August 13, 2021
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Our annual Back to School Guide The COVID-19 vaccine: Mandates and other considerations 2 INDEX
Contact us.....................................4 Español.......................................15-19 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes........................... 3-12 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 13 U.S. news.....................................20 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news................................. 21
Welcoming refugees Refugee children have fun, learn at summer camps After decline, Catholic Charities prepares to resettle more victims of war, persecution
6-7 Diócesis dará bienvenida a cientos de refugiados 18
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Holy Angels seeks ‘heroes’ to care for ‘angels’ 11
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Our faith 2
catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Pope Francis
Look to Christ, not the law, to receive new life
W
hat made Christian life radically new was the call for those who have faith in Jesus Christ to live in the Holy Spirit, who liberates from the law God handed down to Moses, Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience. Mosaic law was necessary and important to follow at that time in history, but it served as a path to follow toward an eventual encounter with Christ. The pope continued Aug. 11 with his series of talks on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, focusing on the apostle answering the question, “Why, then, the law” if, after all, “there is the Holy Spirit and if there is Jesus who redeems us?” “The law is a journey” and it acts like a teacher that takes people by the hand, leading them forward, toward an encounter with Jesus, he said. God gave Moses the law to prepare His people on this journey during a time of rampant idolatry and to help His people guide their behavior in a way that showed and expressed their faith and covenant with God, he said. However, the law was not the covenant; the covenant came first with Abraham, hundreds of years before Moses. The covenant was based not on the observance of the law, but on faith in the fulfilment of God’s promises. St. Paul needed to clarify the role of the law to the Galatians because there were “fundamentalist missionaries” among them who seemed almost “nostalgic” about observing Mosaic law, believing that adhering to the covenant also included observing the Mosaic law. The apostle explains that, “in reality, the covenant and the law are not linked indissolubly,” the pope said. “Having said this, one should not think, however, that St. Paul was opposed to the Mosaic law” because he does defend its divine origin and says it has “a well-defined role in the history of salvation.” “The law, however, does not give life, it does not offer the fulfillment of (God’s) promise, because it is not capable of being able to fulfill it. Those who seek life need to look to the promise and to its fulfillment in Christ.” This was the problem – when people put more importance on observing the law than with encountering Christ. This passage of St. Paul to the Galatians “presents the radical newness of the Christian life: All those who have faith in Jesus Christ are called to live in the Holy Spirit, who liberates from the law and, at the same time, brings it to fulfillment according to the commandment of love.” The law is a path and “may the Lord help people walk along the path of the Ten Commandments, however, by looking at Christ’s love, the encounter with Christ, knowing that the encounter with Jesus is more important than all the commandments,” he said.
The COVID-19 vaccine: Mandates and other considerations CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE AND CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whether to get vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to raise moral questions for some Catholics, particularly as some employers have begun requiring workers to get the shot. The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is causing infections to skyrocket in the United States and around the world. For the first time since February, the U.S. is averaging over 100,000 new cases a day. In North Carolina, nearly 14,000 people have died from the virus. Public health officials report a sharp spike in the number of hospitalizations, mostly among the unvaccinated. As of Aug. 10, 2,179 North Carolinians were hospitalized with COVID-19 – a number that has more than quadrupled since early July. Approximately 62 percent of CNS | MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS state residents have gotten at least one A local resident receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine during a recent vaccination event for vaccine dose, according to state health adolescents and adults outside the Bronx Writing Academy school in New York City. data. Meanwhile, there are calls for a vaccine mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19. said: “When ethically irreproachable COVID-19 vaccines are not State and federal governments’ authority to mandate vaccinations available ... it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines is limited, but it is legal for a business to require vaccinations as that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and long as they provide medical and religious exemptions. production process. The moral duty to avoid such passive material What should Catholics do? cooperation is not obligatory.” Church teaching is clear: People may get vaccines but should not The USCCB advised Catholics to consider the Pfizer or Moderna be coerced into doing so. People also have the right to weigh for shot if possible, because they were developed with less reliance themselves – using a well-formed conscience – the concerns over on abortion-derived cell lines than the third vaccine, Johnson & unethical methods used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines versus Johnson’s one-dose shot. the duty to pursue the common good amid this global health crisis. “In view of the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alternative vaccines, the reasons to accept GETTING THE VACCINE IS OK the new COVID-19 Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged people to get the vaccines from Pfizer Learn more COVID-19 vaccine, as he has done. The pope even set up a vaccine and Moderna are At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the clinic at the Vatican, and he has implored governments and sufficiently serious Vatican’s guidance on the morality of the pharmaceutical companies to share vaccine supplies with the to justify their use, COVID-19 vaccines world’s poorest countries. despite their remote After the U.S. Federal Drug Administration authorized three connection to morally At www.usccb.org/covid-19: Read the U.S. vaccines for emergency use in late 2020, the Vatican and the U.S. compromised cell bishops’ statements about the COVID-19 Conference of Catholic Bishops said Catholics may validly receive lines,” said Bishop vaccines, get prayer resources and more the COVID-19 vaccine in light of the severity of the global pandemic. Kevin C. Rhoades At www.ncbcenter.org: Get education and of Fort Wayneguidance on the vaccines, learn more about WHAT ABOUT THE ABORTION CONNECTION? South Bend, Ind., religious exemptions, and talk with an ethicist chairman of the U.S. Catholics have expressed concerns that the available COVID-19 vaccines have some connection to controversial cell lines derived bishops’ Committee from elective abortions decades ago. All three – Pfizer, Moderna on Doctrine, and and Johnson & Johnson – were tested with the cell lines, but only Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was produced directly from them. the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a March 2 joint The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith statement. issued guidance last December stating that getting the vaccine Bishop Peter Jugis echoed that guidance, assuring people they is permissible, given the current limited options. In its “Note on the Morality of Using Some Anti-COVID-19 Vaccines,” the CDF VACCINE, SEE PAGE 14
Daily Scripture readings AUG. 15-21
Sunday (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Monday (St. Stephen of Hungary): Judges 2:11-19, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday: Judges 6:1124a, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday: Judges 9:6-15, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (St. John Eudes): Judges 11:29-39a, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. Bernard): Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday (St. Pius X): Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17, Matthew 23:1-12
AUG. 22-28
Sunday: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b, Ephesians 5:21-32, John 6:60-69; Monday (St. Rose of Lima): 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10, Matthew 23:13-22; Tuesday (St. Bartholomew): Revelation 21:9b-14, John 1:45-51; Wednesday (St. Louis, St. Joseph Calasanz): 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:27-32; Thursday: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Matthew 24:42-51; Friday (St. Monica): 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Matthew 25:1-13; Saturday (St. Augustine): 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11, Matthew 25:14-30
AUG. 29-SEPT. 4
Sunday: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; Monday: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Luke 4:1630; Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday: Colossians 1:1-8, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday: Colossians 1:9-14, Luke 5:1-11; Friday (St. Gregory the Great): Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday: Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5
Our parishes
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Permanent deacons to affirm promises at Mass Aug. 14
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. PETER CHURCH
Dozens of St. Peter teens serve the community during ‘Teen Serve Week’ CHARLOTTE — Teenagers in St. Peter Church’s faith formation program were back in the community this year for their annual “Teen Serve Week” – visiting more than 10 humanitarian aid agencies across Charlotte. Over 40 teens aged 12 to 17 engaged in corporal works of mercy for those who live on the margins of society. The teens collected needed items and food for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry and Roof Above’s shelter neighbors. They made blankets and collected items for Baby Bundles’ moms and newborns. To support the parish’s partner school, Druid Hills Academy, the teens made treat bags for teachers and flashcards and bookmarks for students. In addition, they painted blacktop games for Druid Hills students and – with the help of Charlotte Catholic High School’s art program – they created an
outside mural of the school’s mascot, the Panther. St. Peter Church is staffed by priests of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. This year marks the 500th anniversary of the conversion of the Jesuits’ founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola, who in 1521 was hit by a cannonball in war and changed his worldly life. St. Peter teens learned about “cannonball moments” in the lives of parish members that led to a deeper knowledge of Jesus and dedication to the Gospel. As part of the week, teens also made coasters showing the Ignatius Year 500 logo. Cathy Chiappetta, parish faith formation director, and Sara Lahmann, faith formation assistant, worked with a large group of parish volunteers and parent chaperones to create these meaningful experiences for teens to serve. — Joan Guthrie
CHARLOTTE — Permanent deacons will renew their ordination promises during a special Mass Saturday, Aug. 14. Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral. Dozens of permanent deacons serving in western North Carolina are expected to attend, but for those who cannot be there in person, the liturgy will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel. The Mass for the Diocese of Charlotte’s deacons is held annually around the feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. St. Lawrence was martyred in Rome on Aug. 10, 258, along with many other members of the clergy, during the persecution of the emperor Valerian. He was one of seven deacons in Rome who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy, and he was the last of them to die. When the persecution broke out, St. Sixtus II was condemned to death. As the pope was led to execution on Aug. 6, 258, Lawrence followed him weeping. “Father, where are you going without your deacon?” he said. “I am not leaving you, my son,” answered the pope. “In three days you will follow me.” Full of joy, Lawrence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away. After the pope was killed, Lawrence became the principal authority of the Church in Rome, having been the Church’s treasurer. The prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Lawrence to bring the Church’s treasure to him. The saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the prefect, he said, “This is the Church’s treasure!” In great anger, the prefect immediately condemned Lawrence to a slow, cruel death. He was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Lawrence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames. In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked. “Turn me over,” he said to the judge. “I’m done on this side!” And just before he died, he said, “It’s cooked enough now.” Then he prayed that the city of Rome might be converted to Jesus and that the Catholic faith might spread all over the world. After that, he went to receive the martyr’s reward. He is venerated as one of the patrons of Rome, along with Sts. Peter and Paul. He is also the patron of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. CNA/EWTN News and www.catholic.org contributed.
UPcoming events 4
catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: AUG. 14 – 10 A.M. Mass for Affirmation of Promises for Deacons St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
AUG. 18 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Good Shepherd Mission, King
AUG. 23-25, 2021 Atlanta Province Assembly of Bishops and Priests Charlotte
AUG. 16 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Benedict the Moor Church, Winston-Salem
AUG. 20– 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Infant Church, Reidsville
AUG. 26, 2021- 10:45 A.M. Dedication of New Wing Asheville Catholic School, Asheville
Diocesan calendar of events August 13, 2021
CONFERENCES
Volume 30 • NUMBER 23
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.
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
RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE: Saturday, Oct. 2, St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrews Place, Swannanoa. This conference is open to all parish Respect Life coordinators and all who are involved in pro-life work in the Diocese of Charlotte. For details and registration, email Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@charlottediocese.org or go online to www.ccdoc.org/respectlife. ESPAÑOL
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
THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.
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. Las próximas fechas serán Agosto 19 y 26. 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. Para inscribirse a una hora de Adoración, visite www.ProLifeCharlotte.org/ dos-corazones. PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS ANOINTING OF THE SICK MASS: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical, mental illness, or someone who will be undergoing surgery. Refreshments after Mass. For details, call Mary Forgach at 704-545-1224.
NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.
HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PROCESSION FOR LIFE: 8 a.m. Mass followed by procession, Saturday, August 21, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Charlotte. Procession for Life at “A Preferred Women’s Health” abortion facility, 3220 Latrobe Dr., Charlotte, NC 28211. Father Matthew Kauth and the seminarians will lead the procession. For more details, visit www.Charlottehelpers.com.
ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.
“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:
CHARLOTTE: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road CLEMMONS: 12 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road
Celebrate ‘Mary Days’ CHARLOTTE — Everyone is invited to attend a week-long celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary starting Sunday, Aug. 15, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Each night from Aug. 15, the feast of the Assumption, to Aug. 22, the memorial of the Queenship of Mary, the Charlotte parish will host reflections on some of Our Lady’s titles in the Church, followed by recitation of the rosary: n 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15: “Gate of Heaven,” by Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville n 6-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16: “Mother of the Church,” by Father Paul Buchanan, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont n 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17: “New Eve,” by Father Jason Christian, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon n 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18: Ancient Devotion to Mary in the Christian East, by Father Joseph Matlak of St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Parish in Charlotte n 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19: “Virgin Most Powerful,” by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte n 6-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20: “Seat of Wisdom,” by Dominican Father Ephrem Reese n 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21: “Mother of God,” by Father Jonathan Torres of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte n 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22: “Queen Mother,” by Father Innocent Amasiorah, Charlotte-area Catholic campus minister St. Thomas Aquinas Church is located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. For details, go online to the parish’s website, www.stacharlotte.com.
WORKSHOPS ‘A MATTER OF BALANCE’: 1-3 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 23-Oct. 18 (eight sessions), at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway in Charlotte. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. This free, award-winning program is designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Sponsored by Catholic Charities’ Elder Ministry, St. Matthew Church, Centralina Health Solutions, Arthritis Services and Novant Health. Class limited to 12 participants. Register by Monday, Aug. 16, by contacting Sandra Breakfield, Elder Ministry program director, at 704-370-3220 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.
JEFFERSON: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 326 East Main Street HICKORY: 2-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. N.E. (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)
IS YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
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Father Ascik installed as pastor at Shelby parish PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR
SHELBY — Applause welcomed Father Peter Ascik on Sunday as he was installed as pastor of St. Mary, Help of Christians Church and its mission in Kings Mountain. Father Ascik was officially installed during a bilingual Mass Aug. 1 celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis. The first-time pastor comes to Shelby after serving three years as a parochial vicar at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. He succeeds Father Michael Kottar, who died unexpectedly in May after battling a rare brain infection. “I am grateful for the gifts that Father Kottar brought to this parish,” Father Ascik recently told the Catholic News Herald. “I know that I am reaping the benefit of his years of prayer and hard work.” Any change in pastors can be challenging, he acknowledged, especially under such tragic circumstances. “Prayer and patience with one another will be important for our parish as we go forward together,” he noted. In his homily at the installation Mass, Bishop Jugis encouraged Father Ascik to lead using Jesus the Good Shepherd as his model. The bishop described the roles a pastor has in teaching, sanctifying and governing the parish, from teaching the faith to young and old alike to celebrating the sacraments and comforting people in their times of need. Overall, he emphasized, the work of a pastor is about preparing people and helping them get to heaven. “That is his mission.” In addition, the bishop noted, a pastor
helps unify his parish family and connect them to the larger Church. “No parish exists in isolation from another, but each is part of a larger communion,” he said. Father Ascik told the Catholic News Herald that among his primary tasks is to foster the parish’s faith formation program and youth group, “so that we can continue to prepare the youth of our parish to receive the sacraments and help parishioners of all ages to grow in their knowledge of the faith.” Building unity and communion – both as a multilingual parish family and as part of the larger community – are also important, Father Ascik said. “I also want to provide opportunities for our parish community to socialize and grow in friendship and fellowship. This has been difficult during the past year due to the pandemic, and I want to safely bring back these opportunities,” he said. “I also want our parish to be part of the wider community in Shelby and Kings Mountain, especially through charitable outreach and collaboration.” At the conclusion of the installation Mass, Father Ascik expressed gratitude to the bishop and to the people of the parish. “I look forward to getting to know each of you and your families, and I thank you
Bishop Peter Jugis leads the congregation of St. Mary, Help of Christians Parish in congratulating their new pastor, Father Peter Ascik, during his installation Mass Aug. 1. GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
for the welcome that you have given me,” he said. “There is a story about St. John Vianney that recounts that he met a small boy when he was trying to find his way to his parish in Ars for the first time. He said to the boy, ‘Show me the way to Ars and I will show you the way to heaven.’ A pastor’s job is to show his flock the way to heaven, which is by living a life of communion with Jesus Christ through His Body the Church. A pastor must faithfully pass on the teaching of the Church, which is the teaching of Christ passed on to us by the Apostles.
He must make the sacraments, which make God’s power work in us to heal and sanctify, available to his parishioners. And he must accompany them in life, helping them to bear their burdens with hope.” “I found Shelby with the help of my GPS,” Father Ascik quipped, but “like St. John Vianney I do wish to show you the way to heaven. That way is not my way, but is the way of Jesus Christ. “I invite you to join me on this way to heaven, which we will walk together as a parish in the years ahead.”
JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Thomasville parish welcomes new pastor THOMASVILLE — Parishioners of Our Lady of the Highways Church recently gathered to celebrate Father Gabriel Carvajal Salazar becoming pastor of the Thomasville parish. In December 2020, the priest arrived to serve as parochial administrator and was assigned by Bishop Peter Jugis as pastor effective July 13. He and parishioners enjoyed food and cake prepared by the parish in celebration of his assignment. Father Gabriel, the oldest of 15 brothers and sisters, came to the Diocese of Charlotte from Mexico in 1977 as a lay missionary and has served other assignments in the diocese before coming to Thomasville.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 OUR PARISHES
After decline, diocese to welcome hundreds of refugees Catholic Charities staffing up to resettle victims of war, persecution KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER
Refugees welcomed in Asheville and Charlotte: Oct. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte expects to welcome hundreds of refugees over the next year, a return to normal after a decline caused by the pandemic and federal policy changes. The Catholic Church is one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. In partnership with dioceses, the Church through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services Office resettles approximately 30 percent of the refugees who arrive in the U.S. each year. Catholic Charities manages the resettlement process here in western North Carolina, helping refugees work toward self-sufficiency and eventually attain citizenship. Their resettlement offices in Charlotte and Asheville anticipate receiving more refugees as the government-imposed cap is raised and the Asheville office expands its operations. Sandy Buck, who heads up the refugee resettlement program for Catholic Charities, expects refugee arrivals to return to typical levels starting next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. “The expectation from the USCCB is that we will receive 400 total refugees in Charlotte over the next year, which ends Sept. 30, 2022,” Buck said. Of those, she added, 25 are expected to be special
47 Ukraine
3 Myanmar (Burma)
28 Moldova
3 El Salvador
12 DR Congo
3 Russia
8 Guatemala
1 Sri Lanka
4 Afghanistan
1 Sudan
TIM P. FARAGHER AND STEPHEN GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
immigrant visas for Afghani translators who helped the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan.
PANDEMIC, POLICY LIMITED ARRIVALS
Refugees are victims of war, political upheaval, religious, economic or ethnic persecution. Many are forced to leave homes, jobs and families to stay alive. Refugees pay taxes in the U.S. and repay
Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered? Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.
their travel expenses. Helped by funding from the USCCB and the state, Catholic Charities’ staff work with refugees in both the short and long term, up to five years, to find housing, health care, schools, community and cultural orientation, and budgeting and financial education. They also offer employment assistance, driver’s education, interpretation services and transportation to initial appointments. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the Trump administration’s decision to reduce the number of refugees coming in to the United States, dropped refugee arrivals to historically low levels. From Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020, Catholic Charities resettled 110 refugees. This current fiscal year, the agency has resettled 44 refugees, 26 in Charlotte – that’s what the agency used to resettle in one month, Buck said. Buck said they could resettle another 50 or so people before the year ends Sept. 30. The pace is expected to pick up in 2022, with as many as 400 new arrivals – part of the Biden administration’s move to raise the prior administration’s cap on refugees from 15,000. Biden said the previous administration’s cap did not reflect the country’s values “as a nation that welcomes and supports refugees.” The president acknowledged it will be difficult to meet the new higher number, however. “The sad truth is that we will not achieve 62,500 admissions this year. We are working quickly to undo the damage of the last four years. It will take some time, but
that work is already underway,” he said in a statement. Because of the low number of arrivals over the past couple of years, the Refugee Resettlement Office reduced its staff, so now it has to rebuild the program to be prepared to welcome the higher influx of refugees. Catholic Charities has received funding to hire and train new staff before more refugees start arriving in October, Buck said. There are two active job listings, and she said she anticipates more hiring in both Charlotte and Asheville. The good news is that the arrival numbers are expected to ramp up over time, she said. “I don’t anticipate all the arrivals to start happening immediately. It’ll gradually start increasing. It’s going to take a long time to rebuild the pipeline overseas.” The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions will continue to slow down refugee arrivals, Buck said, as processing of refugees’ applications has always been done in person. Countries are working on how to do that safely when not every country has as much access to the vaccines as the United States does. Although the Charlotte and Asheville offices often saw months pass with no incoming refugees in 2020 and 2021, both have remained busy, Buck noted. Staff reached out to refugees already settled here to see if they needed help due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, such as job loss. Support has included supplies from the food pantry or help paying backdue rent or utilities. “We spent a lot of time making sure everyone is still doing well,” Buck said.
ASHEVILLE OFFICE EXPANDING
In a related move, Catholic Charities’ Asheville office is expanding its resettlement operations starting this fall. Instead of helping only refugees already in the area apply to bring family members here, the agency’s mandate will include resettling new refugees. As a designated “sub-office,” they will begin receiving a number of refugees to settle, starting with an estimated goal of 150. So for the first time, the staff will work to set up housing for incoming refugees, too, Buck said. Volunteers and donations of household items to set up apartments will be needed.
How can you help? At www.ccdoc.org: Find out how to volunteer or donate to help the Refugee Resettlement Offices in Charlotte and Asheville welcome refugees
Invest in your success! Advertise in the Catholic News Herald Kevin Eagan, Advertising Manager 704-370-3332 keeagan@charlottediocese.org
Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte
For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.
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Refugee children have fun, learn at summer camps CHARLOTTE — Refugee children recently resettled in Charlotte have spent their summer learning and having fun in new ways. Elementary through high school students are attending the Refugee Youth Summer Camp two days a week, said Kayla Mitchell, Refugee Youth Program assistant facilitator. “We try to expand on different things they already know and introduce them to new activities through field trips and enrichment activities,” Mitchell said. “From the
feedback we’ve received, they’re really enjoying it.” Field trips included a trip by the elementary students to Jubilee Farms to learn how a farm works and Discovery Place Museum. The older students went to Carowinds, sponsored by Allegiance Staffing, and took two college tours – to Queens University of Charlotte and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte – to learn about possibilities in higher education. The students also had craft days, learned about different
careers including cooking, met with law enforcement officers and firefighters, explored different sports, participated in a field day and even went swimming. For some of the students, it was their first time participating in these types of activities. There are 14 elementary students and 23 middle and high school students enrolled in the camps. This year marks a return to summer camps, as COVID-19 restrictions prevented them last year. — Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
Some of the older campers pose in front of the Mint Museum’s large stained-glass art piece installed last fall. Students also visited Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Carowinds and Discovery Place.
(Clockwise, from above) Campers visited Jubilee Farms in Chester, S.C., where they were able to brush the horses. For some, this was the first time they had seen a horse. Elementary-aged campers visited Sheffield Park in Charlotte for a fun day on the playground. Carmen Vasquez, executive chef of Yafo Kitchen in Charlotte, talked with the kids about cooking, careers as a chef and working in the restaurant industry. She made a delicious Greek orzo salad for all to share. Campers also learned about the role of police and firefighters in the community and what careers in those fields look like.
(Above) Susan Adams of Artyfacts donated craft supplies and great art project ideas for the young campers. The children had fun making sand art and decorated Chinese lanterns.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 OUR PARISHES
About St. Lawrence Basilica St. Lawrence Basilica is one of two minor basilicas in the Charlotte diocese; the other is Mary Help of Christians Basilica in Belmont. There are two kinds of basilicas in the Catholic Church: major (or papal) and minor. The Church’s four major basilicas are all in Rome: St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major. Minor basilicas, on the other hand, are churches around the world designated by the pope that stand out because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance, architectural and artistic worth, or significance to the Church. When he was pope, St. John Paul II designated the Asheville church as a minor basilica in 1993 for its unique architecture: with its massive tiled dome, it is the only church designed and built by the renowned Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. The basilica sits on a hill in downtown Asheville. The red brick building, built in the Spanish Renaissance style, is capped by a copper dome guarded by statues of St. Lawrence, St. Stephen and St. Aloysius Gonzaga. The 82-foot-by-58-foot dome, constructed of terracotta tile and mortar like most of the church, is one of the largest free-standing elliptical domes in North America. It features the same vaulting technique and herringbone tile pattern that Guastavino used at Grand Central Terminal and Ellis Island’s Registry Room, as well as 200-plus other locations in New York City, and at Asheville’s Biltmore House. Guastavino is actually buried inside the basilica he built, and visitors can visit his crypt to the left of the main altar. Self-guided tours are available. Tours are free but donations are very much appreciated.
Renovation campaign launches this fall St. Lawrence Basilica was one of a select few churches nationwide to participate the National Fund for Sacred Places in 2020, a program of Partners for Sacred Places, the only national non-sectarian nonprofit that helps communities preserve their historic religious properties. Its mission is to build a shared sense of responsibility for the future of sacred places. The award means the basilica can receive a matching grant of up to $250,000 and a package of customized planning grants, training and technical assistance, coaching and consulting services through Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This funding and support will be used to help launch a parish capital campaign this fall to make urgently needed repairs to the dome, roof and parapets. Parishioner Mary Everist is helping to secure resources for the basilica’s preservation and spreading the word about the need for donations to garner the matching grant. “We have a $250,000 matching grant, so we have to raise $500,000 to receive the matching grant. All of the money we raise now will go directly to that matching grant,” Everist explains. “You don’t need to wait for the campaign. All of the money goes to the preservation of the basilica.” Questions? Contact Everist at everistmk@ gmail.com or call the parish office at 828-2526042.
Bishop Peter Jugis celebrates Mass at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville Aug. 8 to mark the patronal feast of the historic church. PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Faith, charity and beauty Basilica welcomes back parishioners for patronal feast celebration SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
ASHEVILLE — Staff and volunteers of St. Lawrence Basilica rolled out the red carpet Aug. 8 to welcome returning parishioners and Bishop Peter Jugis to celebrate the parish’s patronal feast day. It was the bishop’s first visit to the historic basilica this year, and for many parishioners, their first time inside since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the parish to switch to livestreamed Masses. Dressed in red vestments to mark the feast day, Bishop Jugis highlighted in his homily the faith and charity of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. “We see both of these in the life of St. Lawrence. His amazing witness of charity and faith inspires us as we celebrate his feast day as our parish patron saint,” Bishop Jugis said. He recalled how St. Lawrence was renowned for his ministry of charity to the poor people of Rome and said the saint’s example of charity should always inspire the faithful in service to the poor and the needy. St. Lawrence also offered his life as a martyr for Christ – an even greater
‘Everyone tells me we have a beautiful church, but it is made more beautiful when the people are in it.’ Deacon Phillip Miles witness of his charity, the bishop noted. “No doubt St. Lawrence could have avoided suffering, torture and death if he had just denied Christ and denied his faith, as the emperor demanded of all Christians. But St. Lawrence said no. He had found ‘the pearl of great price’ as Jesus speaks of in His parables,” Bishop Jugis explained. “Faith and charity, charity and faith, go hand in hand in the life of St. Lawrence.”
“All of this comes from Jesus, who shows us His perfect charity. He offers His life on the cross – so great is His love for us, for our salvation, and for the forgiveness of our sins. As a further sign of charity and His love for us, He gives Himself to us at every Mass in the Holy Eucharist,” he continued. “From now until the end of time, from the Last Supper until His second coming, His charity knows no limits. Jesus’ love is everlasting.” Concelebrating the Mass was Father Nohe Torres, parochial vicar. The basilica’s pastor, Father Roger Arnsparger, served as master of ceremonies and was assisted by Deacon Phillip Miles. Several seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly also participated in the liturgy. After Mass all were invited to a parish picnic held under a large tent in the parking lot next to the basilica. Parish staff, ministry volunteers and Knights of Columbus were all smiles as they greeted guests, newcomers and longtime parishioners, welcoming them back after more than a year of limited or BASILICA, SEE PAGE 14
More online At www.saintlawrencebasilica.org: Learn more about the history and architecture of St. Lawrence Basilica, view the Mass and confession schedule, and plan your visit At www.savethebasilica.org: Support the Basilica Preservation Fund to repair and restore the historic basilica
(Far left) Bishop Jugis holds aloft the Book of the Gospels presented to him by Deacon Phillip Miles during the feast day Mass. (Left) Parishioners gather after Mass to enjoy a “Welcome Back” parish picnic.
August 13, 2021 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews catholicnewsherald.com
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St. Joseph College Seminary welcomes seven new students PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR
CHARLOTTE — Seven young men have been accepted to St. Joseph College Seminary this fall, bringing the total enrollment to 24. Robbie Bauman, Marshall Bolling, Matthew Brakefield, Kolbe Flood, Ryan Ma, Emanuel Martinez and Matthew Stanley – the seven members of the incoming “Foxtrot class” – were welcomed by the college seminary’s rector, Father Matthew Kauth, during Mass Aug. 1 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. After Mass, they moved in to their quarters at the seminary’s new home in Mount Holly. In his homily, Father Matthew Kauth encouraged the men to look forward in faith, connecting the readings of the day to people’s hunger for something more than what the world offers. “You can labor for bread all your lives. But man doesn’t live on bread alone, but by the words that come forth from the mouth of God,” Father Kauth reminded the congregation. The Israelites and Jesus’ followers recognized this, and so too do the young men who are beginning the discernment process as college seminarians. “The reason you sit here is because whatever you had … wasn’t sufficient,” he said. As Jesus explained in the Gospel of John, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life.” Instead, Jesus tells them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” This is a challenge from Jesus, Father Kauth told the men: to look at the world with different eyes. “It means He is going to teach you how to live a supernatural life.” “When He made wine … it wasn’t wine that reminds Him of blood. On the contrary, He made wine thinking about His own Blood. When He made bread … He designed it after His own flesh, which we receive. That’s a supernatural way of thinking.” Becoming a parish priest means feeding other people with the Bread of Life and the
PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
St. Joseph College Seminary is welcoming seven new college seminarians this fall: Robbie Bauman, Marshall Bolling, Matthew Brakefield, Kolbe Flood, Ryan Ma, Emanuel Martinez and Matthew Stanley. They are pictured with Father Matthew Kauth, college seminary rector (center); Father John Putnam, the diocese’s judicial vicar; Father Matthew Buettner, the seminary’s house spiritual director; and clergy from St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Word of God, he said. “You’re stepping up now because you want to be able to feed the people that are (sitting) behind you. That means you have to live a supernatural life.” “So each time you come up against that little bit of longing or the desire to turn your shoulder and look behind you again,” he said, “that’s the moment when you do the work of faith and say, ‘I believe you, Lord. My hand is on the plow, and I will
keep my eyes forward.’ “That is the work of faith. So – let’s get to work.” Established in 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary is for undergraduate men discerning a possible religious vocation, before taking the step of enrolling in a major seminary for specific formation to the priesthood for the Diocese of Charlotte. Students work toward a bachelor’s degree at nearby Belmont Abbey College
while experiencing a Benedictinestyle communal life on their path of discernment. The diocese’s seminarian program continues to grow, with a total of 45 men now in various stages of formation.
Learn more At www.stjcs.org: Find out more about the Diocese of Charlotte’s college seminary program
International Rosary and Marian Procession WAYNESVILLE — Clergy and members of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville held an international rosary and Marian profession July 13 – a beloved tradition held on the 13th of each month from May through October. Each decade of the rosary is prayed in a different language and participants respond in their native language. Pictured is Father Paul McNulty, pastor, blessing the participants at the end of the profession around the church grounds. Fellowship followed in the parish hall. PHOTO PROVIDED BY NICKI CONROY
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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | August 13, 2021 OUR PARISHESS
Fund gives nearly $99,000 in tuition aid to students at 9 schools SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Students in nine Catholic schools across the diocese will receive a total of $98,799 in financial aid from the C. Philip Johnston-Aline W. Kaneer Scholarship Fund, paying all of their tuition for the 2021-’22 academic year. The fund was created by C. Philip Johnston with $4 million from his estate at his death in 2017. Johnston was born in Charlotte but lived all over the country before retiring in the Southeast. He attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., and earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958. He worked in the entertainment industry, but when acting work became scarce, he took a “temporary job” working for Conrad Hilton in a new credit card venture called Carte Blanche. He rose to success in the emerging industry and, after reaching the position of senior vice president at a large regional bank in St. Louis, he left to lead a nonprofit organization specializing in consumer credit counseling.
Students from all 19 Catholic schools in the diocese are eligible for scholarship awards from the fund. The Johnston scholarship follows students throughout their time in schools in the Charlotte diocese. The schools that students will attend this year are: Charlotte Catholic High School; Christ the King High School in Huntersville; Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point; Our Lady of Assumption School in Charlotte; Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro; Our Lady of Mercy School and St. Leo School in WinstonSalem; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury; and St. Michael School in Gastonia. The scholarship awarded to each student ranges from $3,000 to $14,000 depending on the tuition cost and need. Each student can continue receiving assistance through the scholarship fund every year for the length of their academic career as long as they remain eligible. “I first met with Mr. Johnston back in 1989. He made his decision to put this (scholarship) gift in his estate back then,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “He never wavered from that commitment, even though he moved away from the diocese in his later years.”
Mercy Sister Bessie McCarthy passes away BELMONT — Sister Bessie Florence McCarthy, 88, a Sister of Mercy for 68 years, entered eternal life on July 31, 2021. A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 4, 2021, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. Interment followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery. She was born in Newport News, Va., the sixth child of Harry Joseph McCarthy and Bessie Jewel Haley. She attended elementary and McCarthy high school in Hampton, Va., and earned an associate’s degree from Sacred Heart College in Belmont. She also graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte and earned a baccalaureate degree from Catherine Spalding College in Louisville, Ky.
When she entered the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Bessie chose as her motto “The Charity of Christ I Seek,” expressing the desire of her life’s journey to love the Lord. She practiced nursing at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte; St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville; Good Shepherd Health Agency in Hayesville; the mission of St. Joseph the Worker in Elkhorn City, Ky.; Holy Angels in Belmont and the Sisters of Mercy infirmary. After moving to Gastonia, she expanded her ministry to include caring for the elderly, tutoring children, providing food for families, taking deprived children on recreational and educational trips, visiting prisons and caring for ill family members. She also served as a parish associate at St. Patrick Cathedral and Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, where she continued to serve the poor and anyone in need. She was committed to the Sisters of Mercy and always gave priority to works of mercy. When she heard any cry, “I need…” she always responded, “Here I am.” She was also a woman who was fun to be around, as her many friends will testify. Her favorite food was potato chips, and her favorite activity was swimming. One description of her was: “Usually wears a smile. Heavily armed with kindness. Thoughtful and generous.” She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Patricia Murcho and Nancy Borrner; and her brothers Harry and Edward. She is survived by her fellow Sisters of Mercy, her brother Patrick (Butch) and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, NC 28012. McLean Funeral Home of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements. — Catholic News Herald
Kelley noted he is finding that “more and more people across the diocese like Philip Johnston are remembering different ministries of the Church – such as Catholic schools, parishes, seminarian education, Catholic Charities, other ministries and St. Joseph College Seminary – and making plans in their wills and estates.” Since 1986, diocesan entities including parishes, schools and ministries have received 32 gifts of $1 million or more from individuals like Johnston that typically help fund capital projects and long-term endowments.
Learn more Interested in establishing an endowment to benefit the Church in western North Carolina? Set up an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a gift of real estate or 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.
Former Waynesville, Concord pastor dies in Maryland TIMONIUM, Md. — Redemptorist Father James Howard Geiger, who formerly served in the Diocese of Charlotte, died July 15, 2021, age 87, at the St. John Neumann community, Stella Maris. The funeral Mass was offered July 21, 2021, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ephrata, Pa., followed by burial at St. Clement’s Mission House Cemetery in Ephrata. Born in Rochester, N.Y., Geiger on Dec. 20, 1933, to George and Gertrude (Bradler) Geiger, he was baptized and confirmed at St. Andrew Church in Rochester. After attending Aquinas Institute in Rochester, he enrolled at St. Mary’s College in North East, Pa., from which he graduated and matriculated to the Redemptorist novitiate at St. Mary’s College in Ilchester, Md. He pronounced first vows there on Aug. 2, 1955, and final vows at Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood there on June 19, 1960. Father Geiger exhibited a love of learning, and so his first assignment was as a professor at the Redemptorists’ minor seminary in North East. There he taught Latin and Greek for a year (19611962) before being sent for graduate studies at the Catholic University of America, from which he obtained a master’s degree in 1964. In July of that year, he received a new assignment to teach classical languages at St. Alphonsus College in Suffield, Conn., a post he held until 1970. From 1970 to 1975 he was rector and principal at St. Mary’s College in North East. Father Geiger cast his net toward a different field between 1975 and 1979, when he was rector of the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, N.J. He returned to Washington as a mission preacher between 1979 and 1984 before undertaking a spirituality course in Nemi, Italy. Consequently, he had a renewed vigor as rector of St. James and John Church in Baltimore (1985-1986). Father Geiger then gave his talents to the former vice province of Richmond,
serving at St. Francis by the Sea Church in Hilton Head, S.C. (1986-1987); St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville (missionary, 1987-1991); and Holy Trinity Church in Orangeburg, S.C., where he gave missions between 1991 and 1993, before becoming rector of Holy Trinity from 1993 to 1996. Additionally, he was the rector of St. Joseph Church in Tampa, Fla. (1996-1999) and St. James the Greater Church in Concord (2002-2008). He served twice as a retreat master for Holy Family Retreat House in Hampton, Va. (1999-2002 and 20082011). He returned to St. James Church in Concord as a parochial assistant between 2011 and 2015. Between January and November 2015, he took up residence at St. Alphonsus Villa in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. He requested to return to the Baltimore Province and was then assigned to St. Clement’s Mission House in Ephrata, where he remained until the day before his last assignment to Stella Maris in Timonium, Md., which was effective July 14, 2021. Father Geiger was the epitome of a gentlemanly priest – friendly and engaging with a ready smile. When he shifted from teaching and administration at Redemptorist seminaries to a new challenge as rector of the San Alfonso Retreat House, he indicated to a group of retreatants that “they knew more about retreat work than he did” and asked for their prayers. The assembled men greeted him with thunderous applause. Father Geiger recalled that his own father had been a regular attendee at the Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, N.Y., and so attention to personal spiritual growth was already in his DNA. “The death of any confrere is hard on all of us. For me, this is a hard loss – Jim interviewed me prior to entering the seminary and was the rector my first year at St. Mary’s Seminary. May he rest in peace,” said Father Paul Borowski, provincial superior of the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. Father Geiger is predeceased by his brother and fellow Redemptorist William Geiger, who died in 2007. — Catholic News Herald
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VATONYA JONES Home Coordinator, Moody Place
Cassandra Houston, Program Director, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, is pictured with Holy Angels resident Greg.
Vatonya Jones just celebrated her 10th year at Holy Angels working in direct support with the residents. “To come in here and to see that each day they keep pushing and they go through it with a smile on their face, it brings me joy,” she says. “When I go home I thank God for giving me the chance to work with these angels.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOLY ANGELS
Holy Angels seeks ‘heroes’ to care for ‘angels’ ‘The good Lord told me to go back to Holy Angels. I love what I do!’
SHAWN FLYNN SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
BELMONT — Tanya Sadler started her mission at Holy Angels four decades ago. “I just fell in love with these residents. I knew it was my calling,” says Sadler. She loved her job and developed strong relationships with some of the residents, often called angels. “Decades ago, one of the residents (Elise) asked ‘when are you going to have a baby?’ I said whenever I have my first baby I’m going to name her after you,” smiles Tanya. “My daughter’s name is Elise!” Sadler has worked in multiple positions, including Health Care Technician and Campus Supervisor, but her passion is direct care with the residents. “Tanya is a gift to Holy Angels. She always goes above and beyond and helps out wherever and whenever she is needed,” says Paula Atkins, Chief Program Officer.
65 YEARS OF JOY
Holy Angels started 65 years ago when a desperate, overwhelmed mother came to the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont and asked them to take care of her 3-month-old daughter. Paralyzed with severe physical disabilities, medical professionals offered a grim prognosis that this child would not live long. Not only did that child survive, but she thrived for 54 years. Maria Morrow is the reason Holy Angels exists today. Six decades years later, Holy Angels has grown into a 10-home residential facility offering 24/7 care for those with intellectual developmental disabilities and the medically fragile.
Tanya Sadler
Holy Angels employee Holy Angels believes in the possibility that lies within each individual, regardless of physical and mental ability. The nonprofit operates four business providing meaningful employment opportunities for some its residents. The businesses include: Cherubs Café, Cotton Candy Factory and Bliss Gallery in Belmont and Spruced Goose Station in McAdenville.
RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Holy Angels decided to close its doors to all visitors, including hundreds of volunteers. That put an additional strain on the 350 employees who care for the 85 residents who live there. “We don’t throw the word ‘heroes’ around lightly, but that perfectly describes our employees who continue to come to work daily to care for our angels,” says Holy Angels President/CEO Regina Moody. “Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, our employees unselfishly continued to practice faith over fear and serve the residents.” Much like the rest of the health care industry, recruitment is facing serious challenges. “Between so many people leaving the workforce and fears over the pandemic, it’s
Holy Angels opportunities available Holy Angels needs heroes who want not just a job, but a mission: n Direct Support Professionals n Nurses n Medical Technicians n Special Education Teacher n Qualified Professional/IDD n Campus Supervisor n Community Group Home – live-in home manager, week on/week off For a complete list of openings or to apply, go online to www.holyangelsnc.org/careers.
created significant challenges trying to meet the needs of our residents,” says Vice President of Human Resources Donnie Thurman. “We are in significant need of hiring nurses, direct support professionals and several other professional positions.” Holy Angels is recruiting to hire qualified individuals for all shifts – including full-time, parttime or every other weekend.
LOVE FOR THE ANGELS
After working at Holy Angels for nine years, Sadler left to start a family. She returned 18 months later. “The good Lord told me to go back to Holy Angels,” she explains. Not only did she return, but she chose to work the third shift. Earlier this summer, she celebrated her 30th year working nights, when most everyone else is sleeping. “It’s so natural now. It just comes easy,” Sadler says. “The atmosphere is quiet, but you still have residents who are up who have needs. You can do one-on-one with them. I have one resident who will grab me and hug me and say ‘I love you’.” There are dozens of other employees at Holy Angels like Sadler. They made a career there spanning decades, all in the name of love for the residents. “I treat this home as if it was my home. I treat the residents as if they were my children. I love what I do and when you love what you do it comes so naturally,” Sadler says. “It’s so rewarding when you see the residents reach their goals.”
Support Holy Angels’ mission The pandemic has taken its toll on Holy Angels’ fundraising opportunities. Donations can be made securely online at www. holyangelsnc.org/donate. Contact Matthew Falencki, vice president of development, at matthewf@holyangelsnc.org for more information. Holy Angels is located on the Sisters of Mercy campus: 6600 Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, N.C. 28012 704-825-4161
ERICA BLEFFER RN Supervisor Eric Bleffer started as a relief Direct Support Professional in 2005. Bleffer held a variety of part-time positions over the years at Holy Angels, including healthcare technician. She eventually started working here full-time in 2019 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She recently received her nursing license and is now an RN supervisor. “I could never leave Holy Angels because I would miss the residents too much. You develop this special bond with them and you want to be a part of their lives to see their growth and development,” she says.
CHRISTY SHAW Direct Support Professional, Belhaven Christy Shaw also celebrated a decade serving the residents of Holy Angels earlier this year. “This is not a job, this is my calling. This is where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “Every day is a mercy moment. Every day these guys are happy and healthy and they’re just so joyful. It’s a mercy moment every day.”
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 OUR PARISHES
Associate Director of Development
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CHARLOTTE — Vincentian Father John P. Timlin has been appointed pastor of St. Mary Church in Greensboro, effective Aug. 16. He succeeds Vincentian Father William Allegretto, who was reassigned by his order, Timlin the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, as of Aug. 2. This is a homecoming for Father Timlin, who steps in again as pastor after serving at the parish from 2012 to 2016. Established in 1928, St. Mary Church is one of the most ethnically diverse parishes in the diocese and has been staffed by the Vincentians since 1939. Besides the Greensboro parish, the Vincentians staff Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE — Abigail Walsh, the daughter of Andrea and Paul Walsh of Mooresville, has received the Diocese of Charlotte’s St. Timothy Award in recognition of her faithfilled service and example to others. A rising junior at Christ the King High School in Huntersville, Abigail is an honor student and team manager for the girls varsity basketball team. She is active in the school’s Pro-Life Club and Service Committee. A member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, Abigail has served on the planning committee for the 2021 Diocesan Youth Advisory Council. She is considering a career in education or law. She is pictured with (from left): Dominican Sister Edeva Jover, Father Matthew Codd, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, and Diocesan Youth Director Paul Kotlowski.
— Catholic News Herald
— Dina Wilson and Kevin Santschi
In Brief The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time associate director of development. The candidate must have a Bachelor degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising/stewardship and marketing. A knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database is preferred. Must have excellent written, interpersonal and public speaking skills. Responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the Diocesan Support Appeal, promoting all special collections including the priests’ retirement and benefits collection, and coordinating parish stewardship efforts. Also oversees the diocesan database and office webpages. Please submit resume by September 6, 2021 to Jim Kelley, Office of Development, jkkelley@rcdoc.org. or mail to 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
St. Thomas Aquinas teen receives St. Timothy Award
Priest assigned
“Get your ducks in a row!”
Estate Planning | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner
704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com
6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
Business Manager
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kernersville, NC Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kernersville, NC, is seeking a full-time manager of business and finance. As a person of faith committed to the gospel values and responsible stewardship of resources, the Business Manager is an administrator in support of the pastor's goals and objectives for the parish and helps the parish fulfill its mission and purpose. Administrative responsibilities include the areas of finance, facilities, purchasing, cemetery sales, and human resource management. An undergraduate degree in business/finance or related field is required; at least two years’ experience in non-profit financial administration and CPA, preferred. Position start date: November 2021. More detailed information at CatholicJobs.com, job ID# 11015146556.
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August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Josquin’s ‘Ave Maria’:
Musical praise to Our Lady CHRISTINA L. REITZ SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
August is not only dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but also to the Solemnity of the Assumption and the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That means this month is an opportune time to reflect on music composed to honor Our Lady. One of the most timeless examples came from the Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez (c. 1450-1521). His “Ave Maria … virgo serena” remains one of the most popular and stunning works in music history. It falls under the genre of sacred motet, a vocal piece that at the time of Josquin’s writing was characterized by all the voices singing the same words to allow for text clarity, an issue of great importance during that time. Although we often view composers in the past as revered geniuses, they were regular people and, in Josquin’s case, had a playful sense of humor. As David W. Barber recounts in his “Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys,” Josquin was promised a raise that never materialized. To hasten the process in a rather clever manner, he composed the motet “Remember thy word unto thy servant.” The message was received, and after getting his raise, Josquin penned a piece on the text “Lord, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant.” The full title of “Ave Maria … virgo serena,” is generally used to distinguish it from other Ave Marias by the same composer. This one is sometimes referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Renaissance music” and, like its Da Vinci counterpart, is incredibly well-known and instantly recognizable. Although the work cannot be dated with certainty, it is believed to have been composed in the 1480s. As was typical of the time, the text is in Latin. Josquin opens the work with a quotation of a Gregorian chant on
“Madonna col Bambino” by the Italian baroque painter Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (17th century) the words first acclaimed by the angel Gabriel: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you (serene Virgin).” The voices present this joyful acclamation imitatively which, while beautiful, makes it difficult to understand the text. But the words are recognizable to any Catholic. After the opening, the imitation changes to enhance textual
For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com
In theaters ‘The Green Knight’ Viewers anxious to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages will revel in writer-director David Lowery’s artful adaptation of the 14th-century romance “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” in which the former (Dev Patel), King Arthur’s (Sean Harris) nephew, is honor bound by the terms of a challenge he bravely took up from the latter (Ralph Ineson), a giant tree-like creature, to travel to the monster’s remote lair, an epic journey with a potentially fatal outcome. Those on the lookout for a fast pace and a straightforward message, by contrast, may come away from the film less satisfied. Along with other, more discreet, scenes of bedroom intimacy, an interlude during which the warrior is tempted to violate the hospitality of a wealthy lord (Joel Edgerton) by giving in to the seductive wiles of the aristocrat’s wife (Alicia Vikander) is sufficiently explicit to exclude youthful moviegoers from the enjoyment of Lowery’s skillful direction and Andrew Droz Palermo’s consistently evocative cinematography. Occasional violence with some gore and occult themes. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R
clarity as each of the subsequent five stanzas sings of the major Marian feasts: Conception, Nativity, Annunciation, Purification (now referred to as the Presentation), and the Assumption. The work begins and ends in duple meter – which today may seem insignificant, but prior to the Ars Nova (“New Art”), a concept of 14th-century France that allowed for duple meter, triple meter was used almost exclusively because of its symbolism of the Holy Trinity. (In fact, units of three in music notation were called “perfections.”) Thus, when Josquin places one verse into triple, it is of great importance. The text in this stanza translates to “Hail true virginity, immaculate chastity whose purification was our purgation,” which demonstrates the critical role the Blessed Mother plays in our Salvation. Additionally, all four voices are sounding simultaneously to draw emphasis on these essential words. (When you watch the video at the link below, this begins at 2:30 in the clip.) Josquin precedes the ending section of the work with a measure of rest to grab the attention of the listener (occurring at approximately 4:00 in the online clip). Some interpret these words as a final, personal plea by the composer, and 500 years later, are ones that we still benefit from praying: “O Mater Dei, memento mei” (“O Mother of God, remember me”). CHRISTINA L. REITZ, Ph.D., is a professor of music at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. (Photo courtesy of Western Carolina University.)
Listen online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Listen to a performance of Josquin des Prez’s “Ave Maria … virgo serena,” featuring an English translation of the Latin text.
On TV n Sunday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Messiah: Paul, A Light to the Nations.” An extraordinary encounter transforms Saul, the most zealous enemy of the Messiah, into the apostle and emissary Paul, set apart and chosen by the Lord to bring his light to the nations. n Monday, Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m. (EWTN) “They Might be Saints: Ven, Mother Maria Kaupas.” The case for sainthood of Venerable Mother Maria Kaupas, founder of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Her inspirational work in education and healthcare led many to seek her intercession before God on their behalf. n Friday, Aug. 20, 11:30 a.m. (EWTN) “St. Rita of Cascia.” A look at the life of this stigmatized Augustinian nun who was known as a beautiful peacemaker. n Saturday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Pius XII: Under the Roman Sky.” Featuring James Cromwell as the title role, a portrayal of the heroic efforts of Pope Pius XII to save the Jews of Rome from the Nazis during World War II. Part 1. n Saturday, Aug. 21, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Hope: Our Lady of Knock.” A historical docudrama that covers the events leading up to and following the apparition of the Blessed Mother, St.
Joseph, St. John and the Eucharistic Christ that occurred in Knock, Ireland, in 1897. n Sunday, Aug. 22, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of the Angelus, live from Rome. n Sunday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Messiah: Enemies Under Your Feet.” After centuries of great persecution for God’s people, Constantine’s victory in 312 A.D. granted legitimacy to Christianity, allowing disciples to go forth and proclaim the Good News of the Messiah. n Monday, Aug. 23, 7:50 a.m. (EWTN) “The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Join the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word as they recite this beautiful prayer in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
VACCINE FROM PAGE 2
are not “complicit in an act of abortion by receiving a vaccine developed using cell lines distantly linked to an abortion.” “The Church teaches that a vaccine recipient’s participation in the act of abortion would be passive, material and remote. In other words, someone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine would not be morally complicit in the original act of abortion,” he said. Dr. Joseph Meaney, president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, notes that the Vatican and USCCB statements have not been a flat endorsement of the vaccines. “To a certain extent, people have taken the statements that have come out – which are all true, that people can discern in conscience to accept the vaccines – to be kind of an endorsement,” Meaney said. “It’s more like a permission. It’s a reluctant permission.”
VACCINATION SHOULD BE VOLUNTARY
Catholic teaching says any vaccination should be voluntary, not mandated. A number of clergy in the Diocese of Charlotte have gotten the vaccine and churches across the diocese have hosted vaccine clinics for parishioners and people in need, but the diocese is not requiring employees to be vaccinated. The diocese’s 19 schools are similarly not mandating the vaccine for its staff and students. Nor is the Benedictine-run Belmont Abbey College, but it is asking students to report their vaccination status after arriving on campus this month. Many corporations including Google
and Walmart, and health systems such as Atrium Health and Novant Health in Charlotte, Cone Health in Greensboro, and Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, are phasing in mandates for their workers. Federal and state law allows businesses to require COVID-19 vaccinations under certain circumstances. But to avoid violating anti-discrimination laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to workers who decline the vaccine on medical or religious grounds. Some Catholic leaders worry about a mandate and what they see as a lack of attention on offering exemptions. The Catholic bishops of Colorado in a joint letter Aug. 6 reiterated “the use of some COVID-19 vaccines is morally acceptable under certain circumstances,” but said they objected to mandating that Coloradans get vaccinated, after Denver became the first major U.S. city to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for private-sector employees. “We understand that some individuals have well-founded convictions that lead them to discern they should not get vaccinated,” the prelates said. “In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are convicted that the government should not impose medical interventions on an individual or group of persons. We urge respect for each person’s convictions and personal choices.” The Catholic Medical Association and the National Catholic Bioethics Center both recently issued similar statements urging against imposing a vaccine mandate without conscience, religious or medical exemptions, especially as a condition of employment. “Part of our Catholic doctrine is that you should have to follow your conscience,” said the NCBC’s Meaney. “And if your conscience is telling you not to do this,
then you’re not doing it not just from your conscience perspective, but also from your religious Catholic belief.” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church specifically addresses the formation of conscience in paragraphs 1776-1794.)
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT THE VACCINE?
People who opt not to get vaccinated are obligated to avoid transmitting the virus. That means following public health advice on face coverings and social distancing, avoiding travel and mass gatherings, and acting diligently to prevent virus spread. The Vatican’s guidance last December noted: “Those who ... for reasons of conscience, refuse vaccines produced with cell lines from aborted fetuses, must do their utmost to avoid, by other prophylactic means and appropriate behavior, becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent. In particular, they must avoid any risk to the health of those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons, and who are the most vulnerable.”
CONSIDER THE COMMON GOOD
Whether someone chooses to get the vaccine is a matter of individual conscience, yet it is also important to consider how one can best pursue the common good, which “concerns the life of all” (CCC, 1906). (Read more about how the Church defines the common good in the Catechism, paragraphs 1905-1912.) According to the Vatican’s guidance: “... from the ethical point of view, the morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect one’s own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good. In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed.” — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor, contributed.
BASILICA FROM PAGE 8
no ability to attend Mass in person or participate in parish activities. When asked what she loves most about her parish of 11 years, choir member Dona Cavanagh said, “I love the choir. It’s a little extra job to do, it gives us a purpose. I couldn’t not come on Sundays. It gets me out of the door in the morning. I just have to be here, it’s a wonderful place.” Usher Chris Fiore and his wife Kamilla have been parishioners of the basilica for more than four years. “We came and visited a couple of years before we moved here. The first time we saw the basilica we were on vacation in Tennessee. We were driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and decided we wanted to come see it. We fell in love with the basilica.” Fiore says what he loves about it now, after being involved at the parish is that “it’s such a vibrant community. There is so much spirit. People are really fervent here.” Tom Bernard and his wife Denise are newcomers to the parish after moving to Asheville last April. They have joined the choir and sang for the feast day Mass. Bernard said when they came to the area, “we fell in love with the basilica. It reminds us so much of the churches in New Orleans where we are from. We were drawn to it for that reason.” Deacon Miles, who has served the parish for the past five years, says he loves the people. “Everyone tells me we have a beautiful church, but it is made more beautiful when the people are in it. It is a special community.”
A S P EC I A L E D I T I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D
WELCOME
GROWING
TUITION HELP
Details on applying New principals named Expansion projects for OLA, Sacred Heart, under way to make room for financial aid St. Ann and BMHS for rising enrollments
August 13, 2021
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Mission Statement In communion with our families and parishes, and rooted in Scripture, Tradition and the defined teachings of the Catholic Church, we form students to be virtuous disciples of Jesus Christ, who pursue excellence of intellect, body, heart and soul with salvation as the ultimate goal.
5 essential marks of a Catholic school 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision 2. Founded on Christian anthropology 3. Animated by communion and community 4. Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum 5. Sustained by Gospel witness — From: “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B.
About the cover Students at Charlotte Catholic High School take selfies with Bishop Peter Jugis during his visit to the campus for Catholic Schools Week in February 2020 – just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite the pandemic, the 2020-’21 school year was a successful one, and this year all schools are open again for in-person learning. SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Students at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury spent their mornings last May learning to read with the Super Kids Reading Program, a core literacy curriculum for kindergarten to second-grade classes.
Confidence in Catholic schools boosts enrollment this fall SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Enrollment at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools is increasing, as more parents recognize the value of in-person learning for their children. The diocese will welcome students back starting Aug. 18, when 17 of the 19 schools will open. Asheville Catholic School will open Aug. 23, and Immaculata School in Hendersonville will open Aug. 24. Last year all 19 Catholic schools in western North Carolina adapted to challenges caused by the pandemic and were able to successfully conduct in-person instruction. The Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force closely monitored data and public health guidance, shifting students to hybrid or virtual learning when infections and quarantines reached certain levels. Schools were not a source of COVID-19 outbreaks even after health protocols were relaxed last spring, and summer camps involving hundreds of children saw no positive cases. This fall, school leaders are taking what they learned last year and over the summer to continue providing a safe in-person learning environment that is as normal as possible. “This past year allowed us to work together to reorient on our mission and be a light on the hill and leaders in education,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of schools. “We continue that momentum this year by providing a faithbased education that looks as normal as possible for the good of our students.”
This year face coverings will be optional for students and staff, and social distancing will be reduced to 3 feet or eliminated as appropriate. Plexiglass barriers, one-way traffic patterns and reduced activities are a thing of the past. However, a few keys to success last year will continue to be emphasized, including attentiveness to hygiene, cleaning protocols, symptom recognition and awareness, and adaptability to make adjustments and changes based on internal and worldwide health research and data. Parents say they are happy with the results, and enrollment numbers show it. As of press time, 7,570 students are enrolled for the fall – a 7.7 percent jump compared to last fall – and 185 more applications are in the pipeline. Catherine and Joe Lordi have four children attending Asheville Catholic School this fall. The family enrolled their eldest child at ACS in 2017, and their youngest starts pre-kindergarten this month. “We are firm believers in the power of Catholic education,” Catherine Lordi said. “I don’t think a school could have done a better job than ACS. The school had a plan and executed it with fidelity, and our teachers made sacrifices that you can’t quantify.” “I was constantly reassured by the staff every day, and by what my children shared with me, when they came home from school, that they were safe and happy,” she added. Steve DeRose and his wife Kim were among hundreds of parents who enrolled their children midway through last school year, after hearing about the Catholic schools. Nolan and Meghan
went into St. Patrick School in Charlotte last February, and both are back this fall. “We couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” Steve DeRose told the Catholic News Herald. The kids’ move in the middle of the school year was no problem, he said. “They didn’t skip a beat. It would not have been possible if not for the welcoming staff and teachers, as well as the families. They fit right in and quickly became part of the St. Pat’s family.” DeRose said they chose Catholic schools based on two factors: “marked deficiencies” they noticed in their previous school’s curriculum when the kids were put on virtual instruction, and an increased emphasis on what they saw there as “politically progressive and divisive agendas.” Shawn Flynn has two children who attend Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools and he serves as president of the MACS School Board. He said he has been pleased with the growth in enrollment and the work of Catholic schools’ staffs in safeguarding students’ health and wellbeing during the pandemic. “The real heroes are the teachers and the staff in our schools. Despite extraordinary circumstances, these heroes battled their own uncertainties and fears to show up and provide the absolute best educational experience possible for our children,” Flynn said. “I hope all of the teachers know how much parents really appreciate them and all they do for our children,” he said. “We now know our children really benefited from being in the classroom learning with their peers.”
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI
‘The real heroes are the teachers and the staff in our schools. Despite extraordinary circumstances, these heroes battled their own uncertainties and fears to show up and provide the absolute best educational experience possible for our children.’ Shawn Flynn
Catholic school parent and MACS School Board president
Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions n Will face coverings be required? Most schools are following diocesan guidance to make face coverings optional for students, staff and visitors at school campuses and on buses. However, this may be subject to change based on local pandemic conditions and guidance from the Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force. Schools’ athletic activities will follow the guidelines on face coverings as set by their respective athletic association.
n What health measures are schools following this year to keep students and staff safe? BUSES: Buses will continue to have increased cleaning measures, and there will be assigned seating with siblings paired together. Face coverings are optional for bus riders and drivers. HANDWASHING: Handwashing opportunities for all students and staff will be provided throughout the school day. QUARANTINE PROTOCOL: Anyone with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test will be required to quarantine for 10 days after onset of symptoms. Anyone not fully vaccinated who has a confirmed exposure will be required to quarantine 7-10 days following the identified exposure. CONTACT TRACING: Where a positive case or exposure is identified, the local health department will be notified and, if needed, contact tracing will be conducted. Contact tracing will encompass siblings, carpool members and those identified as a direct contact (within 3 feet for 15 minutes or longer).
These and other health protocols are subject to change depending on changing pandemic conditions and guidance from the Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force.
n Are students and employees required to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Students and staff are not required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as the diocese recognizes this is a personal choice for each individual. Federal and state public health officials recommend the vaccine for everyone aged 12 and older. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “COVID-19 vaccination can help protect your child from getting COVID-19. Although fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Getting your child vaccinated helps to protect your child and your family. Vaccination is now recommended for everyone 12 years and older. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the only one available to children 12 years and older.”
n What happens if a COVID-19 outbreak or quarantine forces a school to close? Schools will be ready to temporarily shift to hybrid or virtual instruction based on the COVID-19 metrics determined by the task force. Sustained virtual learning options for individual families may be available at some schools.
The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education for Catholic Schools Father Timothy Reid and led by Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of schools. Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. MACS also has its own appointed school board. Learn more online at www. charlottediocese.org/schools-office.
Reid
Monroe
Accreditation All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by Cognia (formerly known as AdvancED), the largest community of preK-12 education professionals in the world, serving more than 36,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 85 countries that educate more than 25 million students. Cognia provides accreditation and continuous improvement resources to preK-12 institutions, and conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of preK-12 institutions to ensure continuous improvement.
At Asheville Catholic School,
Leaders Light the Way into a brand-new est. 1956 school building and school year!
We want to thank all who have supported our new south wing with six new classrooms!
Questions about enrollment?
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Karen Westmoreland, Director of Enrollment and Development kwestmoreland@ashevillecatholic.org
Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St. Asheville, NC 28804 (828)252-7896
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Construction projects under way to expand, improve Catholic schools facilities SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Properties and Risk Management Office is working hard to keep pace with multiple Catholic schools’ expansion projects under way to accommodate growing enrollment and investments in state-of-the-art educational facilities. Two projects are winding down – at Asheville Catholic School and St. Gabriel School in Charlotte – where work is expected to be completed when school starts this month. Construction on the long-awaited MACS Fine Arts Center adjacent to Charlotte Catholic High School is in full swing. The diocesan Properties Office has two more extensive construction projects lined up this coming year: an athletic complex at Christ the King High School in Huntersville and, at Immaculata School in Hendersonville, a STEM Lab and relocation of the main entrance to create a secure vestibule and new administrative offices. More details on current and upcoming Catholic schools’ construction projects are:
The MACS Fine Arts Center is taking shape on the campus of Charlotte Catholic High School. The $21 million center is expected to open at the beginning of the 2022-’23 school year. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHOATE CONSTRUCTION, ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, SHIEL SEXTON AND THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Asheville Catholic School A 12,000-square-foot addition at Asheville Catholic School – the first for the school in nearly four decades – is complete. It includes six classrooms, a dedicated art room, common areas and more. Every aspect of the project incorporates environmentally-friendly design elements, from energy-efficient LED lighting to pervious surface parking to collect stormwater runoff. The most exciting and visible aspect is the addition of over 200 solar panels to the roof (beginning in September) that will help power the school. The $3.9 million project was funded in part by a $3 million school capital campaign, a $390,000 St. Eugene Parish “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign rebate and a $475,000 “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” grant. The school will celebrate the project’s completion with a ribbon-cutting event with Bishop Peter Jugis Aug. 26.
A new parking lot will also be constructed on the gym’s north side. Construction is expected to start this winter and take 10 months to a year to complete. The $6.6 million project is being funded by $3.96 million in pledged donations from the Christ the King High School community and $2.7 million from Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.
St. Gabriel School Asheville Catholic School has six new classrooms, a dedicated art room, common areas and more.
Christ the King High School in Huntersville will start construction on a new Athletic & Activity Complex this winter.
MACS Fine Arts Center The MACS Fine Arts Center, a 47,700-square-foot facility located on the Charlotte Catholic High School campus, is taking shape. Diocesan properties officials confirm the building exterior structure is up and roofing work and some exterior glass work is set to start around the time school begins this month. Inside the new structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work is under way in preparation for pouring the building’s first-floor concrete slab. When completed, the $21 million center will house a 600-seat auditorium and a high-quality performance and exhibit space for MACS students. It will also house an art room, a band room, choral room, ceramics studio, dance studio, digital lab, stage and theater. Charlotte Catholic’s visual and performing arts classes will move to the new center, freeing up space inside the high school for other classroom use as well as space for a weight room, wrestling room and more. Construction is expected to continue through the end of the 2021-’22 year, with
With a growing student population, St. Gabriel School in Charlotte has reconfigured 5,829 square feet on the building’s main level – part of which was used as office space and part of the media center –to add two new classrooms to accommodate additional kindergarten and first-grade classes. An art space was also created within the media center. The $659,000 project was funded by Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools and St. Gabriel Parish.
Immaculata School
St. Gabriel School in Charlotte has a new art room and two new classrooms to accommodate a growing number of students.
Immaculata School in Hendersonville will relocate its main entrance and build a STEM Lab.
completion anticipated before the start of the 2022-’23 school year.
foot addition, which will include a new gymnasium with bleacher seating for 728 people and cross-court play. It will also have home and visitor locker rooms. The existing 7,500-square-foot gym will be converted into a stage, storage rooms, offices for a coach and trainer, and an awards gallery. The stage will be used for band, musical and theater performances as well as school assemblies and school-wide Masses.
Christ the King High School Christ the King High School in Huntersville is poised to begin construction this winter on the Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex. The project features a 14,226-square-
Thanks to financial support from Shea Homes, Immaculata School will begin construction this fall on a new 1,700-square-foot STEM Lab and relocation of its main entrance to create a controlled security vestibule and new administrative offices. The school will heighten its presence in downtown Hendersonville by capping its new 500-square-foot entrance lobby with a tower element designed to complement the architecture of Immaculate Conception Church across the street. Construction is expected to start this fall and continue through the end of the school year. The school intends to hire a new teacher to lead the school’s new STEM program next fall when the new STEM Lab is complete. The $2 million project is being funded by a $1.9 million grant from Shea Homes and $100,000 donated from the school community.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI
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Diocese schools welcome four new leaders this fall CHARLOTTE — Four of the diocese’s Catholic schools are welcoming new leaders this school year: Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Ann schools in Charlotte, Sacred Heart School in Salisbury and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.
ERIN BRINKLEY Sacred Heart School, Salisbury Brinkley, herself a 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart School, is a veteran teacher and administrator with over 17 years of experience. A member of Sacred Heart Church, she holds a bachelor’s Brinkley degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University. Her tenure includes 10 years in the Kannapolis City Schools, a stint as faith formation director for Sacred Heart Parish, and five years at Sacred Heart School, where she has taught kindergarten, third and fifth grades, and served as dean of students. Besides teaching, she served on the school’s leadership team, where she facilitated school-wide initiatives such as the dedicated STEM Maker Space, “Cranium Cove,” and projectbased learning opportunities in the
school’s sensory garden and outdoor learning space. She was instrumental in integrating extra enrichment time into the middle school schedule through an innovative Flex Time program that allowed students to discover a passion in unique classes. She and her husband Damon have three children, all of whom attend Sacred Heart School.
MICHELLE KUHN St. Ann School, Charlotte A member of St. Matthew Church, Kuhn holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in educational Kuhn administration from the University of Notre Dame. During her time there, she was a member of the 12th cohort of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program for future Catholic school principals. She has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, most recently serving as an assistant principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville. She is a graduate of the diocesan school system, and she is married to fellow Charlotte Catholic High School grad Jeremy Kuhn. Two of the Kuhns’ four children are Charlotte Catholic graduates, and their
daughter is in 10th grade there. Their son is in seventh grade at Holy Trinity Middle School.
TYLER KULP Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte Kulp brings more than 16 years of experience as a teacher, department chair and administrator. He began his school leadership career in the diocese in 2015, when he began serving as principal Kulp at Sacred Heart School. Prior to that, he worked in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. He holds a Master of Science in school administration from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in school administration and middle grades math from Catawba College in Salisbury. He is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. A certified master catechist, he is also an Apple Teacher and a member of the Alliance for Catholic Education, National Catholic Educational Association and Institute for Catholic Liberal Education. He and his wife Jessica have two children.
DR. JARED RASHFORD Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville
Head of School Rashford is a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, department chair, administrator and independent education scholar. He holds a Rashford doctorate in teaching and learning from Georgia State University, bachelor’s degrees in biology and Spanish from Duke University, and a master’s degree in education from Wake Forest University. Rashford’s education career began in the Triad. While pursuing his master’s degree in education at Wake Forest University, he completed his student teaching at Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem. He has most recently served as associate headmaster at St. Louis Priory School in St. Louis, where he oversaw the school’s program of study as well as the offices of admissions, athletics, college counseling, communications and technology. He also has worked as a consultant in educational design, management and curriculum. Previously, he was a department chair and faculty member at an independent school in Pittsburgh, and he also worked as a public school teacher in Georgia. Rashford his wife Amanda are returning to the Triad, where they began their family life together 22 years ago. The couple has five children.
With roots in the Triad, incoming
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Other principals Margaret Beale Immaculata School Gary Callus St. Leo School Christopher Kloesz St. Pius X School Michael Miller Asheville Catholic School Kevin O’Herron St. Matthew School Kevin Parks Holy Trinity Middle School Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J. Our Lady of Mercy School Catherine Rusch Our Lady of Grace School Ryan Schnaith-Ivan Immaculate Heart of Mary School Dr. Carl Semmler Christ the King High School Michele Snoke St. Gabriel School Kurt Telford Charlotte Catholic High School Julie Thornley St. Mark School Amy Tobergte St. Patrick School Michelle Vollman St. Michael School
Now Enrolling!
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PreK-8th Grade Special Education Programs
Immediate openings for teachers, teacher assistants, and substitute teachers in our 9 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. o
Charlotte Catholic High School 704.543.1127
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Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 704.527.7822
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St. Ann Catholic School 704.525.4938
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St. Matthew Catholic School 704.544.2070
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Christ the King High School 704.799.4400
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Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School 704.531.0067
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St. Gabriel Catholic School 704.366.2409
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St. Mark Catholic School 704.766.5000 St. Patrick Catholic School 704.333.3174
Contact the school directly for additional information and visit the employment opportunity website at: www.charlottediocese.org/schools-office/employment-opportunities
The Journey Matters!
Start with a tour, stay for the experience. To schedule a tour, call our Admissions Office at (336) 275-1522 or visit our website www.olgsch.org.
Affordability Enrichment Classes Homework Support Before/After School Care Summer Camps Daily Hot Lunch
55+ 50-60%
10:1
of 7th grade
activities
students qualify
including
Student
for the Duke TIP
grades Pre-K - 8th
100%
20+ Clubs &
Teacher to
Ratio in
3
Fieldtrips in
Special Education
Over the past 3 years acceptance to
grades PreK-8,
and Learning
Athletics.
including Historic
Support Programs
programs,
program,
Chess, Choir,
Sites, Museums,
for students with
including IB programs,
performing
Cooking, Art,
Outdoor
Autism and
Bishop McGuinness
in the top 5% in
Science-based
Education,
Learning
the nation
clubs and more
Retreats and more
Disabilities
competitive high school
Catholic High School, Weaver Academy, and UNC School of the Arts
6
catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Our Catholic schools at a glance PAGES 6-9: Basic facts to help you in considering a Catholic education for your children KATHERINE MCCARTHY INTERN
By the numbers 99 percent of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education. Scholarships awarded last year: Bishop McGuinness: $5,000,000 Charlotte Catholic: $20,233,419 Christ the King: $9,782,986
Did you know? The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcome students of all backgrounds, even as most of their students are Catholic and the school system strives to inculcate the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church. Catholic: 87% Non-Catholic / Community: 13% Boys: 51.2% Girls: 48.8% Hispanic: 8.9% Non-Hispanic: 91.2% Asian: 4% Black: 2.8% Caucasian: 87% Hawaiian-Pacific Islander: 0.2% Multi-race: 3.8% Native American: 1.2% Unknown: 1%
How do I apply? Navigating the application process for the diocese’s parish-based schools and for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (MACS) is a straightforward online process. The admissions process begins in November and general admissions begin in March, continuing as space is available. All schools work on a rolling admissions basis until all spots are full. Students entering pre-kindergarten must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31. TK students must be 5 on or before Oct. 15. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31. Details for MACS – including required documents and placement testing information – can be found online at www.www.discovermacs.org/apply. Details for each parish-based school can be found on their respective website. Questions? Call the individual school or the MACS Office any time in the application process at 704-370-3273.
Step 1:
Take a Tour
P
arents invest a great deal in providing their children with an education. From driving back and forth, to packing lunches and helping with math homework that seems much more challenging than it should be, at times it may feel as if parents themselves are back in school. Add in the cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees, and the goal of providing your child with a Catholic education suddenly appears difficult to achieve. However, there is so much more than simply math homework and book reports tied into the value of a Catholic education. In fact, former St. Mark School parent Theresa Lister says the cost of a Catholic education is “well worth it” for the contribution it makes in grounding children in their Catholic faith. She adds that a Catholic education is “the best of all worlds – combining faith, community and education.” When you send your child to any of the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) or any of the 10 parish-based schools in western North Carolina, you provide your child with a well-rounded Catholic education that works to cultivate their faith, volunteerism and creativity. What sets a Catholic education apart from anything else? Along with the other 18 principals in the diocesan school system, Tyler Kulp, principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, emphasizes that it is Tyler Kulp prayer and incorporating the Principal, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic faith into everything School in Charlotte done as a school community. “It is so important that we encompass it with everything. We pray every day – it’s the first thing we do every morning. As a school, we start the day with a daily reading and continue this prayer throughout the day. It is so important to include prayer in everything we do,” Kulp notes. Along with prayer, students work to serve their communities, living beyond themselves by giving to others and connecting with people who may have lives very different from their own. As Kulp puts it, “It’s so important for our kids to go out and serve our community. They come back on fire from seeing that they were doing something good.” When you provide your child with a Catholic education, you start them on the right path to being active members in their community. In a world deprived of compassion, our Catholic schools cultivate talented, compassionate and successful members of society. Kulp adds, “What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.” All three of the diocese’s high schools have a college counseling department and counselors who guide students through the college search, application and financial aid processes. Last year, graduates from the three high schools received a combined $35 million in college scholarships and grants. Students have committed to play a variety of collegiate sports, including football, swimming, tennis and soccer, at different universities across the country. Connor Malloy, a 2017 Christ the King graduate, notes, “My Catholic education gave me the tools to tackle a college education through a good building of character, a great work ethic, and a desire to do more than just the bare minimum.” Malloy adds, “If approaching a Catholic education the right way, you will benefit in not just academics but more than you can imagine.”
‘What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.’
Step 2:
Complete Application Online
Step 3:
Pay Application Fee
Step 4: Complete Checklist Items
• It is recommended to call the school directly to schedule a tour before applying. • Tours are typically done by the school's principal. • It is a great way to ask specific questions about curriculum and what is offered to fit your child’s needs.
• The online system for applying allows you to start at either a specific school’s website or at discoverMACS.org. • Just click the big green button, labeled “Apply Now.” • Applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office anytime throughout the application process.
• Pay by credit card, bank draft or check. Details are online.
• Along with the application, applicants must submit a birth certificate and proof of a physical exam and immunization records. • Additionally, families that wish to qualify for participating Catholic tuition rates must submit a baptismal certificate and completed parish participation voucher. • Some schools may ask for the student’s most recent years of grades and standardized test scores. • MACS high schools require principal and teacher recommendations and transcripts.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI
What is the cost of a Catholic education? CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL ST. ANN SCHOOL ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL ST. MARK SCHOOL ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
What about financial aid and tuition discounts?
TUITION FOR MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADES
PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS
NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS/COMMUNITY
Pre-Kindergarten TK, K and Grades 1-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12
$4,613 / $7,211 $7,545 $8,475 $12,087
$4,941 / $7,723 $12,167 $13,131 $17,288
NOTE: Tuition rates for MAP, PACE and Matthew Morgan programs vary. Excludes 6th/7th Grade Activity Fee, 8th Grade Graduation Fee, 12th Grade Graduation Fee, and a MACS annual capital fee of $1,473 per family. A multiple-child tuition discount is available for participating Catholic families: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 50% for the fourth child and free for the fifth child and beyond. Go to www.discovermacs.org/tuition for details. TUITION FOR PARISH-BASED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS
NON-PARTICIPATING CATHOLICS/COMMUNITY
$10,105 $8,445 $4,750 $6,504 $6,355 $6,990 $6,997 $7,400 $6,216 $7,128
$13,777 $10,245 $7,875 $9,204 $9,230 $11,014 $8,299 $12,150 $8,276 $10,380
BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL IMMACULATA SCHOOL IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL ST. PIUS X SCHOOL
CAPITAL FEE
GRADUATION FEE
TECHNOLOGY FEE
IMPROVEMENT FEE
BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL √ √ √ ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATA SCHOOL √ √ √ IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL √ OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL SACRED HEART SCHOOL √ ST. LEO SCHOOL ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL √ √ ST. PIUS X SCHOOL √
√ √ √
Other financial aid options include the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, Disabilities Grant Program, and Education Savings Accounts. These programs can cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school. In addition, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.
√
LUNCH PROGRAMS
The national average cost of uniforms at Catholic schools in the United States is $249. Each school provides specific information about their uniforms on their websites. Most options can be purchased through Lands’ End, but some may provide used-uniform sales or swaps throughout the school year. Additionally, check your local consignment shop for discounted uniform items such as pants and skirts.
Fees vary by school and by order. Information is provided on the school’s website and at each school office.
MACS TRANSPORTATION FEES REGISTRATION FEE $75
ONE-WAY RIDER TWO-WAY RIDER $1,212 $1,791
Did you know?
Other financial aid
UNIFORMS
MACS offers bus and shuttle transportation with routes in Charlotte, Huntersville and Mooresville. Details are on the MACS website under Programs. Note: Some bus routes are already full, so contact MACS Transportation at 704-370-3263 to be placed on a waitlist. Transportation fees for parish-based schools range from $95 to $165 per month, but check with your specific school to confirm. Some schools do not provide a transportation system, but may provide parents with a car-pool list.
All of the diocese’s schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available – see the information at left. Tuition assistance is also available to qualified families. A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is needbased and can only assist with the cost of tuition. As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3265 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid. The diocese’s nine parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar needbased tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website. All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family. Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.
$4.2 million in financial aid was provided to students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system in 2019-’20 (the latest data available), with 90 percent of families who applied being awarded financial aid.
What about miscellaneous costs?
TRANSPORTATION
7
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Most parish-based schools provide after school services ranging from $180 to $260 a month with other daily price options. Check with your specific school for details.
MACS AFTER SCHOOL FEES
FULL-TIME
PART-TIME
One child:
$225 per month
$23 daily
Each additional child:
$155 per month
$13 daily
Note: Registration for the MACS After School program is $60 per family.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in kindergarten through 12th grade. This program provides funding of up to $4,200 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees and some other expenses at a participating school. This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in Kindergarten through 12th grade. An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card. This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school. Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility. For details, go to the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority’s website at www.ncseaa.edu/k12.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Our Catholic Schools The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprised of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), parish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.
Diocesan High School Parish-based Schools This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the diocese’s Catholic Schools system, they are directly administered by a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 172 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8
St. Leo Catholic School 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Gary Callus, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 200 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area.
KERNERSVILLE
WINSTON-SALEM HIGH POINT
Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 198 Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
ASHEVILLE
HENDERSONVILLE Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828693-3277 www.immac.org Margaret Beale, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 149 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Ryan Schnaith-Ivan, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 248 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 for PK, 14:1 for K-5, 10:1 for 6-8
SALISBURY Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 704-6332841 www.salisburycatholicschool.org Erin Brinkley, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 153 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
GASTONIA St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052; 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelcs.com Michelle Vollman, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 117 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8
CHARLOTTE
GREENSBORO St. Pius X Catholic School 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408; 336-273-9865 www.spxschool.com Christopher Kloesz, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 416 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Bishop McGuinness High School 1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336564-1010 www.bmhs.us Dr. Jared Rashford, head of school Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 422 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Catherine Rusch, principal Grades: PK3-8 Enrollment: 230 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 11:1 for K-8
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $4,147 for half-day PK to $11,352 for high school. For details, go online to www.discovermacs.org. Christ the King Catholic High School 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Dr. Carl Semmler, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 333 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School 4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olacatholic.org Tyler Kulp, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 149 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.gocchs.com Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,149 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
St. Ann Catholic School 600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stanncatholic.org Michelle Kuhn, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 247 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 866 Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
St. Gabriel Catholic School 3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Michele Snoke, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 571
St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Julie Thornley, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 620 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.stmattwildcats.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 616 Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Amy Tobergte, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 208 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
NOTE: ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR OR AS REPORTED BY THE SCHOOL. SOURCES INCLUDE THE EDUCATION VICARIATE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CHARLOTTEDIOCESE. ORG, DIOCESAN SCHOOLS STAFF, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL WEBSITES. PHOTOS PROVIDED
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI
New Options Program helps special-needs students SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — A new program will enable children with special needs to remain enrolled in the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools from kindergarten all the way through high school. The Options Program, which launches in August for the 2021-’22 academic year, creates a path for kindergarten-fifth grade students enrolled in the Matthew Morgan program at St. Patrick School and the MAP program at St. Ann School who continue at Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte to go on to Charlotte Catholic High School. Students in the PACE program at Our Lady of the Assumption School can go on to Charlotte Catholic as well. In elementary school, the Matthew Morgan program at St. Patrick School serves students with Down Syndrome. The MAP program at St. Ann School and the PACE program at Our Lady of
the Assumption School are designed for students with special needs who require a modified academic curriculum. All three of these programs matriculate to Holy Trinity’s MAP (Modified Academic Program) for students in sixth to eighth grades. The diocese’s Catholic schools have served students with special learning needs for many years, but this additional effort will open the door to a high school education and opportunities for higher education. “What makes this new is a curriculum specifically developed to bring these two programs together and creates a ‘certificate’ path that will allow these students to explore options on college/ university campuses beyond high school,” said Amy Tobergte, principal of St. Patrick School and among those spearheading the Options Program. “We call it the Options Program because it gives options for all students, so they all have the opportunity to learn in a Catholic environment,” said Angela Montague,
Now Enrolling for 2021-2022
Sacred Heart Catholic School We are Learners to Leaders!
Sacred Heart is known for its small class sizes, leadership development, and beautiful 100-acre campus. We love learning outdoors! Many classes have no waiting list!
385 Lumen Christi Lane Salisbury, NC 28147
704-633-2841 salisburycatholicschool.org
former principal of St. Patrick School when the Matthew Morgan Program began about 18 years ago and now assistant principal at Charlotte Catholic High School. “It’s been really exciting” to be a part of developing the program, said Stephen Dey, parent of a special-needs daughter who just graduated from Holy Trinity Middle School. Avery Dey will be among the first students to participate in the Options Program this fall at Charlotte Catholic. Dey himself is a 1985 graduate of Charlotte Catholic, and a member of the diocesan school board serving as a parent advisor on the Catholic Schools Office’s Special Needs committee. Dey noted that the Options Program is still in the initial stages, but he encouraged parents of special-needs students to “have the endgame in mind,” by supporting their child with developing their social skills and looking ahead to what they may want to do beyond high school.
Did you know? At the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, every child is given equal opportunity to excel. All 19 schools in our system provide learning support initiatives to meet the educational needs of all students. Four special learning programs are offered: n Matthew Morgan Program (MMP) tailored for students with Down Syndrome n Modified Academic Program (MAP) n Providing Academically Appropriate Catholic Education (PACE) n Quest program (availability varies between schools) tailored for students with autism
For more information Learn more about the Options Program at Charlotte Catholic High School and other educational programs for students with enhanced educational needs online at www.charlottediocese.org/macs/speciallearning-programs or contact Sissie Kilby, admissions coordinator, at 704-370-3273 or email slkilby@charlottediocese.org.
Employment Opportunities
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools are hiring After School Assistants for the 2021-22 school year at these locations. St. Mark Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School St. Ann Catholic School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School Holy Trinity Middle School St. Gabriel Catholic School Start Date: August 18th Hours: 2:30 - 6:00 pm | Mondays - Fridays We also have openings for a Cafeteria Manager and a Cafeteria Assistant at St. Gabriel Catholic School If interested contact: Ellen Buening eabuening@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3268.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Endowment funds benefit our schools and make Catholic education more accessible CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 75 endowments with a total market value of approximately $15 million that directly aid the diocese’s 19 schools and their students: n American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School. n Asheville Catholic School Foundation Endowment Fund: Financial support to enable the school to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers, and enhance the school’s curriculum. n Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of St. Leo Parish families to attend St. Leo School in WinstonSalem. n Bishop McGuinness High School Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at this school in Kernersville. n Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville.
to attend St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Cornelius Alexander Davis Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem. n Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Church attending Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Derhofer Endowment Fund: For drama department productions, capital needs related to the drama department, and tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School. n Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area. n Stephen and Jessica Dey Options Endowment Fund: Benefits the “Options” programs at the diocese’s schools. n Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of the diocese’s schools. n ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign endowment: Tuition assistance n Gayden and Janell Gauthier Fund: Tuition scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.
n Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
n O’Brien and William Edwards Gibbs Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
n Molly Cassidy Scholarship Fund: Tuition assistance for Triad area Catholic school students.
n Gismondi Family Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Church parishioners to attend Christ the King High School in Huntersville.
n Catholic Education Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the diocese. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: Financial assistance, at the board’s discretion, to Charlotte Catholic High School students. n Charlotte Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Benefits Charlotte Catholic High School. n James P. and Eunice S. Cherry Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students
n Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte. n Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund for Asheville Catholic School: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School. n Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Endowment Fund: Supports the general needs of Holy Trinity Middle School.
Endowments aid students, schools
the general needs of the school.
$4,041,854 has been distributed from 75 endowments managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation that directly benefited students and schools
n Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael School in Gastonia.
Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools families. n LeFeber Endowment: This fund provides tuition assistance to students at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville. n LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Mooresville and St. Mark Church in Huntersville to attend Christ the King High School. n Manley Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students of families at St. Eugene Church to attend Catholic elementary school. n Sister Terry Martin Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students matriculating in higher education from Clay and Cherokee counties.
n Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
n Victoria Sleeman Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Church to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: For professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School. n St. Ann School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n St. Gabriel School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n St. Mary Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mary’s parishioners attending Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X schools in Greensboro and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
n Catherine McAuley Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.
n St. Leo the Great School Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the general needs of the school.
n Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point.
n St. Mark Catholic School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.
n Lee McGuiness Endowment: Benefits the Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association.
n St. Matthew Catholic School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n St. Michael School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.
n Immaculata School Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.
n Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem.
n Immaculate Heart of Mary School Endowment
n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Development Council: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area.
n Theresa Lasecki Talbert Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.
n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ students with special needs.
n Remo and Carolyn Termini Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Asheville Catholic School.
n Katelyn Mitchell Student Athlete Scholarship Endowment Fund: TFor the benefit of a studentathlete in 6th, 7th or 8th grade at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.
n John Michael Thompson Endowment Fund: For the benefit of Sacred Heart School in Salisbury.
Immediate openings for teachers, teacher assistants, and substitute teachers at all schools. Please contact any Diocese of Charlotte Catholic School directly for additional information at: www.charlottediocese.org/schools/ To apply visit the employment opportunity website at: www.charlottediocese.org/schools-office/ employment-opportunities
n Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Vic Nussbaum Jr. Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Onulak Endowment: Tuition assistance to students at Asheville Catholic School. n Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school. n Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School: For the general needs of Our Lady of the school. n Poutre Family Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Quinn Family Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Catholic students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties to attend Catholic high schools in these counties, Davidson College or Queens University. n Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund: For
n St. Pius X School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at the school.
n F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance for students in all nine MACS schools. n Triad Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance to students attending a Catholic elementary or high school in the Triad area. n Villalon Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n Sabrinia Watt Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School to attend a college of their choice. n Woelfel Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance at Our Lady of Grace School for student educational purposes, such as purchasing textbooks or technology needs. n Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Sister Emma Yondura Endowment: For the benefit of St. Leo School in Winston-Salem.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI
‘Education in Virtue’ program adopted by more diocesan schools SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Two more Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will begin using the “Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue” program this fall. St. Ann School in Charlotte and St. Pius X School in Greensboro will launch the Christian values curriculum starting this fall, joining existing users Sacred Heart School in Salisbury and St. Michael School in Gastonia. The “Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue” program is structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and was developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Mich. It is designed to provide a consistent structure and systematic instruction for students to learn about the seven virtues so that they can form the habits necessary to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Crystal Koury, assistant superintendent of diocesan schools, said the two additional schools will take advantage of additional resources from the Dominican sisters to launch the program and prepare teachers who will be implementing the program. The additional training and onboarding resources are a new component, Koury said, emphasizing the value of virtue and building it up
not only in students and teachers, but also in families. The Dominican sisters recently provided training sessions for staff, teachers and administrators who will be using the new program this fall, she said. Koury explained the effort is about “creating a common language and a common approach to everyday life. We don’t want to just learn about virtue. We want to focus on a program that reinforces how to live virtue.” “The goal is to continue to focus on instilling virtue in our students,” she said, “because if we are instilling virtue, we are working towards our mission to equip students to be disciples of Christ and approach the world with a Catholic view.” An eight-member Virtue Development Committee in the Catholic Schools Office vetted the program, procured resources and planned professional development opportunities to get the program off the ground. The committee represents a variety of stakeholders including parents, teachers, administrators, priests and Catholic Schools Office employees. Steering the committee is Katie Matlak, coordinator of certification and curriculum and program assistant with the Education Vicariate. Beyond this project, the Virtue Development Committee has a wider focus, looking at ways to cultivate
virtue and leadership at all of the diocese’s 19 schools. Committee member and St. Pius X’s Assistant Principal Antonette Aguilera said the “Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue” program stood out “because of the way in which it is designed to permeate school culture.” Rather than being another curriculum simply to add on to other programs, she said, it is “an approach to living, to learning and to teaching. We look forward to creating a shared dialogue and a community-wide understanding of living in virtue.” Kathy McKinney, who just retired as principal, said St. Ann School and its new principal Michelle Kuhn look forward to sharing information with parents this fall after teachers have received resources and training. Echoing Aguilera, McKinney noted, “We liked that this is not simply a program or one more thing that we have to do, but rather a school-wide approach to common language that will help all understand virtues, think about virtues when making decision for ourselves and others, as well as guiding all of us to be consistent with our approach to day to day situations. This will provide us with a consistent framework for promoting our Catholic identity and being Christlike to others in what we say and do, as well as how we choose to live our lives.” — www.sistersofmary.org contributed.
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Faith is the foundation of our community. The Diocese of Charlotte Schools are committed to educating all of God’s children and embrace students with respect and compassion. As a member of the school community, children will gain spiritual, academic, and personal guidance in every stage of their educational journey. Did you know? Students from all different backgrounds and faiths are welcomed at our schools. It is our mission to bring up Disciples of Christ and to serve all of God’s children.
Believe. Think. Serve.
Celebrating
More than our motto, it’s the foundation of everything we do to help our students become confident, faith-filled individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Students who make their home at Christ The King will build, create, lead, experiment, perform, compete and become true Crusaders. Our rigorous and challenging curriculum is taught by top-notch faculty who use cutting-edge technology to ensure students are prepared to meet a competitive future. Our students graduate with a strong work ethic, a desire to achieve excellence, and a faith-filled heart to serve.
10 years
The Kulp family wants to say thank you to the OLA community for welcoming us. We appreciate all of you!
Discover CTK. Imagine what you can become.
—Tyler Kulp, Principal
We are not just a school, We are a family.
C hrist
the
K ing C atholiC h igh s Chool
2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078
4225 Shamrock Drive – Charlotte, NC 28215 704.531.0067 Olacatholic.org
704-799-4400 • ctkchs.org Limited openings for the 2021-2022 School Year
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL
Catholic college, ministries keep faith at the center of learning beyond high school Belmont Abbey College enrollment, degree programs continue to grow BELMONT — Home to more than 1,500 students, Belmont Abbey College is a Benedictine liberal arts college that believes in the development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit – so that “in all things God may be glorified.” Its mission is to provide an education that will enable students to lead lives of integrity, succeed professionally, become responsible citizens and be a blessing to themselves and others. Belmont Abbey College is the only Catholic college between northern Virginia and Florida, and with its intimate, historic setting and low student/teacher ratio, enrollment continues to grow. Incoming enrollment this fall in all the college’s various degree programs is expected to be more than 500 students – a record for the college. In an Aug. 6 video update, Belmont Abbey College’s president Dr. William Thierfelder credited the college’s Catholic mission and Benedictine values for the college thriving despite the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past year and a half. Founded in 1876, the college began as a small monastery and school that has grown to become the pride of the local Catholic community for its commitment to high academic standards and its Benedictine heritage. The monks of Belmont Abbey are a constant presence on the beautiful campus, located only about 10 minutes from Charlotte, and it is this unique combination of liberal arts education coupled with a monastic connection that is so appealing to Catholic students in the region, across the nation and around the world. Though it is founded on Benedictine traditions, the college welcomes a diverse body of students regardless of religious affiliation. Besides its traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs of study, the college recently
Campus Ministry: ‘College is 4 years; your Catholic faith is 4ever’
announced a vibrant Abbey Online program which is a major draw for those wishing to change careers or continue their education. With courses designed for flexibility while retaining the college’s Catholic identity, Abbey Online offers majors such as interdisciplinary studies, accounting, and business management. These degree programs – already leading programs for residential and commuter students – are completely accessible online. Two eight-week sessions are offered each semester and one during the summer. Students are able to start in the summer, fall or spring. Applications may be submitted anytime. Classes are available on five start dates, with the first approximate start date this fall set for Aug. 17. The Abbey Online degree programs are significantly less than in-person instruction at $349 per credit hour, and the online aspect gives those students the ability to manage their degree and their studies as they wish. For details, go online to www.bac.edu/abbeyonline. In 2020, the college launched a partnership with CaroMont Health Inc. to build a hospital adjacent to campus. CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont will complement the college’s new healthcare degree programs, in which students pursuing degrees in nursing will have an opportunity to do their practicals. CaroMont partnered with the college to help design degrees in Health Information Management and Analytics, and the college’s first master’s level program, the Master in Health Administration, which launches this fall. The hospital construction is underway with an estimated completion in the summer of 2023. — Catholic News Herald
Off to college? Want to meet new lifetime friends? Look for Catholic Campus Ministry on your campus. They may have tables outside church and at campus club/organization fairs. Or they may be helping first-year students settle in their rooms or participating in the Week of Welcome (WOW) on your campus. Wherever they are and whatever year you are, you are welcome to join them. Go to www. catholiconcampus.com and click on the college or university down the left column to learn more and contact your campus minister. Campus Ministry serves college students throughout western North Carolina, enabling them to continue their faith journey in their new-found independence. Students are encouraged to develop a closer relationship with God and continue forming their conscience within the teachings of our faith. They have opportunities for Mass and the sacraments, retreats, Bible study and more, putting their faith into action and making lifelong friends. Through social events, weekly dinners, and sharing in a safe, accepting environment, they build a caring, supportive community. All Catholic students attending university or college in the diocese are welcome in the Campus Ministry community at: n Appalachian State University (with outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University, LeesMcRae College) n Bennett College and North Carolina A&T (Thea House) n Davidson College n UNC-Asheville (with outreach to Warren Wilson College, AB Tech Community College, Mars Hill University) n UNC-Charlotte (with outreach to Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wingate University, Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson & Wales University) n UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Greensboro College, Guilford College) n High Point University n Wake Forest University (with outreach to Salem College, N.C. School of the Arts) n Western Carolina University
Learn more online
Online
At www.catholiconcampus.com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte
At www.bac.edu: Learn more about Belmont Abbey College
School Supply Donations Catholic Charities wishes to provide school supplies to children in need this year. Whether learning happens remotely or in-person, having proper supplies will enhance students’ learning. • Charlotte Regional Office:
Donations can be dropped off at any Catholic Charities Regional Office. • Piedmont Triad Regional Office:
1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203
• Western Regional Office:
1612 East 14th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Suggested supplies are listed below • Headphones • Package of Pre Sharpened #2 Pencils • Plastic Pencil Box • Box of 24 Crayons • Glue Sticks • Pair of Scissors • Personal Pencil Sharpener • Wide Ruled Composition Notebook (Red, Yellow, Black)
• • • • •
Individual Dry Erase Board Dry Erase Markers (4 count) Spiral Notebooks Colored Pencils (12 Count) 3x3 Post It Notes, assorted colors • Pack of Notebook Paper • 12 inch Ruler • Pack- Grid Paper
Items needed when returning to in-class learning • Disinfecting Wipes • Personal Hand Sanitizer • Individual Pack of Kleenex Facial Tissue • Backpack • Extra masks
Collection containers will be placed at the entrance for safe and easy drop off.
ccdoc.org
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August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com
Diácono Enedino Aquino
La Asunción de María
E
stamos por celebrar el 15 de agosto la fiesta de la Asunción de Nuestra Madre a los cielos. Y quiero mencionar que hay dos fechas en el calendario de la Iglesia Universal que marcan todo el esplendor espiritual de María, el comienzo y el final de toda su existencia en esta Tierra: la Inmaculada Concepción y la Asunción al cielo. Quisiera referirme a esta última, ya que estamos próximos a celebrar este dogma de fe que el Papa Pío XII proclamó el 1 de noviembre 1950, en la Constitución Munificentisimus Deus, afirmando que la Inmaculada Madre de Dios, siempre Virgen, cumplido el curso de su vida terrena fue subida en cuerpo y alma a la gloria celestial. La Asunción es una fiesta muy antigua y expresa un sentimiento del pueblo cristiano. Después de todo, María nació de forma única, sin pecado original (Inmaculada), vivió “llena de gracia” (Lucas 1,28) y participó activamente en la victoria de Cristo sobre Satanás, el pecado y la muerte. Siento muy en mi corazón que María nos da la gran esperanza que, mientras nos esforcemos por vivir en la gracia de nuestro Señor, hacer su voluntad, y con la ayuda de María, podríamos compartir su resurrección en algún momento. Y sólo imitando las virtudes de Nuestra Madre podremos lograrlo, como dice el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica en su numeral 978. María anticipa la resurrección de todos los miembros del cuerpo de Cristo y en ese cuerpo místico estamos tú y yo, y es una verdad de fe. Las cosas grandes de Dios en María no terminan con el nacimiento de Jesús, Dios sigue actuando con su grandeza en el alma y en la vida de María, y la última de esas grandes obras de Dios en ella será precisamente la Asunción en cuerpo y alma a la gloria celestial. María es la poseída por la gracia en el cuerpo y en el alma, la Inmaculada, en la que nada hay corruptible, porque todo en su persona es gracia, puro don de Dios. ¿Podría Dios Padre dejar incompleta la obra maravillosa de gracia operada en María durante su vida terrena? Lo siguiente es un extracto de una oración que figura en la obra clásica de San Alfonso María de Ligorio, ‘Las Glorias de María’, que resulta muy conmovedora y creo vale la pena recordar: “Oh dulcísima Señora y Madre Nuestra, por los méritos de tu Asunción, consíguenos la santa perseverancia en la amistad divina para que salgamos finalmente de este mundo en la gracia de Dios y así podamos llegar un día a besar tus plantas en el paraíso y, unidos a los bienaventurados, alabar y cantar tus glorias como lo mereces”. Esta oración me causó mucha emoción. Una oración que deberíamos rezar al pedir la presencia de nuestra Madre, que está en cuerpo y alma en el cielo, porque al celebrar el día de la fiesta de la Asunción de la Virgen María, podemos pedir a María que nos guie, proteja y cuide de nosotros ¡Ánimo!, feliz fiesta de la Asunción. EL DIÁCONO ENEDINO AQUINO es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Greensboro.
FOTO CORTESÍA RAÚL CERVANTES
Después de haber llevado a cabo un retiro para mujeres, dos retiros destinados a varones se realizarán del 19 al 22 de agosto y del 23 al 26 de septiembre. El ‘Cursillo de cursillos’, para profundizar los conocimientos de los cursillistas está programado para el 9 de septiembre en Table Rock, Carolina del Sur.
Cursillo de Cristiandad reactiva retiros CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
CANDLER — Bajo la organización y guía de su director espiritual, Diácono Sigfrido Della Valle, el Movimiento Cursillista en español de la Diócesis de Charlotte se encuentra abocado en la realización de cuatro retiros que se realizarán entre los meses de agosto y septiembre del año en curso. El primero de ellos, orientado únicamente a mujeres, se realizó del 5 al 8 de agosto bajo la dirección del Fraile Santiago García, quien asistió especialmente invitado desde El Salvador. Dos retiros más estarán destinados a varones, del 19 al 22 de agosto, bajo la conducción del Fraile García, y del 23 al 26 de septiembre, que contará con la participación de los sacerdotes Julio Domínguez y Fidel Melo. Destaca especialmente el llamado ‘Cursillo de Cursillos’ que está destinado a atender las necesidades de crecimiento espiritual y capacitación de aquellas personas que ya han atendido al cursillo regular y desean profundizar sus conocimiento en este movimiento apostólico. Esta edición especial se llevará a cabo del 9 al 12 de septiembre en un centro ubicado en Table Rock, condado Pickens, en Carolina del Sur, un lugar que destaca por su belleza natural y hermosos paisajes, y estará conducido por José Sánchez, laico, ex secretario regional del Cursillo. “Los Cursillos regulares para hombres y mujeres son de iniciación”, explicó el Diácono Della Valle, quien resaltó
la fraternidad que se vive en ellos entre los participantes que asisten “con la meta de alcanzar y llevar a otros a la santidad” a través de charlas, testimonios, el compartir experiencias y otras vivencias, “apartándose del ruido de la ciudad”. “No hay que saber nada, solo tener la decisión de asistir y acercarse más al Señor”. El lema de estos retiros es “haz un amigo y tráelo a Cristo”, añadió. Según define el Movimiento Nacional Cursillista de Estados Unidos, el Cursillo de Cristiandad es un movimiento que intenta, desde la Iglesia, “que las realidades de lo cristiano se hagan vida en la singularidad, en la originalidad y en la creatividad de la persona, para que, descubriendo sus potencialidades y aceptando sus limitaciones, conduzca su libertad desde su convicción, refuerce su voluntad con decisión y propicie la amistad en virtud de su constancia en su cotidiano vivir individual y comunitario”. Para mayores informes sobre el Cursillo de Cristiandad en su parroquia o vicariato, consulte con el coordinador del ministerio hispano de su vicariato o parroquia. También puede escribir un texto o mensaje de whatsapp al Diácono Sigfrido Della Valle al 407-920-4036.
Más online En www.natl-cursillo.org: Encontrará mayores recursos sobre el movimiento Cursillo de Cristiandad a nivel nacional y en su localidad.
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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Diáconos permanentes reafirmarán sus promesas el 14 de agosto CHARLOTTE — Los diáconos permanentes renovarán sus promesas de ordenación durante una Misa especial que se celebrará el sábado 14 de agosto. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir a la Misa de las 10 de la mañana, que será oficiada por el Obispo Peter Jugis en la Catedral San Patricio. Se espera que asistan decenas de diáconos permanentes que sirven en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, pero para aquellos que no puedan estar allí en persona, la liturgia se transmitirá en vivo en el canal YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte. La Misa para los diáconos de la Diócesis de Charlotte se celebra anualmente en una fecha cercana a la fiesta de San Lorenzo, diácono y mártir. ¿Quién fue San Lorenzo? San Lorenzo fue martirizado en Roma el 10 de agosto de 258, junto con otros miembros del clero, durante la persecución del emperador Valeriano. Fue uno de los siete diáconos de Roma que estaban a cargo de ayudar a los pobres y necesitados, y el último de ellos en morir. Cuando estalló la persecución, San Sixto II fue condenado a muerte. El 6 de agosto de 258, cuando el Papa era llevado al sacrificio, Lorenzo lo siguió llorando: “Padre, ¿adónde vas sin tu diácono?”, le preguntó. “No te voy a dejar, hijo mío”, respondió el Papa, “en tres días me seguirás”, añadió. Lleno de alegría, Lorenzo les dio a los pobres el resto del dinero que tenía a mano e incluso vendió vasijas caras para tener más que regalar. Después de la muerte del Papa, Lorenzo se convirtió en la principal autoridad de la Iglesia en Roma, habiendo sido el tesorero de la Iglesia. El prefecto de Roma, un pagano codicioso, pensó que la Iglesia tenía una gran fortuna escondida. Así que le ordenó a Lorenzo que le llevara el tesoro de la Iglesia. El santo dijo que en tres días lo haría. Luego pasó por la ciudad y reunió a todos los pobres y enfermos apoyados por la Iglesia. Cuando se los mostró al prefecto le dijo: “¡Este es el tesoro de la Iglesia!”. Muy enojado, el prefecto inmediatamente condenó a Lorenzo a una muerte lenta y cruel. Estaba atado encima de una parrilla de hierro sobre un fuego lento que asó su carne poco a poco, pero Lorenzo ardía con tanto amor por Dios que casi no sintió las llamas. De hecho, Dios le dio tanta fuerza y alegría que incluso bromeó: “Denme la vuelta”, le dijo al juez. “¡Ya estoy listo de este lado!” Y justo antes de morir, dijo: “Ahora si ya estoy cocido”. Luego oró para que la ciudad de Roma se convirtiera a Jesús y que la fe católica se extendiera por todo el mundo. Después de eso, fue a recibir la recompensa del mártir. Es venerado como uno de los patrones de Roma, junto con los Santos Pedro y Pablo. También es patrón de la Basílica San Lorenzo en Asheville. — SueAnn Howell, reportera senior. Contribuyeron CNA/EWTN News y www.catholic.org
Padre Ascik instalado como pastor en parroquia de Shelby PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA
SHELBY — Una cerrada ovación dio la bienvenida al Padre Peter Ascik el pasado domingo cuando fue instalado como pastor de la Iglesia de Santa María Auxiliadora y su misión en Kings Mountain. El Padre Ascik fue instalado oficialmente durante una Misa bilingüe celebrada el 1 de agosto por el Obispo Peter Jugis. El pastor llegó por primera vez a Shelby después de servir tres años como vicario parroquial en la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte. Reemplaza al Padre Michael Kottar, quien murió inesperadamente en mayo después de luchar contra una rara infección cerebral. “Estoy agradecido por los dones que el Padre Kottar trajo a esta parroquia”, dijo recientemente el Padre Ascik a The Catholic News Herald. “Sé que estoy cosechando los beneficios de sus años de oración y trabajo duro”. Cualquier cambio de pastores puede ser un desafío, reconoció, especialmente en circunstancias tan trágicas. “La oración y la paciencia mutua serán importantes para nuestra parroquia a medida que caminamos juntos”, señaló. En su homilía en la Misa de instalación, el Obispo Jugis animó al Padre Ascik a liderar su congregación utilizando a Jesús el Buen Pastor como modelo. El obispo describió los roles que tiene un pastor en la enseñanza, santificación y gobierno de la parroquia, desde enseñar la fe a jóvenes y ancianos hasta celebrar los sacramentos y consolar a las personas en sus momentos de necesidad. En general, subrayó, el trabajo de un pastor consiste en preparar a las personas y ayudarlas a llegar al cielo. “Esa es su misión”. Además, señaló el obispo, un pastor ayuda a unificar a su familia parroquial y a conectarlos con la Iglesia en general. “Ninguna parroquia existe aislada una de otra, cada una es parte de una comunión más grande”, dijo. El Padre Ascik dijo a The Catholic News Herald que entre sus tareas principales está fomentar el programa de formación en la fe y el grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia, “y así continuar preparando a los jóvenes de nuestra parroquia para que reciban los sacramentos y ayudar a los feligreses de todas las edades a crecer en su conocimiento de la fe”. La construcción de la unidad y la comunión, ambas como parte de una familia parroquial multilingüe y de la comunidad en general, también es importante, dijo el Padre Ascik. “También quiero brindar oportunidades para que nuestra comunidad parroquial socialice y crezca en amistad y compañerismo. Esto ha sido difícil durante el año pasado debido a la pandemia, y quiero recuperar esas oportunidades de manera segura”, dijo. “También quiero que nuestra parroquia sea parte
GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
El Obispo Peter Jugis conduce a la congregación de la parroquia Santa María Auxiliadora en felicitar a su nuevo pastor, el Padre Peter Ascik, durante su Misa de instalación celebrada el 1 de agosto. de la comunidad más grande en Shelby y Kings Mountain, especialmente a través de la colaboración y el alcance caritativo”. Al término de la Misa de instalación, el Padre Ascik expresó su gratitud al obispo y a los feligreses. “Espero conocer a cada uno de ustedes y sus familias, y les agradezco la bienvenida que me han brindado”, dijo. “Hay una historia sobre San Juan Vianney que cuenta que conoció a un niño pequeño cuando intentaba encontrar el camino a su parroquia en Ars. Le dijo al niño: ‘Muéstrame el camino a Ars y yo te mostraré el camino al cielo’. El trabajo de un pastor es mostrarle a su rebaño el camino al cielo, que consiste en vivir una vida de comunión con Jesucristo a través de Su Cuerpo de la Iglesia. Un pastor debe transmitir fielmente la enseñanza de la Iglesia, que es la enseñanza de Cristo que nos transmitieron los Apóstoles. Debe hacer que los sacramentos, que hacen que el poder de Dios obre en nosotros para sanar y santificar, estén disponibles para sus feligreses. Y debe acompañarlos en la vida, ayudándoles a llevar sus cargas con esperanza”. “Encontré Shelby con la ayuda de mi GPS”, bromeó el Padre Ascik, pero “como San Juan Vianney, deseo mostrarles el camino al cielo. Ese no es mi camino, sino es el camino de Jesucristo”. “Los invito a que se unan conmigo en este camino al cielo, que realizaremos juntos como parroquia en los años venideros”.
JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Parroquia de Thomasville dio bienvenida a su nuevo pastor THOMASVILLE — Feligreses de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos se reunieron recientemente para celebrar el nombramiento del Padre Gabriel Carvajal Salazar como párroco. En diciembre de 2020, el sacerdote llegó a servir como administrador parroquial y fue asignado por el Obispo Peter Jugis como pastor a partir del 13 de julio. Todos disfrutaron de la comida y el pastel preparados por la parroquia mientras celebraban su asignación. El Padre Gabriel, nacido en México, y el mayor de 15 hermanos, llegó inicialmente a la Diócesis de Charlotte en 1977 como misionero laico. Ha servido en otras asignaciones en la diócesis antes de ser asignado a Thomasville.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Seminario Universitario San José dio bienvenida a siete nuevos hombres PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA
CHARLOTTE — Siete jóvenes han sido aceptados en el Seminario Universitario San José este otoño, lo que eleva la inscripción total a 24. Robbie Bauman, Marshall Bolling, Matthew Brakefield, Kolbe Flood, Ryan Ma, Emanuel Martinez y Matthew Stanley, los siete miembros de la “promoción Foxtrot” entrante, fueron recibidos por el rector del seminario universitario, el Padre Matthew Kauth, durante la Misa celebrada el 1 de agosto en Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte. Después de la Misa, se mudaron a sus habitaciones en la nueva casa del seminario en Mount Holly. En su homilía, el Padre Kauth animó a los hombres a mirar hacia adelante con fe, conectando las lecturas del día con el hambre de la gente por algo más de lo que les ofrece el mundo. “Pueden trabajar por pan toda su vida. Pero el hombre no vive solo de pan, sino de las palabras que salen de la boca de Dios”, recordó el Padre Kauth a la congregación. Los israelitas y los seguidores de Jesús reconocieron esto, al igual que los jóvenes que están comenzando el proceso de discernimiento como seminaristas universitarios. “La razón por la que están sentados aquí es porque lo que sea que tenían ... no era suficiente”, dijo. Como explicó Jesús en el Evangelio de Juan: “Trabajen, no por el alimento que perece, sino por el alimento que permanece para vida eterna”. En cambio, Jesús les dice: “Yo soy el pan de vida; el que a mí viene, nunca tendrá hambre, y el que cree en mí, nunca tendrá sed”. Este es un desafío de Jesús, les dijo el Padre Kauth a los hombres, el de mirar
el mundo con otros ojos. “Significa que Él te va a enseñar cómo vivir una vida sobrenatural”. “Cuando hizo vino... no fue el vino lo que le recordó la sangre. Al contrario, hizo vino pensando en Su propia Sangre. Cuando hizo el pan… lo diseñó según su propia carne, la cual nosotros recibimos. Esa es una forma sobrenatural de pensar”. Convertirse en párroco significa alimentar a otras personas con el Pan de Vida y la Palabra de Dios, dijo. “Están dando un paso adelante porque quieren poder alimentar a las personas que están (sentadas) detrás de ustedes. Eso significa que tienen que vivir una vida sobrenatural”. “Entonces, cada vez que se enfrentan a ese pequeño anhelo o al deseo de voltear sus hombros y mirar detrás de ustedes nuevamente”, dijo, “ese es el momento en que hacen la obra de fe y dicen: ‘Te creo, Señor. Mi mano está en el arado y mantendré la PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD vista hacia adelante”. El Seminario Universitario San José le dará la bienvenida a siete nuevos seminaristas universitarios este otoño: Robbie Bauman, “Esa es la obra de la fe. Así Marshall Bolling, Matthew Brakefield, Kolbe Flood, Ryan Ma, Emanuel Martínez y Matthew Stanley. Ellos aparecen en la foto con el que, pongámonos a trabajar”. Padre Matthew Kauth, rector del seminario universitario (centro); el Padre John Putnam, vicario judicial de la diócesis; el Padre Establecido en 2016, el Matthew Buettner, director espiritual del seminario; y los clérigos de la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte. Seminario Universitario San José es para hombres universitarios que una licenciatura en el cercano Belmont hombres en diversas etapas de formación. disciernen una posible vocación religiosa, Abbey College mientras experimentan una antes de dar el paso de inscribirse en vida comunitaria al estilo benedictino en Aprenda más un seminario mayor para la formación su camino de discernimiento. En www.stjcs.org: Obtenga más información específica del sacerdocio en la Diócesis de El programa de seminaristas de la sobre el programa de seminario universitario de Charlotte. Los estudiantes buscan obtener diócesis sigue creciendo, con un total de 45 la Diócesis de Charlotte.
Apóstoles de la Palabra visitaron comunidades en Las Carolinas CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
rancherías con el objetivo que sea el mismo laico quien evangelice a otros laicos. En 1978, con el permiso del Obispo de Veracruz, Guillermo Ranzahuer, la comunidad logró establecerse, extendiendo el voluntariado misionero, al que respondieron numerosos jóvenes. La hermana Eri refiere que la preocupación inicial del padre Amatulli fue la Biblia, pues “para muchos católicos, y es triste reconocerlo, la Biblia es aún un libro no conocido”. “Nuestro carisma es la Palabra”, añade la hermana Julia, y “dar identidad al católico y fortalecer su fe para que conozca a la Iglesia que en verdad no conoce”. El problema, señala, es que “el pueblo desconoce la riqueza y belleza de ser cristiano católico y por eso permite que se le presenten otras propuestas”. Como respuesta a la falta de conocimiento de las bases de la propia fe católica del pueblo, surge lo que la hermana Julia define como una “sana apologética”, parte de la misión de los Apóstoles de la Palabra, que no confronta sino que expone la verdad en la defensa de la fe. Tras la breve misión en Las Carolinas y ocuparse del mantenimiento de la Casa, las hermanas Eri y Julia retornarán a California. La fecha de reapertura de la misión local aún no se ha determinado, esperándose el pronto restablecimiento total de la salud de la hermana Julia Valencia.
CHARLOTTE — Después de una pausa en su trabajo misionero, las hermanas Eri Rodríguez y Julia Valencia Márquez reanudaron brevemente las actividades que realizan desde la Casa misionera que mantienen en Mount Holly, llevando la Palabra de Dios a grupos apostólicos en Charleston, Carolina del Sur, y Biscoe, Charlotte y Thomasville en Carolina del Norte. La hermana Julia Valencia, quien además de dirigir la misión en Mount Holly se desempeña como delegada asesora de las misiones en República Dominicana, Estados Unidos y Mexicali, Baja California, México, debió suspender temporalmente sus actividades en Las Carolinas debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 y algunas molestias que afectaron sensiblemente su salud física. Por su parte, la hermana Eri Rodríguez, fundadora de la Misión en Las Carolinas, en la actualidad es la coordinadora al frente de la misión nacional de las Hermanas de la Palabra en Merced, California, Diócesis de Fresno, sede central de este movimiento. Las dos hermanas, antes de visitar la Casa en Carolina del Norte, asistieron a un CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Encuentro Nacional en Arkansas, junto con Después de culminar su misión en Las Carolinas, las hermanas Julia Valencia y Eri Rodríguez retornarán participantes de las seis regiones en las que, a California. La fecha de reapertura de la Casa en Mount Holly aún no se ha definido. por motivos de organización, han dividido el territorio de Estados Unidos. Su viaje también las llevó a Nueva York y Atlanta, donde se reunieron con Flaviano Amatulli Valente, misionero Comboniano Más online hermanos y hermanas de su congregación. enviado a desarrollar la una revista misional, vio en La En www.apostolesdelapalabra.org: Puede encontrar más Chinantla, Oaxaca, la urgente necesidad de evangelización. información sobre la familia misionera Apóstoles de la Palabra. MISIÓN DE LOS APÓSTOLES A inicios de los años 70 inició la formación de jóvenes La iniciativa surgió en 1968 en México, cuando el padre catequistas y misioneros laicos, enviándolos a las
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Refugiados bienvenidos: 1 de octubre de 2019 - 30 de septiembre de 2020 47 Ucrania
3 Myanmar (Birmania)
28 Moldavia
3 El Salvador
12 RD del Congo
3 Rusia
8 Guatemala
1 Sri Lanka
4 Afganistán
1 Sudán
Business Operations Assistant Winston-Salem, NC
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Stay the Course Navigator Winston-Salem, NC
We are seeking a candidate who conducts comprehensive intakes and client needs assessments; develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates individualized service plans; assists clients with transitioning and navigating through the college system; and assists clients with removing barriers to college completion and acquiring the skills necessary to complete college coursework. Prepares and maintains detailed case files, required forms and reports; monitors and evaluates client progress towards service plan goals, adjusting service plans as necessary; and participates in agency and community activities to enhance client services.
Case Management Coordinator Winston-Salem, NC
We are seeking a candidate who assumes primary responsibility for coordinating the regional direct assistance program that serves individuals and families with a variety of services such as emergency food, financial, holiday, and burial assistance; manages a caseload of persons served through the regional direct assistance program; employs case coordination procedures and case management principles to assist program participants in improving their economic situation; as assigned, directs the work of others in provision of services; and, develops volunteer resources to serve program participants through planning, coordination, orientation, training, and supervision. For complete job descriptions visit: ccdoc.org/jobs. Cover letter and resume (2-page maximum) must be submitted electronically to: dbfebles@charlottediocese.org. No phone calls, please. Position open until filled.
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Diócesis dará bienvenida a cientos de refugiados KIMBERLY BENDER REPORTERA ONLINE
CHARLOTTE — La Diócesis de Charlotte espera dar la bienvenida a cientos de refugiados durante el próximo año, un regreso a la normalidad después de un declive causado por la pandemia y cambios en las políticas federales. La Iglesia Católica es una de las agencias de reasentamiento de refugiados más grandes en Estados Unidos. En asociación con las diócesis, la Iglesia a través de la Oficina de Servicios de Migración y Refugiados de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU. (USCCB), sirve aproximadamente al 30 por ciento de los refugiados que llegan anualmente al país. Caridades Católicas administra el proceso de reasentamiento en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, ayudando a los refugiados a lograr su autosuficiencia y eventualmente a obtener la ciudadanía norteamericana. Sus oficinas de reasentamiento en Charlotte y Asheville anticipan recibir más refugiados a medida que aumenta el límite impuesto por el gobierno y la oficina en Asheville expande sus operaciones. Sandy Buck, quien dirige el programa de reasentamiento de refugiados para Caridades Católicas, espera que el arribo de refugiados regrese a sus niveles regulares a partir del próximo año fiscal, que inicia el 1 de octubre. “La expectativa de la USCCB es de recibir un total de 400 refugiados en Charlotte durante el próximo año, que termina el 30 de septiembre de 2022”, dijo Buck. De ellos, se espera que 25 sean visados especiales de inmigrante para traductores afganos que ayudaron al ejército estadounidense durante la guerra en Afganistán.
PANDEMIA, POLÍTICAS DE ARRIBO LIMITADO
Los refugiados son víctimas de guerras, agitación política, persecución religiosa, económica o étnica. Los refugiados pagan impuestos en Estados Unidos y devuelven al país sus gastos de viaje. Con la ayuda de fondos de la USCCB y del estado, el personal de Caridades Católicas trabaja con refugiados a corto y largo plazo, hasta cinco años, para encontrar vivienda, atención médica, escuelas, orientación comunitaria y cultural, así como educación financiera. También ofrece asistencia laboral, educación vial, servicios de interpretación y transporte a las citas iniciales. La pandemia de COVID-19, combinada con la decisión de la administración Trump de reducir el número de refugiados que ingresaban a Estados Unidos, redujo las
llegadas a niveles históricamente bajos. Desde el 1 de octubre de 2019 hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2020, Catholic Charities reasentó a 110 refugiados. Este año fiscal en curso, la agencia ha reasentado a 44 refugiados, 26 en Charlotte; lo que la agencia solía reasentar en un mes, dijo Buck, añadiendo que podrían reasentar a otras 50 personas ante del 30 de septiembre. Se espera que el ritmo se acelere en 2022, con hasta 400 nuevas llegadas, parte de las medidas de la administración Biden para aumentar el límite de la administración anterior de solo 15.000 a 62.500 refugiados. Debido al bajo número de arribos en los últimos dos años, la Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados redujo su personal, por lo que ahora tiene que reconstruir el programa y estar preparada para recibir la mayor afluencia de refugiados. Hay dos ofertas de trabajo activas, pero se anticipan más contrataciones en Charlotte y Asheville. La pandemia de COVID-19 y sus restricciones demorarán la llegada de refugiados, precisó Buck, ya que el proceso de solicitudes siempre se ha realizado en persona. Los países están buscando procesar la información de manera segura, inclusive sin contar con acceso a las vacunas como en Estados Unidos. En 2020 y 2021, las oficinas en Charlotte y Asheville asistieron a los refugiados ya asentados y afectados por la pandemia. El apoyo ha incluido despensas de alimentos o ayudas en pagos de deuda de alquileres o servicios públicos.
CRECE OFICINA EN ASHEVILLE
En un movimiento acorde, la oficina de Caridades Católicas en Asheville está expandiendo sus operaciones de reasentamiento a partir de este otoño. En lugar de solo ayudar a los refugiados en sus solicitudes para traer a sus familiares, el mandato de la agencia incluirá el reasentamiento de nuevos refugiados. Como una “suboficina” designada, comenzará a recibir una cantidad de refugiados con una meta estimada de 150. Por tanto, por primera vez, el personal trabajará también para establecer viviendas para los refugiados entrantes, dijo Buck. Se necesitará de voluntarios y donaciones de artículos para el hogar para instalar apartamentos.
¿Cómo puedo ayudar? En www.ccdoc.org encuentre información para donar o ser voluntario para la Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados en Charlotte y Asheville.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Jornadas Ignacianas CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
ASHEVILLE — Un pequeño pero significativo grupo de participantes concluyó con éxito la serie de Jornadas Ignacianas que impartió Ibis Centeno, quien por tres años se desempeñó como subdirectora del Ministerio Hispano de la Oficina de Espiritualidad Ignaciana para el Sur de los Estados Unidos, y actualmente acaba de asumir la coordinación del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Salisbury. Los talleres fueron coordinados en colaboración con la oficina del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Asheville y se llevaron a cabo en la Escuela Católica San Eugenio en Asheville. El completo programa, ofrecido en un lapso de 5 meses, dio inicio en febrero y finalizó el 24 de julio. Estuvo destinado especialmente a aquellas personas que son parte de un equipo de evangelización y líderes de Iglesia. Principio y Fundamento de San Ignacio de Loyola, Orando con los sentidos, El examen diario y otros, fueron algunos de los temas que se desarrollaron a profundidad. Antonio García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaria de Asheville, felicitó a los participantes por su constancia, dedicación y empeño demostrado a los largo de la serie de charlas. También agradeció a la expositora, Ibis Centeno, a quien calificó de “un gran recurso Ignaciano para nuestra diócesis”, y que guió, “de manera muy hermosa a los participantes en un camino de crecimiento espiritual personal y comunitario”.
Más online En www.jesuitscentralsouthern.org: Podrá encontrar recursos sobre la Espiritualidad Ignaciana disponibles en español.
FOTO CORTESÍA ANTONIO GARCÍA
En la imagen aparece el grupo de hombres y mujeres que atendió las jornadas de reflexión ignaciana. Ibis Centeno, expositora, comentó que próximamente se dará inicio una nueva serie que se organizará en el Vicariato de Smoky Mountains. “Apenas confirmemos la fecha y lugar estaremos informando a los lectores de The Catholic News Herald”, dijo.
Lecturas Diarias 15-21 AGOSTO
Domingo (Asunción de la Virgen María): Apocalipsis 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab, 1 Corinitios 15:20-27, Lucas 1:39-56; Lunes: Jueces 2:11-19, Mateo 19:16-22; Martes: Jueces 6:11-24a, Mateo 19:23-30; Miércoles: Jueces 9:6-15, Mateo 20:116; Jueves: Jueces 11:29-39, Mateo 22:1-14; Viernes (Bernardo Abad): Rut 1:1, 3-8, 14-16, 22, Mateo 22:3440; Sábado (San Pío): Rut 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17, Mateo 23:1-12
22-28 AGOSTO
Domingo: Josué 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b, Efesios 5:21-32, Juan 6:55, 60-69; Lunes: 1 Tesalonicenses 1:1-5, 8b-10, Mateo 23:13-22; Martes (San Bartolomé Apóstol): Apocalipsis 21:9-14, Juan 1:45-51; Miércoles: 1 Tesalonicenses 2:9-13, Mateo 23:27-32; Jueves: 1 Tesalonicenses 3:7-13, Mateo 24:42-51; Viernes (Santa Mónica): 1 Tesalonicenses 4:1-8, Mateo 25-1-13; Sábado (San Agustín): 1 Tesalonicenses 4:9-11, Mateo 25:14-30
29 AGOSTO-4 SEPTIEMBRE
Domingo: Deuteronomio 4:1-2, 6-8, Santiago 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27, Marcos 7:18, 14-15, 21-23; Lunes: 1 Tesalonicences 4:13-18, Lucas 4:16-30; Martes: 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16, 9-11, Lucas 4:31-37; Miércoles: Colosenses 1:1-8, Lucas 4:38-44, Jueves: Colosenses 1:9-14, Lucas 5:111; Viernes (San Gregorio Magno): Colosenses 1:15-20, Lucas 5:33-39; Sábado: Colosenses 1:21-23, Lucas 6:1-5
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Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of August: Rev. Henry J. Becker – 1992 Rev. William M. Evans – 2012 Rev. Frank R. Gardner – 1991 Rev. Nicholas F. Gibilisco, OSB - 1994 Rev. Martin W. Hayes, OSB - 1992 Rev. Msgr. Felix R. Kelaher – 1998 Rev. Richard T. McCue – 2013 Rev. John F. Parsons - 1993 Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org
fe | familia | fraternidad POR UN TIEMPO LIMITADO MEMBRESÍA EN LÍNEA GRATUITA
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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In Brief Ruling blocking HHS ‘transgender mandate’ called ‘victory for conscience’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. District Court judge’s Aug. 9 ruling to block the Biden administration’s mandate that doctors and hospitals perform gender-transition procedures despite their own moral or medical objections is “a victory for common sense, conscience and sound medicine.” That is the view of Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, based in Washington. He is the lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the case. “Today’s ruling protects patients, aligns with current medical research, and ensures doctors aren’t forced to violate their religious beliefs and medical judgment,” he said about the ruling in Franciscan Alliance v. Becerra. Franciscan Alliance, based in Mishawaka, Ind., is a Catholic health care system now known as Franciscan Health that operates hospitals serving Indiana and one hospital in Illinois and employs over 18,000 employees. The defendant is Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On Aug. 9, Judge Reed O’Connor of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas in
Wichita Falls blocked the HHS regulation – in its current form as proscribed by the Biden administration. It requires doctors to perform gender-transition procedures in children and adults or be held liable for discrimination.
Bishops’ migration committee chairman objects to ‘fast-track’ deportations WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. bishop charged with addressing immigration issues has raised objections to a July 26 announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that it would begin “expedited removal” proceedings, or fast-tracking deportations, of some immigrant families who entered the U.S. illegally and do not qualify for asylum. In an Aug. 7 statement, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, called on the Biden administration to “reverse course” on the fast-track removals but also on other recent measures being used to stem immigration. “Let us work together as a nation to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants according to their God-given dignity,” said Bishop Dorsonville in the statement, which also objected to a public health measure that expels migrants at the border, with the exception of minors, citing COVID-19 concerns. The measure, known as Title 42, is a provision of U.S. public health law and was activated by the Trump administration. The Biden administration has kept it in place, saying it has done so under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep the
pandemic at bay as the nation experiences a surge of the Delta variant.
USCCB, Catholic groups, politicians back Mississippi in court abortion case WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic leaders, pro-life organizations, Republican members of Congress and several governors are among those on a long list of supporters backing Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy and urging the court to reexamine its previous abortion rulings when it takes up this case in the fall. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in its friend-of-the-court brief filed July 27, stressed that abortion is not a right created by the Constitution and called it “inherently different from other types of personal decisions to which this court has accorded constitutional protection.” Referring to the court’s major abortion decisions, the brief warned that if the Supreme Court “continues to treat abortion as a constitutional issue,” it will face more questions in the future about “what sorts of abortion regulations are permissible.” The court’s two big decisions on abortion were Roe v. Wade, the 1973 court case which legalized abortion, and 1992’s Casey v. Planned Parenthood, which affirmed Roe and also stressed that a state regulation on abortion could not impose an “undue burden” on a woman “seeking an abortion before the fetus attains viability.” Other Catholic groups echoed the USCCB, which was joined in its brief by other religious groups and the two dioceses of Mississippi, in their support of the state’s abortion ban after 15 weeks.
House’s refusal to include Hyde in spending bills is called an ‘injustice’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — The refusal by the U.S. House to include the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life riders in appropriations bills before lawmakers passed the measures is an “injustice” that overshadows the provisions that help “vulnerable people,” said the chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees. Late July 29, the House voted 219 to 208 in favor of H.R. 4502, a package of appropriations bills that currently exclude the Hyde, Weldon and Helms amendments and other longstanding, bipartisan-supported pro-life language. Eliminating these provisions would force taxpayers to pay for elective abortions and would have the effect of forcing health care providers and professionals “to perform and refer for abortion against their deeply-held beliefs, as well as forcing employers and insurers to cover and pay for abortion,” said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a news release issued after the vote. The release included a joint statement on the House actions by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “The House has voted in a way that is completely out of step with the will of the American people who overwhelmingly oppose taxpayer-funded abortion,” the prelates said. They called on the Senate “to redress this evil in H.R. 4502.” — Catholic News Service
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In Brief Pope: Crises are signs that Church is still alive VATICAN CITY — Difficulties and crises within the Catholic Church are not signs of a church in decline but one that is alive and living through challenges, just like men and women today, Pope Francis said. “Let us remember that the Church always has difficulties, always is in crisis, because she’s alive. Living things go through crises. Only the dead don’t have crises,” he said. In a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network Aug. 3, the pope offered his prayer intention for the month of August, which is dedicated to the Church’s mission of evangelization. At the start of each month, the network posts a short video of the pope offering his specific prayer intention. The Church’s call to evangelize and not proselytize, he said, is more than just a vocation; it is a part of the Church’s identity. “We can only renew the Church by discerning God’s will in our daily life and embarking on a transformation guided by the Holy Spirit. Our own reform as persons is that transformation. Allowing the Holy Spirit, the gift of God, in our hearts reminds us what Jesus taught and helps us put it into practice,” the pope said.
Police investigating source of letter to pope containing bullets ROME — Italian police have launched an investigation after postal workers discovered an envelope containing three bullets and addressed to “the pope.” News reports said the stamp on the envelope indicated it came from France, and the bullets were 9mm Flobert-round bullets. Reportedly, there was a message inside making reference to the Vatican’s financial operations. The envelope had written on it in pen and with poor handwriting: “The pope. Vatican City. St. Peter’s Square in Rome.” The envelope was flagged by employees at a mail sorting facility near Milan Aug. 9 and was handed over to Italy’s military police as authorities coordinated their investigation.
Pope appeals for aid to Lebanon, still suffering one year after blast that killed hundreds VATICAN CITY — Marking the one-year anniversary of a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis said Lebanon needs concrete help – not just words – from the international community so it can emerge once again as a symbol of fraternity and peace for the Middle East. “I think above all of the victims and their families, the many injured, and those who lost their homes and livelihoods. So many people have lost the desire to go on,” he said at the end of his general audience in the Paul VI audience hall Aug. 4. “Dear people of Lebanon, I greatly desire to visit you and I continue to pray for you,
During this year dedicated to St. Joseph, honor him by helping a pregnant homeless woman.
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so that Lebanon will once more be a message of peace and fraternity for the entire Middle East,” he said. On Aug. 4, 2020, a massive blast in a port warehouse destroyed large sections of the center of the capital, killing at least 214 people and injuring thousands more. It displaced 300,000 people. The explosion -- caused by a poorly stored stock of ammonium nitrate fertilizer -- was one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history.
Pope names new members to Academy of Sciences VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences an epidemiologist credited with handling Taiwan’s response to COVID-19, a global expert in atmospheric chemistry credited with helping to explain the cause of the “hole” in the ozone layer over Antarctic in the 1980s, and a Canadian Nobel laureate in physics who works with lasers. Chen Chien-jen, the epidemiologist, was vice president of Taiwan from May 2016 to May 2020. Susan Solomon is a chemist and professor of environmental studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Donna Strickland is an optics physicist and professor at Ontario’s University of Waterloo; in 2018 she and Gérard Mourou won the Nobel Prize in physics for their development of chirped pulse amplification, a process for creating the intense laser pulses now used in industry and medicine, including for laser eye surgery. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, founded in 1603, brings together top scientists from a variety of disciplines to study and discuss
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the latest developments in scientific research and to advise the Vatican on matters involving science. The members, many of whom are Nobel laureates, are chosen for their expertise; many of the almost 80 members are not Catholic.
South Korea honors Father Kapaun with country’s highest military honor WICHITA, Kan. — Father Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Wichita Diocese who laid down his life as a military chaplain during the Korean War, received South Korea’s highest military decoration posthumously in Seoul July 27. Ray Kapaun, Father Kapaun’s nephew, accepted the Order of Military Merit on behalf his uncle, a candidate for sainthood, from President Moon Jae-in. The award, South Korea’s highest decoration for outstanding military service, was given to the “Jesus of the Korean War,” as Father Kapaun is known, for his dedication to peace and freedom on the battlefields of Korea. It was presented on the 71st U.N. Forces Participation Day. Father Kapaun, who has the title “Servant of God,” was ordained a priest for Wichita in 1940. He served as a U.S. Army chaplain in World War II and the Korean War and held the rank of captain. He died in 1951 in a North Korean POW camp after heroically serving his fellow prisoners. His cause for canonization is now under consideration. More information about his life, ministry and sainthood cause is online at www.frkapaun.org. — Catholic News Service
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Jesuit Father John Michalowski
Kathryn Evans
Women who dared to speak truth
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And who knows if you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” These are the words spoken to Queen Esther in the Old Testament, when she is being asked to risk the wrath of her husband the king in order to save the lives of the Israelites. Esther is asked to endanger her own comfort and security, even her life, for the sake of her people. As the Jewish people were facing annihilation, Esther herself was in no immediate danger in the palace of the king, as long as she remained silent about her heritage. However, she recognized the privileged position she had been given by God, and she used her voice to sway the heart of the king to mercy. I love the Book of Esther, for it has something of the elements of a fairy tale. A beautiful, kind queen; a powerful, imposing king; dark plots of vengeance and malice, and the ultimate triumph of good and of truth. Esther was raised up from obscurity to become queen, given riches and jewels, was beautiful and beloved by all, but she never lost her meekness, humility and devotion to the Lord. And when it mattered, she was willing to sacrifice everything she had, even her very life, to speak the truth to the king, whether he would hear it or no. We see a similar scene in the New Testament, as the wife of Pontius Pilate risks the scorn and anger of court officials to plead on behalf of Jesus. She is the only one to speak up in his defense and beg for mercy, even though she herself was still a pagan and not a follower of Christ. But she recognized the truth when she saw it and, like Esther, was unafraid to raise her voice in its defense. However, it is the witness of the early martyrs of the Church that I find to be the most inspiring, in particular that of St. Perpetua. She and her companion, St. Felicity, were part of a small group of converts who were martyred in the Roman arena in Carthage in 203 A.D. Perpetua was a noblewoman, only 22 years old, with an infant son, when she was arrested for being a Christian. Like Esther and the wife of Pilate, Perpetua was living a life of comfort and privilege, which she had no outward need to sacrifice or risk. Her pagan father pleaded with her to renounce her new beliefs and to save herself, but she refused. Not even for the sake of her young son would she deny the truth of Christ. The Passion of Perpetua is one of the oldest documents of the early Church, an account written by Perpetua herself while in prison, and easily found online. It’s an incredibly moving witness of the early Christian martyrs, their devotion and their love of Christ. The account of Perpetua’s trial, where her father and young son are brought in to try and influence her, brings to mind the words of Christ: “If anyone comes to me without hating father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26). Of
course, this doesn’t mean that we should actually hate our family members, far from it, but that we must always love God more. We must love truth more. Because loving and fighting for truth is the only way to order our lives properly and be true disciples of Christ. In his recently published book “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life,” Dr. Jordan B. Peterson says, “We are each more responsible for the state of the world than we believe, or would feel comfortable believing. … If you do not object when the transgressions against your conscious are minor, why presume that you won’t willfully participate when the transgressions truly get out of hand?” Peterson is a Canadian professor of psychology, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author. He has done extensive research on the many horrors perpetrated in the 20th century as a result of communism, fascism, etc. As a psychologist, he has focused especially on how such terrible acts could be allowed as well as enacted by ordinary people, and one of his conclusions is that it comes about gradually, in small concessions here and there so as not to “cause trouble.” Because of our fallen nature, the virtues do not necessarily come easily or naturally to us; they must be practiced with regularity in order to be strengthened. Peterson discusses the importance of regular truth-telling: “A truthful person can rely on his or her innate sense of meaning and truth as a reliable guide to the choices that must be made through life’s days, weeks, and years. … If you deceive (particularly yourself), if you lie, then you begin to warp the mechanisms guiding the instinct that orients you.” When we look to the examples of the saints, and especially the martyrs or those willing to be martyred, we often find qualities that they carried throughout their lives, a steadfastness of spirit. It is not an easy thing to speak up to the powers of the world, or even to simply voice our beliefs to our family and friends. It takes conviction, but it also takes trust in our own conscience and our knowledge of truth, and such things must be pursued and practiced constantly in order to achieve them. Queen Esther, the wife of Pilate and St. Perpetua could not have stood up and spoken for the truth if they had not been actively seeking that truth all along. And it wasn’t that any of them sought to go out proselytizing and preaching, but instead they took advantage of the positions that God had placed them in, speaking to the people that God had surrounded them with. What is truth? That perennial question of Pontius Pilate is one that we should all be asking continually. And when we find that truth, we must not be afraid to speak it. KATHRYN EVANS is an author living in Salisbury, where she keeps chickens, experiments with cooking, and reads too many books. Find her work at www.evanswriting.com, including her book, “An Adult-ish Toolkit: 30 Things I Have Learned in 30 Years.”
Forgive our angry, divisive hearts
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Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” These are Jesus’ words from the cross, which point out that neither the Roman authorities nor the Jewish council of the Sanhedrin recognize who He is. Yet, as He gives His life for us and for all on the cross, He continues to reach out with God’s compassion for the murderer who is dying on the cross next to Him. He also gives His mother Mary, not just to John, but to all of us that she might show us how to say “yes” to God and be Mother to us all. But were Jesus’ words just for that awful day in the first century, or do they still resonate in many ways in our world today? Jonathan Swift, the essayist, satirist and Anglican cleric, sadly said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” Although the major wars of religion in Europe were over, Swift lived in Dublin and saw the murderous way that the British treated the Irish. As was even more true a century later during the Irish Potato Famine, Ireland was exporting food to Britain even as its own poor faced famine. In a brutally satirical essay, Swift proposed that it would be kinder if the British killed and ate the Irish children rather than letting them slowly starve to death. How are we doing today? As Catholics, are we living out being one holy, catholic and apostolic Church as we profess, or are we riven at times with factionalism, anger, neglect of the poor and the stranger, backbiting and detraction? Do we make it a point to try to follow St. Paul’s advice in Philippians: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (4:8)? Why focus on the positive? We do so in order that we do not overlook the grace that God is continually pouring out into our world. As St. Ignatius knew so well, it is the evil spirit that wants to drag us down into desolation so our faith, hope and love will be undermined. We lose our “holy” energy and fall easily into anger, detraction, envy or apathy. We also can turn our energy into seeking distraction, with substance abuse, consumerism, pornography, thrill seeking, etc. “In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. …If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another” (Gal
5: 22-23, 25-26). It saddens me when I see Catholics attacking one another, often using political terms against one another – liberal, conservative, traditionalist, socialist, unorthodox, orthodox, real Catholics, fake Catholics – the list could go on. If we really believed that the other was corrupting the faith and thus was the enemy, we would follow Jesus’ advice and would pray for our enemies and do good to those who would hurt us. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius encouraged trying to understand what the other meant and finding some good in what the person is saying. Often we can agree on the underlying value that the other has. We can then gently go from that value to show other values that need to be taken into account. We seek to understand, rather than jump to judgment. I’m on the older side of life but can recall seeing as a young man one of the saddest things I’ve ever witnessed. The Second Vatican Council had taken place when I was in college, and the Mass was being translated into the common languages of the people. It was being enriched with a much wider selection of Scripture and what seemed to be new Eucharist Prayers, one of which goes back partially to “The Apostolic Tradition” in the 3rd century and is a bit older than the Roman Canon. After college, I moved to Chicago and often went to two Sunday Masses. First, I went to an English Mass in my Anglo-Hispanic Parish and then to a Latin Mass, where I sang in the choir. The Gospel and the sermon were in English. There was an elderly woman who, when the Gospel was proclaimed, would stand and put her fingers in her ears so that she would not hear it in English. I felt sorry for her and often prayed for her that God would open her heart so that His love would overcome her sorrow at the changes. So often, I can see Jesus still praying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” Yes, my Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times that I harden my heart to others because I think that I know better. Teach me to focus on what is good that I might be an instrument of your peace – a consoler, not a disturber, humble, not proud, fully catholic, that is, open to the many and varied ways that your grace is at work in the hearts and lives of so many. Give me the grace to love as you love. Make this my prayer, and the prayer of all of us. Amen. JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is the parochial vicar of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.
August 13, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Deacon Matthew Newsome
Being bound to God
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n my last two columns I’ve looked at the sacramental vocations of matrimony and holy orders. While these two vocations are fundamental to the life of the Church (there can be no Church without priests and families!), they are by no means the only ways to serve God and pursue holiness. Since the beginning of the Christian era, there have always been those who sought holiness by turning away from worldly concerns to devote themselves more fully to prayer and the service of God. This is the origin of the various monastic orders and religious communities that exist today. When we speak of religious vocations, we need to understand what “religious” means in this context. In common parlance, a religious person prays, goes to church and believes in God. So it may seem odd to hear Catholics speak of “secular (diocesan) priests” and “religious priests.” Shouldn’t all priests be religious? In the common sense, certainly yes! But a “religious priest” is one who belongs to a religious order, such as the Franciscans or Benedictines. The word “religion” comes from the Latin “religare,” which means “to bind.” Those who enter a religious vocation bind themselves to a certain community or rule of life as a means to attain spiritual perfection. The word “monastic,” from which we get “monk,” comes from the Greek term “monachos anachoretes,” which referred to a person who lived separately from the rest of society. In a Christian context, this rejection of society was not an end in itself, but a means to grow closer to God. Speaking in very broad terms, Christian monasticism can be categorized either as hermetic or cenobitic. Hermetic monks, also called hermits or anchorites, largely live alone, while cenobitic monks live in community, following a common rule of life that involves a regular schedule of prayer and work. The most famous hermit is probably St. Anthony of the Desert, known as the Father of Monasticism, and the most famous monastic rule is probably the Rule of St. Benedict, written by the holy abbot over 1,500 years ago to give order to the monastic community he established. In his Rule, St. Benedict identifies two other types of monks: sarabites, who follow no rule, and gyrovagues, who wander from place to place. He doesn’t think highly of either. Obedience and stability are fundamental aspects of religious life. While monastic life may seem harsh, I once heard a monk explain it this way: “People think I must be very strong to be a monk, but the opposite is true. I am very weak. I am too weak to live a holy life in the world with all
its temptations. I would fail. The monastery provides me with a structured life that is ordered toward holiness, supported by a community of people dedicated to that life. I need that. So to me, life in the monastery is easy. It’s life in the world that is too hard.” In addition to monastic orders, there are also apostolic religious orders. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” Religious brothers and sisters in apostolic orders live among the world like a leven, alone or in small communities. Missionary or preaching orders are usually apostolic. Finally, there is the vocation of consecrated single life. This is more than the state of being single. Being single simply means one is not married. It is an anticipatory state. It remains open to the possibility of being married, pursuing holy orders or entering a religious vocation. The Catechism points out that single persons “are especially close to Jesus’ heart and therefore deserve the special affection and active solicitude of the Church” (CCC 1658). Consecrated single people are those who make a permanent commitment to live a celibate life in order to be more free to serve the Lord, not as a member of a religious community but as a single person in the world. Such consecrated single people serve God in many and varied ways, both in the Church and in secular society, as spiritual mothers and fathers. Their particular vocation can involve them in almost any kind of work, but their spousal relationship is with God, and their lives give witness to the primacy and sufficiency of that relationship. The common thread tying together all of these vocations – marriage, holy orders, religious and consecrated life – is commitment. One enters into these vocations with a binding promise of fidelity: to their spouse, to their bishop or to their religious superiors. Thus all vocations are, in a sense, “religious” (that is, binding) vocations, including the universal call to holiness. We promise fidelity to God at our baptism (or our parents promise for us). But paradoxically, these vocational bonds are liberating. They restrict us the way lines on a highway restrict us: By limiting our direction, they keep us from driving into a ditch and help us reach our destination safely. And that’s the ultimate point of any vocation: It’s the narrow road we travel through life as we make our journey to God.
‘Those who enter a religious vocation bind themselves to a certain community or rule of life as a means to attain spiritual perfection.’
DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.
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catholicnewsherald.com | August 13, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
As I have loved you. Como yo los he amado.
— John 13:34
— Juan 13:34
Mark your calendar for the 17th Eucharistic Congress September 17-18, 2021 — Charlotte Convention Center
Marque su calendario para el XVII Congreso Eucarístico J UA N 1 3 : 3 4
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Para información y voluntariado: www.GoEucharist.com
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For information and to volunteer: www.GoEucharist.com
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Septiembre 17 y 18, 2021— Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte CO
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