tables are turned and it is you in the hospital bed and you see the smiling

face of a priest, a deacon or a Eucharistic minister coming around the corner to bring you the gift of the Eucharist or provide the anointing of the sick, I can’t tell you what power that sacrament has.”

The prayers and encouragement of his parishioners have also had a profound impact on him.

“My advice to the People of God is to pray for your priests. We are not supermen,” he

‘It is the humble and fallible servant that becomes an effective leader in the Church to pastor his flock.’ says. “We have been given an extraordinary privilege and grace, but no one in the pews understands the particular joys and challenges of a priest. So pray for your priest. Be supportive. Be encouraging, and do not be afraid to disagree. Do not be afraid to speak to your parish priest.

“We are learning. We are pilgrims on this road together. We can learn from each other.”

To his brother priests, Father Cook says, “Trust your people. The fathers of the Second Vatican Council said that the People of God share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ by virtue of our baptism.

So trust that grace. There is a wisdom, experience and transparent faith from which we priests draw tremendous strength if we are open to it. Walk humbly with your God; walk humbly with your people.”

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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‘God walks with us and loves us’ BELMONT — After 13 years as pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, Father Frank Cancro retired July 20. Father Cancro, a priest for nearly 40 years, reflected on his time at the parish and put together a list of three things that he wanted to emphasize to parishioners during his last Masses July 19: “The things I believe are the hardest to lay claim to. Three important things that people of faith should always be reminded of,” he said in his homily. “The first is: Do not be afraid.”

That is the phrase Jesus says most frequently in the New Testament, he explained. Fear is at the heart of a lot of our human activity. Fear can control some of the aspects of our life and living.

“We don’t take steps forward in our call in life because we’re afraid of what it might mean for us and what others might think about it,” he said. “If we trust God enough, we can trust ourselves enough not

to be afraid.”

The second important truth to reflect on and remember is that as disciples of Jesus, we are people on the move, he said.

“We are pilgrims on a journey – always about something dynamic and active. We are promised that we are never alone. Our pilgrimage is always companioned by the presence of God. God walks with us.”

The third important element that we need to recall and celebrate is that God loves you, he told parishioners.

“In almost 40 years of priesthood, that has been the hardest lesson to teach people. Because we think somehow that God’s love is qualified in one way or another for us,” he said. “There is nothing that we can ever do that will ever keep God from loving us. Even when we have chosen not to love God, purposefully, God still loves us.”

MIKE HENSDILL | THE GAZETTE PROVIDED PHOTO

Father Frank Cancro poses inside Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont in this 2017 file photo.

Father Buttner, Holy Family Church’s pastor for 19 years, retires SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CLEMMONS — Father Michael Buttner, longtime pastor of Holy Family Church, retired July 21 after 19 years at the parish. Father Buttner celebrated 42 years of priestly ministry this past February.

He is a 1972 graduate of Belmont Abbey College and spent 20 years as a monk at Belmont Abbey, serving as the registrar of Belmont Abbey College for 15 years before becoming a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1994. He served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir for seven years before being assigned to Holy Family Parish.

Father Buttner celebrated a farewell Mass at the parish June 28 in honor of his retirement.

Father Brian Cook and Father Marcel Amadi concelebrated.

“It was lovely. We filled the church as much as we could,” Father Buttner said. “We had a few hundred people socially distanced. We couldn’t shake hands, everyone was wearing masks – so it was hard to properly thank people, though.”

At his retirement Mass, Father Buttner says he thanked Bishop Peter Jugis “for having confidence in me to build the new church (which was dedicated in 2005). I also thanked (the late) Bishop Curlin who had faith in me (to serve as pastor).”

In his retirement interview with the Catholic News Herald, Father Buttner recalled that when he received the assignment at Holy Family, “Bishop Curlin said to me, ‘As soon as you get there you need to build a new church.’ So I had my marching orders.”

He noted that the wonderful thing was that

Bishop Jugis, as Father Buttner came into his assignment, “trusted me and allowed me to stay here for a long duration.”

“Continuity always helps,” he noted.

He thanked Deacon John Harrison and Deacon Steffen Fohn, who he said “helped make all of it happen” during his tenure at the parish.

Father Buttner also shared a humorous story of when Father Julio Dominguez served as a deacon at Holy Family, during the summer before his ordination in 2002.

“He gave his first deacon’s homily to the parish in English. So that was a big step for him,” Father Buttner said. “These were his words: ‘Growing up I always thought the Holy Spirit spoke only Spanish, because that is all I knew. But after hearing Father Michael’s Spanish, I know that the Holy Spirit speaks in many languages!’”

Father Buttner said he is looking forward to a restful retirement.

“I will stay in the Winston-Salem vicariate,” he said. “I know oftentimes churches need assistance when their regular priests go on vacation. I will help out at penance services and school Masses. I will definitely do that – not right away, but in the long term. I have been a priest for 42 years, so I am ready for some time off.”

Chris Parker, chair of the parish’s pastoral council, said in 19 years, Holy Family has grown to over 2,500 families, making it the sixth largest parish in the diocese.

“Father Michael’s dedication, hard work and enthusiasm have led this parish to this great moment,” Parker said. “We thank Father Michael for his 42 years of priestly ministry. We thank him for being our pastor for 19 years. We wish him well as he enjoys his retirement.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOLY FAMILY CHURCH

Father Michael Buttner, now retired pastor of Holy Family Church in Clemmons, was tasked by the late Bishop William Curlin with building a new church upon his arrival at the parish in 2001.

The new church was dedicated by Bishop Peter Jugis in 2005.

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 12B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A priest forever Monsignor Showfety, Greensboro native and diocese’s first chancellor, celebrates 65th jubilee ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

The story of Monsignor Joseph Showfety illustrates that a true calling to the priesthood transcends time. A priest for 65 years, he first sensed his religious vocation as a young altar server. Yet it’s easy to imagine God’s plan forming before that, outside of time as we know it – perhaps as the answer to a prayer.

In “A Priest Is Not His Own,” Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen wrote, “‘Ask and the gift will come’ (Luke 11:19). Can we hope to receive if we do not ask? There are probably hundreds of thousands of vocations hanging from heaven on silken cords; prayer is the sword that cuts them. The laborers are available potentially in the heart of Christ; it is our petitions that actualize them.”

For more than 120 years, the Showfety family’s parish, St. Benedict Church in Greensboro, has been a place of profound piety and prayer. There, parishioners have continued a century-long, perpetual devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, who has been known to bring forth religious vocations, for which the parish has become well known.

SHOWFETY FAMILY LEGACY AT ST. BENEDICT

For nearly a century, members of the Showfety family have been like golden strands woven into the diverse tapestry of St. Benedict, shining brightly, intermingling with others, inspiring faith, fellowship, service and stewardship, all bound by an ardent love of Christ. Their roots at the parish run deep and continue to influence the life of the church today – perhaps none more so than those of Monsignor Joseph Showfety.

His parents, Abdou and Edna Showfety, were devout Catholics who fled in 1913 from an area of Syria now recognized officially as Lebanon. They came to the United States by way of Ellis Island. Abdou was 15, and Edna was 10. Accompanied by their respective relatives, they left their native country to escape harsh conditions with intentions to return after a few years to Haret Hreik, a town south of Beirut. The plan never came to fruition, and neither child ever saw their parents again. Seven years after their families settled in North Carolina, the pair were married at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro by thenpastor Benedictine Father Vincent G. Taylor, who later became abbot of Belmont Abbey.

Abdou and Edna had five children: Michel, Evelyn, Joseph, Raymond and Robert. Abdou worked long days earning a livelihood for his family as a successful businessman in Greensboro, and Edna ran the family home. Over the years, Abdou was involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The children attended St. Benedict School, the boys served at the altar for several years, and they all received their sacraments at the parish. Four of the five children were married at the church – all but Joseph Showfety, whose life took a different turn.

EARLY LIFE IN THE PARISH

Born on Jan. 5, 1927, part of America’s “greatest generation,” Monsignor Showfety’s earliest memories of St. Benedict Church are of the 1930s when he learned to serve Mass in the third grade.

“The sisters who taught us in school taught us to serve Mass – every day for three weeks. After school they took us, and we had to learn all the prayers and all the responses in Latin. We had to memorize them, and we couldn’t use any kind of help. After that, we served Mass.

You knew it by heart or you didn’t serve. So, I learned the Latin. Daily Mass in those days was upstairs in the convent. The school was downstairs. Very few went to daily Mass in those days,” Monsignor Showfety recalls.

He served the 7 a.m. Mass nearly every day. The

Showfety family home was on Chestnut Street very close to the church. “In those days, you went under the underpass and just beyond it was a left turn and just beyond that was Chestnut Street. I’d go across the railroad tracks, cut across there, and go home after Mass, have breakfast, and go back to school.”

Soon the young Joseph Showfety was serving two Masses before school, now being held in the church. This was often the case when Abbot Taylor visited his sisters Lucy and Mary, who was blind.

“Lucy and Mary came in together always. I think Lucy drove,” Monsignor Showfety remembers keenly. “She’d come in with her sister on her arm and sit in one of the front pews for Mass. When their brother came, priests then couldn’t concelebrate. I can’t count the number of times I had to serve two Masses in the morning (before school).

Each Mass was individual, and only a few of us served because of the distance involved. I was only four blocks away.”

Monsignor Showfety first felt his calling to be a priest at this early age. “Serving the Mass itself you knew,” he says.

“My mother would get up and feed me. I could walk or run to the church at 7. In those days, it was no problem. Thank

God.” Yet there wasn’t pressure from his parents to serve.

“I wanted to do it myself,” he said.

From kindergarten to eighth grade at St. Benedict School, Monsignor Showfety remembers there weren’t many extras, noting that he and his friends would get pretty creative with their activities, especially basketball.

“We used to do things ourselves. We had no playground,” he says. “We used to use the seats of the swings. The seat was the basket. We had our own team from the school. The boys who went to public school, we would play against them and we knew them. We did pretty well for ourselves, having practiced with swings as hoops.”

SETTING COURSE FOR RELIGIOUS LIFE

So indelibly written on his heart, the priesthood was never far from view for Monsignor Showfety. The Daughters of Charity who ran the school could sense it, too. His classmates, on the other hand, could not. The sisters admonished the girls, telling them not to flirt with Joseph Showfety – he was reserved for the priesthood.

In a 2018 interview, Monsignor Showfety recalled a JUBILEE, SEE PAGE 13B

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Monsignor Showfety was one of the first to learn in late 1971 when Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters told Monsignor Michael Begley that he had petitioned Rome to divide his diocese of 60,000 Catholics and create the Diocese of Charlotte. (Far left) Father Showfety gives his first priestly blessing to his parents, Abdou and Edna Showfety.

(Above) Father Showfety and fellow Charlotte jubilarian Father Thomas Clements on their ordination day, with fellow ordinand Father Robert Shea and Bishop Waters. (Left) Monsignor Showfety assists Bishop Begley at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

FILE AND PROVIDED PHOTOS

JUBILEE FROM PAGE 12B

similar story: “I remember the eighth grade, we had our graduation ceremony and dinner, where we read the class prophecy. One sister, God rest her, taught me four of eight grades at St. Benedict’s. I was reading the class prophecy, and they had me as a merchant having a department store in Jefferson Square because of my father, God rest him.

The sister made them change it to say, ‘He’s going to be a priest.’ Sixty-three years later, you know who won,” he said with a grin.

After graduating from St. Benedict, Monsignor Showfety went to Greensboro High School (now Grimsley), where his focus shifted a bit. He became something of a local baseball star and worked at his father’s shop. But he remained close to the Church.

He recalled pitching and playing outfield for his high school team. Their games were chronicled by Smith Barrier, sports editor for the Greensboro Daily News, as well as Irwin Smallwood who wrote for his high school newspaper at the time.

Soon, the young men of St. Benedict began getting drafted into World War II, when the church also served as a place of worship and respite for soldiers from the North on weekend leave from maneuvers at North Carolina bases.

During the final months of World War II, the young Showfety attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., and then went on to serve 16 months in the U.S. Navy.

“My dad – this happened so quickly – he said, ‘Why don’t you go to The Citadel in Charleston?’ I think I stayed until the first of March or so and went into service from there,” he recalls. “There were no deferments back in those days.

The time came and you went, and that was that. You were drafted, and that’s all there was to it.”

After his military service ended, another kind of service began – drafted by God for the priesthood long ago. The young Showfety started his studies at Mount Saint Mary’s College (now University) in Emmitsburg, Md., attending there for four years. Bishop Vincent Waters of Raleigh

then transferred him to St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, the nation’s oldest Catholic seminary, to complete his studies for the priesthood.

On May 19, 1955, at the age of 28, St. Benedict’s native son became a Father. He was ordained with Father Thomas Clements and Father Robert Shea at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, then served his first Low Mass at his home church St. Benedict the next day and his first Solemn High Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro on May 22.

Monsignor Showfety credits Daughter of Charity Sister Genevieve Riordan, his other teachers from the order, and Monsignor Hugh Dolan, pastor, for encouraging his vocation. He noted that two other “old-timers” at St. Benedict became priests: Father Thomas Berry, a Passionist, and Father John Wall of Raleigh.

His first assignment was Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton Grove, where a church for black Catholics and a church for white Catholics on the same block were served by the same priests and nuns. The diocese ordered the two churches to integrate, and some parishioners left. Having grown up at a church that had welcomed black Catholics since its construction in 1899, seeing a segregated church was not a pleasant sight for the young priest.

In 1959, just four years after his ordination, Father Showfety helped open Bishop McGuinness High School, where he taught three classes a day in addition to his administrative and spiritual roles as the school’s first director.

THE BIRTH OF A DIOCESE

Big news came four years after Father Showfety had moved on from his role at the high school.

He was one of the first to learn in late 1971 when Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters told Monsignor Michael Begley that he had petitioned Rome to divide his diocese of 60,000 Catholics and create the Diocese of Charlotte.

Just before Thanksgiving 1971, Bishop Waters visited Monsignor Begley in Greensboro, then pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church. Under the guise of looking for property in Greensboro for future parish use, Bishop Waters took the pastor with him. The Raleigh diocese already owned property nearby to relocate Notre Dame High School.

Bishop Waters drove onto the property, stopped his car and turned to Monsignor Begley, saying, “Rome has decided

to have a second diocese in Charlotte with you as the first bishop. Will you accept?” The answer was yes. Bishop Waters restarted his car without saying another word.

At the time of the division, Charlotte had 34,000 Catholics. And none of them – priest or laypeople – had any idea of the impending news. The Friday after Thanksgiving, just days after that car ride with Bishop Waters, Monsignor Begley traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet the apostolic delegate. The following Tuesday, the news about the Charlotte diocese was announced.

So how did Monsignor Showfety become the Charlotte diocese’s first chancellor?

He remembers the day well. He was serving as pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville at the time, and there had been a freak snowstorm. He had just come back to the rectory from shoveling a path to the church through 15 inches of snow. It was a First Friday, Dec. 3, 1971, and he needed to prepare to celebrate 11 a.m.

Mass. The phone rang.

“It was Bishop-elect Begley calling. I congratulated him and our conversation continued. He said, ‘I want you to be chancellor.’ My reply was, ‘I want to build a new church in Hendersonville.’ He replied, ‘I know you do. It’ll be built, but not by you. I want you in Charlotte.’”

For the next few weeks, Monsignor Showfety traveled back and forth several times to Raleigh and worked with the chancellor there, Monsignor Louis Morton, on arrangements for setting up the new diocese. It was the holiday season, but they had only six weeks to set everything up. The date for Bishop Begley’s ordination had been set for Jan. 12, 1972, at St. Patrick Cathedral, which was being elevated from its status as a parish church.

Titles for all parish properties and all diocesan vehicles had to be transferred from Bishop Waters to Bishop Begley. It was quite a lot to do for the six men involved: two bishops, two chancellors, and two attorneys. Monsignor Showfety spent three days just transferring car titles at the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Raleigh.

“Everything was in Bishop Begley’s name as Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and his successors in office,” making the bishop “one of the largest JUBILEE, SEE PAGE 14B

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

JUBILEE FROM PAGE 13B

landholders in the state,” he notes.

That excitement and rapid pace set the tone for the new diocese and Monsignor Showfety’s role as chancellor, yet, he adds, “everything fit in place.”

He recalls that from the beginning, Bishop Waters strove to divide the dioceses’ assets equally and with fairness to everyone involved. It was a critical leadership decision that placed both dioceses on good working terms from the start – something not always seen in other dioceses.

Clergy throughout North Carolina were “frozen” in place through the 1971-’72 split, and all property and funds where possible were divided equally.

“I can’t say enough about Bishop Waters,” Monsignor Showfety says. “He was a man who worked and worked and worked – extremely hard – and he traveled this diocese for almost 30 years, east to west. He knew the priests; he knew the parishes.”

MONSIGNOR’S CHANCELLORSHIP

In October 1977, Monsignor Showfety returned to St. Benedict as chancellor to celebrate the centennial of his home parish. There, he announced that St. Benedict had produced “more priests, nuns and missionaries than any other parish in the state,” the Greensboro Daily News reported. At the time, the parish counted 11 vocations: three priests, and eight religious sisters. There have been many more since.

One of the last projects Monsignor Showfety was involved in as chancellor was renovating St. Patrick Cathedral in 1979 to accommodate the reforms of Vatican II.

Some earlier plans had included a proposal to replace the pews with folding chairs and the altar with a portable altar that could be moved to different places in the church, but that proposal was summarily rejected. Instead, Monsignor Showfety hired Francis Gibbons of Baltimore, who was known for church renovations and also later did work at St. Leo Church in Winston-Salem.

The marble altar was reworked, a new pipe organ was installed, and the ceiling was redesigned. Over the nave, a blue and silver ceiling was painted depicting crowns with a cross along with wheat and grapes, symbols for the Eucharist. The design comes from the diocesan coat of arms and serves as a reminder of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, for whom the city of Charlotte is named.

Among the many firsts Monsignor Showfety was a part of was being the first of four monsignors appointed by the new diocese in 1976. (The three others were Monsignors William Pharr, Richard Allen and Michael O’Keefe.)

The honor was meant to be a surprise, but that day – as on most days – he was the one to open the mail at the diocese’s offices.

He couldn’t help but see the confirmation letter from Rome, he recalls with a laugh, and he had to feign surprise when Bishop Begley made the announcement later that afternoon.

Of all the changes over the years, Monsignor Showfety is proud of how the diocese has grown and flourished, and he applauds the growing participation of the laity and an emphasis on stewardship.

He notes, “It was the biggest honor and privilege of my priesthood” to serve as the diocese’s first chancellor.

That particular role ended in 1979.

During his ministry before and after his

Congratulations, Father John Eckert On the 10th Anniversary of Your Ordination!

chancellorship, he served 11 parishes and two schools in the diocese, often overseeing new building projects and renovations, including projects at his first and last parish assignment.

GOING HOME AGAIN

In 1993, Monsignor Showfety returned to his beloved St. Benedict as pastor. The church had fallen into disrepair, and needed both physical and financial help.

The steeples were crumbling, the roof leaked, and the bricks were loose and grimy after decades bearing the elements.

Greensboro Catholics could attend Masses at newer and bigger churches in town, and the fact that St. Benedict had a reputation for being old and stodgy didn’t help. However, Monsignor Showfety had a few ideas – the building was repaired, the bricks were cleaned and restored, the finances were shored up, and the downtown parish rebounded.

When he arrived as pastor, there were only 100 families, and just three years later, the number had grown by 50 percent. In 2000, he opened a new parish life center, requesting that it be dedicated to his parents who so loved the parish – his mother Edna having made a $100,000 donation to help build the center.

Moving with the times while rooted in authentic Catholic teaching, Monsignor Showfety shepherded God’s people throughout his years of ministry. He had a clear vision for how things should be done at the parish, and showing reverence to God and His Church was chief among them.

His concern for the St. Benedict Parish community was obvious, and many parishioners remember him for his loving and compassionate counsel in confession.

His spirituality also greatly influenced St. Benedict’s stated mission today.

After nearly 50 years serving the diocese, he retired in 2002 and moved into an apartment that was once his mother’s.

Later, he moved to Maryfield Nursing Home at Pennybyrn in High Point. Since his retirement, he has returned to St. Benedict for several joyous occasions, including a celebratory Mass for the 60th anniversary of his ordination.

On Sept. 22, 2017, he returned once again – this time to concelebrate Mass and the dedication of a new altar by Bishop Peter Jugis. The interior of the church had been restored to the way it looked when Monsignor Showfety served daily Mass as a boy more than 80 years prior.

During the celebration in the parish hall he built, Monsignor Showfety posed for a photo with Bishop Jugis and the current and former St. Benedict pastors. He enjoyed looking at the display of historical photographs of the church, some from his altar-serving days in the 1930s. Though he was retired during this particular restoration, the parish’s planning was heavily inspired by the “Monsignor Showfety way.”

The longtime priest’s legacy was chronicled in a book released early this year called “Pioneering Spirit: The History of St. Benedict Catholic Church From Inception to Restoration.” When presented with the book, Monsignor Showfety pored through the pages for quite some time, remarking on the goodness and holiness of the priests and bishops in the photos while marveling at newspaper clippings of the wartime Masses at St. Benedict and his parents’ wedding announcement. In his eyes, one could see how deeply he has loved being a priest these 65 years. His example coupled with God’s grace is sure to inspire faith, love, service and priestly vocations for generations to come.

Saint Joseph of Newton would like to recognize Father James Collins for the 25th year anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

Thank-you Fr. Jim! We are

Thank you for your faithful service to the SHCS community.

grateful for the many years

May you always be filled

you showed us the way to

with God’s peace and blessings.

Jesus through deep humility and unselfish love.

www.salisburycatholicschool.org

May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

Monsignor Bellow looks back on 50 years of ministry SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HUNTERSVILLE — Monsignor Richard Bellow, the retired pastor of St. Mark Church, celebrates 50 years of priestly ministry this year.

Monsignor Bellow began his ministry as a Franciscan priest, serving at parishes in New Jersey and upstate New York before serving as director of St. Francis Seminary in Staten Island, N.Y. Then in 1987, he made the move to the Diocese of Charlotte, to be closer to his ailing mother. His first assignment in the diocese was as pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte.

After 10 years, he moved to serve alongside Father Edward Sheridan at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte – one of the largest parishes in the diocese and the largest parish he’d ever served in at that point of his priesthood.

“Since arriving here in 1987, I have seen how the diocese has grown – in terms of Catholics and in terms of what the Church has accomplished,” Monsignor Bellow said in a 2013 Catholic News Herald interview upon his retirement.

He was known as “Father Richard” to many – that is, until 2002, when on the Feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4, then Bishop William Curlin conferred on him the title of Chaplain of His Holiness and he became “Monsignor Bellow.”

From 2004 until his retirement in 2013, Monsignor Bellow served as pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, shepherding what would grow to become one of the largest parishes in the diocese.

“I didn’t even know where Huntersville was. I had to pull out a map to find it,” he recalls with a smile.

Monsignor Bellow helped guide the construction of a new church building that was dedicated in 2009, fulfilling a 12-year dream for parishioners in Huntersville.

The fledgling Catholic community north of Charlotte had begun its journey with

attending Masses in a bowling alley. Now the church has a sprawling campus that includes a school, parish hall, gardens and more.

Many of the sacred items that adorn the sanctuary of the new church building are from the Franciscan seminary where Monsignor Bellow had received his formation. The altar, ambo and crucifix bring back pleasant memories for him.

“This combines my Franciscan priesthood and my diocesan priesthood,” he explained.

Monsignor Bellow shared that the day Bishop Peter Jugis came to dedicate the new church was “a glorious day! A great gift from God.” He is also very proud that Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is now offered in the chapel at St. Mark.

“If God wants me to be remembered for one thing, that’s what I want to be remembered for: being the pastor here when God did this good work in us,” he said.

Since he retired seven years ago, Monsignor Bellow has been able to continue his priestly ministry and being of service to others. He had been helping out at parishes almost every weekend before the COVID-19 pandemic in March precluded most public Masses. He had also trained and volunteered often at the Hospice house in Huntersville before restrictions on visitors to health care facilities went into effect last spring.

“I really haven’t left the house. I have gone into the desert,” he says. “Sometimes it’s good but sometimes it’s difficult.”

He has made use of video conferencing tools to keep in touch with people while he remains close to home for his own health’s sake during the pandemic.

He notes, “I have a sign that I look at every morning that says essentially, ‘Talk less, think more.’ So I have been really getting into reading the Scriptures and praying and spending time alone with the Lord. It has been unbelievable.”

Congratulations to Monsignor Richard Bellow on the

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD. You built this church upon which we gather and stand.

We are forever grateful.

Congratulations to Fathers Jake Mlakar and Jonathan Torres on your ordination to the priesthood.

Congratulations to Deacons Juan Miguel Sanchez and Joseph Wasswa on your ordination to the diaconate.

15B

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 16B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Brother priests, Lives of service Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari reflects on 40 years of priestly ministry

T

he number 40 seems changeable. For example, the 40 days of Lent seem far longer on Ash Wednesday than on Easter Sunday. That is my experience as well on the 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

As a young man, newly ordained, 40 years of ministry were beyond my comprehension, had I thought about them.

Looking back, however, these 40 years appear as a brief moment.

My ministry as a priest has been exercised within the context of my fundamental vocation to monastic life.

I am a monk who is also a priest. My connections to Benedictine monastic life extend throughout my life.

I grew up in St. Benedict’s Parish, Richmond, Va., where the parish priests were the monks of Belmont Abbey stationed at St. Benedict’s Priory there.

The influence of the Benedictine sisters and monks who were my teachers in elementary school and high school were clearly behind the attraction to a career as a teacher, which became increasingly clear and compelling for me.

The most significant Benedictine connection was my oldest brother, Father James Solari. He is now a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, but was a monk of Belmont Abbey all through my life until after I entered the monastery. He was someone I always looked up and aspired to be like. He was a monk and a priest, and he caught my attention also when he earned a doctorate in theology during the time I was in high school. That path – monk, priest, doctorate in theology – has been mine as well.

The most profound impact my brother had on the development of my priesthood was when, after diaconate ordination, I was assigned to assist him when he was pastor of St. Michael Parish in Gastonia for my diaconate year and my first two years as a priest. I have come to appreciate more and more through the years how skillful a mentor he was for me in translating the learning I had received into pastoral care for the welfare of parishioners. I have never forgotten the seriousness with which he took his obligation to be present in the parish and engaged with the parish community.

Likewise, I am forever indebted to the parishioners at St. Michael’s who, by their acceptance and encouragement, played a significant part in forming me in ministry as a priest. I suspect that parishioners may not always realize how important they are in forming their priests. Those three years at St. Michael’s – my only experience in parish ministry – were very happy years.

As mentioned above, my ministry as a priest has been directed by my vocation to consecrated religious life – specifically, to monastic life according to the Rule of St. Benedict. It has thus taken a very different form from what is likely the more familiar ministry of a diocesan priest. I have never been a pastor with responsibility for leading a parish community. I live in community with other monks and with a prescribed daily schedule including set times of community prayer. My sacramental ministry has been primarily presiding at the Eucharist and hearing confessions, with some marriages, baptisms and, less frequently, anointing of the sick. I take my turn with the rest of the priests in the monastery in presiding

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey was ordained a priest 45 years ago. Of his older brother, Father James Solari, he says, “He was someone I always looked up and aspired to be like. He was a monk and a priest, and he caught my attention also when he earned a doctorate in theology during the time I was in high school. That path – monk, priest, doctorate in theology – has been mine as well.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BELMONT ABBEY

at the community Mass, so I do not preach every day or every Sunday. This is all quite different from the life of a parish priest.

The ministry of a monk who is also a priest is conditioned in a special way by the vow of stability. St. Benedict considers the root cause of sin to be our self-will, by which he means our tendency to pursue our own choices rather than conform our choices to what God wills. In order to counter self-will, he prescribes a vow of stability.

Monks are to pray, live and work for a lifetime in the same monastic community in which we make our profession of vows. The purpose of a vow of stability is to provide a long-term support for the difficult process of conversion towards the goal of all Christian life – perfection in charity. It also keeps us from running away when the demands of conversion are difficult. Thus, for a monk who is a priest, his monastic community is both the most significant formative influence in his life as well as the primary beneficiary of his ministry.

My vow of stability has impacted my priesthood in multiple ways.

In the first place, it has rooted me in

community with my confreres, the monks of Belmont Abbey. We are committed to living monastic life together according to the Rule of St. Benedict and to continuing the good works of the men who have gone before us in building up the Church in North Carolina.

Stability has also provided a long-term commitment in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Although priests of other religious congregations are more directly involved in pastoral ministry in the diocese than I am, they are generally assigned here for a period of time, after which they move to another assignment elsewhere. Although Belmont Abbey is not a ministry of the diocese, the monks of Belmont Abbey are always in the diocese because of our stability. I have had the privilege of serving as a priest under all four of the Bishops of Charlotte, and of forming long-term relationships and friendships with many of the diocese’s priests over the years.

Finally, stability has directed my ministry in a special way to Belmont Abbey College students. It has been a source of profound joy to accompany generations of students from their first steps towards independence through graduation and the

transition into life on their own. Although generations change and fashions change, the students and their issues remain largely the same. Each new class brings the exciting prospect that some of them may prove to be life-long friends. It is profoundly gratifying to have alumni, whom one first met as late adolescents, come back with their own families and established in their careers.

When thinking over 40 years of ministry as a priest, the following promise of Jesus comes to mind: “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come” (Mark 10:29-30).

This promise has been fulfilled more than I ever could have imagined. You can bet your life on it!

BENEDICTINE ABBOT PLACID SOLARI is the current abbot of Belmont Abbey and also serves as chancellor of Belmont Abbey College.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Father Solari: Serving and teaching others about Christ ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

HIGH POINT — As a young man, Father James Solari traversed Europe and the Holy Land studying the teachings of Jesus.

Sixty-five years into his priesthood and thousands of miles from Bethlehem, he calls priestly ministry his most treasured privilege.

“Saying Mass is the most important thing,” says Father Solari, who at 90 joyfully serves as chaplain at Pennybyrn in High Point. “I’ve done that every day since June 28, 1955.”

Over the years Father Solari has been blessed with the opportunity to learn about the faith and offer Mass in many holy places, and he has used those experiences to teach others about Jesus.

It all started with his ordination that day in 1955. He and his confreres from the Benedictine-run Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome (also known as the Anselmianum or Sant’Anselmo) were ordained at a Benedictine abbey in Assisi.

“In 1955, eight of us who were students at the college in Rome were taken up to Assisi there to be ordained to the priesthood,” he recalls. “Each one of us had to go up to the bishop and respond exactly right. He then anointed us. I was thrilled to have my mother Frances and her aunt come over to Italy to be present for my ordination.”

The Benedictine abbey wasn’t far from the Franciscans’ Portiuncula Chapel, he recalls. “The Benedictines living there gave St. Francis the little chapel when he decided to become the leader of the wonderful people who became the Order of St. Francis of Assisi.” To this day, a beautiful friendship continues there between the two religious orders.

When the sun came up the next day in Rome, the newly ordained Father Solari had to prepare for yet another important celebration: his first Mass, which also happened to fall on the close of the academic year at Sant’Anselmo. All the faculty and students were present for the Solemn High Mass.

“I was a little scared because it was my very first Mass, but it went OK,” he remembers. “I was happy to have my mother there.”

Born on July 31, 1930, to James and Frances Solari in Richmond, Va., Father Solari is the eldest of six children. His parents were devout Catholics, and the Solari children were taught the faith from a young age. After James came Helen, Richard, Katherine and William. His youngest sibling, 22 years his junior, is Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey.

After attending Benedictine High School, a military school in Richmond founded by the Benedictine monks, the young James Solari entered college at Belmont Abbey.

It was there during his freshman year that he first felt called to the priesthood. In fact, it was the example of daily Mass with the Benedictine monks that attracted his attention.

“Before that, I was just like all the other kids in high school. If I hadn’t become a priest, I would have entered the Air Force because I really wanted to fly. I didn’t have glasses then,” he says with a smile.

But the calling to religious life had a stronger pull on his heart, he says.

He entered the Benedictine community as a novice, an intensive period of discernment to monastic life, and he made his first profession of vows in 1950.

Because Belmont Abbey was a junior college at the time, he transferred to St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kan., to complete his undergraduate degree in

ANNIE FERGUSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Jim Solari now serves as chaplain at Pennybyrn in High Point. philosophy. He then returned to Belmont Abbey, professed his final vows as a Benedictine monk and studied in the seminary there for a year. Then, Benedictine Abbot Vincent Taylor sent him to Rome to earn a licentiate in sacred theology.

In Rome, he studied with about 40 Benedictine monks, and during the summer he visited his confreres’ home monasteries throughout Europe, including Bavaria, Germany and Austria.

After ordination, he traveled to Paris, Lourdes and Switzerland with his mother.

He also traveled to Spain and Portugal, including making a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine at Fatima, and he visited Ireland and England to help at abbeys there during the summer.

After graduating the young priest went to the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, run by the Jesuits, to learn about Sacred Scripture for a second licentiate, from 1957 to 1959.

“I was a student there but living at Sant’Anselmo,” he says. “After earning the licentiate, I joined 15 other graduates from the institute for a six-week period to visit the Middle East because we were students of Sacred Scripture, and that’s where scripture came from!”

The group studied the Old and New Testaments under the leadership of a Jesuit scholar on their comprehensive journey. First stop: Egypt and the

pyramids. They couldn’t resist climbing one, he recalls. “You could see everything up there, but it was a big danger coming down, nothing to hold on to. If you lost your balance you wouldn’t make it … you can’t do that now. That was 1959.”

From there the group visited Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. “Of course, we couldn’t find him there, but we stayed at a monastery there overnight,” he says with a smile. “I climbed the mountain halfway up.

I wanted to have that experience.”

They traveled to Damascus, Beirut, Israel, Jordan and Palestine, seeing firsthand the sacred places featured in the Bible and meeting scholars who were translating Biblical texts from the original ancient languages.

Not every experience on the trip was enjoyable: Once when the group visited the excavation site of a 2,000-year-old fountain, the ground began to collapse under their feet. Father Solari nearly fell to his death, along with a Jesuit priest in their group.

Three or four people came to their rescue, joining hands to pull out the priests.

Father Solari relied on all of these experiences early in his ministry to speak about Jesus throughout the years with others, from his students at Belmont Abbey to the people who attended his Masses.

“The purpose of my studies was to help those who took my classes to have their

interest in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Whether it was the Gospels or Epistles, I wanted them to know Jesus Christ,” he says.

In 1959 Father Solari returned to Belmont Abbey, where he became part of the theology faculty and later taught in the seminary that was once there. On weekends, he helped with celebrating Sunday Masses at various parishes in Charlotte and elsewhere, and he offered advice to students considering religious life.

“Consult Holy Scripture, the Gospels,” he advised young people then, and he continues to advise them now. “If you have a priest you’ve known, who you’ve gotten along with well, discuss it with him, whether he’s a religious or diocesan priest.”

In 1968, Father Solari went to The Catholic University of America to earn a doctorate. Two years later, he returned to Belmont Abbey College and served as its academic dean until 1978.

During that time, he gave in to the other, lesser tug on his heart, which had never gone away. He took lessons at the airport in Gastonia and earned his pilot’s license.

He flew frequently over the next 10 years to various places. He even flew so he could offer Mass. North Myrtle Beach was one such destination – he would fly there on the weekends to offer Mass at the local parish before flying back to Gastonia.

In 1978, his ministry took a new turn and he became a parish priest, serving the new parish of Holy Family in Clemmons, followed by St. Michael Church and School in Gastonia. He saw firsthand the great need for priests in the growing Charlotte diocese, so in 1983 he petitioned Rome for a dispensation from his monastic vows to serve as a diocesan priest.

Upon receiving the dispensation, he was assigned to St. Eugene Parish in Asheville, where he served for the next 10 years.

“I loved it,” he recalls.

Father Solari also served at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

In 2000, at the age of 70, he retired but continued helping out at parishes when called upon – a ministry of service that he greatly enjoyed.

In 2008, Independent Living at Pennybyrn was completed, and Father Solari became one of its first residents.

Although he has been retired for two decades, Father Solari’s ministry continues. He serves as the chaplain at Pennybyrn, where he offers a public Mass five days a week (with modified procedures during the pandemic) and privately says Mass in his apartment the other two days.

He also hears confessions and anoints the sick and dying.

He finds much fulfillment in this ministry at Pennybyrn, as well as in the time he spends with fellow priests also living there, including his longtime friend Monsignor Joseph Showfety, who is also celebrating his 65th jubilee this year.

When Father Solari returned to Belmont over the years, he would concelebrate Mass with his brother Abbot Placid and the other Benedictine monks. Though they aren’t able to visit one another as often as they would like, the Solari siblings stay in touch and soon they plan to celebrate Father Solari’s 90th birthday together.

The years have been kind to the eldest Solari son, and he remains deeply grateful to God for his priestly ministry.

“I was so fortunate to do these things, and I thank God for each day because I never thought I’d live this long,” he says.

“Sometimes, when you get this age, you can’t give as much. I’m so happy to be here, and I thank the Good Lord He hasn’t called me yet, but whenever He calls, I’m ready to go. That’s how life has to be.”

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CATHOLIC N

Celebrating our 2 5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Father Casey Coleman Father Santiago Mariani Father Joseph Matlak

Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar Father John Eckert Father David Miller Father Lucas Rossi

Priests

25 YEARS Father James Collins Father Mark Lawlor Father Eric Houseknecht

45 YEARS

50 YEARS

Father Richard Hanson Father Lawrence Heiney Father Joseph Mulligan Father Francis O’Rourke Father James Shea, SJ

Monsignor Richard Bellow

Deacons

Women religious

10 YEARS

Deacon Philip B. Miles Deacon Wayne Nacey

50 YEARS

Sister Mary Rose Bumpus, RSM Sister Carolyn McWatters, RSM

15 YEARS

20 YEARS

Deacon Mark J. King

Deacon Miles Merwin Deacon Joseph Santen

60 YEARS

Sister Mary Schmuck, RSM Sister Barbara Wheeley, RSM

NEWS HERALD

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

2020 Jubilarians 15 YEARS

20 YEARS

Father James Ebright

Father David Brzoska Father Joseph Dinh Father Christopher Gober Father Matthew Kauth Father Shawn O’Neal Father Frank Seabo Father Francis Arockiasamy

30 YEARS

35 YEARS

40 YEARS

Father John Allen

Father Brian Cook

Father Christopher Kirchgessner, OSB Father John Pagel Abbot Placid Solari, OSB

55 YEARS

65 YEARS

Father Joseph Zuschmidt, OSFS Father Joseph Angelini, OFM Conv.

Father Thomas Clements Monsignor Joseph Showfety Father James Solari

25 YEARS

Deacon Wayne Adams Deacon Michael Langsdorf Deacon Carlos Medina Deacon Rafael Torres Deacon John Weisenhorn

70 YEARS

Sister Mary Jerome Spradley, RSM Sister Maria Goretti Weldon, RSM Sister Mary Robert Williams, RSM

75 YEARS

Sister Maureen Dees, RSM

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 20B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Grateful for the priesthood It tests you, to make you trust in God and push you out of your comfort zone,” he explains.

Father Shea studied at Boston College, then taught for two years.

After his ordination on June 7, 1975, he was assigned to a parish in Texas, during which time he earned his doctorate in pastoral counseling at Southern Methodist SUEANN HOWELL University in Dallas.

SENIOR REPORTER “I enjoyed working in medical centers, serving as a chaplain but also as an educator. I ran programs to train CHARLOTTE — The mission of the Society of Jesus, seminarians, sisters and priests,” he says. popularly known as the Jesuits, was captivating to the He taught in the field of clinical pastoral education for teenaged Jim Shea. More than 50 years onward, Father 25 years, including 15 years at Georgetown University in Shea is celebrating his 45th anniversary of priestly Washington, D.C., where he also served at the medical ministry, where he now serves as pastor of St. Peter center.

Church in Charlotte.

“A lot of seminaries sent their students to me for Father Shea grew up in Waterbury, Conn., to Irish summer assignments,” he says. “You can learn so much Catholic parents. “It was pretty natural at that time of in the hospital. It’s holy ground. People learn how to thinking about being a priest,” he said. “I thought I might minister, how to be with people when they are suffering.

They learn not to be afraid, not to run away.”

He also served as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish adjacent to Georgetown University, then went on to serve as the head, or provincial, of the Jesuits’ Maryland Province. Over the next six years he traveled throughout the province visiting the Jesuit-run parishes in the South, including St. Therese Church in Mooresville and St. Peter Church.

“That is how I met Bishop Peter Jugis,” he explains.

Five years ago, the new provincial approached Father Shea about serving at St. Peter Church.

His return to parish ministry has been rewarding after years in leadership, he notes – even with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are tough days,” he acknowledges, but adds, “I am especially grateful (for my vocation) and I feel it is a great privilege these days. With all the division in the world, in a special way people need the consolation of the Gospel.”

He says that “it is a great privilege to preach. I am grateful for that as we try to figure out how to stay close to people in isolation.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. PETER CHURCH “As a priest, you only get better with time.

Jesuit Father James Shea, pastor of St. Peter Church in uptown Charlotte, greets If you keep growing, you only get better parishioners after Mass. because you are freer, you are wiser. You are more available to people. The longer you be a lawyer like my father, or a doctor like my uncle, or a live, the more you can talk about how faithful God is. The priest.” older you are, the more you look back on your life and He attended public schools growing up but was see that as in Romans 8:28: ‘in all things God works for attracted to the Jesuits when he began eyeing Catholic the good of all those who love Him.’ As you get older you colleges in the early 1960s. He joined the Jesuits right out can speak authentically about that.” of high school.

People are in great need of God during these times, he “I thought to give it a try, and they let me give it a try, notes. “They are hungry for a relationship with Christ. and I stayed,” he recalls with a smile.

There is so much interest in spirituality.”

His period of formation was 11 years, culminating in his The spirituality of the Jesuits is perfectly suited to ordination by Worcester Bishop Bernard Joseph Flanagan times such as these, he says. “St. Ignatius talks about on June 2, 1975, at the College of the Holy Cross. finding God in your experiences.”

Over those 11 years, Father Shea had varied As he reflects on his five decades as a Jesuit, Father experiences that affected his vocation.

Shea says, “I have been a Jesuit most of my life, and I am “During the two-year novitiate, you learn how to pray. honestly grateful. I would do it again.”

Father Shea celebrates 45 years of priestly ministry

Father Rossi celebrates 10-year anniversary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

GASTONIA — It’s been a decade since Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Church, knelt before Bishop Peter Jugis and was ordained a priest.

Since that day in 2010, Father Rossi’s vocation has taken him from churches in Winston-Salem to Charlotte to Salisbury, in addition to a brief time discerning a monastic vocation with the Benedictines at Belmont Abbey. In 2018, Bishop Jugis assigned him to serve as pastor of St. Michael Church in Gastonia. He has embraced the ups and downs of ministry, most recently leading St. Michael Parish’s efforts to replace a leaky church roof, strengthening parish life and ministries, and embarking on a revitalization of St. Michael School.

“It’s wonderful serving as pastor. I am very happy to be at a parish with a parish school,” he says. “The families are wonderful, holy and supportive people.”

One of the greatest challenges, he says, has been his separation from parishioners after public Masses were not able to be celebrated during the COVID-19 Rossi pandemic. Not being able to offer Holy Communion to the faithful during Mass in the early weeks of the shutdown was difficult.

“That was horrible,” he recalls. “As we have opened up and people have come back, we are encouraging precautions. And we are also livestreaming the Sunday 9 a.m. Mass for those who can’t be with us.”

He has come to learn that a successful pastor is one who promotes unity with his parishioners and has a heart open to listening to them, encouraging them, and leading them according to Christ’s example. He has embraced this lesson in his own ministry. “It is important to listen to the counsel that the parish leaders offer the pastor. It is important to collaborate with parishioners in leadership, as they offer you their expertise and advice, and it is important to have the support and prayers of the faithful,” he says. “I have come to rely very much on that support and prayer.”

Daily prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, confession, and fraternity with brother priests have also been sources of strength for him, he says.

“I think that as we are spiritual fathers for the people and we preach about prayer, we have to embrace prayer and a fruitful sacramental life ourselves – first and foremost. We have to be living it. That is an important lesson.”

His advice to men discerning the priesthood? “Develop a deep love for Our Lady and for Jesus in the Eucharist, in Adoration. If that’s not there, you will probably not hear the voice of the Lord. Turn from sin, root it out with regular confession so you can remove the obstacles of sin, which prevents you from hearing God’s voice.”

He points out that every young man is called to be holy.

The vocation is the pathway to holiness – be it priesthood, religious life, married life or committed single life. “Every man is called to share in some way in the fatherhood of the Heavenly Father. A man committed to holiness does not mean he will automatically become a priest. A man seeking holiness will be led by God to a particular vocation.”

“Universally, we can look at St. Joseph, who embraced holiness in married life and chastity,” he adds. “Devote your life to Mary and Jesus, serve them in every way possible in your vocation. That is the path to holiness.”

‘Filled with great gratitude’: Father O’Neal marks 20 years as a priest

I

O’Neal

stand before you, so to speak, in awe, wonder, fear, trembling and humility. I thank you for entrusting your souls to me. I thank God for each new day that I can use the gifts given to me for the sake of keeping all his people bound in His Christ’s loving heart.

But I include fear and trembling because I ask for forgiveness for those times when I have caused harm rather than shared divine healing and mercy.

On this anniversary of my ordination, I am filled with great gratitude and the Spirit-given determination to bring everyone into the heart of Jesus. However, I must ask pardon as one who has poorly imitated Him who is the essence of goodness and righteousness. I pray that we all might grow in

humble reconciliation for the sake of all of us being exalted in Christ’s hands.

Faithful disciples and those who seek to persevere in divinely-inspired fidelity will always be greater teachers to me than I will ever be for them. Your sanctity inspires me, and I hope that I may always assist you in your desire for greater holiness each day.

To those who find it difficult to discover God’s plan for you, know that I am praying for you. I hope that I can help you to grow in faith and in joy. Whether you receive a tremendous revelation or hear instruction through a still, small voice, I pray that you hear Jesus speaking to you. Other priests, many ministers

and I will give our lives to help you hear well and act upon what you have heard. I thank God for those who have guided me.

Pray that those whom the Master has called to work for the sake of the eternal good harvest may heed the call and share God’s presence and peace. I thank you for praying such a prayer for me and for all called to work in the field.

FATHER SHAWN O’NEAL is pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard.

He was ordained a priest on June 3, 2000.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Women religious jubilarians honored CHARLOTTE — Seven Sisters of Mercy from the South Central Community in Belmont were honored earlier this year for their longtime service to the Church: Sister Maureen Dees (75 years); Sister Mary Jerome Spradley, Sister Mary Robert Williams and Sister Maria Goretti Weldon (70 years); Sister Barbara Wheeley and Sister Mary Schmuck (60 years); and Sister Mary Rose Bumpus (50 years).

During a Mass Feb. 1 for the World Day for Consecrated Life, Bishop Peter Jugis thanked religious for their personal witness of consecrated holiness. Consecrated religious are like “anchors of holiness” in our diocese, he said, just as vital to the spiritual strength of our diocese as those who are ordained clergy and those who choose the vocation of holy matrimony. “All of these anchors keeping us grounded in our life in Christ and in the Gospel are so essential, so integral, so necessary to the complete picture of the life of our diocese,” he said. Pictured at St. Patrick Cathedral with Bishop Jugis are Sister Mary Robert Williams, Sister Maria Goretti Weldon, and Sister Mary Schmuck.

Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, World Day for Consecrated Life is marked 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, such as caring for the poor, the contemplative work of prayer, or through their professional careers.

On your ordination anniversaries!

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA CASH AND DAN CALLAGHAN

25 years a priest

The parish and staff of St. Therese extend our Blessings and Congratulations to our Pastor, Fr. Mark Lawlor, and to Deacon Joe Santen.

MOORESVILLE — Parishioners at St. Therese Church honored Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination June 3. We thank God for his ministry, and pray that he will have many more happy and healthy years of priestly service in the Church.

Fr. Mark S. Lawlor 25 years

Thank you for your dedication and service to our parish!

Deacon Joe Santen 20 years

St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 sainttherese.net

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 22B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Catholic population has grown tremendously since our diocese was formed 40 years ago. Until now, college-aged men discerning a vocation were sent to seminaries more than 400 miles away.

On March 19, 2016, Bishop Peter J. Jugis founded St. Joseph College Seminary to help form priests here in the Diocese of Charlotte, where they will one day serve.

Since opening we have had 32 men enter the seminary, 9 of which have graduated to major seminary. This fall we expect 9 new seminarians to begin studies for a total of 27 men at St. Joseph College Seminary.

St. Joseph College Seminary campus in Mt. Holly, NC opens August 2020

The capital campaign for St. Joseph College Seminary has raised $14.5 million of our $20 million goal.

For more information about St. Joseph College Seminary please visit, www.stjosephcollegeseminary.org

DIOCESE

OF CHARLOTTE

For more information on the capital campaign please contact, Jim Kelley, Director of Development at: jkkelley@charlottediocese.org or call 704-608-0359

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Seven seminarians admitted as candidates to holy orders SUEANN HOWELL AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Seven seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte stood before Bishop Peter Jugis July 20 at St. Patrick Cathedral during a livestreamed Mass and affirmed their desire to advance along the path toward the priesthood.

In the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, the seven men officially embarked on a more focused period of formation.

The next steps in their formation are ministry of lector, ministry of acolyte, ordination to the transitional diaconate, and finally, ordination to the priesthood.

The seven men include: Matthew Wayne Dimock Jr. of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte; Christian Joseph Goduti of St. Mark Church in Huntersville; Matthew Philip Harrison II of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; Kevin Ruben Martinez of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro; Elliott Cade Suttle of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; José Alfredo Palma Torres of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro; and Kevin Michael Tran of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte.

In the rite, the bishop asked each candidate two questions about his resolve to complete preparations for the priesthood.

“Our brothers come today to this Mass and they request to be admitted as candidates for holy orders,” Bishop Peter Jugis explained during his homily. “It’s a very important declaration that they are making today. I ask them two simple questions: Do you resolve to complete your preparation for the sacrament of holy orders – in other words, is holy orders your goal? We just want to make sure that you know why you are

here today. You’re requesting to be admitted as a candidate for ordination to the diaconate and eventually to the priesthood.”

The bishop continued, “The second question (is): Do you resolve then to give yourselves to formation for holy orders? To prepare yourself

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Vocations information If you or someone you know is contemplating a religious vocation, check out the following general resources online.

Talk with your pastor, read up on consecrated life and the various communities that exist, and contact religious communities that interest you. Many offer “come and see” days or retreats that are good opportunities to learn more and meet others who have already accepted God’s call to religious life.

For young men and women, there are also summer discernment retreats offered by the Diocese of Charlotte and hosted at Belmont Abbey College: Quo Vadis Days for young men, and Duc in Altum for young women. Check them out online at www. charlottediocese.org/vocations.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Diocesan vocations office Father Christopher Gober, Director of Vocations: 704-370-3327, vocationsmail@ charlottediocese.org

General information

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

in mind and in spirit to serve the Lord and His Church? They publicly confirm with the response, ‘I do,’ that they are prepared to continue their formation seriously for holy orders.”

“We offer prayers for them and then they receive the Church’s blessing, which officially confirms them as candidates,” he concluded.

Dimock, Martinez, Suttle, Torres and Tran will study this fall at The Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology) in Cincinnati.

Goduti and Harrison will study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

“My brothers, the Lord gives you special graces now as candidates for holy orders,” Bishop Jugis told them during his homily.

“Christ, the High Priest, has brought you this far on your path already as you respond to His call, and He will continue to lead you. Trust Him, spend time with the Lord in prayer. He will give you the graces you need.

“And remember, many people are praying for you, and for all of our seminarians.”

Support our seminarians’ education through an estate gift

n www.foryourvocation.org: Set up by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dedicated to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life for both men and women. They are also on Facebook and YouTube. There are resources for parents and teachers, questions to ask yourself if you feel God is calling you, see videos of vocation stories from priests and religious all over the U.S., and much more. n www.religiouslife.com: The Institute for Religious Life’s website, with plenty of resources for both men and women interested in a vocation or those who wish to support religious life. n Not sure what religious communities are out there that might be a good fit for you? Check out: www.religiousministries.com. Search this database to find a men’s or women’s religious community, whether you wish to become a priest, nun, brother or lay missioner, or just want to find out more about living a religious life. n www.cloisteredlife.com: Aims to bring to attention the gift of cloistered and monastic life in the Church, sponsored by the Institute for Religious Life.

Religious communities for men n www.cmsm.org: The Conference of Major Superiors of Men serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 17,000 vowed religious priests and brothers in the U.S. n www.religiousbrotherhood.com: Sponsored by the Institute for Religious Life specifically to increase awareness of the specific charism of religious brotherhood in the U.S.

Religious communities for women n www.cmswr.org: The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) is a canonically approved organization, founded in 1992, to promote religious life in the U.S. n www.lcwr.org: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the U.S.

Interested in becoming a permanent deacon?

Have you thought God might be calling you to serve the Church as a deacon?

Would you like to know more about the process involved in becoming a permanent deacon? The Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of the Permanent Diaconate continuously collects names of men who are inquiring into the diaconate. If you are interested in finding out more, call Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan at 828-327-7441 or email sdgilfillan@ catholicconference.org. The diocese starts a new formation class every four years.

Before being selected for diaconate formation, a man has to complete the two-year Lay Ministry program offered by the diocese. Details and more information can be found at www.charlottediocese.org/permanent-diaconate.

The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation has 18 endowments totaling over $4 million that help fund the education of our seminarians:

n Dr. Marvin L. Schrum and Paula B. Schrum Education Endowment Fund

Learn more about your faith through Lay Ministry

n Seminarian Education Endowment Fund

n Monsignor Thomas Burke Seminarian Endowment Fund

n Abdou J. and Edna S. Showfety Endowment Fund for Seminarian Education

n Beatrice A. Chase Endowment Fund

n St. Lawrence Council (1695) RSVP Endowment Fund

Interested in learning more about the faith as an adult, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon?

The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with English and Spanish classes held in multiple locations across the Diocese of Charlotte. Lay Ministry classes will begin in the fall of 2020. Applications are now available for the 2020-2022 program year. For details, go online to www.charlottediocese.org/ev/ adult-education or contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704-370-3274 or favillaronga@ charlottediocese.org.

n Conklin Endowment Fund n A. Loraine Cox and C. Richard Cox Seminarian Education Endowment Fund n Fabrey Endowment Fund n FFHL Vocation and Seminarian Support Endowment Fund n Dick Kelly Endowment Fund n Seminarian Michael G. Kitson Memorial Endowment Fund n Lee Endowment Fund n William E. Rabil Sr. and Rosalie Daye Rabil Family Endowment Fund n The Reverend Timothy S. Reid Endowment Fund n Eugene and Carmen Rossitch Endowment Fund

n St. Lucien Seminarian Scholarship Endowment Fund n Valentine Family Seminarian Education Endowment Fund

Leave a legacy Interested in setting up an endowment to help fund the education of our seminarians? Individuals can establish an endowment in the diocesan foundation by leaving a bequest in their will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a gift of real estate, a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment, or a life income arrangement such as a trust or annuity.

For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or email gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

Support our seminarians’ education, priests’ retirement Our seminarians’ education is possible thanks to the generosity of parishioners who give to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, through the Seminarian Education second collections on Easter Sunday and in November, and those who contribute gifts to the Seminarian Education Campaign.

Each September, people have the opportunity to celebrate the faithful service of our retired diocesan priests, as well as show gratitude to the priests currently serving in the diocese, by contributing to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits second collection. Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise the funds needed to support priests’ retirement and benefits. The second collection helps the parishes pay this assessment.

For information on making a gift to support seminarian education or priest retirement, contact Jim Kelley, director of development, at 704-608-0359 or jkkelley@charlottediocese.org.

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 24B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Permanent deacons serve their parishes and are involved in many ministries in the Diocese of Charlotte. Learn more about the diaconate on the diocese’s website, www.charlottediocese.org/permanent-diaconate.

Permanent deacons celebrate anniversaries Witness to a life of service

A

DEACON JOHN MARTINO SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

permanent deacon will always remember the day of ordination not as an end to years of preparation, study and discernment, but as the beginning of a life filled with grace in serving the needs of others.

In reflecting on the lives of our diocesan permanent deacons and their journey in life since ordination, I remember these words from deceased Deacon Ron Steinkamp to his wife Bette. “Pinch me, Bette, I must be dreaming. This farm boy from Illinois is an ordained deacon.” Deacon Steinkamp would have celebrated 25 years of ordination this year.

Yes, God calls men to be permanent deacons. He calls some from farms, some from small towns, some from the suburbs, and some from life in the big city. They are called from all walks of life.

Just as the first deacons were chosen and ordained by the Apostles to meet a specific need of the early Christian community, so it is in the Church today. In our own diocese, Bishop Peter Jugis chooses men, ordains them as permanent deacons, and assigns them to parishes and ministries to meet the needs of the Church of Charlotte.

The word permanent is important in understanding the deacon’s role within the Church. A permanent deacon is ordained to a lifetime of service.

For the rest of his life, he is to be the servant of Christ

to his people, and a humble aid to the ministry of priests and the bishop. For the rest of his life, the deacon receives the grace to witness to the service of God and neighbor to which all the disciples of Jesus are called.

The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with permanent deacons, who, with the support of wives, families and friends, serve the Lord in holiness.

In the permanent deacons whose anniversaries we celebrate this year, we see lives dedicated to service. Their witness is their love for God and in sharing God’s love with those they serve.

25 YEARS

Deacon Wayne Adams, 77, has been assigned to Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville since his ordination by Bishop William Curlin on July 1, 1995. During the past 25 years, he has served the parish and community as an adjunct hospital chaplain at the Thomasville hospital, conducting baptism preparation classes, assisting with confirmation retreats, and supporting many parish ministries. His journey to the diaconate is a story of conversion. Serving in Germany for the U.S. Army, he met a young German named Ursula, who became his wife. He spoke no German, and she spoke no English, so they carried dictionaries around with them to converse. Their different language and religious backgrounds was no barrier. With prayer and the guidance of the chaplain, a Dutch priest, Deacon Adams became a Catholic. The chaplain officiated at their wedding in 1967.

After several years they moved to his home state of North Carolina and attended St. Aloysius Church in Hickory.

Later they moved to Thomasville, where Deacon Adams

became called to the diaconate. Now retired, Deacon Adams and Ursula will celebrate 53 years of marriage in September.

Deacon Michael Langsdorf, 66, was also ordained by Bishop Curlin on July 1, 1995. Now residents of Lewisville, he, his wife Mary and their family moved south from their native Philadelphia in 1976. As his children reached their teen years, he responded to the call to the diaconate that he had discerned for some time especially through his involvement in Cursillo ministry. His first diaconal assignment was to Holy Family Church in Clemmons, his home parish, where he served for nine years. With four children and a growing number of grandchildren, Deacon Langsdorf was very involved in youth ministry and was active with his wife Mary in family and life ministries of the parish and within the diocese. In 2004 he was assigned to Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville. At the Boonville parish, which has a large Hispanic and small English community, his focus is providing for those who prefer English-speaking faith formation and sacramental preparation. He coordinates the English faith formation program for grades 1-12, teaches the confirmation preparation classes, and conducts baptism preparation classes and RCIA when needed in English. With his wife Mary by his side, Deacon Langsdorf is a dedicated deacon in word and in action and sees Divine Redeemer Parish as welcoming and faith-filled. He has now served the parish for 16 years and has served the diocese for 25 years.

Deacon Langsdorf and Mary will be celebrating 46 years of marriage in November.

DEACONS, SEE PAGE 25B

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

DEACONS FROM PAGE 24B

Deacon Carlos Medina, 70, his wife Martha and their family moved from Nicaragua to Miami in 1978 and in 1981 to Charlotte, where they began attending St. Patrick Cathedral. Now, 39 years later, Deacon Medina serves as a deacon at the cathedral, where he first became more involved in the Church and in his eventual discernment to diaconate ministry. In his own humility, he just wanted to do what the Church wanted of him. During the earlier years, Deacon Medina grew his knowledge of the faith through the Southeast Pastoral Institute for Hispanic Evangelization and Formation. He served as a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, as well as serving the Charlotte area Hispanic community. Beginning in 1988, his Cursillo experience brought a newfound joy to Deacon Medina as he began to attend daily Mass. He became involved in Cursillo leadership at the local and regional levels, where Bishop John Donoghue encouraged him to consider a call to the diaconate. In 1995, he was ordained and his first assignment was to the Hispanic Center (now Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), where Deacon Medina was involved in establishing ministries for the growing Latino community. Over seven years, he helped the Latino communities at Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury and St. Dorothy Parish in Lincolnton by establishing faith formation classes, administering baptisms, officiating at weddings and funerals, and preaching at Spanish-language Masses. In 2002 he was assigned to St. Patrick Cathedral – the place where his desire to serve the Church began. Deacon Medina and Martha celebrated 51 years of marriage in May. Deacon Rafael Torres, 74, and his wife Gladys live in Charlotte. In 1982 Deacon Torres, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, his wife and their three children moved from Puerto Rico to Charlotte to be closer to his brother. He became involved with the Hispanic Catholic community and he attended a Spanish Cursillo – a weekend that had a major impact on his life. He took to heart the Christian mission to evangelize, and he became active in Cursillo working on teams, giving talks and serving in leadership roles. Sister Pilar Dalmau, who led Charlotte Hispanic Ministry at that time, urged him and others to take the Lay Ministry Formation program starting in 1990. He was inspired and two years later, he was one of three Spanishspeaking men admitted to formation for the permanent diaconate.

He was ordained by Bishop Curlin in 1995 and assigned to Hispanic Ministry. In this role he served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte for 10 years. In 2005 he was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Charlotte, where he served for three years before moving to St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill, where he serves today. Deacon Torres also occasionally continues to serve the Latino community at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.

In his ministry, he preaches, administers the sacrament of baptism, officiates at weddings and funerals, and is an advocate for the Diocese of Charlotte tribunal. Deacon Torres and Gladys celebrated 52 years of marriage in June.

Deacon John Weisenhorn, 86, and his wife Rosemarie have lived in Gastonia for 40 years.

Since being ordained by Bishop Curlin on July 1, 1995, he has served his home parish of St. Michael the Archangel. During the past 25 years, marriage preparation has been a significant part of his ministry. His own marriage, frequent job-related moves early in marriage, and parenting a family of 11 children, have enriched his ministry to young couples about marriage and family life. Monsignor Anthony Kovacic was a major influence in Deacon Weisenhorn’s decision to discern a calling to the permanent diaconate. However, with young children and job requirements, he and his wife decided that their marriage, his first vocation, needed his attention at the time. Ten years later, he entered the Lay Ministry Formation program and then applied to enter diaconate formation. After ordination, Deacon Weisenhorn was hired by St. Michael Parish as a pastoral associate. Over his 25 years of ministry at the parish, he has assisted many pastors.

He has also served as Catholic chaplain for the Air National Guard, for Covenant Village retirement community in Gastonia, and to the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office. Through the years Deacon Weisenhorn has officiated at the weddings of several of his children, as well as baptizing his grandchildren. Now as a retired deacon, he continues to serve his parish where he and Rosemarie participate in the life and ministry of the parish and the diocese.

This year, God has blessed Deacon Weisenhorn and Rosemarie as they celebrated 59 years of marriage in April.

20 YEARS

Deacon Miles Merwin, 77, and his wife Polly have a home in Collierville, Tenn., and are seasonal residents of Maggie Valley. Ordained for the Diocese of Memphis by Bishop J. Terry Steib on March 4, 2000, Deacon Merwin was assigned to the Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, where he has served in diaconal ministry for the past 20 years and continues to serve today. He is also an advocate for the Memphis diocese’s tribunal and is invested in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. While maintaining their home in Tennessee, Deacon Merwin and his wife Polly spend April to November in Maggie Valley, where he serves at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish. In April, the Merwins celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Deacon Joseph Santen, 75, and his wife Beverly live in Mooresville. He was ordained on June 2, 2000, for the Diocese of San Diego

by Bishop Robert Brom. During his 15 years of service to his home parish of St. James and its mission St. Leo, Deacon Santen participated in all aspects of liturgical ministry, was involved with adult and children faith formation programs, and prison ministry. He was especially active in ministry within the community associated with the homeless and low-income families.

In this outreach ministry, Deacon Santen was involved in the Interfaith Shelter Network, St. Vincent De Paul and Habitat for Humanity, of which he was the co-founder for the Tijuana-San Diego community. After he retired in 2015, he and his wife Beverly moved to Mooresville to be closer to family. Later that same year he was granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese and assigned to St. Therese Parish in Mooresville. Although now retired, Deacon Santen continues to serve the parish where he and his wife remain active in parish ministries and parish life. In May, the Santens celebrated 53 years of marriage.

15 YEARS

Deacon Mark J. King, 58, was ordained for the Diocese of Norwich, Conn., by Bishop Michael R. Cote on June 12, 2005. Upon ordination he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Groton, Conn., where he was involved in parish ministry, and in hospital ministry at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, Conn. In 2008, he, his wife Susan and their family moved to the Charlotte diocese, where in 2009 Deacon King was granted faculties and assigned to St. Matthew Parish. Four years later in 2013, having relocated elsewhere in Charlotte, he was reassigned to St. Gabriel Parish.

In 2017, his ministry took a different direction and he became a certified spiritual director, became more involved in hospital ministry, and also now serves as a team member hosting the Converging Roads Medical Ethics conferences for the diocese. At this time, Deacon King is not assigned to a parish, as he focuses on his ministry of charity. Deacon King and Susan celebrated 35 years of marriage in June.

10 YEARS

Deacon Philip B. Miles, 71, lives in Asheville, where he has been assigned to St. Lawrence Basilica since 2015. He and his late wife Eileen, who would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in July, moved to western North Carolina in 2014 after retirement. He was ordained Feb. 6, 2010, for the Archdiocese of Atlanta by Archbishop Wilton Gregory. After ordination he was assigned to the Church of the Transfiguration in Marietta, Ga., where he was also employed.

In serving the parish for four years, he officiated baptisms, witnessed marriages, conducted wake services, and assisted at funerals and liturgical rites. As part of his ministry he also was involved in street ministry for homeless children, started a grief ministry program, worked with scouting efforts, and was active in programs focused on Catholic Social Teaching.

Deacon Wayne Nacey, 67, was also ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta on Feb. 6, 2010,

by Archbishop Wilton Gregory. After serving in parish ministry in the archdiocese for five years, he and his wife Kathleen moved to Mount Airy, and a year later he was assigned to Holy Angels Parish. His ministry has included liturgical duties and outreach to nursing homes, hospitals and the homebound. In May, Deacon Nacey and his wife celebrated 41 years of marriage, and in June, their son Paul was ordained a transitional deacon for the Atlanta archdiocese.

25B

In Memoriam Each year at the Annual Deacons and Wives Retreat in October, the Saturday morning Mass provides a special time to celebrate the lives of the deceased deacons and wives who have faithfully served the Diocese of Charlotte.

During the Prayer of the Faithful, each name is read as deacons and wives reflect on the memories of those who loved doing the Lord’s work. Their lives are testaments to the call of Catholics to be servants of Christ: Aversa, Deacon Frank Brantley, Deacon Charles Burke, Deacon John Carl, Deacon J. Daniel Chirico, Mrs. Joann Codella, Deacon Canio Codella, Mrs. Mary Dietsch, Deacon Charles Dobens, Deacon Frederick Dobens, Mrs. Muchie Dotson, Deacon Robert Dotson, Mrs. Bertha “Bert” Doyle, Deacon John Doyle, Mrs. Christine Fadero, Deacon Nicholas Fadero, Mrs. Irene Forester, Mrs. Ann Forester, Mrs. Jean Gallen, Deacon John Gallen, Mrs. Mary Garavaglia, Deacon Joseph Gettelfinger, Mrs. Doris Gillis, Deacon Eugene Gillis, Mrs. Christine Herman, Mrs. Elizabeth Hickey, Deacon Gerald Hickey, Mrs. Joan Horai, Deacon Stephen Hubbell, Mrs. Carole Johnson, Deacon James Kak, Mrs. Emily Kauth, Deacon Richard Killian, Mrs. Sandra Knight, Deacon Charles Knight, Mrs. Lavone Kratchman, Deacon Robert LaPointe, Deacon Gerard LaPointe, Mrs. Lorraine Lee, Deacon Paul “Pe” Mack, Deacon Joseph Mack, Mrs. Helen Manning, Deacon Franklin Manning, Mrs. Annie Mae Marini, Mrs. Maria May, Deacon Hugo May, Mrs. Bobbie McMahon, Deacon George Miles, Mrs. Eileen Morovich, Deacon Edward Morovich, Mrs. Margaret O’Madigan, Deacon Dennis O’Madigan, Mrs. Diane Parrish, Deacon John Pliska, Deacon Leonard Pliska, Mrs. Doris Rasmussen, Deacon Thomas Renuart, Deacon Albert Renuart, Mrs. Jane Rinkus, Deacon Louis Rinkus, Mrs. Mary Rodriguez, Deacon Edwin Schumacher, Deacon Gerard Schumacher, Mrs. Mary Ellen Schumacher, Mrs. Virginia Smith, Deacon Joseph Smith, Mrs. Jean Steinkamp, Deacon Ronald Stout, Deacon Michael Teich, Deacon Paul Triana, Mrs. Mary Vallandingham, Deacon Patrick Vandermeer, Deacon Josef Weckbach, Deacon Joseph Zimmerle, Mrs. Ladis

2005 2020 2012 2010 1993 1991 1995 2017 2000 2008 2016 2013 1992 1998 2011 2005 1998 2013 1996 2009 2002 2011 2017 2003 2017 2011 2017 2016 2017 2020 2006 2005 2019 2017 2010 2017 2016 2001 2018 2020 2007 2011 1982 2016 2010 2019 2007 2015 2000 2000 2016 2001 2015 1990 1998 2016 2002 2013 2010 2011 2012 2010 1999 2006 2012 1987 2018 2020 2013 2018 2006 2000 1995 2016

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Vocaciones 26

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Obispo Peter Jugis ordenó a los Padres Jacob Mlakar y Jonathan Torres al Sagrado Sacerdocio el 24 de julio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

FOTOS POR SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Lleven a cabo la misión apostólica de la Iglesia” Dos sacerdotes fueron ordenados para la Diócesis de Charlotte SUEANN HOWELL Y KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — La Diócesis de Charlotte dio la bienvenida a dos nuevos sacerdotes durante el Año de San José: el Padre Jacob Mlakar y el Padre Jonathan Torres fueron ordenados durante una Misa celebrada por el Obispo Peter Jugis el 24 de julio en la Iglesia San Marcos.

La Misa de ordenación de este año fue notablemente más moderada debido a la pandemia; sin embargo, cientos de personas asistieron, incluyendo sacerdotes, diáconos y fieles laicos. Se implementaron medidas que incluyeron cubiertas faciales y distanciamiento social para minimizar el riesgo para la salud pública.

Sentado ante el santuario al comienzo de la Misa de dos horas, el Padre Christopher Gober, director de vocaciones para la diócesis, presentó al obispo a los dos hombres para su ordenación.

“Reverendísimo Padre, la Santa Madre Iglesia le pide que ordene a estos, nuestros hermanos, a la responsabilidad del sacerdocio”, dijo el Padre Gober. Ante la pregunta del Obispo Jugis sobre sus capacidades, el Padre Gober afirmó

que lo habían demostrado, por lo que el obispo los aceptó para la orden del sacerdocio. Los fieles reunidos para la celebración aplaudieron ante este hecho.

“Diácono Jacob y Diácono Jonathan, ustedes han sido elegidos para la orden del sacerdocio”, dijo el Obispo Jugis al comenzar su homilía.

“Al entrar hoy en este sagrado oficio, ahora se unen a mí y a sus hermanos sacerdotes en la importante labor de llevar a cabo la misión apostólica que nos ha confiado Cristo. Esa misión, que Jesús dio a los Apóstoles según lo informado por San Marcos, es “ir al mundo entero y proclamar el Evangelio a toda criatura”.

Dijo que esa misión apostólica nos ha sido transmitida para cumplirla en la Diócesis de Charlotte, y los dos nuevos sacerdotes de la diócesis tienen un papel importante que desempeñar en la continuidad de esa misión.

“Mediante su ordenación como sacerdotes del nuevo pacto de gracia y salvación de Cristo, mediante la imposición de manos y la oración de ordenación, ustedes reciben la unción especial del Espíritu Santo, que les otorga el carácter espiritual indeleble, consagrándolos como sacerdotes y configurándolos a Cristo, el Sumo

Sacerdote”.

A través de su ministerio sacerdotal a los fieles, Jesucristo mismo estará presente, dijo el Obispo Jugis a los hombres.

“Ustedes actúan en la persona de Cristo, el maestro, sacerdote y pastor. Deben enseñar la verdad de la fe que nos han transmitido los apóstoles: la verdad del Evangelio de Jesús. Recuerden que Jesús es el camino, la verdad y la vida”.

“A través de su ministerio, serán pastores del rebaño de Cristo en su camino hacia la salvación, no dominando el rebaño, sino con un espíritu de servicio; siguiendo el ejemplo de Cristo, que no vino para ser servido sino para servir”, les dijo.

“Cristo Jesús, el maestro, el sacerdote y el pastor, es su modelo a seguir como Su sacerdote”.

El Obispo Jugis luego reiteró las cuatro prioridades de su episcopado: Eucaristía, Catequesis, Vocaciones y Evangelización.

Sobre los últimos 16 años, estas cuatro prioridades han SACERDOTES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 27B

Más información online sobre la ordenación En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Puede encontrar videos y fotografías sobre las Misas de ordenación de sacerdocio y diaconado, Rito de Admisión a la Candidatura para las Sagradas Órdenes y las homilías del Obispo Peter J. Jugis.

Además, conozca sobre los nuevos sacerdotes y diáconos transicionales.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

El Obispo Peter Jugis unge las manos de Jonathan Torres durante el rito de ordenación del 24 de julio.

27B

Jacob Mlakar tiene sus manos envueltas en la maniturgia, un paño de tela que le entrega el Obispo Peter Jugis durante el rito de ordenación del 24 de julio.

(Izquierda) El Obispo Peter Jugis mantiene la Sagrada Forma ante la atenta mirada del Padre Jonathan Torres durante la Misa de Ordenación celebrada en la Iglesia San Marcos.

(Derecha) Ambos hombres escuchan la homilía que el Obispo Jugis pronunció en la Misa del 24 de julio.

SACERDOTES VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 26B

guiado su trabajo y el trabajo de la diócesis para guiar a los fieles, y todos ellas “involucran muy profundamente el ministerio del sacerdocio”, anotó.

Las primeras tres fortalecen la fe y la santidad de los fieles para amar y servir a Dios y a los demás, dijo, y la cuarta se enfoca al ministerio de la Iglesia en la comunidad y el mundo.

El Obispo Jugis terminó su homilía con una oración a San José, en honor de 2020 como el Año de San José.

“Usando las palabras de una oración popular a San José”, dijo, “pidamos al Dios Todopoderoso que bendiga, santifique y consagre a estos hombres elegidos que serán ordenados sacerdotes”.

Después de la homilía, el Obispo Jugis les hizo a los hombres una serie de preguntas para expresar su deseo y voluntad de ser ordenados sacerdotes y cumplir con las responsabilidades que conlleva la ordenación. Luego, individualmente, los hombres se acercaron al obispo, colocando sus manos en las suyas como significado de obediencia a él y a la Iglesia.

Siguió la Letanía de Súplica, durante la cual los hombres se postraron ante el altar mientras el Obispo Jugis y todos los reunidos se arrodillaron en oración, para después cantar la Letanía de los Santos. Luego se levantaron y

acercaron al obispo, que puso las manos sobre sus cabezas.

Durante el momento más solemne del rito de ordenación, el Obispo Jugis rezó en silencio para que el Espíritu Santo descendiera sobre ellos.

Otros sacerdotes de la diócesis tomaron su turno imponiendo las manos a los sacerdotes recién ordenados, uniéndose al obispo invocando al Espíritu Santo para que se pose sobre los hombres.

Durante la parte de investidura del rito de ordenación, el Padre Mlakar fue investido por el Padre John Allen, administrador parroquial de la Iglesia San Mateo. El Padre Torres fue investido por el Padre Timothy Reid, pastor de la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte.

Durante la Comunión, cada uno de los sacerdotes recién ordenados pudo ofrecer la Eucaristía, que consagraron junto con el Obispo Jugis y los demás sacerdotes presentes, a sus padres y familias.

La familia de Michael Kitson, un seminarista de la Diócesis de Charlotte que murió repentinamente el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia de 2014, asistió a la Misa. Las flores colocadas para la Misa junto a la estatua de la Santísima Madre fueron puestas en memoria de Kitson. (http://catholicnewsherald.com/90-news/ local/645-new-endowment-fund-memorializes-lateseminarian-michael-kitson) Al término de la Misa, el Obispo Jugis anunció que el Padre Mlakar ha sido asignado como vicario parroquial en la iglesia San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte. El Padre Torres ha sido asignado como vicario parroquial en la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción en Hendersonville.

‘Deben enseñar la verdad de la fe que nos han transmitido los Apóstoles: la verdad del Evangelio de Jesús.’

Jacob Mlakar y Jonathan Torres, de pie con sus familiares al inicio de la Misa de ordenación el 24 de julio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

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Conoce a nuestros dos nuevos sacerdotes Padre Jacob Mlakar Parroquia de origen: Iglesia San Mateo, Charlotte Lugar de nacimiento: Akron, Ohio Fecha de nacimiento: April 10, 1992 Creció en: Hudson, Ohio (moved to Waxhaw in 2007) Familia: Padres: Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar; hermano: Nicholas Escuela Secundaria: Marvin Ridge High School, Marvin Universidad: Universidad de Carolina del Norte-Chapel Hill Título: B.A. en Historia y Estudios Religiosos Pre-Teología: Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio; obtuvo un título B.A. en Filosofía Teología: Pontificia Universidad Norteamericana, Roma, Italia; obtuvo un S.T.B. en la Pontificia Universidad de la Sagrada Cruz, S.T.L. en la Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomás Asignaciones de verano en la diócesis: Iglesia San Eugenio, Asheville; Iglesia San Marcos, Huntersville; Iglesia San Vicente de Paúl, Charlotte CNH: ¿Cuáles son algunos de sus intereses o aficiones?

Mlakar: Me encanta leer, caminar y ver buenas películas. Especialmente disfruto leer historia y libros religiosos. También me gusta pasar el tiempo con amigos y familiares.

CNH: ¿Cuándo se dio cuenta de su vocación al sacerdocio?

Mlakar: Crecí católico, pero ser sacerdote no era algo en lo que pensaba cuando era más joven. En la escuela secundaria y la universidad, me involucré más con mi fe y encontré una comunidad católica vibrante cuando fui a UNC. Esto me hizo pensar y orar más sobre lo que Dios me estaba llamando a hacer con mi vida, y fue a mediados de mi segundo año de universidad cuando sentí por primera vez el llamado al sacerdocio. Oraba por ello a menudo y comencé a reunirme con mi pastor en Charlotte, Monseñor John McSweeney, quien fue una gran fuente de aliento. Cuando me gradué de la universidad, sabía que tenía que dar el siguiente paso y presentarme al seminario. Seguir el camino de esta vocación es algo que ha continuado trayendo una gran paz y alegría a mi vida.

CNH: ¿Quién lo está invistiendo en esta ordenación? ¿Por qué eligió a este sacerdote en particular?

Mlakar: El Padre John Allen, administrador parroquial de la Iglesia San Mateo, me estará invistiendo en la ordenación. Cuando comencé mi formación en el seminario de la Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, él estaba sirviendo allá como director espiritual y vicepresidente de avance. Él ha sido mi mentor y amigo desde entonces, y estoy muy agradecido por su ejemplo sacerdotal. También estoy agradecido por su hospitalidad al hacer que me quede en San Mateo estos últimos meses para completar mis estudios online y prepararme para la ordenación.

CNH: ¿Tiene algún comentario que quisiera compartir con nuestros lectores sobre su servicio como sacerdote en la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Mlakar: ¡Estoy feliz de llamar a Charlotte mi hogar, y emocionado de servir aquí como sacerdote! El sacerdocio católico existe para el bien de los fieles, así que espero poder servir al pueblo de Dios aquí de la manera que pueda, especialmente proporcionando los sacramentos que Cristo dio a su Iglesia. Gracias por todas sus oraciones y aliento.

Padre Jonathan Torres Parroquia de origen: Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte Lugar de nacimiento: New York City Fecha de nacimiento: Jan. 31, 1988 Creció en: Charlotte desde 2003 Familia: Padres: John and Lucy Torres; Hermanos: Matthew, Elisa, Sarah, Joseph, María, Anna, Max y Xavier Escuela Secundaria: En casa Universidad: Belmont Abbey College, Belmont Título: B.A. en Literatura Inglesa Pre-Teología: Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Teología: Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Asignaciones de verano en la diócesis: Iglesia Santa Ana, Charlotte; Iglesia San Marcos, Huntersville; Iglesia Santa Teresa, Mooresville CNH: ¿Cuáles son algunos de tus intereses o aficiones?

Torres: Juego tenis con mis hermanos Matthew y Elisa, escribo y leo ficción CNH: ¿Cuándo te diste cuenta de tu vocación al sacerdocio?

Torres: Mientras crecía, siempre quise casarme y tener una familia como mis padres. Fue mi hermano Matthew quien siempre quiso ser sacerdote (como el destino lo querría, Matthew ahora está casado y tiene tres hijos, mientras que yo estoy a solo un año de ser sacerdote).

Durante mi estadía en Belmont Abbey, comencé a estudiar literatura, lo que hizo maravillas por mi fe. Mientras crecía en una buena familia católica, mi experiencia del catolicismo se había vuelto como apagada. Durante años, sentí la práctica de mi fe demasiado rutinaria. Estudiar literatura en Belmont Abbey me ayudó a ver cuán hermosa era mi fe católica. En particular, leer la “Divina comedia” de Dante fue un factor importante para que yo llegara a amar mi fe de una manera nueva. Había conocido las verdades de mi fe toda mi vida, pero no fue hasta que experimenté su belleza expresada en la literatura clásica que comencé a desear más a Dios.

No hace falta decir que mi fe, que se había vuelto mundana, ahora se había convertido en algo que me apasionaba. Tener un buen grupo de amigos en Belmont Abbey para conversar sobre las nuevas ideas que aprendimos en nuestras clases de literatura, filosofía y teología fue algo que consumió todo mi tiempo.

Después de graduarme, quería ser novelista, desde donde podría expresar la misma belleza que me inspiró a vivir una vida cristiana que todo lo consume. Conseguí un trabajo de edición en St. Benedict Press, donde trabajé con profesores de renombre de todo el país para crear cursos católicos, una serie de video conferencias que discutían temas como historia, literatura, filosofía, teología y escritura. Ello encaja bien con mi amor por la literatura y mi formación católica. Sin embargo, después de trabajar allí durante un año, sentí que faltaba algo en mi vida.

En el verano de 2013, un buen amigo mío ingresó al seminario. Cuando regresó el siguiente verano para comenzar su primera tarea, me invitó a cenar con algunos sacerdotes de Charlotte (los padres Patrick Winslow, Matthew Kauth y Timothy Reid). Algo sucedió durante esa cena. Era como si se me cayeran las escamas de los ojos y vi ante mí a hombres que vivían vidas auténticas.

Durante mi año en St. Benedict Press, sentí que había dividido mi vida de una manera muy poco atractiva; tuve mi vida de fe el domingo, mi vida laboral durante la semana y mi vida social los fines de semana. Sabía que quería algo más, algo más completo. La vida sacerdotal era la respuesta a ese deseo.

Además, los conceptos de aventuras épicas, viajes peligrosos y la búsqueda de la bondad de un héroe del que me enamoré en tantas historias de la literatura que encendieron el fuego de mi fe, encontraron su cumplimiento en el sacerdocio. La idea de que podría experimentar la vida al máximo en un solo día (desde bautizar a un niño, celebrar una boda, presidir un funeral) me llenó de asombro.

CNH: ¿Quién te está invistiendo en esta ordenación? ¿Por qué elegiste a este sacerdote en particular?

Torres: El padre Timothy Reid, pastor de la Iglesia Santa Ana, me estará invistiendo en mi ordenación. Fue el padre Reid quien mencionó por primera vez que tenía lo que él llamó “características distintivas de una vocación al sacerdocio” hace unos 15 años (cuando tenía 17). Desde que fue ordenado y asignado a la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville, siempre estuvo disponible para mi familia y para mí. A lo largo de los años, acudí a él en busca de consejo y, eventualmente, de Dirección Espiritual a medida que me acercaba al seminario.

CNH: ¿Tienes algún comentario que quisieras compartir con nuestros lectores sobre tu servicio como sacerdote en la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Torres: Mis padres han hecho mucho por mí a lo largo de los años, desde transmitir la fe hasta apoyarme en mi vocación. Un simple “gracias” no sería suficiente. Siento que responder al llamado al sacerdocio es una forma en la que puedo retribuir a aquellos que me lo han dado todo primero. Incluso más allá de mis padres, ha habido tanta gente, amigos, sacerdotes, feligreses de numerosas parroquias de la diócesis, que me han dado más de lo que merezco. Me han abierto sus hogares, me han apoyado económicamente y me han mostrado amor de muchas maneras diferentes.

Me siento extremadamente agradecido por esta oportunidad de retribuir a una comunidad que me ha brindado muchísimo a lo largo de mi vida.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Obispo Peter Jugis presenta el cáliz y la patena al Padre Jonathan Torres durante el rito de ordenación en la Misa del 24 de julio.

SUEANN HOWELL AND AMY BURGER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba) El Padre Timothy Reid, pastor de la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte, coloca las vestiduras al Padre Jonathan Torres durante el rito de ordenación del 24 de julio. (Abajo) Los sacerdotes recién ordenados, Padre Jacob Mlakar y Padre Jonathan Torres, acompañan al Obispo Peter Jugis durante la consagración.

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SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Desde la izquierda) Durante el rito de ordenación, el Obispo Peter Jugis puso sus manos sobre la cabeza de cada uno de los ordenandos mientras invocaba al Espíritu Santo.

El Padre Jonathan Torres abraza a su padre, John Torres, después de darles la bendición al término de la Misa de ordenación del 24 de julio.

Congratulations Father John Allen and Father Jacob Mlakar On the 30th anniversary of Father John Allen’s ordination, your parish family of St. Matthew extends our sincere gratitude for your dedication and service.

The parish family of St. Matthew is also delighted to rejoice with our own parish son, Father Jacob Mlakar, on his ordination.

St. Matthew Catholic Church Connected in Christ!

Moved by the Spirit!

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Reflexiones de los padres sobre las vocaciones de sus hijos Bruce y Marilyn Mlakar: CNH: ¿Cuándo notaron por primera vez que Jake tenía vocación al sacerdocio?

Mlakars: Habíamos visto un cambio sutil en la vida de fe de Jake durante el verano previo a su segundo año en UNC; comenzó a asistir diariamente a Misa y semanalmente a la Adoración Eucarística. Estuvo en contacto con nuestro Pastor, Monseñor McSweeney, y el pastor del Centro Newman de UNC, Monseñor Wall, durante sus años de pregrado, pero fue en su último año cuando nos dimos cuenta que el seminario estaba en sus planes. Jake fue muy práctico cuando se acercaba su graduación de la UNC, y nos dijo que iba a postular al seminario para ver si estaba siendo llamado al Sacerdocio. No dijo que iría al seminario para convertirse en Sacerdote; ese fue el momento en que supimos que iría al seminario por una razón correcta.

CNH: ¿Cómo se sienten teniendo un hijo ordenado sacerdote para la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Mlakars: No podemos expresar plenamente nuestra alegría y aprecio por el amor y el apoyo que los feligreses y el personal de San Mateo han mostrado por Jake y nosotros.

La transformación que hemos visto en Jake durante sus seis años en el Seminario es absolutamente inspiradora. El viaje de Jake al sacerdocio ha sido una bendición para nosotros, ya que nuestra vida de fe se ha fortalecido exponencialmente por las conexiones que hemos hecho y las experiencias que hemos compartido. ¡Estamos encantados de que el Padre Jake sirva en la Diócesis de Charlotte, donde puede compartir su fe y pasión por Nuestro Señor Jesucristo!

John y Lucy Torres: CNH: ¿Cuándo notaron por primera vez que Jonathan tenía vocación al sacerdocio?

Torres: Jonathan siempre ha tenido amor por la Verdad y la Santa Iglesia de Dios. En realidad fue el domingo de Pentecostés de 2014, después de servir en dos Misas en Santo Tomás de Aquino y cenar con unos 12 sacerdotes en casa del padre Winslow, cuando llegó a casa eufórico, hablándonos del día tan completo que tuvo. Se inspiró en la hermandad que compartió y, sobre todo, en el amor por la Iglesia y sus verdades. Fue entonces cuando nos dijo que se había sentido llamado a ingresar al seminario.

CNH: ¿Cómo se sienten teniendo un hijo ordenado sacerdote para la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Torres: Con gran humildad, nos presentamos ante Dios y nos sentimos bendecidos de presenciar el llamado de Jonathan a servir a la Iglesia de Dios, Única, Santa, Católica y Apostólica. ¡Ha sido una manifestación de la insondable misericordia y la gracia increíble de Dios! Ser ordenado sacerdote de Jesucristo bajo la autoridad del Obispo Jugis en la Diócesis de Charlotte es otra gracia que reafirma la Divina Providencia de Dios. Estamos encantados y asombrados de lo que Dios ha hecho por nuestra familia. Oramos para que Su gracia continúe ayudando a Jonathan con resistencia, perseverancia y, en última instancia, gran fortaleza.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dos cálices y un ciborium pertenecientes al Padre Jacob Mlakar y al Padre Jonathan Torres fueron bendecidos por el Obispo Jugis el 23 de julio en la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte después de la Hora Santa por los ordenandos. Los flamantes ordenados sacerdotes utilizaron estos objetos sagrados durante sus primeras Misas celebradas el 25 de julio.

Primera vestimenta en Misa y detalles del cáliz Padre Jacob Mlakar

Nuevos sacerdotes ordenados dan gracias CHARLOTTE — Los flamantes ordenados sacerdotes, Padre Jacob Mlakar y Padre Jonathan Torres, celebraron sendas Misas de acción de gracias el pasado sábado 25 de julio.

El Padre Jacob Mlakar celebró una Misa de acción de gracias en la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte. El Padre Peter Ascik, vicario parroquial de esa iglesia, se desempeñó como homilista. El Padre Ascik, ordenado hace tres años, y el Padre Mlakar estudiaron en la Pontificia Universidad Norteamericana de Roma.

El Padre Jonathan Torres celebró una Misa de acción de gracias en la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte. El Padre Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la diócesis, fue el homilista. El Padre Winslow es ex pastor de la parroquia de origen de Torres, Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.

Al término de las Misas, cada uno de los sacerdotes recién ordenados dieron a sus padres dos regalos especiales. Las madres, Marilyn Mlakar y Lucy Torres, recibieron la maniturgia, el lienzo en el que el Obispo Jugis envolvió las manos ungidas de sus hijos durante el rito de ordenación. Los padres, Bruce Mlakar y John Torres, recibieron la estola que llevaban sus hijos cuando escucharon su primera confesión como sacerdote.

— SueAnn Howell, reportera senior

— SueAnn Howell, reportera senior

FOTO POR ANGELA SHEA

La casulla que usaré para mi primera Misa es blanca con una cruz dorada en el frente. Es de estilo “Carlos Borromeo”, y se llama así porque San Carlos favoreció este tipo de vestimenta.

Mi cáliz es italiano, del siglo XIX, y recientemente ha sido restaurado. Usar un cáliz que otros sacerdotes utilizaron en el pasado significa mucho para mí, ya que el sacerdocio también se transmite por sucesión apostólica, y todos los sacerdotes comparten el único sacerdocio de Cristo. También me gusta que el cáliz tenga cuatro ángeles representados, ya que me recuerda que los ángeles y los santos están presentes en cada Misa.

Las vestimentas me fueron entregadas por mis abuelos y el cáliz me lo dieron mis padres, y estoy muy agradecido por estos regalos sagrados.

Padre Jonathan Torres Las vestimentas que usaré en mi primera Misa fueron hechas por Tiffany Peoples, a través de su compañía, Lily and Rose Vestments. En mi casulla, que es de color marfil y borgoña, hay una imagen de una ave fénix en la parte posterior. El fénix es un símbolo antiguo que los cristianos tomaron de la mitología griega que simboliza la resurrección de Cristo de la muerte. Habiéndome especializado en literatura, siempre me ha fascinado el uso de arquetipos y símbolos a lo largo de la historia de varias culturas. Entender a Jesucristo como la fuente y la cumbre de todos los arquetipos, en otras palabras, a lo que apuntan todos los buenos símbolos, es lo que me atrajo al sacerdocio en primer lugar.

Encontré el cáliz que usaré en mi primera Misa en Asís, Italia, mientras estaba en un retiro allí con mis compañeros de clase de Josephinum. No estaba buscando un cáliz en ese momento, pero recuerdo estar caminando por la calle, verlo en un escaparate e inmediatamente me encantó. Las imágenes en el cáliz retratan la vida de Cristo: hay ocho imágenes en total: cuatro en la base del cáliz y cuatro en la copa. La imagen de la Última Cena en la parte inferior del cáliz está directamente debajo de la imagen de la Crucifixión, lo que hace que la conexión entre los dos eventos sea muy evidente.

Además, las piedras preciosas granates que lo adornan ayudan a comunicar la preciosidad de la Sangre de Cristo, que el cáliz pronto contendrá.

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Padre Gabriel Carvajal celebró diez años de ordenación CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

Universidad de México, donde llegó tras un error en el proceso migratorio que lo llevó a la pérdida de su visa. “Ahí estudié Teología con una muchacha que se sentaba a mi lado. Por tres años seguidos compañera de carpeta. ¡Ya estaba cambiando de rumbo. Ya la extrañaba cuando no llegaba!”, bromea.

Mientras tanto, la música corrió paralela a la vocación misionera. Desde los 15 años con la guitarra y luego con el acordeón, el Padre Gabriel todavía ameniza muchas reuniones con su grupo ‘Pescador’ y, de vez en cuando, “me aviento un corrido”, pues “hasta que no me corran yo sigo andando”.

CHARLOTTE ­— “Tengo diez años de ordenado y cincuenta de desordenado”, nos dice el Padre Gabriel Carvajal, quien el pasado 5 de junio celebró sus diez años de ordenación sacerdotal en la Diócesis de Charlotte. “Tengo 60 pero me siento como de 70”, dice, con su habitual sentido del humor, reconociendo que su decisión de convertirse en sacerdote fue tardía.

Carvajal, nació en Tejupilco, Estado de México, pueblo originario de los abuelos del cura Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, prócer de la independencia de México.

Con catorce hermanos, vivió su adolescencia y juventud en Veracruz, recibiendo influencia religiosa de la familia de sus padres.

En 1977 sintió el primer llamado de Dios para servirlo por intermedio de una tía que lo llevó al seminario.

“Pero lo encontramos cerrado, me desanimé un poco, las cosas no se dieron y me dije a mi mismo que sería un católico verdadero, me casaré, tendré muchos hijos y seré un padre de un gran pueblo”, ríe, añadiendo que solo tuvo tres novias, “pero con buenas intenciones y en serio, aunque eso de estar enamorado es una enfermedad y la medicina es muy cara”, asevera riendo nuevamente.

En junio de 1979, ilusionado con las historias que le relataban sus tíos sobre Estados Unidos, cruzó por primera vez la frontera, “allá por CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Y lo hice El Padre Gabriel Carvajal celebró sus primeros diez años de bien mojado”. Tras llegar a Center, ordenación sacerdotal en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Texas, un pueblo casi limítrofe con Luisiana, trabajó con su hermano y unos primos en una pollera, hasta que MARCA PERSONAL la ‘migra’ llegó, huyeron y se refugiaron El Padre Gabriel Carvajal ha dejado una en una granja del estado de Florida. Pero marca a su paso por las parroquias San “no había chiles ni tortillas, había que Luis Gonzaga en Hickory y San Gabriel hacérselo todo. Así que me regresé para en Charlotte. El 21 de julio dejó el cargo de México en 1983”, donde se puso a trabajar y Vicario Parroquial en la Iglesia San Gabriel convirtió en misionero de los ‘Apóstoles de para asumir la coordinación del Ministerio la Palabra’ del Padre Flaviano Amatulli.

Hispano del Vicariato de Albemarle.

En 1992 volvió a Estados Unidos y en Especialmente en la parroquia San 1997 tomó contacto con el Padre Mark Gabriel se enfrascó en una campaña Lawlor, párroco por ese entonces de dirigida a eliminar lo que llama “el Nuestra Señora de las Américas en catolicismo light” y alentando a que los Biscoe, sirviendo en su parroquia como laicos se involucren en la marcha de la misionero laico, músico, dando pláticas Iglesia. sacramentales y cursos de evangelización.

Sus prédicas, cargadas de comparaciones Mientras tanto, trabajó en jardinería, del sufrido pueblo hebreo con las fábricas y haciendo entregas a domicilio. tribulaciones que pasan los inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos, mantenían ¿DIÁCONO O SACERDOTE? atentos a los fieles que asistían a la Misa En 2002, cuando pensaba que ya estaba dominical en español que celebraba una muy mayor, no hablaba bien inglés y era vez por mes. “Siento que como comunidad indocumentado, trató de convencerse que hispana nos hace falta más integración debía casarse y solo ordenarse diácono, pues nos quejamos de discriminación y, pero casado. ¿Y tiene novia?, le preguntó el a veces, nosotros mismos somos los que Padre Ricardo Sánchez, a quien considera discriminamos”. como su padrino vocacional. “No, pero me Su gran sentido del humor y busco una”, respondió apurado, asegura comparaciones prácticas con situaciones de alegremente el Padre Gabriel. la vida real, fueron una brisa de mensajes Luego, mientras caminaba, junto con el refrescantes sobre la misión solidaria del Padre Ricardo, a la oficina de la parroquia católico realmente comprometido con la para llamar al coordinador de los diáconos práctica de su fe. y preguntar sobre el proceso, el mismo El Padre Gabriel colaboró con la página sacerdote le dijo que era mejor que se de Facebook de Catholic News Herald enrolara como cura. Sin darle tiempo a y realizó una serie de videos llamada reaccionar, Gabriel Carvajal se encontró ‘Un minuto con el Padre Gabriel’, donde solicitando una entrevista con el director abordaba temas sobre la fe. vocacional, Padre John Allen, para A la pregunta de si se retirará algún día ingresar al Seminario. nos responde: “Me gusta estar con la gente.

Estudió en los Seminarios San José No comparto la idea de un padre que se en Luisiana, Inmaculada Concepción en retira, que se encierra con un perro allá en Huntington, Nueva York, la Universidad una casa. No, no, no. Yo me quiero morir Queens en Charlotte y luego en la Pontifica como las chicharras: cantando”.

THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS “IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PRIESTS”

CONGRATULATES Father Jacob Mlakar Father Jonathan Torres

Fr. Jacob A. Mlakar

Fr. Jonathan D. Torres

On their Ordination as Priests for the Diocese of Charlotte Special Congratulations to those Priests & Religious who are ccelebrating their continued service to the Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte www.kofcnc.org

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El Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez y el Diácono Joseph Wasswa fueron ordenados al diaconado transicional por el Obispo Peter Jugis el 17 de julio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville. El Diácono Sánchez es parroquiano de la Iglesia San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir.

El Diácono Wasswa es parroquiano de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Respondiendo ‘un llamado divino’ Dos hombres fueron ordenados diáconos transicionales el 17 de julio SUEANN HOWELL Y KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — “Están siendo ordenados diáconos en un viernes, día de la semana en el que especialmente conmemoramos el sacrificio del Señor en el Calvario, cuando Él se hizo siervo de todos por su amor por nosotros y por nuestra salvación”, dijo el Obispo Peter J. Jugis a los seminaristas Juan Miguel Sánchez y Joseph Wasswa.

“Mantengan a Jesús y su testimonio de servicio ante vuestros ojos y Él hará que vuestro servicio como diáconos sea fructífero para el Reino de los Cielos”.

Sánchez y Wasswa se convirtieron en flamantes diáconos de la Diócesis de Charlotte y el 17 de julio dieron un paso adelante en su camino al sacerdocio, durante una Misa de dos horas de duración que se celebró en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

Alrededor de una docena de miembros del clero participaron en la celebración y se acercaron a felicitar a los nuevos diáconos, pero la Misa fue en general una celebración discreta con asistencia limitada debido a las restricciones de salud pública por la pandemia de COVID-19. No hubo gran procesión, canto congregacional, presentación de dones del ofertorio, ni saludos de paz para los hombres por sus compañeros diáconos.

Sin embargo, la Misa de ordenación tuvo una atmósfera alegre, ya que la Diócesis de Charlotte celebró que Sánchez y Wasswa recibieran el sacramento de las órdenes sagradas como diáconos, una señal visible de que ni siquiera una pandemia puede detener la misión salvadora de la Iglesia.

El Padre Christopher Gober, director diocesano de vocaciones, atestiguó la preparación de los dos hombres, que fueron llamados a presentarse frente al Obispo Jugis en las escalinatas del altar durante el inicio del rito de

ordenación.

“Recibimos con corazones alegres hoy el regalo del Señor de dos nuevos diáconos para la Iglesia”, dijo el Obispo Jugis durante su homilía. “Se convierten en ministros sagrados ordenados a través de la imposición de manos y la oración de ordenación, y entran en el ministerio oficial de la Iglesia: el ministerio de salvación que Jesús comisionó a su Iglesia para llevar a cabo hasta el final de los tiempos”.

Esta ordenación es posible debido a un llamado divino que comenzaron a recibir hace años, les dijo el Obispo Jugis a los dos hombres..

“El Señor comenzó a darles gracias especiales, manifestando así Su amor por ustedes de una manera especial. Lo que dijo una vez a los Apóstoles, que escuchamos en el Evangelio de hoy, también es cierto para ustedes. “No son ustedes quienes me han elegido, sino yo quien los ha elegido a ustedes”.

“Ustedes han sido elegidos por el Señor, entre muchos discípulos de la Iglesia, para ser impresos con el carácter especial de las órdenes sagradas, que los configuran a ustedes a Cristo, el Siervo”.

“Han sido amados por Cristo, amados por Dios para esta orden especial y Dios mediante, y solo por esa elección de Dios, espero que puedan llegar a la ordenación del sacerdocio”.

El Obispo Jugis también les dijo que el ministerio del diaconado es un ministerio de servicio, describiendo las funciones y responsabilidades a las que han sido llamados.

Después de la homilía, Sánchez y Wasswa afirmaron públicamente frente al obispo sus intenciones de servirlo a él y a la Iglesia. Luego se postraron ante el altar, mientras el Obispo Jugis se arrodillaba en oración con ellos y la feligresía, recitando la Letanía de la Súplica (también conocida como la Letanía de los Santos).

Luego, Sánchez y Wasswa se levantaron y, uno a uno, se acercaron al obispo. Él posó sus manos en cada una de sus cabezas y elevó la oración de ordenación sobre ellos, consagrándolos así como diáconos.

Los flamantes ordenados diáconos fueron investidos con una estola, signo de la oficina de servicio del diácono; y la dalmática, prenda exterior utilizada en la liturgia. El Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez fue investido por el Padre Alfonso Gámez de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville y el Diácono Joseph Wasswa por el Diácono James Mazur de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury.

Luego, los recién investidos diáconos se acercaron nuevamente uno a uno al santuario, recibiendo el Libro de los Evangelios de manos del Obispo Jugis, así como el reconocimiento y bienvenida a su nuevo rol en la Iglesia.

Los dos diáconos podrán ahora proclamar el Evangelio en Misa, predicar por invitación del sacerdote, preparar el altar para el sacrificio de la Eucaristía, distribuir el Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor a los fieles, administrar bautismos, oficiar matrimonios, llevar el Viaticum a los moribundos, realizar ritos funerarios, instruir a los creyentes y no creyentes en la doctrina de la Iglesia, presidir oración pública y realizar obras de caridad.

“Al ser ordenados diáconos de la Iglesia, ustedes traen su amor por Jesús”, dijo el Obispo Jugis a los nuevos diáconos, “y deben dejar que ese amor por Jesús continúe creciendo y sea su pilar principal mientras se consagran a Él en el sacramento del Orden Sagrado”.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea más fotografías y videos de la Misa de ordenación

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Diácono Joseph Wasswa Parroquia de origen: Sagrado Corazón, Salisbury Lugar de nacimiento: Kalisizo, Uganda Fecha de nacimiento: 22 de noviembre de 1988 Creció en: Kalisizo, Uganda Familia: Padres: Henry Gideon Kisekulo y Antonietta Namaganda; Hermanos: Florence, John Vinay, Robert, Olivia, Salome, Josephine, y Julian College: Seminario Mayor Santo Tomás de Aquino, Katigondo- Masaka, Uganda Título: Bachiller en Filosofía Pre-Teología/Teología: Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Asignaciones de verano en la diócesis: Iglesia Sagrado Corazón, Salisbury; Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe; Iglesia Santa Ana, Charlotte; Iglesia Santa María, Sylva; e Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte CNH: ¿Cuáles son algunos de sus intereses o aficiones?

Wasswa: Fútbol, películas, lecturas espirituales, jardinería y juegos de mesa.

CNH: ¿Cuándo te diste cuenta de tu vocación al sacerdocio?

Wasswa: En cuarto grado; estaba muy apegado a mi parroquia y me sentía muy bien estando en la iglesia con sacedotes y seminaristas. Mientras estaba en sexto grado, durante la Misa de Confirmación, era muy claro para mi que el Señor me pedía discernir por el sacerdocio.

CNH: ¿Quién lo ayudó (fue su mentor) o le dio un buen ejemplo para seguir durante los años de discernimiento y seminario?

Wasswa: Mis padres, mis hermanos, mis amigos sacerdotes y las casas de formación por las que pasé.

CNH: ¿Tiene algún comentario que quisiera compartir con nuestros lectores sobre su ordenación como diácono transicional en la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Wasswa: Estoy muy agradecido por el increíble apoyo que he recibido de la gente de toda la diócesis, y estoy ansioso por servirles con todo mi corazón y poder guiarlos al cielo.

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez Parroquia de origen: Iglesia San Francisco de Asís, Lenoir Lugar de nacimiento: Ixtlahuacán del Río, México Fecha de nacimiento: 1 de diciembre de 1984 Creció en: Ixtlahuacán del Río y la ciudad de Guadalajara hasta los 20 años, luego se mudó a Charleston, S.C. Familia: Padres: Ignacio Sánchez Yañez and María García Pérez; hermanos: Rosario, Dolores, Teresa, Pedro, Jesús, Luis, Aurora, Guadalupe, Martín, Ignacio, Leonardo, Andrés, Edith y Lizbeth Universidad: Pontificia Universidad Josephinum, Columbus Ohio Título: Bachiller en Artes, Humanidades y Filosofía Teología: Pontificia Universidad Norteamericana, Roma Asignaciones de verano en la diócesis: Iglesia San Eugenio, Asheville; Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte; Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe; Iglesia San Juan Bautista, Tryon; e Iglesia Santa Teresa, Mooresville CNH: ¿Cuáles son algunos de sus intereses o aficiones?

Sánchez: Me gustan las caminatas, hacer algunas manualidades y arte, dibujar y hacer caligrafía. También me gusta cocinar y hacer algo de jardinería.

CNH: ¿Cuándo se dio cuenta de su vocación al sacerdocio?

Sánchez: Cuando tenía alrededor de ocho años y estaba sirviendo como monaguillo.

CNH: ¿Quién lo ayudó (fue su mentor) o le dio un buen ejemplo para seguir durante los años de discernimiento y seminario?

Sánchez: El Padre Julio Domínguez (de la Diócesis de Charlotte).

CNH: ¿Tiene algún comentario que quisiera compartir con nuestros lectores sobre su ordenación como diácono transicional en la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Sánchez: Es un honor para mí ser parte de la Diócesis de Charlotte y espero poder servir a la comunidad.

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Conversación con el Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez CNH: ¿Cómo fue su infancia?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: Crecí en una granja, en lo que llamamos nosotros un rancho. Soy el número doce de quince hermanos. Siempre crecí rodeado de sobrinos y hermanos. La educación allí, en el pueblo, era básica.

Nosotros nos dedicábamos a la agricultura, a la casa.

Cuando tenía 8 años, mi papá decidió llevarnos a la ciudad de Guadalajara para que tuviéramos mejor calidad de educación. Ese fue un cambio drástico, del campo a la ciudad.

A los 12 años empecé a trabajar en una carnicería.

Trabajaba en las mañanas e iba a la escuela por las tardes.

Así lo hice hasta los 16 años y, al terminar la secundaria, tenía la ilusión de estudiar arquitectura y diseño, pero vi los costos, lo que se invertía, y no podía costearlo ni con el trabajo que tenía, por lo que decidí seguir trabajando en la carnicería.

experiencia y no hacer nada no estaba bien. Siempre criticaba los retiros y decía que un retiro no puede ser “una llamarada de petate”. Entonces entré a la catequesis y, después de quince minutos de platicar con el Padre Julio Domínguez, que había llegado de visita a Charleston, me invitó a considerar la vocación de ser sacerdote. Hablamos frecuentemente por teléfono casi por medio año y decidí que no me iba a quedar con esa espinita y me iba a presentar al seminario. Tuve que ingresar a la escuela para pasar el GED y después de un año llené las aplicaciones, fui a las entrevistas con los sacerdotes y me aceptaron.

Entré al seminario en 2013. Vendí todo, mi casa, el coche de trabajo y me fui al seminario en Columbus, Ohio. Ahí viví con los más adultos, aunque tomaba clases con los más chicos.

CNH: ¿Mostró de niño algún interés por el sacerdocio?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: En el campo nunca serví. Cuando nos mudamos a la ciudad, la parroquia quedaba a unas cuantas cuadras. Como niño nuevo me empezó a llamar la atención la labor del sacerdote y lo veía más seguido, estaba más cerca. Conocí al Padre José Luis Conchas y él me invitó a ser monaguillo.

Comencé a servir y fue un gran cambio. Me di cuenta que era interesante la vida del sacerdocio, pero me daba un poco de temor porque veía que el padre vivía solo. Mi mamá, que vio el interés, me preguntaba en ese entonces sí me gustaría ser sacerdote.

Seguí sirviendo hasta después de tres años hacer mi primera comunión. Después me integré a los grupos de adolescentes, juveniles, y se me hacía fácil platicar con los sacerdotes nuevos que venían.

CNH: ¿Pero, en el camino habían novias y fiestas?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: Si, un poco de todo. Novias, fiestas, pero siempre tenía presente la moralidad que me inculcó mi familia. Pienso que una de las mejores enseñanzas que he tenido es que mis papás siempre le dieron mucho valor a la Misa. Mi papá es muy estricto con el horario de la Misa. Me decía, “tienes que llegar antes de que comience la misa, si llegas después ya no te vale. El mandamiento dice oír misa entera”. Él esperaba que saliera por la puerta para ver si iba a llegar a tiempo, sino me hacía esperar a la Misa que seguía. ¡Menos mal que habían varias!

Aparte, también rezábamos el Rosario todas las noches antes de dormir. Como niño, el Rosario me sonaba tedioso; pero después todas esas cosas son como semillitas que uno aprecia cuando crece.

Todo eso va dando fruto con el tiempo.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez se arrodilla ante el Obispo Peter Jugis durante el rito de ordenación, mientras el Obispo Jugis ora invocando la presencia del Espíritu Santo sobre él.

CNH: ¿Cuándo vino a Estados Unidos?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: A los 20 años me vine a Estados Unidos. Llegué a la casa de mi papá en California y luego me trasladé a Carolina del Sur, a Charleston, donde comencé a trabajar en construcción con mis hermanos más grandes. Yo tenía un plan: 25 años, mi casa mi carro y casado.

Trabajé en construcción haciendo casas y locales comerciales, la mayoría del tiempo en el bloque, ladrillo, concreto, estuco.

En el ambiente de trabajo siempre era llegar a casa y tomarse una cervecita. Había el ambiente de ir a la discoteca, pero siempre nos organizábamos y teníamos al conductor “resignado”. Pude ver cosas que no estaban bien.

Gracias a Dios me sirvió, fue una experiencia y me será útil en el futuro para ayudar a los feligreses.

CNH: ¿Cómo llegó al Seminario?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: Por 2010 yo seguía yendo a Misa, era importante para mí. No era una costumbre, era algo que necesitaba dentro de mí. Mis hermanas, que daban catecismo, me invitaron para ofrecer charlas los domingos.

Yo siempre les decía que no podía, me escapaba, que estaba muy ocupado.

Otras personas en la parroquia me invitaron a vivir un encuentro Emaús. A tanta insistencia les dije que si.

Y llegar al encuentro fue experimentar cosas, fue como que algo cambió. Ver el servicio de los hermanos y estar envuelto en eso fue sorprendente.

Después de eso dije “tengo que hacer algo”. Vivir esta

En 2017 me enviaron a Roma. Fue una bonita experiencia aprender otro idioma, explorar y conocer Italia y los países alrededor, pero siempre la casa llama y deseaba regresar aquí.

CNH: ¿Tuvo momentos de duda durante tu formación en el seminario?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: Yo creo que en todos debe haber momentos de crisis que nos sirven para crecer, para ahondar y conocer más de Dios. El seminario lo veo como una relación de novios, de repente estás muy bien y de repente hay como una pelea. Hay momentos en que uno se siente muy bien y otros en que se siente un poco alejado.

Pero siempre sentí mucha paz, mucha tranquilidad y encontré mucho más de lo que deje.

CNH: ¿Está listo para trabajar en la comunidad?

Diácono Juan Miguel Sánchez: Regresaré a Roma como diácono y tendré la oportunidad de servir en una parroquia, en una casa. Espero, si Dios me lo permite, estudiar un poco de bioética. Estaré en Roma por un año y quisiera regresar a servir.

La centralidad de mi ministerio será la Eucaristía. La confesión me llama mucho la atención, también la unción de los enfermos pues siempre he tenido el gusto por ir a los hospitales. Quiero fomentar el respeto a la vida, trabajar con las comunidades. No sé, un poco de todo, donde Dios me ponga, donde más me necesiten. Quiero estar luchando para que todos obtengan la promesa de la vida eterna.

catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 34B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Apoye la educación de nuestros seminaristas La educación de nuestros seminaristas es posible gracias a la generosidad de los parroquianos que envían sus aportes a la Campaña Anual de Apoyo Diocesano, a través de la segunda colecta del domingo de Resurrección -colecta llamada de Educación Continua de Seminaristas y Sacerdotes- y también a quienes contribuyen con donaciones a la Campaña de Educación de Seminaristas.

La Fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte administra 18 dotaciones totalizando más de $4 millones que proporcionan directamente para la educación de los seminaristas: n Fondo de dotación de seminaristas Thomas Burke: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Beatrice A. Chase: Establecido a través de un legado, este fondo brinda apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Conklin: Establecido a través de un legado, este fondo brinda apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación para la educación de seminaristas A. Loraine Cox y C. Richard Cox: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Fabrey: Establecido a través de un legado, este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas y a proyectos de expansión parroquial. n Fondo de dotación para las Vocaciones FFHL y apoyo a los seminaristas: Establecido a través de la campaña diocesana “Hacia adelante en la fe, esperanza y amor”, este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Dick Kelly: Establecido a través de un legado, este fondo proporciona educación para seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación en memoria del Seminarista Michael G. Kitson: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Lee: Establecido a través de un legado, este fondo brinda apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación de la familia William E. Rabil Sr. y Rosalie Daye Rabil: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Reverendo Timothy S. Reid: Este fondo brinda apoyo para los gastos incurridos por los seminaristas durante sus estudios para el sacerdocio. n Fondo de dotación Eugene y Carmen Rossitch: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación educativo Dr. Marvin L. Schrum y Paula B. Schrum: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación para la educación de seminaristas: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación para la educación de seminaristas Abdou J. y Edna S. Showfety: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación RSVP Consejo de San Lorenzo (1695): Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas. n Fondo de dotación Beca para seminarista San Luciano de Beauvais: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas en la Iglesia San Luciano de Beauvais en Spruce Pine y la Misión Santa Bernardita en Linville. n Fondo de dotación para la educación de seminaristas Familia Valentine: Este fondo proporciona apoyo financiero para la educación de nuestros seminaristas.

Para obtener información sobre cómo hacer una donación para apoyar la educación de nuestros seminaristas, contacte a Jim Kelley, director de desarrollo, al teléfono 704-370-3301 o jkkelley@charlottediocese.org.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fueron siete los seminaristas de la Diócesis de Charlotte que se presentaron al Rito de Candidatura realizado el pasado 20 de julio en la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte. Los hombres, que culminaron una formación inicial, ingresarán a un seminario mayor en las próximas semanas. Los siete seminaristas aparecen en la gráfica acompañados del Obispo Peter Jugis. Ellos son: Kevin Martínez, José Palma Torres, Elliot Suttle, Christian Goduti, Matthew Harrison, Matthew Dimock y Kevin Tran.

Se celebró Rito de Candidatura para siete seminaristas que aspiran a las santas órdenes SUEANN HOWELL Y KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Siete seminaristas de la Diócesis de Charlotte se presentaron ante el Obispo Peter Jugis el 20 de julio en la Catedral San Patricio durante una Misa transmitida en vivo y afirmaron su deseo de avanzar por el camino al sacerdocio.

En el Rito de Admisión a la Candidatura a las Ordenes Sagradas, cada hombre que aspira ser ordenado declara públicamente su voluntad de ofrecerse a Dios y a la Iglesia para el ministerio sagrado. Durante el rito, el obispo le hace a cada candidato dos preguntas sobre su resolución de completar su preparación para el sacerdocio. Si el candidato responde afirmativamente a estas preguntas, es aceptado como candidato para las órdenes sagradas.

Durante la Misa especial, celebrada en privado en la catedral debido a restricciones de salud pública, cada uno de los siete seminaristas se presentó cuando fue llamado por el padre Christopher Gober, director diocesano de vocaciones.

Luego se detuvieron en la base de los escalones del santuario, esperando a que el Obispo Jugis les hiciera las preguntas.

Los siete hombres son: Matthew Wayne Dimock Jr. de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte; Christian Joseph Goduti de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville; Matthew Philip Harrison II de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury; Kevin Rubén Martínez de la Iglesia San José en Asheboro; Elliott Cade Suttle de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury; José Alfredo Palma Torres de la Iglesia San José en Asheboro; y Kevin Michael Tran de la Iglesia San John Neumann en Charlotte.

“Nuestros hermanos vienen hoy a esta Misa y solicitan ser admitidos como candidatos para las órdenes sagradas”, dijo el Obispo Peter Jugis en su homilía. “Es una declaración muy importante la que están haciendo hoy. Les hago dos preguntas simples: ¿Han decidido completar su preparación para el sacramento del orden sagrado?, en otras palabras, ¿es su objetivo el orden sagrado? Solo queremos asegurarnos que sepan por

qué están aquí hoy. Están solicitando ser admitidos como candidatos para la ordenación al diaconado y, finalmente, al sacerdocio”.

Con la respuesta de “Sí”, confirmaron su resolución de prepararse para el ministerio ordenado.

“La segunda pregunta (es): ¿Deciden entonces entregarse a la formación para las órdenes sagradas? ¿Prepararse en mente y espíritu para servir al Señor y a Su Iglesia? Ellos confirmaron públicamente con la respuesta, “Sí”, que están preparados para continuar su formación seriamente para las órdenes sagradas”, continuó el obispo.

“Ofrecemos oraciones por ellos y luego recibirán la bendición de la Iglesia, que los confirma oficialmente como candidatos”, agregó.

Dimock, Martínez, Suttle, Torres y Tran estudiarán este otoño en el Ateneo de Ohio (Seminario y Escuela de Teología Mount St. Mary’s) en Cincinnati.

Goduti y Harrison estudiarán en la Pontificia Universidad Norteamericana en Roma.

Mis hermanos, el Señor les da gracias especiales ahora como candidatos para las órdenes sagradas”, les dijo el Obispo Jugis durante su homilía.

“Públicamente, ustedes han sido conocidos como seminaristas hasta este momento. Pero hoy están cruzando un umbral con esta declaración, un umbral para una preparación más intensa para el santo sacerdocio porque se están acercando aún más a ese maravilloso día de la ordenación”.

“Cristo, el Sumo Sacerdote, ya los ha llevado lejos en su camino mientras responden a Su llamado, y Él continuará guiándoles. Confíen en Él, pasen tiempo con el Señor en oración. Él les dará las gracias que necesitan”.

“Y recuerden, muchas personas están orando por ustedes y por todos nuestros seminaristas”.

Como candidatos para las órdenes sagradas, los siete hombres comienzan ahora un período de formación más intenso.

Los siguientes pasos en la formación son el ministerio del lector, el ministerio del acólito, la ordenación al diaconado de transicional y, finalmente, la ordenación al sacerdocio.

July 31, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Called By God… Supported By You We are blessed to have 41 seminarians – 14 men in major seminaries and 27 at St. Joseph College Seminary – who are discerning God’s call to serve you as priests.

Your prayers and financial assistance will assure the diocese of having priests to shepherd the Catholic population in western North Carolina for years to come.

Joseph Wasswa and Juan Miguel Sanchez ordained as Transitional Deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte on July 17, 2020

Please invest in the lives and ministry of our future priests.

Make Your Gift Today!

DIOCESE

OF CHARLOTTE

Online: Donate securely online at: charlottediocese.org/donate, then click on Seminarian Education Campaign

By Mail: Seminarian Education Campaign 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 31, 2020 36B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD