June 10, 2022
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
THE 1987 SYNOD Shaping the diocese we know today
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Learn more about ‘The Black Madonna’ 13 FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
The start of a life of service Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu and Rusciolelli ordained deacons
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THANK YOU!
El inicio de una vida de servicio Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu y Rusciolelli fueron ordenados diáconos The resilient Class of 2022
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Catholic high schools graduate 455 students
Misioneros del Santo Rosario participaron en encuentro
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At a glance 2
catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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June 10, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 18
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
things you need to know this week
CELEBRATE OUR TRIUNE GOD: This Sunday, June 12, is Trinity Sunday. What is the Trinity? It’s the name for the three Persons of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the doctrine – “One God in three Persons” – to the Irish in the years 433-461. The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of our faith, worthy of contemplation. Find resources online at www.catholic.com (search “Holy Trinity”).
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FIND WHAT WAS LOST: The feast of St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost things, is Monday, June 13. A native of Lisbon, Portugal, this Franciscan is the go-to saint when you’ve misplaced something, but he’s also so much more! Pray to this powerful intercessor: www.ourcatholicprayers.com/ prayer-to-st-anthony.html.
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INDEX
Contact us.....................................2 Español.......................................18-22 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese.............................. 4-8 Scripture readings................. 3, 21 Arts & Entertainment.................25 U.S. news................................26-27 Viewpoints.............................30-31 World news........................... 28-29
FLAG DAY’S CATHOLIC CONNECTION: Dr. Bernard J. Cigrand, considered the “Father of Flag Day,” was a teacher in Waubeka, Wis., whose parents were married at St. Mary of the Mother of Sorrows Church in the mid-1800s. In 1885, he came up with the idea for a day to honor the American flag, and he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday on June 14 that year. Cigrand, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life. Read more about him and this June 14 holiday at www. nationalflagday.com.
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704-370-3333
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
PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRAYERS TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: 8 a.m. Every first Saturday of the month, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Pray to help bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. WOMEN’S 85TH CURSILLO WEEKEND: July 14-17, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte MEN’S 83RD CURSILLO WEEKEND: July 21-24, Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury PRO-LIFE ROSARY: After the 9 a.m. Mass, every third Sunday at the Mother Teresa Pro-Life Memorial, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte
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.
HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST LUKE MISSION OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: Divine Liturgy (Mass) is offered Sundays at 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. All are welcome. For info, email ucmcanton@gmail.com.
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.
the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life” by Emily Jaminet (for adults), available at www. avemariapress.com, or, for kids 10 and up, “An African Gospel” by Benedite de la Ronciere, available at www. paulistpress.com.
Diocesan calendar of events
THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.
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.
PHOTO VIA BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION FACEBOOK PAGE
This mosaic of the Holy Trinity is just one example of the Byzantine-style sacred art which graces the interior ADORE CORPUS CHRISTI: Cultivate 3 your love of the Eucharist – the source of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception located in Washington, D.C. The basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and is among the 10 largest churches in the world. and summit of our faith – on Sunday, June 19, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi processions at churches honor the Real SUMMER READING Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Consider spending time 5 PICKS: Check out in Adoration in person or livestream an adoration chapel on YouTube some award-winning (search “Live Adoration”). books such as “Secrets of
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 workshops: CANDLER: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 25, St. Joan of Arc Church, 768 Asbury Road HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, Mark Church (Parish Center Room 220), 14740 Stumptown Road
SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the diocese. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at 910-585-2460 or jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org, or Lorena Haynes at 828-5850483. RETREATS EAST MEETS WEST RETREAT – ‘UNSEEN WARFARE IN THE EASTERN CHRISTIAN TRADITION’: 6 p.m. FridaySaturday, June 17-18, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. A program of Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke Ukrainian Catholic Mission. Retreat led by Father Ivan Chirovsky, who will present three talks on spiritual warfare in the Eastern Christian tradition and give the homily at Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 19. He is a priest of St. Josaphat Eparchy and director of spiritual formation at Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh. The retreat is free and open to all. An offering is suggested. For details, contact ucmcanton@gmail.com. WORKSHOPS ‘RETIREMENT PLANNING IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE’ WEBINAR: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15. Knights of Columbus Council 11076 invites you to join a free virtual webinar featuring Ed Slott, CPA, a nationally recognized speaker, on the latest in retirement planning strategies. He combines current research, in-depth expertise and humor to teach viewers about their retirement planning. Registration is required. To register, contact Jerry Manley, Grand Knight, at 302-893-0232 or gpmanley@verizon.net.
Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis: JUNE 11 – 9 A.M. Diocesan Synod Meeting St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte JUNE 14 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir JUNE 16 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte JUNE 17 – 5 P.M. Holy Hour for Priesthood Ordinands St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte JUNE 18 – 10 A.M. Liturgy of Ordination to the Priesthood St. Mark Church, Huntersville JUNE 21 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Newton
Our faith
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Celebrate the Real Presence Pope Francis
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Pope Francis celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, with Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on June 6, 2021. FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Feast of Corpus Christi is June 19 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Each year the Church honors Our Lord in the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Here are some things you may not know about this joyful celebration.
What is Corpus Christi? The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the Real Presence of the Body and Bood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The feast day was established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of St. Juliana of Mont Carvillon. It was extended to the universal Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264 after St. Thomas Aquinas, a Doctor of the Church, proposed a feast focused solely on the Holy Eucharist that emphasized the joy of the Eucharist as the Real Presence of Jesus. Having recognized in 1264 the authenticity of a Eucharistic miracle in Bolsena, the pontiff, then living in
Orvieto, established the feast of Corpus Christi on Aug. 11, 1264, as a solemnity for the whole Roman Catholic Church. The office was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas, and the procession was approved by Popes Martin V and Eugene IV. Corpus Christi is a “movable” feast: originally observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. In 1970 it was shifted to the Sunday after Trinity Sunday for U.S. dioceses and most of the world. This year, Corpus Christi falls on Sunday, June 19.
Traditions of Corpus Christi On this holy day that honors Our Lord’s Presence in the Eucharist, after Mass Our Lord is placed in a monstrance that is then carried by a priest to four different altars representing the four corners of the earth. While processing, the congregation follows and sings. At each altar there are readings and prayers. The procession is followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Some parishes also offer a Holy Hour in the church on this feast day. Each year in Rome, the pope presides over a Eucharistic procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The procession begins at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and proceeds to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where it concludes with Benediction. — www.wikipedia.com contributed.
Daily Scripture readings JUNE 12-18
Sunday (The Most Holy Trinity): Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15; Monday (St. Anthony of Padua): 1 Kings 21:1-16, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Matthew 5:43-48; Wednesday: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday: Sirach 48:1-14, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Matthew 6:19-23; Saturday: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Matthew 6:24-34
JUNE 19-25
Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11b-17; Monday: 2 Kings 17:58, 13-15a, 18, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga): 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday (Sts. Paulina of Nola, John Fisher and Thomas More): 2 Kings 22:8-13, 23:1-3, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (The Nativity of St. John the Baptist): Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Ezekiel 34:11-16, Romans 5:5b-11, Luke 15:3-7; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Luke 2:41-51
JUNE 26-JULY 2
Sunday: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-18, Luke 9:51-62; Monday (St. Cyril of Alexandria): Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Matthew 8:18-22; Tuesday (St. Irenaeus): Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday (Sts. Peter and Paul): Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:68, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Thursday (The first Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church): Amos 7:10-17, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday: Amos 9:11-15, Matthew 9:14-17
In praise of wrinkles
hy are the elderly unappreciated and seen as useless when they carry so much wisdom about life and can open the door to God’s tenderness, Pope Francis asked. Criticizing the obsession of trying to stay forever young in appearance, he said people must not hide or try to get rid of their wrinkles. “Wrinkles are a sign of experience, a sign of life, a sign of maturity, a sign of having made a journey. Do not touch them to become young, that your face might look young,” the pope said June 8 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “What matters is the entire personality; it’s the heart that matters, and the heart remains with that youth of a good wine – the more it ages the better it is,” he said to applause. The pope continued his series of talks about old age by looking at St. John’s account of Nicodemus (Jn 3:1-21). Jesus tries to explain to the elderly Pharisee about the need to be born again. Jesus says that to see the kingdom of God, one needs to be “born from above,” which means “a rebirth from above with the grace of God” and not to be “reborn physically” as if this life had been a waste of time or a “failed experiment” that needed to be erased and done over, the pope said. “This life is precious in God’s eyes – it identifies us as beings who are loved tenderly by God,” the pope said. Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus has something to teach people today, who, like Nicodemus, misunderstand what “rebirth” is and should be in the light of faith. Today, he said, there is a “dream of an eternal youth” and a “myth that makes us want to return to our mother’s womb to come back always with a young body.” The world, which shows “a worrisome tendency to consider the birth of a child as the simple matter of the production and biological reproduction of the human being,” also cultivates this “myth of eternal youth There is a mission proper to old age, he said, which is to help show people the hope and love that come with “being destined for eternity in God” and journeying toward one’s final destination with the wisdom of lived experience. Being old is not an obstacle “to the being born from above that Jesus speaks of, but it becomes the opportune time to illuminate it” and make it credible to others, the pope said. The kind of tenderness grandparents show their grandchildren “opens the door toward understanding God’s tenderness,” he said, “and old age helps us understand this aspect of God who is tenderness.” He said people should question why “this throwaway culture decided to throw out the elderly, considering them useless.”
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE
Visiting Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of the Archdiocese of Atlanta ordained three seminarians as deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte June 4 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
‘Enjoy your diaconate, learn from your diaconal ministry, because there’s more coming.’ Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about each of our new deacons and see more photos from their ordination Mass
The start of a life of service Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu and Rusciolelli ordained deacons SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HUNTERSVILLE — “This is a great day for the Church of Charlotte, and for the Church Universal,” said visiting Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of the Archdiocese of Atlanta during a special Mass Saturday to ordain seminarians Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli as deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte. Archbishop Hartmayer presided over the June 4 ordination Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville in place of Bishop Peter Jugis, who is recovering from illness. During the start of the ordination rite, hundreds of people watched as the three men were called to stand before Archbishop Hartmayer at the steps of the altar. Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director, attested to their preparedness for holy orders. During the two-hour Mass, Archbishop Hartmayer delivered a homily aimed at the three men, explaining the various parts of the ordination rite and giving them advice as they begin serving God and the Church as ordained ministers. “In sharing in the sacrament of orders, the deacon is authorized and empowered to order, direct and focus the attention of the people on their dignity as baptized members of the Body of Christ,” he said. “The deacon is called to help the people, and himself, to judge wisely the things of earth and measure them by the things of heaven. Our new deacons will do that not just through their preaching and teaching, but in their conduct
of their lives. “Everything that you have done up to now in formation has been a preparation,” he told the three men. “Now there is going to be a firm commitment – that you will be a man of prayer, that you will be a man of service, that you will shape your life after the life of Christ Himself. There’s no longer an option, it’s a commitment.” Through their promises of celibacy and obedience, Archbishop Hartmayer explained, the men demonstrate their “total gift of self to God and His people” and to their “wholehearted faith and trust” in God. Becoming a deacon means embracing a life of service, he continued. “It takes some time and some discernment in our life as a deacon to understand what it means to serve,” he said. He encouraged them to proclaim the Gospel through their words and through their lives, remaining grounded in the truth found in the scriptures as they minister to others. “These are the commitments that you are making today. They are the foundation for more,” he told them. “So enjoy your diaconate, learn from your diaconal ministry, because there’s more coming. And unless you build a sound foundation as deacons, the burdens ahead, the will of God ahead, will become even more difficult to carry, if the foundation you are forming now as ordained deacons is not sturdy and solid.” During the ordination rite, the men arose and, one by one, approached the archbishop. He laid hands on each man’s head and prayed the prayer of ordination over them, thus
consecrating them as deacons. The laying on of hands, the archbishop noted, “links you to the teaching and the ministry of the Apostles.” The men then lay prostrate before the altar – “a gesture of abandonment and trust,” Archbishop Hartmayer described it. “That prostration is a gesture of selfemptying and a sign of humility, which must be a sign of your diaconal ministry,” he told the men. “It is more than a symbol. It’s a sign that leads to the kind of life and commitment you are making – a humble commitment, a trusting commitment. And you cannot put yourself in God’s trust unless you empty yourself and leave room for Him.” The newly ordained deacons were then vested with a stole – symbolizing the deacon’s office of service – and the dalmatic, the outer garment used in the liturgy. Deacon Christopher Brock was vested by Deacon Ruben Tamayo of his home parish of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. Before Mass, he explained that he had asked Deacon Tamayo “because he was very supportive of me as I discerned the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood, and he often encouraged me to consider going to seminary, even when I went through a period of running away from the call. He played an important role in my discernment overall, and I thought having him vest me would be a beautiful way to say thank you.” Deacon Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu was DEACONS, SEE PAGE 24
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
PHOTO PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES OFFICE
Finishing touches being done to MACS Fine Arts Center CHARLOTTE — Construction of the new 47,700-square-foot MACS Fine Arts Center on the campus of Charlotte Catholic High School is complete. Diocesan officials report that the finishing touches are in process. New furniture has been installed, and teachers have already started setting up their new classrooms for the next school year. Work to renovate the existing gym building is underway, including converting the old stage into a practice basketball court. Other spaces in the gym building will get a facelift as band, music and art functions move to the new fine arts building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the MACS Fine Arts Center is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 10.
His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Reverend Mr. Darren Phillip Balkey, ENS, USNR Reverend Mr. Aaron Zachariah Huber Saturday, the eighteenth of June Two thousand twenty-two at ten o’clock in the morning
RENDERING PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES OFFICE
Immaculata Catholic School begins second phase of updates HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculata Catholic School is set to begin its second phase of renovation June 13. The plan is to renovate 5,540 square feet and add an additional 820 square feet to the school. A STEM lab will be created out of underutilized kitchen and storage space in the building. It will include a lecture-style teaching space and a hands-on collaborative work and experimentation space. Phase 2 also includes the construction of a tower and improvements to the façade of the school. In addition, the administrative offices will be relocated to a more central location and the old office space will be converted into a teacher’s lounge and workroom. The $900,000 first phase of the $3.6 million project was completed in the summer of 2020. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by early 2023.
Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, North Carolina Reception immediately following Parish Hall
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘A blessing to all’ Mary Wright, director of campus ministry, retiring after 19 years SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — When Mary Wright came on board as the diocesan director of campus and young adult ministry in 2003, she told those who offered her the position that she would stay for three years. It’s been 19 years, and as she prepares to
retire June 30, she’s humbled by how the Lord has given her the grace to serve Him not only in this capacity, but in many other roles over the course of her adult life. Wright’s formal service to the Church started in 1975, when she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont. Over the course of her 25 years in religious life, Wright put her education in social work to good use in the areas of social services, healthcare, education and administration. She remembers being assigned to teach and serve as a counselor at Charlotte Catholic High School in the late 1970s-early 1980s as a time of personal growth. “Sister Paulette (Williams) thought I could do many things, I guess!” Wright recalls. “I was going to the University of Chapel Hill (to earn a master’s degree in
Put faith into your work EDITOR The Diocese of Charlotte seeks a passionate, curious and innovative veteran journalist to become the next editor of the Catholic News Herald and catholicnewsherald.com, our growing and award-winning news outlets. This person will oversee content development and editorial direction for the Catholic News Herald’s print (60,000 circ.) and digital channels (website, social media, email and video) in alignment with the diocese’s overall communication and evangelization mission. At least 3-5 years of experience as an editor, plus a bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism or related field. Must be a Catholic and familiar with Church teaching.
CONTENT PRODUCER Do you thrive on crafting stories, shooting photos or producing videos that capture the beauty, goodness and truth of our Catholic faith? We are growing and seeking full-time content producers to create compelling content for the diocese’s various print and digital platforms to inform, inspire and educate the people of the Diocese of Charlotte. From covering events for the Catholic News Herald to producing content to serve the diocese’s 2,700 employees, this position is ideal for a creative and enthusiastic person with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a heart for sharing the Gospel. At least 1-3+ years of experience, plus a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing or related field.
For details about each position and their required qualifications and skills: www.catholicnewsherald.com/jobs Email your résumé to: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org No phone calls, please. Deadline to apply: Monday, July 11 The Diocese of Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes salary commensurate with experience, health and dental insurance, 403(b) and paid holidays.
social work), was teaching a course in ‘Life priests led to some challenges scheduling and Family Relations’ and was coaching campus Masses in 2017, and Brady received CCHS women’s softball and volleyball. support and encouragement from Wright. (Juggling all that) was great, because when “As a student and young adult, I was I stop and think how I managed all that, most impressed that Mary didn’t see me as I think that was a perfect opportunity for a kid trying to figure this out, but rather God to stretch me.” treated me like an adult and helped me Wright then went on to serve as a social worker at five area Catholic elementary schools, then dean of students at Sacred Heart College in Belmont, before moving over to Belmont Abbey College as assistant director of residence life. She rounded out her time there as vice president for student affairs. “Everywhere I’ve served, the people, and especially the students, would come in with issues and I would work with them to find a solution or provide encouragement,” she says. This collaborative and willing spirit stood her well when Wright was asked to found and build the first home for persons suffering with AIDS. House of Mercy opened in 1991 on the Sisters of Mercy Sacred Heart PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANN KILKELLY Campus in Belmont. It has Mary Wright has served as the diocesan director of campus and young served hundreds of men adult ministry for the past 19 years. Wright has spent her whole adult and women over the past 31 life in service to the Church. She retires June 30. years. As founder and CEO, Wright navigated solve these problems side by side. In every this monumental task with humility. “I interaction, I could always tell that she didn’t know anything about building, or genuinely cared about those answers, and land or architectural plans. I believe we with any concerns that came up she was are always called to learn, though,” Wright determined to help us reach a solution,” explains. Brady says. Mercy Sister Jill Weber has known Former campus ministers who worked Wright for 50 years. “She didn’t want House with Wright echoed Brady’s sentiments. of Mercy to be another sterile-looking “Mary helped to empower the campus health facility,” Sister Jill recalls. “She ministers and students, which has had a wanted it to be a home. And that is what it considerable impact on the local churches,” became and continues to be today.” they said in a joint statement. “Students “That time was a real blessing in my leaving CCM were knowledgeable of the life. I learned a great deal. Despite the tenets and traditions of our faith. Many circumstances, it was a happy house,” campus ministry alumni are serving their Wright says. She was awarded the Office local parish as priests, faith formation of the North Carolina Governor Longleaf teachers, choir directors, youth ministers, Pine Award by Governor James Martin for lectors and extraordinary ministers of the her work with House of Mercy. Eucharist.” Her foray into campus ministry began Gregg Cecconi, Catholic campus minister in 2000 when, as a laywoman, she accepted in Greensboro, agrees. “Mary made the position as campus minister at the sure college students in the diocese had University of North Carolina at Charlotte. a supportive community to learn, pray In August 2003, she assumed her current and grow in their faith. She constantly role as diocesan director of campus reminded us to have a wide embrace and ministry. to not forget the marginalized and the “Under her leadership, campus ministry struggling.” in the diocese has grown tremendously,” “The Education Vicariate, the diocese says Darien Clark, assistant director of and the students at the universities and Campus and Young Adult Ministry. “She colleges in the Diocese of Charlotte have increased the number of campuses served been blessed by the dedicated and loyal by a professional campus minister. She service Mary Wright has provided over started initiatives, such as ‘Give Your Heart her years of service in many areas of the Away’ to engage college students more diocesan ministries,” says Father Roger deeply with their Catholic faith, and with Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education the social teachings of the Church.” for catechetical formation. “Her service as In 2019 Wright worked tirelessly to the Director of Campus and Young Adult open a new Catholic Campus Ministry Ministry for these many years has been a Center for the students at North Carolina blessing to all of us who have worked with A&T University and Bennett College in her and been served by her. We thank her Greensboro. and pray for her as she retires, knowing “In her 19 years as director, she has given that she will continue to be a blessing to us. everything she has to ensure that Catholic God bless her always.” college students have a faith community on Wright sums up her time of service campus that models the life and ministry to the Church, saying, “I know that as I of Jesus Christ,” Clark adds. am on my final journey here, my life has Erin Brady, former president of Catholic been incredibly blessed. I am grateful for Campus Ministry at High Point University, every opportunity I have had. I pray that is one of the college students who benefited (as Scripture says) we all ‘act justly, love from Wright’s leadership. A change in tenderly and walk humbly with our God.’”
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Catholic Charities will host camps in Charlotte for refugee children in grades K-12 this summer. Campers will have a chance to explore museums like Discovery Place and take day trips to places like Carowinds, ImaginOn and the Raptor Center.
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Refugee children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Burma, Thailand, Guatemala, India, Cameroon and Syria now living in Charlotte will get the full American summer camp experience June 27Aug.5. Activities like crafting, rollerskating, hiking and swimming are just some of the fun things on the schedule.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Help needed for refugee children to make memories at summer camp SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — More than 50 children who have fled war and persecution in their homeland will get a chance this month to do what so many American children take for granted: have fun at a summer camp. The children are from families who have recently found new homes in Charlotte thanks to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program. Catholic Charities organizes a summer camp every June through August to give them the chance to ride a roller coaster at Carowinds, pet a horse, swim in a pool, and create artwork from popsicle sticks – besides other classic summer camp activities. The school-age kids come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Burma, Thailand, Guatemala, India, Cameroon and Syria. They will enjoy day trips to places like the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Carowinds, ImaginOn children’s library and theatre, the Carolina Raptor Center, the Rock Hill, S.C., Museum and Belmont Abbey College. Campers will also enjoy trips and activities like arts and crafts, roller skating, hiking, swimming and field days. Plus, there are English as a Second Language activities to help students continue to improve their speaking and writing skills. College and employment readiness classes are also offered for the older students. Laura Jones, who supervises the
program, says the summer camp does wonders for the kids – many of whom have spent most of their young lives in conflict areas or refugee camps abroad. They have never known the joy of diving into a pool or going roller skating. “The summer camp does provide an outlet of socialization,” she says. “We really try to offer enrichment programs that expose them to things they wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.” The first week of camp kicks off with Career Week, where presenters from fields such as law enforcement, healthcare and the military will share about what they do in their respective fields. “We’re open to volunteers for presenters,” Jones says. She’s hoping to gather a diverse group of professionals who love what they do to come forward from the community to meet the kids and help make their camp experience an unforgettable one. There’s also a need for volunteers over age 21 to assist as drivers for the summer program. There are two interns assisting this summer and volunteers from Charlotte Catholic High School as well, but with campers living in different areas around Charlotte, there is a need for more volunteers to shuttle children to field trips and activities. Donations to the summer camp program are another way people can assist in Catholic Charities’ efforts to provide a fun, informative summer for refugee children. “We need financial assistance to provide the resources to take the children to all the fun attractions we have planned,” Jones
explains. She notes that it’s gratifying to see children from different countries who speak different languages interacting with each other during the camps. “There’s a lot of sign language going on, and a lot of smiles.”
Lend a hand Want to volunteer or provide financial support for the Refugee Resettlement Youth Summer Camp Program? Contact Laura Jones at 704370-3397 or email info@ccdoc.org.
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
The resilient Class of 2022 Catholic high schools graduate 455 students SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte now has four high schools that, this year, bid farewell to 455 graduates in the Class of 2022. Canongate Catholic High School near Asheville officially joined the diocesan Catholic Schools system in May. An affiliate school, this small high school is the 20th Catholic school within the diocese and offers a classical education. The four graduates of Canongate were recognized at Mass and a graduation ceremony June 4. “I’m pleased that each of these seniors
has started to form a clear vision for their lives based on the support they have received from their families and Canongate teachers,” said Canongate Principal Sedrick Dellinger. “Academically, they have worked hard, yet my admiration for them regards how each of them has overcome a serious personal obstacle to get where they are today. I’m very proud of them, and I think they are ready for an adventure,” he said. Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville graduated 85 seniors in the Class of 2022 on May 27. Eighty-three of the graduates will be going on to college. They earned more than $8 million in scholarships at 43 universities and colleges. Seven of the BMHS graduates will go on to play sports in college. Dr. Jared Rashford, head of school, said, “The Class of 2022 is a tenacious group of young men and women that have persevered through a series of disruptions to the traditional high school experience.
The class has come together in their final year to support one another and will leave a legacy of leadership, success, and personal and collective growth as sons and daughters of God.” Charlotte Catholic High School graduated 283 seniors on May 27. Of the graduates, 274 will be going on to 93 colleges and universities. They earned more than $23.470 million in scholarships. Twenty-one students will go on to play sports in college. “I am extremely proud of the Class of 2022. They had to pivot many times since March of 2020 because of COVID. The Class of 2022 has been resilient despite the many challenges they have faced,” said Principal Kurt Telford. On June 1, Christ the King High School in Huntersville conferred diplomas on 83 graduates of the Class of 2022. All 83 graduates will attend college. They earned more than $9.597 million in scholarships. One graduate will go on to play sports in
college. “I am so proud of this graduating class,” said Dr. Carl Semmler, principal. “They have demonstrated time and time again that they have the grit to succeed. If you think about it, they are our first class to graduate that has fully weathered the beginning, middle and end of the pandemic. They completed this Exodus with style and grace.” Bishop Peter Jugis extended his best wishes to the Class of 2022, stating, “I am proud of all the graduates of our Catholic high schools. I pray that our graduates will proclaim the Kingdom of Christ by the witness of their lives.”
More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from three baccalaureate Masses and special Class of 2022 ceremonies
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATIE WILLIAMS
(Above) Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville graduated 85 seniors in the Class of 2022 during a commencement ceremony May 27 at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro. (Right) Seniors at Bishop McGuinness High School received awards and recognition May 26 at the annual Class Awards Day.
SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Members of the Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2022 are all smiles during a baccalaureate Mass offered at St. Matthew Church May 24.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER
The Christ the King High School Class of 2022 is pictured with (center, from left) Father Michael Carlson and Father John Putnam after the baccalaureate Mass celebrated on May 31 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. There are a total of 83 graduates from the high school this year.
Four members of Canongate Catholic High School’s Class of 2022 in Arden graduated June 4. They are the first graduates from this small affiliate high school to graduate since Canongate joined the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools system in May. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CANONGATE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
This year’s senior class was awarded more than $8 million in scholarships.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Congratulations Class of 2022 Matthew Baker Agarwala Emily Anne Agejew Catherine Anne Ballard Darcy Wren Barefoot David Barrera-Casas Thomas Barnes Bennett Kaitlyn Elizabeth Bliss Emma Clare Bourgeois Andrew Charles Lankau Daisy-Amanda Mugisha Byungura Frank Joseph Cetrone Kevin Thomas Chase Sarah Donna Cotell Clare Maria Coxwell Scott Michael Craven Joseph Andrew Criscuolo Gloria Elizabeth Culler Oscar Del Rio Jonathan Bryce Dick Joshua Brent Dick Abigail Jane Elwell Shane Brian Flaherty
Michael Anthony Foresman Isabella Mercedes Fresquez-Clifton Joshua Edward Galaski Monserat Dalia Garcia Andrew Stephen Gaylord Noah Matthew Goodman Caroline Elizabeth Gregory Garrett Aubrey Hartley Michael Keith Herzberger Anna Catherine Hirose Matthew Andrew Holder Grace Kathryn Hutjens Alexander Joseph Johnston Aoife Catherine Kelly Joseph Clayton Kohl David Charles Krawczyk Emma Grace Leach Ashlyn Grace Long Lourdes Maria Lopez Sadie Viola MacDonald Bethany Grace Manor Cameron Anthony Martin
Christiana Epiphany Mayas Dawson Hughes McAlhany Helen Virginia Meyer Francesca Alicia Moya Noah Daniel Nagle Sarah Elizabeth Overman Carlin John Pacholke Jie Pan James Luca Pestana Edward Vernon Petrovitch Matthew Thomas Pinder Emilia Marie Pirkl Erin Marie Pitman Griffin Thomas Redinger Henry James Riek Maisy Marie Roach Gabriella Marie Role Anna Grace Seach David Jae Seaux Sydney Elise Smith Parker McNair Southern Matthew Allen Sprenkle
Nikolas Durand Stetler Evan Michael Stoller William Charles Stoneking Sarah Irene Truskolaski Zachary Kyle Uliana Elaina Rose Valente Alexander Travis Varner Jorge Antonio Vidal Addison Lynn Vitola Gabrielle Ga Yan Vollmer Jacob Hunter Whalen Avery Maris Wheeler Katelynn Marie Williams Theodore James Williams Grant David Wilson Xianghao Wu Mateo Eric Xhaferi Haley Mackenzie York Donghao Zhou
Class of 2022 College Acceptance List The University of Alabama Allegheny College Appalachian State University Arizona State University University of Arizona Auburn University Averett University Baylor University Belmont Abbey College Boston College (College of Arts & Sciences) Brevard College Catawba College The Catholic University of America College of Charleston Citadel Military College of South Carolina Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Davidson College University of Dayton University of Delaware Drexel University Duquesne University East Carolina University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Forsyth Technical Community College Franciscan University of Steubenville Furman University
Gardner-Webb University Georgetown University University of Georgia Greensboro College Grinnell College Guilford College Guilford Technical Community College Hampden-Sydney College University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hollins University Howard University Indiana University-Bloomington James Madison University Lawrence University Lees-McRae College Lenoir-Rhyne University Louisiana State University University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Louisville Marist College Marymount Manhattan College University of Massachusetts-Lowell Methodist University Michigan State University Mississippi State University University of Mississippi University of New England
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Newberry College North Carolina A & T State University University of North Carolina at Asheville The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina Wilmington North Carolina State University at Raleigh University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Pace University, New York City Campus Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona Pepperdine University Providence College Purdue University-Main Campus Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Randolph-Macon College University of Rhode Island University of Richmond Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College Rutgers University-New Brunswick Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD Seton Hall University The University of the South -Sewanee
University of South Carolina-Columbia Spelman College Spring Hill College St. John’s University-New York Stevens Institute of Technology Syracuse University The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Ohio State University-Main Campus United States Merchant Marine Academy Ursinus College Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University University of Virginia-Main Campus Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington & Jefferson College Washington and Lee University Wayne State University West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western New England University William Peace University Wingate University Wofford College The College of Wooster
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2022
Class of 2022 Matriculation
College of Charleston Margaret Pryor Adrian Smith Lauren Ward
University of AlabamaHuntsville Tiernan Donnelly
College of the Holy Cross Siobhan Draddy
University of AlabamaTuscaloosa Audrey Aiello Joshua Charles-Pierre Samuel McCleary Isabella Miklich
College of William and Mary Kate Draddy
Appalachian State University Lindsay Becker Annabel Borda James Brewer Joseph Fowler Sage Hessert Katherine Howard Elizabeth Kostmayer Grace Lisi Alexandra MacLean Sofia Magalhaes Michael Mahn Benjamin McGregor Kylie O’Connor Madeline Parkes Ketan Pimplaskar Michael Pray Caroline Ragland John Warren
Auburn University Matthew Hodgens Carter Losee Michael Morais Elijah Petchel Isabella Pirozzi Lily Smith Charles Thiede Connor Walsh
East Carolina University Maria Bishop Giancarlo Castrillon Casey Cholewa Johnpaul Gagliardo Mary Heekin Pierce Morgan Maryjane O’Brien Lillian Schachte
University of Central Florida Julia Tramontano Central Piedmont Community College Marcos Capistrano Ian Forst Angelo Foto Samuel Grueneisen Alexander Nguyen Kevin Nguyen Zachary Russell Nathaniel Stevens
High Point University Sean Heenan IE University Danielle Kacerosky University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign Mark Kraay Indiana University-Bloomington Bryan Gregory Greta Hironimus Tyler Takechi Iona College Joyce Knowles James Madison University Alexander Newell Ava Perry University of Kentucky Tyler Broxterman Regan Coughlin Peter O’Connell Sydney Whitman
Ecole Ducasse Amelie Allson Elon University Clare Hammonds
Loyola University Chicago Ainsley King
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Johnathan Nass
Loyola University Maryland Grace Gilrane
Flagler College Joshua Williams
Bryn Mawr College Yuchen Sun
Hampden-Sydney College John Glassner Ariel Rodriguez
Louisiana State University Dominick Artieri Anya Ferruzzi McLean Gaston Leigh Ann Lutgring
Emory University Morgan Salvino
Babson College Evan Valder-Rasch
Colgate University Phoebe Brown
Denison University Nina Casingal
Eastern Mennonite University Isabella Short
ATP Flight School Alexander Schrift
Coastal Carolina University Lily Alford
University of Dayton Dominik Daly Matthew Ryan Guadalupe Sanchez-Salvador
East Tennessee State University Nicholas Shallal
University of Arizona Colin Matthews
Clemson University Christian Cruz Austin Richard Matthew Schmidt Leah Smith Jacob Vargosko
Davidson College Sydney Kellgren
Georgia Institute of Technology Eduardo Francke
Florida Atlantic University Peyton Chadwick Florida State University Emily Dettinger Fordham University Nicholas Coile Gap Year Evan Beatty Jordan Davis George Mason University Jackson Elsass University of Georgia Mallory Hall Ella Jones Ryan McGinn Andrew Quirk Peter Rossitch Ava Tan Colin Wolfinger
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Marisa Montione University of Miami Ellie Shroff Cailin Walsh University of Mississippi Zachary Bertei Ryan Collins Mary Caroline Devanney McConnell Rock Daniel Wilkinson University of Missouri Cameron Heyer University of North Carolina at Asheville Abigail Cherry Jack Kalish University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bridget Bendezu John Bhojwani Travis Clawson Caroline Daniels Lauren Fey Anna Greeley Michael Hussey Emily Knapp
Olivia Kromer John Le Cooper Miller Katherine Prendiville Owen Reilly Carson Rossitch Nicholas Sciacca Madeleine Shepard Kaitlyn Tozzi University of North Carolina at Charlotte Grace Bertsch Corey Brenner John Campomanes Alyssa Cox Carlen Cure Camila DeSouza Joseph Flynn Michael Francis Jason Jeffares Finlay Jeffs Gabriel Lazcano Bryson Mrzygod John Mullen Nathan Peine Emma Sciotto Samuel Shea Blaise Tamol Henry-Thai Tran University of North Carolina at Greensboro Jack Kelleher Margaret Saverin University of North Carolina at Wilmington Kara Bowman Sophia Gornet Emily Helder Lauren Jugis Grace Picone Amanda Piejak Samantha Piejak Ava Slater North Carolina State University Justin Allen Matthew Allio Emily Ayers Samantha Becerra Elizabeth Burnett Ethan Canon William Craig Grace Dortch Thomas Fahey Max Harshberger Emma Iles Kenneth Konopasek James Meehan Teresa Mulligan Lawrence Nazarian Elizabeth Newman Zachary Sferro Matthew Shooman Patrick Story Cristina Warlick Kevin Williams University of Notre Dame Thomas Hoefling Oklahoma State University Jack Jones Pennsylvania State University Nicholas Moore Vivian Trinh
University of Pittsburgh Makkenzie Beer University of Puget Sound Catherine Schilli Purdue University Jake Lee Queens University of Charlotte Anthony Baggio William Hanson Judy Harmouch Diego Rey Joseph Ruller Randolph-Macon College William Murlless Regis College Mason Kenna Saint Leo University Alanis Diaz Anthony Diaz Savannah College of Art & Design Callie Pearce Shaw University Tyler Mills University of South CarolinaColumbia Blake Beecher Delaney Berger Madison Cohn Ramona Davis Connor Floriani Elle Hessert Marisa Jones Abby Mihalko Kristen Sedam William Thompson Grace Weems University of Southern California Kelly Cox Southern Methodist University Hailey Schugel Spelman College Elyse Headley University of Tampa Jake Christensen Marin Weisker University of Tennessee Natalie Charlonis Madeleine Helms Carissa Kropac Kathryn Orr Alexandra Whitman Tennessee Technological University Benjamin Pingree The American University of Paris Anna Sinton The Catholic University of America James Companion Christian Polking Megan Sie Nolan Terry
Tulane University of Louisiana Anna Coile Kendra Johnson United States Army Makenzie LeGrande United States Air Force Academy Michael Moritz United States Military Academy Isabelle Vinson United States Naval Academy Nancy Rhodes Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Emma Capelli Vassar College Imelda McMenamin Villanova University Margaret Gehrig Caitlin Rogan Conor Walsh University of Virginia Rebecca Denton Ross Tricarico Virginia Military Institute Luke Hanks Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Wesley Bennett Blaze Cutinho Robert Hogg Emma Jones Miles Lester Santiago Morales Matthew Strutz Patrick Sullivan Wake Forest University Maria Flores Helen Wielechowski Washington & Lee University Benjamin Irmscher Robert McKernan West Virginia University Michael McNulty Western Carolina University Andrew Dalton Grace Edwards Wingate University Evan Carlisto John Ratchford Sofhia Sandoval University of WisconsinMadison William Hicks Wofford College Madeline Farley York Technical College Connor Fikes
The Senior Class of 2022 has earned a total of $23,743,696 in scholarships. We congratulate these seniors, as well as the entire senior class, for their many outstanding accomplishments.
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Christ the King Catholic High School Matthew Thomas Armstrong
Andrew Richard Baich
Grace Lauren Bauders
Danielle Elizabeth Beason
Nicole Leanna Bellar
Luke Alexander Bowman
Alton Plaxico Brown
Ayden Johnathon Burke
Nathan William Campos
Emily Rebecca Canaday
Patrick Anthony Cashman
Nicole Castillo Fessenko
Matthew Riley Chambers
Anna Haydee Chavez
Parker Elias Clapp
Caroline Claire Clark
James Patrick Condon
William McKay Creter
Cody Alton Davis
Isabella Nicole DiPaolo
Peter Joseph Dominic
Jacob Christian Domke
Heather Marie Duckworth
Chloe Elise Dupont
Stella Rose Egan
Katelin Elise Eichinger
Daniela Osores Evans
Ava Cher Marie Ferrouillet
Jesse Kekoa Filiaut
David Bennett Fisher
George Douglas Fogle III
Jonathan Wilder Hernandez
Alexandria Virginia Hlebak
Natalie Marie Hoagland
Abigail Regina Jones
Christian John Kalac
Julia Terese Langbo
Amanda Thien-An Le
Leonardo Humberto Lelong
Savannah Paige Long
Whitney Grace Lorio
Nathan Alexander Losinski
Bryce Robert MacFalls
Kathy Cao Nguyen
Michael Timothy O'Bryant
Lily Rose Pena
Simon Reese Peplinski
Bella Grace Perry
Benjamin Michael Perry
James Alexander Neal
Alexander Serna-Salazar
Isabella Grace Spaedy
Matthew Austin Thomas Taylor
Ann Mary Thierfelder
Alexus Tran
Ethan Dean Travers
Joseph Michael Habel
Sofia Koenigsberger
Michael Peter Kotsakis
Wojtek Marek Lachowski
Declan James McGoff
Isabeli Maria Medina
Samuel Joseph Moorman
Andrew Michael Mulwee
Julia Therese Rametta
Madalynn Alicia Rola
John Michael Gervasini
Kelley Marie Knox
Dillon Robert Kocher
Jesus Jasiel Majano-Sosa
Sophia Elaine Malloy
Nathan James Pirolli
Gianna Marie Puma
Randy Turcios Juarez
Katherine Jane Tuschong
Mabel Marie Rose Harrison
Dylan Jacob Guyer
Carter James Fritz
Thomas Michael Welsh
Nicholas Scott Wilson
Brady Whiting Ryan
Payton Nicole Seeling
Ryan Taylor Zimmerman
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosca Appalachian State University Belmont Abbey College Catholic University of America Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fairfield University James Madison University Lees McRae College
Liberty University Louisian State University Loyola University Mercer University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Penn State Queens University of Charlotte SCAD UNC Chapel Hill UNC Charlotte
UNC Wilmington University of Georgia University of Miami University of Mississippi University of North Florida University of Notre Dame University of Tennesee Knoxville University of West Florida Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Western Carolina University West Virginia University
May you always remember you are a Cusader at heart. Be the light of Christ in our world. As you embark on your next journey, continue to "Believe Sincerely, Think Critically, and Serve Others in the Name of Christ the King".
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
1987 Synod: Shaping the diocese we know today CHARLOTTE — In 1987 the Diocese of Charlotte’s second bishop, Bishop John F. Donoghue, gathered lay men and women, religious and clergy from across the diocese for a synod to address issues facing the growing Church in this missionary territory. It was the first synod in the diocese’s history, and its impacts continue to be seen 35 years later.
“The sole task of this Synod has been to glorify the Lord through the advancing of His Kingdom in this Diocese, at this time, through the men and women who are now providentially the People of God of the Diocese of Charlotte. I am confident that what we propose for implementation will lead each of us and all members of the Church of Charlotte to be mindful of the need for personal and ecclesial purification and the need to reach out and truly be a ‘light to the nations.’”
What is a synod?
What was the synod’s outcome?
By definition, a synod is an assembly of ecclesiastics or other Church delegates gathered pursuant to the law of the Church for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs; an ecclesiastical council.
Seven areas were addressed during the synod that saw direct results afterward: spiritual life, evangelization, education, poverty, lay ministry, councils and growth. Monsignor John J. McSweeney, the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte and retired pastor of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, was vicar general and chancellor of the diocese during the time of the synod. Monsignor McSweeney stresses that those seven areas were carefully selected, and great effort went into selecting Catholics from around the diocese to participate in the synod and discuss these topics. “At that time we had no idea of the growth the diocese would experience,” he noted. “We made sure we kept it balanced, as there are 46 counties in the diocese. We didn’t want everything based or centered in Charlotte.” Monsignor McSweeney believes the 1987 Synod is historically significant for many reasons, which can be seen in the fruits of the synod still tangible today. In particular, he has witnessed a great impact in the areas of Catholic schools, lay ministry, Catholic Charities and the work of pastoral councils in the local parishes. “At the time of the synod, there was a bold effort to save Catholic schools, to make sure there was equity in pay (for teachers), to build Catholic identity, merge schools and build new ones,” he said. Thanks to the synod, every parish in the diocese has a range of ministries for people to participate in, according to the seven topics the synod focused on. Thinking back to the time of the synod, Monsignor McSweeney said, “What amazed me so much was all these people giving their time – seriously giving their time.”
SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
Marian Pilgrimage A specially commissioned statue of Mary, Mother of God is visiting more than 100 locations across the Diocese of Charlotte during the anniversary year. Upcoming visits include:
OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS CATHOLIC CHURCH Until Monday, June 13 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, N.C. 27360
ST. DOROTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH Monday-Wednesday, June 13-15 148 St. Dorothys Lane, Lincolnton, N.C. 28092
QUO VADIS DAYS VOCATION RETREAT Wednesday-Friday, June 15-17 Belmont Abbey College
HOLY HOUR FOR PRIEST ORDINANDS 5 p.m. Friday, June 17 St. Patrick Cathedral 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203
PRIEST ORDINATION 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18 St. Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, N.C. 28078
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH June 18-22 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27410
HOLY INFANT CATHOLIC CHURCH Wednesday-Sunday, June 22-26 1042 Freeway Dr., Reidsville, N.C. 27320
DUC IN ALTUM VOCATION RETREAT Wednesday-Friday, June 29-July 1 Belmont Abbey College For more information about these pilgrimage stops, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary website, www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
Why hold a synod? In his letter to the people of the diocese on Sept. 14, 1985, Bishop Donoghue said, “It is my hope that in the broad consultation called for by a Synod, we will be able to develop a pastoral plan which will shape the diocese for the future so that together, we will be the ‘sign and instrument of communion with God and unity among all men.’” (Vatican II, “Constitution of the Church”)
When did the synod take place? From October 1985 until the first meeting of the synod in September 1986, Bishop Donoghue established preparatory commissions, held parish programs during Lent to address the issues to be discussed, selected members to attend, and created materials to be considered at the synod. After the first meeting of the synod in September 1986, the preparatory commission revised the materials. The second session of the synod was held in January 1987. The materials were then revised a second time. The final session of the synod was held in May 1987. The synod documents were promulgated, or published, at that time, and the implementation of the diocesan pastoral plan established by the synod then began. In all, more than 140 people from around the diocese contributed their time and
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE ARCHIVES
On May 23, 1987 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, Bishop John Donoghue promulgates documents coming out of a two-year diocesan synod addressing the issues facing the growing Church in western North Carolina. talents to the synod. In his letter of promulgation on May 23, 1987, Bishop Donoghue noted, “Through this Synod, we have grown together as a community of faith. We have supported one another as a community of love; and we have served one another and our brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Charlotte, out of a conviction of faith and an experience of God’s Spirit at work within us.
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June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Prayer for the 50th anniversary
‘The Black Madonna’ (13th century)
The 50th anniversary year will bear great spiritual fruit if we ask God for the graces we hope to receive. Please offer the 50th anniversary prayer daily for many graces to be poured on our diocese during this jubilee anniversary:
TRICIA KENT SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
The title “Black Madonna” or “Black Virgin” has been used in the West to denote many depictions of Mary with the Christ Child, both painted and sculpted, where the principal figures appear dark-skinned. Sometimes this is due to circumstances of the history of the image whereby the paint or varnish darkened over time, but often it was the intended depiction of the original artist who portrayed Mary and Jesus in keeping with the people of the region where the image was made. Among some of the oldest extant Christian art, they were often produced in Coptic areas of Syria, Egypt and sub-Saharan Ethiopia and later taken to Constantinople. These Black Madonnas are frequently credited to the Evangelist Luke, who in some traditions was said to be a Syrian. Arguably the most famous Black Madonna is the icon known as “Our Lady of Częstochowa,” revered as the patroness of Poland. Our Lady of Częstochowa is also called “Our Lady of Jasna Gora” after the name of the “bright hill” in Poland where the monastery that houses the image is located. The oft-repeated story is that sometime around 1384, Prince Wladyslaw, attempting to save the image from an invasion by the Tartars, was taking the painting to his birthplace in Opala. He stopped for the night in Częstochowa, where the image spent the night in a small church dedicated to Mary’s Assumption. The next morning the portrait was placed in a wagon, but the horses refused to move, and the painting has remained there ever since. Later, the image was damaged by a Tartar arrow and in 1430 Hussites (the Czech forerunners of the Protestant Reformation) stole and vandalized the image – and by some accounts were miraculously struck dead for this sacrilege. Repeated overpainting and attempts to repair the icon are said to have been unable to cover the scar. This could easily be the case, as the Byzantine encaustic technique of painting with wax and resin had been lost to medieval painters. Science and art history show the current image to be 13th century Byzantine in form and composition – almost certainly based on an icon from Constantinople that had been venerated in a church in the Hodegon Monastery quarter dating to the fifth
century. It is a traditional Eastern icon composition known as a “Hodegetria” or “One who shows the way.” In these type of icons, Mary directs the viewer’s gaze from herself toward the Christ Child, who in turn offers the viewer His blessing. What is special about Our Lady of Częstochowa is not the uniqueness of its art or the importance of its history, but the amazing accounts of miracles associated with its veneration. In 1655 the Black Madonna was said to have saved Jasna Gora from a Swedish invasion. It was after this event that the image was declared Queen of Poland. This was later followed by a Canonical Coronation decreed by Pope Clement XI in 1717. Several jeweled crowns were presented and stolen from the image in subsequent wars, only to be replaced by papal and international donations. It is customary for Polish women to wear red coral beads, and thousands of these beads line the walls of her shrine – left in thanksgiving for prayers answered. All the accounts of miracles and cures attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa are preserved in the records of the Pauline Fathers, who have kept the shrine for centuries. Devotion to the image grew as Pope John Paul II venerated it, offering prayers of petition and thanksgiving in 1979, 1983 and 1991. Perhaps most poignant of all the stories are the countless reports of pilgrims traveling at night to pray for Our Lady’s intercession during the Nazi occupation when Hitler prohibited pilgrimage – among them a young student named Karol Wojtyla, the later Polish pope John Paul II. Over the intervening centuries Our Lady of Częstochowa has become a very potent symbol – not just for Poland but for those all who are suffering and persecuted – a call to Motherly devotion and, above all, a testament to the resilience of faith. TRICIA KENT is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
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Heavenly Father, accept our humble prayer of praise and gratitude as we joyfully celebrate 50 years as the Diocese of Charlotte. Throughout our history the faithful of western North Carolina, under the watchful care of esteemed bishops and abbots, have been nurtured by Your providential hand. Confident that You invite Your children to implore Your constant blessings, we pray that You continue to pour forth Your heavenly grace upon us. With filial affection and devotion, we further ask that You look kindly upon the prayers we seek through the intercession of our venerable patroness, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who with motherly attention tends to the needs and concerns of the Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers & Devotions The 50th anniversary theme, “Faith More Precious Than Gold” (1 Peter 1:7), encourages use of the Church’s tried-and-true prayers, devotions and sacramentals, which for centuries have brought people closer to God. Let us confidently ask for the graces we hope to receive from God as we celebrate the founding of the Diocese of Charlotte. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
June prayer intention For vocations to the priesthood. May the Lord give courage and strength to those who are being called to the ministerial priesthood, and may those who are called respond generously and faithfully.
Saint of the Month St. Charles Lwanga Feast Date: June 3
At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyred for the faith
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Faith more precious than gold. — 1 Peter 1:7 fe más preciosa que el oro. — 1 Pedro 1:7 18th Eucharistic Congress
August 5 – 6, 2022 — Charlotte Convention Center Eucharistic Procession – Vespers – Holy Hour Confession – Sacred Music – Holy Mass
XVIII Congreso Eucarístico
O RO
Para información y voluntariado: www.GoEucharist.com
OSA E C1IPEDRO 1:7 QUE
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GOLD
For information and to volunteer: www.GoEucharist.com
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F E MÁ S
CIO P R1EPETER 1:7 US T
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Agosto 5 y 6, 2022— Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte
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Cross Catholic Outreach Empowers Educational Missions in Ghana to Transform Lives When Church leaders in developing countries want to undertake ambitious projects — the construction of a school or classrooms, for example — they often turn to Cross Catholic Outreach for help. Since Cross Catholic Outreach was launched more than 20 years ago, its ministry team has had tremendous success funding, equipping and empowering in-country Catholic missions. One recent example involves educational projects desperately needed in the African nation of Ghana. “Each of the countries we work in is unique, has specific needs and is working to solve different problems. In Ghana, the Church has identified education projects as a priority, and we are doing what we can to support that mission,” confirmed Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. The Catholic Church’s interest in improving educational opportunities in Ghana is justified. While that country has made a lot of improvements to its education system in recent years, the poor still face many challenges in obtaining a quality education. Low education rates are believed to directly correlate to a higher incidence of childhood marriage, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS infection rates and poverty. For rural students, daily commutes to and from school can be daunting and even unsafe. Some students don’t even attend traditional schools at the end of that journey — their education takes place underneath a tree, according to Cavnar. “Fortunately, Catholic leaders in Ghana are aware of these problems and are mobilizing to provide solutions,” he said. “They have plans to build safe classrooms, provide desks and other school
furniture, bring in quality study supplies, and improve or build modern bathroom facilities to alleviate the hardships caused by contaminated water systems. These changes could have a dramatic impact on how the poor are educated — but they can’t be achieved without help. That is why I’m encouraging compassionate American Catholics to support the Church’s educational mission. With the financial help of donors in the U.S., Catholic leaders in Ghana will be able to complete their wonderful educational projects and restore hope in the country’s poorest communities.” Cavnar added that young girls will benefit most from this support. “Because they traditionally face greater hurdles to attending school than boys do, girls from the poorest families only receive 4 years of education on average,” he said. “That is unacceptable, and we should be doing everything we can to improve their access to education. In countries like Ghana, education isn’t just a matter of personal growth. It is essential to escape poverty. When we educate these children, we give them an opportunity to explore their talents and achieve their God-given potential.” Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach education programs and other outreaches to the poor can contribute through the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01980, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The ministry has a special need for partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use the inserted brochure to become a Mission Partner or write “Monthly Mission Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements.
Above: In Ghana, Africa, Cross Catholic Outreach is working to replace unsuitable classrooms like this with improved schools and quality supplies to enhance learning. Below: Ghana’s children are eager to learn, but they face incredible challenges. Schools need major improvements. Dioceses in the country are working hard to bring about that change, but they will need the support of American Catholics to succeed.
Dedicated Catholics Make Major Impact on Poverty by Serving as ‘Mission Partners’ Consistency and reliability have always been recognized as important character traits in American culture, and most of us bring up our children to uphold those values, especially in the workplace. We do that because we know consistency and reliability produce stability and help us weather the unexpected storms in life. The same is true when it comes to charity, according to Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. That is why his ministry cherishes its Mission Partners — donors who have
committed to monthly giving. “Mission Partners represent the foundation of our ministry,” he said. “Their commitment to helping the poor on a monthly basis gives us a steady, reliable way to serve. Without them, the missions we support in the developing world would never know whether they could rely on us to help with long-term projects, and it would be much more difficult for us to respond to disaster situations. When we can depend on the support of Mission Partners, we can
move forward confidently and take on every challenge that’s put before us.” Because monthly giving is so important to Cross Catholic Outreach’s work overseas, the ministry makes it as easy as possible for its donors to become Mission Partners. That option is included on appeals, on the charity’s website and in the brochures it distributes at Catholic parishes and in Catholic newspapers. “Ultimately, we ask people to become Mission Partners because monthly
giving has a huge impact on the priests, religious sisters and Catholic lay leaders working in the trenches, fighting to end hunger and alleviate poverty,” Cavnar said. “When they face an unexpected crisis or a natural disaster strikes, the missions know they can come to us for help because our Mission Partners have provided the resources needed to overcome those immediate challenges. We can make decisions in a matter of hours and send help within days — and the poor are blessed as a result.”
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American Catholics See Education as Key to Helping Poor Children Escape Generational Poverty Even before the American colonies became a sovereign nation, civic leaders began to explore new ideas that would create a brighter and more prosperous future for their descendants. One of the goals they pursued involved establishing a more accessible public education system. The first taxpayer-supported public school was opened in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and it offered access to free education as early as 1639. Hundreds of years have passed since then, but the importance of accessible education has remained a vital part of the American dream — and this view is just
“...people are getting involved because they want poor boys and girls to have the same blessings their own children or grandchildren enjoy.” Jim Cavnar, President Cross Catholic Outreach as sacred to Church leaders working to better the lives of the poor in developing countries. In fact, many priests and religious sisters firmly believe education is the best way to free families from hopedraining poverty. “You might assume the priests and religious sister working in impoverished communities overseas are focused only on fighting hunger and providing safe water — and they are working hard to address those urgent needs — but they are just as eager to educate poor children because that’s the best way to break the cycle of poverty and put families on an upward trajectory in life,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, one of the leading Catholic ministries working to alleviate poverty in the developing world. “The only thing stopping these Church leaders from doing more is a lack of funding and resources. If we American Catholics help them, they can address the education problem — and do much more.” Cavnar added that his ministry has received a lot of support for educational outreaches in recent years, and he commends compassionate Catholics in the U.S. who are making that need a priority. It is their support that ensures Church missions succeed. “Some of these people are getting involved because they want poor boys and girls to have the same blessings their own children or grandchildren enjoy,” Cavnar said. “Others are familiar with the
For more than 20 years, Cross Catholic Outreach has been helping Catholic missions in developing countries expand their educational outreaches to the poor. Children who could not read or write have been blessed incredibly by these programs, and many have since gone on to college — breaking free of the cycle of poverty that had plagued their families for generations. saying, ‘Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.’ They take that idea to heart and know that education will have a lasting impact. Ultimately, both groups of donors value education because it restores the dignity of a person and opens doors to opportunity. When it is offered through the Church, it can have a life-transforming spiritual impact as well.” Cavnar speaks from experience. He has been involved in Catholic international relief and development work for more than 30 years and has seen its impact in developing countries firsthand. In fact, Cross Catholic Outreach and its American donors have blessed the poor through educational projects in more than 20 countries over the years, and thousands of children have benefited dramatically. “When educational options are so severely limited — as is often the case in very poor communities — many children grow up illiterate and have very few opportunities to better their lives. As those kids grow up and have families of their own, that terrible cycle of illiteracy and poverty often continues from one generation to the next,” Cavnar said. “When we provide the poor with education, we can break that trend and
create a cycle of blessings in its place. Our efforts help children escape the slums, and when they do, those young people often lift their parents and siblings out of poverty too. As educated kids become adults, they also make educating their own children a priority, and the good cycle we created continues.” As with the other humanitarian efforts it supports — feeding programs, water system installations, housing initiatives and the like — Cross Catholic Outreach achieves its successes in education by empowering Catholic missions already working in areas of great need. According to Cavnar, this resourcing of the Church’s
existing work is both wise and effective. “The dioceses, priests and religious sisters we empower are perfectly positioned to help the poor. They just lack proper funding, supplies and equipment,” he said. “When compassionate American Catholics donate to Cross Catholic Outreach, we can supply those resources, and that makes the most of the in-country missions’ existing facilities and staff. It’s a very cost-effective way of helping the poor, and one of the projects we are working on now is focused on improving educational opportunities in Ghana, Africa.” (See the related story on the opposite page.)
How to Help
To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper, or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01980, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 200907168. The brochure also includes instructions on becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause. If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.
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Padre Julio Domínguez
Avivamiento de la Eucaristía
“
Yo soy el pan vivo que ha bajado del cielo; quien coma este pan vivirá para siempre; y el pan que yo daré es mi carne para la vida del mundo” Juan 6:51. Queridos hermanos, con la fiesta del Corpus Christi en este año, los obispos de Estados Unidos están llamando a todos los católicos a un proceso de avivamiento de tres años, teniendo como punto central la Presencia Real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Se buscará que todos los católicos en Estados Unidos tengan una renovación en la devoción a la Eucaristía, a través de una formación a nivel diocesano y parroquial en donde se den las bases teológicas y escriturísticas sobre la Eucaristía, que provoque al mismo tiempo una renovación de la fe, una profunda conversión de vida, un curar las almas heridas para llevarlas a Cristo y sobre todo una mayor participación de los fieles en la Santa Misa y en la adoración del Santísimo Sacramento. El proceso de avivamiento tendrá una duración de tres años, comenzando este 2022 con la Fiesta de Corpus Christi. El primer año se realizará la renovación diocesana. Durante este año, la Conferencia Episcopal ha pedido a cada obispo proveer, exponer y proponer las riquezas espirituales de la Eucaristía a los fieles, promover las procesiones, capillas de adoración y, si fuera posible, un Congreso Eucarístico Diocesano, que para gloria de Dios nosotros ya lo tenemos desde hace muchos años. El segundo año el avivamiento parroquial promoverá fuertemente la renovación de las comunidades parroquiales, en la cual todos los fieles de la parroquia serán invitados a profundizar de una manera personal en su fe en la Eucaristía. Y finalmente, durante el tercer año, culminaremos con el Congreso Eucarístico Nacional en Indianápolis, en donde los obispos, sacerdotes, religiosos y fieles laicos nos daremos cita para recibir los resultados del proceso, adorar juntos al Señor y comenzar con mayor fuerza en esta nación la devoción a la Sagrada Eucaristía. Les pido que estemos muy atentos para ir trabajando juntos en este proceso. Para una mayor información visiten www. eucharisticrevival.org/es. EL PADRE JULIO CÉSAR DOMÍNGUEZ es vicario apostólico del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.
FOTOS POR SUEANN HOWELL Y PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE
El Arzobispo visitante Gregory J. Hartmayer de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta ordenó tres seminaristas como diáconos para la Diócesis de Charlotte el pasado 4 de junio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville. El arzobispo reemplazó al Obispo Peter Jugis, quien se encontraba enfermo. Los seminaristas Christopher Brock, Chinonso NnebeAgumadu y Peter Rusciolelli cumplirán sus asignaciones de verano en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte, la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville y la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte, respectivamente.
El inicio de una vida de servicio Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu y Rusciolelli fueron ordenados diáconos SUEANN HOWELL Y PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HUNTERSVILLE — “Este es un gran día para la Iglesia de Charlotte y para la Iglesia Universal”, dijo el Arzobispo Gregory J. Hartmayer, de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta, durante una Misa especial realizada para ordenar a los seminaristas Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu y Peter Rusciolelli como diáconos de la Diócesis de Charlotte. El Arzobispo Hartmayer presidió la Misa de ordenación del 4 de junio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville en reemplazo del Obispo Peter Jugis, quien se recupera de una enfermedad. Durante el inicio del rito de ordenación, cientos de personas vieron como los tres hombres eran llamados a presentarse ante el Arzobispo Hartmayer en los escalones del altar y el Padre Christopher Gober, director diocesano de vocaciones, atestiguaba su preparación para recibir las órdenes sagradas. Durante la Misa de dos horas, el Arzobispo Hartmayer pronunció una homilía dirigida a los tres hombres, explicando las diversas partes del rito de ordenación y brindándoles consejos para que comiencen a servir a Dios y a la Iglesia como ministros ordenados. “Al participar en el sacramento del orden sagrado, el diácono está autorizado y facultado para ordenar, dirigir y centrar la atención de las personas en su dignidad como miembros bautizados del Cuerpo de Cristo”, dijo. “El diácono está llamado a ayudar al pueblo y a sí mismo, a juzgar sabiamente las cosas de la tierra y medirlas con las cosas del cielo. Nuestros nuevos diáconos harán eso no solo a través de su predicación y
enseñanza, sino también en la conducta de sus vidas”. “Todo lo que han hecho hasta ahora durante su formación ha sido una preparación”, les dijo a los tres hombres. “Ahora van a tomar un compromiso firme: que serán hombres de oración, que serán hombres de servicio, que moldearán su vida según la vida de Cristo mismo. Ya no hay una opción, es un compromiso”. A través de sus promesas de celibato y obediencia, explicó el Arzobispo Hartmayer, los hombres demuestran la “entrega total de sí mismos a Dios y a su pueblo” y su “fe y confianza de todo corazón” en Dios. Convertirse en diácono significa abrazar una vida de servicio, continuó. “Se necesita algo de tiempo y discernimiento en nuestra vida como diácono para comprender lo que significa servir”, dijo. Los animó a proclamar el Evangelio a través de sus palabras y vidas, manteniéndose cimentados en la verdad que se encuentra en las Escrituras, mientras realizan su ministerio de servicio a los demás. “Estos son los compromisos que están haciendo hoy. Son la base para más”, les dijo. “Así que disfruten su diaconado, aprendan de su ministerio diaconal, porque hay más por venir. Y, a menos que construyan una base sólida como diáconos, las cargas por delante, la voluntad de Dios por delante, se volverán aún más difíciles de llevar, si la base que están formando ahora como diáconos ordenados no es firme y sólida”. Durante el rito de ordenación, los hombres se pusieron de pie y, uno a uno, se acercaron al arzobispo, quien puso las manos sobre sus cabezas y rezó la oración de ordenación sobre ellos, SERVICIO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24
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Misioneros del Santo Rosario participaron en encuentro DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCÍA ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HICKORY — La Misión del Santo Rosario del Vicariato de Hickory realiza cada año un Encuentro en el que reúne a los equipos de trabajo, coordinadores, familias consagradas y las que vienen a consagrarse. Este pasado 21 de mayo se tuvo el VII Encuentro, que debió haber sido el IX, pero debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 no se realizó durante dos años. El encuentro se lleva a cabo en mayo, para celebrar el mes de la Santísima Virgen María. Normalmente se realiza el tercer o cuarto sábado. La Misión tiene muy presentes estos dos meses porque son los meses que llamamos “marianos”. Se llevó a cabo en la Parroquia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, y los asistentes participaron de una buena convivencia, temas de formación mariana, dramatización de las apariciones de Fátima, procesión y rezo del Santo Rosario, canto de la salve a la Virgen, renovación de las consagraciones hechas en años anteriores y consagración de familias que se prepararon para hacerla durante el encuentro. Participaron familias de las parroquias Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles en Marion, San Carlos Borromeo en Morganton, San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir, San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, San José en Newton y Santa Dorotea en Lincolnton. El evento se difundió en directo por las redes sociales porque tenemos muchas familias consagradas en Perú, Ecuador, Colombia, México y Venezuela, entre otros lugares. Cada año el encuentro se realiza en una de las parroquias que tienen equipo de trabajo y coordinadores. El año entrante será en la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles en Marion, el último sábado del mes de mayo. La Misión tiene pendiente la realización de su retiro anual para el 29 de octubre, conmemorando el cierre del mes del Santo Rosario. Este año, el retiro tendrá como tema central “El Santo Rosario”. Pronto daremos a conocer el lugar donde se va a llevar a cabo. Al retiro se invita a familias ya consagradas y familias que están en proceso de consagración.
Decenas de familias consagradas y que se prepararon durante todo el año para consagrarse al Sagrado Corazón de María, participaron del VII Encuentro de la Misión del Santo Rosario que se llevó a cabo en Hickory. Esta misión es una tarea que impulsa desde hace muchos años el Diácono Darío García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory. FOTO CORTESÍA MISIÓN SANTO ROSARIO
EL DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCÍA, de nacionalidad colombiana, es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory.
Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Vea un video y más fotografías de este importante evento mariano
Aumentan casos de COVID-19 en el condado Mecklenburg CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
CHARLOTTE — Los casos de COVID se incrementaron sensiblemente en la zona metropolitana de Charlotte, informó el Departamento de Salud del condado Mecklenburg a través de su página web. Según datos oficiales, recogidos del 6 al 19 de mayo, se reportaron 5,870 casos; un 62% de incremento respecto a las dos semanas previas, siendo la variante predominante Omicron BA.2 con un 98 por ciento. El aumento de la presencia del coronavirus en el área también se reflejó en el número de visitas a los departamentos de emergencia, 667 durante la misma semana, un aumento de casi el 30 por ciento respecto a las dos semanas anteriores. Un dato importante, que regularmente no se da a conocer en los medios masivos de comunicación, es que más del 40 por ciento de las muestras de agua de desagüe registran la presencia del virus SARS-CoV-2.
AYUDA DISPONIBLE
Como una medida para prevenir
el contagio de COVID, desde hace algún tiempo el gobierno federal está enviando kits de prueba casera a todos los estadounidenses que lo soliciten. El límite es cuatro kits por hogar y los pedidos se reciben por correo en la comodidad de su casa entre 7 a 12 días después de ser solicitados. Para solicitar el envío debe visitar COVIDtests.gov/es/ o llamar a la línea directa 1-800-232-0233 donde será atendido en su idioma. Además, para encontrar un lugar donde hacer la prueba consulte MeckNC. gov/COVID19 o llame al teléfono 980-3149400, opción 8. Si forma parte de un vecindario organizado, negocio, iglesia o escuela, el Departamento de Salud Pública del condado puede acercarle la vacuna hasta usted.
QUÉ HACER SI ES POSITIVO
Siga la guía de aislamiento y permanezca en casa por cinco días. Si después de los cinco días no tiene fiebre y se encuentra mejor, podría concluir el período de aislamiento si por otros cinco días utiliza una mascarilla facial todo el tiempo que se encuentre
cerca a otras personas. En caso de seguir con fiebre después de los cinco días de aislamiento, continúe en confinamiento 24 horas después de que la fiebre ceda.
DOSIS DE REFUERZO
Las fuentes sanitarias del condado recordaron a la población que los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos (CDC), recomendaron que los niños de 5 años en adelante reciban una dosis de refuerzo, al menos 5 meses después de la segunda dosis de la vacuna contra el COVID-19, por lo que el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Mecklenburg ahora ofrece dosis de refuerzo para niños de 5 años en adelante. En el caso de adultos, ya se encuentra disponible la segunda dosis de refuerzo, en especial para las personas con condiciones médicas que comprometen su salud. Subrayaron que los CDC todavía recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 2 años usen una mascarilla bien ajustada sobre la nariz y la boca en el transporte público y en los centros de transporte.
FOTO SERVICIO CATÓLICO DE NOTICIAS
El condado Mecklenburg regista un notable incremento de casos de Coronavirus. Los CDC recuerdan la importancia de contar con todas las dosis de vacunas recomendadas y autorizó una nueva dosis de refuerzo para los adultos mayores y personas con problemas de salud.
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La palabra de Dios en podcasts “Una tarea de vida”, para Freddy García CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
HICKORY — Es domingo por la mañana y Freddy García, feligrés de la Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, acaba de levantarse para realizar una tarea que cumple cada domingo, a menos que el trabajo o una actividad familiar extraordinaria se lo impida. Después de vestirse cómodamente y asearse, ora, medita por unos momentos, y luego realiza los ejercicios vocales que aprendió para modular su voz. La casa está en silencio. Su esposa Rosalinda García, maestra de secundaria con quien lleva ya casi 20 años de matrimonio, descansa todavía, al igual que sus hijos Gabriela, de 16 años, e Iarin Emmanuel de 13. Casi en puntillas se dirige al pequeño estudio que ha instalado en uno de los ambientes de su casa. Cierra la puerta y enciende la computadora a la que se conecta el micrófono profesional que lo desafía, el mismo que su esposa le obsequió hace ya algún tiempo. Abre el texto que seleccionó del libro ‘Imitación de Cristo’, que revisó el día anterior y le da un breve repaso. El momento de la verdad ha llegado, la aplicación que utiliza para grabar su voz espera solo que ejecute el comando para iniciar el registro. Se encomienda nuevamente a Dios y lanza la música característica de su podcast, dando inicio a un programa más de la serie ‘Caminemos juntos hacia la casa del Padre’ que inició en plena pandemia.
HOMBRE DE RADIO
García, nacido en México y carpintero en la rama de
construcción, no es un improvisado en la locución. Fue parte de un equipo que por cinco años, en la primera mitad de la década de 2000, con la asistencia de la hermana Andrea Inkrott, por ese entonces coordinadora del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Hickory, produjo y condujo el espacio ‘Escucha la voz del Señor’ que se emitía por WCXN 1170 AM, los sábados al mediodía. “Fue una hermosa experiencia, dábamos buenas noticias, el Evangelio y una entrevista con una persona invitada”, dijo García, quien recuerda haber transmitido en directo, gracias a la ayuda de un corresponsal en Charlotte, la Misa de ordenación de los sacerdotes Julio Domínguez y Enrique Gonzáles. “El Padre González, en una ocasión especial, celebró Misa desde la cabina para toda nuestra audiencia”, recordó. Lamentablemente, el espacio debió ser cerrado debido a problemas financieros.
CAMBIO DE VIDA
García, con 16 años de edad, llegó a Estados Unidos en 1993. Dos años después se estableció en Carolina del Norte, trabajando en el cultivo del tabaco. Pese a que creció en un hogar católico, se alejó de la Iglesia hasta que su novia, hoy su esposa, lo invitó a participar en el coro de la Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga. Desde entonces, todo ha sido crecer en la vida cristiana. Vivió retiros de evangelización, participó en la Pastoral Juvenil, fue servidor en varios ministerios y tomó el curso de formación laical. Su interés en la formación en la fe lo llevó a idear un programa motivador durante la fase más dura de la pandemia de COVID-19. Inspirado por la escucha de audiolibros, se animó a producir un segmento donde leyera pasajes del libro ‘Imitación de Cristo’, de Tomás de Kempis, una obra que lo inspiró en su regreso a la casa del Señor. Se preparó por sí mismo buscando información y produjo el primer podcast de ‘Caminemos juntos hacia la casa del Padre’. Después de hallar una opinión
FOTO CORTESÍA FAMILIA GARCÍA
Su pasión por las comunicaciones y amor a las Sagradas Escrituras, llevó a Freddy García a participar en un programa radial católico y luego, durante la pandemia, a crear un podcast. Búsquelo gratuitamente en Spotify bajo el nombre ‘Caminemos Juntos Hacia La Casa Del Padre’. satisfactoria lo publicó en casi todas las plataformas de streaming bajo ese nombre. Pero Freddy García no espera quedarse ahí. Se prepara para próximamente producir otras series de podcasts con contenido propio. “Es una tarea de vida”, nos aseguró.
Iglesia en salida, en búsqueda de necesitados CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
CHARLOTTE — Armados de valor, con la seguridad de llevar la verdad a quienes se encuentran necesitados de la Palabra, decenas de misioneros de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte dejan cada fín de semana la comodidad de sus hogares para visitar complejos de apartamentos, parques de casas móviles y vecindarios ubicados en diversos sectores de la ciudad. Mauricio Hernández, coordinador del grupo misionero, asegura que el trabajo de apostolado inició irregularmente desde 2000, pero desde la época del Padre Gregorio “se le dio formalidad, se reforzó y organizó como grupo parroquial”. Dijo que con la llegada del Padre Leo Tiburcio, tomó mucha más fuerza y el mismo sacerdote salía a misionar con el grupo. “Lamentablemente, con la partida del Padre Gregorio y las múltiples ocupaciones del Padre Leo como párroco, casi se hace imposible que pueda acompañarnos en nuestras salidas”. Son regularmente 25 o más misioneros los que salen a tocar las puertas cada semana. “Estamos creciendo despacito, esperando hacer partícipes a todos los grupos de la parroquia en la misión”, añadió. La motivación principal es poder llegar a las familias que tienen mucha necesidad. “Me duele ver que en ocasiones llegamos y hay padres bebiendo frente a sus hijos. En otras ocasiones, hay gente necesitada de un
CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Voluntarios misioneros de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe salen cada sábado por la tarde a llevar la Palabra de Dios a una comunidad hispana necesitada de asistencia espiritual y material. “Algunos nos escuchan, otros nos cierran las puertas, pero eso no nos detiene porque estamos cumpliendo el mandato de nuestra Iglesia”, dijo Otto García, uno de los misioneros. pan, de una ayuda económica, que están enfermos. Y ahí estamos nosotros para llevarles una palabra de esperanza, de fe”, dijo Hernández. “Vamos anunciando por las calles que Jesús está vivo y, aunque somos pecadores e imperfectos, tratamos de ir misionando también con nuestro ejemplo. Solo el hecho de andar aquí ya es un mensaje”, subrayó. NECESITADOS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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La Santísima Trinidad, dogma central del catolicismo “La Trinidad” es el divinidad del Espíritu Santo. término empleado para Este concilio combatió designar la doctrina central una herejía conocida como de la religión cristiana: la macedonianismo (porque verdad de que en la unidad sus defensores eran de de la Divinidad, hay Tres Macedonia), que negaba la Personas, el Padre, el Hijo, divinidad del Espíritu Santo. y el Espíritu Santo, que son verdaderamente distintas n REVELACIÓN DIVINA una de la otra. POR CRISTO El misterio de la Trinidad no se puede entender “Dios ha dejado huellas precisamente porque es un de su ser trinitario en la misterio, Santa Juana de creación y en el Antiguo Arco afirmaba que “Dios Testamento, pero la es tan grande que supera intimidad de su ser como nuestra ciencia”, por tanto Trinidad Santa constituye supera el entendimiento un misterio inaccesible a la IMAGEN CORTESÍA DEL MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID humano. sola razón humana e incluso ‘La Santísima Trinidad’, óleo en canvas atribuído San Patricio, el santo a Francisco Caro. Sevilla, España,1627-Madrid, a la fe de Israel, antes de irlandés, para explicar este la Encarnación del Hijo de España, 1667. misterio lo comparaba con Dios y del envío del Espíritu una hoja de trébol. Decía Santo. Este misterio ha sido que cada hoja es diferente, pero las tres forman el revelado por Jesucristo, y es la fuente de todos los trébol, y que lo mismo pasa con Dios donde cada demás misterios”. (CCIC, 45). persona es Dios y forman la Santísima Trinidad. Aquí te presentamos algunas claves para n LA BIBLIA ENSEÑA UN SOLO DIOS adentrarnos un poco más en este dogma. “Ustedes son mis testigos, dice Yahvé, y son mi servidor, que he elegido; sépanlo, pues, y crean n ‘TRINIDAD’ PROVIENE DEL LATÍN en mí, y comprendan que Yo Soy. Ningún Dios Proviene de la palabra latina “trinitas”, que fue formado antes de mí, y ningún otro existirá significa “tres” y “triada”. después”. (Is. 43:10) n FUE UTILIZADA POR PRIMERA VEZ POR TEÓFILO
DE ANTIOQUÍA Alrededor del año 170 para expresar la unión de las tres divinas personas en Dios. n UN SOLO DIOS Y TRES PERSONAS DISTINTAS El Compendio del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica (CCIC) lo explica así: “La Iglesia expresa su fe trinitaria confesando un solo Dios en tres Personas: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Las tres divinas Personas son un solo Dios porque cada una de ellas es idéntica a la plenitud de la única e indivisible naturaleza divina. Las tres son realmente distintas entre sí, por sus relaciones recíprocas: el Padre engendra al Hijo, el Hijo es engendrado por el Padre, el Espíritu Santo procede del Padre y del Hijo”. (CCIC, 48) n MISTERIO CENTRAL DE LA FE “El misterio central de la fe y de la vida cristiana es el misterio de la Santísima Trinidad. Los cristianos son bautizados en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo”. (CCIC, 44) n LA IGLESIA DEFINIÓ EL DOGMA El dogma de la Trinidad se definió en dos etapas, en el primer Concilio de Nicea (325 D.C.) y el primer Concilio de Constantinopla (381 D.C.). En Nicea se definió la divinidad del Hijo y se escribió la parte del Credo que se ocupa de Él. Este concilio fue convocado para hacer frente a la herejía arriana, que afirmaba que el Hijo era un ser sobrenatural pero no Dios. En el Concilio de Constantinopla se definió la
Padre Fabio Marín
Jesús, modelo de oración para la familia
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n TRES PERSONAS DIVINAS Jesús habla a su padre. Esto no tendría sentido si fueran una y la misma persona. “En aquella ocasión Jesús exclamó: ‘Yo te alabo, Padre, Señor del Cielo y de la tierra, porque has mantenido ocultas estas cosas a los sabios y entendidos y las has revelado a la gente sencilla. Mi Padre ha puesto todas las cosas en mis manos. Nadie conoce al Hijo sino el Padre, y nadie conoce al Padre sino el Hijo y aquellos a quienes el Hijo se lo quiera dar a conocer” (Mt 11: 25-27).
n el Nuevo Testamento nos encontramos con el gran pedagogo de la oración. Jesús al reunir a los discípulos, forma con ellos una pequeña familia, con la que comienza un proceso en el camino de la oración. Es importante ver cómo el hecho de que Jesús oraba se conservó en la mente y en el corazón de los que vivieron con Él como un dato importante para recordar y transmitir a aquellos que el Espíritu Santo atrajera a la fe. Su enseñanza es bien clara. Jesús da importancia a las actitudes, invita a la discreción, humildad, atención, recogimiento y coherencia (Cfr. Mt 6:5-15) e inculca la perseverancia (Cfr. Lc 11:5-13). Él mismo es perseverante en su práctica de relación con el Padre. Su ejemplo de oración no se limita a ocasiones, tiempos o lugares. Enseña cómo todo tiempo es precioso para orar. Su vida se desarrolla en medio de la oración, entre otros momentos lo encontramos orando después de su bautismo (Lc 3:21); al comienzo de su misión (Lc 4:1); en días de intensa actividad (Mc 1:35; Lc 5:16; Mt 14:23); antes de elegir a los apóstoles (Lc 6:12); antes de la profesión de fe de Pedro (Lc 9:18); en la transfiguración (Lc 9:28-29); antes de enseñar el padre nuestro (Lc 11:1); en el Getsemaní, antes de su muerte (Mt 26:36-44; Mc 14:32-34), etc. Es la experiencia de Jesús orante la que lanza a los apóstoles a pedirle que les enseñe a orar (Cfr. Lc 11:1). Su enseñanza se basa en una comunicación profunda con el Padre (Cfr. Lc 11:2,-4); de ahí que la oración de Jesús la podamos catalogar como un hecho relacional. En la oración, Jesús enseña a dirigirse con confianza al Padre. Utiliza la palabra aramea “Abbá” (Mc 4:36) que es un apelativo del padre según la carne, vocablo que utilizaban en un lenguaje familiar y normal. Puede tener el sentido de un diminutivo-afectivo utilizado por los niños al referirse al papá terreno: papi, papito. Es necesario que la familia ore como Jesús y unida se dirija al Padre con espontaneidad y confianza. El perfil de la oración cristiana, como la ha enseñado Jesús, tiene un carácter íntimo y transparente, ella debe ser: n Sobria, no se necesita multiplicar palabras porque “el Padre sabe bien qué les hace falta, antes de que se lo pidan” (Mt 6:8). n Discreta e íntima, el mismo Jesús nos dice: “cuando ore, no sea como los hipócritas, porque ellos aman el orar de pie en las sinagogas y en las esquinas de las calles para ser vistos por los hombres; de cierto les digo que ya tienen su recompensa” (Mt 6:5). nAtenta y recogida, “entra en tu cuarto, cierra la puerta y reza a tu Padre que está en lo secreto y conoce lo más profundo de tu corazón” (Mt 6:6). n Vigilante, “estén preparados y vigilando, porque no saben cuándo llegará ese momento…” (Mc 13:33 sig.). n Humilde, “… Porque el que se hace grande será humillado, y el que se humilla será enaltecido” (Lc 18, 9-14). n Solidaria, “si en la tierra dos de ustedes se ponen de acuerdo para pedir alguna cosa, mi Padre Celestial se lo concederá” (Lc 18:20). De acuerdo con estos criterios manifestados por el mismo Jesús, puede la familia lanzarse a la aventura de la cercanía extraordinaria de Dios. Reconociendo sus limitaciones, debe tener presente que Jesús no se olvida nunca del hombre y conoce y comparte sus dificultades. Él acompañará a la familia en sus esfuerzos para aprender a dialogar con el Padre.
— Condensado de Aciprensa y www.Catholic.net
EL PADRE FABIO MARÍN, sacerdote redentorista, es párroco de la Iglesia San José en Kannapolis.
n EL PADRE, PROCLAMADO DIOS “¡Bendito sea el Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Padre de misericordia y Dios de toda consolación (…)”. (II Cor 1: 3). n LA BIBLIA DICE: EL HIJO ES DIOS “En el principio era la Palabra, y la Palabra estaba ante Dios, y la Palabra era Dios (…) Y la Palabra se hizo carne, puso su tienda entre nosotros, y hemos visto su Gloria: la Gloria que recibe del Padre el Hijo único, en él todo era don amoroso y verdad” (Jn. 1: 1, 14). n EL ESPÍRITU SANTO ES DIOS “Pedro le dijo: ‘Ananías, ¿por qué has dejado que Satanás se apoderara de tu corazón? Te has guardado una parte del dinero; ¿por qué intentas engañar al Espíritu Santo? Podías guardar tu propiedad y, si la vendías, podías también quedarte con todo. ¿Por qué has hecho eso? No has mentido a los hombres, sino a Dios’” (Hechos 5: 3-4).
Lecturas Diarias JUNIO 12-18
Domingo (Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad): Proverbios 8:22-31, Romanos 5:1-5, Juan 16:12-15; Lunes (San Antonio de Padua): 1 Reyes 21:1-16, Mateo 5:38-42; Martes: 1 Reyes 21:1729, Mateo 5:43-48; Miércoles: 2 Reyes 2:1, 6-14, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves: Eclesiastés 48:1-15, Mateo 6:7-15; Viernes: 2 Reyes 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Mateo 6:19-23; Sábado: 2 Crónicas 24:1725, Mateo 6:24-34
JUNIO 19-25
Domingo (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo): Génesis 14:18-20, 1 Corintios 11:23-26, Lucas 9:11-17; Lunes: 2 Reyes 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Mateo 7:1-5; Martes (San Luis Gonzaga): 2 Reyes 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Mateo 7:6, 12-14; Miércoles: 2 Reyes 22:8-13, 23:1-3, Mateo 7:15-20; Jueves (Solemnidad de la natividad de San Juan Bautista): Isaías 49:1-6, Hechos 13:22-26, Lucas 1:57-66, 80; Viernes (Solemnidad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): Ezequiel 34:11-16, Romanos 5:5-11, Lucas 15:3-7; Sábado (Memoria del Corazón Inmaculado de María) : Lamentaciones 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Lucas 2:41-51
JUNIO 25-JULIO 2
Domingo: 1 Reyes 19:16b, 19-21, Gálatas 5:1, 13-18, Lucas 9:51-62; Lunes: Amós 2:6-10, 13-16, Mateo 8:18-22; Martes (San Irineo): Amós 3:1-8, 4:11-12, Mateo 8:23-27; Miércoles (Solemnidad de San Pedro y San Pablo): Hechos 12:1-11, 2 Timoteo 4:6-8, 17-18, Mateo 16:13-19; Jueves: Amós 7:1017, Mateo 9:1-8; Viernes: Amós 8:4-6, 9-12, Mateo 9:9-13; Sábado: Amós 9:11-15, Mateo 9:14-17
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘La Virgen Morena’ (Siglo XIII) TRICIA KENT ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Peregrinación Mariana Una estatua de María, Madre de Dios, encargada especialmente, visitará más de 100 locaciones en la Diócesis de Charlotte durante el año del aniversario, realizando una peregrinación espiritual para visitar a los fieles en toda nuestra diócesis, tal como lo hizo en su visita a Santa Isabel. A través de la participación en esta memorable Peregrinación Mariana, nuestra familia diocesana se agrupa, uniendo parroquias, misiones, escuelas y otras instituciones católicas en oración a Dios a través de la intercesión de nuestra patrona:
IGLESIA CATÓLICA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS CAMINOS Hasta el lunes 13 de junio 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, N.C. 27360
IGLESIA CATÓLICA SANTA DOROTEA Lunes a miércoles, 13-15 de junio 148 St. Dorothys Lane, Lincolnton, N.C. 28092
RETIRO VOCACIONAL QUO VADIS DAYS Miércoles a viernes, 15 al 17 de junio Belmont Abbey College
HORA SANTA POR ORDENACIONES SACERDOTES Viernes 17 de junio, 5 p.m. Catedral San Patricio 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203
ORDENACIÓN SACERDOTAL Sábado 18 de junio, 10 a.m. Iglesia Católica San Marcos 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, N.C. 28078
IGLESIA CATÓLICA SAN PABLO APÓSTOL 18-22 de junio 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27410
IGLESIA CATÓLICA SANTO NIÑO Miércoles a domingo, 22-26 de junio 1042 Freeway Dr., Reidsville, N.C. 27320
RETIRO VOCACIONAL DUC IN ALTUM Miércoles a viernes, 29 de junio al 1 de julio Belmont Abbey College Más detalles, visite el website del 50 aniversario de la Diócesis de Charlotte, faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
El título “Virgen Morena” se ha utilizado en Occidente para denotar las muchas representaciones de María con el Niño Jesús, tanto pintadas como esculpidas, donde las figuras principales aparecen de piel oscura. A veces esto se debe a circunstancias de la historia de la imagen en las que la pintura o el barniz se oscurecieron con el tiempo, pero a menudo fue la representación prevista del artista original que retrató a María y a Jesús de acuerdo con la gente de la región donde la imagen fue realizada. Algunas de las obras de arte cristianas más antiguas que existen, a menudo fueron creadas en áreas coptas de Siria, Egipto y la Etiopía subsahariana, y luego se llevaron a Constantinopla. Estas Vírgenes Morenas se atribuyen con frecuencia al evangelista Lucas, de quien en algunas tradiciones se decía que era sirio. Podría decirse que la Virgen Morena más famosa es el ícono conocido como “Nuestra Señora de Czestochowa”, venerada como patrona de Polonia. Nuestra Señora de Czestochowa, también es conocida como “Nuestra Señora de Jasna Gora” por el nombre de la “colina brillante” en Polonia donde se encuentra el monasterio que alberga la imagen. La historia, que se repite a menudo, es que en algún momento alrededor de 1384, el príncipe Wladyslaw, que intentaba salvar la imagen de una invasión de los tártaros, se llevó la pintura a su lugar de nacimiento en Opala. Pasó la noche en Czestochowa, donde alojó la imagen en una pequeña iglesia dedicada a la Asunción de María. La mañana siguiente, el retrato fue colocado en un carruaje, pero los caballos se negaron a moverse y la pintura ha permanecido allí desde entonces. Años más tarde, la imagen fue dañada por una flecha tártara y en 1430 los Husitas (precursores checos de la Reforma protestante) robaron y destrozaron la imagen y, según algunos relatos, milagrosamente murieron por este sacrilegio. Se cuenta que las capas de pintura y los intentos de reparar el ícono no pudieron cubrir la cicatriz. Este podría ser fácilmente el caso, ya que la técnica encáustica bizantina de pintar con cera y resina se había perdido para los pintores medievales. La ciencia y la historia del arte muestran que la imagen actual es de tipo bizantino del siglo XIII en forma y composición, casi con certeza
basada en un ícono de Constantinopla que había sido venerado en una iglesia en el barrio del Monasterio de Hodegon que data del siglo V. Es una composición tradicional de íconos orientales conocida como “Hodegetria” o “Aquel que muestra el camino”. En este tipo de íconos, María dirige la mirada del espectador desde sí misma hacia el Niño Jesús, quien a su vez ofrece al espectador Su bendición. Lo especial de Nuestra Señora de Czestochowa no es la singularidad de su arte o la importancia de su historia, sino los asombrosos relatos de milagros asociados con su veneración. En 1655, se dice que la Virgen Morena salvó a Jasna Gora de una invasión sueca. Fue después de este hecho que la imagen fue declarada Reina de Polonia. Esto fue seguido más tarde por una Coronación Canónica decretada por el Papa Clemente XI en 1717. Varias coronas con joyas incrustadas fueron presentadas y robadas de la imagen en guerras posteriores, solo para ser reemplazadas por donaciones papales e internacionales. Es costumbre que las mujeres polacas usen cuentas de coral rojo, y miles de estas cuentas cubren las paredes de su santuario, dejadas en acción de gracias por las oraciones respondidas. Todos los relatos de milagros y curaciones atribuidos a la intercesión de Nuestra Señora de Czestochowa se conservan en los registros de los Padres Paulinos, que custodiaron el santuario durante siglos. La devoción a la imagen creció cuando el Papa Juan Pablo II la veneraba, ofreciendo oraciones de petición y acción de gracias en 1979, 1983 y 1991. Quizás lo más conmovedor de todas las historias son los innumerables informes de peregrinos que viajaban de noche para orar por la intercesión de Nuestra Señora durante la ocupación nazi cuando Hitler prohibió la peregrinación, entre ellos un joven estudiante llamado Karol Wojtyla, quien posteriormente se convertiría en el papa polaco Juan Pablo II. A lo largo de los siglos, Nuestra Señora de Czestochowa se ha convertido en un símbolo muy potente, no solo para Polonia sino para todos los que sufren y son perseguidos, un llamado a la devoción maternal y, sobre todo, un testimonio de la resistencia de la fe. TRICIA KENT es feligresa de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.
Oración Para el 50 Aniversario Padre Celestial, acepta nuestra humilde oración de alabanza y gratitud mientras celebramos con alegría los cincuenta años de la Diócesis de Charlotte. A lo largo de nuestra historia, los fieles del oeste de Carolina del Norte, bajo el cuidado de estimados obispos y abades, han sido alimentados por tu mano providencial. Confiamos en que invitas a tus hijos a implorar tus constantes bendiciones, te pedimos que sigas derramando tu gracia celestial sobre nosotros. Con afecto y devoción filial, te pedimos además que veas con buenos ojos las oraciones que pedimos por la intercesión de nuestra venerable patrona, la Santísima Virgen María, que con atención maternal atiende las necesidades y preocupaciones de la Iglesia. Te lo pedimos por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo, que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo, Dios por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Oraciones y devociones El tema del 50 Aniversario, “La fe es más preciosa que el oro” (1 Pedro 1:7), alienta el uso de las oraciones, devociones y sacramentales probados y verdaderos de la Iglesia, que durante siglos han acercado a las personas a Dios. Pidamos con confianza las gracias que esperamos recibir de Dios al celebrar la fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros.
Intención de oración de junio Por las vocaciones al sacerdocio. Que el Señor dé valor y fortaleza a los que están siendo llamados al ministerio sacerdotal, y que quienes son llamados respondan con generosidad y fidelidad.
Santo del mes San Carlos Lwanga Día de fiesta: 3 de junio
En www. catholicnewsherald.com: Lea más sobre San Carlos Lwanga y sus compañeros, martirizados por la fe
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Prayerful Best Wishes to Father Herbert Burke Ordained a priest forever on June 6, 1992 The Knights of Columbus and the parishioners of Immaculate Conception wish to Congratulate our pastor Father Herbert Burke on his 30th anniversary of ordination June 6, 2022. Thank you for your many years of service to our parish! Father is Dedicated to spreading devotion to the rosary:
“There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the holy rosary.” – Servant of God Sister Lucia of Fatima
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
SERVICIO VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 18
consagrándolos como diáconos. La imposición de manos, señaló el arzobispo, “los vincula con la enseñanza y el ministerio de los Apóstoles”. Luego, los hombres se postraron ante el altar, en “un gesto de abandono y confianza”, como lo describió el Arzobispo Hartmayer. “Esa postración es un gesto de anonadamiento y un signo de humildad, que debe ser un signo de vuestro ministerio diaconal”, dijo a los hombres. “Es más que un símbolo, es una señal que conduce al tipo de vida y compromiso que están haciendo: un compromiso humilde, un compromiso de confianza. Y no pueden ponerse en la confianza de Dios a menos que queden vacíos y dejen espacio para Él”. Los flamantes diáconos fueron entonces investidos con una estola, que simboliza el oficio de servicio del diácono, y la dalmática, la prenda exterior utilizada en la liturgia. El Diácono Christopher Brock fue investido por el Diácono Rubén Tamayo de su casa parroquial, San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte. “Se lo pedí porque siempre me apoyó al discernir la posibilidad de vocación, y frecuentemente me alentaba a considerar el asistir al seminario, incluso cuando atravesé un período de alejamiento al llamado”, dijo el Diácono Brock. “Él jugó un rol muy importante en mi discernimiento, y creo que pedirle que lo haga es una bella manera de decirle gracias”. El Diácono Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu fue investido por el Diácono transicional Darren Balkey de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury. “Lo elegí porque ha sido un buen amigo desde que entré en el seminario, y una figura ejemplar en su vida de oración, cuidado por sus
hermanos seminaristas y sus almas”. El Diácono Peter Rusciolelli fue investido por el Diácono Carlos Medina de su parroquia, Catedral San Patricio. Dijo que seleccionó al Diácono Medina “porque he crecido sirviendo con él en la catedral toda mi vida. Probablemente fue el primer diácono que conocí”. Los diáconos recién investidos se acercaron nuevamente al santuario uno por uno, recibiendo el Libro de los Evangelios de manos del Arzobispo Hartmayer, quien los reconoció dándoles la bienvenida a su nuevo papel en la Iglesia. Los tres diáconos ahora podrán proclamar el Evangelio en la Misa, predicar por invitación del sacerdote, preparar el altar para el sacrificio de la Eucaristía, distribuir el Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor a los fieles, administrar bautismos, oficiar matrimonios, llevar el Viático a los moribundos, realizar ritos funerarios, instruir a creyentes y no creyentes en la doctrina de la Iglesia, presidir la oración pública y realizar obras de caridad. Los hombres son considerados diáconos “transicionales” en comparación con los diáconos “permanentes”, un reflejo de que tienen la intención de servir un año en preparación pastoral, litúrgica y educativa antes de ser considerados para la ordenación al sacerdocio en 2023. Los diáconos son los primeros de tres tipos de órdenes sagradas; los otros dos son sacerdote y obispo. El Diácono Brock cumplirá su asignación de verano en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte. El Diácono Nnebe-Agumadu lo hará en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville. El Diácono Rusciolelli cumplirá su asignación de verano en la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte.
NECESITADOS VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 20
Debido a que el grupo sale a visitar a la gente en sus hogares, y muy pocas iglesias católicas lo hacen, a veces los confunden con miembros de otras religiones. “Por eso llevamos colgada una identificación con la imagen de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Un protestante no la llevaría. Nosotros como católicos la portamos con amor y orgullo”, aclaró el coordinador. Respecto a la falta de más misioneros, no solo en su parroquia, Hernández señala que “algo está mal”, pues no estamos obedeciendo el mandato del Papa Francisco
“de ir a la periferia, a los suburbios, a las trailas, a los apartamentos. Finalmente es un tema de conciencia”, dijo. Otto García, misionero que participa desde enero del año pasado, relató que recibieron charlas de preparación antes de salir a misionar. “En algunas ocasiones lo más difícil es la respuesta de gente no católica que se disgusta. Lo entendemos, pero ofrecemos siempre la Palabra a quien la quiere escuchar”, dijo. “Nuestras visitas han despertado a muchos católicos que han regresado a sus iglesias después de la pandemia. Ayudamos a mucha gente que se encuentra en depresión por el paso de la pandemia. Me emociona llevarles una palabra de alivio”, añadió.
Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Lea más sobre cada uno de nuestros nuevos diáconos y vea más fotos de la Misa de ordenación
Planned Giving Officer The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time Planned Giving Officer who reports to the Director of Planned Giving. The successful candidate must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising; experience in carrying out gift planning programs preferred; extensive fundraising experience may be substituted for a completed
PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Deacon Emmanuel Ukattah Sr. shares a fraternal sign of peace with the newly ordained Deacon Chinonso NnebeAgumadu June 4 during the ordination Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
DEACONS FROM PAGE 4
undergraduate degree. Responsibilities include assisting parishioners throughout the diocese to develop and implement long range financial plans for their benefit, the benefit of their family, their parish, diocesan entities and/or the diocese itself. Additional responsibilities include working directly with parishes to develop planned giving committees. Please submit resume by June 17, 2022 to: Gina Rhodes – Director of Planned Giving gmrhodes@rcdoc.org or by mail to 1123 South Church Street – Charlotte, NC 28203 The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer
vested by transitional Deacon Darren Balkey of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. Before Mass, he said, “I chose him because he has been a good friend of mine since I entered seminary, and he has been an exemplary figure in his prayer life, care for his brother seminarians, and care for souls.” Deacon Peter Rusciolelli was vested by Deacon Carlos Medina of his home parish of St. Patrick Cathedral. He said he asked Deacon Medina “because I have grown up serving with him at the cathedral my whole life. He was probably the first deacon I even knew.” The newly vested deacons then again approached the sanctuary one by one, receiving the Book of the Gospels from Archbishop Hartmayer and an acknowledgment from him, welcoming them to their new role in the Church.
The three deacons will now be able to proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach at the invitation of the priest, prepare the altar for the sacrifice of the Eucharist, distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood to the faithful, administer baptisms, officiate at marriages, bring Viaticum to the dying, conduct funeral rites, instruct believers and nonbelievers in Church doctrine, preside over public prayer and perform works of charity. The men are considered “transitional” deacons as compared to “permanent” deacons – a reflection that they intend to serve a year in pastoral, liturgical and educational preparation before they are considered for ordination to the priesthood in 2023. Deacons are one of three types of holy orders; the other two are priests and bishops. Deacon Brock will serve his summer assignment at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Deacon Nnebe-Agumadu will serve his summer assignment at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Deacon Rusciolelli will serve his summer assignment at St. Ann Church in Charlotte.
Arts & Entertainment
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com
On TV n Saturday, June 11, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “The Way of Beauty.” A program honoring the Blessed Mother using thoughtful meditations on the mysteries of the rosary, and inspired by the sacred art and beauty in London’s Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.
In theaters
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ In this rousing sequel to the 1986 blockbuster, directed by Joseph Kosinski, the first film’s protagonist, a Navy fighter pilot (Tom Cruise), is ordered by his superiors (Val Kilmer and Jon Hamm) to tread unfamiliar territory by becoming an instructor to a new generation of trainee aviators. As he tries to build a team and complete a dangerous mission, he butts heads with one of his charges, the son (Miles Teller) of a deceased comrade whose death continues to haunt the flyboy-turned-teacher. He’s also distracted by the reappearance of an old flame (Jennifer Connelly). Possibly acceptable for mature adolescents. Intense action sequences, fleeting profane language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13
CNS | CAROL GLATZ
Canadian artist installs pro-life sculpture of Jesus in the womb in Rome ROME — If “beauty will save the world,” as Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky said, then “perhaps beauty can also save the unborn,” said Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz. “Artwork has the power to persuade and convince and move people,” and “the more representations we have of a mother and child ... in our visual landscape,” the better, he said. Schmalz recently presented his latest sculpture: the “Life Monument,” which is permanently installed at the Church of San Marcello al Corso in the center of Rome. The 8-foot-tall bronze statue depicts Mary embracing her pregnant belly, which reveals a womb made of polished stainless steel with the unborn baby Jesus. The mirroring effect of the womb allows viewers to see themselves in the womb, as a reminder that their lives, too, started in a womb, he said. Schmalz said his hope is to offer a pro-life message that reminds people of their own gift of life and the beauty of art to touch the hearts of those who are in favor of legalized abortion. “I just do not want to preach to the choir,” noting how the church where the statue is displayed is visited by countless tourists. A much larger replica of Schmalz’s work will be installed in Washington, D.C., at an unspecified date after it completes a small tour of the United States.
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n Friday, June 17, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Montse Grases.” Miracle Hunter, Michael O’Neil examines the saintly life of Montse Grases. This cheerful 17-yearold who faced cancer with extraordinary faith and joy could be the first woman of Opus Dei to be declared a saint. n Sunday, June 19, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “A Miracle in Lanciano.” A one person drama concerning the most ancient and ongoing Eucharist miracle in Church history.
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Amid pain in Uvalde, there’s still ‘goodness in people,’ says archbishop RHINA GUIDOS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
CNS | JONATHAN ERNST, REUTERS
Children at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde, Texas, attend Mass with President Joe Biden and first Lady Jill Biden May 29. A gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School May 24.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It feels as if there are no silver linings in the cloud of lingering grief and horror that surrounds Uvalde, Texas, as the city began May 31 to bury the first of 19 children and their two teachers killed a week earlier during a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The killings have produced what will be almost two dozen wakes, funeral Masses or church services, and burials over the upcoming two weeks in the small city of 15,000. But even in the grief and pain, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, who has tended to those grieving in Uvalde, said in his May 29 homily that he’s witnessed a lot of “goodness in people, in the midst of suffering and loss.” And it is toward Jesus, His life and death, that all must look for comfort and guidance in this time of trial, the archbishop said. “After he rises from the dead, Jesus does not return to take revenge on those who murdered or abandoned
Him. His first greeting to His disciples is: ‘Peace be with you,’” he said. And if there’s a place that needs peace, it’s Uvalde, where questions, as well as indignation, linger about efforts made or not made to stop the shooter. Anger has spilled outside the borders of Uvalde over the issue of guns, particularly whether anyone should have access to weapons with a high capacity to kill, like the one that killed so many children in a short period of time. Archbishop García-Siller asked all to pray and embrace the families of those who have lost loved ones. “And we embrace the families as a mother her children. We cry like a mother does! Our children have been taken away! The pain of families in Uvalde is our own,” he said in his homily. He urged all to keep focused Jesus and His message. “Thanks to Him we are a people of life. He allows us to deeply embrace the pain as we go through it and enables us to comfort with hope those who mourn. He strengthens us in times of trial,” he said.
“Get your ducks in a row!”
Administrative Coordinator The Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting applications for a full-time Administrative Coordinator to support the Director of Planned Giving / Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte and the Office of Development staff. This position requires a professional who can work independently, communicate well with donors, and can successfully work in an environment that requires extensive multi-tasking. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • Associates degree or greater in related field • Three years’ experience in administrative support • Preferred experience in Raiser’s Edge or other database software • Competent in MS Office software • Solid planning and organizational skills • Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team • Strong written, verbal and inter-personal skills Please submit letter of interest and resume by June 24, 2022 to: Gina Rhodes – Office of Development gmrhodes@rcdoc.org Or by mail to: 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief U.S. bishops urge Congress to address gun violence WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the multiple mass shootings in recent weeks, the chairmen of four U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to “stop the massacres of innocent lives. We urge all members of Congress to reflect on the compassion all of you undoubtedly feel in light of these tragic events and be moved to action because of it,” the bishops wrote in a June 3 letter. They said finding a way to stop ongoing acts violence as demonstrated in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, N.Y., to name just a few examples, requires a broad response that examines “mental health, the state of families, the valuation of life, the influence of entertainment and gaming industries, bullying and the availability of firearms.” And although they see a need for broad reform, they focused on guns in particular, stressing that “among the many steps toward addressing this endemic of violence is the passage of reasonable gun control measures.” The letter was signed by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Committee on ProLife Activities; and Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane, Wash., chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education.
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These committee leaders noted that even though work needs to be done to address the root causes of violence, there were practical steps Congress could take right now by supporting legislation to expand background checks for gun sales. “We urgently call on members of Congress to work together in a bipartisan fashion to make these horrific attacks less likely to happen again,” they wrote. The bishops said the USCCB has long supported measures to address gun violence and continues to do so.
Brooklyn, N.Y., bishop blesses, purifies church after altar desecration, tabernacle theft BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The loss of St. Augustine Church’s tabernacle in a burglary is a “saddening” material loss, but what brings Catholics together “is our faith in the presence of Jesus Christ among us in the Blessed Sacrament,” Brooklyn Bishop Robert J. Brennan said June 4. The bishop made the comments in his homily during an evening Mass that included the blessing and purification of the altar and the church following the burglary a week earlier. The brazen theft was discovered in the afternoon of May 28. The burglar cut through a metal protective casing and made off with the tabernacle, which dates back to when the church was built in the late 1800s. This holy sacramental receptacle is irreplaceable due to its historical and artistic value, according to the diocese. The angels flanking the tabernacle were decapitated and destroyed, and consecrated hosts from inside the tabernacle were thrown all over the altar of the church in Brooklyn’s Park Slope section. “The material lost is saddening (and) the historical loss, when you realize that tabernacle represented generations of people who have come before us,” Bishop Brennan said in his homily. “A bit of our history was taken from us.” — Catholic News Service
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Our world 28
catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Brutal attack on worshipers in Nigeria is called attack on ‘entire Church’ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
NEW YORK — The brutal attack on people at a Catholic church in Nigeria on Pentecost Sunday is “an attack on the entire Church,” said a U.S. official of Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic charity. According to the Reuters news agency, gunmen fired at people inside and outside St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, located in the southwestern state of Ondo. At least 50 people were reportedly killed during Mass June 5. Dozens more were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. “We extend our prayers for the victims, the wounded, their families and the entire Catholic community of Owo,” said George Marlin, chairman of the board of Aid to the Church in Need/USA, based in New York. “We stand with the Diocese of Ondo to help treat the wounded and those traumatized by this horrible tragedy.” “This is the latest in the ongoing wave of brutal attacks on Nigeria’s Christians,” he said in a June 6 statement. “Political and religious leaders around the world must condemn this barbarism and put pressure on Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to do what it takes finally to stop the violence and protect the Nigerian people.” Marlin called it “imperative” that the U.S. State Department “reinstate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern that violates religious freedom. Christians are not the only victims of faith-based violence in Nigeria, but they are the principal target,” he stated. On Nov. 17, 2021, as required by the International Religious Freedom Act, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken identified 10 “Countries of Particular Concern” – those who are in severe violations of religious freedom – but he omitted Nigeria. The announcement was met immediately with severe criticism by human rights and religious rights organizations. On June 2 of this year, in releasing the State Department’s 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, Blinken noted that in Nigeria, “several state governments are using antidefamation and blasphemy laws to punish people for expressing their beliefs.” No group had claimed responsibility for the attack in Owo as of June 6. Aid to the Church in Need, which serves “the suffering and persecuted Church” around the world, “will come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria in solidarity of prayer and support,” Marlin added. In other U.S. reaction, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York also noted that the attacks in Owo are the latest “in a growing number of attacks on Christians in Nigeria,” but he called the June 5 attack “especially horrific” because at least 50 worshipers “were slaughtered merely for gathering to celebrate the great feast of Pentecost,” recognized traditionally as the “birthday of the church.” “We pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in this attack, and for the comfort of all who mourn for them,” the cardinal said in a June 6 statement. He added that New York Catholics’ prayers “are all the more fervent” as they recall that Bishop Jude Arogundade of Ondo was “a beloved pastor here in the Archdiocese of
CNS | TEMILADE ADELAJA, REUTERS
Relatives gather around one of the victims of the attack by gunmen during a Pentecost Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, as she receives treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, Nigeria, June 6. Reports said at least 50 people were killed in the attack. New York” before he returned home to Nigeria to serve as bishop. Cardinal Dolan called “on the world community, including the United States, to take notice of this rising tide of anti-Catholic and anti-Christian attacks taking place in Nigeria, and work to restore protection for the fundamental right of religious liberty wherever and whenever it is threatened.” Father Roger Landry, national chaplain for Aid to the Church in Need/USA, noted that the vestments a priest wears to celebrate Mass on Pentecost are “red, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit.” “Little did the Catholics at St. Francis Xavier in Owo, on the feast celebrating the church’s birthday, know that their garments would similarly be drenched red in blood,” he said in a statement. But “our beloved brothers and sisters in the faith, including the little children, have not died in vain,” the priest added. “Their blood will fertilize the soil of the faith in Nigeria and their martyrdom has already inspired and
Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of June: Rev. Msgr. Richard Allen – 2005 Rev. Sebastian Doris, OSB – 1990 Rev. Guy E. Morse – 2000 Rev. Msgr. Roueche – 2000 Rev. Gabriel Stupasky, OSB - 1974
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emboldened believers around the world.” Pope Francis expressed his solidarity and closeness with Catholics in Nigeria after gunmen stormed a church and reportedly killed at least 50 people during a Pentecost Mass. “While the details of the incident are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and the country, painfully stricken in a moment of celebration, and entrusts both to the Lord, so that he may send his Spirit to comfort them,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, in a statement June 5. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a message June 6 to Bishop Jude Arogundade of Ondo, assuring him of the pope’s support of and prayers to everyone affected “by this act of unspeakable violence. In commending the souls of the dead to the loving mercy of almighty God and imploring divine healing and consolation upon the injured and those who are grieving, his holiness prays for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence so that they will choose instead the path of peace and righteousness,” the message said.
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief Health care must be accessible to all, not select few, pope says VATICAN CITY — Health care is a fundamental right for all and not a privilege for the rich while the poor and disadvantaged are left to the wayside, Pope Francis said. “When a country loses this wealth that is public health care, it begins to make distinctions within the population between those who have access, who can have paid health care, and those who are left without health care services,” the pope said June 4 to representatives of the Italian health care association, Federsanità. In his address, the pope said closeness to patients is “the antidote to self-referentiality” that “breaks the chains of selfishness” and allows health care professionals to view patients “as brothers and sisters, regardless of language, geographical origin, social status or health condition. Being close to others also means breaking down distances, making sure that there are no firstand second-class patients, and committing energies and resources so that no one is excluded from receiving health care,” he said.
Pope: Interreligious dialogue is built on respect, sharing VATICAN CITY — Without dialogue, respect for differences and a recognition that all people have struggles and dreams, divisions and even violence between people will continue, Pope Francis said.
“Our increasingly interconnected world is not fraternal and convivial, far from it!” the pope said June 6 as he welcomed members of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, who were holding their plenary meeting at the Vatican. Pope Francis told the group he was especially pleased to welcome them the day after Pentecost because it was on Pentecost in 1964 that St. Paul VI announced the formation of the dicastery’s predecessor, the Secretariat for Non-Christians. “How far the Spirit has come in almost 60 years,” the pope said. His predecessor was inspired to recognize the importance of the Church’s involvement in dialogue given the rapid increase of ties “between people and communities of different cultures, languages and religions – an aspect of what we now call globalization.” The importance of the dicastery has not lessened, he said. “On the contrary, globalization and the acceleration of international communications make dialogue in general and interreligious dialogue, in particular, a crucial question.”
Pope congratulates Queen Elizabeth II on Platinum Jubilee VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis sent well-wishes to Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning British monarch began the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of her coronation as well as the public celebration of her birthday. “On the joyful occasion of Your Majesty’s birthday, and as you celebrate this Platinum Jubilee Year, I send cordial greetings and good wishes,” the pope wrote in a telegram released by the Vatican press office June 2. The pope assured the 96-year-old queen “of my prayers that Almighty God will bestow upon you, the members of the royal family and all the people of the nation blessings of unity, prosperity and peace.” Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning British monarch. Born April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth adopted the second
Saturday of June as her official birthday. However, this year, the public celebration of her birthday was tied to her Platinum Jubilee celebration.
Congregation members named VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appointed new members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, including Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich. The Vatican announced the appointments June 1. The congregation, led by Cardinal-designate Arthur Roche, deals with regulating and promoting the liturgy and the sacraments, is responsible for the development and promulgation of liturgical books and reviews their translations. The other members named include: Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life; Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who had also served as secretary of the worship congregation from 2009 to 2012; and Bishop David Douglas Crosby of Hamilton, Ontario. — Catholic News Service
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Summer Bible Institute July 11- 14, 2022 This year’s Summer Bible Institute will be available both in-person and online. Please indicate your option when registering.
Schedule New Testament Tim Carmody Our Father / Our Bread: The Lord’s Prayer in the Gospel of Matthew Mornings: 9:30am – 11:30am Old Testament Alice Camille More Shiny Bits of Scripture Evenings: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Registration Please register by email to: oratorycenter@gmail.com and include – • The course(s) you are signing up for • Your format option (in-person or online) • Indicate housing needs
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• $25 for an individual session • $100 for a complete course (Old or New Testament) • $175 for both courses Room & Board: $50 per night A limited number of overnight accommodations are available.
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Deacon Scott Gilfillan
Deacon Matthew Newsome
Are we all God’s children?
W
e’re all familiar with the phrase “we are all God’s children.” It is frequently asserted as an affirmation of the universal brotherhood of man. It’s a good reminder of the need to respect and care for our neighbor, despite whatever differences we may have. Black or white, young or old, rich or poor, we are all God’s children. But is it theologically true that everyone, whether Christian or not, is a child of God? The answer is both yes and no. When applied universally, the term “children” is used as a metaphor, much as we might call an artist’s masterpiece or the opus of a great composer his “child.” To engage in any kind of creative work involves putting something of yourself into the work. To say that we are God’s children is an acknowledgment that we are made by God and loved by God. We have this in common with everything else in creation. This is why St. Francis could refer to “brother son” and “sister moon,” acknowledging all creatures (even cosmic creations) as siblings, fellow children of our Heavenly Father. Human beings have a special claim to this title because we are made in the image and likeness of God. “God created mankind in His image; in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them” (Gen 1:27). When God creates us, He imparts something of His very self into our existence. That makes us more like God’s children than animals, plants, and even stars and galaxies. This gives every human person, whether Christian or not, a dignity greater than anything else in physical creation. In the Old Testament, angels are sometimes referred to as “sons of God” (Job 1:6, 2:1), but so are some human beings, including Jacob/ Israel (Hos 11:1), and King David (2 Sam 7:14). Sometimes the people of Israel collectively were referred to as God’s son (Ex 4:22). The New Testament makes clear the universality of God’s provenance. When St. Paul is preaching to the Gentile pagans in Athens, he affirms the universal brotherhood of all men by quoting from a Greek poem that says, “For we too are his offspring” (Acts 17:28). It is important to note here that Paul is speaking to unconverted pagans. Understood metaphorically, it is theologically correct to say that all human beings are God’s children. But we must be careful of stretching the metaphor too far. As Christians, we profess in our creed that God has only one begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. There is something unique about the Sonship of the Second Person of the Trinity. He is the Son of the Father not metaphorically, but by nature: “God from God, light from light, true God from true God,
‘To be a creature made in God’s image is a source of great dignity.’
begotten not made, consubstantial (of the same substance) with the Father.” When Christians profess Jesus to be the only begotten Son of God, we mean it literally. So in this more literal and profound sense, it is not correct to say “we are all God’s children,” because God has only one child by nature, his divine Son. This is more than mere semantics. The difference between being a metaphorical and a literal child of God is key to our identity as Christians. An inventor may refer to a machine he constructs as his “baby,” but only his offspring are his true sons and daughters. A king may affectionately refer to his subjects as his “children,” but none of them will inherit the kingdom. Only his heirs will. So how can human beings, who are children of God only metaphorically, inherit the kingdom of God? Even though St. Paul recognized the Athenian pagans as fellow “offspring of God,” he understands Christians to be children of God in a more profound and salvific way. In his letter to the Galatians, he writes, “For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal 3:26-27). He goes on to affirm, “God sent his Son … so that we might receive adoption. As proof that you are children, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God” (Gal 4:4-7). This is so important that St. Paul repeats it in his letter to the Romans. “(Y)ou received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom 8:15b-17a). To be a child of God by adoption in Christ is to share in the sonship of Christ. It is to enter into a family relationship with the Holy Trinity and become heirs to God’s kingdom. This is the very reason the Son of God took on our human nature. St. Augustine said of Christ that, “He who died as the only Son did not want to remain as the only Son. For the only Son of God made many sons of God.” This is what it means to be Christian. It means more than being made in God’s image; it means being remade in God’s love. It is with a sense of wonder at this mystery that St. John writes, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. … Beloved, we are God’s children now” (1 Jn 4:1a, 2). To be a creature made in God’s image is a source of great dignity. In this metaphorical sense, all human beings are children of God. But God has only one begotten Son. The great undeserved privilege of a Christian is to be a member of that Son; the same Son who died on the cross, rose from the tomb, ascended into heaven and now reigns forever at the right hand of the Father. To be a Christian is to be a co-heir with Christ, a true child of God not by metaphor, but by grace. DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.
Entertaining angels unawares “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” (Heb 13:2)
I
had a visit from one of those strangers who ultimately became an “angel” in disguise. Here’s the story. A couple of months after the pandemic took root, a man called me about spiritual direction. On the phone, he shared that he’s been homeless for a while, living out of his van. During the day, he would find a parking lot where he could pick up a wi-fi signal and search for jobs. In the evening he would find a deserted cul-de-sac where he could sleep undisturbed. My initial thought was to redirect him to the various resources for the homeless. I didn’t think we could go very far in spiritual direction if he’s in such a desperate place. I also wasn’t sure I wanted to spend any face time with a stranger who might have ulterior motives. But something told me otherwise. I was coming into a deeper appreciation of my position at the conference center as not being just a job but a ministry, a ministry of hospitality to be more precise. This phone call might have been a test to see how committed I was to this newfound identification. I set up a time for him to visit the center. He told me an unbelievable story of high-paying corporate jobs, family betrayals, broken marriages in both Europe and South America, and a start-up that consumed all his wealth. The start-up was mistimed, launched right before the pandemic ravished the economy. He had also written a series of fictional novels to be used as catechetical aids. I was mesmerized. I had decided that either this man has had an amazing life, or he was delusional. In the end, he asked for nothing but prayer. I invited him back to our “Date Night with a Saint” series where he could at least share a meal with other people of faith. Over time, we developed a nice relationship. His job search paid off. He got a new corporate job paying “ten grand a month” and returned to his home in Texas. I thought that was the last I would see of him and was happy to have made his acquaintance. That was two years ago. Three weeks ago, he reached out and shared the good news. He said he caught up his debt, plus had inherited a portion of his parent’s estate. He then said he would like to give back and sent the center a check for $5,000. Coincidently, that very week I was praying for God to show me a way to build a nice patio area in a neglected alcove at the center. I believed in the idea but couldn’t figure out how to pay for the materials. The donation will just about cover the materials (I’m hopeful that some volunteers will cover the rest.) As a reminder of this experience, and of God’s mission for me, I purchased a replica of the sculpture “Angel Unawares” by Timothy Schmalz. I see in it people of all walks of life coming into my life. Embedded in the midst of this throng are the wings of an angel. May God send many “angels” your way, and may you not be caught “unawares.” DEACON SCOTT GILFILLAN is the director of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.
“Angels Unawares” by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz depicts more than 140 refugees. The 3.5-ton, 20-foot-long sculpture was commissioned by Pope Francis and installed in St. Peter’s Square and unveiled by the pope on Sept. 29, 2019, the 105th observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
June 10, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Dr. Tom Neal
Gospel of love: 20 secrets to a holy marriage
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ome wonderful friends got married, and as they set out on the journey toward marriage and family, they asked for my humble advice. With their permission, I thought I would share my thoughts here, for what they’re worth. Like all advice, it’s idiosyncratic. If nothing else, say a prayer for this couple that they will be bright witnesses to the gospel of marital love. 1. Remember every day that marriage is a gift from God placed like the Blessed Sacrament in your hands, hands which
‘Reverence each other’s unique gifts and build on them.’ God has joined. You are Christophers, Christ-bearers. Every dimension of your being is to become a grace-giving sacrament, a lived liturgy, a total offering, a holy mystery of divine and human love. Your every gesture, lived in fidelity to your promises, saves the world. Rejoice that you have become God-with-us, embodying Him in a way absolutely and uniquely yours. 2. Love is the bond that seals you as one, and the gift that is poured out for many. 3. Honor is the guardian of love, so you must show honor to each other and guard each other’s honor, especially teaching your children to honor their mother and father. 4. Today, you have embraced your vocation to love God by loving your beloved. Always remember you will love God best by loving your spouse first, and placing all other loves in service to the first. 5. Today, you are surrounded by family and friends, mentors and the whole communion of saints. Remember that your marriage will flourish in this web of support. 6. Let prayer be your daily bread. Mutual forgiveness your daily balm. Laughter your wings. Tears the presage of joy. Common labor a strong bond. Hope your anchor. Kindness a gentle embrace. 7. Speak the truth in love. Keep confidences, but never secrets. 8. Multiply small signs of your love, impractical gestures that reveal the sheer giftedness of your marital bond and the purposeless beauties in your purposeful existence. 9. Never let your love grow old, but
permit it to mature, deepen, broaden, soar by every day begging the Spirit to kindle the fire of love between you. 10. Your marriage and, God willing, one day your family life is a Garden of Virtue where your characters are afforded the opportunity to become great and noble. 11. Never go to bed estranged, harboring hurt or anger or resentment. 12. Protect your face-to-face time. 13. Before you turn outward in selfgift toward others, turn upward toward God in petition and inward toward each other in love. Always return to each other after you have given yourselves for others. 14. Strive for a well-ordered love, because disordered love is no love. And disorder is a seedbed for conflict and stress. Plan your lives and your priorities together. Don’t let your calendar dictate to you but you dictate to your calendar. Reverence each other’s unique gifts and build on them. 15. Know each other’s weaknesses, help each other to grow, but never use them against each other. We are made in weakness that we might supply for each other. Each of your weaknesses is an opportunity for Christ to supply his sufficient grace through the other. Learn to laugh at your own foibles, to laugh with the other over their foibles; but never laugh at the other’s foibles. 16. Choose your battles wisely. Some things you can live with in patience, others require challenging, repentance, change. Seek counsel from others to help discern which is which. 17. Learn that some of the sweetest joys in life are found in trials lived through together in common trust, sacrifice, humility, perseverance and Christ-like charity. Don’t be afraid of trials. God orders all things for good in your marriage because you love Him. 18. Be unrelentingly faithful to each other in body and mind. Fidelity is the bedrock of trust. 19. Remember God, forget yourself. 20. Know you are daily gathering materials for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and nothing you do, consecrated to Him, will be lost in that “eternal and universal kingdom; a kingdom of truth and life; a kingdom of holiness and grace; a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” May we all one day join again there to forever rejoice in the beauty of your life together, begun today. May it be so. Amen. DR. TOM NEAL serves as academic dean and professor of spiritual theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. While he continues his work on general topics of spiritual theology, especially relating to priestly formation, he has dedicated much of his energy more recently to theological reflection on the vocation and mission of the lay faithful to be “secular saints” whose essential labor is to consecrate the world itself to God by faithfully living out their personal vocations in the world. He blogs at www. nealobstat.wordpress.com.
Letter to the editor
Abortion is a deadly lie Abortion is the attempt to destroy and to remake human nature in our own image, instead of God’s image. It is based on the right of individual choice and the freedom of self-creation. We see ourselves as the definers of our own truth, our own counterfeit reality, and thus commit idolatry. The root of sin is to reject the truth. For more than 49 years, our society has colluded in a lie and has chosen to live in the darkness and the bondage of deadly falsehood. It is outrageous to seek the license to kill the innocent unborn for mere political advantage. It is shameful that with the legalization of abortion, the
unborn baby must die for the benefit of gaining and retaining constituents for the temporal purpose of harnessing political power. Those who actively promote abortion need to be reminded of what our Lord Jesus said: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his immortal soul?” (Mt 16:26) All Catholics, clergy as well as laity, must stand strong and united in this most consequential fight against such deceitful human sacrifice. The intrinsic evil of the wholesale slaughter of the innocent cries out for justice. MICHAEL COYLE lives in Charlotte.
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From online story: “Shame on those who take advantage of the elderly, ill, pope says” Through press time on June 8, 6,401 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 9,621 pages. The top 10 headlines in June so far have been: n The start of a life of service....................................................................................................................841 n Atlanta archbishop to ordain Charlotte diocese’s deacons on Saturday..................................593 n Mary, Mother of the Church...................................................................................................................479 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.........................................................324 n Vocations Spotlight: Deacon Peter Rusciolelli.................................................................................297 n Vocations Spotlight: Deacon Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu............................................................ 284 n Vocations Spotlight: Deacon Christopher Brock..............................................................................281 n St. Boniface; Feast day: June 5.............................................................................................................277 n St. Charles Lwanga and companions: Martyrs for the faith celebrated on June 3................ 274 n Pope saddened by Pentecost attack in Nigeria...............................................................................242
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catholicnewsherald.com | June 10, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Come enjoy fun and fellowship with the faithful, priests, seminarians, and religious of the Diocese of Charlotte!
JULY 9 FAMILY CONCERT: CHARLOTTE WHITEWATER CENTER
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AUG. 5-6
CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY: CAROWINDS
EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: CHARLOTTE Up CONVENTION CENTER
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CATHOLIC NIGHT: CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS STADIUM
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