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St. Joseph Workers spend summer helping people, parishes in diocese
July 16, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com Our parishes CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 3
(From left) Charlotte seminarians and St. Joseph Workers Ronan Ostendorf, Gabriel Lugo and Carson Cannon clean up the area surrounding the Marian grotto next to the rectory at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte July 12.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS
SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
MOUNT HOLLY — Men from St. Joseph College Seminary have become “St. Joseph Workers” this summer, spending their time out of school to do yardwork, refinish floors, build a fire pit, and more.
While not a formal aspect of their seminary formation, this work for people and parishes around the diocese aims to help build the seminarians spiritually and socially – another aspect of St. Joseph College Seminary’s holistic approach to priestly formation, seminary leaders say.
“We started the St. Joseph Workers back in the summer of 2018 as a means of providing college seminarians with continuity in their formation by allowing them to stay at the seminary, giving them access to the sacraments and communal prayer, as well as continuing to build their fraternity through sharing a common life and work,” explains Father Matthew Buettner, the seminary’s house spiritual director.
One of the workers’ projects has been at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, where they have cleaned out and freshened up the area around the Marian grotto near the rectory.
Father Christopher Roux, pastor and rector, says the workers have been incredibly helpful. “It’s terrific to have the young men here. Not only are we able to get a few extra projects completed,
WORKERS, SEE PAGE 11
College seminary grad builds log chapel to honor Our Lady of Sorrows
SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
MOUNT HOLLY — Nicholas Kramer graduated from St. Joseph College Seminary last month. But before he left, he wanted to leave behind a special gift in gratitude: a log chapel on the seminary campus dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, to whom he has a great devotion.
“I wanted to give something to the seminary as a ‘thank you’ for the formation and education I have received here,” Kramer explains. “I also wanted to use my talents to do something concrete for the honor and glory of God.”
He spent weeks on the project – preparing the area, felling pine trees and cutting them to size for a chapel large enough to accommodate three to five people.
“Since the chapel is a pine log cabin, the vast majority of that time was spent hauling and notching the logs,” he says. Inspiration for the name of the chapel came to him in prayer, he says. “I honestly had no idea (what to name it) when I started building. This project had been coming up consistently in my Holy Hour, but never with any sort of saint affiliated with it.” Later, he says, “it finally hit me that I should name it after Our Lady of Sorrows” – because of his personal devotion and because of the special role Our Lady of Sorrows has played in the life of the college seminary.
Ground was broken for the college seminary on Sept. 15, 2018, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the building was officially dedicated by Bishop Peter Jugis on the same day two years later.
“I love to work with my hands. Ever since I was little I loved building things, so this has been great for my discernment and growth in my spiritual life, because it allows me to use a skill set that I don’t normally get to use to glorify God,” Kramer says. “It also helps to keep me grounded in reality, because while it is important to spend time in prayer and to study, nothing teaches you humility and patient endurance like dragging a 600-pound pine log through the woods just to find out you mis-measured and it is too short.”
Kramer
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NICHOLAS KRAMER
Lawsuit claims abuse in 1980s by former Glenmary Missioner
PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR
CHARLOTTE — A New York man has filed a lawsuit alleging he was exploited and sexually abused as a youth in North Carolina and elsewhere by former lay missionary Al Behm, who was assigned by his religious community to work in western North Carolina more than 40 years ago.
The civil suit filed July 6 in Mecklenburg County Superior Court names as defendants Behm and his former religious community, the Ohio-based Glenmary Home Missioners, as well as the Diocese of Charlotte.
The lawsuit alleges the misconduct began in the 1970s when the claimant was a minor living in Connecticut and continued into his college years at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Glenmary assigned Behm to work as campus chaplain there from 1980 to 1984. The suit contends Glenmary and the diocese were negligent in supervising Behm.
At the time of the alleged abuse, the Glenmary Home Missioners staffed communities in far western North Carolina where there were few Catholics, including Sylva. Glenmary clergy and missionaries running the Sylva parish also maintained a presence on the nearby WCU campus. Behm was not an ordained clergy member but worked there as a missionary, or brother, on behalf of the religious community until 1984 when Glenmary assigned him to work in another state.
Current leaders of the Charlotte diocese said July 9 they had no prior knowledge of this abuse allegation, and were reviewing the suit and praying for the claimant.
In a statement, the diocese said its historical review of clergy personnel and other files in 2019 “found no record of any allegations of child sexual abuse by Al Behm during his time in North Carolina 40 years ago.”
Glenmary President Father Dan Dorsey said in a July 9 statement, “I cannot comment on active lawsuits, but I can say that at times in the past Glenmary has failed to protect minors and vulnerable adults. Moreover, our response to victims
Behm
UPcoming events4 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
catholicnewsherald.com | July 16, 2021
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events:
JULY 17 – 10 A.M.
Ministry of Acolyte Mass
St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte JULY 23 – 6 P.M.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Our Lady of the Americas Church, Biscoe JULY 29 – 6 P.M.
Sacrament of Confirmation
St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Sylva
JULY 20 – 4 P.M.
Catholic Charities Board Meeting
Pastoral Center, Charlotte JULY 27 – 6 P.M.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville
July 16, 2021
Volume 30 • NUMBER 21
1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org 704-370-3333
PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte
STAFF
EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org
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Diocesan calendar of events
CONFERENCES & CATECHESIS
EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: Friday-Saturday, Sept. 17-18, Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College St., Charlotte. This spiritually unifying event brings together thousands of Catholics from across the diocese and the Southeast for spiritual talks, music, prayer and fellowship – all centered around the Eucharist. Everyone is welcome! Go to www.goEucharist.com for details.
ESPAÑOL
UNA VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN POR LA PAZ Y LA JUSTICIA EN NICARAGUA: Los jueves a las 6 p.m., nos reunimos en la Catedral San Patricio para, que en estos últimos meses está pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario y la corona de adoración y reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel. La vigilia de oración es en español. Vigilias de julio: 8, 15, 22 y 29. VIGILIA DE LOS DOS CORAZONES: Primer viernes y sábado del mes, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Únase cada primer viernes del mes a una vigilia nocturna para honrar los Corazones de Jesús y María, orar por nuestras familias, ofrecer penitencia por nuestros pecados y pedir por la conversión de nuestra nación. La devoción comienza el viernes 2 de Julio a las 8 p.m. con la celebración de la Santa Misa, seguido de Adoración nocturna y concluye con la Misa del sábado el 3 de Julio a las 8 a.m. Para inscribirse a una hora de Adoración, visite www. ProLifeCharlotte.org/dos-corazones.
PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS
RETURN TO GOD PRAYER MINISTRY: 1 p.m., Saturday, July 24, Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville. Come pray at this peaceful public prayer event with members of the St. Mark Church community. All are welcome. For details, go to www.returntogodnow. com.
33-DAY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH: Consider making a consecration to St. Joseph using “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Father Donald Calloway, MIC. Starting the 33-day series of prayers on Tuesday, July 20, would conclude on Saturday, Aug. 21, the feast of Our Lady of Knock. Learn more at www.yearofstjoseph.org.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
“Protecting God’s Children” (“Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios”) workshops educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register for training, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: ASHEBORO: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, July 17, at St. Joseph Church, 512 West Wainman Ave. Spanish only. FRANKLIN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Maple St. English only. Lunch provided. HICKORY: 2-5 p.m. Friday, July 30, and 2-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. N.E. Both sessions offered in Spanish only. HIGH POINT: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St. Meet in St. Edwards A.
FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Volunteers at the annual Eucharistic Congress enjoy lending a hand and having fellowship with fellow Catholics at this diocesan “family reunion.”
2021 Eucharistic Congress: Calling all volunteers
CHARLOTTE — Parishioners are invited to volunteer their time and talents to the 17th annual Eucharistic Congress, which will take place Sept. 17-18 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Every year hundreds of volunteers pitch in to make this growing event an exciting, spirit-filled day for themselves and thousands of others.
For the 2021 Eucharistic Congress, help is needed on Friday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 18, with the roles of ushers, greeters, procession assistants, information booth staff and book sales.
Volunteers serve in 1.5- to threehour shifts based on their interests and availability. Shifts start at 6 p.m. Friday and continue until the close of the Eucharistic Congress at the vigil Mass on Saturday. — Catholic News Herald
Go online
At www.goeucharist.com: Learn more about the 2021 Eucharistic Congress and sign up to be a volunteer
SUPPORT GROUPS
RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered. For details: Jackie Childers at 980-241-0251 or Jackie.childers1@gmail.com.
IS YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.
Elder Ministry urges all to celebrate grandparents, the elderly
KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — “I am with you always” is the theme of the Church’s first World Day of Grandparents and Elderly July 25. Catholic Charities’ Elder Ministry encourages everyone to celebrate.
Pope Francis said he created the day because “grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on” what the elderly have received.
Adding this celebration comes at a time marked by the pandemic and the suffering it has brought to older generations. Many of the elderly are dying alone, and families have been unable to attend funeral Masses.
The World Day is an opportunity to reaffirm that the Church can never remain distant from those who carry a cross. The theme chosen by Pope Francis expresses clearly that, during the pandemic and in the better times that we hope will follow, we as members of the Church need to support and uplift the elderly.
All generations can celebrate the day by expressing gratitude and love for the elderly among us, praying for them and not letting them feel forgotten. People are encouraged to visit their grandparents and the elderly to mark the occasion. The elderly can obtain a plenary indulgence by participating in a Mass offered that day.
Elder Ministry reaches out to engage and celebrate with the elderly all year long. They collaborate with private, state and community-based organizations to promote opportunities for advocacy and education while helping raise awareness of aging issues.
In May, Elder Ministry hosted a webinar series entitled “Options for Paying for Long-Term Care,” which included information about VA benefits, Medicaid/Medicare and long-term care insurance.
During three Masses last month at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte, Elder Ministry, along with the Department of Justice, worked to raise awareness of elders who are abused and victimized.
Elder Ministry also collaborated with Guilford County Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services on a webinar, “Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention,” on June 15 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The World Day for Grandparents and Elderly will be celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. The artwork above illustrates the special day.
More online At www.ccdoc.org/en/elder-ministry: Find upcoming Elder Ministry events and resources
Adult education program embraces digital trend
CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
CHARLOTTE — The growing popularity of online learning is changing the way the Diocese of Charlotte delivers adult faith education, with more programming going virtual to give people easy access to resources that will help them more fully live their faith.
While the diocese continues to offer in-person faith education opportunities – such as the upcoming fifth annual Diocesan Catechetical Conference in October – it also plans to enhance online courses so more people can engage at their convenience.
“People are increasingly comfortable using online learning platforms, particularly as a result of the pandemic,” said Father Roger Arnsparger, vicar of education for catechetical formation. “We’ll continue to offer in-person education for faith formation, community building, networking and discussion – and at the same time, we’ll extend our reach online.”
Online programs offer high-quality, comprehensive training that is available on demand, he said. “They offer a wide array of opportunities and methods for parishioners to study the faith in preparation for serving the Church.”
Many Catholic universities are also offering online programs of formation for the laity, such as Franciscan University, the University of Dayton, and the University of Notre Dame.
Digital natives in particular are accustomed to exploring online offerings that teach in a variety of ways, through elements such as video, graphics and different lecture and writing styles, diocesan officials said.
Online learning is a complement to more traditional educational outreach, Father Arnsparger said, such as the diocese’s catechetical conference, where adults from across the diocese come together for a day of prayer, continuing education and collaboration. The last conference drew 550 participants.
The shift in programming meant the recent closure of the diocese’s Lay Ministry Program, which graduated 119 people in 2020 but saw enrollment in the current program drop to an unsustainable 66 participants, Father Arnsparger said. The diocese hopes to build on the program’s 31-year legacy with online content that provides in-depth lessons delivered wherever participants are, on any device.
“Some of this diocese’s most devoted lay leaders have come through the Lay Ministry Program over the years, and we want to use technology to continue – and elevate – that tradition,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor. “Digital programming helps us meet parishioners where they are and enable them to deepen their education at their own pace.”
Current participants in the two-year Lay Ministry Program have been offered the option to continue their second year of learning free through the diocese’s online catechist certification program. The diocese’s Faith Formation Office is planning to accompany the students with online assistance and in-person group meetings. Candidates seeking to become permanent deacons have already moved to this program as part of their formation process.
Donna Schronce, a parishioner at St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, is among current Lay Ministry participants who said she will shift to the online offerings. While Schronce enjoyed her local class in Lenoir, she looks forward to deepening her knowledge of Catholicism through the online format, to help in her new role as altar guild director at her parish.
“I want to learn more about the Catholic faith, and the online program (format) doesn’t bother me,” said Schronce, who converted to Catholicism three years ago. “If I’m going to be more involved in a leadership
As pandemic subsides, anti-abuse training picks up
KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Abuse-prevention training for volunteers is ramping up as activities return to parishes and schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Volunteers, like staff, undergo VIRTUS training, called “Protecting God’s Children,” and undergo a background check. “Protecting God’s Children” helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims, families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help to prevent abuse.
While VIRTUS training never stopped when COVID-19 forced parishes and schools to halt in-person gatherings, activities and volunteerism, Amy Ankenbruck, the safe environment program coordinator for the Diocese of Charlotte, said she is thrilled to see an increase in both the number of in-person training sessions and the number of volunteers completing training.
“I see a real uptick of volunteers now, especially parents registering to complete training to help at their child’s school,” Ankenbruck said. “Schools and parishes rely heavily on volunteers.”
After a year without in-person training sessions, there are nine scheduled from July through September. For all of the last fiscal year, ending in June 2021, there were only 20 inperson training sessions held. That’s down from 127 the prior year ending in June 2020 and 196 in the year before.
From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, 1,383 people completed this training, about 10 percent of them in live sessions.
That’s a third of the number of people who completed the course the year before. And more than half of those were trained in-person. The year prior, which was not impacted by the shutdown, had nearly 4,500 people complete VIRTUS, with 3,352 trained live.
Background checks obtained by the diocese are also starting to trend toward a typical year’s amount. There were nearly 5,000 background check requests in the fiscal year prior to COVID-19. The fiscal year of 2019-’20, which was only affected by the shutdown for a few months, saw 4,644 background requests.
Last fiscal year’s total was 3,786. That number was only that high because the diocese switched vendors and had a “free” grace period where they completed a lot of renewals during that time to save money, diocesan officials noted.
“Background checks are definitely picking up again,” said diocesan Human Resources Director Terri Wilhelm.
VIRTUS has always had online training available and some people did take advantage of that during the shutdown, Ankenbruck said. There were even a couple training sessions held virtually over Zoom.
“We prefer the live training,” she said. “You get so much more out of having a facilitator there to answer questions and to lead group discussions.”
A challenge for Ankenbruck and parish-level facilitators now is that some volunteer accounts lapsed over the past year. If you need help with reinstating your account, contact Ankenbruck or your parish.
UPDATED PROGRAM COMING
People often ask: “Why do I need this training?” Ankenbruck said.
“Protecting God’s Children” focuses on how to create a safe environment for children – not looking at everyone, including those who attend the classes, as a potential abuser, she noted. “We don’t teach fire safety because we think you’re an arsonist. We all learn about fire safety. It’s not because you think you’re going to set the world on fire. It’s learning how to conduct ourselves to be safe and identifying if someone else isn’t acting in a safe way.”
“Protecting God’s Children” is releasing a new, updated program with revamped videos, discussion points and more precise language. Ankenbruck said she hopes to start training parish facilitators with the new program next month.
“The biggest thing with the training is it really focuses on how to detect something that is of concern, not even to the level of abuse,” she said. “It’s recognizing something wrong and being able to report what is happening.”
She said the revamped program emphasizes the message of hope and that we do have the ability to make a difference in others’ lives. The new program also has clear directives on what to do if you notice something that isn’t right.
