Sept. 24, 2021

September 24, 2021

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

‘Encouraging’ support Nearly 2,000 donors make $20M St. Joseph College Seminary campaign a success 5

United in the Eucharist

Help needed to house Afghan evacuees 6 INDEX

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Parishes honor our Eucharistic Lord after diocesan event canceled 3

Diócesis celebró nuevamente Congreso Eucarístico virtual 10-11

RESPECT LIFE MONTH St. Joseph is model for the Church’s pro-life work; Respect Life Conference, Life Chains coming up 7

Asheville Catholic School opens $3.9M eco-friendly addition 15

Lexington: Celebraron 22 años de Misa en español 12

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Vincent de Paul: Patron of Catholic charities

Pope Francis

Central Europe trip about honoring roots, moving forward

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living faith draws strength from remembering the past while continuing to grow in love of God and service to others, Pope Francis said.

The pope said he saw that kind of faith on display Sept. 12-15 as he visited Hungary and Slovakia.

Reviewing the trip Sept. 22, Pope Francis told people at his weekly general audience that the roots of identity and faith must be “conserved – not like museum exhibits, not ideologized and exploited out of interests of prestige and power (or) to consolidate a closed identity” – but as reminders of what God has done and as inspiration for growing closer to God and to other people.

In Hungary Sept. 12, Pope Francis celebrated the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress where, he said, participants were “embraced by the cross that stood above the altar, showing the same direction indicated by the Eucharist, namely the path of humble and selfless love, of generous and respectful love toward all, of faith that purifies from worldliness and leads to what is essential.”

With Roman and Eastern rite liturgies, ecumenical gatherings, meetings with members of the Jewish community, with Roma and with the homeless, Pope Francis said his trip was “a pilgrimage of prayer in the heart of Europe, beginning with adoration and ending with popular piety.”

“This is what the people of God are called to, above all: to worship, to pray, to journey, to wander, to do penance, and in this to feel the peace and the joy that the Lord gives us. And this is of particular importance on the European continent, where the presence of God is being diluted by consumerism and in the ‘vapors’ of a unitary way of thinking that is the fruit of the mixture of old and new ideologies,” he said. “In this context too, the healing answer comes from prayer, witness and humble love.”

Visiting the two Central European nations, “the heart of Europe,” Pope Francis said he kept thinking about how the founders of the European Union had a vision of a continent at peace where different nations, cultures and faiths would thrive without being seen as a threat to one another. In such a vision, he said, “roots are a guarantee of the future: from them sprout thick branches of hope.”

“Do we remember our roots? Our parents and grandparents?” he asked.

A connection with the older generation gives the roots the nourishment they need to continue to grow, he said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Read more from the pope’s trip to Slovakia on page 20.

Feast day: Sept. 27 On Sept. 27, the Catholic Church remembers St. Vincent de Paul, the 17th century French priest known as the patron of Catholic charities for his apostolic work among the poor and marginalized.

During a September 2010 Angelus address, then Pope Benedict XVI noted that St. Vincent “keenly perceived the strong contrast between the richest and the poorest of people,” and was “encouraged by the love of Christ” to “organize permanent forms of service” to provide for those in need.

The exact year of Vincent’s birth is not definitively known, but it has been placed between 1576 and 1581. Born to a poor family in southwest France, he showed his intellectual gifts from a young age, studying theology from around age 15. He received ordination as a priest in the year 1600, and worked as a tutor to students in Toulouse.

During a sea voyage in 1605, Vincent was seized by Turkish pirates and sold into slavery. His ordeal of captivity lasted until 1607, during which time the priest converted his owner to the Christian faith and escaped with him from Tunisia. Afterward, he spent time studying in Rome, and – in a striking reversal of fortune – served as an educator and spiritual guide to members of an upper-class French family.

Although Vincent had initially begun his priesthood with the St. Vincent de Paul intention of securing a life of leisure for himself, he underwent a change of heart after hearing the confession of a dying peasant. Moved with compassion for the poor, he began undertaking missions and founding institutions to help them both materially and spiritually. The one-time slave also ministered to convicts forced to serve in squalid conditions as rowers aboard galley ships.

Vincent established the Congregation of Priests of the Mission in 1625, as part of an effort to evangelize rural populations and foster vocations to remedy a priest shortage. Not long after this, he worked with the future St. Louise de Marillac to organize the Daughters of Charity, the first congregation of women religious whose consecrated life involved an extensive apostolate among the poor, the sick, and prisoners.

Under Louise’s direction, the order collected donations which Vincent distributed widely among the needy. These contributions went toward homes for abandoned children, a hospice for the elderly, and an immense complex where 40,000 poor people were given lodging and work. He was involved in various ways with all

‘Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.’

of these works, as well as with efforts to help refugees and to free those sold into slavery in foreign lands.

Though admired for these accomplishments during his lifetime, the priest maintained great personal humility, using his reputation and connections to help the poor and strengthen the Church.

Doctrinally, Vincent was a strong opponent of Jansenism, a theological heresy that denied the universality of God’s love and discouraged reception of the Eucharist. He was also involved in the reform of several religious orders within France.

St. Vincent de Paul died on Sept. 27, 1660, only months after the death of St. Louise de Marillac that previous March. Pope Clement XII canonized him in 1737. In 1835, the French scholar Blessed Frederic Ozanam took him as the inspiration and namesake for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a lay Catholic organization working for the relief of the poor.

— Catholic News Agency

Daily Scripture readings SEPT. 26-OCT. 2

Sunday: Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Monday (St. Vincent de Paul): Zechariah 8:1-8, Luke 9:46-50; Tuesday (St. Wenceslaus, St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions): Zechariah 8:20-23, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael): Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, John 1:47-51; Thursday (St. Jerome): Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus): Baruch 1:15-22, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (The Holy Guardian Angels): Baruch 4:5-12, 2729, Matthew 18:1-5, 10

OCT. 3-9

Sunday: Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 2:9-11, Mark 10:2-16; Monday (St. Francis of Assisi): Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11, Jonah 2:3-5, 8, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday (BI. Francis Xavier Seelos): Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 10:3842; Wednesday (St. Bruno, BI Marie Rose Durocher): Jonah 4:1-11, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday (Our Lady of the Rosary): Malachi 3:13-20b, Luke 11:5-13; Friday: Joel 1:13-15, 2:1-2, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday (St. Denis and Companions, St. John Leonardi): Joel 4:1221, Luke 11:27-28

OCT. 10-16

Sunday: Wisdom 7:7-11, Hebrews 4:12-13, Mark 10:17-30; Monday (St. John XXIII): Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:29-32; Tuesday: Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:37-41; Wednesday: Romans 2:1-11, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Callistus I): Romans 3:21-30, Luke 11:4754; Friday (St. Teresa of Jesus): Romans 4:1-8, Luke 12:1-7; Saturday (St. Hedwig, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque): Romans 4:13, 1618, Luke 12:8-12

Our parishes

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Bishop Peter Jugis (above, center) celebrated Masses at St. Patrick Cathedral Sept. 18 and 19 to mark the 17th annual Eucharistic Congress.

Parishes such as Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe (above, left), St. Mary’s in Greensboro (above), and St. John the Evangelist in Waynesville (left), hosted parish-based Eucharistic Congress events Sept. 17-19 that included Mass, Adoration and Eucharistic Processions.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD; PARISH PHOTOS PROVIDED

United in the Eucharist Parishes honor our Eucharistic Lord after diocesan in-person Eucharistic Congress canceled SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — For the second year in a row, the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Eucharistic Congress shifted to an online and parish-based program.

Organizers changed the annual event in an abundance of caution because of the COVID-19 pandemic and elevated reported cases of the Delta variant of the virus.

Instead of the annual Mass celebrated with thousands of Catholics in the Charlotte Convention Center, Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated two Masses livestreamed Sept. 18 and 19 from St. Patrick Cathedral.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis shared that, despite

the changed format, “We are happy to go ahead with this celebration this year, to keep alive our tradition of the annual diocesan Eucharistic Congress. We hope to return next year to the in-person format of the Congress as soon as the pandemic subsides.”

He noted that the Eucharistic Congress has tremendous spiritual value in strengthening our faith in our Eucharistic Lord. “The Congress brings us together as one Catholic family from parishes across the entire diocese. The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity. The Holy Eucharist makes us one body in Christ, united in one faith, as we all partake of the one Body of the Lord.”

Bishop Jugis gave thanks to God “who is so close to us that He even lives with us in the Holy Eucharist: the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, our Savior. And we live our faith and profess our faith in Jesus’ Real Presence every time we take part in the celebration of Mass, every time we adore Him in the Holy Eucharist, every time we say to Him at Communion time: ‘Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.’”

The bishop then reminded the faithful that at Mass we are celebrating our faith in Jesus’ Real Presence. “It is as if we are making our profession of faith in Him and His Real

Presence by being at Mass with Him,” Bishop Jugis said.

Reflecting on the ongoing pandemic, he acknowledged the coronavirus is still with us, making our lives very difficult.

“It is a constant worry and burden on our minds,” Bishop Jugis said. “Jesus has the remedy for us in the present situation, and the remedy, the solution, is Jesus Himself. He says: ‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’” (Mt 11:28-30) Bishop Jugis emphasized that Jesus is where our burdened and worried souls find rest in this pandemic.

“Jesus is always with us, and He is waiting for us at Mass; He is waiting for us in Eucharistic Adoration; He is waiting for us in the tabernacle; He is waiting for us to make visits to the church to pray. He wants you to come to Him.” He encouraged the faithful to share Christ’s Real Presence with others. “After you have spent time with Christ, bring others to experience the peace you have found at Mass and at Eucharistic Adoration. Bring your children, EUCHARIST, SEE PAGE 24

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SEPT. 25 – 10 A.M. Diaconate Ordination St. Mark Church, Huntersville

SEPT. 27 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Charlotte

SEPT. 29 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Lexington

OCT. 3-8 Diocese of Charlotte Priests’ Retreat Living Waters Reflection Center, Maggie Valley

Diocesan calendar of events September 24, 2021

CONFERENCES & TALKS

Volume 30 • NUMBER 26

EAST MEETS WEST RETREAT: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Sept.

24, and 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. The retreat – which is free and open to all – will feature a Moleben to the Mother of God, Searcher for the Lost; Liturgy of the Hours, with vespers and compline; and conferences focusing on the spiritual counsels of St. Dorotheos of Gaza, St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain, philosopher Jean-Claude Larchet, and other Eastern Fathers and saints. The conferences, presented by Father Kevin Bezner and Deacon Matthew Hanes, will include material for reflection on the fear of God; on vigilance and sobriety; and on the dangers of social media for society, the family and the soul. No registration is required.

Hosted by Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke Ukrainian Catholic Mission. For details, contact ucmcanton@gmail. com.

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

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

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

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE: 9-4 p.m. 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. Editor’s note: see story on page 6.

‘GROWTH AND EMPOWERING’ PROGRAM: 7-8:30 p.m. the last Monday of the month, beginning Sept.

27 until March 28, St. Mark Church’s Kerin Center, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. This seven-week program for women is presented by the Healed and Restored Ministry. Through prayer, guided exercises, testimony and professional programming, women will experience the true feminine genius as God intended for each of His beloved daughters. For details, visit www.healedandrestored.org and click on “Growth and Empowering Walk” to fill out an interest form, or contact Elza Spaedy at info@healedandrestored.org.

‘SPIRITUAL BUT NOT RELIGIOUS – THE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN MATERIAL WORLD’: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte.

Presented by Father John Bartunek, a best-selliing author who served as spiritual advisor on the set of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.”

‘DURING AND AFTER COVID-19 – A CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR NEW REALITY’: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, St. William Church, 765 Andrews Road, Murphy. An afternoon reflection hosted by Father Pat Cahill, pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville. Q&A at 2:45 p.m., with closing Mass at 3 p.m. To register, contact Sandra Breakfield, Elder Ministry program director, at 704-370-3220 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org, or contact Gail Maloof at 828-837-2000.

SOVIET GULAG SURVIVOR SPEAKS: Professor Myroslav Marynovych, vice rector of Ukrainian Catholic University,

will talk about his experiences as a survivor of the Soviet Gulag after Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 24.

Hosted by St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Church, which meets in Aquinas Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Catholics of any rite are welcome to attend the Mass (which fulfills the Sunday obligation) and learn more about the Eastern Catholic Church.

ENTERTAINMENT THE BLACK MOUNTAIN TRIO: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts faculty members Kevin Lawrence on violin, Brooks Whitehouse on cello, and Dmitri Vorobiev on piano will present a free concert as the Abbey opens its arts season. The ensemble is named to honor the vision of Black Mountain College, a vibrant artistic and educational institution that enriched the culture of North Carolina during the middle of the 20th century. The trio will perform music

by Martinu, Ives and Mendelssohn. Attend the concert in person for free, or watch the livestreamed performance at www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/artslive.

ST. MARGARET MARY’S CHURCH 85TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Grovemont Park, 101 W. Charleston Ave., Swannanoa. The celebration will begin with Mass at the church, followed by the festival at Grovemont Park. For questions and to volunteer, email stmmcc8s@gmail.com.

ESPAÑOL UNA VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN POR LA PAZ Y LA JUSTICIA EN NICARAGUA: Los jueves a las 6 p.m., nos reunimos en la Catedral San Patricio para, que en estos últimos meses está pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario y la corona de adoración y reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel. La vigilia de oración es en español. Las próximas fechas serán Sept. 30.

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 SPIRITUAL MOTHERHOOD PARISH MISSION: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, through Wednesday, Sept. 29, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

Featuring Father Joseph Aytona, CPM. Mission is open to all, but specifically geared toward women of all ages.

Confessions will be available before and after each night.

For details, call 704-549-1607.

33-DAY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH: Consider making a consecration to St. Joseph using “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Father Donald Calloway, MIC. Starting the 33-day series of prayers on Thursday, Sept. 30, would conclude on Monday, Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Learn more at www. yearofstjoseph.org.

MARY’S SONS KNEELERS: Parishioners around the Diocese of Charlotte have the opportunity to pray for our two transitional deacons, Deacon Darren Balkey and Deacon Aaron Huber, on the special Mary’s Sons kneelers that the deacons will receive when they are ordained June 18, 2022. For more information about the Mary’s Sons kneelers, go online to www.maryssons.org. Here is the schedule for the kneelers as they are moved to parishes around the diocese this fall: SEPT. 13-27: St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley SEPT. 27-OCT. 11: St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville, and Immaculate Conception Mission, Canton OCT. 12-18: St. Joan of Arc Church, Candler OCT. 18-24: St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill, and Sacred Heart Mission, Burnsville VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: First Fridays and first Saturdays, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. The next vigil will be Oct. 1-2. An overnight vigil will be offered twice each month to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and to offer penance and pray for the conversion of our nation. To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration times, go to www.prolifecharlotte.org/twohearts.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING PROTECTING CHILDREN: “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 online training, go to www.virtus.org. Upcoming workshop: CONCORD: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, St. James Church, 139 Manor Avenue (session will be in Spanish)

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.

Clarification The Sept. 10 edition’s list of Conventual Franciscan friars who served in the Diocese of Charlotte should have noted that Father Charles

Jagodzinski is the former chaplain at Wake Forest University.

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

WORLD HUNGER DRIVE

OUR PARISHESI

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‘Encouraging’ support for college seminary Nearly 2,000 donors make St. Joseph’s $20M capital campaign a success SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

Another successful World Hunger Drive CHARLOTTE — More than 800 parishioners from St. Matthew Church gathered to pack meals Sept. 11 for the poor during the parish’s 19th annual Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive. This year’s effort involved packing 309,096 meals on site, as well as a virtual fundraising event that raised over $312,000.

The food and other critical supplies are headed to the Missionaries of the Poor to distribute in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Donations are also funding sustainability projects and subsidizing education at St. Marc School in Haiti, including expanding the secondary school and starting a trade school. Through the 2021 drive, the parish also continues its financial support for a parish food program for children in Venezuela and a boys’ hostel in India, as well as providing food and funds to assist Charlotte-area homeless through food banks such as Second Harvest and Mel’s Diner. The meal-packing event was part of a number of parish-wide events in September to celebrate the parish’s 35th anniversary.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. MATTHEW CHURCH

MOUNT HOLLY — Thanks to nearly 2,000 donors, St. Joseph College Seminary has reached its $20 million capital campaign goal.

Donations and pledges raised over the past five years have been used to build the new 30,000-square-foot college seminary, a home for young men who are exploring a vocation to the diocesan priesthood while also pursuing undergraduate degrees at nearby Belmont Abbey College. The college seminary currently houses 25 seminarians and those who are responsible for their formation.

Bishop Peter Jugis blessed the new college seminary Sept. 15, 2020, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, after an official ribboncutting ceremony.

“God continues to bestow huge blessings upon the Diocese of Charlotte, and the successful completion of the seminary capital campaign is one of those blessings,” Bishop Jugis said.

“We have a very broad participation from every corner of the diocese, and beyond,” said Fredrik Akerblom, the seminary’s director of development. “When we come together, we can accomplish a lot.”

Akerblom noted that everyone involved helped to realize a complex, comprehensive plan to open the college seminary – the only one of its kind between Washington, D.C., and Miami – providing a unique opportunity for young men in the diocese discerning a call to the priesthood.

“The participation in this capital campaign was as astounding as it was encouraging. It manifests that the Church here in the Charlotte diocese takes seriously the need for strong and holy vocations to the priesthood. We have relied on God’s providence from day one of this project,” said the college seminary’s rector, Father Matthew Kauth.

St. Joseph College Seminary opened in 2016 in a former convent behind St. Ann School in Charlotte, housing an inaugural class of eight college seminarians. Over the course of four years, with a growing number of men entering the program each year, the diocese housed additional students in four separate residences near the St. Ann Church campus while accelerating the construction of a permanent home for the college seminary in Mount Holly. Enrollment has more than tripled since the program began five years ago.

With Gothic architecture and brickwork inspired by nearby Belmont Abbey, where in 1876 Benedictine monks planted the roots of Catholicism in western North Carolina, the new two-story college seminary includes 40 dorm rooms, a chapel, classroom, library, faculty offices, a refectory and kitchen, and a picturesque cloister walk where students can meditate and pray.

The program aims to nurture local vocations among the parishes and families in the Charlotte diocese, close to home.

Graduates go on to major seminaries out of state to complete their priestly formation, then return for ordination to serve in the diocese’s growing parishes.

“We are taking responsibility for the men the Lord sends to us,” Father Kauth said. “I feel optimistic of what we can achieve together, pray God, in the future.”

“May we continue to serve the Lord faithfully who has been so generous with us,” Bishop Jugis said. “Special thanks to Father Kauth, our donors, and the entire team for their tremendous work on this campaign.”

Looking ahead, plans at the college seminary include the construction of a chapel large enough to host liturgies with the seminary community and up to 150 visitors. The current chapel was designed as a lecture and banquet hall and will be used as such once a new chapel is ready.

Learn more For information about the St. Joseph College Seminary, go to www. stjcs.org or contact Fredrik Akerblom, seminary director of development, at 704-302-6386 or email fakerblom@stjcs.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan Support Appeal reaches 88% of goal Faithful encouraged to pledge support CHARLOTTE — The ongoing global pandemic has created an even greater cry for assistance, and we as Catholics are charged to come to the aid of people in need across the Diocese of Charlotte through the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

To date, the 2021 DSA has received $5.4 million – about 88 percent of its $6.2 million goal – with a few months remaining in this year’s campaign to raise the remaining $800,000.

“Love Thy Neighbor,” the theme of the 2021 Diocesan Support Appeal, is taken from Matthew 22:39: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It illustrates one way we can strive to share God’s love with others at this difficult time.

“This is a heartfelt reminder and an opportunity to put our faith into action to help others,” Bishop Peter Jugis wrote in his DSA appeal letter to the people of the diocese.

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

The DSA also supports multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress and the diocese’s housing corporation.

Catholic Charities receives 33 percent of the funds collected in the campaign. Other DSA funds are allocated to the Education Vicariate (27 percent), vocations (14 percent), multicultural ministries (14 percent), and the Eucharistic Congress and the diocesan housing ministry (7 percent). Campaign administrative costs are projected to be 5 percent.

Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions help fund the annual DSA. Through their contributions, people across the diocese are able to join together to do the Lord’s work – works of love and service that no one person or parish can do alone.

Last year, parishioners raised $6.4 million, $230,391 over the campaign’s goal of $6.2 million.

Bishop Jugis asks parishioners to prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to the 2021 DSA, sharing our blessings from God with others “especially during these trying times of a global pandemic when the needs of many are great. I appeal to you to reflect on your own blessings and return a portion of these gifts to make a difference in our diocese.”

How to support the DSA n ONLINE: Go to www. charlottediocese.org/dsa to make a secure online donation. n TEXT: Text “DSA” to 704-389-2096 n ENVELOPE: Mail the pledge card you received in the mail or at Mass to: Diocese of Charlotte, 2021 Diocesan Support Appeal, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. (Pledges must be paid by Dec. 31, 2021.)

Questions?

Contact Jennifer Daigle at 704-370-3316 or email jldaigle@rcdoc.org.

Catholic Charities seeks help housing Afghan evacuees in Charlotte, Asheville CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Amid a national housing shortage particularly severe in North Carolina, the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Charities agency is working overtime to find homes for an expected surge of refugees heading to Charlotte and Asheville in coming months – including roughly 240 Afghan evacuees fleeing their war-torn homeland.

Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program needs hundreds of apartments and rental homes throughout Mecklenburg and Buncombe counties where families can settle as case workers connect them to health, employment, and other services outlined by the federal government. Some

CNS | EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS

Afghan refugees at Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., embrace family members Sept. 2, before boarding buses that will take them to a processing center. The Charlotte diocese is preparing to welcome 240 Afghan evacuees to Charlotte and Asheville in coming months. refugees served as interpreters or provided other assistance to the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan – among tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated when the U.S. military ended operations there last month.

The agency needs independent rentals ranging in size from one to three bedrooms – not room or house sharing – and is flexible on length of leases.

A severe lack of affordable housing has plagued many North Carolina communities and in March, the National Low-Income Housing Coalition found a U.S. shortage of nearly 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely lowincome renters.

“We have never seen rental housing so tight – we really need help from the community to secure homes for these individuals and families coming from chaotic circumstances with little more than the clothes they’re wearing,” said Sandy Buck, who heads Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program, with offices in Charlotte and Asheville. “Much of the housing we have relied on for years is not available, so we are praying people who can help will reach out in this crisis.”

While financial and operating agreements are not yet finalized, Catholic Charities expects to resettle 200 Afghan

evacuees in Charlotte and 40 in Asheville over the next several months – in addition to an anticipated increase of refugee families from elsewhere around the world.

After a sharp decline during the Trump administration, the number of refugees being resettled by the diocese was already expected to rise beginning this fall. In addition to Afghan evacuees, Charlotte is slated to resettle 400 refugees and Asheville 150 over the next year.

Bishop Peter Jugis has lauded the work of the Church in resettling individuals and families from places of strife.

“As Catholics we respond to the Biblical call to welcome the stranger – it is an act of love and hope…” Jugis previously told the Catholic News Herald. “We have decades of experience in settling thousands of families fleeing persecution in their native country. These people have made a rich contribution to the life and culture of western North Carolina. I join with my brother bishops in the effort to work vigorously to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans.”

Catholic Charities works in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees fleeing war, political upheaval, or religious, economic or ethnic persecution.

It’s unclear exactly when the Afghan evacuees will arrive, which could begin in coming days. Many are already in the U.S., housed temporarily on military bases as background checks are being completed and resettlement agencies prepare. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is conducting COVID-19, health and security screenings, and service agreements are still being drafted between the federal government and the USCCB, which runs the largest refugee resettlement program in the United States.

The diocese typically resettles between 300 and 400 refugees each year, many of whom have ties in the U.S. or who have U.S. sponsors.

Catholic Charities provides refugees the individualized assistance they need to start new lives in the United States – including housing assistance, job training, counseling help, school registration, health care referrals, community and cultural orientation, budgeting and financial education, interpretation services, referrals to English classes, and more.

The guidance helps refugees acculturate and become selfsufficient, productive members of their community. They pay taxes, re-pay travel expenses, and most adults find jobs within three to five months, ultimately becoming financially independent and homeowners, Catholic Charities’ case workers note.

In anticipation of the refugee arrivals, Catholic Charities is adding three case workers in Charlotte and Asheville.

Since 1975, the local agency has resettled more than 14,000 refugees representing 61 nationalities.

How can you help?

Most critical is the need for hundreds of independent and affordable rental homes and apartments in Charlotte and Asheville, for which Catholic Charities provides flexible terms and reliable lease payments.

Catholic Charities also encourages financial donations and family sponsorship to aid its refugee resettlement work. Contributions can be made securely online at www.ccdoc.org or mailed to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

Donations of furniture and household items, as well as volunteers to pick up donations and help set up apartments, are also welcome.

For information on how to help, call 704-370-3262.

Stand in solidarity with migrants and refugees this week The 2021 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated each year on the last Sunday of September, will take place Sunday, Sept.

26. The theme for this year’s celebration, chosen by Pope Francis, is “Towards an ever wider ‘we’” – a theme chosen to encourage focus on greater communion and unity among all people. In a letter announcing this year’s theme, Pope Francis emphasizes “this focus calls on us to ensure that ‘after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those,’ but only ‘us’” (“Fratelli tutti,” 35).

In solidarity with the Vatican, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ celebration of the 2021 National Migration Week has been taking place this week – culminating with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday. Let us take some time this week to reflect on how we can better welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants living in our midst. How can we counter the globalization of indifference that affects us all, to some degree or another? What policies can we

promote that will affirm the dignity of migrants and better secure the common good? How do we work more fully to promote a Church for all? Learn more at www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

“This is the ideal of the new Jerusalem, where all peoples are united in peace and harmony, celebrating the goodness of God and the wonders of creation. To achieve this ideal, however, we must make every effort to break down the walls that separate us and, in acknowledging our profound interconnection, build bridges that foster a culture of encounter. Today’s migration movements offer an opportunity for us to overcome our fears and let ourselves be enriched by the diversity of each person’s gifts. Then, if we so desire, we can transform borders into privileged places of encounter, where the miracle of an ever wider ‘we’ can come about.”

— Excerpt from Pope Francis’ 2021 World Day of Migrants and Refugees message

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH

St. Joseph is model for the Church’s pro-life work Every October, we consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. The month is a time to celebrate Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. This year’s celebrations focus on St. Joseph, defender of life.

In a reflection from the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of ProLife Activities, St. Joseph is noted as a perfect model for the Church’s pro-life work: “The infant Christ ‘came into our world in a state of great vulnerability. He needed to be defended, protected, cared for and raised by Joseph’ (“Patris corde,” 5).

The humble and often hidden carpenter of Nazareth accompanied Mary in her pregnancy, assisted at the birth of the Messiah in a stable, presented Jesus in the Temple, fled with his family far from their homeland to protect them, and lovingly raised Jesus as his own son in the years to come.

“While the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary to announce that she would bring forth the Savior of the world, it was revealed to Joseph in a series of dreams how God’s plans would be brought to fulfillment. As Pope Francis highlights, ‘God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him someone who would not only save her life, but would always provide for her and her child’ (“Patris corde,” 5).

“Like every other human family, the Holy Family had to confront real and concrete challenges. Yet, ‘in every situation, Joseph declared his own “fiat”’ (“Patris corde,” 3). His ‘yes’ to the Lord meant that regardless of the hardship and personal sacrifice to himself, he consistently chose to put the needs of Mary and Jesus before his own.

Joseph’s devotion helps reveal to us our own call to show special care for the lives of those whom God has entrusted to us.

“During this Year of St. Joseph, each of us can find in him ‘an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble’ (“Patris corde,” Intro). Joseph shows us how to say “yes” to life, despite our own fears, frailties and weaknesses. For it is Joseph who was ‘chosen by God to guide the beginnings of the history of redemption. He was the true ‘miracle’ by which God saves the child and His mother’ (“Patris corde,” 5).

“May we, too, be miracles in the lives of those who are most in need, especially at the beginning and end of life.

“Dear St. Joseph, you who were ‘able to turn a problem into a possibility by trusting always in divine providence’ (“Patris corde,” 5), help us to imitate your faithful trust and courage.”

Resources available online At www.respectlife.org: Find prayers, ideas for getting involved, reflections and videos, and more information about the Church’s pro-life teachings and the celebration of Respect Life Month

Your DSA contributions at work ARTWORK PROVIDED BY THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

The poster for Respect Life Month 2021 features scenes from St. Joseph’s life as he faithfully cared for and protected Jesus and Mary.

The diocese’s Respect Life ministry is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

Diocesan Respect Life Conference to feature expert in pro-life biotech CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SWANNANOA — Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to attend the annual Respect Life Conference – a day of enrichment and education on a variety of pro-life issues. The conference will dive into topics such as pro-life ethical research and advancing biotechnology without morally illicit cells, parish support for mothers choosing life, “Evangelium Vitae” and the Christian message concerning life.

The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 2, at St. Margaret Mary Church.

Dr. Alan Moy, founder of the John Paul II Medical Research Institute and CEO and co-founder of Cellular Engineering Technologies, will give the keynote address.

Moy earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry at the University of California at Davis and an M.D. from Creighton University. He received specialty medical training in internal medicine at St. Louis University and subspecialty training in pulmonary and critical care at the Moy University of Iowa. He served on the faculty 1994-2005 and was tenured in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa. He maintains an adjunct appointment in the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa.

Moy’s research at the University of Iowa was in the areas of vascular biology, inflammation, gene delivery and tissue engineering. His research was supported by the National Institute of Health, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Lung Association.

In 2005 he left his faculty position to co-found Cellular Engineering Technologies (CET), a pro-life biotech company in Coralville, Iowa, which manufactures and sells commercial adult stem cells around the globe. In 2006, he founded the John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute (later renamed

the John Paul II Medical Research Institute), a tax-exempt non-profit research institute devoted to the use of adult stem cells for treating orphan diseases, degenerative neurological diseases, regenerative medicine and cancer. In 2009 the Small Business Commerce Association gave CET a Best Business Award in the commercial biotechnology category. The award recognizes the top 5 percent of small businesses throughout the country.

Moy has been recognized in Who’s Who in America and in the Leading Physicians of the World by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals. His organizations develop biotechnologies with the objective to offer ethical human cells as an alternative to embryonic stem cells and aborted fetal cells, which are ubiquitously used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of biologics, gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccines.

The conference will also feature prayer and education to foster encouragement, collaboration and community among the pro-life advocates of the diocese. The conference will open with a Traditional Latin Mass offered by pastor Father Brian Becker at 9 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m.

“The Respect Life Program is thrilled to be hosting this event again this year,” said Jessica Grabowski, the diocese’s Respect Life Program director, “and we are especially grateful to Father Becker and St. Margaret Mary (for hosting) the pro-life community and look forward to networking with pro-life advocates from across the diocese.”

Additionally, Moy will present a talk to the lay-led organization Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte at a Charlotte-area parish on Friday, Oct. 1. Contact the organization at catholichealthcharlotte@gmail.com for details.

More information To register, go online to www.ccdoc.org/respectlife. Contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org with questions about the event.

Join hands and pray for life Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to gather on Sunday, Oct. 3, to kick off Respect Life Month. Life Chains are being organized in the following communities:

BELMONT n Main Street at Queen of the Apostles, 2-3 p.m.; Tom Carey, tomc9330@outlook.com (plan to arrive at 1:45 p.m. to pick up signs)

BREVARD n Corner of Broad and Main streets (along the courthouse side of the street), 2-3 p.m.; Janice Castevens, 828-273-0275 or jangar@comporium.net

CHARLOTTE n East Boulevard at Scott Avenue (park at St. Patrick School), 2-3 p.m. n 3635 Park Road, in front of St. Ann Church, 2-3 p.m. n Corner of Old Reid and Park roads, in front of St. Vincent de Paul Church, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

GREENSBORO n Battleground Avenue (in front of Starbucks, across the corner from Lowe’s), 2:30-3:30 p.m.

HENDERSONVILLE n Meet at U.S. 25 (Asheville Highway) at the entrance to Patton Park at Clairmont Street, 2-3 p.m. Signs provided.

HUNTERSVILLE n Meet on the sidewalk along Stumptown Road at St. Mark Church. 2-3 p.m. Signs and prayers will be provided.

WINSTON-SALEM n Hanes Mall Boulevard west of Stratford Road, 2-3:30 p.m.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 OUR PARISHES

SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: James Tweed CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with 45 men enrolled at three seminaries to study for the priesthood this fall – 24 men at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, 15 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, and five at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, with one taking a pastoral year.

James Tweed, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, is one of those Tweed studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

To help the faithful of the diocese come to know him and how his call to discern the priesthood has unfolded, the Catholic News Herald recently asked Tweed about his discernment process: CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?

Tweed: I was in high school when I first heard the call to the priesthood.

Until that moment I had always felt a strong affinity toward consecrated life, but I turned my attention away from it for more sensible certainties in my life. I was at a Steubenville conference in Atlanta, and the priest who was promoting vocations asked people to rise and receive prayer if they thought they were called. At last, he called those with vocations to the priesthood to come forth. Once the priest asked the question plainly, it was as if my entire being was impelled by grace and courage to stand – any tempting thought contrary to affirming the voice I heard within felt as an injustice against some inexplicable inner-known truth. It even made me sick to my stomach to consider saying “no.”

After talking to the priest, I spoke with my brother Joseph, then my mother.

They both strongly encouraged me to follow the voice of the Lord without fear.

CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?

Tweed: My brother told me, “Pray about what you heard, then do whatever He tells you.” My mother asked me, “Are you sure?” and after I affirmed positively, she said, “Follow His voice; He will not lead you astray. I will help you get to wherever He is calling you.”

CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?

Tweed: I turned away from my vocation for about five years. After I graduated from the last college I attended, I took a year off. During the year off, I notified my parish priest of my intentions. I attended Mass several times a week, went to weekly confession and bi-weekly Adoration, and acquired a spiritual director who trained me in Ignatian

meditation. This all disposed me to listen closely and clearly to God’s voice. Eight months into my year off, I researched religious orders including the Jesuits and Dominicans, but when I began considering the diocesan priesthood, I felt peace and received a strong inner awareness impelling me to ask my parish priest to place me in contact with the diocese’s vocations director.

CNH: How and when did you reach out to the vocations office at the diocese?

Tweed: I consulted with my parish priest for the right information after I was certain that the Lord wanted me to reach out to the diocesan vocations director.

CNH: When did you enter seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte?

Tweed: In July of 2019.

CNH: Tell us about how you approached the discernment process throughout your time in seminary.

Tweed: When I entered seminary, I gave myself over entirely to the formation, spiritual direction, fraternity and in obedience to the priests. I think this is absolutely necessary. Further, spiritual books are quite helpful, but I found that silence of the body and abandonment of the soul’s every action to God disposes one to receive His wisdom and love.

CNH: What advice do you have for a man discerning a call to the priesthood?

Tweed: Never hastily tell yourself “no.” Due to the immense need for priests today, God is calling many. Since you may be among them, you must carefully consider what may be a calling.

By attending daily Mass, frequent Adoration and regular reconciliation, you will become pure in grace, and God will make your path straight. Give yourself entirely to Jesus through Mary!

CNH: Looking back on your discernment period over the years, what do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation to the holy priesthood?

Tweed: It was a true act of humility; I turned towards God and fell in love with Him immediately.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Your DSA contributions at work Seminarian education is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TERRY RUMLEY

Sallie Kelton, pictured by her piano, recently retired after serving as St. Pius X Church’s music minister for more than two decades.

Retiring music minister’s gift went beyond voice, piano Sallie Kelton honored for reaching hearts during her 23 years at St. Pius X GEORGIANNA PENN CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — At a retirement luncheon celebrating Sallie Kelton’s 23 years as music minister at St. Pius X, the assistant music minister, Brian Otter, reflected on Kelton’s time at the parish.

“St. Pius X will never be the same,” Otter remembers saying when Kelton arrived in Greensboro more than 20 years ago. This mother of three and Kentucky native has blessed the parish in her vocation as music minister, mother, wife, friend, mentor and more. While most people consider her voice and unique piano style as her gift to the parish, it is her gift of bringing others closer to Christ that is the legacy Kelton leaves St. Pius X. “Think of this. Sallie has brought thousands of people closer to Christ through her ministry,” said Otter.

Addressing Kelton, he said, “You have been present for almost all the high points in our lives: our children’s baptisms, our first Communions, our confirmations, our weddings, our children’s weddings, anointing of the sick and funerals of our loved ones. I cannot think of a more powerful way to serve the Lord as a lay person,” he said.

The retirement luncheon, held Aug. 1 in the parish’s Simmons Center, was hosted by the parish office staff and Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor. “What makes our parish so successful is its level of engagement,” Monsignor Marcaccio told

Kelton. “Your ministry of music has helped engage our parish towards its goal of full, active participation in the liturgy.”

The celebration was filled with special music, gifts and reflections of gratitude for the musician. Kelton has not only reached hearts at St. Pius X, she is well respected in the Catholic music community at large.

She has developed lifelong friendships with Catholic singer/songwriters Sarah Hart and John Angotti, who shared warm regards in a recorded video. Kelton’s close friend Tony Hayes performed “While You’re in the World” by Elton John, and Monsignor Marcaccio presented Kelton with a check to Caring Services Inc., an addiction recovery facility Kelton has supported ever since losing her son Griffin in 2015.

Parishioners Rebecca and Michael Schlosser called Kelton’s 23 years at St. Pius X a gift. “Sallie’s inspirational voice is truly her God-given ministry,” Rebecca Schlosser said. “She played at our son’s funeral and at my mother’s funeral. When we entered the church for our son’s funeral Mass, Sallie played ‘Be Not Afraid.’ I listen to that song and ‘On Eagle’s Wings’ almost every day now when I walk. We love Sallie.

We will desperately miss her.”

In 2019, Sarah Hart invited Kelton to share her video testimony at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress as part of Hart’s presentation “The Song of Women: Raising the Voice of the Feminine in our Church.” Five women shared personal testimonies of how God has used their gifts and even their pain to inspire hope in others. Hart was moved by how God has used the loss of Kelton’s son to unveil a new purpose in her life – using her voice not only for song but for prayer and advocacy as well.

Kelton’s hope for the parish community and music ministry of St. Pius X is that they will continue to share God’s love through prayer and song and that people will walk away from each liturgy with gratitude and love in their hearts.

As she always says, “God is good … all the time.”

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Parishioners: Be aware of local health protocols CHARLOTTE — Rising community spread of COVID-19 due to the Delta variant has prompted many local communities to reinstate health measures such as mandated face coverings indoors and social distancing – in many cases, regardless of individuals’ vaccine status.

Exemptions for indoor worship services and other religious activities may not be included in such local mandates.

Among the latest public health mandates is a requirement for most people to wear face coverings indoors, which took effect Sept. 22 and impacts all churches and Catholic schools in Mecklenburg County.

Father Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, urged pastors in a recent letter to “remain attentive to any local face covering rules and other health measures put in place by your local officials and health departments. Manage and adjust your particular safety precautions based on your prudential judgment and pastoral needs, and continue offering accompaniment and care to those who are vulnerable or fearful. Above all, we must continue encouraging the faithful to remain close to Jesus who sustains us especially during difficult times such as this.”

For more information, go online to www. charlottediocese.org/coronavirus-update.

Priest assignments announced CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the following clergy assignments: Father Raymond Esuka Ekosse, from the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, as parochial vicar for St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte effective Sept. 11.

Father James Kueh Kang, also from the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, as parochial vicar for Holy Family Church in Clemmons effective Oct. 8.

— Catholic News Herald

Herbert Burke, pastor, spoke of the devotion to this sacramental and blessed it during Mass.

After the special Mass, everyone was invited to the parish hall to enjoy Filipino food and fellowship.

— Giuliana Polinari Riley, correspondent

Two Hearts Vigil marks its fourth anniversary CHARLOTTE — The Vigil of the Two Hearts marked its four-year anniversary with a first Friday Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral Sept. 3.

Father Joshua Voitus, pastor of St. Vincent De Paul Church in Charlotte, offered the Mass and preached on efforts to end abortion. He was

OUR PARISHESI

assisted by St. Vincent De Paul Parish’s Deacon Ruben Tamayo, who also led the Holy Hour of Reparation after Mass to begin the nocturnal Eucharistic Adoration.

The Vigil of the Two Hearts is offered each first Friday evening overnight through first Saturday morning at the cathedral to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions, while praying for the end of abortion, for families, and for the country’s conversion back to God. The event is organized by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN). For more information, contact info@prolifecharlotte.org or go online to www.prolifecharlotte.org/two-hearts.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

“Hope” – mini Retreat for Women Jubilarians honored BELMONT — Six Sisters of Mercy celebrating a jubilee anniversary were honored Sept. 18 during a Mass offered at Queen of the Apostles Church. The Mass was celebrated by Monsignor John McSweeney, and the homilist was Benedictine Father Christopher Kirchgessner.

Pictured are the jubilarians: Sister Mary Charles Cameron, 70 years; Sister Bernadette McNamara, 70 years; Sister Ann Marie Wilson, 60 years; Sister Paula Diann Marlin, 60 years; Sister Carolyn McWatters, 50 years; and Sister Joanne Ury, 25 years.

— Mercy Sister Patricia Pepitone

Saturday, October 23 Belmont Abbey from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians Enjoy a day of reflection, Mass, and mid-day prayer with the monks. Confessions will be available.

St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte is hosting the event. $15 payable to St. John Neumann includes lunch at the student cafeteria.

Contact Kelly Flowers at (704)535-4197 or kelly@4sjnc.org to rsvp

— Catholic News Herald

Presbyteral Council officers named CHARLOTTE — Officers for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Presbyteral Council for 2021-’22 were elected Sept. 14.

Chairman is Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe; vice chairman is Father Christian Cook, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville; secretary is Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill; and treasurer is Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

The Presbyteral Council is a group of priests chosen to advise the bishop in the governance of the diocese. Required by Church law, the council represents all priests in the diocese and is “like a senate of the bishop” (Code of Canon Law 495 §1), with about half the members elected by the priests and others appointed by the bishop.

— Catholic News Herald

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Giving thanks for 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines FOREST CITY — The Filipino-American Community of Immaculate Conception Parish celebrated 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines with a Mass of thanksgiving Sept. 19.

The celebration was held on the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Marian patroness of the Bicol Region of the Philippines.

In honor of this anniversary, the FilipinoAmerican Community donated to the parish a reproduction of the famous Black Nazarene statue, located in the Minor Basilica of Quiapo, district of Manila, in the Philippines. Father

“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

REGISTER NOW! 2021 Benefit Banquet for Room At The Inn

Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. ~ Registration and Cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m.~ Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons (or join us LIVE online) This year’s theme is Life Gives Second Chances Our keynote speaker will be Star Parker Star Parker is founder and president of Cure, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Cure is a non-profit Policy Institute based in Washington DC that fights poverty to restore dignity through messages of faith, freedom and personal responsibility.

The vision of Cure is to preserve, promote and protect the principles of Christianity, the virtues of Capitalism and the rule of law in our Constitution to improve culture, reduce government dependency, and to build race relations.

We hope you will plan to join us to hear her amazing story.

Come and find out what’s happening at Room At The Inn Hear the stories of some of our past clients

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Dinner is complimentary but a donation will be requested Register online at www.RoomInn.org or contact Marianne at mdonadio@roominn.org or 336.391.6299

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 10

Padre Julio Domínguez El viernes 17 se llevó a cabo una Vigilia Eucaristía en la parroquia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory. El Padre Romo dio un mensaje sobre servicio, entrega y amor a través de la Eucaristía, mientras que Lupita Venegas habló la importancia de la Eucaristía en la familia.

El Padre Domínguez concluyó el programa con la Adoración al Santísimo.

Cuerpo Místico de Cristo

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s maravilloso pensar como nuestro Señor nos va llamando a cada uno de nosotros como personas humanas a ser parte de su cuerpo místico.

Desde el momento de nuestro bautismo inicia esa relación cercana de nuestra alma con Dios y se va cultivando poco a poco hasta formar esa intimidad fuerte con Él a través de los sacramentos.

Cuando nos ponemos a reflexionar en la realidad de nuestro llamado, nos podemos también dar cuenta de la grandeza y de la responsabilidad de este llamamiento. Por una parte, la grandeza en cuanto que espiritualmente pasamos a formar parte místicamente de nuestro Señor Jesucristo; llamados a testimoniar y dar razón de nuestra fe, amor y esperanza con nuestras vidas. Él es nuestra cabeza y nosotros somos su cuerpo, miembros vivos que actuamos de acuerdo con las enseñanzas y el ejemplo de nuestro Señor.

En cuanto cuerpo místico de Cristo, podemos imaginar la gran santidad que se irradia sobre nosotros con el simple hecho de serlo. Como nos dice San Pedro en su primera carta: ustedes son linaje escogido, sacerdocio real, nación santa, pueblo adquirido para Dios a fin de que anuncien las virtudes de aquel que los llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable. Las gracias que recibimos en los sacramentos son admirables y son los medios que el Señor utiliza para irnos santificando, alimentando y curando y así ser miembros fuertes de su Cuerpo.

Pero debemos recordar siempre que, para ser parte, hay que participar y el medio por el que participamos es a través de una relación íntima y profunda con nuestro Señor. Y esto sólo es posible a través de la oración, la recepción frecuente de los sacramentos, sobre todo la Eucaristía y la confesión, la vivencia de nuestra confirmación y gracias del matrimonio (si este fuera nuestro caso) y, como no mencionarlo, la comunión eclesial con todos nuestros sacerdotes y hermanos en Cristo.

El cuerpo místico de Cristo es Santo y lo vamos formando de acuerdo con nuestra inserción en Cristo. Tanto cuanto aceptamos su redención, su doctrina, sus ejemplos, sus medios de santificación, es como nosotros como miembros vamos siendo parte de esta maravillosa Iglesia, que lejos de ser puramente humana tiene su fundamento en lo divino.

De aquí cabe decir que nosotros no somos los que “hacemos la Iglesia”, sino que las gracias dadas por Cristo a su Iglesia es la que nos hace parte de ella, nos va santificando y así nos unimos de manera mística pero real al cuerpo místico de Cristo.

Dios les bendiga, EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

FOTO CORTESÍA FREDDY GARCÍA

Parroquial y virtualmente Unidos en la Eucaristía CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Por segundo año consecutivo, debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, el Congreso Eucarístico anual de la Diócesis de Charlotte debió reemplazar su versión presencial por un programa basado en actividades parroquiales y online.

En vez de la Misa celebrada con miles de católicos en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte, el Obispo Peter Jugis celebró la primera de dos Misas por el Congreso Eucarístico de 2021 el sábado 18 de septiembre en la Catedral San Patricio.

Ambas fueron programadas para emitirse por el canal YouTube de la diócesis, Durante su homilía, el Obispo Jugis expresó su alegría por seguir adelante con la celebración del evento este año, “para mantener viva nuestra tradición del Congreso Eucarístico diocesano anual”, y prometió volver al formato presencial tan pronto como la pandemia ceda.

Señaló que el Congreso Eucarístico fortalece nuestra fe en nuestro Señor Eucarístico y nos reúne como una sola familia de la diócesis. “La Sagrada Eucaristía nos hace un solo cuerpo en Cristo, nos une en una sola fe, ya que todos tomamos parte del Cuerpo único del Señor”.

Dios, dijo, “está tan cerca de nosotros que incluso vive con nosotros en la Sagrada Eucaristía: la Presencia Real de Jesucristo, nuestro Salvador”. Nosotros, anotó, vivimos nuestra fe en la presencia real de Jesús en la celebración de la Misa, “cada vez que lo adoramos en la Sagrada Eucaristía, cada vez que le decimos a la hora de la Comunión: ‘Señor,

no soy digno que entres en mi casa, pero una palabra tuya bastará para sanarme’”.

Reflexionando sobre la pandemia, reconoció que el coronavirus nos hace la vida muy difícil. “Es una preocupación y carga constante en nuestras mentes. Jesús tiene el remedio para nosotros en la situación actual, y el remedio, la solución, es Jesús mismo”. Jesús, añadió, “es donde nuestras almas agobiadas y preocupadas encuentran descanso en esta pandemia” y nos espera en la Misa, en la Adoración Eucarística, en el tabernáculo. “Él está esperando que hagamos visitas a la Iglesia para rezar. Él quiere que vayamos a Él”.

Luego, invitó a los fieles a compartir la experiencia de vivir la real presencia de Cristo con otros. “Traigan a sus hijos, traigan a los miembros de su familia, traigan a sus amigos. Sean Misioneros Eucarísticos de la Paz de Cristo.

Estar con Cristo les trae paz, así que háganse ustedes mismos misioneros de Su paz para otros”, sentenció.

VERSION VIRTUAL

Los organizadores publicaron en el canal YouTube de la diócesis, grabaciones con mensajes de los expositores originalmente programados.

En inglés se encuentran a disposición las disertaciones del Dr. William Thierfelder, presidente de Belmont Abbey College, quien habló sobre ‘Mi imitación de Cristo’; la Dra. Gianna Emmanuela Molla, quien expuso el tema ‘Sta. Gianna y San Pietro Molla, mi santa madre y mi santo padre’; y el Padre Donald Calloway, MIC, que desarrolló el tema

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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(Izquierda) Numerosos fieles asistieron a la Procesión Eucarística celebrada en la Iglesia Santa María Auxiliadora en Shelby.

Centro: Niños participando de la Procesión Eucarística realizada en la Iglesia Santa María en Greensboro.

(Derecha) El evangelizador laico, Gustavo Mejía, se dirige a un auditorio juvenil en la Iglesia Santa Teresa en Mooresville.

FOTOS CORTESÍA RICARDO BUTANDA, EVELYN BERMÚDEZ E IBIS CENTENO

El Obispo Peter Jugis celebró dos Misas por el Congreso Eucarístico en la Catedral San Patricio.

En su homilía reconoció que el coronavirus “es una preocupación y carga constante en nuestras mentes”, y el “remedio, la solución, es Jesús mismo”, que siempre está con nosotros y “nos espera en la Misa; Él nos espera en la Adoración Eucarística, en el tabernáculo”.

FOTO CORTESÍA HERMANA JUANA PEARSON

De izquierda a derecha aparecen en la gráfica, el Padre Julio Domínguez, director episcopal del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte; junto a los oradores invitados al Congreso Eucarístico 2021, Gustavo Adolfo Mejía, la Sra. Lupita Venegas, y el Padre Edwin Romo García.

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‘Consagración a San José en el año de San José”.

El programa en español, presentado por el Padre Julio Domínguez y el diácono Enedino Aquino, incluyó las disertaciones del Padre Edwin Romo, el evangelizador laico Gustavo Adolfo Mejía, y la señora Lupita Venegas, psicóloga y oradora motivacional.

El Padre Romo habló sobre ‘La Eucaristía, servicio, entrega y amor’, mientras que Gustavo Mejía desarrolló el tema ‘Jóvenes, el reto de presentar el amor de Cristo’. Cerrando la jornada, Lupita Venegas se refirió al ‘Amor, según el querer de Cristo’.

El Padre Julio Domínguez destacó la buena voluntad de los oradores en español que, pese a la cancelación de la versión presencial, se movilizaron hasta Charlotte para participar en actividades parroquiales presenciales.

Lupita Venegas y el Padre Romo se presentaron en Hickory, Shelby y Salisbury; mientras que Gustavo Mejía lo hizo en Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte y Santa Teresa en Mooresville.

ACTIVIDADES PARROQUIALES

Varias parroquias a lo largo y ancho de toda la diócesis organizaron eventos de procesión, adoración eucarística, charlas y Misas. Algunas de ellas son Santa María Auxiliadora en Shelby, Santo Tomás de Aquino en el norte de Charlotte, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury, Santa Teresa en Mooresville, San John Neumann en

Charlotte, San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, Santa María en Greensboro.

Más online En www.youtube.com/dioceseofcharlotte: Encontrará todos los videos con las charlas de los expositores, las homilías en inglés y español del Obispo Peter Jugis, así como las Misas celebradas en la Catedral San Patricio.

Homilía del Obispo Peter Jugis “Nuevamente este año, la pandemia llevó nuestro Congreso Eucarístico a un formato basado en actividades online y parroquiales. Sin embargo, estamos felices de seguir adelante con esta celebración para mantener viva nuestra tradición del Congreso Eucarístico diocesano anual. Tan pronto la pandemia disminuya, esperamos retornar el año que viene al formato presencial del Congreso. El Congreso Eucarístico tiene un tremendo valor espiritual para nosotros al fortalecer nuestra fe en nuestro Señor Eucarístico. El Congreso nos reúne como una familia católica formada por todas las parroquias de la diócesis. La Eucaristía es el sacramento de la unidad. La Sagrada Eucaristía nos hace un solo cuerpo en Cristo, nos une en una sola fe, ya que todos tomamos parte del Cuerpo único del Señor.

Estamos entrando a una época muy emocionante para nuestra diócesis. El próximo año celebraremos el 50 aniversario de la Diócesis de Charlotte. El año 2022 será nuestro aniversario de oro como diócesis. Tenemos

mucho que festejar, especialmente celebrar y agradecer a Dios Todopoderoso por el don de nuestra fe católica: un precioso regalo espiritual que Dios ha otorgado gentilmente a Sus hijos, un don más valioso y querido para nosotros que cualquiera de nuestras posesiones materiales.

El don espiritual de la fe es más precioso que el oro.

Así, ahora en este Congreso Eucarístico damos gracias a Dios que está tan cerca de nosotros que incluso vive con nosotros en la Sagrada Eucaristía: la Presencia Real de Jesucristo, nuestro Salvador. Y vivimos y profesamos nuestra fe en la Presencia Real de Jesús cada vez que participamos en la celebración de la Misa, cada vez que lo adoramos en la Sagrada Eucaristía, cada vez que le decimos a la hora de la Comunión: “Señor, no soy digno de que entres en mi casa, pero una palabra tuya bastará para sanarme”. En la Misa celebramos nuestra fe en la presencia real de Jesús. Es como si estuviéramos haciendo nuestra profesión de fe en Él y Su Real Presencia al estar en Misa con Él.

El coronavirus todavía nos acompaña dificultando mucho nuestras vidas. Es una preocupación y carga constante en nuestras mentes. Jesús tiene el remedio para nosotros en la situación actual, y el remedio, la solución, es Jesús mismo. Él dice: “Vengan a mí, todos los que están cansados y cargados, y yo los haré descansar. Tomen mi yugo sobre ustedes y aprendan de mí, que yo soy manso y humilde de corazón, y hallarán descanso para sus almas.

Porque mi yugo es fácil y mi carga ligera”.

(Mateo 11: 28-30) Jesús es donde nuestras almas agobiadas y preocupadas encuentran descanso en esta pandemia. Jesús está siempre con nosotros y nos espera en la Misa; Él nos espera en la Adoración Eucarística, en el tabernáculo. Él está esperando que hagamos visitas a la Iglesia para rezar. Él quiere que vayamos a Él.

Podemos decir que encontramos a Cristo en el Santísimo Sacramento del Altar, porque Jesucristo está realmente presente allí: su Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad: su humanidad y su divinidad. Después que hayan pasado un tiempo con Cristo, lleven a otros a experimentar la paz que han encontrado en la Misa y la Adoración Eucarística. Traigan a sus hijos, traigan a los miembros de su familia, traigan a sus amigos. Sean Misioneros Eucarísticos de la Paz de Cristo. Estar con Cristo les trae paz, así que háganse ustedes mismos misioneros de Su paz para otros”.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Escuelas Católicas preparan nuevas sesiones informativas

El Reverendo Padre Sabastian Umouyo, MSP, párroco de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Lexington, concelebró la Misa de aniversario con el Reverendo Padre Julio C. Domínguez.

Al término, los sacerdotes compartieron algunos platillos elaborados por la comunidad, entre tacos de carnitas estilo Michoacán, tamales y pupusas. La tarde culminó con bailables del ‘Ballet Folclórico Guadalupano’, proveniente de la parroquia San José en Asheboro.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

SERGIO LÓPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebraron 22 años de Misa en español SERGIO LÓPEZ CORRESPONSAL

LEXINGTON — Aprovechando el inicio del mes de la Hispanidad, el domingo 12 de septiembre la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Lexington celebró el vigésimo segundo aniversario del inicio de la celebración de la Santa Misa en español con un festival donde se pudo disfrutar de música, platillos típicos, aguas frescas y otros antojitos representativos de varios países de herencia hispana.

Decenas de voluntarios de la parroquia trabajaron arduamente en los preparativos del festejo. Fue una celebración donde los asistentes pudieron deleitarse con los muchos colores y sabores de la hispanidad.

Tres pequeñas, Zamara Navarrete, Shopia Ariana Díaz y Samara Corona Simón, de entre 8 a 9 años de edad, ayudaron a recaudar fondos ofreciendo antojitos al público asistente.

Al término del evento, la niña que recaudó el mayor monto de fondos fue proclamada ganadora. Todos los fondos procedentes de la fiesta, así como lo recaudado por las candidatas fue destinado al fondo de la parroquia.

Para la celebración Eucarística, el Reverendo Padre Sabastian Umouyo MSP se dio a la tarea de invitar al Vicario Episcopal del Ministerio Hispano, Reverendo Padre Julio C. Domínguez, a quien se le veía gustoso por haber sido invitado.

“Es la primera vez que visito esta comunidad”, dijo el Padre Domínguez mientras era guiado por el Padre Sabastian al recorrer el lugar. Muchos asistentes saludaron al Padre Domínguez, y le compartieron que varios de ellos veían sus videos y lo seguían por las redes sociales.

Luego, los sacerdotes compartieron algunos platillos típicos elaborados por la comunidad, entre tacos de carnitas estilo Michoacán, tamales y pupusas.

La tarde culminó con hermosos bailes folclóricos del grupo de danza ‘Ballet Folclórico Guadalupano’, que al son del querreque y huapango hizo un gran trabajo. Ellos provienen de la parroquia San José en Asheboro.

También se contó con la participación de dos grupos de música popular que amenizaron la tarde. Estas dos agrupaciones fueron ‘Itzel y su grupo Veracruzano’ y el grupo ‘Sueños de Michoacán’.

Da gusto ver estas actividades llenas de vida y color, pero sobre todo de unión entre los servidores y asistentes. Se pudo notar que el Padre Sabastian estaba muy contento y agradecido con los voluntarios, así como interesado en el folclore y la música.

La coordinadora parroquial del ministerio hispano, Verónica Contreras Valencia, recordó que el 19 de septiembre de 1999 se celebró la primera Misa en español. “El Padre Albert Gondek,

CHARLOTTE — Las Escuelas Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte preparan una nueva serie de jornadas informativas destinadas a la comunidad hispana, con la finalidad de hacer conocer sobre el proceso de solicitud de ingreso así como las ayudas financieras disponibles.

Así lo informó Angélica Hurtado, coordinadora de Diversidad/Mercadeo y Matrícula de las Escuelas Católicas diocesanas, a través de un comunicado dirigido a parroquias, redes sociales y líderes de opinión comunitarios.

“En el afán de informar a la comunidad sobre los beneficios que trae una educación en la fe, hemos programado cuatro sesiones informativas en español y otras tantas en inglés”, dijo Hurtado. “Los invito a participar en estas sesiones en donde obtendrán la información completa y precisa para registrar a sus niños y cómo obtener la ayuda financiera necesaria”.

La coordinadora precisó que, a partir del 2 de noviembre de 2021, se abrirá la inscripción para el año escolar 2022-2023.

“No espere al último momento, esta es una oportunidad importante para que sus hijos obtengan una educación académica de calidad basada en la fe”.

MÁS ESTUDIANTES

La inscripción en las escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte está en aumento, según reflejaron las cifras oficiales reveladas por las autoridades educativas diocesanas.

Al momento, 7.570 estudiantes están inscritos para el presente año educativo 2021-2022, un aumento del 7.7 por ciento en comparación con el año lectivo pasado, y aún 185 solicitudes se encuentran en trámite.

El año pasado, las 19 escuelas católicas en el oeste de Carolina del Norte se adaptaron a los desafíos causados ​​por la pandemia y pudieron llevar a cabo con éxito la instrucción en persona.

Las escuelas no fueron una fuente de brotes de COVID-19 incluso después de que los protocolos de salud se redujeron la primavera pasada, y los campamentos de verano en los que participaron cientos de niños no vieron casos positivos.

“El año pasado nos permitió trabajar juntos para reorientar nuestra misión, ser una luz en lo alto de la colina y líderes en educación”, dijo el Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendente de las escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

“Continuamos ese impulso este año al brindar una educación basada en la fe, dentro de la mayor normalidad posible para el bien de nuestros estudiantes”, añadió. junto con el padre Fidel Melo, recibieron a la comunidad hispana de Lexington en lo que fue la primera Misa en español. Fue muy importante traernos el Evangelio y su mensaje. Así, nuestra Iglesia comenzó a celebrar bautizos, bodas, confirmaciones y quinceañeras”, dijo.

Este fue el inicio del crecimiento de la comunidad católica hispana en el área con programas de catequesis para niños y jóvenes, la celebración de fechas importantes que marca el calendario de la Iglesia, así como de festividades especiales para los hispanos tales como Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, las Posadas, Navidad, día de Reyes, miércoles de ceniza, cuaresma, Viacrucis y la vigilia Pascual.

PROYECTOS EN CAMINO

La Oficina de Administración de Riesgos y Propiedades de la Diócesis de Charlotte trabaja arduamente para seguir el ritmo de los proyectos de expansión de varias escuelas católicas en curso para adaptarse a la creciente inscripción e inversiones en instalaciones educativas de vanguardia.

En la Escuela Católica de Asheville se completó una ampliación de 12,000 pies cuadrados, la primera para la escuela en INFORMATIVAS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SERVICIO CATÓLICO DE NOTICIAS | TYLER ORSBURN

FOTO CORTESÍA LIBRO DE LA PASCUA

Durante la primera reunión del Libro de la Pascua realizada en Fairhope, Alabama, el equipo que representó a la Diócesis de Charlotte recibió el encargo de desarrollar el tema de la quinta semana, ‘La iglesia como familia universal, encíclica Fratelli Tutti sobre la fraternidad y la amistad’.

Integrantes del Libro de la Pascua viajaron a Alabama CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

SALISBURY — El sábado 11 de septiembre, parte del equipo diocesano del Libro de la Pascua viajó a Fairhope, Alabama, con la finalidad de participar en la primera reunión anual que tuvo por objeto seleccionar el tema del Libro para la preparación de la Pascua Juvenil 2022.

A la cita organizada por el Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI, por sus siglas en inglés), acudieron más de 60 jóvenes adultos de las diócesis integrantes de las zonas episcopales V y XIV. Ibis Centeno, coordinadora del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Salisbury, que hasta hace poco tuvo a su cargo la coordinación de la pastoral juvenil hispana, informó que el tema central seleccionado por los equipos participantes fue ‘La Familia’.

Los seis capítulos que componen el tema principal, a los que llaman ‘semanas’ por las seis semanas en las que se extiende la cuaresma, son: ‘A su imagen y semejanza los creó, hombre y mujer los creó’, ‘El noviazgo como camino al matrimonio y la familia cristiana’, ‘Terror de la familia cristiana en Estados Unidos’, ‘La realidad de la familia hoy’, ‘La iglesia como familia universal, encíclica Fratelli Tutti sobre la fraternidad y la amistad’ y ‘La transmisión de la fe en la familia’.

Por sorteo, se asignó al equipo de la Diócesis de Charlotte desarrollar el tema de la quinta semana, ‘La iglesia como familia universal, encíclica Fratelli Tutti sobre la fraternidad y la amistad’.

“Estoy muy contenta por la madurez que ha alcanzado el grupo de la Pascua Juvenil en la diócesis”, dijo Centeno, pues pese a contar con nuevos miembros, “todos han estado a la altura y han aportado muchísimo. Ya comenzamos el trabajo para desarrollar el tema de nuestra semana que nos ha planteado muchas preguntas en cuanto a la universalidad del mensaje, la apertura, diversidad y otros temas controversiales”, puntualizó.

Los equipos para cada una de las ‘semanas’ deben desarrollar el tema recibido, incluir una introducción al desafío planteado, dinámicas grupales, diálogos, apoyo en la Palabra de Dios y la enseñanza de la Iglesia, hechos de vida, reflexiones, canciones, actividades, proyectos, oraciones, “y siempre evaluando el trabajo mientras avanzamos”, dijo Centeno.

Después de concluir el trabajo en equipos diocesanos, la totalidad de los integrantes del equipo del Libro de la Pascua se volverá a reunir para evaluar sus avances, efectuar correcciones y proponer la versión final que será impresa como guía para que los grupos juveniles de la Diócesis de Charlotte, y toda la región del sureste, celebren la Pascua de Resurrección en 2022.

Más online En www.sepi.us/pastoral-juvenil/#pascua: Infórmese extensamente sobre el trabajo pastoral del Libro de la Pascua con los jóvenes.

Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, Director de Asuntos Hispanos de la USCCB y coordinador nacional del V Encuentro, reconoció el aporte de los católicos hispanos a la riqueza de las tradiciones de la Iglesia. El V Encuentro, que se celebró en Grapevine, Texas, del 20 al 23 de septiembre de 2018, reunió a más 3.200 católicos hispanos y 125 obispos de todo el país.

Inició el Mes de la Herencia Hispana CHARLOTTE — Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, durante lo que se conoce como el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, se honra a las personas de origen hispano en Estados Unidos a través de programas especiales, actos, y exhibiciones, celebrando la herencia, cultura y contribuciones de los estadounidenses de origen hispano.

En septiembre de 1968, el Congreso de Estados Unidos autorizó al presidente Lyndon B. Johnson a que proclamara la Semana Nacional de la Herencia Hispana para celebrar la cultura y las contribuciones de aquellos que tienen sus raíces en España, México y los países hispanohablantes de América Central, América del Sur y el Caribe.

La semana se designó para que coincidiera con las celebraciones de la independencia de Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua el 15 de septiembre, y de México el 16 de septiembre.

Para estimular la participación, el presidente Gerald R. Ford emitió una proclama en 1974 que instaba a las escuelas y a las organizaciones de derechos humanos a participar de lleno en esa semana. En 1988 el Presidente Ronald Reagan reiteró la llamada de Ford a un reconocimiento más amplio de los estadounidenses de origen hispano y para ello aprobó la Ley 100-402 que amplió la celebración al Mes de la Herencia Hispana – desde el 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.

de personas se identificaron como hispanos/ latinos viviendo en Estados Unidos, lo que ubica a este país como el segundo con mayor número de hispanoparlantes, después de México.

En lo que a la Iglesia Católica respecta, Aguilera-Titus afirma que los fieles con ascendencia hispana/latina aumentaron 13 millones, mientras que el resto de los católicos disminuyó 11 millones en las últimas tres décadas”.

“Sin duda, la participación de millones de hispanos en miles de parroquias a lo largo y ancho del país, se hace presente por medio de celebraciones que los conectan con su madre patria, así como expresiones culturales, bailes típicos y ricas tradiciones religiosas como las posadas, las procesiones, las dramatizaciones de pasajes bíblicos, sobre todo en la Cuaresma, y las fiestas marianas como la Virgen de Guadalupe (México), La Virgen de la Providencia (Puerto Rico) y la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Cuba) y muchas otras advocaciones representativas de cada país latinoamericana y del caribe”, añadió el coordinador nacional del V Encuentro realizado en Grapevine, Texas, en septiembre de 2018.

“Al iniciar las celebraciones del mes de la herencia hispana en 2021, hagamos eco de las palabras que los obispos de Estados Unidos expresaron en su carta pastoral de 1982, titulada La Presencia Hispana: Esperanza y Compromiso: ‘En este momento de gracia reconocemos que la comunidad hispana que vive entre nosotros es una bendición de Dios’”, finalizó.

HISPANOS CATÓLICOS

CELEBRACIONES LOCALES

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, Director de Asuntos Hispanos de la USCCB y coordinador nacional del V Encuentro, resaltó en un comunicado las “diferencias significativas entre las más de veinte naciones latinoamericanas y del caribe”, pero, señaló que, la diversidad racial del pueblo hispano/latino también se manifiesta como una característica única y común, como lo ilustra el poeta Juan Álvarez Cuauhtémoc: “Somos un pueblo Hispano... descendiente de tres razas diferentes... Hijos de Indio, Negro y español, unidos todos en un gran Amor; un pueblo diverso que juntó el Señor. Es así que fuimos lo que ahora somos”.

Según el Censo de 2020, más de 62 millones

Lamentablemente este año la mayoría de actividades estarán restringidas debido a la todavía presente pandemia de COVID-19. Solo pequeñas celebraciones a nivel parroquial y escolar se mantienen programadas.

La Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, que había anunciado su tradicional kermés para el 26 de septiembre, debió cancelar la celebración. En su lugar, durante algunos domingos se instalarán puestos de venta de antojitos en la vía de ingreso a la iglesia. Consulte en la página de facebook de esa parroquia, facebook. com/NSGuadalupeCharlotte, para obtener información actualizada sobre sus actividades.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

La Fiesta de los Arcángeles

Lecturas Diarias 26 SEPTIEMBRE - 2 OCTUBRE

Domingo: Números 11:25-29, Santiago 5:1-6, Marcos 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Lunes (San Vicente de Paúl): Zacarías 8:1-8, Lucas 9:46-50; Martes: Zacarías 8:20-23, Lucas 9:51-56; Miércoles (Arcángeles Miguel, Gabriel y Rafael): Daniel 7:910, 13-14, Juan 1:47-51; Jueves (San Jerónimo): Nehemías 8:1-4, 5-6, 8-12, Lucas 10:1-12; Viernes (Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús): Baruc 1:1522, Lucas 10:13-16; Sábado (Santos Ángeles Custodios): Baruc 4:5-12, 27-29, Mateo 18:1-5, 10

3-9 OCTUBRE

Domingo: Génesis 2:18-24, Hebreos 2:8-11, Marcos 10:2-16; Lunes (San Francisco de Asís): Jonás 1:1–2, 11, Lucas 10:25-37; Martes: Jonás 3:1-10, Lucas 10:38-42; Miércoles: Jonás 4:1-11, Lucas 11:1-4; Jueves (Virgen del Rosario): Malaquías 3:13-20, Lucas 11:5-13; Viernes: Joel 1:13-15, 2:1-2, Lucas 11:15-26; Sábado: Joel 4:1221, Lucas 11:27-28

10-16 OCTUBRE

Domingo: Sabiduría 7:7-11, Hebreos 4:12-13, Marcos 10:17-30; Lunes: Romanos 1:1-7, Lucas 11:2932; Martes: Romanos 1:16-25, Lucas 11:37-41; Miércoles: Romanos 2:1-11, Lucas 11:42-46, Jueves: Romanos 3:21-30, Lucas 11:47-54; Viernes (Santa Teresa de Jesús): Romanos 4:1-8, Lucas 12:1-7; Sábado: Romanos 4:13, 16-18, Lucas 12:8-12

Cada 29 de septiembre la Iglesia Católica celebra la fiesta de tres Santos Arcángeles: San Miguel, San Gabriel y San Rafael.

La palabra Arcángel proviene de las palabras griegas ‘Arc’ que significa ‘principal’ y ‘ángel’ que es ‘mensajero de Dios’. Al respecto, San Gregorio Magno precisa que “los que transmiten mensajes de menor importancia se llaman ángeles, los que anuncian cosas de gran trascendencia se llaman arcángeles”.

JERARQUÍA ANGÉLICA

Según explica el portal católico Catholic. net, la jerarquía angélica contempla tres niveles: suprema, media e inferior. En la suprema se ubican los querubines, serafines y tronos, mientras que en la media las dominaciones, virtudes y potestades.

En la jerarquía inferior los principados, arcángeles y ángeles. La misión de los ángeles es ayudar a los hombres a llegar a la salvación eterna, guiándolos y protegiéndolos de los peligros de alma y cuerpo; mientras que los arcángeles vienen a ser los “asistentes” de Dios, ángeles que están al servicio directo del Señor para cumplir misiones especiales.

La Biblia solo da el nombre de tres Arcángeles: Miguel, Rafael y Gabriel. Los otros nombres (Uriel, Barachiel o Baraquiel, Jehudiel, Saeltiel) aparecen en libros apócrifos de Enoc, el cuarto libro de Esdras y en literatura rabínica.

LOS TRES ARCÁNGELES

Sobre ellos, el Papa Francisco dijo que “tienen un papel importante en nuestro camino hacia la salvación”. “El gran Miguel es el que hace la guerra al diablo”, al “gran

dragón”, a la “serpiente antigua”, que “nos molesta en nuestra vida”.

En su homilía de la Misa celebrada en 2017, con motivo de la fiesta de los tres arcángeles, recordó el libro del Génesis y cómo Eva se dejó seducir por la serpiente para que comiera del fruto prohibido. “Esto es propio del diablo. Nos vence por la seducción y después nos acusa ante Dios: ‘Es mío. Esto me lo llevo conmigo’”.

“Y Miguel le hace la guerra. El Señor le pide hacer la guerra. Para nosotros que estamos en camino en esta vida nuestra hacia el cielo, Miguel nos ayuda a hacerle la guerra, a no dejarnos seducir”.

De Gabriel, señaló que tiene la función de “llevar buenas noticias, es el que llevó la noticia a María, a Zacarías, a José”: la noticia de la salvación. Pero también nos recuerda que “Jesús ha venido con nosotros” para salvarnos.

Sobre Rafael, resaltó que “camina con

nosotros” y protege de “la seducción de dar el paso equivocado”.

SAN GABRIEL

Su nombre significa “fortaleza de Dios”.

En el Antiguo Testamento, San Gabriel Arcángel aparece en el libro sagrado de Daniel explicándole al profeta una visión del carnero y el chivo (Dn. 8:16), así como instruyéndolo en las cosas futuras (Dn. 9,21-27). En los Evangelios, San Lucas (1,1120) lo menciona anunciando a Zacarías el nacimiento de San Juan Bautista y a María (Lc. 1,26-38) que concebiría y daría a luz a Jesús.

San Gabriel Arcángel, patrono de los comunicadores, es conocido como el “ángel mensajero”, se le representa con una vara de perfumada azucena y es patrono de las comunicaciones y de los comunicadores

St. Jude Novena St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles,

ARCÁNGELES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request.)

hopeless, pray for us.

There are none that can withstand your power.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times.)

Published in gratitude for

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times.)

prayers answered.

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be

Thank you, D.C.

Published in gratitude for prayers answered.

pray for us, St. Jude, help of the

Thank you, D.A.

Southern Homes of the Carolinas David Fuller REALTOR / Broker

“Working For You is What I Do” davidfuller.broker@gmail.com 704-530-2632

Our schools

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

15

Asheville Catholic School opens $3.9M eco-friendly addition that will power school on solar energy ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School celebrated the completion of its dramatic and environmentally-conscious addition, a project totaling $3.9 million, with a ribboncutting and blessing Aug. 26.

Bishop Peter Jugis and Father Pat Cahill, pastor, cut the ribbon to open the new addition after a brief prayer service. Father Cahill, Principal Mike Miller and

Superintendent Dr. Gregory Monroe offered remarks.

Bishop Jugis then blessed the students, faculty and staff with holy water before going inside to bless the addition and the rest of the school building.

Asheville Catholic School’s 12,000-square-foot addition – the first for the school in nearly four decades – includes six classrooms, a dedicated art room, common areas and more.

Every aspect of the project incorporates environmentallyfriendly design elements, from energy-efficient LED lighting to pervious surface parking to collect stormwater runoff. The most eco-friendly feature is the addition of over 200 solar panels to the roof that will power the entire school.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

with his prescribed role in life as she is with hers. Writer-director Kay Cannon’s screechy musical romance features a transvestite version of the traditional fairy godmother (Billy Porter), who also serves as narrator, and wraps up with the central couple deciding to live together rather than marry. Wrong for kids and rancid for grown-ups. A cross-dressing character and several mild oaths.

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

‘Queenpins’

‘Cinderella’ Obnoxious corruption of the folk tale finds its namesake (Camila Cabello) being blocked from her ambition to become a fashionable dressmaker by the wildly retrograde view of a woman’s proper role that prevails in her fictional, quasi-medieval society. As she battles both this prejudice and the oppression to which she’s subjected by her stepmother (Idina Menzel), she captures the heart of a handsome prince (Nicholas Galitzine) who is as uneasy

Amusing yet morally flawed fact-based caper comedy written and directed by Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly. Strapped for cash, a suburban housewife (Kristen Bell) and her best friend (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) strike on the idea of collecting and selling coupons for free products, a scheme they undertake on such a large scale that they quickly make a fortune.

But an obsessive loss prevention officer (Paul Walter Hauser) for a grocery store chain and a hard-driving postal inspector (Vince Vaughn) are soon on the duo’s trail. While the flighty amateur crooks and ill-assorted law enforcers draw laughs, the script takes a misguided detour with a subplot about the efforts of Bell’s character to overcome her infertility and the film’s ultimate message is that crime does indeed pay. So careful discernment is required to separate the humorous wheat from the ethical chaff. Skewed values, immoral offscreen medical procedures, a sequence involving graphic scatological humor, a few uses of profanity, about a dozen milder oaths, pervasive rough and crude language.

CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

On TV n Saturday, Sept. 25, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Story of Walsingham: England’s National Shrine of Our Lady.” A documentary about a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth that was built in 1061 in Walsingham, England, through the desire of the Blessed Mother. n Saturday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Padre Pio – Between Heaven and Earth.” Live action movie on the miraculous life of the saint Padre Pio, whose spiritual gifts made him a powerful witness for Christ and a profound spiritual director for 21st century society. Part 2 of 2. n Sunday, Sept. 26, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in reciting the Angelus live from Rome. n Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “The Little Flower in Africa.” Follow the first tour of the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux in South Africa, a review of the life of St. Therese and her “Little Way” to holiness; an overview of Carmelite spirituality; and a brief history of the Catholic Church in South Africa. n Friday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Natural Family Planning: Embracing the Marital Gift.”

NFP expert Damon Owens continues his study of the history, science and theology of Natural Family Planning with a look at the timeline of scientific and theological development in understanding of NFP.

n Saturday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Clare and Francis.” A moving film about two of the Catholic Church’s most beloved figures, St. Clare and St. Francis, who became forever linked during their search for something higher than riches and social status. n Monday, Oct. 4, 9:45 a.m. (EWTN) “Crux.”

Bishop Donald Hying encourages viewers to live in the quiet of the moment in order to better hear and understand God’s plan for their lives. n Monday, Oct. 4, 3:30 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Francis of Assisi: Sign of Contradiction.” He’s one of our most beloved but misunderstood saints. Learn more about the contradictory story of St. Francis of Assisi, who struggled to find meaning and purpose in life until Jesus lifted his darkness.

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September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

After 70 years, Father Kapaun’s remains are coming home CHRISTOPHER RIGGS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WICHITA, Kan. — The flag-draped casket was empty during a memorial Mass in Wichita for Father Emil J. Kapaun on July 29, 1953.

The casket at Father Kapaun’s funeral Mass on Sept. 29 won’t be vacant. He is coming home.

The memorial Mass in 1953 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated a little over two weeks after word of Father Kapaun’s death reached Bishop Mark K. Carroll on July 12, 1953. He was notified the U.S. Army chaplain had died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp on May 23, 1951.

Seventy years after his death, a U.S. government forensics team in Hawaii announced March 4 that it had identified his remains.

Father Kapaun was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wichita June 9, 1940. He was a U.S. Army chaplain in World Kapaun War II and the Korean War and held the rank of captain. A candidate for sainthood, he has the title “Servant of God.” Scott Carter, coordinator of the Father Kapaun Guild, will be flying Sept. 20 to Honolulu with Wichita Bishop Carl A. Kemme and Father David Lies, vicar general of the diocese, as well as with Ray Kapaun, Father Kapaun’s nephew, and his wife, and the late priest’s niece to formally accept his remains and bring them back to the Diocese of Wichita.

Other representatives of the diocese and the U.S. military also will take part in the ceremonies in Hawaii.

Carter said many events have been scheduled in Hawaii and in Wichita to bring Father Kapaun home.

Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu celebrated a Mass Sept. 23 in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace as a ceremonial send-off of Father Kapaun’s remains.

“It’s a moment for the (Hawaiian) people to recognize someone who has been buried in their midst ... and a send-off, hopefully, for a future saint,” Carter said.

The Wichita diocesan group will tour the U.S. military facilities where Father Kapaun’s remains were identified as well as the Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific located at Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu.

U.S. Army Forces Command Chaplain Col. Rajmund Kopec and U.S. Air Force Maj. Christina Roberts, Father Kapaun’s niece, will officially escort his remains on a commercial airline flight leaving Honolulu Sept. 24.

Family and diocesan representatives also will be on the journey, which will conclude Sept. 25, when a flight from Dallas lands at Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita.

“The military escort stays with the remains along the way,” Carter said, “which is a great way to honor those who have fallen and ensure their security. They are never left alone, they are loved and not forgotten.”

Other family members and diocesan representatives will welcome Father Kapaun’s remains at the airport, he told The Catholic Advance, Wichita’s diocesan newspaper.

“From there, his remains will be going to Pilsen for the weekend, where he will truly be returning home,” Carter said.

The visit to St. John Nepomucene

Church in Pilsen, Kan., is primarily for the Holy Family Parish community to pray for and spend time with their native son.

Father Kapaun’s remains will be delivered to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita Sept. 27 for a vespers service for the priests of the diocese.

“I think it will be a powerful, touching moment for them to be with their brother priest,” Carter said.

A luncheon will be held Sept. 28 at the cathedral for special guests such as the families of the prisoners of war, military officials and possibly some former Korean War POWs. Kopec and Ray Kapaun are scheduled to share some thoughts at the luncheon. Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency, may also attend and speak.

“We’re looking forward to that moment to honor and share Father Kapaun’s story,” Carter said.

The funeral vigil for Father Kapaun will be Sept. 28 at Hartman Arena in Wichita.

“It will be a beautiful and powerful ceremony with prayer – and music by the Air Force and West Point Catholic Cadet choirs,” Carter said.

A rosary will be prayed at the vigil, and comments from Ray Kapaun and possibly Mike Dow, a fellow POW with Father Kapaun, will be delivered. Father Kapaun’s remains casket will be on the stage during the event.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at Hartman Arena Sept. 29. EWTN is scheduled to broadcast the Mass.

“Bishop Carroll celebrated a Mass in 1953 when they found out that Father Kapaun had died in a prisoner of war camp. They had heard that he had been captured, and they had been praying that he would make it back,” Carter said.

“The family was there, the military was there, and that was a great way to honor him and pray for the repose of his soul,” he said.

“But a flag was draped over an empty casket.”

A lot of people believe that Father Kapaun’s soul is now in heaven, he said, adding that the diocese is waiting for validation from the Vatican regarding his cause for sainthood.

In general, one miracle attributed to the sainthood candidate’s intercession and verified by Church authorities is needed for beatification; a second such miracle would be needed for canonization.

After the funeral, Father Kapaun’s remains will be driven to a site near the Veterans’ Memorial Park, where his casket will be placed on a horse-drawn military caisson and taken to the cathedral. He will receive military honors, a 21-gun salute and “Taps” before his remains are carried into the cathedral by members of the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.

Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan., also will take part in the various events planned for welcoming the priest home.

“There will be opportunities to visit him and pray at the cathedral after these events are over,” Carter said, adding that it is unknown how long Father Kapaun will be interred at the cathedral.

“If he is named ‘blessed,’ we will probably begin working on a shrine,” Carter said.

Learn more At www.frkapaun.org: Find more information about Father Kapaun’s life, ministry and sainthood cause

17

Please pray for the following deacons who died during the month of September: Albert Renuart Charles Knight

9/24/2002 9/13/2017

41st Annual Cardinal Newman Lecture Saturday, October 16, 2021 10:00 a.m.

Not Because of Sin: Rethinking the Reason God Became Human

This year’s Cardinal Newman Lecture invites us to reflect on the meaning of the Incarnation, of God’s choice not only to be “God For Us,” but also “God With Us” (Emmanuel) as the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. This presentation takes the well- known Christmas slogan “remember the reason for the season” as its starting point and explores the question of why God became human in the first place.

Fr. Daniel will then unpack the significance that the answer we give to this question has for our understanding of God, of ourselves, and of our world.

There has long been a spiritual and theological tradition within Catholicism that prioritizes not sin, but God’s love as the primary motivation for the Incarnation. At a time when it can be difficult to see the light of Christ in our communities and world, a renewed understanding of why God became human can offer us spiritual inspiration and hope.

Daniel P. Horan, OFM, PhD is the Director of the Center for Spirituality and Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Fr. Daniel regularly lectures around the United States and abroad; serves on a number of university, academic, and publication editorial boards, and is co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast.

This year’s lecture will be presented via ZOOM. Registration is required to receive the link.

Register Online: www.rockhilloratory.org Go to “Center for Spirituality” and click on Events

THE ORATORY 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Hope of providing citizenship path in budget bill quashed WASHINGTON, D.C. — Immigration advocates were dealt a blow at the beginning of a week that many believed would bring about history.

They had hoped to include an immigration provision in the $3.5 trillion budget bill that would have granted legal status to 8 million farmworkers and essential workers, young adults brought to the U.S. illegally as minors, and recipients of a temporary program for migrants. Instead, the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, a nonpartisan interpreter of stand rules of how a provision can be used in Senate legislation, said late Sept. 19 that the Democrats’ plan was “not appropriate” for inclusion in the budget reconciliation bill process. Senate Democrats hope to pass the budget bill using the process of reconciliation – meaning it could be passed with a simple majority, not the 60 votes usually needed and with no Republican support. “The policy changes of this (immigration) proposal far outweigh the budgetary impact scored to it,” MacDonough said in a statement. Many, like Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said in a Sept. 20 conference call that he was “disappointed” but

vowed to keep working to find relief for those who would have benefited. “This ruling does not mean this process is over,” he said during the call sponsored by the pro-immigration group America’s Voice.

Biden administration expands immigration program for minors WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration in mid-September reinitiated and expanded an immigration program aimed at reuniting some immigrant parents in the U.S. with their children left behind in Central America. The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security announced Sept. 13 that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is accepting new applications as part of the Central American Minors program. The program allows some migrant parents – and now expanded to include legal guardians – to petition to bring children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, even if some of the adults only have temporary permission or have cases pending that will later determine whether they can stay in the U.S. Those who can petition include immigrants with lawful permanent residence, or “green card” holders, those with Temporary Protected Status, and others with a variety of cases pending in immigration court and filed before May 15, 2021, said a news release from the State Department. “We are firmly committed to welcoming people to the United States with humanity and respect, and reuniting families. We are delivering on our promise to promote safe, orderly and humane migration from Central America through

this expansion of legal pathways to seek humanitarian protection in the United States,” the statement said.

Bishops reject abortion funding in budget bill’s health care provisions WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two Catholic archbishops Sept. 17 objected to House committees advancing portions of the $3.5 trillion budget bill, known as the Build Back Better Act, with language that funds abortions added to wording they support to improve access to affordable health care for all. The funding of abortion, “the deliberate destruction of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters – those in the womb – cannot be included,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “Congress can, and must, turn back from including taxpayer funding of abortion, in the Build Back Better Act,” they said. “We urge all members of Congress and the administration to work in good faith to advance important and life-saving health care provisions without forcing Americans to pay for the deliberate destruction of unborn human life.” Archbishops Naumann and Coakley’s joint statement came in response to the Sept.

15 markup of the legislation by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to include the abortion funding provision.

Public health law experts: Federal vaccine mandate has strong legal footing WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden’s coronavirus vaccine mandate for workplaces with more than 100 people on the payroll is rooted in existing law governing worker protections, said public health law experts.

As long as the mandate allows exemptions for religious, medical or disability reasons, then it is expected to survive legal challenges, the experts from Catholic law schools told Catholic News Service. “He’s absolutely within his powers,” Lawrence O. Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown University Law Center, said. “He’s used very limited but clear powers in all the things he’s trying to do (to control spread of the coronavirus).”

Elizabeth Pendo, professor of law at the St. Louis University School of Law, said the federal government “has authority to create rules to keep workers safe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is tasked with keeping workers safe. That’s where the authority comes from,” Pendo explained. OSHA was established to carry out the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The law protects employees from known workplace hazards such toxic chemicals and frayed wiring.

The rule would last six months and then would have to be replaced by a permanent directive.

IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 19

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

IN BRIEF

Three dead, others evacuated from La. housing ministry after Ida

FROM PAGE 18

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three residents of a housing ministry belonging to the Archdiocese of New Orleans were found dead following the wrath of Hurricane Ida, which left a slew of Louisiana residents trapped in their homes and without electricity days after its Aug. 29 landfall. In the days after the hurricane, authorities rescued hundreds of residents of Christopher Homes, part of the archdiocese’s senior living ministry that helps the elderly and those with physical disabilities rent affordable homes in the New Orleans area. But during the rescues, city officials expressed concerns about why residents of the buildings had not been evacuated. “Residents are independent living tenants with leases, and before storm season, all residents were required to provide a personal evacuation plan to property management,” said a Sept. 6 statement on the Christopher Homes website. “Without a mandatory evacuation order, Christopher Homes could not close the buildings for Hurricane Ida.” The website said Christopher Homes “manages 21 apartment complexes with nearly 2,500 apartment units.” The ministry said 268 residents were evacuated from six of the properties with help from civil authorities, but it didn’t say when.

National Catholic Prayer Breakfast speakers emphasize evangelism, unity WASHINGTON, D.C. — Evangelism and Christian unity were the main topics at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Sept. 14, an event which often puts more emphasis on politics and pro-life advocacy. “The commitment to the truth will always transcend the knee-jerk categories and characterizations that are the media’s daily bread, let’s face it,” said Bishop Steven J. Lopes, who heads the Houstonbased Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. The ordinariate was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 and designed to reach out to those raised in the Anglican tradition.

“Our fundamental reverence for the sanctity of human life does not begin at birth. Nor does it end at the border. That’s what it means to be Catholic,” he told the audience of about 1,100 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Washington.

The bishop said devotion to the dignity of the individual person “gets uncomfortable, because it puts us on edge and at the edge of political discourse.”

— Catholic News Service

Experiencing difficulties in your marriage?

A Lifeline for Marriage October 22-24, 2021 in Raleigh, NC The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6 post-weekend sessions. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.

Registration Deadline is October 15 www.helpourmarriage.org

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.

19

27TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BANQUET - "Proclaiming Truth and Life" -

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER'S CROWN BALLROOM CHECK-IN/RECEPTION: 5:30 PM DINNER/EVENT: 6:30-9:00 PM

2021 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ALISON CENTOFANTE

Director of External Relations for Live Action

Alison is a pro-life activist and Director of External Relations for Live Action, the nation’s largest pro-life media group focused on shifting public opinion through education. As a powerful voice for the preborn, Alison's compelling work is gaining national media attention and has been featured on ABC, EWTN, Fox News, NPR and many broadcast networks.

BANQUET RESERVATIONS: To make a reservation (it's free, but required) or to host a table of 8-10 people, visit:

miraviabanquet27.eventbrite.com OR

Contact: Megan Whiteside MiraVia's Community Relations Manager meganwhiteside@miravia.org 704-525-4673 ext. 13 Registration deadline is Oct. 4.

Not able to attend our banquet in person?

Join us live and watch the event ONLINE on Oct. 14.

To register, please email Megan Whiteside.

MiraVia is a Catholic, 501(c)(3) nonprofit maternity and after-care program serving the Charlotte, NC area.

We have provided support to more than 9,700 mothers and children since 1994. For more information or to make a donation, visit MIRAVIA.ORG. / MIRAVIALIFE

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Christianity without the cross is ‘sterile,’ pope says in Slovakia JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

PREŠOV, Slovakia — Falling into the temptation of rejecting the cross and choosing a triumphalist form of Christianity leads to a faith that is superficial and sterile, Pope Francis said.

Presiding over a Divine Liturgy Sept.

14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Pope Francis said that although God saved humanity by “allowing the evil of our world to be unleashed upon Himself,” the world views the cross as a “failure.”

Christians too, he warned, can also fall into the trap of preferring “a God who is powerful and triumphant” rather than “weak and crucified.”

“This is a great temptation. How often do we long for a Christianity of winners, a triumphalist Christianity that is important and influential, that receives glory and honor? Yet a Christianity without a cross is a worldly Christianity and shows itself to be sterile,” the pope said.

The liturgy took place in a square outside the Mestská športová hala stadium. A plaque outside the stadium commemorates St. John Paul II’s meeting in Prešov with Slovakia’s Byzantine Catholics in 1995.

According to statistics published in the CIA’s World Factbook, in Slovakia, Latinrite Catholics make up 62 percent of the population, while 3.8 percent are Eastern Catholic.

More than 30,000 people, the majority wearing masks, were present at the Divine Liturgy. Although the government initially mandated all participants of papal events to be vaccinated, authorities relaxed their initial regulations and allowed participants who presented a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from coronavirus.

Arriving in his popemobile, the pope greeted the thousands of faithful present, many of whom had waited several hours outside for his arrival. While early morning rain threatened to complicate the liturgy, moods lightened as much-needed sunlight broke through the clouds.

As he rode around the square, the pope waved and blessed the crowd as they sang and waved the yellow and white papal flags.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. John recounting Jesus’ crucifixion. The evangelist, he noted, both “sees and testifies” to the mystery of the cross.

St. John, he said, saw “an innocent and good man, brutally put to death between two criminals,” a reflection of the of countless injustices suffered throughout human history in which “the good are cast aside and the wicked prevail and prosper.”

Nevertheless, he also saw the “glory of God” who “willingly offers Himself for every man and woman.”

“There, to the very place we think God cannot be present, there He came. To save those who despair, He Himself chose to

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Pope Francis kisses the altar as he celebrates a Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at Mestská športová hala Square in Prešov, Slovakia, Sept. 14. taste despair; taking upon Himself our most bitter anguish, He cried out from the cross: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” the pope said.

While Christians often wear crucifixes, hang them on walls or carry them in their pockets, Pope Francis said that without taking the time to contemplate on Christ crucified, the cross will remain “an unread book whose title and author we know,

without its having any impact on our lives.”

“Let us not reduce the cross to an object of devotion, much less to a political symbol, to a sign of religious and social status,” the pope said.

Contemplating the cross, he continued, leads to bearing witness to Jesus and transforming one’s life in becoming a CHRISTIANITY, SEE PAGE 21

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

CHRISTIANITY FROM PAGE 20

mirror image of Him, like Slovakia’s martyrs who gave their lives for the faith.

“How many generous persons suffered and died here in Slovakia for the name of Christ!” the pope exclaimed. “Theirs was a witness borne out of love of Him whom they had long contemplated. To the point that they resembled Him even in their death.”

While there is no persecution of Christians in the country “as in too many other parts of the world,” he added, bearing witness to Christ can be “weakened by worldliness and mediocrity.”

Pope Francis ended his Sept. 12-15 apostolic visit to Slovakia by celebrating Mass in at the Marian basilica in Šaštin Sept. 15, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The shrine features a 16th-century statue of Our Lady of Sorrows venerated by Slovak Catholics.

In his homily, the pope reflected on Mary as a “model of faith” for Slovak Catholics.

Despite being chosen to be the mother of God, Mary did “not consider it a privilege,” nor did she lose her humility.

Instead, the pope said, she accepted “the gift she had received as a mission to be carried out” and set out on a journey to take God’s love to those in need.

Slovak Catholics, through their veneration to Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, have also lived their faith as a journey that “is inspired by simple and sincere devotion, a constant pilgrimage to seek the Lord.”

“In making this journey, you overcome the temptation to a passive faith, content with this or that ritual or ancient tradition,” he said. “Instead, you leave yourselves behind and set out, carrying in your backpacks the joys and sorrows of this life, and thus make your life a pilgrimage of love toward God and your brothers and sisters. Thank you for this witness!”

Before concluding the Mass, the pope thanked the people for welcoming him to Slovakia and allowing him “to come among you and to conclude my pilgrimage in the devoted embrace of your people.”

St. Jude Novena St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles,

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In Brief Vatican to require vaccination proof or negative COVID-19 test VATICAN CITY — Visitors, tourists and employees who want to enter Vatican territory will be required beginning Oct. 1 to show proof of vaccination, recovery from the coronavirus or a negative COVID-19 test. The anti-COVID ordinance was approved by Pope Francis and signed by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the commission in charge of Vatican City State. The only exemption is for people entering Vatican territory to attend a liturgical celebration; in that case, they will have access only “for the time strictly necessary” for the liturgy and if they follow the health measures already in force: mandatory masking, temperature checks and social distancing. Even with the vaccination proof, visitors undergo a temperature check before admittance and are required to keep a mask over their nose and mouth throughout their visit.

HONG KONG — A new bishop has been installed in China’s Wuhan Diocese, the latest ordained under a deal between the Vatican and the communist state. Franciscan Father Francis Cui Qingqi was ordained bishop of Wuhan in central China’s Hubei province Sept. 8, with the approval of both the state and the Church, reported ucanews.com. The local Church elected Father Cui to head the diocese Sept. 17, 2020, according to the website of the state-sanctioned Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China. Matteo Bruni, head of the Vatican press office, confirmed the ordination and said Pope Francis appointed Bishop Cui June 23. “It is the sixth Chinese bishop to be named and ordained within the normative framework of the provisional accord on the appointment of bishops in China,” Bruni said.

Wuhan had been without a bishop since 2007.

— Catholic News Service

Pope: Church needs to hear God speaking through those who are hurting VATICAN CITY — To listen to the Holy Spirit, members of the Church must listen to each other and especially to those who are marginalized, Pope Francis said, explaining how dioceses are to help the Church prepare for the Synod of Bishops. This means that, for example, “the poor, the homeless, young people addicted to drugs, everyone that society rejects are part of the synod” because God says they are part of the Church, he said. “So often the ‘rejects’ become the ‘cornerstones’ and those who are ‘far off’ become ‘near.’ This is the way the Church is,” he said. The pope spoke to members of his diocese, the Diocese of Rome, Sept. 18 as the global Church gets set to begin a “synodal journey” toward the 2023 assembly of the Synod of Bishops, discussing the theme, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.” The pope is scheduled to open the synod process at the Vatican Oct. 9-10. Bishops should open their process Oct. 17. The diocesan phase runs until April.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request.)

hopeless, pray for us.

There are none that can withstand your power.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times.)

Published in gratitude for

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times.)

pray for us, St. Jude, help of the

First bishop ordained for Wuhan, China, in 14 years

prayers answered.

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be

Thank you, J.E.

Published in gratitude for prayers answered.

Thank you, M.E.

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis The Wisdom of the Christian Imagination Friday, October 22, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 pm

The Sacramental Imagination of Narnia and Middle-Earth Saturday, October 23, 2021 Morning and Afternoon Sessions

Praying with Tolkien and Lewis

This retreat is scheduled as an on-line event.

Please check the Oratory website for further information and updates.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia are masterpieces of fantasy literature. Since both authors were committed Christians, these writings also are filled with spiritual insights and mystical wisdom. On this retreat we will reflect together on how Tolkien, Lewis, and their 19th-century predecessor, George MacDonald, offer timeless guidance that remains relevant to followers of Christ today.

Suggested Donation: $50 … but any donation gratefully accepted!

The Presenter: Carl McColman is a Catholic author, blogger and podcaster based in Stone Mountain, GA. His books include The Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn Treader and numerous others on Christian mysticism and Celtic spirituality. Find him online at www.carlmccolman.com.

REMEMBER: To receive a complete schedule and links for the talks, registration for this program is necessary. People who have registered will receive information as it becomes available.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Robert Barron

L

How to live a meaningful life

ast week I had the great good fortune to sit down for a Zoom interview with Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Pageau and John Vervaeke. Peterson, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, is one of the most influential figures in the culture today. Pageau is an artist and iconographer working in the Orthodox Christian tradition, and Vervaeke is a professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Toronto. All three of these gentlemen have a powerful presence on social media.

The topic of our conversation was a theme that preoccupies all four of us: the crisis of meaning in our culture, especially among the young. To kick things off, Peterson asked each of us to give our definition of meaning and, more specifically, of religious meaning.

When my time came, I offered this: To live a meaningful life is to be in purposive relationship to value, and to live a religiously meaningful life is to be in purposive relationship to the summum bonum, or the supreme value.

Following the prompts of Dietrich von Hildebrand, I argued that certain values – epistemic, moral and aesthetic – appear in the world, and they draw us out of ourselves, calling us to honor them and to integrate them into our lives. So, mathematical and philosophical truths beguile the mind and set it on a journey of discovery; moral truths, on display in the saints and heroes of the tradition, stir the will into imitative action; and artistic beauty – a Cézanne still life, a Beethoven sonata, Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” – stops us in our tracks and compels us to wonder and, in turn, to create. To order one’s life in such a way that one consistently seeks such values is to have a properly meaningful life.

TRANSCENDENT SOURCE OF VALUES

Now, I continued, the perceptive soul intuits that there is a transcendent source of these values: a supreme or unconditioned goodness, truth and beauty. The fully meaningful life is one that is dedicated, finally, to that reality.

Thus, Plato said that the culminating point of the philosophical enterprise is discovering, beyond all particular goods, the “form of the good.” Aristotle said that the highest life consists in contemplating the prime mover.

And the Bible speaks of loving the Lord our God with our whole soul, our whole mind, our whole strength.

Peterson, echoing Thomas Aquinas, put it as follows: Every particular act of the will is predicated upon some value, some concrete good. But that value nests in a higher value or set of values, which in turn nests in a still higher one. We come eventually, he said, to some supreme good that determines and orders all of the subordinate goods that we seek.

Though we articulated the theme in different ways and according to our various areas of expertise, all four of us said that the “wisdom tradition,” which classically presented and defended these truths, has been largely occluded in the culture today, and this has contributed mightily to the crisis of meaning. Much has contributed to this problem, but we put emphasis especially on two causes: scientism and the post-modern suspicion of the very language of value.

Scientism, the reduction of all legitimate knowledge to the scientific form of knowledge, effectively renders claims of value unserious, merely subjective, expressive of feeling but not of objective truth. Combined with this reductionism is the conviction, baked into the brains of so many young people today, that claims truth and value are simply disguised attempts to prop up the power of those who are making them or to sustain a corrupt institutional superstructure. Accordingly, these assertions have to be demythologized, dismantled and deconstructed. And along with this cultural assault on the realm of values, we have witnessed the failure of many of the great institutions of the culture, including and especially the religious institutions, to present this realm in a convincing and compelling manner. Far too often, contemporary religion has turned into superficial political advocacy or a pandering echo of the prejudices of the surrounding culture.

NEEDED: SCHOLARS, ARTISTS, SAINTS

So, what do we need for a meaningful life? From my perspective, I said, we need great Catholic scholars who understand our intellectual tradition thoroughly and who believe in it, are not ashamed of it and are ready to enter into respectful but critical conversation with secularity. We need great Catholic artists who reverence Dante, Shakespeare, Michelangelo, Mozart, Hopkins and Chesterton, and who produce fresh works of art imbued with the Catholic sensibility.

And we need, above all, great Catholic saints, who show concretely what it looks like to live one’s life in purposive relation to the summum bonum.

We can and should blame the culture of modernity for producing the desert of meaninglessness in which so many today wander, but we keepers of the religious flame ought to take responsibility, too, acknowledging our failures and resolving to pick up our game.

For people today will not enter into relationship with values and with the supreme value unless they can find mentors and masters to show them how.

BISHOP ROBERT BARRON is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, online at www.wordonfire.org.

Jesuit Father John Michalowski

Be rooted in Christ, not the angry traditions of passing culture

I

n Colossians 2, St. Paul tells us that we are to walk in Christ, “be rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one captivates you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men … and not according to Christ.”

How can we tell if we are rooted in Christ, rather than simply accepting our culture with all of its strengths and weaknesses? There are a number of ways, and one is to be a people of thanksgiving. Do I thank God for the new day and for a God and others who love me? Do I thank God that I have food on the table and a roof over my head? Do I thank God that I have resources that allow me to help others with time or money or transportation or knowledge? Do I thank God that He is compassionate, gracious and merciful, as many of the psalms tell us? Do I rejoice that God has “forgiven all of our transgressions,” our sins as we confess them?

How can we tell when we are captivated “with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of humans”? Rather than thanksgiving and peace – signs of God’s presence – seductive ways of thinking arise from perversions of culture and philosophies and from the evil spirit.

Their signs are anger, envy, lust, pride, an inability to listen to others, and

even violence.

The news showed scenes outside of schools and in open school board meetings of people shouting and pushing and demonizing others. Some were yelling about freedom. But is such anger and rage freedom? As St. Paul tells us, “It is for freedom that God has set you free.”

How unfree the angry are when compared with the young John Lewis on the Edmund Pettus Bridge when he was beaten and concussed by the police as he and others tried to walk to Selma. The police and the angry white mob were the unfree ones, caught up in the lie of racism, a perverse way of thinking which denied that we are all equal children of God. John Lewis and the other peaceful marchers were free in Christ, for they prayed for those who beat them. As Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”

Let us pray that we and all Christians may be rooted in Christ and, through our following of Him, may turn from those parts of our culture that cause us to devalue others and fall into anger and rage. Instead, may we abound in thanksgiving, seeking the good of all, and living in the love of God and neighbor. Lord, make us channels of your peace.

JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is the parochial vicar of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

September 24, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Dr. Tod Worner

T

he summer before beginning eighth grade, I landed my first job. For three months, I would serve as junior custodian at Fairview Community Center in the West Minneapolis suburbs. Day in and day out, for $3.85 an hour, I was charged with setting up tables and chairs for senior citizen lunches, sweeping floors, emptying trash and scrubbing surfaces (including endless, forever skinshredding, room-length Venetian blinds).

I worked for two veteran custodians who had been with the school district for decades. Tony, my direct supervisor, was a soft-spoken and kind man. He always offered a wry comment with a subtle, but infectious smile. And Tony was unflappable. Whatever was asked of him and in whatever time frame it was asked, Tony would get it done and done well. Three times per week over the lunch hour, he would slip away to swim laps in the center’s 25-meter pool. And many times when I happened across Tony with a rare lull in his responsibilities, he was engaged in the grueling exercise of wall-sits to prepare himself for his yearly skiing trip to Aspen.

Dave, his associate custodian, had broad shoulders, an unassailable hairline of gunmetal gray, and eyes that smiled without fail. During breaks, he would sit on the loading dock, tell charming stories and smoke a pipe held firmly betwixt his right molars. Dave loved to eat pies and would buy them whole on the way home from work (even bringing leftovers into work the next day). Dave could fix anything he laid his hands on and never failed to indulge an eighth-grader who broke mowers, trimmed prized bushes embarrassingly short, or peppered him with questions for which he had no time, even though he always acted like he did.

By summer’s end, my hands were callused, my body sore, and I was eager to get back to school. But I never looked at custodians in quite the same way again. From day to gritty day, I came to recognize how hard these men worked, doing undesirable, tiring and often thankless work. Is there a spill on the floor, a broken air-conditioner, an empty toilet paper roll, or a full garbage can? Call Tony or Dave. Often, the only times these invisible people would get noticed was when something went wrong, instead of the countless times everything went right. Now, I know better. Now, I can see. Since working with Tony and Dave, I’ve winced as people have dropped trash on the ground in full view of a garbage can. I’ve witnessed people speaking condescendingly to Tony and Dave, barely mustering the courtesy of making eye contact, much less recognizing how intelligent they are. I’ve heard people joke about the lowliness of custodians’ work, as though it was beneath them. But Tony and Dave just smiled and worked on.

In 1888, Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins penned a short poem celebrating a canonization, “In

23

Humble lessons from a custodian ‘At the end of my summer with Tony and Dave, I learned that sometimes – oftentimes – being good is not something to be measured on a scale of wealth or social status.

Instead, it is to be seen in steady integrity and quiet graces, a warm grin and smiling eyes.’

Honour of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez.” St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, whose life straddled the 16th and 17th centuries, was employed in the humble role of house porter. He was charged with the menial tasks of carrying bags, passing on messages and, most notably, answering the door for the College of Palma in Majorca, Spain.

Alphonsus was a Jesuit brother who always wanted to become a priest, but his path was interrupted when his father fell ill and Alphonsus was called to take over the family cloth business. He married and had three children, but too soon his wife and children would die. When he returned to the Jesuit order, he was told that he was too old at 35 to continue studies for the priesthood. So Alphonsus remained a brother who, for 46 years, humbly and charitably “watched the door.”

As Hopkins would write: Honour is flashed off exploit, so we say; And those strokes once that gashed flesh or galled shield Should tongue that time now, trumpet now that field, And, on the fighter, forge his glorious day.

On Christ they do and on the martyr may; But be the war within, the brand we wield Unseen, the heroic breast not outward-steeled, Earth hears no hurtle then from fiercest fray.

Yet God (that hews mountain and continent, Earth, all, out; who, with trickling increment,

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From online story: “Greatness is measured by service, pope says” Through press time on Sept. 22, 19,408 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 29,300 pages. The top 10 headlines in September so far have been: n Online, parish-based Eucharistic Congress held Sept. 17-18.....................................................2,292 n Bishop announces theme for diocese’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022...................687 n Priest assignments announced..............................................................................................................651 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.........................................................622 n Deacon Matthew Newsome: Religious exemption or conscientious objection?.....................532 n Congreso Eucarístico cambia a programa virtual/parroquial.......................................................515 n Judge rules for ex-substitute teacher who opposed Church teaching.....................................496 n Seminarian Spotlight: Joseph Yellico..................................................................................................325 n Bishop Jugis offers guidance on COVID-19 vaccine........................................................................307 n Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte.......................................................................... 304

Veins violets and tall trees makes more and more) Could crowd career with conquest while there went Those years and years by of world without event That in Majorca Alfonso watched the door.

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez took on humble tasks with great love. He answered each call to the door with, “I’m coming, Lord.” His conquests were not on full display with shield and trumpet, but were instead quietly and heroically interior. In time, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez would offer spiritual direction and make a profound impact on a young Father Peter Claver, who would ultimately become a “slave of the slaves,” bringing thousands of enslaved West Africans to Christ in South America. It took the doorman of Majorca to teach the great St. Peter Claver how to open wide the door to Christ for thousands of the lowly and abused.

To be sure, in our weakness and humility, we are made strong. In Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited,” the ostentatious, entitled, and alcoholic Sebastian Flyte would finally arrive at a complicated grace not in the aristocratic halls of Brideshead, but in a life of religious poverty caring for the wounds of another. Martin Luther King Jr. would shake off the rage of racism and insist on the dignity of one’s work, no matter how humble: “If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Raphael painted pictures; sweep streets like Michelangelo carved marble; sweep streets like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry; sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: ‘Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well.’”

And Jesus Christ would level His gaze at those hungry for power and pleasure, honor and wealth, and sharply remind, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.”

At the end of my summer with Tony and Dave, I learned that sometimes – oftentimes – being good is not something to be measured on a scale of wealth or social status.

Instead, it is to be seen in steady integrity and quiet graces, a warm grin and smiling eyes. Sometimes angels walk among us – invisible to our stunted eyes – doing small acts with unfailing love. And as the world scoffs, tuts or laughs, they simply smile and work on.

We are called to do our work, however humbly, faithfully and well. When, like custodians, we are asked to do the small or thankless tasks, how shall we answer?

“I’m coming, Lord.”

DR. TOD WORNER is a husband, father, Catholic convert and practicing internal medicine physician. His blog, “Catholic Thinking,” is found at Aleteia.org.

He also writes for Patheos (“A Catholic Thinker”) and the National Catholic Register. This commentary is adapted from the blog at www.wordonfire.org.

Follow him on Twitter @thinkercatholic.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 24, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

INFORMATIVAS

ARCÁNGELES

EUCHARIST

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 12

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

FROM PAGE 3

casi cuatro décadas. Incluye seis aulas, una sala de arte dedicada, áreas comunes y más.

El Centro de Artes MACS, una instalación de 47,700 pies cuadrados ubicada en el campus de Charlotte Catholic High School, debe concluir su construcción antes del inicio del año escolar 2022-2023. El centro albergará un auditorio de 600 asientos, un espacio para exhibiciones, salas de arte, bandas y coral, así como un estudio de cerámica, de danza, un laboratorio digital, un escenario y un teatro.

Mientras, la escuela secundaria Christ the King en Huntersville está lista para comenzar la construcción este invierno en el Complejo Fulford de Atletismo y Actividades. El proyecto incluirá un nuevo gimnasio con gradas para 728 personas y vestuarios.

Por otro lado, gracias al apoyo de la empresa constructora Shea Homes, la Escuela Immaculata comenzará la construcción de un nuevo laboratorio STEM de 1.700 pies cuadrados y la reubicación de su entrada principal para crear un vestíbulo de seguridad controlado y nuevas oficinas administrativas.

PRÓXIMAS SESIONES

Hurtado dijo que las sesiones informativas se han programado entre octubre 2021 y enero 2022. La primera sesión se realizará de manera virtual el viernes 1 de octubre a las 6 de la tarde. Es necesario registrarse con anticipación.

Para mayor información y registro para estas sesiones, por favor escriba a un correo a Angélica Hurtado, aahurtado@ rcdoc.org o deje un mensaje al 704-3703221, indicando su nombre, teléfono y horas de contacto.

Más online En www.discovermacs.org: encuentre más información sobre las escuelas católicas del área de Charlotte Mecklenburg.

porque trajo al mundo la más bella noticia con la Anunciación.

SAN RAFAEL

Su nombre en hebreo es “Dios sana”.

El único libro sagrado que menciona a San Rafael Arcángel es el de Tobías y figura en varios capítulos. Allí se lee que Dios envía a este arcángel para que acompañe a Tobías en un viaje, en el que se casó con Sara, una mujer cuyos maridos fueron asesinados por el demonio Asmodeo.

De igual manera, San Rafael le indicó a Tobías cómo devolverle la vista a su padre. Por esta razón es invocado para alejar enfermedades y terminar felizmente los viajes.

SAN MIGUEL

El nombre del Arcángel Miguel viene del hebreo “Mija-El” que significa “¿Quién como Dios?” y que, según la tradición, fue el grito de guerra en defensa de los derechos de Dios cuando Lucifer se opuso a los planes salvíficos y de amor del Creador.

San Miguel es mencionado por su nombre en tres libros de la Escritura: en el libro de Daniel se le describe como ‘uno de los principales príncipes’ en la jerarquía celestial; en Judas se dice que San Miguel había peleado con el diablo por el cuerpo de Moisés; y en Apocalipsis, San Miguel y sus ángeles son representados luchando contra el diablo y arrojándolo del cielo.

La Iglesia Católica ha tenido siempre una gran devoción al Arcángel San Miguel, especialmente para pedirle que nos libre de los ataques del demonio y de los espíritus infernales. Se le suele representar con el traje de guerrero o soldado centurión poniendo su talón sobre la cabeza del enemigo.

— Condensado de ACIPRENSA y Catholic.net

bring your family members, bring your friends. Be Eucharistic missionaries of the peace of Christ. Being with Christ brings you peace, so make yourselves missionaries of His peace to others,” Bishop Jugis said.

PARISH-BASED EVENTS

Many parishes around the diocese marked the Eucharistic Congress weekend with special events.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe was among those that offered Mass, Adoration and a Eucharistic Procession.

More than 250 parishioners participated in the Sept. 18 activities.

“When we celebrate the Eucharist, we enter into heaven,” said Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor. “When we receive Holy Communion, we experience heaven and we are prepared for heaven. Our time of Adoration prepares us to celebrate the Eucharist and to receive Holy Communion.”

Father Roberts noted it was important to offer the worship opportunity at the parish – particularly for First Communicants and their families. “This was their only opportunity to participate in the procession in this way. It is a unique moment for them.

I have been in the Eucharistic Procession every year we’ve had the Congress. To offer something for my parishioners at our parish was a special grace.”

Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury offered Mass, Adoration, confessions and a talk by Father John Eckert, pastor, Sept. 18.

“The yearly Eucharistic Congress is a diocesan-wide retreat, and I know people really look forward to it,” Father Eckert said. “Any time we can step back and spend a little extra time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is always good.”

“Even if we can’t all gather, which is what we have been doing over the past year and a half or more, and things are a little bit different, we have to cling to Our Lord, who continues to make Himself available to us in the Eucharist. It was important for us to gather and get that extra time with Him,” he said.

St. Ann Church in Charlotte offered a Solemn High Latin Mass, Adoration and Eucharistic Procession that drew more than 150 parishioners Sept. 18.

“The Eucharistic Congress is such an important event in the life of our parishioners every year, and so I felt it important to have a Eucharistic celebration,” said Father Timothy Reid, pastor. “It’s important that we be able to show our love and devotion for the Eucharist, and doing so in a public way helps strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and enliven our charity. Having a parish-based event also helps to unify the parish.”

St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa offered Adoration, a Holy Hour of Reparation, a Eucharistic Procession and a Votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist.

“The Eucharistic Congress has brought such fruits to the diocese over the years,” noted Father Brian Becker, pastor. “I wanted take advantage of the opportunity we had this year and to introduce this event for those in my parish who hadn’t yet attended it.”

St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva offered Adoration, Solemn Vespers, Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and viewing of recorded talks from the Eucharistic Congress over the weekend.

Father Paul Asoh, pastor, told parishioners, “What could be more helpful to many than the opportunity to talk to the Lord face to face? It (Adoration) is seeking His authority on how He wants us to use the talents He has given us.”

Before the Blessed Sacrament we receive “spiritual radiation that heals any cancer of our spirit and at times restores us even physically,” he said. “It is also presenting our ailments, failures, fears, anxieties and storms for calm, and offering our broken self and nation for healing. It is also sharing with Him our joys, successes and thanksgiving.

“It is an opportunity to implore His mercies to bring this pandemic to an end. Brothers and sisters, let us make more time to spend more time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”

View online On the diocese’s YouTube channel: Check out the recorded talks of the Eucharistic Congress speakers (English and Spanish)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Marian Eucharistic Conference

Featured Speakers

Msgr. Eduardo Sánchez Chávez, Co-founder and rector, Institute for Guadeloupian Studies; postulator Our featured speakers focus on for the cause of St. Juanwill Diego seeking anchor ourselves two Fr. WadetoMenezes, Fatherstoofthe Mercy pillars of the Real Presence of Christ in the Fr. Chris Alar, Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Marians of the Immaculate Conception Justin Fatica, Executive Director, Hard as Nails; author Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC Most Rev. Robert E. Guglielmone Marian priest, author, and speaker

Featured Speakers

Bishop of Charleston

Friday, October 1st from 6 PM-11 PM Saturday, October 2nd from 2 PM-10 PM Raffles – Games – Food – Open to Everyone!

For more details please contact the parish office at 704-536-6520 or visit //4sjnc.org/sonfest/

Fr. Bill Casey, CPM The Fathers of Mercy

Registration Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM

The Fathers of Mercy$80, Youth: $40 General Admission: Registration required

by Oct. 24 by mail.

Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers Registration after Oct. 24: $90.

Catholic Evangelist and Speaker Saturday and Sunday buffet lunches are included.

We offer gluten freeGomez meals.

Dr. Ricardo Castanon For more information, call Eucharistic Miracle Researcher (864) 354-7160Psychologist or go to and Clinical www.meconferencesc.net

Hilton Hotel | 45 West Orchard Park Drive | Greenville, SC 29615