Aug. 4, 2023

At a glance

August 4, 2023

Volume 32 • NUMBER 22

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

INDEX

Contact us 2 Español 11-13

Our Diocese 4-9

Our Faith 3 Scripture 3, 13 U.S. news 14-15

Viewpoints 18-19 World news 16-17

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

August is ripe with change as the vacation season winds down, a new school year begins, and parish life picks up again. Yet the late summer sun still sizzles, and the earth produces its bounty. As in every season, Our Blessed Mother grants each of us the graces we need to make the most of this time and the year ahead. Renew your devotion to Our Lady by bringing her into your home as you celebrate this month’s Marian feasts:

STAY COOL WITH OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

Something extraordinary happened in Rome on the night of Aug. 5, 354. Snow fell in summer, a rare occurrence in the Eternal City even in winter. On that night, Mary appeared to a wealthy childless couple in a dream, telling them a miracle would reveal where they should build a church: on a hill in the Esquiline district of Rome. Pope Liberius, having had the same vision, went out to the hill and drew an outline for the church before the snow melted. The feast of Our Lady of the Snows is still celebrated Aug. 5 in Rome with an artificial snowfall and lightshow at the church that was built on the hill: the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Celebrate by eating vanilla or any flavor of white-colored ice cream to represent the snow and Mary’s purity.

CELEBRATE MARY’S ASSUMPTION WITH FRUITS AND HERBS

STAFF

EDITOR: Spencer K. M. Brown

704-808-4528, skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan

704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado

704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender

704-370-3394, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

Annie Ferguson

704-370-3404, arferguson@charlottediocese.org

Troy C. Hull

704-370-3288, tchull@charlottediocese.org

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson

704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler

704-370-3336, lchandler@charlottediocese.org

ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle

704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

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

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One of the oldest traditions associated with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Aug. 15 is the blessing of fruits and herbs. The custom coincided with harvest time and arose from Germanic countries as an opportunity to give thanks to God for the bountiful harvest while also celebrating Mary’s Assumption, body and soul, into heaven. Some churches still hold these blessings on this feast, instituted by the Venerable Pope Pius XII. Another great way to celebrate is to eat fruits and herbs like the ones in this heirloom tomato salad with basil, capers and feta cheese from www.flavourandsavour.com

ENTRUST NEW BEGINNINGS TO MARY’S QUEENSHIP

The faithful also have Pope Pius XII to thank for the institution of the Feast of the Queenship of Mary on Aug. 22. He believed everyone should go to Mary, the queen of our hearts, and beg for her assistance. Her motherly help is very effective for starting a new chapter in your life. Honor the Queenship of Mary by attending Mass or checking out TAN Books’ stunning “Queen of Heaven” series by Rick Rotundi and Brian Kennelly (both parishioners in our diocese), which includes a book, group study edition and videos for growing closer to Mary.

Diocesan calendar of events

ESPAÑOL

VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Es usted o un ser querido que busca la curación de los efectos de un aborto anterior? Los retiros de fin de semana son ofrecidos por Caridades Católicas para hombres y mujeres en todas las regiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Para obtener información sobre los próximos retiros, comuníquese con Karina Hernández: 336-267-1937 o karinahernandez@live.com.

PRAYER SERVICES

ANOINTING MASS : 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, St. Luke Church, 9800 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. Anointing available for people who need healing from physical or mental illness, or who will be undergoing surgery. For details, call Mary Adams, 704-545-1224.

ANNUAL MARY DAYS : 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Eight days of Masses and preaching in honor of Mary with priests from the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond. All Masses begin at 7

p.m. except Saturday, Aug. 19, which starts at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 20, which starts at 5 p.m. For details, call the parish office at 704-549-1607.

POLISH MASS : 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Polish Father Michal Szwarc of New Jersey will celebrate, with Deacon James Witulski assisting. Mass offered in Polish, with an English and Polish homily and traditional Polish hymns. Confessions in Polish and English at 1 p.m. After Mass, venerate a relic of St. John Paul II. Reception with light refreshments will follow. For details, contact Mary Witulski at 704290-6012.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER : 6-7 p.m. second Thursday of each month in the New Life Center Building adjacent to St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. The St. Peregrine healing prayer service will include a blessing with a relic of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of people afflicted by cancer, leg ailments or any life-threatening disease, and of at-risk youth. All are welcome.

His Excellency, Bishop Peter J. Jugis, will participate in the following upcoming event:

AUG. 18 – 6:30 P.M. Mass for the Feast of St. Helena for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

— Annie Ferguson

Scan the QR code for this week’s recommended recipes, crafts and activities:

Our faith

Just in time for school: Patron saints of students and teachers

The start of school is nearly here, and for students, parents and teachers, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect and pray that the coming months will be fruitful and fun for everyone. To help prepare our hearts and minds for the hard work ahead, seek the intercession of these scholarly saints to help guide our journey as the new academic year dawns:

St.

Catherine of Alexandria (c. 287-305)

Feast day: Nov. 25

Catherine is thought to have been born to a noble family in Alexandria, Egypt. Through a vision, this scholarly young woman converted to Christianity and began evangelizing others, including the wife of the pagan emperor who was persecuting Christians. According to legend, after she defied the emperor and refuted philosophers brought in to test her faith, she was imprisoned and tortured. She was put on a rotating spiked wheel; when it broke, she was beheaded. She is venerated as the “Great Martyr St. Catherine” in the Orthodox tradition, and her voice was among those heard by St. Joan of Arc. Today, she is known as the namesake of a monastery at Mount Sinai that claims to be the oldest in the world. She is the patron saint of wheelwrights, and also a patron saint of jurists, philosophers, students and teachers.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Feast day: Jan. 28

Thomas so shocked his noble Italian family when he entered the Dominicans about 1244 that his brothers kidnapped him from the Dominicans, took him to the family’s castle, and at one point even sent a woman to seduce him – whom Thomas

Daily Scripture readings

AUG. 6-12

drove out by brandishing a poker from the fireplace. But he would not yield, and studied under St. Albert the Great, becoming a master of theology in 1256. As a priest, he showed great reverence for the liturgy and skill as a homilist.

In keeping with the Dominican order’s charism for preaching, he strove to bring his own family to a sincere practice of the faith, and largely succeeded.

For the rest of his brief life, the “dumb ox,” as he was dubbed, taught, preached and wrote, producing the monumental “Summa Theologica.” The 13th-century theologian showed that the Catholic faith is in harmony with philosophy and all other branches of knowledge. His thinking became enormously influential in later centuries, and he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1567. In 1965, the Second Vatican Council taught that seminarians should learn “under the guidance of

Sunday (The Transfiguration of the Lord): Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9; Monday (St. Sixtus II and Companions, St. Cajetan): Numbers 11:4b-15, Matthew 14:13-21; Tuesday (St. Dominic): Numbers 12:1-13, Matthew 14:22-36; Wednesday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross): Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29a, 34-35, Matthew 15:21-28; Thursday (St. Lawrence): 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Friday (St. Clare): Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Matthew 16:24-28; Saturday (St. Jane Frances de Chantal): Deuteronomy 6:4-13, Matthew 17:14-20

St. Thomas,” in order to “illumine the mysteries of salvation as completely as possible.”

He is a patron saint of academics, chastity, colleges and universities, Catholic schools and theologians.

St. Peter of Alexandria (died 311)

Feast day: Nov. 26

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Peter headed its catechetical school before being named bishop-patriarch in 300. In his early Church history, Eusebius called Peter an excellent teacher. Peter’s own theological writings were cited in a fifth-century dispute over Christ’s divinity and humanity.

Peter fought two heresies, Arianism and Origenism, and for much of his episcopate

AUG. 13-19

Sunday: I Kings 19:9a, 11-13a, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:2233; Monday (St. Maximilian Kolbe): Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Matthew 17:22-27; Tuesday (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Wednesday (St. Stephen of Hungary): Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Matthew 18:15-20; Thursday: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17, Matthew 18:21-19:1; Friday: Joshua 24:1-13, Matthew 19:3-12; Saturday (St. John Eudes): Joshua 24:1429, Matthew 19:13-15

encouraged his people to remain Christian in the face of Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions.

When he eventually went into hiding, Alexandria experienced a schism, and when a new emperor renewed Christian persecutions, Peter was seized and summarily executed. He was the last Christian martyred in Alexandria by civil authorities.

His instructions on how to receive “lapsed” Christians who had denied their faith back into the Church were adopted by the entire Eastern Church.

Although his feast day in the Western tradition is no longer a part of the Roman Catholic Church’s universal calendar, he remains especially beloved among Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the Egyptian Coptic tradition. He is also a patron saint of Egypt.

— Catholic News Service and Catholic News Agency

AUG. 20-26

Sunday: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7, Romans 11:13-15, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28; Monday (St. Pius X): Judges 2:11-19, Matthew 19:1622; Tuesday (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Judges 6:11-24a, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (St. Rose of Lima): Judges 9:6-15, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (St. Bartholomew): Revelation 21:9b-14, John 1:45-51; Friday (St. Louis, St. Joseph Calasanz): Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17, Matthew 23:1-12

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Peter of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Priest assignments announced

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following priest assignments:

n Redemptorist Father Blas Caceres will serve as pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis, effective Aug. 16, 2023, succeeding Redemptorist Father Fabio Marin Morales.

n Redemptorist Father Jerome Chavarria, pastor of St. James Parish in Concord, and Redemptorist Father Charles Donovan, parochial vicar, are being reassigned by their order, effective Aug. 16, 2023.

n Father Hosup Kwon of the Diocese of Daegu in Korea will replace Father Hyosuk Lee as the priest in ministry to St. Peter Yu Community in Greensboro, effective July 28, 2023. Father Lee will return to the Daegu diocese Aug. 5, 2023.

n Redemptorist Father Fabio Marin Morales, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis, is being reassigned by his order, effective Aug. 16, 2023.

n Vincentian Father Hugo Medellin, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, was reassigned by his order, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

n Vincentian Father Marvin A. Navas became pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

n Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father

Patrick O’Connor will serve as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, effective Sept. 1, 2023.

n Redemptorist Father Glenn Parker, parochial vicar at St. James Parish in Concord, will become pastor effective Aug. 16, 2023. He will be joined by two new parochial vicars: Redemptorist Father Luyen Dau and Redemptorist Father Oscar Rojas.

— Catholic News Herald

‘Sound of Freedom’ actor Jim Caviezel to speak at annual MiraVia banquet

CHARLOTTE — MiraVia will host its 29th annual banquet Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Charlotte Convention Center. This year’s speaker is Jim Caviezel, a world-renowned actor and Catholic.

His most significant role came when he was chosen by Mel Gibson to portray Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.” The movie made headlines and broke box-office records around the world and became one of the highest grossing films of all time. Caviezel is continuing to give his best to play challenging roles, most recently in the blockbuster hit “Sound of Freedom.”

Online registration for the banquet for individuals and table hosts opens at noon Sept. 1 at www.miravia.org/banquet. The event is free, but registration is required. Each table seats 10 guests. Due to Caviezel’s popularity and the likelihood of a waiting list, all table guest names must be submitted with online registration. MiraVia will accept reservations until they reach maximum capacity for the event.

For more information, email Megan Whiteside, MiraVia’s Community Relations Manager, at meganwhiteside@miravia.org.

MiraVia, a Catholic, 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is a safe haven and source of hope for pregnant

On day seven of his year-and-a-half long orientation as chaplain, Father Steve Hoyt anointed several Pennybyrn residents, praying and making the Sign of the Cross on their foreheads and hands with the Oil of the Sick.

Diocese embraces retirement community

HIGH POINT — Anyone would be a bit wide-eyed on day seven of a 547-day transition toward taking over spiritual leadership of a 71-acre retirement community and prayer center. Even the veteran Father Stephen Hoyt.

A priest for 31 years, Father Hoyt has held assignments in Africa, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina, but for him, there’s no place like Pennybyrn – a retirement community in High Point founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God.

Humble of heart, Father Hoyt – or “Father Steve” as they’ve taken to calling him – is quiet as he absorbs everything the current sisters seek to teach him about the residents, staff, mission and culture of Pennybyrn.

His demeanor, however, is not to be mistaken for trepidation. When he came to anoint several senior residents on July 26, he took command of the room in the welcoming way a captain takes charge of his ship.

As his purple stole went on, the presence of Jesus was palpable. Father Steve warmly welcomed the six residents, who sat in a circle on chairs and wheelchairs reverently – and gratefully – watching the priest, waiting for their turn as he said special prayers and called down the Holy Spirit in the laying on of hands for each person.

As he moved from one person to the next, Sisters Gabriella Hogan and Lorretta O’Connor assisted, speaking out the name of each resident. They did the same once more as Father Steve, a conduit of God’s grace, went around the room a second time anointing the residents, making the Sign of the Cross on their foreheads and hands with the Oil of the Sick.

When Father Steve learned that the next day was resident Don Mulligan’s 100th birthday, he congratulated him and referenced the anointing, saying, “This is the best birthday present I can give you.”

Later, Father Steve said the goal of his new ministry at

Pennybyrn, and overall, is to help those in his care to be “constantly aware of the Lord’s presence in all aspects of life.” In conversation at Pennybyrn’s iconic, on-site Irish pub, Father Steve and Sister Lucy Hennessy, S.M.G., Pennybyrn’s mission leader and chair of the board of directors, talked about Father Steve’s year-and-a-half long orientation, which he is just beginning.

“Father Steve has met the sisters, learned more about the mission and how steeped we are in the mission, and has been introduced to various households where our people who need the most care are,” Sister Lucy says. “This part now is all orientation. Every day.”

Father Steve says, “I’m looking forward to discovering more of the charism of the sisters here that has made Pennybyrn all that it is today. As I learn more and more about the mission, I’ll know how to build upon it.”

Father Steve’s assignment from Bishop Peter Jugis marks the next step toward transferring spiritual sponsorship of the community of more than 450 residents from the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God to the Diocese of Charlotte. Pennybyrn and the bishop announced the change a year ago, assuring all concerned that a careful effort to preserve the culture and values of Pennybyrn would follow.

It is time now for the sisters to return to London, called home for their own retirement by the mother house after decades of service in the High Point area. The sisters are doing everything they can to ensure their beloved retirement community retains its faith-based mission and culture when they depart in 2025.

PENNYBYRN, SEE PAGE 8

‘Father Steve’ Hoyt starts chaplain assignment at Pennybyrn in gradual sponsorship transfer to diocese

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Hennessy

Hoyt

New pastor ‘called to love Jesus with all his heart’

Statesville parish welcomes Father Oleru with special Mass

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

STATESVILLE — Applause greeted Father Bernard Oleru July 20 as he was officially installed as pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish.

Nearly 400 people attended the special Mass to welcome their new pastor. The Mass also included priests from Father Oleru’s order, the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria, as well as Diocese of Charlotte clergy.

Born in Nigeria, Father Oleru was ordained in 2007 and comes from a large Catholic family of nine. Bishop Peter Jugis assigned him to the new role effective July 11, succeeding Father Thomas Kessler, who has moved to St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte.

Father Kessler, who was pastor of the parish for many years, also received thankful applause from the congregation. At the start of the Mass, he and Father John Eckert, who serves as head (vicar forane) of the Salisbury vicariate and represented the bishop, witnessed Father Oleru make his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and sign the documents officially naming him pastor. Also present as a witness was Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of Father Oleru’s previous assignment, St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.

As part of the installation rite, Father Eckert took the new pastor to key parts of the church building – the baptismal font, confessional, presider’s chair and tabernacle – stressing the importance of each in Father Oleru’s pastoral ministry. In his homily, Father Eckert emphasized

the burning love that Jesus has for each of us and called on the congregation to return that love – noting that this is the way Jesus set up the relationship from the very beginning when He sent out His apostles to continue His ministry. This included St. Philip, patron of the 122-year-old Statesville parish.

“He sends out real, fallen men to bring about that ministry. He sends out those who are called to be in love with Him,” Father Eckert said. Just as Jesus loves us with all His heart, so too “your new priest, your new pastor, Father Bernard, is called to love Jesus with all his heart.”

He encouraged Father Oleru to remember St. Peter’s three-fold affirmation of love to Our Lord after his triple denial –and Jesus’ response to feed His sheep. Go each day to the Lord and to listen as Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Father Eckert said. “Respond from the depths of

your heart every day and say, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ And then as you do that, feed your sheep.”

The Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria, founded in 1976, has been active in the Charlotte diocese since 2012. Father Oleru is one of three priests from the order currently ministering here.

Parishioner Fred Myers and his wife said the close proximity of Father Oleru’s former parish in Mooresville meant they were already familiar with their new pastor.

“We have been down to several of Father Bernard’s Masses, and he’s highly regarded in both parishes,” Myers said. “We’re lucky to have him.”

Overcome with emotion at the conclusion of Mass, Father Oleru said he only had one thing to say to his new parishioners: “I love you.”

Afterwards, he added, “I feel so happy

At a special Mass July 20, Father Bernard Oleru was officially installed as pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville.

taking on the role as the pastor of St. Philip. I know a lot has been entrusted to me, a lot has been given to me by the Church and God. It is now my duty and my role to make sure that I lead the people of God to the kingdom of heaven.”

He said he will rely on the grace of God and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in his new ministry.

“It is not something that I can do alone,” he said. “I am excited now, but I see great work in the future, and it’s only God who can lead me on, so I call on the faithful of the parish and the faithful in the Diocese of Charlotte to always pray for us, and I hope to get there with the People of God.”

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com :

See more photos from Father Bernard Oleru’s installation Mass

Immaculate Conception Parish installs Father Gutiérrez as pastor

HENDERSONVILLE — Father Andrés Gutiérrez (above) was installed as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish during a special Mass July 27.

“It really is a blessing to initiate the new mission entrusted by God and Bishop (Peter) Jugis,” Father Gutiérrez told parishioners during the Mass. “We will continue this faith journey together.”

(Left) With Father Adrian Porras at his side, Father Gutiérrez signed documents making his appointment official. He previously served as a missionary priest in Peru.

“A priest is called to be there in the most important moments of your lives,” from baptisms to weddings to funerals, said Father Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, who presided at the Mass as the bishop’s delegate.

“All of you come to be fed by the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God,” he continued. “The essence of a priest is to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and preach the Word of God.”

— Catholic News Herald

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Mass honors new priest, fathers and Igbo Catholic heritage

TROY HULL tchull@charlottediocese.org

GREENSBORO — A Mass in the Igbo language was offered July 23 at St. Mary’s Church, one of the Diocese of Charlotte’s most ethnically diverse parishes.

During the Mass, there was a special blessing for all fathers in attendance. The Mass also gave the Igbo Catholic community an opportunity to celebrate Father Chinonso A. Nnebe-Agumadu, who is the first Igbo priest ordained in the diocese.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father Marcel Amadi, who serves as spiritual director for Igbo Catholics in western North Carolina, and Father Innocent Amasiorah, who serves in diocesan Campus Ministry, with Father Nnebe-Agumadu. Deacon Emmanuel Ukattah from St. Mary’s Parish assisted at the Mass.

St. Mary’s Parish includes many members from the African continent, including

Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria.

The Igbo Mass, offered every other month at the parish, enables Igbo-speaking Catholics to hear Mass in their native language and honor their cultural identity.

“Igbo language Mass is important for spiritual growth as Igbo Catholics,” said Dr. Godfrey Uzochukwu, coordinator of the Mass, especially for recent immigrants and older Nigerian Catholics who do not speak English.

The Igbo Catholic Community welcomes everyone to these celebrations. St. Mary’s Church is located at 812 Duke St. in Greensboro.

For more information, call Dr. Godfrey Uzochukwu, coordinator, at 336-707-3625. More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more photos and video highlights of the Igbo Mass

A thrilling Catholic Family Day at Carowinds

CHARLOTTE — Hundreds of Catholic families and young people enjoyed worship, fellowship and fun July 23 at Catholic Family Day at Carowinds. Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the Diocese of Charlotte’s vicar general and chancellor, (pictured left with two seminarians, Ronan Ostendorf and Elijah Buerkle) offered Mass in the Carowinds Theater before everyone went out to enjoy the rides and all that the theme park had to offer.

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of August:

Rev. Henry J. Becker – 1992

Rev. William M. Evans – 2012

Rev. Frank R. Gardner – 1991

Rev. Nicholas F. Gibilisco, OSB - 1994

Rev. Martin W. Hayes, OSB - 1992

Rev. Msgr. Felix R. Kelaher – 1998

Rev. Richard T. McCue – 2013

Rev. John F. Parsons - 1993

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

— Photos by Alex Cason Photography At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more photos from Catholic Family Day

Make-a-Will Month: A time to secure your Catholic legacy

CHARLOTTE — August is Make-a-Will Month, a national initiative encouraging people to focus on something profoundly important: creating or updating their will.

Regardless of age, a last will and testament is a powerful document that enables you to protect your loved ones, distribute your property, and leave a legacy to the Church in western North Carolina – either to your parish, Catholic school, Catholic ministries such as Catholic Charities, the diocese, or the diocesan Foundation.

John and Rosmarie Monahan are among those who planned ahead in their will, and as a result, enabled the work of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, remembers first meeting John Monahan when they were both members of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in the late 1970s and worked together on various parish projects. Kelley recalls Monahan having discussions with him and other diocesan development office staff in 2015 about his plans to remember Catholic Charities and his parish, St. Therese, in his will.

“I was aware of the deep connection John and his wife Rosmarie had with the Church. Since they did not have children, the Church had become their family. Leaving a bequest in his will was a way for him to honor Rosmarie’s memory and their shared mission to support those in need. Their devotion to giving back inspired me and everyone who knew them,” Kelley said.

The Monahans’ legacy continues to shine through this planned gift, enabling Catholic Charities to provide vital services and support to countless people in need.

Make-a-Will Month is an ideal time to honor the Monahans and consider how

PENNYBYRN

FROM PAGE 4

Grappling with the immensity of the task at hand, Father Steve said this assignment is quite different than becoming pastor of a parish, and he prays he’s up to the task.

“Something like Pennybyrn doesn’t just happen – to have such a beautiful community as what we have here. I’m very interested in discovering the charism that’s making this possible,” he says. “I feel like I have big shoes to fill as I try to continue that Christian life to the full.”

Bishop Jugis pledged to the sisters last summer he would honor their legacy and keep alive their ministry as the diocese gradually assumes its role in guiding Pennybyrn. He appointed Father Steve to take the lead, in part because he has been faithfully serving as a member of the board and has a heart for Pennybyrn’s mission.

“Father Stephen Hoyt seems an excellent fit to provide for the comfort, spiritual and sacramental needs of the wonderful seniors at Pennybyrn,” Bishop Jugis says. “We are committed as a diocese to carry on the special environment of caring established by the Sisters, and Father Hoyt has the full faith of the diocese behind him.”

Pennybyrn features a 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, 173 independent living

to follow their example by celebrating our faith and extending the spirit of generosity into the future, Kelley said.

“The Christian life is rooted in the virtues of charity and generosity, reflecting the infinite love extended to us by Jesus. As Catholics, we are called to lead lives filled with compassion and generosity, reflecting our faith through action.”

For those seeking to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their Catholic faith, values and love for others, the diocese offers a unique opportunity to join the Catholic Heritage Society, a special group of people who remember the Church in western North Carolina in their estate plans. The Catholic Heritage Society now numbers more than 1,600 members.

— Virginia Garramone

Plan ahead

Interested in making a planned gift or setting up an endowment to benefit Catholic Charities, your parish or Catholic school?

You can make a gift through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.

apartments, 49 independent living cottages, 24 assisted living apartments, 24 assisted living memory support beds, 125 skilled nursing care beds and a new transitional rehabilitation center.

Besides its 450 residents, Pennybyrn also includes more than 450 full- and part-time employees who staff the facility around the clock – all of whom Father Steve has been gradually meeting over his first weeks at Pennybyrn.

As he offers the sacraments and meets everyone, he learns by osmosis Pennybyrn’s charism and mission: “Demonstrating God’s love for the lives we touch.”

“There’s a lot to it, but it’s very doable,” says Sister Lucy. “Father Steve has a natural warmth and eagerness to learn. His personality fits what we’re trying to do here.”

Father Steve, who most recently served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir, says he couldn’t imagine having more support and encouragement from everyone at Pennybyrn and is grateful for that during this change in his ministry.

Sister Lucy adds that Father Steve’s presence has been reassuring to residents and staff. “The more he talks to people and interacts with them, I think that fear will fade away, and the transition will be seamless in the end,” she says.

Peace also comes from the lengthy orientation period, Father Steve’s obvious spiritual gifts, and knowing God will take

High schoolers experience college life at Belmont Abbey

BELMONT — Approximately 70 high school students spent a week at Belmont Abbey College July 16-22 studying classic literature and philosophy, getting to know the faculty and Benedictine monks, and having summer fun – all part of the Honor College’s summer Schola program. Rooted in Catholic tradition, Schola offers an introduction to the Socratic method, enabling high school sophomores and juniors to get a taste of college life while contemplating the good, the true and the beautiful at one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges. This year’s theme was “Honor, Humility and the Christian Life.” In addition to attending classes with Honors College faculty and daily Mass and prayer with the monks, students enjoyed rafting and climbing at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, attending a Gastonia Honey Hunters baseball game, hiking in the South Mountains, and putting on a talent show.

—

Catholic News Herald

care of the rest.

“It’s where the Lord is calling me to grow at this time in my life to serve Him and the Church in this particular way in

a specialized ministry,” Father Steve says. “I’m looking forward to learning more about it and using my gifts to minister effectively.”

Sister Lucy Hennessy, Pennybyrn’s mission leader and chair of its board of directors, shows Father Stephen Hoyt around the 71-acre community at Pennybyrn.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROLANDO RIVAS

Johnson

Charlotte delegation attends National Black Catholic Congress; seminarian named president of national seminarians group

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A delegation of Black Catholics from the Diocese of Charlotte was among an estimated 3,000 attendees from 80 U.S. dioceses at the 13th National Black Catholic Congress held July 20-23. The four-day event included Masses, keynote addresses, breakout sessions for adults and youth, and a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. In addition, Charlotte diocese seminarian James Johnson IV (above left) was named president of the National Black

Director of Family and Youth Discipleship

The parish of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, in Belmont, NC is looking for a Director of Family and Youth Discipleship.

The primary responsibility of the position is to empower parents to be the first and best teachers of the Catholic faith to their children, and to provide supplementary formation directly to youth so that they can come to know and love Jesus Christ in a deeper way in and through the Catholic Church. Specifically, this position will be responsible for the planning and implementation of: * "A Family of Faith" Catechesis program (K-8 students and parents) * Youth group (Edge and LifeTeen)* Vacation Bible School * First Sacraments Preparation and RCIC This position will also be responsible for the recruitment, training, and oversight of many volunteers to help run our programs. Availability on the weekends is essential. Working hours during the week can usually be flexible, subject to the needs of the parish according to the judgment of the pastor or Director of Parish Operations. The minimum education required is a bachelor's degree in Catholic theology or catechetics. The successful candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Safe environment training and compliance is essential. This position reports to the Director of Parish Operations, overseen by the pastor, and will work closely with the Director of Communications to facilitate engagement with the families of our parish.

Send applications or inquiries to: parishops@queenoftheapostles.org

DEADLINE - AUGUST 12

Catholic Seminarians Association, which was also represented at the national gathering. Johnson carried the processional cross during the congress’s opening Mass offered by Cardinal Wilton Gregory at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The first National Black Catholic Congress was convened in 1889 under the leadership of Black Catholic journalist Daniel Rudd.

Giving appreciated stock to your parish, Catholic school, agency, the diocese or the Foundation creates a gift that will benefit your desired beneficiary and provide you tax benefits.

For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.givingplan.net or call Gina Rhodes at 704/370-3364.

Catholic schools gear up for record enrollment 2-3

Catholic schools gear up for record enrollment

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

Demand for Catholic education continues to surge as schools across the Diocese of Charlotte – from pre-K to grad school – welcome unprecedented numbers back to campus beginning next week.

Fresh off winning the prestigious “Catholic Organization of the Year” title from the national Catholic Education Foundation, the diocese’s school system expects an all-time record enrollment this year and has become a “destination diocese,” says Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe.

The system’s 20 elementary, middle and high schools are welcoming new teachers and leaders from California and Connecticut, and Maryland and Michigan, among other states. Enrollment is up 12 percent from a decade ago – and almost 18 percent since the pandemic began in 2020. While an official count isn’t taken until October, more than 8,100 students (and climbing) had enrolled as of July 31.

“We’re gratified by our continued growth, as students and families recognize the value of a Catholic education,” Monroe says, “and we’ve reached the point that we are exploring new school construction to accommodate demand.” Belmont Abbey College, just west of Charlotte, is also on pace for record total enrollment. The liberal arts college run by Benedictine monks has already registered a record class of 650 new students, entering as freshmen, transfer or first-year graduate students. This follows last year’s record incoming class – thanks in part to new academic programs in business, leadership, nursing and data analytics, school leaders say.

St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly is welcoming eight new seminarians on Sunday, bringing the current enrollment to 21 men who are discerning a call to the priesthood as they complete undergraduate studies in philosophy at Belmont Abbey College, in preparation for theological studies at the graduate level and a possible priestly vocation. Another 29 men are studying at the graduate level, and one is taking a pastoral year of service – bringing the total number of seminarians who are in formation for the diocese to a record 51.

To greet these burgeoning classes, students can expect to see a variety of improvements from new and renovated

facilities to fresh paint – as well as new leaders, new academic programs, and welcome-back activities to help transition them back to studies.

Across the diocese, which encompasses the western half of North Carolina, here’s a sampling of what to expect:

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

In the eastern part of the diocese, “Popsicles in the Park” will welcome back the youngest students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students and their families will gather at a park near the school Aug. 13 to meet classmates and teachers while enjoying frozen treats.

“The goal is to ease the back-to-school transition for our youngest Panthers,” says Principal Catherine Rusch. “Children and parents both leave the park with new friends and a familiar face in their classroom teacher.”

Across town, St. Pius X School plans a special night Aug. 19 at a baseball game – the Greensboro Grasshoppers vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods. The school choir will sing the National Anthem, and one lucky student will throw the first pitch.

St. Pius X students will also enjoy classes outside in the recently completed Lemnios Family Learning Pavilion, for

PHOTOS BY AMY BURGER AND TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Students and volunteers at St. Mark School in Huntersville unpack new chairs and school supplies, preparing for the start of school in just a few days. In Catholic schools across the Diocese of Charlotte, enrollment is up

12 percent from a decade ago – and almost 18 percent since the pandemic began in 2020.

academic and other gatherings.

In Winston-Salem, Our Lady of Mercy School is adding a conference room, renovating and installing restrooms, and upgrading technology thanks to a generous grant from Shea Homes. The school is also completing a $150,000 kitchen remodel funded by an anonymous donor.

“New kitchen equipment will make it possible for Our Lady of Mercy to offer hot meals again and nutritional support for its diverse student population,” said Emmett Sapp, the diocese’s construction director. “We couldn’t do some of these projects without the generosity of benefactors who understand the need to improve our facilities to accommodate our rapid growth.”

In the western reaches of the diocese, Immaculata School in Hendersonville is planning a special welcome for its new pastor, Father Andrés Gutiérrez. Students also will find themselves in a new competition, divided into six “houses” or teams named for religious orders, with points awarded for students who demonstrate good character and virtue throughout the year – the winning team receiving the “House Cup.”

Immaculata will also take advantage of its first year using the school’s new state-of-the-art STEM lab, which includes a hands-on collaborative work and experimentation space for inquiry-based learning.

Such STEM learning (in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is growing across the diocese. Charlotte’s Our Lady of the Assumption School inaugurated its new SmartLab late last school year, where students work with robots and drones, computers and iPads, 3D printers and a laser engraver. The school is growing and has added an assistant principal for the first time: Laura Schmitt from Wyoming, Mich. St. Ann School in Charlotte also will see exciting changes, from a refurbished playground and new paint to a new principal Celene Little and assistant principal Anna Owens.

A new school year is a clean slate, says Father Timothy Reid, the diocese’s Vicar of Education for Catholic Schools. It’s “an opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings, and to set goals for the future.”

“My hope is that our school families will approach the new school year prayerfully and with the understanding that our Catholic schools exist not simply

to impart academic knowledge,” he said, “but to provide formation in our Catholic Faith – and thereby form the whole person.

“We want all of our students to excel academically, but also to grow in virtue and in the knowledge of our Lord and our faith.”

HIGH SCHOOLS

Charlotte Catholic High School kicks off the school year with its largest ever freshman class of 400 students, drawn by its academics, athletics, arts and Catholic culture. Planning ahead, school leaders last year expanded and renovated the south Charlotte high school, adding the $21 million MACS Fine Arts Center to accommodate its arts program and repurposed former art spaces in the existing building into additional classrooms.

Enrollment is also up at the three other high schools in the diocese: Christ the King in Huntersville, Bishop McGuinness in Greensboro, and Canongate in Arden. Canongate begins its first full year as an independent school recognized by Bishop Peter Jugis as an affiliate of the diocese.

Three of the high schools named new leaders this year: Christ the King and Canongate named new principals (see page 5), and Charlotte Catholic hired a new vice principal and an additional assistant principal.

And two high schools will have fulltime chaplains: Father Aaron Huber will serve at Christ the King in Huntersville and Father Jonathan Torres will serve at Charlotte Catholic. Newly ordained Father Christopher Brock will assist Bishop McGuinness High School’s chaplain Father Noah Carter.

High school athletic departments are also planning for growth with fundraising campaigns and events this fall. Bishop McGuinness’ “Spirit of Victory” campaign will help pay for new tennis courts, an additional practice field and outdoor restrooms. Christ the King is launching a capital campaign to upgrade to stadium-style bleachers around its football field, as well as add restrooms and parking.

Christ the King also begins its first full year of competition in its new gym, which opened in January. Charlotte Catholic repurposed space into a second

Catholic School Enrollment

Up approximately 18% over the past 5 years

(Far left) Volunteers at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, including the St. Gabriel Parish Men’s Group, helped spruce up the school’s playground to get ready for the first day of school.

Pre-kindergarten students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro enjoy meeting their new teachers last year. A similar “Popsicles in the Park” event is planned for Aug. 13.

St. Mark School’s staff began prepping the school for the upcoming school year. Wet paint signs could be spotted along the hallways. Staffers put together new desk, and the school nurse was hard at work cleaning her office.

Enrollment is up 12% from a decade ago –and almost 18% since the pandemic began in 2020.

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL, AMY BURGER AND PROVIDED | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

weight room, installed a golf simulator through the generosity of donors, and converted a classroom into a state-of-theart multimedia room with seating for 60, for classes and small group meetings.

Bishop McGuinness painted its athletic wing, upfitted five classrooms with collaborative learning furniture – and made way for more would-be pilots.

“Everybody wants to fly planes,” Head of School Jared Rashford said.

The school now offers three sections (with some three dozen students) of its aviation class, which teaches the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association curriculum and enables students to log simulator hours toward a private pilot’s license.

“We are overjoyed to welcome the largest incoming class in the college’s history this fall and to announce our new dual enrollment program with Kolbe Academy,” Thierfelder says.

“We are also profoundly grateful for the addition of new graduate degree programs, residential halls, health science labs,

athletic facilities, and so much more.”

In February the college unveiled a $100 million development plan and “Made True” capital campaign for a variety of improvements – with $80 million of the goal already in hand. The campaign follows a number of capital improvements recently completed or already underway.

element required by the Church in its new Program for Priestly Formation. The Church instructs that a priest now be dedicated in particular to mentoring first-year seminarians, and Bishop Jugis has assigned Father Brian Becker, former pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa, to this role.

The first-year seminarians will be detached from the normal academic progression of seminary life, which creates valuable opportunities, says Father Matthew Kauth, rector of the college seminary.

“We have a lot of freedom in this first year to concentrate on the basics of character formation, the life of prayer, and service to the local Church,” he says. “It also allows time for our seminarians to visit the many parishes across the diocese with Father Becker. We have tried these parish visits over the years, but it hasn’t been easy with their academic load.

“We want the seminarians to know the people they will one day serve and vice-versa, which also will help raise awareness of the seminary’s mission and cultivate vocations in local parishes.”

BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE

One of only 15 colleges and universities in the country recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society for its strong Catholic identity, Belmont Abbey College has seen growth, too – in enrollment and facilities.

The college will welcome its largest incoming class with a more than 15 percent increase in students compared to last fall. Part of the appeal is new master’s degree programs in Business Administration (MBA), Nursing Leadership (MSN), Leadership and Data Analytics.

“These programs will not only provide students with valuable knowledge and skills in their respective fields,” says Belmont Abbey College’s president Dr. Bill Thierfelder, “but also will help each of them develop as a whole person in order to lead a good and fulfilling life.”

In June, the college announced a new dual enrollment program, which enables high school students to take courses at the college in-person and online, and includes partnerships with Seton Home Study School and Kolbe Academy, an acclaimed Catholic homeschooling institution. Students can take their first dual enrollment course for free, and if they enroll at Belmont Abbey for college, the school reimburses their dual enrollment costs.

Parents: Tips for surviving back-to-school season

n Catch up on back-to-school information from your school, especially any updates to the start of the school day, handbook changes, uniform updates, school supply lists.

n Put bedtime and wake-up time routines back into place at least a week before school starts.

n Students who are new to changing classes and having a locker often find creating a list helpful for remembering what to bring home at the end of each day.

ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

In Mount Holly, St. Joseph College Seminary is preparing to welcome its “Hotel” class, named for the eighth letter in the alphabet to signify its eighth incoming class of seminarians since the program began in 2016.

The college seminary is also finalizing plans for a new chapel and other buildings to facilitate its mission. It currently uses a banquet/lecture hall as its chapel, which cannot accommodate visitors, but the new larger chapel will be open for use by the faithful throughout the diocese.

The Hotel seminarian class includes eight men beginning discernment of a possible call to the priesthood. They will begin the year with an opening Mass at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, set for Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m., with the faithful invited.

The new men come from parishes throughout the diocese, including St. John the Baptist in Tryon, St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro, St. Ann and St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte, Sacred Heart in Salisbury, St. Lucien in Spruce Pine, Holy Cross in Kernersville, and St. Michael in Gastonia.

This class will be the first to enter a special introductory program of instruction and discernment – a new

n Talk about how as a family you will partner with the school this year, using their time, talent and treasure.

n Talk about the return to school in a positive way. Remind students of the names of teachers, after-school caretakers, the principal and other special people in the school building.

n Conduct fittings for kids receiving uniforms passed down from older siblings. Order more as soon as possible or ask your school about its gently used uniform closet. Donate uniforms that no longer fit.

In addition to the college seminarians, two major seminarians from the Lumen Dei community in Peru will be joining the college seminary this year as part of efforts to strengthen the diocese’s Hispanic ministry. The college seminary also recently hired a new music director after the unexpected death of former music director Tom Savoy last October.

The first phase of the seminary was completed and paid for in 2020 and plans are nearly complete for the second, final phase which will add a major chapel, offices, a piazza and welcoming hall to support visits, talks and retreats from local parishes.

Fundraising for the $22 million project is well on its way, with 88 percent of that goal already committed by generous donors during a silent phase. Construction is expected to begin next spring.

The chapel will offer a place priests can take their parishioners for Mass, and then move to common areas for fellowship, attend talks and have lunch.

“The plans have come along beautifully,” Father Kauth says, “and I’m thrilled we’ll be able to welcome the faithful and the larger community into what we’re doing here – and the extraordinary blessings God has bestowed.”

n Make picking out a backpack or lunch box a special event. Take the opportunity to build independent habits as you encourage your child to organize their supplies and make packing lunch a team effort. Students can also participate in the care of their school uniforms, sports uniforms, and band and activity equipment.

n Reuse school supplies if possible.

n Enjoy every bit of summer left – think pools, parks, cookouts – especially between now and Labor Day.

— Catholic News Herald

This fall, Belmont Abbey College welcomes its largest incoming class in history – a 15% jump over last year’s enrollment.

Construction on an expansion of St. Joseph College Seminary is set to begin next spring.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Above) Belmont Abbey College students meet in a small group for a book study. The college will welcome its largest incoming class this year with a more than 15 percent increase in students compared to last fall.

(Below) Father Lucas Rossi greets students at the start of school last year at St. Michael School in Gastonia.

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School (OLA), is accepting applications for Pre-K through 8th grade. Financial Aid and Participating Catholic discounts are available for qualified families. Contact Kathy Spado kmspado@olaschool.net or call 704-531-0067 to schedule a tour. Apply

Believe. Think. Serve.

More than our motto, it’s the foundation of everything we do to help our students become confident, faith-filled individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. Students who make their home at Christ The King will build, create, lead, experiment, perform, compete and become true Crusaders.

Our rigorous and challenging curriculum is taught by top-notch faculty who use an inquiry-based learning model to ensure students are prepared to meet a competitive future. Our students graduate with a strong work ethic, a desire to achieve excellence, and a faith-filled heart to serve.

Investing in a Catholic education

PAGES 6-8: Tips to help you in considering a Catholic education for your family

KATHERINE MCCARTHY INTERN

By the numbers

100 percent of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education.

Scholarships awarded last year:

Bishop McGuinness: $11.5 million

Charlotte Catholic: Nearly $26.5 million Christ the King: $9.1 million

Did you know?

The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcome students of all backgrounds, even as most students are Catholic and the school system strives to impart the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church.

Catholic: 85%

Non-Catholic: 15%

Each school’s demographic profile varies according to its local community.

Systemwide, the student population encompasses people of all races and ethnicities:

ETHNICITY

Hispanic: 14%

Non-Hispanic: 86%

RACE

Asian: 3.6%

Black: 3.0%

Caucasian: 83.8%

Hawaiian-Pacific Islander:

0.2%

Multi-race: 6.1%

Native American: 0.3%

Unknown: 3.0%

How do I apply?

Navigating the application process for the diocese’s parish-based schools and for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (MACS) is a straightforward online process. The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions begin in March, continuing as space is available. All schools work on a rolling admissions basis until all spots are full.

All students entering pre-kindergarten must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31. All kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31.

Details for MACS – including required documents and placement testing information – can be found online at www.www.discovermacs.org/apply. Details for each parish-based school can be found on their respective website.

Questions? Call the individual school or the MACS Office any time in the application process at 704-370-3273

• It is recommended to call the school directly to schedule a tour before applying.

Parents invest a great deal in providing their children with an education.

From driving back and forth, to packing lunches and helping with math homework that seems much more challenging than it should be, at times it may feel as if parents themselves are back in school.

Add in the cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees, and the goal of providing your child with a Catholic education suddenly appears difficult to achieve. However, there is so much more than simply math homework and book reports tied into the value of a Catholic education.

In fact, former St. Mark School parent Theresa Lister says the cost of a Catholic education is “well worth it” for the contribution it makes in grounding children in their Catholic faith. She adds that a Catholic education is “the best of all worlds – combining faith, community and education.”

When you send your child to any of the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) or any of the 10 parish-based schools in western North Carolina, you provide your child with a well-rounded Catholic education that works to cultivate their faith, volunteerism and creativity.

What sets a Catholic education apart from anything else? Along with the other

18 principals in the diocesan school system, Tyler Kulp, principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, emphasizes that it is prayer and incorporating the Catholic faith into everything done as a school community.

“It is so important that we encompass it with everything. We pray every day – it’s the first thing we do every morning. As a school, we start the day with a daily reading and continue this prayer throughout the day. It is so important to include prayer in everything we do,” Kulp notes. Along with prayer, students work to serve their communities, living beyond themselves by giving to others and connecting with people who may have lives very different from their own.

As Kulp puts it, “It’s so important for our kids to go out and serve our community. They come back on fire from seeing that they were doing something good.”

When you provide your child with a Catholic education, you start them on the right path to being active members in their community.

In a world deprived of compassion, our Catholic schools cultivate talented, compassionate and successful members of society.

Kulp adds, “What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.”

All three of the diocese’s high schools have a college counseling department and counselors who guide students through the college search, application and financial aid processes. Last year, graduates from the three high schools were awarded a combined $47 million in college scholarships and grants.

Students have committed to play a variety of collegiate sports, including football, swimming, tennis and soccer, at different universities across the country.

Michael Carano, a 2020 Charlotte Catholic High School graduate and rising senior at the University of Oklahoma, notes, “I enjoyed my time at Charlotte Catholic and am grateful for the friendships made. But mostly I can now appreciate the exceptional education I received, as I was extremely prepared for my college courses and workload. The study habits instilled and the foundation made to learn and grow were amazing.”

• Tours are typically done by the school's principal.

•It is a great way to ask specific questions about curriculum and what is offered to fit your child’s needs.

•The online system for applying allows you to start at either a specific school’s website or at discoverMACS.org

•Just click “Apply” in the green top navigation bar

•Applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office anytime throughout the application process.

•Pay by credit card, bank draft or check. Details are online.

•Along with the application, applicants must submit a birth certificate and proof of a physical exam and immunization records.

•Additionally, families who wish to qualify for participating Catholic tuition rates must submit a baptismal certificate and completed parish participation voucher.

•Some schools may ask for the student’s most recent years of grades and standardized test scores.

•MACS high schools require principal and teacher recommendations and transcripts.

‘What we strive for is getting kids on the path of salvation.’

Tyler Kulp Principal, Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte

What is the cost of a Catholic education?

TUITION FOR MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Financial aid makes Catholic education more accessible

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL

HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL

ST. ANN SCHOOL

ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL

NOTE: Tuition rates for the Options Program, as well as MAP, PACE and Matthew Morgan programs vary. Excludes application, registration and other fees, plus a MACS annual capital fee of $1,695 per family. A multiple-child tuition discount is available for participating Catholic families: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 50% for the fourth child and free for the fifth child and beyond. Go to www.discovermacs.org/tuition for details.

TUITION FOR PARISH-BASED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

What about miscellaneous costs?

UNIFORMS

The national average cost of uniforms at Catholic schools in the United States is $260.

Each school provides specific information about their uniforms on their websites. Most options can be purchased through Lands’ End, but some may provide used-uniform sales or swaps throughout the school year.

Additionally, check your local consignment shop for discounted uniform items such as pants and skirts.

TRANSPORTATION

MACS offers bus and shuttle transportation with routes in Charlotte, Huntersville and Mooresville. Details are on the MACS website under Programs. Note: Some bus routes are already full, so contact MACS Transportation at 704-370-3263 to be placed on a waitlist.

Transportation fees for parish-based schools vary, so please check with your specific school to confirm. Some schools do not provide a transportation system, but may provide parents with a car-pool list.

LUNCH PROGRAMS

Fees vary by school and by order. Information is provided on the school’s website and at each school office.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Most parish-based schools provide after school services ranging from $175 to $275 a month with other daily price options. Check with your specific school for availability and details. MACS schools offer an after school program for students in K-8, plus full-day TK and pre-K students. Fees are noted below:

Most families who attend Catholic schools receive some form of financial aid through tuition discounts or assistance. All of the diocese’s schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $5,000 to $13,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are also available.

Needs-based tuition assistance is also available to qualified families – making Catholic education more affordable than ever for more families.

The application period is January through March 31, for the upcoming school year.

A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is needbased and can only assist with the cost of tuition. As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.

For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www.discovermacs.org/financialaid

The diocese’s nine parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family. Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.

State financial aid available

Other financial aid options include the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program, Disabilities Grant Program, and Education Savings Accounts. These programs (listed below) cover tuition and required fees at a participating nonpublic school. In addition, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.

OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in kindergarten through 12th grade. This program provides funding of up to $6,492 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM

The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees and some other expenses at a participating school. This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT

An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card. This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school. Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility.

For details, go to the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority’s website at www.ncseaa.edu/ k12

Our Catholic Schools

The Diocese of Charlotte School System encompasses 20 schools operating in separate formats: Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), parish-based schools, a diocesan-based high school and an affiliate.

Diocesan High School

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area.

Parish-based Schools

This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the diocese’s Catholic Schools system, they are directly administered by a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Affiliate School

Canongate Catholic High School 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, NC 28704 828-712-8924

www.canongatecatholic.org

Erick Allen, principal Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 27

Student-teacher ratio: 5:1

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 336-722-7204

www.ourladyofmercyschool.org

Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal

Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 162

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8

St. Leo Catholic School 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com

Gary Callus, principal

Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 266

Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

Asheville Catholic School

12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804

828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org

Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 247

Student-teacher ratio: 19:1

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com

Dr. Maryanne Leonard, principal Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 282

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 for PK, 14:1 for K-5, 10:1 for 6-8

Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147 704-633-2841 www.salisburycatholicschool.org

Erin Brinkley, principal Grades: K-8

Enrollment: 194

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052 704-865-4382 www.stmcsg.org

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791 828-693-3277 www.immac.org

Margaret Beale, principal

Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8

Enrollment: 137

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Jacob Nolan, headmaster Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 160

Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS)

A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $5,045 for half-day PK to $13,194 for high school. For details, go online to www.discovermacs.org

Christ the King Catholic High School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078

704-799-4400

www.ctkchs.org

Mark Tolcher, principal

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 414

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127

www.charlottecatholic.org

Kurt Telford, principal

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 1,314

Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209

704-527-7822

www.htcms.org

Kevin Parks, principal

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment: 1,002

Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School 4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215

704-531-0067

www.olacatholic.org

Tyler Kulp, principal Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 181

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

St. Ann Catholic School 600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209

704-525-4938

www.stanncatholic.org

Celene Little, principal

Grades: PK, TK and K-5

Enrollment: 349

Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Gabriel Catholic School 3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

704-366-2409

www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org

Michele Snoke, principal

Grades: K-5

Enrollment: 654

St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

704-766-5000

www.stmarkcatholicschool.net

Julie Thornley, principal

Grades: K-8

Enrollment: 683

Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277

704-544-2070

www.stmattwildcats.com

Kevin O’Herron, principal

Grades: TK-5

Enrollment: 672

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-333-3174

www.saintpatrickschool.org

Nicholas Calametti, principal

Grades: K-5

Enrollment: 231

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

St. Pius X Catholic School 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408

336-273-9865

www.spxschool.com

Christopher Kloesz, principal

Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 450

Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org

Catherine Rusch, principal Grades: PK3-8

Enrollment: 235

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 11:1 for K-8

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School 1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284 336-564-1010

www.bmhs.us

Dr. Jared Rashford, head of school

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 458

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL

A lifelong Catholic with a passion for strong academics and sharing the faith in the formation of young people, Mark Tolcher brings more than 18 years of Catholic school experience, most recently serving as director of enrollment at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga., where he also served as associate assistant principal for a year and as a theology teacher from 2017 to 2021.

Current principal Dr. Carl Semmler will move to serve as president of Christ the King, as part of a new high school leadership model that will allow principals to handle academic oversight and daily operations, while presidents focus on shaping the school’s mission and vision, community relationships, financial management and fundraising. Tolcher holds master’s degrees in theology from Holy Spirit College and in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. He has a bachelor’s degree in public and urban affairs from Georgia State University. He also completed the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s principal formation program.

Five schools welcome new principals this fall

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL

Dr. Maryanne Leonard is officially stepping into the role as principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point after having served as interim principal for the past nine months.

Leonard is an experienced Catholic educator with a deep connection to the IHM community. Before becoming interim principal, she served as IHM’s lead middle school English Language Arts teacher. Previous experience includes serving as teacher, curriculum facilitator and reading specialist for Guilford County Schools as well as stints as an adjunct professor at both Walden University and UNC-Greensboro. She holds a doctoral degree in curriculum instruction and supervision from UNC-Greensboro, as well as multiple degrees from the College of New Rochelle in New York.

ST. ANN SCHOOL

Celene Little has served St. Ann School for the past decade, most recently as assistant principal. A native of Big Stone Gap, Va., Little holds a degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey

College, a master’s degree in special education from UNC-Charlotte, and a Certification in School Administration from UNCGreensboro. She has had a diverse career in education, from teaching at St. Mark’s (currently LifeSpan) to directing early intervention programs in York, Chester and Lancaster counties in South Carolina. She is also the proud mother of four children who have been educated in the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools system.

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Nick Calametti is joining St. Patrick School as principal, replacing interim principal Dr. Alicia Reid. A lifelong Catholic with a deep commitment to education, Calametti feels strongly that the purpose of Catholic schools is to educate and evangelize. Calametti’s previous experience includes two years as the elementary assistant principal

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL FROM SACRED HEART!

at St. Mary Catholic School in Mobile, Ala., as well as stints as director of student life/discipline/ technology, director of technology, technology teacher, and Spanish teacher during his time there. He holds a Master of Education in educational leadership and Catholic school leadership from Marymount University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile.

CANONGATE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Erick Allen succeeds Sedrick Dellinger, who co-founded the school in 2013. Allen is an adult convert who entered the Church in 2016. He brings decades of educational and leadership experience to his new role, having served in both private and public schools, and most recently served as a faculty member with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, an organization dedicated to assisting teachers and leaders in independent and diocesan schools. He has an undergraduate education degree and a master’s degree in English from Appalachian State University in Boone.

— Catholic News Herald

Success in School Starts Here

Children in our Diocese from refugee camps and war-torn countries deserve the same chance at a quality education that other children have

Catholic Charities is helping to provide the academic support, mentoring, and learning experiences these kids need to excel in school and reach their educational goals

Other principals

Margaret Beale Immaculata School

Gary Callus

St. Leo School

Christopher Kloesz

St. Pius X School

Michael Miller

Asheville Catholic School

Kevin O’Herron

St. Matthew School

Kevin Parks

Holy Trinity Middle School

Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J.

Our Lady of Mercy School

Catherine Rusch

Our Lady of Grace School

Michele Snoke

St. Gabriel School

Kurt Telford

Charlotte Catholic High School

Julie Thornley

St. Mark School

Jacob Nolan

St. Michael School

Dr. Jared Rashford

Bishop McGuinness High School

Tyler Kulp

Our Lady of the Assumption School

Erin Brinkley

Sacred Heart School

To donate school supplies to help refugee youth and other children in need as a new school year begins, visit ccdoc org or call 800-227-7261 to schedule a drop-off at a local office

Tolcher

Leonard

Little

Calametti

Allen

Endowment funds benefit our schools and make Catholic education more accessible

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 92 endowments with a total market value of approximately $16.1 million that generate income to directly aid the diocese’s schools and their students:

n Ad Meliora Endowment Fund: Financial support for facility improvements and beautification initiatives at Christ the King High School.

n American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School.

n Archibong Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for African American, Indigenous, or Students of Color for students attending Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n Asheville Catholic School Endowment Fund: Financial support to enable the school to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers, and enhance the school’s curriculum.

n Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of parishioners at St. Leo the Great Parish to attend St. Leo School in Winston-Salem.

n Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at this school in Kernersville.

n Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Don and Mary Gay Brady Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro.

n Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: Provides for the general needs of Catholic elementary and secondary schools and Catholic campus ministries in the Asheville area.

n Molly Cassidy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance at the elementary and secondary grade levels for parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greensboro.

n Catholic Education Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.

n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice.

n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: Provides for the general needs of Charlotte Catholic High School at the Board’s discretion.

n Charlotte Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Benefits Charlotte Catholic High School.

n Sister M. Joanice Cohen & Sister M. Elizabeth Fowkes, IHM Endowment Fund: Financial support to promote long-term recruitment, training and development of teachers at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Cornelius Alexander Davis, II Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem.

n Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment

Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Parish attending Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Derhofer Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area.

n Stephen and Jessica Dey Options Endowment Fund: Benefits the “Options” programs at the diocese’s schools.

n Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of the diocese’s schools.

n FFHL Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Established through “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” Diocesan Campaign, this fund provides tuition assistance for Catholic schools

Endowments aid students, schools

$5,316,739 has been distributed from 92 endowments managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation that directly benefited students and schools

in the Diocese of Charlotte.

n Gayden and Janell Gauthier Family Endowment Fund: Provides for technology and infrastructure updates and tuition assistance for students of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School, both in Hendersonville.

n Mary Gay and Don Brady Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for faculty members’ children in the Piedmont-Triad area Catholic schools to attend Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n George L. Repass Memorial Tuition Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.

n Gismondi Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Parish members to attend Christ the King High School in Huntersville.

n Bobbie Grant Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending Bishop McGuinness High School.

n Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte.

n Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School.

n Holy Family Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Catholic school tuition assistance (K-12) for members of Holy Family Parish in Clemmons.

n Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Endowment Fund: Supports the general needs of Holy Trinity Middle School.

n Immaculata Catholic School Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at this school in Hendersonville.

n Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in High Point.

n Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

n Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools families.

n LeFeber Endowment: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Mooresville and St. Mark Parish in Huntersville to attend Christ the King High School.

n Manley Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students of families at St. Eugene Catholic Church to attend Asheville Catholic School.

n Beth Maren Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to Catholic students at UNC-Charlotte.

n Catherine McAuley Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

n Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point.

n Lee McGuiness Endowment Fund: Benefits the Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association.

n Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of

Mercy School in Winston-Salem.

n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Education Endowment Fund: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area.

n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ students with special needs.

n Reverend Enrique A. Mendez, S.D.B. Endowment Fund: Provides for needy alumni from Colegio San Julian, in Guines, Province of Havana, Cuba, and/or their families or persons associated with Salesian Schools.

n Katelyn Mitchell Student Athlete Scholarship Endowment Fund: For the benefit of a student-athlete in sixth, seventh or eighth grade at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

n Eleanor C. Murphy Educational Trust Scholarship Endowment Fund: Provides scholarships for the benefit of students from Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury.

n Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem.

n Victor M. Nussbaum Jr. Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

n Chris and Margaret Onulak Endowment Fund: Provides for the general needs of Asheville Catholic School.

n Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n Poutré Family Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Quinn Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for Catholic high school students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus and Rowan counties.

n Clark G. Ross St. Therese Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Assistance for college-aged parishioners at St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.

n Sacred Heart School Catholic Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.

n Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael School in Gastonia.

n Sisters of St. Joseph Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Bishop McGuinness High School students.

n Victoria Sleeman Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: For professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Michelle Stanley Scholarship Endowment Fund: Financial support for the general needs at St. Mark School in Huntersville.

n St. Ann Catholic School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n St. Gabriel School Catholic Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Memorial Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to graduating high school seniors from this parish in Tryon for attendance at postsecondary schools.

n St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.

n St. Lawrence Council (#1695) Student Scholarship Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational needs of council

members’ and deceased members’ children.

n St. Leo Catholic School Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for St. Leo School students.

n St. Mark Catholic School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n St. Mary’s Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition aid for the children of parishioners from St. Mary’s Parish who attend Our Lady of Grace School or St. Pius X School, both in Greensboro, or Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n St. Mary’s Catholic Church College

Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from St. Mary’s Parish in Greensboro who attend Belmont Abbey College.

n St. Matthew School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n St. Michael School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of the school.

n St. Pius X School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at the school.

n St. Therese Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Support for post-secondary education for the youth of the parish, who have demonstrated a commitment to service within this parish in Mooresville and/or their community.

n Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School.

n Theresa Lasecki Talbert Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n Remo and Carolyn Termini Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Asheville Catholic School.

n John Michael Thompson Endowment Fund: For the benefit of Sacred Heart School in Salisbury.

n F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance for students in all nine MACS schools.

n Triad Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance to students attending a Catholic elementary or high school in the Triad area.

n Villalon Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

n Sabrina Watt Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

n Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School to attend a college of their choice.

n Woelfel Family Endowment Fund: Provides for students’ educational purposes at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro.

n Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

n Yates-Murphy Educational Trust Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Holy Name Parish in New Bedford, Mass.

n Sister Emma Yondura Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for a student at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem.

Fund a named endowment

Interested in setting up a named endowment or adding to an existing endowment at your parish or Catholic school? Establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will; a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan; a gift of real estate; a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment; or a life income arrangement, such as a trust or annuity. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.

FFHL funds provide $140K in tuition assistance at seven schools

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign is funding $140,000 in tuition assistance this fall that will help dozens of students receive a Catholic education.

The FFHL campaign funds capital projects, endowments and other needs across the growing diocese. Included in the $65 million campaign is a tuition assistance endowment available to the diocese’s 20 schools.

The $140,000 is going to seven diocesan schools that applied for the 2023-’24 school year: Asheville Catholic School, $54,000; Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, $40,000; Immaculata School in Hendersonville, $3,500; Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, $11,000; Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, $2,000; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, $23,000; and St. Michael School in Gastonia, $6,500. The funds are expected to help participating Catholic families who have the greatest financial need.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ funding,” said Erin Brinkley, principal of Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, where 35 students are receiving tuition assistance from these funds. “Investing in our students enables us to facilitate their personal growth, development and education, which can lead to so much opportunity. Additionally, it will enable us to extend our mission of creating saints and positively impact the future of our Church.”

The FFHL tuition assistance endowment, with more than $4.3 million in assets, is administered by a committee consisting of the diocese’s schools superintendent, chief financial officer and members of the diocesan school board. Available income

from the endowment is distributed to qualifying diocesan schools that apply each year for student financial aid.

An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never touched, but the income from which can be used according to the wishes of the donor organization or person. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the longterm strength and viability of the recipient parish, school or ministry.

To date, a total of $870,230 in FFHL funding has been awarded to the diocese’s schools. In its first year in 2017, FFHL tuition assistance totaling $49,372 was given out to four diocesan schools. In 2022, $130,000 was awarded to eight schools.

“We are grateful to all the FFHL donors who help us continue striving to make Catholic education affordable and accessible to all,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. “Thanks to their support, more families can benefit from a quality Catholic education.”

“The FFHL campaign continues to have a significant and meaningful impact,” added Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “The $870,000 in tuition assistance that has been distributed to date helps students receive an education that will literally change their lives.”

To qualify for the tuition assistance money, the school must receive local parish support of at least $500 per participating Catholic student and must have awarded all of its tuition assistance funds it already has for that school year. Schools that do not receive $500 per student in parish support may be considered if there are extenuating financial circumstances that preclude this level of support. Qualifying schools may request funds

from the FFHL endowment for participating Catholic students with a financial need.

The tuition assistance endowment is one

of seven endowments funded through the FFHL campaign.

— Catholic News Herald

TEACHERS NEEDED ST. ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

CHARLOTTE, NC

Teacher Assistants Full and Part-time

Part-time Computer Teacher

APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be positive, energetic, flexible, patient, and a team player

• Be prepared to live out and model Catholic/Christian virtues

• Display solid communication skill and faithful leadership

• Have a successful history of working with children, teachers and parents

Please send applications to: Celene Little, cflittle@stannschool.net

Tuition discount for staff children!

CHARLOTTE — Heading off to college means ticking off a long list of to-do items –from registering for classes to packing and buying last-minute dorm necessities. But don’t forget to add to that list: connecting with Catholic Campus Ministry!

Catholic Campus Ministry is where college students will find caring people who will welcome them immediately and make them feel at home.

It is the place to find friends and support, grounded in the Catholic faith, all year long. Students often comment that they feel lost when they first arrive on campus. Lisa Scarduzio, a 2022 graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro, has a message for new and returning students to college: “If you are looking for a place to belong, that will make you feel at home, that will love you no matter where you are on your faith journey, then Catholic Campus Ministry is the place for you.”

Besides being a supportive community, Catholic Campus Ministry provides weekly meals, Bible study groups, prayer opportunities, retreats, fun events, group discussions, and unique opportunities to meet and learn from classmates and older students.

Some campuses offer weekly Masses; others arrange transportation to nearby parishes. In the Diocese of Charlotte, campus ministers serve the campuses at Appalachian State University (with outreach to LeesMcRae College and Lenoir-Rhyne University),

College students: Campus Ministry is here for you

Davidson College, High Point University, Thea House for Bennett College and N.C. A&T, UNC Charlotte (with outreach to area colleges/universities), UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Guilford College and Greensboro College), Wake Forest University (with outreach to N.C. School of the Arts and Salem College), and Western Carolina University.

You can learn more about these campus ministries by visiting www. catholiconcampus.com. Going to a college or university beyond the diocese? Search the school’s name and “Catholic Campus Ministry” in Google to find a Catholic community at that campus.

In addition, feel free to contact Darien Clark in the diocese’s Catholic Campus Ministry office: dnclark@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3212.

Have a blessed year!

DIOCESAN SUPPORT

APPEAL 2023

Your DSA contributions at work

Campus Ministry is funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. For more information or to donate, go online to www.charlottediocese/dsa.

— Ann Kilkelly

PHOTO PROVIDED

Catholic Campus Ministry helps young people stay connected to their faith and fellow Catholics when they head off to college. The diocese’s program serves college and university campuses across western North Carolina. For details, go to catholiconcampus.com.

Adolescentes disfrutaron de campamento

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

ASHEVILLE — El Ministerio Católico Hispano de la Vicaría de Asheville organizó el primer campamento juvenil de 2023 del 14 al 16 de julio pasado en el centro de campamentos Hot Springs, ubicado en la localidad del mismo nombre.

Según informó Antonio García, coordinador del ministerio hispano de ese vicariato, alrededor de 55 jóvenes adolescentes de ambos sexos, entre 13 y 17 años de edad, participaron de esta hermosa experiencia en compañía de adultos y chaperones comprometidos en la labor de la pastoral juvenil. Los jóvenes llevaron sus tiendas de acampar, cobijas, elementos de aseo y cuidado personal, pero sobre todo muchas ganas de pasarla bien.

Las actividades programadas incluyeron la práctica de varios deportes, juegos, dinámica de grupos, convivio y otros, además de charlas en las que se abordaron diversos temas religiosos con un enfoque juvenil. La jornada concluyó con la celebración de la Santa Misa el domingo a las 11 de la mañana, a la que pudieron asistir los participantes acompañados de sus padres, familiares y amigos.

“Fue un tiempo de recreación y reflexión donde tuvimos la oportunidad de contar con la presencia del Padre Francisco Arredondo OFM Cap., quien viajó desde Fort Lauderdale, Florida, para estar con nosotros”, dijo García.

El Padre Arredondo es director de vocaciones de la provincia Stigmata de la Conferencia de Capuchinos de América del Norte y el Pacífico, que cubre los estados de Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Las Carolinas, Tennessee y Virginia.

En 2018, el Padre Arredondo, quien tiene un especial carisma y cercanía con los jóvenes, participó junto a otros sacerdotes designados para el Ministerio de la Divina Misericordia en una Misa celebrada en Roma por el Papa Francisco, durante el Año

Jubilar de la Misericordia.

“Éste es el primer campamento del 2023, pero ya hemos hecho otros anteriormente en el mismo lugar. Los jóvenes que participaron pertenecen únicamente a las diferentes parroquias de la vicaría de Asheville. Nuestra idea de realizar estos campamentos es reanimar la pastoral juvenil en nuestra vicaría a través de experiencias con la naturaleza y encuentros fraternos, donde los jóvenes puedan hacer nuevos amigos, así como escuchar temas que los motiven en su desarrollo personal y humano”, señaló García.

Respecto al Padre Arredondo, el coordinador dijo que, “es un sacerdote que nos ha acompañado en diferentes actividades en los últimos años” y que espera en Dios pueda continuar asistiéndolos en la hermosa tarea de guiar el desarrollo espiritual de los jóvenes.

También el coordinador señaló que espera darle seguimiento a esta experiencia, aunque reconoció que todavía no tienen un plan completamente diseñado. Sin embargo, anunció que el equipo que organizó el encuentro continuará con las reuniones de jóvenes para formalizar progresivamente un programa bien articulado.

¿Tengo los dones y carismas del Espíritu Santo?

Cuando hablamos de los dones del Espíritu Santo, reconocemos estos siete que nos enseña el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica: Sabiduría, Entendimiento, Consejo, Ciencia, Piedad, Fortaleza y Temor de Dios. Estos son regalos para siempre, nos hacen santos y semejantes a Jesús. Son gracias santificantes. Pero ¿ahí se quedan?

Bueno, primero que todo, estos dones nos producen muchos frutos como el amor, la caridad, alegría, gozo, paz, paciencia, bondad. Y todo esto, para nosotros los cristianos, se desarrolla al tener un encuentro personal con Jesús Resucitado. Entonces, además de estos siete, ¿qué hay? Tenemos que reconocer que Dios nos invita a participar en Su tarea. Estamos llamados a una vocación que nos va a transformar y que transformará al mundo junto con Él. Todos hemos recibido carismas del Espíritu Santo para poder realizar nuestra habilidad particular. El don del Espíritu es una gracia que nos hace santos y el carisma es una gracia que nos permite hacer santos a los demás. El Espíritu nos eleva más alto de lo que habíamos previsto, pero en la línea de aquello que somos.

Emocionante Día de la Familia Católica en Carowinds

En www.catholicnewsherald.com : Vea más fotos del Día Familiar Católico

Mediante el Bautismo y la Confirmación nuestra alma está en una permanente condición alerta y activa. Nuestros carismas están ahí, y mediante el discernimiento llegamos a conocerlos, explorarlos y desarrollarlos. Luego, recibimos afirmaciones mediante los buenos frutos de quienes nos aseguran que vamos bien, y las apreciaciones de los hermanos y hermanas nos dan fuerza y valentía para continuar la transformación junto con nuestro Creador. Ejerciendo nuestros carismas reactivamos el fuego del Espíritu, nos convertimos en testigos ejemplares e invitamos a otros a que compartan los suyos. Todos hemos sido empoderados por Dios para el bien de los demás, como instrumentos de Su Divina Providencia. Para estar seguros, las características de un carisma son: duran un largo tiempo, puede que prosperen en desarrollo y no se debilitan por la condición física; llevan a resultados por encima y más allá de nuestras habilidades naturales; se enfocan hacia afuera; han sido recibidos por la voluntad de Dios, no elegidos por nosotros. Todos estamos llamados a hacer las cosas que son características de una vida cristiana. Dios nos da la Gracia que necesitamos mediante los dones del Espíritu y nuestros carismas. Pongamos en discernimiento todo aquello que nos encanta hacer, aquello que los demás siempre nos piden que hagamos, todo lo que hacemos por el bien de los demás sin medir esfuerzos.

Desarrollar nuestros dones y carismas por el bien de nuestros hermanos y hermanas es el verdadero regalo de la vida que nos ha dado Dios. ¡Ánimo, tú los tienes! ¡Compártelos!

IBIS CENTENO es coordinadora del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Salisbury.

Ibis Centeno

FOTOS POR ALEX CASON PHOTOGRAPHY

CHARLOTTE — Cientos de familias católicas y jóvenes disfrutaron y compartieron su fe en el Día Familiar Católico en Carowinds el pasado 23 de julio. Monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte, ofreció Misa a las 9 de la mañana en el Teatro Carowinds, antes de que todos disfrutaran de los juegos mecánicos, almuerzo y otras atracciones que ofrece el parque de diversiones.

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — El Ministerio Hispano de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino organizó una celebración especial al Divino Niño, una devoción muy arraigada en Colombia que se celebra en ese país sudamericano cada 20 de julio.

Rosa Jiménez, coordinadora del ministerio hispano y asistente administrativa de la parroquia, refiere que la comunidad latina no es muy grande en Santo Tomás, solo unas 20 a 25 familias, pero que “desde que se estableció oficialmente el Ministerio Hispano hace un año, han empezado a acercarse más familias. Después de los anglosajones, los filipinos y africanos son los que tienen mayor presencia, y luego los latinos”.

Las actividades incluyeron la celebración de la Santa Misa, una procesión, un compartir de alimentos, la rifa de cuatro regalos diferentes y la consagración de las familias a esta devoción.

“Invitamos a los niños a participar en la procesión con la estatua del Divino Niño que tan bellamente fue adornada por varias familias”, añadió Jiménez.

La Santa Misa fue celebrada en la víspera, miércoles 19 de julio, por el párroco, Padre Matthew Codd, siendo el homilista el Diácono Kevin Martínez, quien junto al seminarista Emmanuel Martínez está asignado a la parroquia durante esta temporada de verano.

Durante la homilía, el Diácono Martínez recordó a los asistentes la importancia de la infancia del Niño Jesús, todo un Dios que se hizo niño para estar cerca a nosotros y resaltó que, pese a su condición divina, necesitó del cuidado, ternura, protección, amor y educación de sus padres, la Santísima Virgen María y San José.

Resaltó la importancia de los padres como primeros educadores de la fe en sus hijos, así como también la necesidad de compañía, cuidado y guía de los niños.

Al término de la Santa Misa, el Padre Codd ofreció la oración de consagración de las familias al Divino Niño. A la salida del templo, todos los asistentes recibieron imágenes y rosarios del Divino Niño. A los niños, quienes estuvieron encantados con la celebración, se les entregaron crayolas y hojas para colorear con la imagen del Divino Niño y la oración devocional.

Honraron al Divino Niño

Rosa Jiménez, coordinadora del ministerio hispano y asistente administrativa de la parroquia, comentó que por primera vez la celebración de la Fiesta del Divino Niño, devoción especialmente arraigada en Colombia, contó con presencia multicultural.

Durante el compartir se sirvieron deliciosas empanadas ecuatorianas, pan mexicano, chocolate caliente y muchas golosinas para los niños, todas donadas por los parroquianos.

Jiménez destacó que esta fue la primera vez en que se contó con la presencia de fieles anglosajones en la festividad del Divino Niño. “Cerca de diez familias se unieron a nuestra celebración y también nos acompañaron una familia de la parroquia de San Lucas y algunos feligreses de la comunidad filipina de la Iglesia San John Newman”, dijo muy contenta.

DEVOCIÓN MUNDIAL

Desde hace unos 300 años la devoción al Niño Jesús se extendió rápidamente por Europa, América, Asia, África y Oceanía. Entre las representaciones más conocidas se encuentran: el Niño Jesús de Praga, en Checoslovaquia; el

Santo Niño de Atocha, en México; el Divino Niño de Arenzano, en Italia y el milagroso Niño Jesús de Bogotá en Colombia.

El sacerdote salesiano Padre Juan del Rizzo llegó a Barranquilla, Colombia, en 1914, y con gran esfuerzo se dedicó a recaudar fondos para la construcción de un templo, aunque sin éxito. Entonces sintió que debía pedirle este milagro al Señor por los méritos de su infancia. Desde entonces, el éxito del sacerdote fue extraordinario y se convirtió en un gran devoto del Divino Niño, dedicando su vida a la propagación de la devoción.

En 1935 el Padre del Rizzo fue trasladado a Bogotá, donde providencialmente se encontró con una preciosa imagen del Divino Niño. Luego, se la llevó a los campos de la obra juvenil salesiana en el barrio ‘20 de julio’, expandiendo posteriormente su devoción a todo el territorio colombiano y desde allí al mundo.

— Colaboró ACI Prensa

Celebran cenáculos mensuales en vicariato de Hickory

CÉSAR HURTADO

rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

HICKORY — Con la realización de cenáculos una vez al mes, la Misión del Santo Rosario se mantiene activa especialmente en las parroquias del vicariato de Hickory, dijo el Diácono Darío García, coordinador del ministerio hispano de esa vicaría y director espiritual diocesano de ese movimiento apostólico. El domingo pasado, añadió, el cenáculo que reúne a las comunidades de las parroquias de Newton, Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Morganton y Mooresville, se realizó los salones de la iglesia de Hickory. Un cenáculo, explicó el Diácono García, es la oración comunitaria característica de los movimientos consagrados al Corazón de María, y por consecuencia al de su hijo, el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. El cenáculo, amplió, “nos recuerda la plegaria hecha por María con los apóstoles en el Cenáculo de Jerusalén para prepararse a la llegada del Espíritu Santo”. De esta manera, los miembros de la Misión del Santo Rosario siguen unidos con María en oración para pedir un nuevo Pentecostés que renueve la Iglesia, la humanidad, la Creación entera y a sus propios miembros.

El movimiento sacerdotal mariano de España afirma que “Los cenáculos en general, sirven a los movimientos marianos para orar con María. Por este motivo, es una característica de todos los cenáculos el rezo del Santo Rosario. Con él se invita a la Virgen a unirse a nuestra oración, se ora

En los cenáculos, comentó el Diácono Darío García, director espiritual de la Misión del Santo Rosario, se reza el Santo Rosario, se medita sobre la Consagración al Inmaculado Corazón de María, se vive el compromiso asumido y se promueve la fraternidad entre las familias participantes. “Pasamos un tiempo muy hermoso como comunidades de fe”, dijo.

juntamente con Ella, mientras Ella misma va revelando a las almas el misterio de la vida de Jesús. El Rosario que rezan en los Cenáculos, secundando la urgente petición de nuestra Madre Celeste, es como una inmensa cadena de amor y de salvación

con la que pueden envolver a personas y situaciones, y hasta influir sobre todos los acontecimientos de nuestro tiempo. Continúen orándolo, multipliquen los cenáculos de oración”.

Los cenáculos también sirven a los

consagrados a ayudarse mutuamente a vivir la consagración al Inmaculado Corazón de María. En las reuniones se dedica una pausa a la meditación del libro del movimiento escrito por San Luis María Grignion de Montfort, una guía a la consagración que incluye reflexiones, meditaciones y textos marianos, distribuidos en treinta y tres capítulos para cada día de la preparación.

Finalmente, a través de los cenáculos se llama a todos a vivir la experiencia de una fraternidad auténtica, dejando de lado la soledad y el abandono.

Como explica el Diácono García, los cenáculos regularmente se llevan a cabo en los hogares de los miembros de la misión, siendo especialmente útiles para lograr la consolidación católica de la familia, y en su relación con otras familias viviendo auténticamente la fe. “Ahí se reza el Santo Rosario, se medita sobre la consagración, se examina el compromiso asumido, se vive la fraternidad y renueva la entrega al Corazón Inmaculado de María. Es una reunión muy bonita pues las familias, en la medida de sus posibilidades, llevan siempre algo para compartir. Pasamos juntos un tiempo muy hermoso como comunidades de fe”, dijo.

Si desea conocer más sobre la Consagración al Inmaculado Corazón de María y al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, y/o establecer la Misión del Santo Rosario en su parroquia, por favor comuníquese con el Diácono Darío García al correo electrónico dgarcia@rcdoc.org.

FOTO PROPORCIONADA

FOTO PARROQUIA SANTO TOMÁS DE AQUINO

Santo Domingo de Guzmán

La Iglesia celebra el 8 de agosto la fiesta de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, fundador de la orden de los Padres Dominicos en el siglo XIII. Nació en Caleruega, España, en 1171. Su madre, Juana de Aza, era una mujer admirable en virtudes y ha sido declarada beata.

A los 14 años se fue a vivir con un tío sacerdote en Palencia. La gente decía que en edad era un jovencito pero que en seriedad parecía un anciano. Su goce especial era leer libros religiosos y hacer caridad a los pobres.

Por aquel tiempo se presentó una hambruna y la gente suplicaba de ayuda para sobrevivir.

Domingo repartió todo lo que tenía. Luego, cuando ya no le quedaba nada más con qué ayudar a los hambrientos, vendió lo que más amaba y apreciaba, sus libros, para seguir ayudando.

En un viaje, acompañando a su obispo por el sur de Francia, se dio cuenta de que los misioneros católicos llegaban en carruajes elegantes, se hospedaban en los mejores hoteles y su vida no era un modelo de verdadera santidad. Domingo se propuso un modo de misionar totalmente diferente.

A la gente le impresionaba que el misionero fuera pobre y se dedicara con todas sus energías a enseñarles la verdadera religión. Se consiguió un grupo de compañeros y con una vida de total pobreza y santidad, empezó a evangelizar con grandes éxitos apostólicos. Sus armas eran la oración, paciencia, penitencia, y muchas horas dedicadas a instruir la religión.

En agosto de 1216 fundó su comunidad de predicadores, con 16 compañeros que lo querían y le obedecían como al mejor de los padres. Los preparó de la mejor manera que le fue posible y los envió a predicar. La nueva comunidad tuvo una bendición de Dios tan grande que a los pocos años ya los conventos de los dominicos eran más de setenta, y se hicieron famosos en las grandes universidades.

Lecturas Diarias

AGOSTO 6-12

Domingo (Fiesta de la Transfiguración del Señor):

Deuteronomio 7:9-10, 13-14,

2 Pedro 1:16-19, Mateo 17:1-9; Lunes (San Cayetano, San Sixto II Papa): Números 11:415, Mateo 14:13-21; Martes (Santo Domingo presbítero):

Números 12:1-13, Mateo 14:2236; Miércoles: Números 13:

1-2, 25–14:1, 26-29, 34-35, Mateo 15:21-28; Jueves (San Lorenzo, diácono y mártir):

2 Corintios 9:6-10, Juan

12:24-26; Viernes (Santa Clara Virgen): Deuteronomio

4:32-40, Mateo 16:24-28; Sábado (Santa Juana

Francisca de Chantal):

Deuteronomio 6:4-13, Mateo

17:14-20

El gran fundador le dio a sus religiosos unas normas que les han hecho un bien inmenso: primero contemplar y después enseñar, predicar siempre y actuar con caridad para ganar almas. Siempre dormía sobre duras tablas. Caminaba descalzo por caminos llenos de piedras y por senderos cubiertos de nieve. No se colocaba nada en la cabeza ni para defenderse del sol, ni para guarecerse contra los aguaceros.

Soportaba los más terribles insultos sin responder ni una sola palabra. Cuando llegaban de un viaje empapados por los terribles aguaceros, mientras los demás se iban junto al fuego a calentarse un poco, el santo se iba al templo a rezar. Sufría de muchas enfermedades, pero sin embargo seguía predicando y enseñando catecismo sin cansarse ni demostrar desánimo.

Era el hombre de la alegría y del buen humor. La gente lo veía siempre con rostro alegre. Sus compañeros decían: “De día nadie más alegre. De noche, nadie más dedicado a la oración y a la meditación”.

Sus libros favoritos eran el Evangelio de San Mateo y las Cartas de San Pablo. Siempre los llevaba consigo y prácticamente se los sabía de memoria.

Totalmente desgastado de tanto trabajar y sacrificarse por el Reino de Dios, estando en Bolonia, a principios de agosto del año 1221, se sintió falto de fuerzas. Tuvieron que prestarle un colchón porque no tenía. Y el 6 de agosto de 1221, mientras le rezaban las oraciones por los agonizantes cuando le decían: “Que todos los ángeles y santos salgan a recibirte”, dijo: “¡Qué hermoso, qué hermoso!” y expiró.

A los 13 años de haber muerto, el Sumo Pontífice Gregorio IX lo declaró santo y exclamó al proclamar el decreto de su canonización: “De la santidad de este hombre estoy tan seguro, como de la santidad de San Pedro y San Pablo”. — Condensado de www.catholic.net

AGOSTO 13-19

Domingo: 1 Reyes 19:9a, 11-13a, Romanos 9:1-5, Mateo 14:22-33; Lunes (San Maximiliano María

Kolbe, presbítero y mártir):

Deuteronomio 10:12-22, Mateo 17:22-27; Martes (Solemnidad de Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María):

1 Corintios 15:3-4, 15-16, 16:1-2, 1 Corintios 15:54b-57, Lucas 11:27-28; Miércoles:

Deuteronomio 34:1-12, Mateo 18:15-20; Jueves: Josué 3:710, 11, 13-17, Mateo 18:21-19:1; Viernes: Josué 24:1-13, Mateo

19:3-12; Sábado (San Juan Eudes, presbítero): Josué

24:14-29, Mateo 19:13-15

AGOSTO 20-26

Domingo: Isaías 56:1, 6-7, Romanos 11:13-15, 29-32, Mateo 15:21-28; Lunes (San Pío X, papa): Jueces 2:11-19, 30-34, Mateo 19:16-22; Martes (Nuestra Señora María Reina): Jueces

6:11-24, Mateo 19:23-30; Miércoles: Jueces 9:6-15, Mateo 20:1-16; Jueves (San Bartolomé Apóstol): Apocalipsis 21:9-14, Juan

1:45-51; Viernes (San Luis y San José de Calasanz): Ruth 1:1, 3-8, 14-16, 22, Mateo 22:34-40; Sábado: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17, Mateo 23:1-12

En la gráfica aparecen Jesus Benítez, Salomon Maya, Josué Maya, Jovanny Maya, Víctor Maya, Álex Maya, Christian Maya, Daniel Benítez, Eduardo Benítez y Gladys, todos ellos jugadores del equipo Charlotte F.C. que volverán al gramado este fin de semana para enfrentar a su contrincante de turno.

Sentimiento compartido: La fe y la pasión por el fútbol

SERGIO LÓPEZ

selopez@charlottediocese.org

BOONVILLE — El fútbol más que un deporte es una pasión de multitudes, arte y mucha adrenalina que descarga emociones y genera identidad. Citando a Monseñor Pedro Pablo Elizondo Cárdenas, quien escribió en el periódico ‘Sagrada Familia’ de la Diócesis de Cancún, “la fe no es no es una cancha donde los creyentes se pelean unos contra otros sino que es el sentimiento y la intuición que lleva a romper los límites de la mente racional para hablar con algo que se no ve, que no huele, que no se puede tocar y que no sabes siquiera que existe”, podríamos establecer un paralelo entre el deporte del fútbol y la práctica de la fe que, siendo personal, se vive en comunidad, en equipo.

Por ello, además de fomentar la práctica de la fe, la parroquia Divino Redentor en Boonville dio inicio el pasado 15 de julio el ‘Torneo Copa Católica Volumen 2’.

Iniciemos con el nombre de la copa. El año pasado, durante la asignación de verano del seminarista, ahora Diácono Mathew Harrison, uno de sus proyectos fue coordinar y organizar el ‘Torneo Copa Católica 2022’. Su presencia y participación motivó mucho a la comunidad.

Este año, el párroco, Reverendo Jean Pierre Swamunu Lhoposo, pidió a la comunidad que identifique a posibles líderes parroquiales que puedan dirigir una nueva edición del torneo. Gabriel Gómez, catequista de RICA y prodigio del fútbol, fue designado responsable.

Gómez, junto a un equipo de voluntarios, trabajó en las inscripciones y estadísticas del torneo asistido por la oficina de Ministerio Hispano Diocesano de la Vicaria de Winston-Salem. Cabe mencionar que en la parroquia Divino Redentor ya han existido varias ediciones del torneo, que se inició en el año 2010 con el entonces párroco y algunos servidores.

Uno de los aspectos resaltantes de este torneo es el liderazgo, que promueve a voluntarios y servidores a que se desempeñen como entrenadores, capitanes de equipo, organizadores, vendedores, encargados del mantenimiento del campo y, en uno de los más ingratos de los trabajos, como árbitros.

En esta edición, se decidió mantener el nombre, reglas y formato de eliminación. Se dio inicio con dos divisiones: Infantil (10-14 años) y Libre (15 a más), obteniendo la respuesta de cuatro equipos para la división infantil y ocho para la libre. El torneo ha sido diseñado para resaltar el compañerismo y la comunidad dentro de los encuentros, y aunque en todos los torneos la competencia se manifiesta de manera dominante, se pretende que lejos de competir se promuevan los frutos del Espíritu Santo: benignidad, paz, paciencia, perseverancia, mansedumbre, bondad, gozo y fe, así como ejercitar nuestros cuerpos y mentes, pues ya lo dice el refrán, “Mens sana in corpore sano”, es decir, “Mente sana en cuerpo sano”.

Cada encuentro comienza con una oración y termina con un saludo de compañeros. Todos los participantes son parroquianos y se espera que se construyan valores dentro de la comunidad. También, en la liga se cuenta con la ayuda de voluntarios para la venta de refrescos, aguas y algunas botanas, un equipo que está recaudando fondos para una misión que se tendrá en noviembre de este año. Este equipo, al que se ha llamado ‘Un Cuerpo en Cristo, One Body in Christ’, viajará en misión a Guerrero, México, para ayudar a los más necesitados.

Los organizadores agradecieron la participación de los jugadores, coordinadores, voluntarios, equipo de mantenimiento y al grupo de ventas. Y dieron un agradecimiento especial para el párroco, por el reto y la confianza puesta en el equipo de coordinadores.

Considere unirse a los más de 2 millones de miembros de la organización fraternal católica más grande del mundo y registrándose en línea hoy en: www.kofc.org/joinus/es

Por tiempo limitado - Membresía en línea GRATISUse el código de promoción (BLESSEDMCGIVNEY)

FOTO CORTESÍA GABRIEL GÓMEZ

FOTO CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO

‘Santo Domingo de Guzmán’, óleo en canva de Claudio Coello (Madrid, España, 16421693). Probablemente fue realizado en 1685 e inicialmente expuesto en el Convento Dominico de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Madrid, España.

Our nation

Pro-life groups respond to Vice President Harris’ blast on states for enacting abortion bans

TYLER ARNOLD Catholic News Agency

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President

Kamala Harris lamented the growing number of states that have restricted abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and encouraged Congress to enact pro-abortion legislation, drawing ire from national pro-life groups.

“There’s something underlying this approach that states like Iowa have taken that really suggests that they’re – that they don’t trust women to be able to know what’s in their best interests and make the decision accordingly,” Harris said in an interview with “ABC News Live Prime,” which the station plans to air in full on Monday night.

Iowa is the latest state to approve new abortion restrictions when the state’s governor signed a six-week abortion ban earlier this month. A state judge temporarily halted its enforcement as the court weighs arguments about its compatibility with the state constitution. The law would prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

North Carolina was among the states that limited abortion access this year on July 1, banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, lowered from 20 weeks

The vice president suggested that the federal government step in and codify the abortion standards set in Roe v. Wade, which is in line with what President Joe Biden and his administration have called for since the Supreme Court overturned that decision. This would prevent states from enacting pro-life legislation.

“Congress has the ability to put back in place the protections that the Supreme Court took away,” Harris said. “And President Joe Biden has been very clear,

when that happens, he will sign it.”

Harris said the abortion issue is “not some intellectual debate” and argued that “every day in America, there are people suffering, silently suffering in many cases.” She expressed her support for ballot initiatives that seek to establish proabortion laws in states that have pro-life governments.

“So I am concerned about what’s been happening, but I also have faith in the people of America,” the vice president said.

Harris also alleged that some women have been denied medical services for treatments related to miscarriages in prolife states.

Some pro-life organizations spoke out against Harris’ comments and defended the pro-life laws that have been passed in about two dozen states.

“Contrary to the vice president’s statements in her interview with ABC, abortion is not health care, and yet Vice President Harris parroted abortion industry talking points with ease and repeated the lie that pro-life laws are preventing treatment

for women who have had or are having miscarriages,” Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said.

“Tragically, since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of more than 64 million unborn children,” Tobias added. “The only thing we agree on with Vice President Harris is that the abortion issue is not an intellectual debate – millions of lives have been lost and more preborn lives are at stake.”

E.V. Osment, the vice president of communications for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, cited polls that suggest most Americans support restricting after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

“Kamala Harris states she has faith in the American people,” Osment said. “If true, then why is she not advocating for abortion limits as desired by most Americans? Recent poll after poll show most Americans want abortion limited by 15 weeks when science proves that the baby can feel pain in the womb. This is a position she’s never advocated for.”

Osment argued that Harris and the

Democratic Party’s abortion platform is “radical” and not in line with “the will of Americans.”

“When Harris states that people are silently suffering as a result of abortion laws, she overlooks our nation’s most vulnerable population,” Osment added. “Since Roe v. Wade over 63 million children have suffered and lost their lives silently from dismemberment and chemical abortions.”

Just over one year ago, on June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned nearly half of a century of precedent, which had kept abortion legal nationwide and prevented states from imposing most restrictions. Some states approved trigger laws to restrict abortion as soon as the precedent was overturned and other states passed laws in their next legislative session to protect preborn children.

More than a dozen states banned most abortions from the moment of conception, most of which maintained certain exceptions, such as rape, incest, and the life of the mother. In about a half of a dozen states, lawmakers put more restrictions on abortion, such as the six-week limit in Georgia and the 18-week limit in Utah.

Pro-abortion activists have taken to ballot initiatives in an attempt to enshrine a wide range of pro-abortion policies in state constitutions where lawmakers have passed pro-life laws. In Ohio, there will be such a measure on the ballot on Nov. 7, and there are similar initiatives underway in Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota.

Judges have blocked the enforcement of pro-life legislation in about five states, where the measures are currently working themselves through the court system. There have been other legal efforts in several pro-life states that have asked courts to strike down their restrictions on abortion.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a virtual address to the Generation Equality Forum on June 30, 2021.

THE WHITE HOUSE | YOUTUBE

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In Brief

As record heat scorches the globe, climate advocates urge Catholics to take action

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 80 million Americans are currently under dangerous heat advisories. Temperatures in California’s Death Valley hover around 120 degrees Fahrenheit at midnight. Setting a city record, Phoenix as of July 31 had seen 31 straight days of heat over 110 F, the cause of 25 deaths, as confirmed by health officials July 22. Spain, Greece and Italy have recorded all-time high temperatures. In several Middle Eastern countries, the heat index in mid-July reached 152 F, considered almost at the limit for human survival. But how do thermometer-bursting digits relate to wider concerns about climate change, a warming earth, and the call to action of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” – and can individual Catholics make a difference? Pope Francis referenced the recent heat headlines during his July 23 Sunday Angelus message in Rome, while making a global plea “to do something more concrete to limit polluting emissions” and “protect our common home.” José Aguto, executive director of the Washington-based Catholic Climate Covenant, said, “If we as Catholics believe in the fundamental life and dignity of every human person, we then have an obligation to protect the life and dignity of every human person – and that includes assuring a stable, thriving earth for them.”

Steven Coleman, a leader of the Catholic Action Team for the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the Care for Creation Team at Madison’s St. Dennis Parish, said small, individual efforts – such as carpooling, recycling, water conservation, limiting use of plastics – should be a priority for people, including Catholics, but more important, he advised, is to “have the courage to talk about it.”

Catholic home-school experts say home learning feels more mainstream post-pandemic

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — According to the National Home Education Research Institute, the number of U.S. home-school students in grades kindergarten to 12 grew from 2.5 million in spring 2019 to 3.1 million, or roughly 6% of school-age children, in the 2021-2022 school year. Seton Home Study School, an accredited school for home learning and the largest provider of Catholic home-schooling materials in the U.S., saw a large enrollment boost during the pandemic, said Draper Warren, Seton’s admissions director. Home-schooling can mean a major lifestyle change for a family, which can feel scary, he said. Jenny Bales, a Texan who supports fellow Catholic homeschooling parents through her website, Heart of a Mother, said some Catholics choose to home-school because they don’t have access to Catholic schools or feel they can’t afford them, or because parents are concerned about their children encountering messages that are contrary to the church in traditional-school models. As the pandemic waned, Bales noted a rise in families choosing to home-school to benefit a child with a learning disability or neurodiversity diagnosis such as ADHD, who do better with one-on-one instruction. Maureen Wittmann, co-founder of Homeschool Connections, said home-schooling is also growing among minority families and more fathers appear to be taking the lead.

Knights of Peter Claver push back on DeSantis’ defense of Florida slavery teaching

NEW ORLEANS — The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, a historically Black Catholic fraternal organization, is pushing back on recent remarks by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential hopeful, regarding his state’s controversial new standards for teaching about slavery. During a July 21 campaign stop in Salt Lake City, DeSantis defended a portion of Florida’s 2023 social studies curriculum standards that calls for instruction on “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” In a July 26 statement, the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary condemned both the remarks and the Florida curriculum. “The Bible teaches that man can only have one Master –and that Master is God,” said the organization in its statement. “Slavery was a non-Christ-like practice that only provided earthly benefit to the false masters who used false interpretations of the Bible and religion to justify their sinful greed, and complete devaluation of the sanctity of human life – God’s greatest gift. What Gov. DeSantis missed is that despite the sins of man, God will always continue to speak and bless His children,” said the statement. “It was not slavery that provided any benefit to the enslaved, but rather God’s unfiltered and unconditional love and reach.” The Knights stated, “The legacy of slavery continues to have a drastic negative impact on ALL AfricanAmericans – just as it did in its prime.”

Kerry Alys Robinson selected as next president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Kerry Alys Robinson has been named as the next president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, the organization representing the interests of its 167 member organizations dedicated to carrying out the domestic humanitarian work of the Catholic Church in the United States. When Robinson, currently an executive partner of Leadership Roundtable, begins her tenure Aug. 23, she will become the second layperson and second woman ever to lead CCUSA, the group said. In a July 25 statement, CCUSA board chair Neal Black said Robinson’s “entire professional life has been devoted to serving and bettering our Church.” In a July 25 statement, Robinson said, the Gospels “call Catholics and all people of good will to serve those most in need of our aid. The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies around the country answer that call every day: feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted and welcoming the stranger,” Robinson said. “I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be a part of this life-giving mission.”

As tornado recovery continues, Kentucky community has groundbreaking for new church

DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. — Eighteen months after devastating tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky, Resurrection Parish in Dawson Springs gathered people in the rain for a groundbreaking on the property where its church once stood. Resurrection Church, severely damaged by the tornado, was deemed a total loss. After months of hard work, planning, and adjustments, they finally gathered for a groundbreaking July 8. A new church will be constructed where the previous one stood. Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro noted in his homily that the parish was “aptly named” and noticed that the city of Dawson Springs has already begun its “resurrection,” rebuilding the homes and businesses destroyed. For the past 18 months, parishioners have gathered for Mass at Rhonda and Donnie Mills’ shed on the

property of their home, which was unscathed by the Dec. 10, 2021, storms. Rhonda Mills has “heard no complaints” about the setup, even when they celebrated first Communion under their carport. She said the community is “just glad to stay together.”

‘Never, never lose faith,’ says man whose miraculous cure as child led to St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s canonization

FERNDALE, Wash. — Jake Finkbonner first decided to become a medical doctor when he was in middle school. “I’d love to help people the same way that so many people have helped me,” the 23-year-old from Ferndale, Washington, said. The recent college graduate drew his inspiration from the doctors who rushed to rescue him from an aggressive flesheating bacteria that tore through his face more than 17 years ago. They had help: Finkbonner’s family and community turned to then-Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha to intercede for the 6-yearold’s life. The day after her relic entered his hospital room, the infection -- without explanation -- stopped. The cure became the second and final miracle needed for the canonization of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a 17thcentury Kanien’kéha:ka (Mohawk) Catholic and the first Native American woman declared a saint. Finkbonner recently spoke with OSV News about the miracle, his apparent visit to heaven

while hospitalized, his faith, and his special connection to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, including his own Native American heritage. When people hear his story, Finkbonner hopes that they first take away the importance of having faith. “I can’t really convey this message as well as my parents, but in listening to them tell their story of watching me and everything that they went through, I would say that it would be to never, never lose faith,” he said.

Property & Facilities Manager

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting resumes for the position of “Property & Facilities Manager” within the Office of Diocesan Properties & Real Estate. The Property & Facilities Manager is responsible for the oversight, performance, operation, and facility management of all Tier 1 properties and vehicles. While maintaining a high level of expertise and professionalism, the Property & Facilities Manager will address both internal and external issues impacting facility operations, including budgetary oversight, preventative maintenance, overseeing plant improvements, and responding to and resolving Diocesan/Location facility requests or concerns.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college/university required.

• 5+ years min. experience managing multi-building campuses and operations is preferred.

• IFMA/CFM designation strongly preferred.

• A valid driver’s license is required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Strong proficiency in preventative maintenance/work order systems and processes.

• Ability to read and interpret Architectural and Engineering drawings.

• Strong inter-personal communication skills – both written and verbal.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work both independently and with a team.

PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, RESUME AND SALARY HISTORY TO:

Director of Properties & Real Estate

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

1123 South Church Street

Charlotte, NC 28203

Or email directly to PropDirector@RCDOC.org.

For the latest news 24/7:

In Brief

Pope Francis to Russia: Destroying grain, creating hunger is ‘grave offense to God’

VATICAN CITY — Destroying grain is a “grave offense to God,” Pope Francis said, appealing to authorities in Russia as “my brothers” and urging them to resume cooperating with a United Nations’ initiative to guarantee the safe transport of grain out of Ukraine. “Let us not cease to pray for beleaguered Ukraine, where the war is destroying everything, even grain,” he said after praying the Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter’s Square July 30, 2023. “This is a grave offense to God, because grain is his gift to feed humanity; and the cry of millions of brothers and sisters who suffer hunger rises to heaven,” he said. “I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea Initiative may be restored and grain may be transported safely,” he said. The pope was referring to a U.N. initiative that started in Aug. 2022, allowing millions of tons of grain and other crops harvested in Ukraine to be exported across the Black Sea. However, Russian government authorities announced July 17 it would no longer take part in the agreement. Since then Ukraine’s ports on the Danube and grain storage facilities have been targeted by drone and missile strikes; Ukrainian authorities said 60,000 tons of agricultural products were destroyed at a site in Odesa, estimated to have been able to feed 270,000 people for a year.

Human trafficking is modernday slavery that can happen just around the corner, victims say

LONDON — Human trafficking doesn’t happen only in far away places where human rights are neglected. It happens around the corner. It’s modern-day slavery, say those working to stop it around the world. “Slavery didn’t end in the United States with the Civil War and the 13th Amendment in 1865. Legal slavery ended,” said Greg Burke, a former Vatican spokesman who develops strategic partnerships for the anti-slavery charity Arise. “What continues to this day is people – most of them young women – being enslaved in massage parlors, nail salons and prostitution rings, working to pay off massive debts they owe to the people who have tricked and trafficked them,” Burke said. July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which aims to raise awareness about the victims of human trafficking and promote and protect their rights. This year’s theme, “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind,” calls on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joined humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions said that “Salesian missionaries in many countries educate youth about the dangers associated with migration, which can put them at risk of trafficking and those who might wish them harm.”

Lisbon basks in joy as World Youth Day opens

PAULINA GUZIK OSV News

LISBON — Joyful, singing crowds were walking through Lisbon long after the opening Mass of World Youth Day 2023 was over Aug. 1. The atmosphere surprised even those that lived in the Portuguese capital throughout their lives.

“All those people are now on the streets, it’s really exhilarating! I don’t think it will happen in my lifetime again that so many pilgrims come to my city!” Concha Sousa, a Portuguese volunteer of WYD 2023, told OSV News.

Sousa is 26 but never participated in WYD before. But now, when it’s in her city, “how could you not,” she said. “It would be a sin not to!”

Thousands of young people participated in the opening Mass of WYD in Lisbon. Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the patriarch of Lisbon, welcomed them at the Eduardo VII Parc in the city center.

“Lisbon welcomes you wholeheartedly,” Cardinal Clemente told the youths.

In his homily, he described to them how the pilgrims were walking in the footsteps of the Blessed Mother. “Mary set out. A path that was difficult and without the means of transportation that we have available today. She was young like all of you, and had just conceived Jesus in a unique way, which the Gospel recounts,” Cardinal Clemente said.

Youth from all countries of the world except from Maldives arrived in Lisbon for the event, including over 1,300 groups comprised of more than 28,600 individuals from across the United States. The U.S. is among the five largest delegations participating in WYD, which is taking place Aug. 1-6. Most U.S. pilgrims to WYD are young adults between the ages of 18 and 25.

“From near or far, you all set out. It is very important to set out. This is how we should face our own lives, as a journey to be traveled, making each day a new segment,” Cardinal Clemente said.

Joseph Vo set out to come to WYD from San Jose. He saw the videos of WYD in Krakow in 2016, and that’s when he first dreamt of coming to World Youth Day.

“I was 11 at the time, and it was just so beautifully done and inspiring, and with Pope Francis being such an inspiring pope I decided that when I would get older I would one day go to World Youth Day,” he said.

He loved the Lisbon encounter from the first sight.

“It’s been fantastic, it’s been beautiful,” he said. “There is plenty of time to pray and encounter God directly. Also it’s just a really beautiful opportunity to talk and engage and meet other young people.”

“It feels like we’re all family members that haven’t seen each other for a long time,” Vo said.

For youth, often closed in their own virtual circles, what matters in WYD is the actual personal meeting.

“Virtual reality keeps us seated in front of means that easily use us when we think we use them. Quite to the contrary, reality consists in going out to encounter others and the world as it is, both to admire and make better,” Cardinal Clemente said.

“I’ve never seen so many different people so happy together,” a 16-year-old Portuguese pilgrim said, marching with her friends.

There are 354,000 pilgrims registered for the event, with the most representatives from Spain (77,224 young people), Italy (almost 60,000) and Portugal (43,742). France brought 42,482 pilgrims, followed by the U.S. The theme of WYD is “Mary arose and went with haste.”

“When I told Pope Francis that this was precisely the motto of our World Youth Day – Mary arose and went with haste – he immediately added that, ‘yes, with haste but not anxiously,’” Cardinal Clemente told the youth at the opening Mass Aug. 1. The encounter is also important for bishops from all corners of the Catholic world. Almost 700 bishops are registered for the event, according to the organizing committee, 30 of whom are cardinals.

Bishop Artur Wazny, auxiliary bishop of Tarnow, Poland, is one of them, and he said that after participating in several World Youth Days, this one means a lot to him as it is the first one he is participating in as a bishop.

“Starting with quite a difficult journey, I am really happy I could experience the event just like the young people and with them,” he said. “Young people give light and joy, and we can all embrace that joy from them and believe, thanks to them, that what I do as a bishop makes sense. They teach me to be a better man.”

OSV NEWS PHOTO | BOB ROLLER

A pilgrim from Argentina cheers prior to the opening Mass for World Youth Day at Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 1.

mothers and their children through its College Residence and Outreach Center programs. MiraVia has been serving the Charlotte community since 1994.

To learn more or make a donation, visit www. miravia.org.

Holy Angels recognized as county’s best nonprofit in the annual Best of Gaston Awards

BELMONT — Holy Angels recently received the Best of Gaston Award for the Best Nonprofit in Gaston County.

The Best of Gaston Awards, an annual event that celebrates the excellence and achievements of local businesses and organizations, is organized by the Gaston Gazette, in collaboration with community members and leaders.

Holy Angels was honored because of its outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the medically fragile.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to be recognized as the Best Nonprofit in Gaston County,” said Kerri Massey, Holy Angels’ CEO. “This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, volunteers and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the highest quality of care and opportunities for growth.”

Founded in 1955, Holy Angels has been a beacon of hope and compassion in Gaston

County and across North Carolina, providing comprehensive services and a nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities. The organization offers residential care, educational programs, vocational training, therapeutic services, and recreational activities, tailored to meet the unique needs and abilities of each individual.

As a recipient of the Best Nonprofit in Gaston County award, Holy Angels continues to set the standard for excellence in the nonprofit sector. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional care, advocate for individuals with disabilities, and foster an environment of acceptance and understanding.

Holy Angels also just received a perfect score in a survey from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information about Holy Angels, go to www.holyangelsnc.org.

Eight days of Masses coming to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish for its annual ‘Mary Days’

CHARLOTTE — The annual Mary Days, eight days of Masses in honor of Our Lady, will be celebrated this month at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte.

Priests from the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond will preach on various titles of Our Lady. The week of Masses begins Tuesday, Aug. 15, for the Solemnity of the Assumption, and then every night until Tuesday, Aug. 22, for the Feast of the Queenship of Our Lady.

All the Mary Days Masses begin at 7 p.m. except on Saturday, Aug. 19, which is at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 20, which is at 5 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is located at 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

Brian Pusateri Effie Caldarola

The big test is coming, but we can see the answers now

Aday is coming when our life here will cease. Will we be ready for the judgment that awaits all of us? Will we pass the test? Can we know the answers to the judgment test in advance? Yes we can!

In our hearts, we all know that life is fleeting.

James 4:14 tells us: “You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.” In our heads, we often struggle with the reality of our mortality. We never want to assume this day will be our last, so we put off until tomorrow things that need our immediate attention today.

Being prepared for the time we breathe our last breath is important.

Matthew 24:44 says this: “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Luke 12:35-36 tells us: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”

Are you ready? It has been said that we all might be more prepared if we knew exactly when our death would come. In Psalm 39:5, the author asks God to tell him the time of his death when he writes: “Lord, let me know my end, the number of my days, that I may learn how frail I am.” If you could know the exact number of days remaining in your life, would you really want to know? How would this change the way you live your life?

The fact is, we don’t know when our time will be up, and therefore, we should strive to be ready at all times. When that day does arrive, there will be judgment. Are you prepared for what that judgment will bring? Not everyone who cries “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, according to Matthew 7:21. Jesus tells us that only those who do the will of His Father will enter heaven. So, if we want to spend eternity with God in Heaven, we should ask ourselves this question: “What is God’s will for me?”

WITH THE ANSWERS, WE SHOULD PASS

Imagine for a moment that you had a very important test coming up in school. In fact, this test is so important that your performance on the test will determine whether or not you graduate. Wouldn’t you want to know the questions on the test in advance? Imagine further that the teacher has such a strong desire to see everyone in the class pass that he gives all of the students the answers to the test. One would assume that no one should fail the test, right?

Ignatian prayer: Imagination brings the Gospels to life

Not so fast. Our Heavenly Father has done just that for all of us. He has told us exactly how Judgment Day will go. You could say He has given us the answer for our eternal quiz in advance. He has told us how He will grade our test. With the answers in advance, shouldn’t we all pass? Unfortunately, He tells us that not everyone will.

Matthew 25:31-46 is the answer sheet that God has given us in advance of our judgment day. God wants us to love Him above all others, and He wants us to love others as He loves us. Not only has He given us the answers to the quiz, He has also told us that as our shepherd, He will separate us on His right and left based on our test results. Here is that eternal test:

1. Did you feed the hungry?

2. Did you give drink to the thirsty?

3. Did you welcome the stranger?

4. Did you clothe the naked?

5. Did you care for those who were ill?

6. Did you visit those in prison?

The answer that God is looking for from us for all six questions is “yes.” How did you do? Did you answer “no” to any question? Did you pass the test?

BE VIGILANT AND READY FOR THE TEST

The day will come when He will say to those who passed the test: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” He then says to those who failed the test: “‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment.”

Yes indeed, God has given us the answers to the test. He has told us just how important it is that we show kindness and compassion to others, just as He has shown the same to us. He has warned us to be vigilant and ready for the test.

God has told us that our sins of omission can cause us to flunk the most important test we will ever encounter. He has given us the answers to the quiz. Will we utilize those answers or will we live life by our own standards? Are you ready if the test came today? If not, it’s not too late to start cramming for the exam.

BRIAN PUSATERI, founder of 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries, is a Catholic author and speaker. This was previously published at brokendoorministries.com.

Today, I spent time with the Gerasene demoniac. At least I did so in my imagination. I journeyed there in prayer and then stood with Jesus, watching the tortured and screaming man descending the hillside and identifying his demons as “legion.”

Praying with the imagination is a hallmark of Ignatian spirituality. It’s an active form of prayer, used in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. It’s used particularly when we explore the life of Jesus in Scripture. In Ignatian parlance, it’s called contemplation, but instead of keeping our mind free of thoughts as one would in some forms of contemplative prayer, in the Ignatian tradition the mind, heart and memory are fully engaged.

The demoniac’s story is one of Scripture’s most captivating. Jesus arrives “on the other side of the sea” (Mk 5:1), having sailed into pagan territory on the Sea of Galilee, directly across from the Jewish town of Capernaum. We have reached the land of Gerasenes.

Jesus is immediately confronted by a frightening man who emerges from the cave-like tombs among the rocks. A version of this story appears in all three synoptic Gospels, but Mark’s version, which runs to 20 verses, is powerful, simple and direct.

My imagination lets me take in the heat of the day, the oppressive dust, the strangled cries of the tortured man who cannot be restrained, even by chains. As I sink into my imagination, I note my reactions to what is before me. Am I afraid? Instead of standing back, terrified, today I feel great empathy for this tortured man. I feel confident that Jesus has things in hand. I look up in amazement as the man descends the rocky incline towards me.

In Jesuit Father James Martin’s book “Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” he recounts his own journey to Israel and his attempt to find the real sites of many Scripture stories. He devotes an entire chapter to this confrontation with the man besieged by evil spirits, and he shares expert opinions on the story and its possible true-life location. With him, you confront an unwelcoming vista where empty tombs sheltered a besieged man. And you are led into prayer.

Jesus knows who the demons are and does not fear them. Instead, they fear him and ask to be sent into the pigs grazing on the hillside.

In my imagination the pigs feature strongly because I grew up on an old-fashioned family farm with pigs: chickens, milk cows, feral cats – we had them all. Let me tell you that 2,000 pigs, which is Mark’s report, is an enormous number of pigs. Can you imagine what that many dead pig carcasses would do to the ecosystem of the Sea of Galilee? Who was counting pigs, anyway?

So in my imagination, there’s a herd of pigs, a realistic number. Praying with my imagination allows me to be creative with the environment. I watch in amazement as Jesus sends the demons into the pigs and into the water.

I feel great compassion for the man possessed. Who of us has not been overtaken by our own failures and sinfulness? Who has not felt alone, rejected? Who has not withdrawn in anger or torn at chains we feel binding us? Demonic possession may be a rare thing, but everyone has suffered from the results of evil in this world.

Tomorrow I’m going back to the hillside to spend more time with the man freed by Jesus. I will ask Jesus to help me with the chains that bind me.

EFFIE CALDAROLA is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Seattle University.

‘God has given us the answers to the test on Judgment Day. Are you ready if the test came today?’

Seek and share a vision of heaven on earth

The vision of heaven in most of our minds may consist of palaces and streets of gold. We may muse on days of rest, large banquets and hours of supreme joy. Since our experience in this area is limited, it is fortunate that we have the prophets and apostles to guide us in creating a more perfect vision of heaven and its attainability in our own lives.

In Romans, St. Paul tells us: “For the kingdom of God does not mean food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit; he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Rom 14:17-18).

much goodwill toward our neighbors that we brighten up the world, so much that peace envelops the entire globe? Wouldn’t that peace, that bliss, be a taste of heaven?

Prophets of old give us a GPS to eternal peace on earth. Jeremiah tells us to turn their mourning into joy, to comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow (Jer 31:13-14). In Tobit’s teachings we not only see how to treat our neighbors, but also how to live our own lives as a means of peace. “Watch yourself, my son, in everything you do, and be disciplined in all your conduct. And what you hate, do not do to anyone. Do not drink wine to excess or

Letter to the editor

‘Great humor’

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Deacon Bill Melton‘s “Sowing the seeds of ‘nonsense’ ” commentary in the Catholic News Herald’s July 21 edition. Great humor with a even greater finish.

Letters policy

Could it be that heaven is much more than our dreams of excess riches and luxury, and is instead centered around the humility of Christ, self-sacrifice, the joy of grace, and justice toward all? If so, could our actions begin to bring the kingdom of heaven here, to earth, at this very moment?

We know from Colossians that at the end of time Jesus will reconcile all things back to Himself (Col 1:19). He will need our help; it is through our role as kingdom priests that people, even nations, will be reconciled to Christ. Through our actions as Christ’s hands, feet, and voice here on earth, we will bring about this reconciliation.

In many of St. Paul’s letters, he draws a road map of how we are to bring about the kingdom of God on earth. In Romans, he instructs: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good to edify him. For Christ did not please Himself; but, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me’” (Rom 15:1-3).

Two of the canticles in the Gospel of Luke – by Zachariah and Simon, both priests – speak of a light coming into the world. Zachariah proclaims, “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:78-79). Similarly, Simon speaks of “a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel” (Lk 2:32).

Christ is and will forever be the light, and through the grace of His crucifixion, we are bearers of His light. Our job is to shine light on the darkness that surrounds us to bring salvation. All of us working together can surely outshine any darkness and light up the world.

In speaking of heaven, the Book of Revelation reveals: “The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light.” (Rev 22:4-5) What if we shine so

let drunkenness go with you on your way. Give your bread to the hungry, and of your clothing to the naked. Give your surplus to charity, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it” (Tob 4:15-16).

Therefore, to bring the kingdom of God here to earth, to experience its glorious splendor now, we must forgive and help our neighbor, fill others with joy, and free ourselves from the desires of evil. Think about all the times that we need to let go of frustration, envy or malice toward the people in our lives.

There is yet another way of experiencing the kingdom of heaven on a daily basis that requires only our awareness and a small amount of participation: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Yes, the kingdom of God is truly present at Mass, even when we are not. When you are truly aware of heaven coming down to earth at the Mass, you can visualize it all around you and be awestruck.

Yet, after we have blissfully enjoyed this glimpse of heaven, it is our duty to return to the everyday world so we may take what we have experienced out to others who cannot or have not experienced this miracle for themselves. Remember how Isaiah received the burning coal on his lips and then was instructed to take what he had encountered out to the world? For us, that burning coal is the Eucharist, and through it we are strengthened to bring the kingdom to others we encounter.

If we truly have Christ’s light within us, then He will show us the way to be the light, to walk in His path, to reconcile all to Himself. Psalm 16 reminds us: “You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness forever” (Ps 16:11). Not just at Mass, but each day in the ordinary world. Is heaven truly attainable? Look around –it is already present!

APRIL PARKER is a parishioner and teacher at St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro.

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We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Together we can make a Promise to Protect and a Pledge to Heal.

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Every Church worker must go through abuse prevention and education training. Find more information about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Safe Environment program, sign up for Protecting God’s Children training and more: Go to www.charlottediocese.org and click on “Safe Environment”

For more information or questions, please contact the diocese’s Human Resources Office: www.charlottediocese.org/human-resources or 704-370-6299.

‘All of us working together can surely outshine any darkness and light up the world.’

DENNY SCHELL is a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Newton.