June 23, 2017

S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Scenes from Quo Vadis Days 2017 5A

J u ne 2 3 , 2 0 1 7

‘You are Christ’s’ INSIDE: Five men ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte

Celebrating Corpus Christi in Asheboro 2A

INDEX

Contact us........................ 4A Events calendar............... 4A Our Faith........................... 2A Our Parishes................ 3-9A Schools........................10-11A Scripture readings.......... 2A TV & Movies.....................12A U.S. news.................... 14-15A Viewpoints................. 18-19A World news................ 16-17A

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Our faith 2A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebrating Corpus Christi in Asheboro Pope Francis

Holiness means being open to God

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eing a saint doesn’t require spending long hours in prayer, but rather living life open to God in good times and in bad, Pope Francis said.

Christians should live with the “hope of becoming saints” and with the desire that “work, even in sickness and suffering, even in difficulties, is open to God,” the pope said June 21 during his weekly general audience.

“We think that it is something difficult, that it is easier to be delinquents than saints. No! We can become saints because the Lord helps us. It is He who helps us,” he told the estimated 12,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

In his talk, the pope reflected on the intercession of the saints, who are “older brothers and sisters who have gone along our same path, (gone through) our same struggles and live forever in God’s embrace.”

“Their existence tells us above all that Christian life isn’t an unattainable ideal. And together, they comfort us: We are not alone, the Church is made up of innumerable brothers and sisters, often anonymous, who have preceded us and who, through the action of the Holy Spirit, are involved in the affairs of those who still live here,” he said.

Just as their intercession is invoked in baptism, the pope continued, the Church asks for their help in the sacrament of marriage so couples “can have the courage to say ‘forever.’”

“To live married life forever; not like some who say, ‘as long as love lasts.’ No, it is forever. On the contrary, it is better you don’t get married. It’s either forever or nothing. That is why their presence is invoked in the nuptial liturgy,” he said.

The lives of the saints serve as a reminder that “God never abandons us” and in times of trial and suffering, He “sends one of His angels to comfort us and fill us with consolation.” There are “angels, sometimes with a face and a human heart because God’s saints are always here, hidden among us,” he said.

Another sacrament in which the saints are invoked is holy orders, in which candidates for the priesthood lay prostrate on the ground while the bishop and the entire assembly pray the Litany of the Saints, he said.

“A man would be crushed under the weight of the mission entrusted to him but, in feeling that all of paradise is behind him, that the grace of God will not fail because Jesus is always faithful, he can go forward serenely and refreshed. We are not alone,” he said.

Pope Francis said Christians need saints who lived their lives “aspiring to charity and brotherhood because without them, the world would not have hope.”

Photos by Amber Sheriff | Catholic News Herald

ASHEBORO — As at other churches across the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Philip Kollithanath, pastor, led parishioners at St. Joseph Church in a Eucharistic procession after Mass June 18 to commemorate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, or in Latin, “Corpus et Sanguis Christi.” On this holy day that honors Our Lord’s Presence in the Eucharist, Our Lord is placed in a monstrance which is then carried by a priest to four different altars representing the four corners of the earth. While processing, the congregation follows and sings. At each altar there are readings, prayers and benediction. The feast day was established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of St. Juliana of Mont Carvillon, and extended to the universal Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. The office was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas, and the procession was approved by Popes Martin V and Eugene IV. Originally observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, in 1970 it was shifted to the following Sunday for the U.S. and most of the world.

Your daily Scripture readings JUNE 25-JULY 1

Sunday: Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:12-15, Matthew 10:26-33; Monday: Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday (St. Cyril of Alexandria): Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 1214; Wednesday (St. Irenaeus): Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (Sts. Peter and Paul): Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Friday (The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church): Genesis 17: 9-10, 15-22, Matthew 8:1-4; Saturday: Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-55, Matthew 8:5-17

JULY 2-8

Sunday: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16, Romans 6:3-4, 8-11, Matthew 10:37-42; Monday (St. Thomas): Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Tuesday (Independence Day): Genesis 19:15-29, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday (St. Anthony Zaccaria): Genesis 21:5, 8-20, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday (St. Maria Goretti): Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday: Genesis 23:1-4, 19, 24:1-8, 62-67, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday: Genesis 27:1-5, 1529, Matthew 9:14-27

JULY 9-15

Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-10, Romans 8:9, 11-13, Matthew 11:25-30; Monday: Genesis 28:10-22, Matthew 9:18-26; Tuesday (St. Benedict): Genesis 32:23-33, Matthew 9:3238; Wednesday: Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24, Matthew 10:1-7; Thursday (St. Henry): Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5, Matthew 10:715; Friday (St. Kateri Tekakwitha): Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30, Matthew 10:16-23; Saturday (St. Bonaventure): Genesis 49:29-32, 50:15-26, Matthew 10:24-33

Our parishes

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocesan officials eye upcoming U.S. evangelization conference Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — Delegates from the Diocese of Charlotte are looking forward to attending “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America,” a fourday evangelization conference that is being held at the directive of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The July 1-4 convocation in Orlando, Fla., is an invitation-only gathering featuring workshops, keynote addresses by national Catholic leaders, and time for prayer. More than 3,000 attendees from dioceses across the U.S. are expected to attend.

Bishop Peter Jugis selected the Charlotte diocese’s delegates to attend the convocation with him: Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte; Joseph Purello, director of Catholic Charities’ Social Concerns and Advocacy Office; Jessica Grabowski, diocesan Respect Life coordinator; Paul Kotlowski, diocesan director of Youth Ministry; Matthew Newsome of Campus Ministry; and David Hains, diocesan communication director.

“An inspiring list of speakers are scheduled to present, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles, Catholic author Matthew Kelly and former Catholic Relief Services CEO Carolyn Woo. I think of these people as the best communicators in our faith, and I look forward to being inspired by what they say and then discerning how I can be of service to the Church,” Hains said. He also said he looks forward to sharing the diocese’s various communication efforts – including online and social media channels – with others.

For Newsome, the convocation’s focus on Pope Francis’ encyclical “The Joy of the Gospel” (“Evangelium Gaudii”) ties specifically into his work with college students at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

“I see the students on our campus as falling into two groups: those who are already believers, and those who are not. In this way it is a microcosm of the world. As a

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Follow daily coverage of the July 1-4 “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America” campus minister, I am called to serve both groups, but a large part of what I do is help equip the former to go out and engage the latter. What I am hoping to bring back from this convocation are practical strategies for how this can best be done – it is always good to hear about what is working well in other places – but more than that, a renewed vigor for the New Evangelization that I can share with my co-workers and students.”

Newsome said he also hopes to share best practices from the diocese’s Campus Ministry efforts.

“We have a strong campus ministry program in our diocese that functions very much as a team,” he said. “My understanding is that in most other dioceses, campus ministers tend to function more as individual agents on their campus. I’d like to share what has worked well for us here using a collegial model. It has practical advantages, allowing us to cover more campuses and provide students opportunities for retreats and service events that they may

not otherwise have. More importantly, it gives our students a sense of belonging to the universal Church.”

Kotlowski also said that he is interested in “gathering with the national Church and our own diocesan delegation at this unprecedented event to explore the implications of Pope Francis’ challenges put forth in ‘Joy of the Gospel,’ and to work with Bishop Jugis and his team on whatever initiatives he sees fit for equipping missionary disciples in western North Carolina for the New Evangelization.”

Michael Griffith, religious education director at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, is also attending the convocation representing the national Life Teen Ministry organization.

Meeting other Catholic leaders and discussing how well the diocese is doing at the primary mission of the Church – the salvation of souls – is what Griffith said he is looking forward to the most at the convocation.

“I think it’s very telling that there is this desire to come together and really have an honest and open assessment of our evangelization efforts,” he said. “It’s certainly easy to take a stance that ‘Oh, it’s the parents that are the problem,’ or place the blame somewhere else, when the Church has been tasked with going out to reach those people who do not have a relationship with Christ – or perhaps even basic knowledge of their faith.

“My goal is to really see how we can be better and do better in this regard. I’ve always been a firm believer that the Church does not need to change; it’s the people who need to change. Of course, this then necessitates the Church at least adapting its evangelization efforts to hopefully and eventually bring about this change in the person.”

Griffith adds, “I’m hoping, too, that we can really reflect on why we do what we do. Why do we teach CCD in the parish or religion in our Catholic schools? Is it simply to have students learn a basic set of prayers and information, or is it to form intentional disciples? If it’s the latter, what are we doing to foster this? If we take some time and remember that at the center of catechesis is Christ, and the purpose of catechesis is to enter into a relationship with Christ, that should change how we approach discipleship.”

Driving for Hope CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte held its 14th annual “Drive For Hope” golf fundraiser June 7. This event, which drew 63 people out to The Golf Club at Ballantyne, raised an estimated $24,000 to support the work of Catholic Charities in the Charlotte area. Proceeds from the event will be used to help the most vulnerable in the community to move out of and stay out of poverty, especially through programs such as Catholic Charities’ food pantry and burial assistance, Transitions Out Of Poverty, counseling and pregnancy support. Pictured (from left) is the four-some of Tracie Gordon, Denise Shropshire, Stracy Steele and Kathy Moland. Over the past 13 years, more than $120,000 has been raised to help people in the community receive life-saving services. Sponsors included St. Gabriel Church; Kodiak Construction; Anonymous Friends; Technocom; Knights of Columbus N.C. State Council; Schwaba Law Firm; St. Ann Church; St. John Neumann Church; St. Matthew Church; Edifice Inc.; Barker Industries Inc.; and Fitzpatrick Lawn & Landscapes Inc. “Drive For Hope has been one of the major events in the Charlotte area for the past 14 years. Each year, we make new friends and have a little fun while we’re at it!” said Sharon Davis of Catholic Charities, who helped to organize the event. “By supporting Drive For Hope, the golfers, donors and sponsors all play a part in helping transform lives of the most vulnerable in the Charlotte area. Drive For Hope helps everyday miracles happen, whether its food on the table, someone dealing with depression, a baby that is born to loving and prepared parents, or the family waiting to bury their loved one.”

Photo provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

UPcoming events 4A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: June 26-28 Province Meeting of Bishops Charleston, S.C.

July 8 – 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. James Church, Hamlet

July 15 – 5:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Margaret Mary Church, Swannanoa

July 1-4 National Convocation of Catholic Leaders Orlando, Fla.

July 11 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation; Installation of Father Casey Coleman as Pastor St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Sylva

July 19 Ordination of Bishop Bernard Shlesinger as Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta

July 7 – 12:10 p.m.

Mass for Admission to Candidacy for seminarian Miguel Sanchez St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

July 12 – 5:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Franklin

Diocesan calendar of events June 23, 2017

Lectures

Volume 26 • Number 19

Family honor’s ‘leading & Loving’: Two-part series starting Friday, July 28, 6:45-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury. “Leading & Loving” is a Catholic program that helps parents respond to children’s questions about the meaning of God’s gift of sexuality.

This program presents the beautiful truths of human sexuality, family life and virtue cultivation through the lens of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Seminar is intended for parents of young children, newborn through early teens. Childcare will be provided. To register, visit www.familyhonor.org or contact 803-929-0858.

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

FREE Medicare Choices Made Easy Classes: 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, at St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St., Asheville, and 6-8 p.m. at St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville. Presented by the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. To register, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org. Hosted by Catholic Charities Elder Ministry.

SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

NATURAL Family Planning

Hispanic communications reporter: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.org

NFP Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, June 24, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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

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

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

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

PRAYER SERVICES & Groups RELIGIOUS LIBERTY MARCH: Join a march for religious liberty Friday, June 23 (the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Starts at 11:30 a.m. from the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, proceeding to the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse, 401 W. Trade St. Pro-Life Rosary: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Everyone welcome to come and help pray for the end of abortion.

For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835. Parking is available nearby. Outdoors, rain or shine.

Seventh Annual Marion Rosary Congress: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in the Ministry Center at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis. Speakers include Father John Eckert (English track) and Father Robin Antonio Mora Casanova (Spanish track). For details, contact Tammy Harris at 704-519-7901 or tmharris1217@gmail.com.

Centennial Anniversary of Fatima: 7:30 p.m.

Meets the 13th of each month from May to October, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia. All are invited to the recitation of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, outdoor candlelight procession

and small reception. For details, call the parish office at 704-867-6212.

community with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

For details, call Suzanne Bach at 704-335-0253.

CHARLOTTE Maronite Mission: Masses are offered every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Church’s Waxhaw Campus, 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, Waxhaw. The Maronite Mission of Charlotte is an Eastern rite Catholic Church in full communion with the pope.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver and Family Support Group: Meets the first Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m., in Family Center Room 203 at St. Mark Church, Huntersville. Organized with the Alzheimer’s Association, the monthly meetings are for the caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s.

For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@yahoo.com.

Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members.

For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

Evening Novenas: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., High Point. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join them in praying for the needs of your families and for our hurting world. For details, call the parish at 336-883-0244.

Retreats Rachel’s vineyard weekend retreat: Oct. 20-22 in the Greensboro area. Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion. For details, contact Jackie Childers at Jack-ie.childers1@gmail.com.

East Meets West Retreat – The Medicine of Words, St. John Chrysostom’s ‘On the Providence of God’: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Aug. 17-18, Immaculate Conception Mission, 42 New Found St., Canton. Everyone welcome to join for talks that will provide insight into St. John’s treatise, and how it may help us endure in the faith and evangelize others during our own perilous times. For details, call the church office at 828-456-6707.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: ARDEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 12, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. Charlotte: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

YOUNG ADULTS Scripture Study ‘Word & wisdom’: 7-9 p.m.

Sundays, June 4- Aug. 6, in the Family Life Center at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. All college-age and young adults are welcome. For details, email youngadult@stpatricks.org.

ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: Our Lady of Consolation Church: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 St. Gabriel Church: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” St. John Neumann Church: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587.

St. Matthew Church: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” St. Patrick Cathedral: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” St. Peter Church: look them up on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/St-Peters-Catholic-Young-Adult-MinistryCharlotte-NC.St. Thomas Aquinas Church: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest.

St. Mark Church in Huntersville: online at www. meetup.com/St-Mark-Catholic-Church-Youth-AdultMinistry/ Holy Spirit Church in Denver: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207.

ST. LEO The great church in Winston-Salem: online at “Winston Salem Frassati,” www.wsfrassati.com GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: at www.stpiusxnc.com/woc, on Facebook at “wayofchrist” and Twitter @wocgreensboro or email Dan McCool at wocgreensboro@gmail.com

Greensboro: Noon Sunday, June 25, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road SUPPORT GROUPS Shining Stars Adult day respite: Meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Shining Stars is a nonprofit adult day respite program for members of the

Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

Mercy Sister Carmen Cruz passes away BELMONT — Mercy Sister Carmen Cruz, 82, entered eternal life on June 9, 2017, at the Sisters of Mercy’s Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.

A service of remembrance was held June 15, 2017, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 16, 2017, in the Sacred Heart Cruz Convent Chapel followed by burial at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Sister Carmen was born in Agana, Guam, the daughter of the late Enrique and Rosa Rojas Mafnas.

A Sister of Mercy for 64 years, at the time of her profession of vows she chose as her ring motto to be “Rabboni” (“Master”).

She earned an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Sacred Heart College in Belmont and a master’s degree in theology of applied spirituality from the University of San Francisco. She was an outstanding primary education teacher in Catholic schools on Guam and in Charlotte, Asheville, Wilmington and Gastonia for 28 years. For 26 years she served as a certified hospital chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville.

During that time she also worked as a volunteer chaplain with the Asheville Police Department.

Her ministries were known and awarded. Among these was the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an award given by the governor of North Carolina to recognize extraordinary service to the State of North Carolina.

After leaving active ministry, Sister Carmen volunteered in a local grade school tutoring students in reading and she spent one day a week as a volunteer chaplain at Carolina Medical Center-Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. She also assisted students with special needs at Holy Angels Life Choices in Cramerton.

Gardening was one of her hobbies, allowing her to enjoy flowers whenever she wished. Not to be overlooked was her cherished cat, Patches. She relished dancing and some say she danced her way into heaven to be with her most beloved “Rabboni,” Jesus.

She is survived by two brothers, Antonio and Jesus Cruz; four nieces and four nephews; numerous cousins; and members of the community of Sisters of Mercy.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, N.C. 28012.

McLean Funeral Home in Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Quo Vadis Days 2017

Photos by Lorenzo Pedro | Catholic News Herald

BELMONT — More than 100 young men attended the 2017 Quo Vadis Days vocation discernment retreat, enjoying fellowship, games, prayer and Mass with priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte throughout the week-long camp held June 12-16 at Belmont Abbey College.

OUR PARISHESI 5A

Deacon Gene Gillis passes away, aged 87 KERNERSVILLE — Deacon Eugene “Gene” Gillis passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, aged 87.

A vigil for the deceased and a rosary were held June 18, 2017, at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville followed by visitation with family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 19, 2017, at Holy Cross Church with Franciscan Father Louis Canino officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Deacon Gillis was born on Oct. 20, 1929. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering Gillis from City College of New York. He served his country with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1955.

It was in Kernersville that he attended and served Holy Cross Parish. A charter member of Holy Cross Parish, he and his wife Christine were very active in family and parish activities.

Bishop John F. Donoghue ordained him a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte on July 2, 1988, at his home parish of Holy Cross Church.

Through the years he ventured with his wife Christine to Oak Island, where she enjoyed being close to the ocean. While there, he served the Diocese of Raleigh at Sacred Heart Parish in Southport.

After the passing of his wife Christine in 2003, he decided to move back to Kernersville. In that same year, he was reassigned to Holy Cross Parish, the parish of his first assignment.

Having reached the age of 75, he retired as a deacon in 2004 but continued to serve the parish he loved, as he was able.

In his 29 years of diaconate service, Deacon Gillis touched the lives of many and will be remembered as a deacon who loved his family, his Church and all those he served.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic Church Building Fund.

Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation Service of Kernersville was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 OUR PARISHES

Receiving first Holy Communion

Photo provided by Cathy Robertson

EDEN — Children at St. Joseph of the Hills Church received their first Holy Communion during Mass June 4.

Photo provided by Claudia G. Graham

SWANNANOA — Nine children at St. Margaret Mary Church received first Communion during Mass on June 18, the feast of Corpus Christi. Pictured with them are Marta Van Dussen, their faith formation teacher, Deacon Dan Hoffert and Father Matthew Leonard, pastor.

Patrick J. Hession | Catholic News Herald

JEFFERSON — Sixteen children at St. Francis of Assisi Church recently received first Communion from their pastor, Father James Stuhrenberg, and Father Camilo, Hispanic coordinator. Not pictured is Mahaley Schuster, who received her first Communion earlier.

BOONVILLE — Divine Redeemer Church was filled with joy June 3-4 as 123 children received their first Holy Communion during four Masses.

Photos by Sergio Lopez | Catholic News Herald Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

TRYON — Daisy Alviar and Perla Alviar received the sacrament of first Holy Communion on Trinity Sunday, June 11, at St. John the Baptist Church, during Mass celebrated by Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor.

GREENSBORO — Two groups of Latino children at Our Lady of Grace Church received first Communion during Mass on June 3. They are pictured with Father Eric Kowalski, pastor, and Deacon Mark Mejías.

Photo provided by Deacon Mark Mejías

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 7A

Sun shines bright on a successful SonFest 2017

CHARLOTTE — The seventh annual SonFest – part parish festival, part community fund raiser – drew thousands of people to St. John Neumann Church June 9-10 for games, food, music, rides and more in what may be the largest and most diverse event of its kind in the Diocese of Charlotte. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Nevins Inc., a Mecklenburg County charity that provides developmentally disabled adults with education and employment opportunities.

Event chairman Anthony Morlando notes, “We started SonFest seven years ago as a small church festival in the rear parking lot, and year after year it grew as we reached further out into the community. Today SonFest has become a large family-friendly community festival that draws visitors from throughout Matthews, Mint Hill and East Charlotte. When I look back to our little event in the back parking lot, and compare it to the large professional event it has become seven years later, I’m overjoyed and most importantly grateful to all those who work so hard to put on such an important and impressive festival. If you’ve attended SonFest in the past, you know this is not just a St. John Neumann event. It’s become a community tradition intended to bring together our neighbors, family and friends for a weekend of fun, food and really great music.”

“SonFest has become a St. John Neumann tradition, a beginning-of-summer carnival that our families and neighbors look forward to every year,” says Father Patrick Hoare, who is leaving as pastor next month. “It has helped make our diverse parish family closer, as we work together to make it happen. The smiles on the faces of our children make all the hard work worth it. SonFest makes memories, and is one of the many reasons I will always be proud to have been pastor at St. John Neumann.”

Photos provided by Marty Schneider and Andrea Dianderas

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 OUR PARISHES

Photos by Paul Doizé | Catholic News Herald

Retiring the Stars and Stripes KERNERSVILLE — Parishioners, local veterans, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and Cub and Boy Scouts from Holy Cross Parish took part in a flag retirement ceremony June 10. During the ceremony, American flags that are damaged beyond repair are carefully cut up a certain way and burned or recycled. The master of ceremonies was Steve Salvitti, and American Legion Post 36 provided the color guard. Kernersville Alderwoman Tem Tracey Shifflette was a speaker for the occasion.

Photo provided by Gerry Bratt, Carrie Vest and Don Barrett

IHM essay contest winners named

Photo provided by Father Patrick T. Hoare

2017 Horeth Scholarship awarded CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann celebrated its recent high school and college graduates at Mass on June 4. The Jordan Horeth Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kumel Weldegebriel, in recognition of her involvement in Church and community activities while maintaining a strong academic performance at Charlotte Catholic High School. The scholarship was established in honor of Jordan Horeth, a parishioner who tragically died in auto accident while driving to college classes in 2009. The award was presented by Mike and Karen Horeth, Jordan’s parents, and Father Pat Hoare, pastor.

HIGH POINT — Annually the graduating class of Immaculate Heart of Mary School participates in a Respect Life Essay competition, just prior to graduation. The event, organized by the parish Respect Life Committee and sponsored by the Bishop Hafey Knights of Columbus Council 4507, received 29 essay entries this year on a variety of life related issues. These were judged by a panel of five parishioners, under the guidance of Dr. Maryann Leonard, chair of the English Department, who provided the scores with a template that contained critical elements such as focus on the subject, textual evidence supporting the writer’s position, understanding of the subject and a call to action for others to accept their Christian responsibility The top three essayists and their subjects were: Claire Peters, first place, immigration; Michelle Petrangeli, second place, abortion; and Diana Arellano, third place, stem cell research. All the participants received congratulatory comments from Fr. Tom Norris, O.S.F.S., parochial vicar, and Dr. Leonard, on the spiritual impact of their subjects and quality of their writing.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 9A

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In Brief Volunteers needed for Eucharistic Congress CHARLOTTE — More than 300 volunteers are needed for the Diocese of Charlotte’s 2017 Eucharistic Congress Sept. 8-9 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Volunteer jobs are only for a few hours, and the rest of the time they are free to enjoy the Congress.

All volunteers receive free parking, a thank you luncheon on Friday, and volunteers for the youth tracks and ushers receive a shirt, not to mention the abundance of grace in giving of their time.

Specific volunteer needs are: n Children’s Track Volunteer: 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday n Procession Volunteer: 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday n Greeter: 6-9 p.m. Friday; 8-10 a.m., 10a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m., or 2-4 p.m. Saturday n Book Sales: 6-9 p.m. Friday; 10a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m., or 2-4 p.m. Saturday n Usher: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday; 9-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Saturday It takes one minute to sign up as a volunteer. Go to www.goeucharist.com, and click on “volunteer.” All volunteers are required to have a current background check on file with the diocese, and most positions also require “Protecting God’s Children” certification.

Carolina Catholic Family Day set for July 30 CHARLOTTE — All Catholic families are welcome to enjoy a day of faith and fun at Carowinds Theme Park on Sunday, July 30. The event will include Mass, an all-you-can-eat meal and fun in the theme park. The cost is only $55, which includes free parking (a $20 per vehicle savings). Go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com to sign up.

Upcoming Marian Rosary Congress will celebrate Fatima anniversary CHARLOTTE — The seventh annual Marian Rosary Congress will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima’s appearances in Fatima, Portugal. All are welcome to attend the free event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at St. Gabriel Church and Ministry Center, located at 3016 Providence Road in Charlotte. The day will include recitation of the rosary, talks in English and Spanish, and an outdoor Marian procession. Mass will be offered by Bishop Peter Jugis, and speakers will include Father John Eckert (English track) and Father Robin Antonio Mora Casanova (Spanish track).

For questions, contact Tammy Harris at tmharris1217@gmail.com or 704-519-7901.

Is God calling you to be a Third Order Carmelite?

HUNTERSVILLE — Do you have a desire to live out your baptismal promises more deeply? Do you have a special devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and other Carmelite saints? Do you feel drawn to Carmelite spirituality and want to learn more about the Carmelite way?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, are a practicing Catholic in good standing and are 18 or older, you are invited to attend an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 17, at St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville. The meeting will be held in Room 204 of the Parish Center. For details, contact Donna Fodale at 704-574-9403.

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Mint Hill parishioners recognized for their service MINT HILL — Seven people were recently honored by St. Luke Church with the Salt and Light Award for their years of selfless service both within and outside of the parish community.

Thomas and Marie-Michele Darcy, Bill and Kim Suslick, and Philip and Barbara Angelo were honored at a Mass in April. One recipient, Antoinette Bowyer, was given the award posthumously.

Three of her five children, Patsy, Angela and Jill, received the award in her name.

The Salt and Light Award has been celebrated for more than 10 years at the Mint Hill parish. The award honors not just the individuals for their service, but it also highlights the many ministries in which they have served, encouraging others to also become involved in the many service opportunities offered through the parish.

“Jesus calls us to be salt and light. These individuals have helped to preserve the spirit of service which is the hallmark of a Christ-centered community. They have shown us the path we are all called to follow as a result of our baptism, which is to be a visible sign of Christ’s love in the world,” noted Father Paul Gary, pastor.

Kernersville parishioners help local food bank KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church hosted its fourth annual Food Drive June 3 to benefit their local Second Harvest Food Bank. Banners were positioned the week prior, and volunteers held signs and waved at passersby the day of the drive.

Donations were collected during the recent Relay for Life rally and one compassionate young lady had asked guests attending her birthday party to bring an item to donate. Many brought more than one item.

Pictured collecting donated food items are Elizabeth Liotard and her mother, Marta Liotard. Despite the generosity of so many, the need for food donations is still great, according to Joseph Kilar, the new food drive manager of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Winston-Salem.

— N.J. Clausen and John Bunyea, correspondent

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Our schools

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 10A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Charlotte Catholic announces 4 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients

Photo provided by Robin Fisher

Taking science education to the great outdoors SALISBURY — Students at Sacred Heart School recently celebrated Earth Day with numerous projects and science lessons outside the classroom, including building bee boxes (pictured above). Middle school science teacher Hillary Shores coordinated the event, which featured guest educators: Danelle Cutting from N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, Sue Davis from Rowan County Bee Keeper Association, Sam Parrott from The LandTrust of Central North Carolina, Randy Cox from Rowan County Master Garden Association, Shannon Ellsworth from RSS-Horizons and Beth Stebe from Rowan County 4H Club. Elementary students planted seeds and learned that plants need proper soil, water and sunlight. Middle school students worked in the sensory garden and planted a Japanese maple tree. They also planted milkweed to attract monarch butterflies. Students also learned about the importance of pollinators in nature, what to do if they encounter a wild animal, the intricacies of origami, and more.

“We are full STREAM ahead!” said Principal Tyler Kulp. “There are lessons of science, agriculture, math, engineering and religion blossoming everywhere. You can read about building a bee box or bird house in a book or you can get wood and hammers and just build one! Which one really teaches? Our fourth-grade students are studying our state – instead of “reading” about the cash crops of North Carolina, these students came outside and planted cotton, soybeans, corn, sweet potatoes and tobacco. Learning in action!”

CCDOC.ORG Catholic Charities Case Management Coordinator (Asheville, NC) Catholic Charities seeks full-time case management coordinator. Primary duties include: coordinating the regional direct assistance program that serves individuals and families with a variety of services such as emergency food, financial, holiday, and burial assistance; managing a caseload of persons served through the regional direct assistance program; and, organizing/managing volunteers.

Cover letter and resume (2 pages maximum) must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2017 to ahloesch@charlottediocese.org. No telephone calls, please.

Job description at ccdoc.org/jobs.

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School announces that four of its seniors have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious honor in Girl Scouting.

Sarah Anderson, Taylor Buck, Caroline Gorman, and Kelsie Roper were honored by the Hornets’ Nest Council on April 29.

Their Gold Award ceremony was held that afternoon at Calvary Church.

The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.

Sarah Anderson wished to use her Gold Award project as a means to raise awareness of the need to spay and neuter pets. She also wanted to make more people mindful of the amount of time and money that are needed to provide a loving home to a dog or cat. Her concern involves people who think they want pets, but once they adopt a dog or a cat, they realize they are unable to take care of them, and leave them at a shelter.

She established a club at Charlotte Catholic called the PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) Club, and set up a website, www.charlottecatholicpawsclub. weebly.com, to provide information to the community about homeless animals in our area and all over the country. The website emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering. It also seeks to reach people before they adopt pets, and raise awareness among prospective pet owners regarding the money and time it takes to provide a good home to a dog or cat.

She spent more than 80 hours on her Gold Award project, and received a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis.

Taylor Buck realized that teenagers need a space where they feel safe, comfortable and welcomed. This led her to discover that churches that gave serious thought to their teen meeting spaces had higher levels of teen participation.

She formed a team of eight teens, and they compiled data from churches around the United States, as well as churches in other countries. Using the data they collected, they formed a plan to renovate the church’s teen room at her church. She coordinated a 24-hour lock-in to complete the renovation.

She then worked with the church’s video director and a local producer to make a video to share the information with other churches. She also learned about web design and created a web site to make her information available to other Girl Scouts searching for Gold Award projects, in the hope that they would be able to complete similar projects at their churches, giving teenagers a place of belonging.

Caroline Gorman planned her Gold Award project around her interest in artistic pursuits. She planned and led an Artistic Career Fair for high school students considering careers in artistic fields. She recruited professionals representing many different fields, including interior design, graphic design, architecture, fashion design, media production, marketing, photojournalism, makeup artistry, art therapy, and textile design.

The Artistic Career Fair was held at

Charlotte Catholic, and students from four different high schools, as well as home-schooled students, attended the event.

She then created a website, www. artisticcareerfair.weebly. com, and a project Anderson planning guide, so that others could plan similar career fairs for their high schools or communities.

Kelsie Roper chose to use her Gold Award project to address several escalating issues: the decreasing amount of time children Buck are spending outside, their lack of knowledge about the sources of their foods, their lack of concern about the environment and the effects of climate change, and the rise in childhood obesity. She wished to give children the same opportunity she had as a child to be Gorman around and work with nature.

She created a Garden Club at St. Gabriel School, where she attended elementary school. She built highquality raised garden beds in a sunny corner of the playground behind the school, Roper and planted several different kinds of flowers and vegetables.

She provided seeds, information and gardening instructions to the families of the children in the club.

She then established a curriculum on the science of gardening, the practice of eating well, and the effect of our actions on the environment. Garden Club meetings involve expanding local lessons learned to a global scale.

She inspired the club members to take small steps every day to do their part to save the planet and help the world.

In addition to working with St. Gabriel children, she shared her knowledge and curriculum with five local public elementary schools.

She spent more than 80 hours on her Gold Award project, and also received a Certificate of Recognition from Sen. Tillis.

“I am extremely impressed with the Gold Award projects completed by Sarah, Taylor, Caroline and Kelsie,” said Principal Kurt Telford.

“Their desire to help our community and make our world a better place is exemplary.

We are proud of their ideas, their efforts, their longtime commitments to Girl Scouting, and of course their achievement of their Gold Awards.”

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief

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of thanking Tippett for all she has meant to the Charlotte Catholic community.

Pictured are Brian Macuga, Charlie Fox, Adam Hackett, Brady Berger, Jack McArdle and and Andrew Allen enjoying a moment with Tippett after the concert Principal Kurt Telford said, “She has brought out talents and strengths in all of us, and has done it with patience, humor and love. She is, and always will be, a much-loved member of our CCHS family.”

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

Shallal wins Park Scholarship

Charlotte Catholic choirs, art students put talents on display in Fine Arts Festival CHARLOTTE — Fine Arts students at Charlotte Catholic High School displayed their talents at a May 15 Fine Arts Festival.

Performances were given by the Freshmen Chorus, the Choral Ensemble, the Honors Choir and the Honors Women’s Choir. Student’s works of art and photography were on display throughout the evening, showcasing the talents of the visual arts students.

The Visual Arts segment of the festival featured the works of 21 students who received 2017 Mid-Carolina Scholastic Art Awards. The art displays, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography and photographic printmaking, represented seven Gold Key Awards, three Silver Key Awards, and 11 Honorable Mentions. In addition, senior Bella Garner and sophomore Perris Bowling received National Silver Key awards for their photographic printmaking.

The 45-member Freshman Chorus opened the musical portion of the event with three selections. The larger Choral Ensemble, with 54 members, sang a variety of songs including the hymn “With a Voice of Singing” and a traditional spiritual.

The Honors Choir took the risers next, bringing the audience with them on a journey to the pasture and to the rainforest. The listeners were enthralled with “Tres Cantos Nativos,” in which the singers snapped their fingers, clapped, and stomped in imitation of the sound of thunderstorms in the rainforest, and also sang melodies based upon those sung by native Brazilian Indian tribes. The Honors Women’s Choir also joined the Honors Choir in singing “Offertory.”

The Honors Women’s Choir opened its own set with “This Little Babe” and “Esto Les Digo.”

Dottie Tippett, who announced her retirement after 37 years of teaching at Charlotte Catholic, surely thought that was the end of the performance. Her colleagues and alumni in the audience had a surprise for her, though, as many former students from her entire career had gathered unobtrusively in the audience to salute her. Mercy Sister Paulette Williams, Charlotte Catholic’s principal from 1980 to 2000, was also present. Theatre teacher Marcus Riter compiled a video presentation that included memorabilia and photos from the many musicals that Tippett directed, messages of love and appreciation from former students, and interviews with her colleagues, who reminisced about her time at the high school and praised her many years of dedication to teaching. It was a fitting tribute to a teacher who came to Charlotte Catholic in 1981, and has brought the beauty of music, and taught an appreciation for it, to thousands of students.

After the video tribute, alumni in the audience were invited to come forward and join the choir members to sing “Teach Your Children” as a way

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School graduate Christopher Chandler Shallal has won the prestigious Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. A record-setting 2,150 students applied for the scholarship, and 39 were awarded scholarships.

Shallal is the son of John and Denise Shallal of Charlotte. He serves as historian of the National Honor Society and a member of the Wounded Warriors Club. He also is an intern for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Activities Foundation, a volunteer technician at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Orthotics and Prosthetics Fabrication Lab, and a patient model for Ottobock Industries, a global manufacturer of prostheses, braces and orthoses, and wheelchairs and accessories. He plans to major in biomedical engineering.

The Park Scholarship, created in 1996, brings exceptional students to N.C. State based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in academics, leadership, service and character.

The program develops and supports Park Scholars in these areas, preparing them for lifelong contributions to the campus, state, nation and world. The scholarship includes full tuition and fees, room and board, study abroad, grants for undergraduate research, and additional expenses.

Photo provided by Angie Noonan

Soda tab collection adds up CHARLOTTE — Students from St. Patrick School recently collected nearly 55 pounds of soda can tabs – about 55,000 individual tabs! – to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. The soda can tabs will be recycled and exchanged for cash to support the guest families that Ronald McDonald House Charities serves.

Director of Music

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

St. Mary Magdalene (Simpsonville, SC) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Director of Music. We are seeking a music professional committed to the service of the Church and the Pope’s vision to the New Evangelization.

Bachelor’s Degree in Music with at least five years in a parish setting and choral conducting is required. The candidate must be knowledgeable in Catholic liturgical practices and various styles and forms of church music and the incorporation of such into the Liturgy.

To apply see the parish web site under News & Upcoming Events. www.smmcc.org/209. Please include salary requirements and three current references.

OLG choir in action GREENSBORO — The Our Lady of Grace School choir and music teacher, Jason Barrios, sang the National Anthem at a recent Greensboro Grasshoppers game.

— Aphton K. Lang

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Mix

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 12A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters ‘Megan Leavey’ The inspiring true story of U.S. Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey (born in 1983) and Rex, her bombsniffing German shepherd, who together completed more than 100 combat missions in Iraq before an explosion sidelined both. Before impulsively deciding to jump-start her life by joining the Corps, Megan (Kate Mara) is a listless and depressed 20-year-old living with her harridan of a mother (Edie Falco). After enlisting, she finds her niche in the K9 Division headed by a brusque sergeant (Common), and goes on to help save countless lives while also opening her heart to a fellow Marine. With its gritty portrayal of the horrors of combat, the film, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, is a valuable reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those who serve our country, as well as a salute to the enduring rewards of friendship. A few scenes of intense wartime violence, occasional rough and crude language.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

On TV

‘47 Meters Down’ While vacationing in Mexico, two sisters (Mandy Moore and Claire Holt) go shark diving in an iron cage. But the cable holding the enclosure snaps, and they plummet to the seabed at the depth of the title. Director and co-writer Johannes Roberts’ claustrophobic, nerve-racking thriller, which is plausible enough to be more frightening than many horror movies, confronts the resourceful siblings not only with the predators they were meant to be observing in safety but with a rapidly dwindling supply of oxygen as well. As they struggle to survive, and the skipper (Matthew Modine) of the boat they were lowered from tries to organize a rescue, themes of forgiveness and self-sacrificing love are briefly showcased.

Probably acceptable for older teens. Some gory and gruesome images, a single rough and a couple of crude terms.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

‘Cars 3’ In this installment of the family-friendly animated franchise, some of the anthropomorphic automobiles featured in the earlier films are joined by a fleet of new characters sure to please young viewers. A veteran race car (voice of Owen Wilson) is eclipsed by a new generation of faster vehicles, led by a brash young rival (voice of Armie Hammer). Temporarily sidelined by an accident, the aging champ seeks a second chance by joining forces with a youthful trainer (voice of Cristela Alonzo) and harkening to the wisdom of a grizzled adviser (voice of Chris Cooper). Amid the dizzying blur of NASCAR-like action, director Brian Fee and screenwriters Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson and Mike Rich work a nice amount of heart and pathos into the comedic plot, along with winning messages about persistence and the value of mentoring. A brief, highly stylized crash scene.

CNS: A-I (general patronage): MPAA: G

n Friday, June 23, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “And a Child Shall Lead Them.” An insightful glimpse into the power and beauty of the Divine Mercy Devotion: through interviews with those involved in the Canonization of St. Faustina, and members of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. n Saturday, June 24, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Peter.” The story of the life of Saint Peter, the man chosen by Jesus Christ to lead His Church as the first Pope. Featuring acclaimed actor Omar Sharif. n Monday, June 26, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Meeting JoseMaria Escriva: Chile.” Saint Josemaria Escriva speaks to thousands of Chileans from the pavilion of Tabancura School; his topics are numerous and range from the foundations of Opus Dei to the education of children. n Monday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Catholic Lives Africa: Jude Walubo.” Obianuju Ekeocha interviews Jude Walubo, national coordinator of the Universal Chastity Education program in Uganda, about how the abstinence-based program encourages respect for sexuality and saves lives from HIV/AIDS. n Tuesday, June 27, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “For Love Alone.” A look at modern women who chose to follow Jesus Christ and their daily lives of prayer and service as Sisters in various communities. n Wednesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Lesotho: A Kingdom of Faith.” Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi of Maseru, Lesotho, discusses the history of Church in this African kingdom, the current challenges the Church faces, and the beauty of vocations. n Friday, June 30, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Joseph Ratzinger: Bavaria to Benedict.” Joanna Bogle and Clare Anderson reflect on Joseph Ratzinger’s life and election as Pope Benedict XVI, as they travel throughout his childhood home in Bavaria, Germany. n Saturday, July 1, 10:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Poor Clare Nuns: A Life for God.” An inside look at the thousands of nuns who, today, still follow the way of St. Clare, spending their lives in prayer and sacrifice behind convent walls.

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Victorian tea party raises money for Forest City parish FOREST CITY — Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City recently held its fourth annual Victorian Tea Party in the parish hall, raising $1,300 to go towards the church building debt.

The tea party, hosted by the Ladies Guild, included parishioners as well as other women in the community. Mistress of ceremonies was Joannie Jolley. Ladies Guild volunteers transformed the church social hall into an evocative Victorian setting with fancy plates, napkins and tablecloths, and, of course, dainty cups for savoring the tea selections. The menu included petite tea sandwiches and finger desserts. Flower arrangements and other door prizes were given out, and a raffle was held for handmade items donated by creative parishioners. A contest for women who chose to wear fancy hats was also held, and winners were (pictured from left): Carol Davis (third place), Joyce Wallace (second place) and Mickey Bouzon (first place).

— Giuliana Polinari Riley

Catholic Charities seeks forward-thinking innovator with an undergraduate degree and strong development and communication skills, including ability to organize fundraisers, cultivate donor relationships, and partner with Catholic parishes. Direct supervision of 5-7 staff members.

Cover letter and resume must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017 to ahloesch@charlottediocese.org. No telephone calls, please.

Job description at ccdoc.org/jobs.

We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

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Our nation

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 14A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

U.S. BISHOPS’ SPRING ASSEMBLY U.S. bishops urged to be vigilant, never complacent, in stopping abuse INDIANAPOLIS — Francesco Cesareo, chairman of the National Review Board, urged the U.S. bishops June 14 during their spring meeting in Indianapolis to continue to keep their commitment to stopping clergy sexual abuse and supporting victims of abuse “at the forefront” of their ministry.

He said sexual abuse of minors by clergy is “not a thing of past” and stressed the bishops have to always be vigilant and be sure to not “let complacency set in” in their efforts to stop it.

The review board is a group working with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to address and prevent sexual abuse of minors in the U.S. by clergy and other Church personnel.

Cesareo pointed out there was still work to be done in this area, but he also praised the bishops for what they’ve accomplished and stressed that dioceses in the United States are among the safest places for children and are also models for rest of the world.

In his report to the bishops, he presented some of the key points of the recently issued 14th annual report on diocesan compliance with the U.S. Church’s “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

The report – based on audits conducted between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016 – shows that 1,232 survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy came forward with 1,318 clerical abuse allegations in 132 Catholic dioceses and eparchies. The allegations represent reports of abuse that occurred from the 1940s to the present.

The review board chair said he was pleased with the high number of dioceses participating in the audit, noting that only two did not participate, down from six the previous year. He said all dioceses have indicated that they will participate in the next audit.

Archbishop Gregory was USCCB president when the charter was approved in 2002.

Conversation, listening essential for upcoming synod on youth, vocations At a time when an estimated 50 percent of Catholics 30 and younger no longer identify with their religion, the U.S. bishops June 14 discussed the need to reverse that trend and why the consultation process for the October 2018 Synod of Bishops on youth and vocations is crucial to that effort.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia opened the discussion with a presentation on the consultations and questions for the bishops to consider in preparing for the synod. “The synod indeed comes at a critical time,” Cardinal Tobin said. “We know that there are both challenges and opportunities here in the U.S. The increased amount of disconnected millennials is certainly a concern for us, as is the decline and the delay of marriage among young people. Still there are various positive signs to build upon.”

Those signs, he said, include “the high interest among millennials during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent” and “the continued importance in our ministries and outreach to young people which have a positive effect on vocational discernment.”

“The Church in the U.S. is poised to engage this conversation for and with young people,” he added.

The bishops were reminded June 15 that the historic Convocation of Catholic Leaders was nearing

by Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. He noted that it will be the largest gathering sponsored by U.S. bishops and will be a time to show the unity of the Church.

Gregory: Bishops ‘can never say we Bishops OK revisions to guidelines are sorry enough’ for tragedy of abuse on sacraments for the disabled INDIANAPOLIS — Standing before some 200 bishops from across the country, Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said “we can never say that we are sorry enough for the share that we have had in this tragedy of broken fidelity and trust” in the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Church.

He made this sober observation in a homily during a June 14 Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on the opening day of the U.S. bishops’ spring meeting. The liturgy was a response to a call from Pope Francis to episcopal conferences around the world to observe a “Day of Prayer and Penance” for survivors of sexual abuse within the Church.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was the principal celebrant of the Mass and spoke about the pope’s call at the start of the liturgy.

“Today, there is a special urgency to our prayer,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “The Holy Father has asked that all episcopal conferences offer a Day of Prayer and Penance for victims and survivors of sexual abuse. In solidarity with our brother bishops around the world, we acknowledge the sins that have occurred and ask forgiveness from and healing of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of those who should have been protecting and caring for them.”

At the end of Mass, the bishops, in a sign of penance, knelt while praying a prayer of healing and forgiveness for the victims of sexual abuse in the Church.

“At this Mass,” Archbishop Gregory said in his homily, “we bishops humbly and sincerely ask for the forgiveness of those who have been harmed, scandalized or dispirited by events that, even if they happened many years ago, remain ongoing sources of anguish for them and for those who love them.”

The liturgy took place 15 years after U.S. bishops, in response to revelations about the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Church, approved the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which expressed the responsibility of Church leaders to reach out to abuse victims and offer them means for healing and reconciliation.

INDIANAPOLIS — The bishops overwhelmingly approved revisions to the guidelines governing the celebration of sacraments for people with disabilities that take into account medical and technological developments. Approved 180-1, the revisions in the “Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities” updates a document that was adopted in 1995.

The guidelines were developed as a tool to improve access to the sacraments by persons with disabilities and reduce inconsistencies in pastoral practice. The document followed the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities in 1978 and a 1989 revision. The 1995 document was the first issued by the bishops on the topic at a national level.

Among the issues the document addresses is physical access to worship to give people with disabilities “full, active and conscious participation, according to their capacity.” It also promotes a welcoming attitude in parishes and the inclusion of qualified people with disabilities in liturgical and pastoral ministries; catechetical and sacramental preparation programs to prepare people with mental disabilities for those sacraments, to which they have a right; and consultation with those with disabilities to help determine their needs regarding parish facilities, programs, policies and ministries. The guidelines cover each of the sacraments individually.

In other votes, the bishops approved a new translation of the “Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism,” 178-3. The ritual is used each year at diocesan chrism Masses. It will be sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments for its “recognitio,” or final approval.

However, the bishops’ approval of a collection of blessings in Spanish for use in the U.S. that complement English texts included in the “Book of Blessings” fell one vote short of reaching the threshold necessary to send it to the Vatican congregation for the recognitio.

— Catholic News Service

Bishops’ concerns for religious liberty, health care echo at assembly Catholic News Service

INDIANAPOLIS — Reflecting their concern that religious liberty at home and abroad remains a top priority, the U.S. bishops during their spring general assembly in Indianapolis voted to make permanent their Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

Voting 132-53 with five abstentions June 15, the second day of the assembly, the bishops’ action came less than a week before the start of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fifth annual Fortnight for Freedom June 21-July 4. The observance is a two-week period of prayer, advocacy and education on religious freedom.

The bishops also reiterated that their efforts are focused on “ensuring the fundamental right of medical care” for all people as the U.S. Senate worked in mid-June on a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act after the U.S. House of Representatives had passed its own measure, the American Health Care Act. The chairman of the National Review Board, which works to respond to and prevent sexual abuse by clergy and other Church personnel, updated the bishops June 14 on the board’s work and presented key points of the recently issued 14th annual report on diocesan compliance with the U.S. Catholic Church’s “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

In a related event, the bishops celebrated a liturgy last evening in response to a call from Pope Francis to episcopal conferences around the world to observe a “Day of Prayer and Penance” for survivors of sexual abuse within the Church.

The bishops also heard reports from the chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace about international persecution and human rights violations; final plans for the July 1-4 “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America” in Orlando, Fla.; and the progress of a working group on migrants and refugees.

Before the vote on making the Committee on Religious Liberty permanent, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, committee chairman, said the need for the body stretches beyond the specific legal and public policy issues challenging religious freedom that continue to emerge.

Archbishop Lori expressed hope that the committee’s work would help “plant the seeds of a movement for religious freedom, which will take years of watering and weeding in order for it to grow, to grow strong and to bear fruit.”

Worldwide, Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., international policy committee chairman, said in a June 15 report that religious persecution “includes both social hostilities and government restrictions.”

“It finds expression in physical assaults, arrests and detentions, desecration of holy sites, and in discrimination against religious groups in employment, education, housing, the selection of a marriage partner and whether you are considered a citizen.”

He said the committee respects “the approaches adopted by the local Church.

Like a physician, our first duty is to do no harm. We adopt strategies that complement the work of the local Church.”

The USCCB reinforced its stand that the American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives May 4 needs major reform – to provide quality health care for the “voiceless,” especially children, the elderly, the poor, immigrants and the seriously ill.

“We find ourselves in a time marked by a deep sense of urgency and gravity,” said Bishop George L. Thomas of Helena, Mont., in remarks to the assembly.

“Within two weeks, we may see a federal budgetary action with potentially catastrophic effects on the lives of our people, most especially children and the elderly, the seriously ill, the immigrant and our nation’s working poor.”

Referring to the House bill and its plan to “eliminate $880 billion from Medicaid over the next decade,” Bishop Thomas said, “If left unchallenged or unmodified, this budget will destabilize our own Catholic health care apostolates, take food from the mouths of school-aged children and the homebound, and deny already scarce medical resources to the nation’s neediest in every state across the land.”

His comments followed a report on health care reform by Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Bishop Dewane focused on the Senate’s work to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. “The Catholic Church remains committed to ensuring the fundamental right to medical care, a right which is in keeping with the God-given dignity of every person,” Bishop Dewane said. He told his fellow bishops that the USCCB has been in contact with members of Congress. Noting that the USCCB sent a letter to U.S. senators June 1, Bishop Dewane said, “It called on the Senate to strip away harmful promises of the AHCA or start anew with a better bill.”

Meanwhile, the bishops’ working group on migrants and refugees was set to complete its work by the spring assembly, but Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, announced June 15 he was extending the group, “recognizing the continued urgency” so many migration and refugee issues present.

— Sean Gallagher, Natalie Hoefer and John Shaughnessy contributed to this story.

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In Brief Audit of Church abuse allegations shows work still needed WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 14th annual report on diocesan compliance with the U.S. Church’s “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” shows that Church leaders have taken steps to help many find healing as victims of clergy sexual abuse, but there is still work to be done. Introductory remarks in the 2017 report urge Church leaders not to assume that “sexual abuse of minors by the clergy is a thing of the past and a distant memory. Any allegation involving a current minor should remind the bishops that they must rededicate themselves each day to maintaining a level of vigilance,” wrote Francesco Cesareo, chairman of the National Review Board, which oversees the audits.

The newly released report – based on audits conducted between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016 – shows that 1,232 survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy came forward with 1,318 clerical abuse allegations in 132 Catholic dioceses and eparchies. The allegations represent reports of abuse that occurred from the 1940s to the present. The report also shows an increase of 730 allegations from the previous year’s report and stresses that a most of the increase in allegations this year comes from the six dioceses in Minnesota, because the state in 2013 opened its civil statute of limitations for such claims until May 2016, giving victims over age 24 a three-year window to sue for past abuse. These six dioceses reported 351 more allegations than they did in the 2015 audit year.

Elected officials urged to ‘reflect the unity for which we long’ ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass and led a eucharistic procession at St. Mary Church in Alexandria June 18 to “bring Jesus, the source of our peace and unity, into the streets” recently touched by violence. The Mass was celebrated on the feast of Corpus Christi, just days after a shooting at an Alexandria ballpark in which Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and others were injured while practicing for a charity baseball game. In his homily, the bishop said that the seven-block procession from St. Mary’s Church to St. Mary’s Cemetery was a witness to the world that “we do not walk through this life alone.” He reminded parishioners that unity depends on recognizing the dignity of each and every person by listening to others, discussing points of disagreement in a civil manner and letting go of bitterness. The bishop urged elected officials to take the lead in working for that unity. “Today, with the faithful in the Diocese of Arlington and all people of goodwill, I respectfully make a plea to all our elected officials to reflect the unity for which we long,” Bishop Burbidge said. “We need you to work together for the common good; to uphold truth, peace and justice; to find common ground; to be respectful of each other even in the midst of debate; and to let go of harsh words and severe rhetoric.

Deportation feared as program protecting parents of citizen children ends WASHINGTON, D.C. — Advocates for immigrants expressed concern that millions of illegal alien parents of U.S. citizens and other permanent legal residents will be subject to deportation after Homeland Security Secretary

John Kelly rescinded a memo that protected them. Kelly’s action June 15 revokes DAPA, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, a 2014 memo from President Barack Obama that protected law-abiding parents who are in the country illegally from deportation. It also follows through on a campaign promise by President Donald Trump to overturn two Obama-era memos on illegal immigration. The DAPA memo was never implemented after it was challenged in federal court in Texas by 26 states that argued the program was illegal. The U.S. Supreme Court voted 4-4 last June after the lower court ruling was appealed, leaving that ruling in place. A judge in the case set June 15 as the deadline to resolve the case. In response, Kelly rescinded the memo, saying there is “no credible path forward” in court.

NBCC to explore the call to live the Gospel in challenging times WASHINGTON, D.C. — Delegates attending Congress XII of the National Black Catholic Congress in Orlando, Fla., in July will take on new responsibilities this time around.

Rather than working from a draft of a pastoral plan developed prior to the congress as per tradition, the 2,000 attendees will be tasked with developing a pastoral plan during the July 6-9 gathering and taking it home to their parishes and dioceses. “We’re interested in what the people have to say, what’s in their hearts. It’s what they want to see addressed (by the Catholic Church),” said Father Stephen D. Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Philadelphia and a congress leader. “In the end, what is finally approved, we hope to see it reflected in the pastoral plan of the local bishop,” he said. “Whatever the goals are – an African-American Catholic saint, or Catholic education and Catholic schools being viable in our communities and supporting them, or the violence of young people – can be included. It’s a real act of faith, an act of the Spirit, to come together kind of like in conclave, (and) have the people say what is in our hearts.”

Church leaders call for dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba WASHINGTON, D.C. — The retired Catholic archbishop of Havana called for dialogue between the United States and Cuba, and said it’s the only way in which past and present problems can be solved. In a June 19 letter published in Palabra Nueva, the magazine for the Archdiocese of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Ortega, who played a major role in the rapprochement between Cuba and the U.S., said “resorting to old models” and applying them presently to Cuba can “overshadow or delay” the resolution of conflicts between the two countries. The letter coincided with two important events: the release of Cardinal Ortega’s book chronicling the role the Church played in the 2014 restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the U.S, and President Donald Trump’s announcement of changes to U.S. policy toward the island-nation, including a rollback of an Obama-era opening of diplomatic relations and an easing of some restrictions.

A U.S. bishop echoed what Cardinal Ortega said about dialogue. “It is important to continue to promote dialogue and encounter between our neighboring nations and peoples,” said a statement, also released June 19, from Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

Parish prays for congressman in critical condition after shooting METAIRIE, La. — More than 150 people attended a prayer service at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie June 14 to pray for the recovery of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and other victims of a shooting

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in Alexandria, Va., early that morning. Scalise, his wife, Jennifer, and their two children are members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The congressman from the 1st District of Louisiana was gunned down by a lone gunman while practicing with other Republican members of the House and staffers for a charity baseball game.

Scalise sustained a bullet to the hip that also caused serious internal bleeding. After surgery, he was listed in critical condition, and as of early June 15, he remained in critical condition. He has received multiple blood transfusions. Doctors said he would require additional surgeries.

Father Ronald Calkins, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, said the prayer service was for the shooting victims and also for those who mourn for them.

emergency relief and aid to the victims of genocide in Iraq and Syria, particularly the Christians in the Middle East as well as other religious minorities. The humanitarian aid will be directed to groups such as the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Irbil, Iraq, which provides direct care for victims, and those groups in turn get the assistance to those in need.

“This legislation appropriately focuses on atrocities being committed against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria,” said Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace. He made the comments in a June 9 letter urging swift passage of the measure by the Senate.

Federal appeals court hears arguments in two religious freedom cases

High court: State erred in denying poor defendant independent evaluation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two court cases seeking to shape the place of religion in U.S. society are under review by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in Cincinnati, one with the possibility of reaching the Supreme Court of the United States. Anti-religion activists are fighting the practice of county commissioners in Jackson, Mich., to open their public meetings with prayer.

The circuit court heard oral arguments in Bormuth v. Jackson County June 14. A similar case dealing with prayer in public meetings, Lund v. Rowan County, was heard in March by the 4th Circuit, based in Richmond, Va. Once those courts issue their rulings, if they conflict with one another, the Supreme Court may hear the cases to resolve the issue of prayer in the public square. Oral arguments in New Doe Child #1 v. The Congress of the United States are set to be heard by the 6th Circuit June 16. In the case, atheist Dr. Michael Newdow argues that the national motto, “In God We Trust,” inscribed on American currency, violates his freedom to practice atheism under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Back in 2014, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty urged the Supreme Court to allow for prayer in public meetings in the Town of Greece v. Galloway case.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, said the state of Alabama erred in denying an indigent defendant now on death row a separate psychiatric evaluation that would assist in his own defense. The ruling, issued June 19, overturned the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in 2015 in the case of James McWilliams, and returned it to that court for further review. In 1985, McWilliams was arrested and charged with the 1984 rape and capital murder of a store clerk in Tuscaloosa, Ala. A month before his arrest, the high court determined in a ruling in Ake v. Oklahoma that the state was required to provide the defense with sufficient qualified personnel to conduct a separate psychological examination of an indigent defendant. McWilliams was found guilty in 1986. For his sentencing hearing, he underwent psychological testing as requested by his defense attorneys, but the doctor’s report did not arrive in time to be reviewed before a death sentence was handed down. In its ruling in McWilliams v. Dunn, the Supreme Court said the petitioner “did not receive that assistance” as outlined in the Ake ruling, thereby “denying his lawyer the opportunity to translate these data into a legal strategy,” said Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the majority.

House OKs bill to aid genocide victims; Senate urged to act quickly on it WASHINGTON, D.C. — The co-authors of a House bill that will provide humanitarian aid to Christians and other religious groups suffering at the hands of Islamic State militants praised the June 6 House passage of the measure and urged the Senate to quickly act on it. The House unanimously approved the bipartisan Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act, or H.R. 390, in a voice vote.

Co-authored by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., the bill will provide

Pope Francis names bishop of Evansville as archbishop of Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS — Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Charles C. Thompson of Evansville as the seventh archbishop of Indianapolis. Archbishop Thompson, who has been Evansville’s bishop since 2011, succeeds Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, who was named to head the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., last November. He will be installed July 28 during a Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis.

— Catholic News Service

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Vatican releases online questionnaire for youth Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — To involve young people in preparations for the Synod of Bishops on youth in 2018, the Vatican has released an online questionnaire to better understand the lives, attitudes and concerns of 16- to 29-yearolds around the world.

The questionnaire – available in English, Spanish, French and Italian – can be found on the synod’s official site: http://youth. synod2018.va/content/synod2018/it.html, and is open to any young person, regardless of faith or religious belief.

The general secretariat of the synod launched the website June 14 to share information about the October 2018 synod on “Young people, faith and vocational discernment” and to link to an online, anonymous survey asking young people about their lives and expectations.

The answers to the questionnaire, along with contributions from bishops, bishops’ conferences and other church bodies, “will provide the basis for the drafting of the ‘instrumentum laboris,’” or working document for the assembly, synod officials said in January.

Young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to take part in the questionnaire because every young person has “the right to be accompanied without exclusion,” synod officials had said.

The list of 53 mostly multiple-choice questions is divided into seven sections: general personal information; attitudes and opinions about oneself and the world; influences and relationships; life choices; religion, faith and the Church; internet use; and two final, open-ended questions. The write-in questions are an invitation to describe a positive example of how the Church can “accompany young people in their choices, which give value and fulfillment in life” and to say something about oneself that hasn’t been asked in the questionnaire.

Other questions ask about living arrangements; self-image; best age to leave home and have a family; opinions about education and work; measures of success; sources of positive influence; level of confidence in public and private institutions; and political or social activism.

The section on faith looks at the importance of religion in one’s life and asks, “Who Jesus is for you?” That question provides 16 choices to choose from, including “the savior,” “an adversary to be fought,” “an invention” and “someone who loves me.” It also asks which topics – promoting peace, defending human life, evangelization, defending truth, the environment – are the most urgent for the Church to address.

The Vatican’s preparation for a synod generally includes developing a questionnaire and soliciting input from bishops’ conferences, dioceses and religious orders. This is the first time the Vatican’s synod organizing body put a questionnaire online and sought direct input from the public.

A synod’s preparatory phase seeks to consult of “the entire people of God” to better understand young people’s different situations as synod officials draft the working document.

The synod on youth will be looking for ways the Church can best and most effectively evangelize young people and help them make life choices corresponding to God’s plan and the good of the person.

CNS | Tony Gentile, Reuters

Pope Francis holds a monstrance on the feast of Corpus Christi June 18 at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Eucharist is reminder of God’s love, call to unity, pope says Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ROME — The Eucharist is a tangible reminder of God’s love, and receiving Communion is a call to work to build the body of Christ by loving others and shunning all that sows division within a community, Pope Francis said.

The Eucharist should “heal our ambition to lord it over others, to greedily hoard things for ourselves, to foment discord and criticism,” he said June 18, celebrating the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. “May it awaken in us the joy of living in love, without rivalry, jealousy or mean-spirited gossip.”

Pope Francis celebrated the Mass outside the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome.

With an almost constant breeze cooling the warm Rome day, thousands of people – including children who made their first Communion this spring – gathered outside the basilica for the evening Mass and for the procession that would follow from St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major about a mile away.

In his homily at the Mass, the pope said the Eucharist “is the sacrament of memory, reminding us, in a real and tangible way, of the story of God’s love for us.”

Just as the Israelites were called to remember how God led them safely through the desert, he said, “remembering all that the Lord has done for us is the foundation of our own personal history of salvation.”

“Remembrance is essential for faith, as water is for a plant,” Pope Francis said.

Remembering, he said, keeps people “mindful, never forgetting who it is who loves us and whom we are called to love in return. “ Pope Francis said it seems that today people’s ability to remember and be mindful is weakening.

“Amid so much frantic activity, many people and events seem to pass in a whirl,” he said. “We quickly turn the page, looking for novelty while unable to retain memories.”

But the focus on living for the moment, he said, often means living superficially and without a focus on “who we are and where we are going.”

The feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, the pope said, reaches people even in their “fragmented lives,” reminding them how Christ was broken for their salvation and continues to offer Himself in the “loving fragility” of the Eucharist.

“In the Bread of Life, the Lord comes to us, making Himself a humble meal that lovingly heals our memory, wounded by life’s frantic pace of life,” he said.

“The Eucharist is flavored with Jesus’ words and deeds, the taste of His passion, the fragrance of His Spirit,” he said. “When we receive it, our hearts are overcome with the certainty of Jesus’ love.”

At the same time, the pope said, the Eucharist is a reminder that Christians are not isolated individuals but are called to receive Christ’s Body together and to build up the body of the Church.

“In experiencing this Eucharist,” he told those at the Mass, “let us adore and thank the Lord for this greatest of gifts: the living memorial of His love that makes us one body and leads us to unity.”

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In Brief Pope accepts resignation of Vatican’s first independent auditor VATICAN CITY — Just two years after being hired to help with the Vatican’s efforts in finance reform, Libero Milone – the Vatican’s first independent auditor who answered only to the pope – handed a request for his resignation to Pope Francis. The pope accepted Milone’s request, the Vatican announced June 20, after Milone personally presented it to the pope a day earlier. “While wishing Milone the best in his future endeavors, the Holy See wishes to inform (everyone) that the process of naming a new director of the auditor-general’s office will be underway as soon as possible,” the Vatican’s written statement said.

Pope Francis named Milone to fill the new position of auditor general in June 2015, more than a year after establishing special structures to oversee the Vatican’s finances – the Council for the Economy and the Secretariat for the Economy. The auditor general has the power to audit the books of any Vatican office and reports directly to the pope. The auditing office currently has 12 people on staff.

Pope will visit Chile, Peru in January, Vatican announces VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will travel to Colombia in September and, the Vatican announced, he will return to South America in January for a visit to Chile and Peru. The pope will be in Chile Jan. 15-18, visiting the cities of Santiago, Temuco and Iquique, the Vatican press office announced June 19. He then will fly to Peru and from Jan. 18-21, he will visit Lima, Puerto Maldonado and Trujillo. The Vatican had announced in March that the pope would make a pastoral trip to Colombia Sept. 6-11.

No mention was made of a possible trip to the pope’s homeland, Argentina.

The Peru-Chile trip would be his fourth to South America.

Pope urges Merkel to continue supporting Paris climate accord VATICAN CITY — German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Pope Francis encouraged her to support international agreements like the Paris climate accord as well as to break down walls that divide people. The German leader’s 40-minute private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican June 17 was the sixth time the two leaders have met. The discussions – which included a separate meeting later with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister – focused on the G-20 meeting to be held in Hamburg July 7-8.

“The parties agreed on the need to dedicate special attention to the responsibility of the international community in combating poverty and hunger, the global threat of terrorism and climate change,” the Vatican said in a written statement. Merkel later told reporters that she told the pope about Germany’s agenda for the G-20 meeting, which “assumes that we are a world in which we want to work together multilaterally, a world in which we don’t want to build walls but bring down walls,” she said, according to the Associated Press.

Humanity must unite in fight against corruption, pope says VATICAN CITY — Christians and nonChristians must join the fight against

corruption, which tears apart the bonds that unite humanity, Pope Francis said. Corruption “reveals such strong anti-social conduct” that it “dissolves the pillars upon which society is founded: coexistence among people and the vocation to develop it,” the pope wrote in the preface to a new book. “Corruption breaks all of this by replacing the common good with a particular interest that contaminates every general outlook,” he wrote. “It is born of a corrupt heart and is the worst social plague because it generates serious problems and crimes involving everyone.”

The new book, “Corrosion,” was written by Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Vittorio V. Alberti, an Italian philosopher. The book’s release coincided with the Vatican’s first “International Debate on Corruption.” The meeting, sponsored by the dicastery and the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences, looked at corruption as a global problem and at its connections to organized crime and the Mafia.

Pope: End fear about refugees by getting to know them VATICAN CITY — Getting to know someone who is a refugee can wipe away fears and dismantle distorted ideologies, Pope Francis said.

Highlighting World Refugee Day, which is marked June 20, the pope asked that “concrete attention go to the women, men and children fleeing from conflict, violence and persecution.” After praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square June 18, he also asked that people pray for all those who have lost their lives on land or at sea in their attempt to flee for their lives.

“Their stories of heartache and hope can become opportunities for fraternally coming together and truly getting to know each other,” the pope said. “In fact, personally meeting with refugees dispels fears and distorted ideologies” and becomes a way for people to grow in their humanity as they learn to make room for an attitude of openness and the building of bridges, he said.

One person becomes displaced every three seconds, the U.N. Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported June 19.

Catholic leaders pray for London fire victims, offer assistance LONDON — Catholic leaders in London offered prayers for victims of a fire in a 24-story apartment building. “We pray for all the residents of Grenfell Tower,” said Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster. “I pray particularly for those who have suffered injury, those who have died, and all the residents who have are left without a home today, and the entire community that has been affected.” The June 14 early morning fire, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 70 others, sent black smoke stretching for miles.

Church officials: Cameroonian bishop’s death was murder YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Catholic bishops in Cameroon said a bishop whose body was pulled from a river in early June did not commit suicide, but was murdered. “In view of the initial findings, we bishops of Cameroon affirm that Bishop Jean-Marie Benoit Bala did not commit suicide; he was brutally murdered. This is one more murder, and one too many,” the bishops said in a statement after meeting in a general assembly June 13.

The news site Koaci.com reported the bishops said the murderers “must be identified and delivered to justice to be judged according to the law.” They said the government must “assume its duty to protect human life, especially that of the ecclesiastical authorities.”

The bishops named at least three other Church officials, dating back to 1988, whose murders had not been solved. “We feel that the

clergy in Cameroon is particularly persecuted by dark and evil forces,” the bishops said.

Pope, cardinal advisers study ‘healthy decentralization’ ideas VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis and members of his international Council of Cardinals discussed the possibility of allowing local bishops rather than the Vatican decide on certain matters, including the marriage or priestly ordination of permanent deacons. It is “what the pope calls a ‘healthy decentralization,’” said Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office. Briefing journalists on the council’s June 12-14 meeting, Burke said the cardinals and pope looked specifically at the possibility of allowing bishops to determine whether a permanent deacon who is widowed can remarry or whether a permanent deacon who is unmarried or widowed can be ordained to the priesthood without having to “wait for a decision to be made in Rome” as is the current rule.

Such decisions regarding permanent deacons now are handled at the Vatican Congregation for Clergy, but could pass to the local bishops’ conference, Burke told journalists June 14.

The council of cardinals advising the pope on Church governance also discussed proposals to broaden the participation of laypeople and members of religious orders in the selection of new bishops.

Pope names members for renewed Pontifical Academy for Life VATICAN CITY — After broadening the scope of and issuing new statutes for the Pontifical Academy of Life, Pope Francis appointed new members to the advisory body and included scientists, professors and experts in medicine and ethics from both religious and secular backgrounds. Seven of the members come from the United States and Canada, including Dr. Kathleen M. Foley, a neurologist at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. William F. Sullivan, a Toronto family physician and ethicist, who serves as president of the International Association of Catholic Bioethicists in Canada.

In a statement released following the Vatican’s announcement June 13, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the academy, said the appointments of clergy, scientists and medical experts, both religious and secular, will offer the Church and the world a “deep and wise vision in the service of human life, especially life that is weakest and most defenseless. Among them are a number of non-Catholics, either belonging to other religions or nonbelievers, a sign that the protection and promotion of human life knows no divisions and can be assured only through common endeavor.”

Poverty requires action, not empty words, pope says VATICAN CITY — People cannot sit back and be indifferent or unresponsive to growing poverty in the world as a privileged minority accumulates “ostentatious wealth,” Pope Francis said. “God created the heavens and the earth for all; yet sadly some have erected barriers, walls and fences, betraying the original gift meant for all humanity, with none excluded,” the pope said in a message for the first World Day of the Poor. The newly established commemoration and the period of reflection and action preceding it are meant to help Christians develop and maintain a more consistent and sincere lifestyle built on sharing, simplicity and the essential truths of the Gospel, the pope said in the message released June 13, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua.

The World Day of the Poor – to be marked each year on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time – will be celebrated Nov. 19 this year and will focus on the Apostle John’s call to love “not with words, but with deeds.”

There are so many forms of material and

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spiritual poverty that poison people’s hearts and harm their dignity, the pope said in his message, and “we must respond with a new vision of life and society.”

Vatican bank reports $40M profit VATICAN CITY — The Institute for the Works of Religion, often referred to as the Vatican bank, made a profit of 36 million euros (about $40 million) in 2016, according to its annual report. The institute held assets worth 5.7 billion euros at year’s end, which included deposits and investments from close to 15,000 clients –mostly Catholic religious orders around the world, Vatican offices and employees, and Catholic clergy. Before the report’s release, the 2016 financial statements were audited by the firm Deloitte & Touche and were reviewed by the Commission of Cardinals overseeing the institute’s work.

According to a statement from the bank June 12, all of the profits will be turned over to the Holy See, with none being placed in the institute’s reserve account.

According to the report, most of the institute’s clients “are active in missions or perform charitable works at institutions such as schools, hospitals or refugee camps.” That work is conducted all over the world, including “in countries with very basic infrastructure and underdeveloped banking and payment systems,” which means they rely on the institute, particularly in transferring donations from wealthier nations to poorer ones.

Pope: Uphold a woman’s right to contribute fully to society VATICAN CITY — The more women are involved in and contribute to communities, politics, economics and the Church, the more positive changes will come about, Pope Francis said. “Women are fully entitled to actively take part in all settings, and their rights must be affirmed and protected, including through legal instruments wherever it may prove necessary,” he said June 9. The pope was speaking to members, consultors and guests of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which was holding its plenary assembly in Rome June 7-9. Participants had discussed the role of women in teaching universal fraternity.

“We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat (others) in a brotherly way,” Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran told the pope, quoting from “Nostra Aetate,” the Vatican II declaration that addressed the Church’s relations with other religions.

Pope, Panama bishops discuss World Youth Day, gender theory VATICAN CITY — Preparations for World Youth Day 2018 and the dangers of gender theory on marriage and the family were among the major themes that bishops from Panama discussed with Pope Francis. Describing the nearly two-hour meeting June 8 with the pope as a “wonderful visit among brothers,” Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama told journalists that the pope emphasized the important role that lay people and young men and women have in the Church.

Pope Francis “insisted very much that young people are not only the future; they are the present of the Church and the present of humanity,” Archbishop Ulloa said. “What a responsibility to be a young person in this time! Young people are the last breath of fresh air that we have so that hope continues to be renewed in us because a different world is possible thanks to young people.”

Pope Francis met with the 10 prelates from the Central American nation during the “ad limina” visits that bishops are required to make to the Vatican. Archbishop Ulloa, who also serves as president of the Panama bishops’ conference, said Pope Francis “knows the situation in Panama very well.”

— Catholic News Service

ViewPoints

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 18A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fatima: The ordeal and God’s providence I

t is 1917, and the three young visionaries of Fatima – brother and sister Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and their cousin, Lúcia dos Santos – have learned much over the preceding months. Part of God’s plan, the true identity of the Lady who appears over the holm oak, and the terrors of hell have been revealed to them in a series of apparitions from the Blessed Virgin Mary. They studied reading and writing at the request of Our Lady. Their experiences have taught them that people, even members in their own families, can be brutal, malicious and callous.

Since the last apparition in July, the children have suffered greatly – physically and emotionally. Their souls, however, could not be tortured. Taking refuge in the Immaculate Heart has protected them from the wickedness that surrounds them. God’s providence will ensure that the children’s ordeal will always be remembered.

Knowing the events that take place between the last apparition and the next is essential for understanding the remaining apparitions, messages and the children’s lives.

The three young shepherds wanted nothing more than to be left alone, to say their prayers, and make their sacrifices for Jesus and His Blessed Mother. However, news of the apparitions spread throughout Portugal. The number of visitors to Fatima increased daily. People waited to seek them out in public. Some were devout and had come with requests for Our Lady’s intercession. Others were merely curious. Some even came to ambush them with insults.

Once simple children, they were now public figures.

This had become the most circulated story during that time. Newspapers covered the events; however, they were insensitive and critical. The apparitions were reported in the papers, but the facts were distorted. They invented facts from rumors. They turned the public against the children, their families, the priest and the church. One paper contended, “There’s a new factory of miracles that the priests are setting up in Fatima.” Some articles attempted to explain it away. They accused the children and those who believed in them of being epileptics, the victims of fraud, greed or collective suggestions. The ridicule and accusations of the newspapers divided the people. It was fodder for the enemies of the Church on the one hand. For the believers, it was a source of zeal.

The local government magistrate took notice. He governed the village of Fatima and had tremendous political power in the County of Ourém. His name was Artur Oliveira Santos. All administrative, political, and sometimes even judicial, power was his alone. He was baptized Catholic, but abandoned the Church at the age of 20 to join the Masonic Lodge. He would later be the founder and head of the Masonic order at Ourém. What added to his power was ownership of the local newspaper. He purchased it as an endeavored to undermine the faith of the people in the Church and the priests.

When he heard about the apparitions of Fatima, he realized the effects they might have among the people. He also knew that if he allowed the Church to rise to new life in his county, he would be laughed to scorn by his friends and Masonic brethren. He counted on his immense power and the people’s fear of him to destroy this new religious annoyance. His first order of business was to prevent the children from going to the Cova before the next apparition was to take place, on Aug. 13.

The story of how the magistrate’s evil scheme unfolded is compiled from Ti Marto’s own recollection, Lúcia’s memories, accounts from people who witnessed it, and from official records that were kept by the magistrate’s regidor (the equivalent of an alderman).

Ti Marto recalls, “Antonio and I had been summoned to appear at the County House, with Lúcia and Francisco, at twelve noon, August the eleventh. Lúcia’s first question was. ‘Aren’t Jacinta and Francisco going too?’ ‘Why should such little children go there?’ I replied. ‘No, I will answer for them.’ Lúcia ran to Jacinta’s room to inform her cousin of the summons they had received and how she feared she would be killed. ‘If they kill you, tell them that Francisco and I are like you and that we want to die too,’ I heard my daughter say. Little Jacinta cried.”

When they arrived, the magistrate shouted at Ti Marto, “Where is the boy?” “What boy?” Ti Marto said. “He did not know that there were three children involved, and as he had sent for only one, I pretended that I did not know

CNS | EPA

Portuguese shepherd children Lucía dos Santos, center, and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, are seen in a file photo taken around the time of the 1917 apparitions of Mary at Fatima. what he meant. ‘It’s six miles from here to our village,’ I told him, ‘and the children can’t walk that distance.’ I had a mind to tell him some more things; imagine, the children so small wanted in court!

“He flared up and gave me a piece of his mind. What did I care! Then he began to question Lúcia, trying to pry the secret out of her. But she didn’t say a word. Then he turned to her father, ‘Do the people of Fatima believe in these things?’ “‘Not at all. All that is just women’s talk.’ Then the magistrate turned towards me to see what I would say. “‘I am here at your orders and I agree with my children!’ “‘You believe it is true?’ he sneered at me. “‘Yes, sir, I believe what they say.’ He laughed at me, but I didn’t mind. The magistrate then dismissed Lúcia, at the same time warning her that if he did not learn her secret, he would take her life.”

The interview ended and they left for home.

They thought the matter was settled, but the magistrate had only begun to execute his plan. It was almost time for the next apparition. He was determined to prevent it at any cost.

Ti Marto recalled on the morning of Aug. 13, “I was working in the field. A short time later I was called to go home.” The magistrate was waiting for him. He claimed he wanted to see the miracle for himself. He offered to take the children to the Cova in his carriage. The children refused. He then demanded that they go first to the rectory in Fatima. Ti Marto remembers arriving at the rectory, “The magistrate shouted, ‘Send up the first!’ “‘The first? Which one?’ I snapped right back. I was upset by the premonition of some evil. “‘Lúcia,’ he said arrogantly. “‘Go ahead, Lúcia,’ I said to her.”

The pastor questioned the children for a short time.

Then the magistrate dismissed her and told the others to leave. “The children started down the stairs. Meanwhile, the carriage was brought right up to the last step without my noticing it,” Senhor Marto reported. “It was just perfect for him, for in a moment, he decoyed the children into it. Francisco sat in front and the two girls in the back.

It was a cinch. The horse started trotting in the direction of the Cova da Iria. I relaxed. Upon reaching the road, the horse wheeled around, the whip cracking over him, and he bolted away like a flash. It was all so well planned and so well carried out. Nothing could be done now.”

As they rode away, the people along the road realized that he was stealing the children and tried to stop him.

He took the children to his house and locked them in a room. “You won’t leave this room until you tell me the secret,” he warned them. They did not answer him. “If they kill us,” Jacinta consoled the other two when they were alone, “it doesn’t matter. We’ll go straight to heaven.”

The children spent the night of Aug. 13 in loneliness and prayer, beseeching Our Lady that they might have the strength to remain faithful to Her always. When morning

arrived, however, they were all taken to the County House where they were put through relentless questioning.

The first to quiz them was an old lady, who used all her cunning and wiles to learn their secret. Later, the magistrate tried bribes, offering them shiny gold coins; he made all kinds of promises to them and threatened them with every sort of punishment, but the children would not give in. This kept up all morning, broken only by lunch.

They were put through the same inhuman questioning all afternoon. Finally, the magistrate told them he was going to put them in jail and have them thrown into a tank of boiling oil.

After the children spent the next day in the jail, the guards came and took Jacinta to the inquisitor. “The oil is already boiling. Tell the secret.” Jacinta remained silent.

“Take her away and throw her into the tank!” yelled the inquisitor. The guard grabbed her arm, swung her around and locked her in another room.

Outside the magistrate’s office, while waiting their turn, Francisco confided to Lúcia, “If they kill us, we shall soon be in heaven. Nothing else counts. I hope that Jacinta does not get scared. I should say a Hail Mary for her.” He took off his cap and said a prayer.

The other guard came back and led Francisco into the magistrate’s office. Grabbing hold of the boy, he shouted, “Spit out the secret. The other one is already burned up; now it’s your turn. Go ahead, out with it.” “I can’t,” he replied, “I can’t tell it to anyone.”

“You say you can’t. That’s your business. Take him away.

He’ll share his sister’s lot.”

The boy was taken into the next room, where he found Jacinta, safe and happy.

Lúcia was convinced that they had been killed and thinking that she was next to be thrown into the burning cauldron of oil, she trusted in her heavenly Mother not to desert her, but to give her the courage to be loyal and courageous, even as Francisco and Jacinta were. She too did not reveal the secret. After her inquisition, Lúcia too was locked in the room where the other two were, and how happy they were for their unwavering fidelity to Our Lady.

The magistrate did not yet give up. The guard came in to remind them that soon they would be thrown into the burning oil. The thought of being able to die together for Our Lady made them all the happier. The magistrate finally admitted, after further fruitless questioning, that he could accomplish nothing. Then out of fear of what the enraged people might do, he himself took them in his carriage to Fatima, hardly realizing that the Church was celebrating on that day the Feast of the Assumption.

When the people filed out of church, after attending Mass on the holy day, they congregated in the yard. “A public official and underling of the magistrate approached me.” Ti Marto said. “He shook, from head to foot. I never saw the like before. ‘Here you have the children!’ he said.

I wanted to speak my mind but I restrained myself and remarked, ‘This might have come to a sorry end. They wanted the children to contradict themselves, but they failed. Even if they succeeded, I would always say they spoke the truth.’”

The magistrate ordered Senhor Marto to accompany him to the local inn. Of their conversation over the wine Ti Marto later recalled, “The whole thing bored me very much, for he was trying to convince me that the children had told him the secret. ‘Very well, very well,’ I said. ‘They did not tell it to their father or mother, but they did tell it to you!’” He knew better, though. He believed the children.

With that, the matter ended for the time being. It is important to note, however, that the interrogation of the children served one purpose that was providential.

Since everything became a matter of official record, the magistrate unwittingly made the existence of a secret revelation undeniable, preserving it for history.

During this centennial anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, the Catholic News Herald is publishing a series of commentaries examining each of her six visits to the children, the messages given to them and how Fatima’s past prepared the future to receive God’s divine plan for peace. Read previous articles in the series online at www. catholicnewsherald.com. Father James Ebright, priest in residence at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, is among those writing this series on behalf of the Te Deum Foundation, online at www.tedeumfoundation.org.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Parish spotlight

Deacon James H. Toner

What we know that ain’t so:

“What you think is the right road may lead to death” (Prv 14:12)

Modernist theology What we think is the right road

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believe that God exists and that He wants me to be nice, and that life is about being happy and feeling good. I pray to God when I need help, and I believe that good people go right to heaven when they die.

But it’s the wrong road Occasionally, a book appears which challenges our frequently complacent thinking. So it is with Rod Dreher’s new book, “The Benedict Option.” Because that book has been widely reviewed, I will not repeat here the commendations and criticisms in those reviews. Instead, I would like to focus on what Dreher and others call “MTD: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.”

MTD is so, well, drenching that it has infused itself into almost all we read and hear and watch.

A sociologist at Notre Dame, Christian Smith, has written that in the view of most Americans today, the only thing that society amounts to “apparently, is a collection of autonomous individuals out to enjoy life.”

Dreher writes, “Though superficially G.K. Chesterton Christian, MTD is the natural religion of a culture that worships the Self and material comfort.” MTD, he contends, “is colonizing “The Benedict existing Option,” by Rod Christian Dreher (New York: churches, Sentinel, 2017) destroying biblical Christianity from within, and replacing it with a pseudoChristianity that is ‘only tenuously connected to the actual historical Christian tradition.’”

Many people are quasi-believers, subscribing to a kind of religious creed which is prominent among Catholics and Protestants alike. MTD, at its core, holds that it is not necessary to be “religious”; being “spiritual” is all that is necessary to be a believer. Being “spiritual” has the added benefit of not requiring a person to be judgmental, for the world tells us that there is hardly anything worse than that.

There is no room in modernist spirituality for “admonishing the sinner” (refer to Ps 141:5, 2 Tim 3:16).

“We live in a culture,” Dreher writes, “in which our beliefs make increasingly little sense. We speak a language that the world

‘Wherever the people do not believe in something beyond the world, they will worship the world.’

Suggested reading

more and more either cannot hear or finds offensive to its ears.” Add to that the pace and power of recent moral “progress,” and too many of us find comfort in retreating into “spirituality.” Religion, after all, binds or obligates us (the word come from the Latin “religare,” “to bind”). The Catholic faith, by virtue of our baptism, calls us to be witnesses, even – maybe especially – at times and places when doing so isn’t at all convenient.

When there is no absolute, objective and universal truth, it is easy, and maybe necessary, to slip into an ethics which says, “if it feels good, do it” or “what’s right for you may not be right for me.” MTD is permissive, for it holds that what is right is determined by pleasure, and it’s relative, for it holds that what is true depends upon time, place and personal taste.

MTD is hedonism by another name, and it worships the false god of euphoria.

“Authentic Christianity has been taken over by ... (the heretical belief) that God blesses whatever makes (people) happy.”

Being “nice” to people therefore means accepting what others may regard as gratifying, even though it may make us complicit in the intellectual error and moral sin of our time.

Dreher quotes sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, who has warned us against “liquid modernity,” by which he means social circumstances in which change is so rapid that no social institutions have time to solidify. In the past, Dreher tells us, we looked beyond ourselves to find meaning, direction and fulfillment. When we dismiss religion and transcendent virtue, however, we look instead only into ourselves. We become our own gods.

There is a reason that the first commandment is first. Commandments may appear out of fashion, and it may not be “spiritual” to remind ourselves and others of Our Lord’s charge: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15; 1 John 3:18). Although the Bible tells us that God wants no one to be lost (2 Pt 3:8), we are free to ignore the commandments. Thus did St. Paul, in tears, remind us that such people’s actions “make them enemies of Christ’s death on the cross. They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires” (Phil 3:18-19 GNB).

Too rarely do we read or hear that “the goal of your faith (is) the salvation of your souls” (1 Pt 1:9). “Too many of our churches function as secular entertainment centers,” contends Dreher.

We must “commit ourselves more deeply to our faith, and we will need to do that in ways that seem odd to contemporary eyes.”

Dreher offers thoughts about the liturgy, Christian education, bioethics and many other concepts. One hopes that the themes of the book will find their way into many homilies and many parish and school reading programs – and into our lives.

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

Patrick Hession | Catholic News Herald

Saluting their oldest members JEFFERSON — Parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church recently celebrated the birthdays of two of its oldest members. Alberta Raysinger turned 98 and Frank Turnmire turned 97 on Easter Sunday this year, and besides celebrating their birthday on the same day each year, they are both blessed with excellent health.

Most-read stories on the web

‘In the Bread of Life, the Lord comes to us, making Himself a humble meal that lovingly heals our memory, wounded by life’s frantic pace of life.’

Pope Francis

From “Eucharist is reminder of God’s love, call to unity, pope says” Through press time on June 20, 14,526 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 24,596 pages. The top eight headlines in June so far have been: n Priest assignments for 2017..............................................................................................................5,226 n Bishop Jugis ordains five men to the priesthood..........................................................................1,074 n Five men to be ordained priests June 17.............................................................................................918 n The Nicene Creed and its origins..........................................................................................................797 n Seminarian summer assignments announced.................................................................................594 n Patron saints of families .........................................................................................................................476 n 2017: The Year of the Immaculate Heart of Mary........................................................................... 454 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.........................................................453

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 20A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPEND TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF

OUR LORD

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Luke 1:46

the 13th Eucharistic Congress September 8 & 9, 2017 Charlotte Convention Center

Be a part of the Eucharistic Congress, Volunteer!

Each year more than 300 volunteers contribute their time and talent to the success of the Congress.

Volunteers receive: The abundance of Grace in giving of your time and talent! • Free parking • A thank you luncheon on Friday • A beautiful shirt (Youth Track and Ushers) We need: • Children’s Track Volunteers: Saturday 11:45a-3:30p • Procession Volunteers: Saturday 8a-10:30a • Greeters: Friday 6-9p, Saturday 8-10a, 10-12p, 12-2p, or 2-4p • Book Sales: Friday 6-9p, Saturday 10a-12p, 12-2p, or 2-4p • Ushers: Friday 6:30 – 9:30p, Saturday 9:00 -11:30am, 11:30-4:00p, 4:00-6:00p

Visit www.GoEucharist.com, and click on “volunteer.”

Signing up only takes 2 minutes.

All volunteers are required to have a current background check on FIle with the Diocese, and most positions also require Protecting God’s Children training.

June 23, 2017

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

Yes, Lord ‘YOU ARE CHRIST’S’

ANNIVERSARIES

A JOYFUL MINISTRY

A TRIBUTE

Five men ordained to serve Christ and His Church as priests

Our 2017 jubilarians

Bishop Emeritus Curlin gives thanks for 60 years of priesthood

Msgr. John McSweeney, pastor of diocese’s largest parish, retires

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16-17B, 23-31B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Peter Ascik, Father Matthew Bean, Father Brian Becker, Father Christopher Bond and Father Christian Cook were ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 17. During the ordination Mass, the five men prostrated themselves before the altar while the faithful knelt and chanted the ancient Litany of Supplication, praying for the intercession of the saints.

Tara Heilingoetter | Catholic News Herald

‘You are Christ’s’ Bishop Jugis ordains five men to the priesthood June 17

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte welcomed five new priests during a two-and-a-half hour ordination Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis June 17 at St. Mark Church. Hundreds of people were in attendance, including dozens of priests and deacons, women religious, members of the Order of Malta, the Knights of Columbus, Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre and lay faithful.

Seated before the sanctuary at the start of Mass, all five men were presented for ordination to the bishop by Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the diocese.

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Father Gober said. Upon Bishop Jugis’ inquiry as to their worthiness, Father Gober affirmed it, and Bishop Jugis accepted them for the order of the priesthood. Applause erupted from the faithful gathered for the celebration.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis said, “This is a great day of joy for all of us in the Diocese of Charlotte. Today we present these five deacons to Almighty God for ordination to the holy priesthood. They are now to be set apart by their ordination to participate as ‘alter Christus’ in Jesus’ priesthood for the work of salvation.”

He explained that the men would receive the special anointing of the Holy Spirit, which bestows the indelible spiritual character on them, configuring them to Christ the High Priest.

“Now, dear sons, in an act of deep faith and trust in almighty God, you make an offering of yourselves at this Mass,” he said. “Each of you makes a personal gift

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out more coverage of the June 17 ordination Mass, including video and lots more photos of himself to Almighty God. You hand yourselves over completely to Him for the work of salvation, and you will teach the doctrine of Christ, you will sanctify Christ’s people, and you will shepherd them in collaboration with your bishop.

“Yes, you lay aside your personal plans and agendas … to become one with Christ. You are not your own. You are Christ’s. The priesthood is not about you, it is about Christ Jesus reconciling the world to the Father. It is about Christ’s work of salvation.”

“What a profound blessing it is to have the freedom to make this gift of yourself !” he told them.

As they are being ordained during the diocese’s Year of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bishop Jugis encouraged them to consecrate themselves to Mary.

“Mary shows us by her example how to be totally in the service of Jesus. She makes a gift of herself for the work of salvation. By consecrating yourself to her, you cannot go wrong,” he told them.

He reminded them, “You now belong completely to Christ the High Priest, who receives you and now seals you and consecrates you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.”

After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked the men a series of questions to express their desire and willingness to be ordained priests and to fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination. Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience

to him and to the Church.

The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis, and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and chanted the Litany of the Saints. Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the gift of the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.

Dozens of priests then took their turn laying hands on the newly ordained priests, joining the bishop in invoking the Holy Spirit to come upon the five men.

During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, Father Peter Ascik was vested by Father Carl Kaltreider.

Father Matthew Bean was vested by Father Frederick Edlefsen. Father Brian Becker was vested by Monsignor John McSweeney. Father Christopher Bond was vested

by Father Christopher Roux. Father Christian Cook was vested by Father Patrick Cahill.

During Communion, each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their parents and families.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Jugis announced that Father Peter Ascik will be assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, Father Matthew Bean will be assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, and Father Brian Becker will be assigned to St. Mark Church in Huntersville, all effective July 11.

Father Christopher Bond will be assigned to St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, and Father Christian Cook will be assigned to Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, both effective July 18.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Father Peter Ascik

Father Matthew Bean

Father Brian Becker

Father Christopher Bond

Father Christian Cook

Home parish: St. Barnabas Church, Arden Birthplace: Fairfax, Va. Birthday: Aug. 29, 1986 Raised in: Asheville Family: Parents Thomas and Karen Ascik; siblings Mary Katherine, Elizabeth, Daniel, Gregory, John, Christine, Julie and Emily College: Appalachian State University; University of Georgia Degree: B.S. in chemistry and B.A. in English from Appalachian State University; M.S. in chemistry from the University of Georgia Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome Summer assignments in the diocese: St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Eugene Church, Asheville

Home parish: St. Michael Church, Gastonia Birthplace: Buffalo, N.Y. Birthday: Jan. 16, 1987 Raised in: Buffalo, Family: Parents Patrick and Megan Bean; brother Timothy Degree: B.A. in history, University of Mary Washington Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Home parish: St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Birthplace: Charlotte Birthday: Jan. 30, 1986 Raised in: Charlotte Family: Parents Joseph and Tammy Becker; siblings Deena and Mark Degree: Economics, international studies at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Costa Rica Spanish Immersion; St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Home parish: St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte Birthplace: Stroudsburg, Pa. Birthday: June 12, 1975 Raised in: Stroudsburg, Pa. Family: Parents Allen and Virginia Bond; siblings, Debbie and Beth Degree: B.A. in business administration, University of North Carolina-Charlotte Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Michael Church, Gastonia; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

Home parish: St. Eugene Church, Asheville Birthplace: High Point Birthday: Aug. 15 Raised in: High Point and Asheville Family: Parents William and (the late) Ursula Cook; siblings, Liesel and David Degree: B.S. in business administration and Master of Public Affairs, Western Carolina University; Juris Doctor, The University of Dayton School of Law Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Ascik: I enjoy reading, especially literature, philosophy and the sciences. I enjoy music and movies.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Ascik: I began to have serious thoughts about it in high school.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Ascik: I have learned a lot from the pastors I spent time with during the summers, Father John Eckert, Father Timothy Reid and Deacon Tom Sanctis, Father Pat Cahill and Deacon Mike Zboyovski. I also learned a lot from spending time at my home parish with Father Adrian Porras and our two deacons, Mike Stout and Rudy Triana.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Ascik: Preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, and helping people to know that God has come very near to us.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Ascik: There is no greater freedom to be had than in following Christ. His will is our only truly lasting possession.

There is an answer to the question your heart is asking. Seek and you will find.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Ascik: Everyone in our diocese, from the bishop to the presbyterate to parishioners, has been very supportive of me during my time as a seminarian.

This gives me a lot of confidence in following my vocation to be a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Bean: In my free time I like to read books in the area of history, especially the Civil War and the Roman Empire.

I also like to exercise, and watch movies with my brothers here at the seminary. I also like to keep up with ice hockey, which I grew up with in western New York.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Bean: I started to seriously discern the priesthood when I was in college at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. When in college I was involved at the campus ministry, and it was through time spent in prayer and the encouragement of the chaplain at the campus ministry that I began to ask the Lord if He was calling me to be a priest.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Bean: There have been a number of people who have been a great help and example to me in the past five years in formation at the seminary. Many priests, such as Father Frederick Edlefsen (the chaplain at the campus ministry I was involved in at college); Father John Putnam, and Father Matthew Buettner have shown me what it is to be a priest and to bring Christ to those you are called to serve. My family and the people of the diocese have also been very supportive in their prayers and encouragement.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Bean: I am looking forward to serving the people in the diocese and bringing Christ to those the Lord entrusts to my care.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Bean: I would encourage them to stay close to the Lord in prayer, and if he feels the Lord is prompting him to go to seminary, to go and further discern the call. Above all things, find a good spiritual director who can assist you in discerning the voice of the Lord, which at times can be very subtle.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Bean: I am very grateful for the support the people of the diocese have given not only me, but also the other men we currently have in formation.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Becker: I grew up playing sports, baseball, basketball, and cross country in high school, and played club Ultimate Frisbee at UNC. I’ve really enjoyed getting to play sports in seminary also.

We old guys get to chase the collegians around the football field in our Mudbowl each fall, and the Josephinum hosts an interseminary basketball tournament each winter which we finally won this year!

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Becker: I first felt a strong call to discern the priesthood when I was 24, and entered seminary a year later. This first pull was very strong, and God’s grace cleared the way for me to enter seminary easily. But I didn’t feel confident that I had a vocation to the priesthood until a couple of years into seminary.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Becker: We have a lot of very good priests at the seminary who have helped me greatly, but my most helpful experiences have come from my relationships with my pastors in each of my summer assignments. Father Pat Cahill, Father John Eckert, Father Patrick Winslow and Father John Putnam each very generously provided a great example of how to live one’s priesthood – at the altar, in the parish, in the rectory, and in each area of their lives. Being able to live alongside these priests in close proximity has been the most powerful example that I have been given to follow. Monsignor John McSweeney has also been very generous and helpful to me throughout my discernment and seminary formation.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Becker: The sacrament of reconciliation has given me so many tangible experiences of God’s grace. It has been a source of transformation as God has forgiven me my sins and given me grace to overcome them, and one of my great desires is to be able to share this BECKER, SEE page 15B

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Bond: I enjoy cooking, bike riding, basketball, creative writing, fishing and going to the beach.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Bond: I was 30 years old before I seriously even considered becoming a priest. It took another few years before I was able to discern, through much prayer, that God was indeed calling me to such a vocation.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Bond: This is a difficult question to answer exhaustively because the Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with so many sincere, holy and “normal” priests. It is their collective dedication to beautiful liturgy and their insatiable desire to do the will of God which I hope to emulate the most.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Bond: Offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is, without a doubt, what I look forward to the most.

In a very, very close second, I am truly looking forward to extending God’s mercy to poor sinners – the very same unfathomable mercy He has granted to me.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Bond: This may sound like a cliché, but, “Follow your heart!” I would also tell them that God does not ask of us what we cannot do.

He gives us the strength to do what He particularly wills for each one of us in our own lives. If He wants you to be a priest, He will provide for that. Thoughts of inadequacy, incompetency, and certainly unworthiness will naturally arise. The devil often uses these thoughts to drive a wedge between us and our true vocation (between us and Our Savior). However, these thoughts are present to keep us ever mindful that we are not the Savior of the world. But a priest brings the Savior to the world.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers BOND, SEE page 15B

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Cook: I enjoy reading, playing basketball and soccer, watching/ attending sporting events, sailing and boating, skiing (water and snow), hiking in the mountains and cooking.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Cook: When I was a young altar boy at St. Eugene, I served for many good priests such as Monsignor Joseph Showfety, Father Carl Del Giudice, Father Richard Hansen and Father James Solari.

I was attracted to the idea of the priesthood then, and the seed of a vocation was planted back in grade school. However, it was not until I was practicing law in corporate America that the idea of a vocation to the priesthood returned. As I discerned further, the Lord made it very clear to me that I should discern a call to the priesthood in the seminary. My entire family has been so supportive; my vocation has been sustained by their love, prayers and encouragement.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Cook: The priests of the Diocese of Charlotte have been such great mentors to me through the years of seminary, and I have leaned on the spiritual fatherhood of Bishop Peter Jugis throughout my discernment and preparation in the seminary.

Our vocations director, Father Christopher Gober, has been a great steward of my formation. I have tried to learn something from every priest in the diocese and many have been great examples and mentors to me, especially the priests to whom I was assigned during the summers: Father Pat Cahill, Father Timothy Reid and Father Pat Hoare.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Cook: I am looking forward to serving the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, most especially by offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in the sacrament of penance. I have been supported by the faithful of the diocese for six years during my education and formation to the holy priesthood, so I most especially look forward to now serving them with my COOK, SEE page 15B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Top, from left) During the ordination rite, each man professes his obedience to the Church, prostrates himself before the altar, and receives the sacrament of holy orders through the laying on of the bishop’s hands. Each priest in attendance also lays his hands on the heads of the newly ordained priests, as a sign of unity and brotherhood in ministry. The new priests are then vested with the vestments of a priest, their hands are anointed with sacred chrism by the bishop, and they receive from him the chalice and paten so that they may offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Bishop Peter Jugis lays his hands on the head of Matthew Bean, invoking the Holy Spirit during the ordination rite.

Photos by John Cosmas, Tara Heilingoetter and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News herald

(Above) Seminarians await the beginning of the ordination Mass.

(Right) Monsignor John McSweeney lays hands on Father Brian Becker, his parishioner whom he vested during the ordination. Father Bean receives the chalice and paten from the bishop.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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(Above) The newly ordained priests bow their heads in prayer at the conclusion of the ordination rite.

(Left) Father Cook, Father Becker, Father Ascik, Father Bean and Father Bond, standing directly behind the bishop, offer their first Eucharistic sacrifice, joined by the priests of the diocese.

The newly ordained priests offer Holy Communion; the Knights and Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre were among the hundreds of faithful who filled St. Mark Church June 17 for the ordination Mass.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Right, clockwise) Father Ascik is vested by his former pastor, Father Carl Kaltreider; Monsignor Mauricio West gives the sign of peace to Father Becker and Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari extends the sign of peace to Father Cook; Father Mark Lawlor gives the sign of peace to newly ordained Father Cook; and Bishop Jugis entreats Father Bond to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass faithfully according to the duties of the holy priesthood.

Reverend Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, Rector, and the faculty, staff and seminarians of the Pontifical College Josephinum send congratulations and prayerful best wishes to

Thank you Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin for drawing us to a closer following of Jesus.

Alumni

FAther Peter Ascik FAther mAtthew BeAn FAther BriAn Becker FAther christoPher Bond FAther christiAn cook Ordained to the Priesthood June 17, 2017 Ad Multos Annos!

7625 North High STreet Columbus, OHio 43235 pcj.edu / 877-725-4436

Devotedly, Bishop Peter J. Jugis and the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

(Left) The newly ordained priests bestow a blessing upon their bishop June 17. (Above) The five new priests celebrate with Bishop Jugis and their brother priests outside St. Mark Church at the conclusion of Mass. (Right) First blessings were imparted in the Monsignor Joseph Kerin Family Life Center after the ordination Mass.

Father Ascik gives his parents, Karen and Thomas Ascik, his first blessing after being ordained.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out more coverage of the June 17 ordination Mass, including video and lots more photos

CCDOC.ORG

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

offer prayerful congratulations to

“IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PRIESTS” CONGRATULATES

Father Peter Ascik Father Matthew Bean Father Brian Becker

Fr. Peter Ascik Fr. Matthew Bean

Father Christopher Bond

Fr. Brian Becker

Father Christian Cook

Fr. Christopher Bond

On Their Ordination as Priests For the Diocese of Charlotte

Fr. Christian Cook

Special Congratulations to Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

on his 60th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

All the Newly Ordained Permanent Deacons And other Priests and Religious Who Are Celebrating Their Continued Service to the Faithful of the Diocese

www.kofcnc.org

and finally to all of our priest, deacon & sister jubilarians …

We are privileged to work with all of you as we strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Becker offers first Mass at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — Newly ordained Father Brian Becker offered his first Mass at his home parish of St. Matthew Church on June 18, the feast of Corpus Christi. Homilist was Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Photos by Tara Heilingoetter | Catholic News Herald

Father Ascik offers first Mass at St. Lawrence Basilica ASHEVILLE — Father Peter Ascik offered his first Mass June 18 at St. Lawrence Basilica, with Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, serving as homilist.

Max Cooper | Catholic News Herald

Father Cook offers first Mass at St. Ann Church CHARLOTTE — Father Christian Cook offered his first Mass June 17 at St. Ann Church, with homilist Father W. Becket Soule, O.P. In addition, he will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish, St. Eugene Church, Asheville, at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 25.

Photos by Travis Burton | Catholic News Herald

Father Bond offers first Mass on feast of Corpus Christi CHARLOTTE — Newly ordained Father Christopher Bond celebrated his first Mass June 18 at his home parish of St. Patrick Cathedral. Homilist was Father Becket Soule, O.P. All of the altar servers were Father Bond’s nephews, and five of his nieces sang during the Mass. At the end of Mass he witnessed as his parents, Allen and Virgina Bond, renewed their wedding vows on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Bean offers first Mass at St. Michael Church GASTONIA — Newly ordained Father Michael Bean celebrated his first Mass June 18 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

Father Matthew Buettner, pastor, was master of ceremonies and Father Frederick Edlefsen from Arlington, Va., delivered the homily.

Father Jordan Willard from Arlington and Father David Waters from Philadelphia were concelebrants.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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‘LORD, HOW GOOD IT IS TO BE HERE WITH YOU’

Bishop Jugis leads Holy Hour for ordinands June 15 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Two days before their ordination, Bishop Peter Jugis led a prayer vigil and Holy Hour June 15 at St. Patrick Cathedral for future priests Peter Ascik, Matthew Bean, Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and Christian Cook.

All five attended the Holy Hour with their parents and were seated near the front of the cathedral, close to where their vestments were draped over the pews near the base of the steps of the sanctuary in anticipation of Bishop Jugis blessing them, along with the chalices that they would use at their first Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis reminded them of some essential things to keep in mind as they begin their priestly ministry.

“You five men who are about to be ordained priests of the new covenant, priests of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for you we have gathered this evening to beg in prayer God’s divine favor upon you and His blessing upon you and also upon your lifetime of priestly ministry which now lies ahead of you,” he said.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald “Let what we are doing this evening be a model for your Bishop Peter Jugis blesses the chalices that each new priest would use at his first Mass. priestly ministry. You will notice that the first half hour of our prayer here was in silence. You will need silence in your lives because a parish priest leads a very busy life and is constantly His Sacred Heart, St. Joseph holding the Child Jesus, and St. Peter giving, constantly serving, constantly expending himself. There will holding the Keys of the Kingdom. be a necessity, a genuine need for that silence so that you may refresh “These images emphasize the presence of Jesus and His Paschal yourself in the Presence of the Lord.”

Mystery at the Mass and in the Eucharist. The image of St. Joseph is He told them that they will also an image of the spiritual fatherhood that priests are called to exercise need prayer to remain close to in union with St. Peter, the first pope and source of the unity of the More online Jesus, the source of all of their whole Church,” he said.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: ministerial work.

Around the cup of the chalice are four inscriptions: “O Crux Spes See more photos from the Holy “To paraphrase the sentiments Unica” (“O Cross, our only hope”), “Ecce Panis Angelicus” (“Behold Hour, including images of the new of St. John Vianney, ‘What a joy it the bread of Angels”), “Ecce Agnus Dei” (“Behold the Lamb of God”), priests’ vestments and chalices, is to spend time with the Lord in and “Gloria in excelsis” (“Glory in the highest”). Along with the and read reflections from the new prayer.’ What a joy it is to be with images, these inscriptions emphasize Jesus’ Presence in the Eucharist priests’ parents the Lord,” Bishop Jugis said. “Or, and the connection of the Eucharist with the Cross of Christ, the even quoting St. Peter on the Mount source of our life and hope, the power that transforms all suffering, of the Transfiguration, ‘Lord, how good it is to be here with you.’ pain and sin into new life.

“Prayer, and especially our Liturgy of the Hours, calls us back to prayer throughout the hours of the day to make sure that prayer Matthew Bean is the foundation, the flowing current underneath every day of our Matthew Bean’s vestments for his first Mass, June 18, the Solemnity activities.” of the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, are gold and He also reminded them that besides silence and prayer, a priest has the have the Sacred Heart of Jesus embroidered on the back. “I could active ministry suggested by the day’s letter of St. Peter (1 Peter 1:18-23): not find a more fitting vestment to use on the day where we honor “‘You have purified yourselves for genuine love of your brothers, of the the Body and Blood of Christ to meditate on His Sacred Heart which brethren, therefore love one another constantly from the heart.’ was pierced for us,” he said. His chalice is of late 18th century French “You are going to be ministers, priests of the new covenant, which design and has the life of Christ depicted on the cup and the Passion is the covenant of love. You must exemplify in your ministry, in your of Christ on the base. person, in your demeanor, Christ’s love,” Bishop Jugis said.

“St. Peter says you have purified yourselves. Of course, you have Brian Becker purified yourself because you have come to Christ and said, ‘Yes, Brian Becker’s vestments are a St. Philip Neri style, “which I like live in me. I want to be your priest.’ But it is He who is actually, of for the image of the cross yoked to the neck of the priest, recalling course, doing the purifying. You have said yes and He enters in and Matthew 11:28-30,” he noted. His chalice is Gothic-style, made in the is constantly going to be purifying you by His love, by His grace, so 1940s. “I’ve grown to like this style of chalice a great deal, with its you become a living icon of Christ, who is the Love of the Father here characteristic wide base, large node and small, v-shaped cup.” present among us.

“So in the sacraments that you administer to the faithful – Christopher Bond sacraments of Love, the Word that you will preach, the Holy Gospel, Christopher Bond’s chasuble for his first Mass comes from France. the Gospel of Love – your demeanor, your interaction through “While it is presumably from the mid-19th century, its exact history is pastoral counseling and shepherding God’s people will be a ministry unknown,” he said. “The field of the full-cut, Roman-style chasuble is of love,” he continued. that of watered silk in the color of white. Every detail has been hand“But most especially, of course, the supreme work of your ministry, embroidered and while the scroll and floral patterns on the front and (is) the offering of Holy Mass. You are offering that love, day in and back are extremely intricate, the overall appearance is simple and day out, and constantly then being nourished on the love of Christ balanced.” The monogram IHS is centered on the cross on the back. for a genuine love of your brothers and sisters, for a genuine love for His chalice is an antique solid-silver Baroque-style chalice made in those whom you will meet in your ministry.”

France circa 1838.

“So love one another constantly from the heart,” he said.

“The chalice is fully decorated with Eucharistic symbols and After the Holy Hour, Bishop Jugis blessed the vestments and showcases three women around the cup, personifying the three chalices each man had selected. theological virtues,” he explained. “St. Barbara depicts faith, St. Philomena depicts hope, and a woman nursing a child depicts charity.” His paten bears the engraved IHS monogram and an image Peter Ascik of an engraved heart pierced by three swords.

The vestment that Peter Ascik selected for his first Mass is in the Gothic style, white with gold striping in the form of a St. Andrew’s cross. “This is a typical style for the Latin rite,” he explained. “The Christian Cook white represents joy and the Resurrection, the newness of life that Christian Cook’s chalice is a gift from his father, William H. Cook Christ gives us through the service of the priesthood. The gold is for Jr., and his aunts and uncles: Dr. Norbert and Mrs. Peggy Schneider the solemnity of the occasion of my first Mass.” of Chapel Hill, and Dr. Edward and Mrs. Rita Isbey of Asheville.

His chalice is of French origin, made in the 19th century and “My entire immediate, and extended, family are represented in the restored for use. “It is meaningful to me that I am receiving a chalice gift of this chalice, which makes it extremely special,” he said. The that was used by another priest, because the priesthood is also passed chalice was acquired from an antiquities dealer in France. Dated on through the apostolic succession, and all priests share in the from the middle 1860s, it is sterling silver gilded in gold, and has been priesthood of Christ as brothers,” he noted. On the base of the chalice beautifully restored. The matching paten has an image of Our Lord at are four relief images: Christ carrying the Cross, Christ pointing to the Last Supper on the underside, circled with the Crown of Thorns.

Kneelers given as ordination gifts CHARLOTTE — A chance meeting at the Eucharistic Congress several years ago prompted two women to start an organized prayer effort for priests.

Called “Mary’s Sons,” the prayer apostolate is the inspiration of Jackie Gallagher and Robyn Magyar. During a conversation at Gallagher’s vendor booth at the Congress, they discovered that they both shared a love of supporting priests through prayer using a booklet entitled “Praying for our Priests.” Magyar was using it with a prayer group at her parish, St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Together, they hoped “Mary’s Sons” could help spread this prayer effort even further across the diocese. Their effort is still growing, and a unique outgrowth has been what they call the “Seminarian Kneeler Prayer Pilgrimage.”

In this project, custom-made wooden kneelers have been bought thanks to local donations and given to the diocese’s new priests at their ordinations since 2014.

Before ordination, the kneelers are put on display at parishes so that the faithful can offer prayers for the ordinands as well as future vocations.

“The vision was for the kneelers to travel to ‘host’ parishes throughout the diocese to give the parishioners an opportunity to kneel and pray for the soon-to-be ordained men,” Gallagher says.

“The pastors graciously opened their doors to Mary’s Sons and allowed the kneelers to be placed in a beautiful setting, such as before the Blessed Sacrament or a statue of Our Lady.”

This year, five kneelers – for Father Peter Ascik, Father Matthew Bean, Father Brian Becker, Father Christopher Bond and Father Christian Cook – traveled to parishes in early 2017 before being blessed by Bishop Peter Jugis June 15 and presented to the five new priests at a reception after their ordination.

“Each kneeler is a gift to the new priest and has a personalized plaque that reads ‘With our prayers for a joyful priesthood,’ the new priest’s name and date of his ordination,” Gallagher says.

In addition, each newly-ordained priest receives a traveling stole handmade by a local parishioner, as well as journals filled with well wishes written by those who have prayed on the kneelers at each church along the way.

“Our goal is to foster vocations but also, and especially, to pray for those priests out in the trenches doing God’s work daily. We must shower them with prayer to protect them against the evils out there trying to devour them.”

To learn more about Mary’s Sons, go to www.maryssons.com or call 704-707-5070.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 10B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Prayerful best wishes on the occasion of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Carlson

Gamez

Taylor

Wasswa

Torres

Seminarian summer assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office announces that the following seminarians will have summer assignments in parishes, where they will serve from June until August: n Michael Carlson: St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte n Alfonso Gamez: St. Elizabeth Church in Boone n Britt Taylor: St. Ann Church in Charlotte n Jonathan Torres: St. Mark Church in Huntersville n Joseph Wasswa: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe — Catholic News Herald

Fr. Peter N. Ascik

Fr. Brian J. Becker

Fr. Matthew P. Bean

Fr. Christopher A. Bond

Fr. W. Christian Cook

“If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, like the Apostles John and Paul...

be generous, do not be afraid, ...because you have nothing to fear when the prize that you await is God Himself, for Whom, sometimes without ever knowing it, all young people are searching.”

- Saint John Paul II

Glenmary Father Hautz celebrates two milestones JEFFERSON — Glenmary Father Rollie Hautz recently celebrated his 90th birthday and 64th anniversary of ordination with Mass and a dinner with former parishioners from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta. Fr. Hautz was the last Glenmary Missionary priest to serve as pastor of both parishes. He served from 1988 to 1998.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

Support our seminarians’ education and priests’ retirement Our seminarians’ education is possible thanks to the generosity of parishioners who give to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, through the Seminarian and Priests’ Continuing Education second collection on Easter Sunday, and those who contribute leadership gifts to the Seminarian Education Campaign. Several endowments in the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte are also designated for seminarian education.

For information on making a leadership gift to support seminarian education, contact Armen Boyajian, director of leadership giving, at 704-370-3371 or armenb@charlottediocese.org.

Each September, people have the opportunity to celebrate the faithful service of our retired diocesan priests and retired bishop, as well as show gratitude to the priests currently serving in the diocese, by contributing to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits second collection. Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise the funds needed to support priests’ retirement and benefits. The second collection helps the parishes pay this assessment.

Endowments in the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte are also designated for priests’ retirement.

For information on endowments for seminarian education or priests’ retirement, contact Ray-Eric Correia, director of planned giving, at 704-370-3364 or recorreia@charlottediocese.org.

Interested in the permanent diaconate?

Office of Vocations Diocese of Charlotte Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

(704) 370-3327 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

Catholic men who are active in their parish and bring a certain experience of the spiritual life including apostolic zeal and a desire to increase their faith through obedience and fraternal communion, and who are at least 33 years old, married or unmarried, can inquire into becoming a permanent deacon in the diocese. Preparation for the permanent diaconate takes several years to complete, and includes completion of the two-year Lay Ministry program. To learn more, go online to www.charlottediocese.org: click on “Vocations,” then on “Permanent Diaconate.”

Learn more about your faith through the Lay Ministry program Interested in learning more about the faith, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon? The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with classes in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. Registration for the next series of classes will open in the fall of 2018. For details, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704370-3274 or favillaronga@charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Herald

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Maria Cruz; Raymond Taber | Catholic News Herald

Giving thanks for 40 years of ministry WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Church recently celebrated pastor Father Carl’s Zdancewicz’s 40th anniversary of priesthood with Mass and a dinner attended by many parishioners. Father Zdancewicz was ordained May 7, 1977, in Albany, N.Y., by Bishop Howard Hubbard.

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The students and staff at Asheville Catholic School wish to congratulate Father Pat on the 10th anniversary of his ordination, and seminarians Christian Cook & Peter Ascik on being newly ordained.

May God Bless all of you as you continue His work through your priesthood.

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern Street - Asheville, NC 28804 www.ashevillecatholic.org 828-252-7896

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 12B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Thérèse Parish thanks departing Jesuits SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MOORESVILLE — Amid smiles, tears and applause, the four Jesuit priests of St. Thérèse Parish took the stage at a special celebration in their honor April 29 in the Parish Life Center. Hundreds of parishioners attended one of two celebrations that day to express their thanks for the many years of service the Jesuits have given to the Church in western North Carolina.

Starting July 11, the parish will revert to the care of priests of the Diocese of Charlotte. The Jesuit order is turning the parish back over to the diocese because of lack of manpower to continue serving the parish.

St. Thérèse Church has seen explosive growth since its founding. Established in 1956, the Mooresville parish has been among the fastest-growing parishes in the diocese in recent years. It now ranks as the diocese’s third-largest parish with 4,041 registered families, behind St. Matthew Church in Charlotte (10,000-plus families) and St. Mark Church in Huntersville (5,400 families), according to diocesan statistics.

In a June 4, 2016, letter to parishioners announcing the decision, Jesuit Father Robert M. Hussey, head of the Jesuit’s Maryland Province, congratulated the parish for its rapid growth and vitality, as well as the dedication in 2015 of a new 21,000-square-foot church. But he noted that the province’s aging Jesuit community cannot meet the increasing demands of

such a large parish.

Father Hussey wrote, “In the forty-six years that the Jesuits of Maryland Province have served St. Thérèse, the parish has grown dramatically and flourished beyond expectations. I am grateful for the many Jesuits who have served with you and helped lead St. Thérèse to its current thriving. Your beautiful new church, joyful liturgies, active lay leadership in Ignatian Spirituality, stewardship, outreach to the poor, and faith formation all speak of a vibrant faith community.

“Yet, in the midst of your blessings, I cannot overlook the fact that the average age of this Jesuit community is 80 years old. The parish needs younger priests to accompany the larger community into the future. In truth, with the shrinking number of available Jesuits, we cannot provide these younger priests.”

He acknowledged that the leadership change would be difficult for some to accept.

“I realize that for many of you this is a surprising and unwelcome announcement.

You have formed bonds of affection for the Jesuits serving your community, as they have for you. This is a wonderful sign of the presence of God and part of the reason for your strong community.”

The Jesuits have led St. Thérèse Parish for most of its 60-year history.

Redemptorist priests from St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis staffed the faith community in its early years as a mission, followed by diocesan priests from 1954 to 1970, according to the parish’s history.

During the April 29 celebration, Father Vince Curtin, pastor, and Fathers Frank

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Jesuit priests of St. Thérèse Parish accept a $35,000 donation to Jesuit Refugee Service in their honor April 29.

Reese, Dominic Totaro and Don Ward humbly accepted a $35,000 donation to Jesuit Refugee Service from parishioners.

According to organizers, the amount donated surpassed the original goal by $10,000.

Janet Manzullo, a parishioner for 11 years, serves on the parish finance council and helped organize the JRS donation. She also served as emcee for the celebration.

“Father Vince said, ‘We don’t want a gift.

The pope has asked us as Jesuits to double our efforts with Jesuit Refugee Service, so I would rather you do that and give a gift.’

“They are so loving and they are so giving. They don’t want anything in return.

They are such a great example to me and to JESUITS, SEE page 15B

The parish of St. Barnabas congratulates our native son Peter Ascik on the occasion of his ordination to the priesthood.

We offer you our prayers and support as you begin your ministry.

St. Barnabas Catholic Church - 109 Crescent Hill Drive - Arden, NC 28704

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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A tribute to Monsignor John McSweeney Pastor of diocese’s largest parish prepares to retire Editor’s note: On May 12 Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church, announced that he would be retiring after 42 years of priesthood, effective July 18. In a letter to parishioners, he wrote, “Many thanks to all of you for your support, dedication and wonderful commitment. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is truly present and guides St. Matthew.”

In September 2014, the Catholic News Herald commemorated the 40th anniversary of his ordination as a priest on Sept. 29, 1974 – the first priest for the new diocese that had been established only two years earlier. In reprinting that article here, we give thanks for Monsignor McSweeney’s many years of service to the People of God in western North Carolina:

Monsignor John J. McSweeney, the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte and the retiring pastor of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, is pictured holding the booklet containing information about the 1986-1987 Synod held in the Diocese of Charlotte. Monsignor McSweeney was vicar general and chancellor of the diocese during the time of the synod.

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Forty years ago on Sept.

29, 1974, the Feast of the Archangels, the new Diocese of Charlotte ordained its first priest, Father John J. McSweeney. The ordination Mass at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte was celebrated by the diocese’s first bishop, Bishop Michael J. Begley.

It was a special moment for them both, as the two had a father-son-type relationship, Monsignor McSweeney recalls.

Because of his distinction as the first priest ordained for the diocese and his close connection to its development over the past 40 years, Monsignor McSweeney is perhaps one of the few pioneers of the diocese who understands first-hand the transformation of this former mission territory into the vibrant diocese it is today.

“It was the new diocese beginning, and I had the privilege of being the first guy being ordained for service in the Diocese of Charlotte,” the 72-year-old priest says.

He admits he was a bit scared on his ordination day. “It was funny because the bishop didn’t really know what he was doing. He had never ordained anyone, and I had never been ordained.”

He remembers both Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the diocese’s first chancellor, and Father Frank O’Rourke, now pastor of St. Gabriel Church, being extremely helpful that day.

“Frank O’Rourke (then a seminarian) knew all the ceremonies inside and out. He put together the book that Bishop Begley used at my ordination. He literally typed it, because at that time in history the liturgy was being changed. He was an integral part of the ordination that was held at St. Gabriel.”

Monsignor McSweeney says it was no accident his ordination was held at that particular parish on the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, the Archangels. “Bishop Michael Begley ordained me at St. Gabriel (in the old church), where I was a deacon.”

Monsignor Showfety, now retired, served as master of ceremonies for Bishop Begley that day. “It was a beautiful ceremony,” he remembers.

Father O’Rourke also recalls, “Almost every priest of the diocese was there and the Sisters of Mercy and many school children from all over were there. It was very beautiful coming together as a faith community. Bishop Begley had a very warm, caring, inclusive way about him,

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

and everybody felt part of something bigger than themselves that day.”

Both Monsignor Showfety and Father O’Rourke acknowledge Monsignor McSweeney’s work for the diocese over the years.

A New York native and graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Monsignor McSweeney has pastored 12 churches in the diocese. He served as diocesan vocation director and director of planning and development, and then as vicar general and chancellor for eight years for Bishop John F. Donoghue.

Then, prior to Bishop William G. Curlin’s appointment as the third Bishop of Charlotte, McSweeney served as diocesan administrator and later as Bishop Curlin’s vicar general and chancellor.

After spending a year in the U.S. Virgin Islands serving as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Thomas, Monsignor McSweeney returned to the diocese to shepherd St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville in 1996. Then in 1999, he was appointed pastor of St. Matthew Church.

(Now, 18 years later, St. Matthew is the largest parish in the diocese and one of the largest in the United States, with more than 10,000 registered families.)

“He has worked very hard and has done very well,” Monsignor Showfety notes. “He has done work that people on the outside may not know. He has done so much for the diocese over the years.”

“I think John has a lot of confidence in himself and others and finds great satisfaction in calling forth from other people their gifts, and he does that as a man of faith,” Father O’Rourke says. “He is very inclusive in his understanding of ‘church,’ and invites others to find meaning in their lives through that.”

On Sept. 29, 2014, Monsignor McSweeney will celebrate his 40th anniversary by offering Mass in honor of the sacraments of holy orders and holy matrimony. He has invited all couples at St. Matthew celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary to attend the Mass.

Monsignor John J. McSweeney was ordained a priest on Sept. 29, 1974.

Diocese of charlotte archives

“We have many couples who are celebrating their 40th anniversaries. My goal is to recognize the couples celebrating marriage, and the holy priesthood. So I am going to ask them to renew their vows (at Mass), and I am going to renew my vows.”

Parish Council Chairman Mark Schuler will ask him the same questions Bishop Begley asked him 40 years ago, he says.

“The reason I am doing that is for the recognition of the baptismal commitment of everyone,” he notes.

Reflecting on his 40 years of priesthood, Monsignor McSweeney shares his thoughts on his priestly ministry.

“My motto of priesthood has always been servant leadership. These 40 years have

been a great 40 years and I don’t regret any of them. I don’t. I haven’t always liked what I’ve had to do, but I don’t regret it as far as being in the priesthood. Like married couples, I have been through the ups and downs of life in my vocation.”

“I’ve watched (the diocese’s) growth in many different ways. My emphasis has always been the spiritual growth of adults.

I am also impressed with the international sense of our diocese – that we have people now, Catholic people, from all over the world.

“We have that sense of mercy, compassion and hospitality here. That is my philosophy as a priest, and that is what this parish represents.”

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Prayerful Best Wishes on your Retirement Msgr. John J. McSweeney You have served the Lord with gladness – tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion for His flock.

Now, as the day dawns on the next chapter in your life, may God continue to richly bless you and watch over you, may the God of peace grant you peace now and always.

With gratitude from the clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

li^|ÄKéÇÑ===N===SLVLNT===NNWNR=^j June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

JESUITS FROM PAGE 12B

our community here of giving and loving.

They are wonderful people. They were key to our growth,” Manzullo said.

Marsha Beck and her husband Dick have been members of St. Thérèse Church for the past 25 years. “We have loved the Jesuits here for their understanding of humanity and their generous spirits. They have set us aglow at St. Thérèse, and we cry at their leaving.”

“The Jesuits have been my parish priests since I moved to North Carolina almost 44 years ago. They baptized all my children and administered their sacraments, they presided at my mother’s funeral and, more recently, at my husband’s,” said Rosemary Hyman, parish liturgy coordinator. “The Jesuits I have known through these years have exemplified Jesus’ teaching to live our lives as men and women for others, and it shows in their joyful demeanor. I will miss them terribly.”

Denise and Ray Pausback, parishioners for 24 years, are also sad the Jesuits are leaving. “The Jesuits are very community minded, so we’ve done a lot more volunteering under this leadership,” Denise Pausback said. “We’ve done much more community outreach. We’ve become much more involved in the Christian way of life. The Jesuits bring that to the table.”

BECKER

Parishioner Marilyn Schammel agreed.

“We’ve enjoyed having the Jesuits here and we are sad that they are leaving,” she said.

“This is a very bittersweet moment,” Manzullo said. “We’ve been avoiding this moment for almost a year. But we’re very happy for our priests moving on to their next step. We look forward to hearing lots of good things that they will continue to do like they have done for us here.”

Looking at all four priests she continued, “On behalf everyone here, we can’t thank you enough for what you have done, for what you have built and what you have given to us. We thank you very much.”

Father Curtin will move to Portland, Maine, to serve as senior priest at Our Lady of Hope Church. Father Totaro will move to Washington, D.C., to serve as a consultant on the Spiritual Exercises at Gonzaga High School. Father Ward will move to Richmond, Va., to serve as priest in residence at Sacred Heart Church. Father Reese will join the community of senior Jesuits at St. Claude de Columbere House in Baltimore, Md. Jesuits will continue to staff two other parishes in North Carolina: St. Peter Church in Charlotte and St. Raphael the Archangel Church in Raleigh.

Bishop Peter Jugis has appointed Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, as pastor of St. Thérèse Parish effective July 11. Father Paul McNulty, currently at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, will serve as parochial vicar.

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Congratulations!

Gratulacje Complimenti Xin chúc mùng Mazel tov felicidades

is His will that you be a priest, then He will clear the way before you. Stay close to Him in prayer so that you can listen, and follow the path that He will make clear to you.

FROM PAGE 3B

with God’s people as a priest. The celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the center of the life of the priest, and I look forward to being able to celebrate this greatest of the sacraments for the people of the diocese.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Becker: Pope St. John Paul II constantly told all those discerning a vocation to priesthood or religious life, “Be not afraid.”

If you feel He is calling you to discern a vocation to the priesthood, trust in God. If it

BOND FROM PAGE 3B

about becoming a priest?

Bond: This is mere speculation, but I wonder if I would have ever properly discerned the vocation to the priesthood if I had never moved to Charlotte. The

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Becker: I would like to say thank you to all the people of the diocese who have so generously aided me and my brothers on this path of discernment and formation for the priesthood. The support you have offered us in your material contributions and especially in your prayers has been so beneficial to us, and it has borne great fruit for the diocese. Please continue to pray for us and for more vocations for the diocese – both priests and religious.

brotherhood among priests in this diocese (which I have already started to enjoy) is much rarer than people realize. Having gotten to know priests and future priests of many other dioceses across the country, it appears that the fraternity among priests, deacons and seminarians in the Diocese of Charlotte is unique. Furthermore, I believe it is both a cause and effect of our flourishing diocese!

entire life.

you will pressured to go to the seminary. Do not be scared away from talking with a priest about a possible vocation to the priesthood.

But to properly discern whether you are being called or not, you must pray and be open to discussions with a priest. Otherwise, you may miss God’s call to you.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Cook: If there is even a slight interest in the priesthood, a man should fully submit to that stirring in prayer. Go to daily Mass, if possible, and spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Speak with your pastor and the vocations director. It is important to remember that, just because you speak with a priest about the priesthood, it does not mean

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Cook: I want to thank everyone in the Diocese of Charlotte for their prayers during my seminary formation. The amount of support I received was a beautiful witness to their faith! I look forward to serving the people of the diocese, and let us continue to pray for one another daily.

COOK FROM PAGE 3B

Rev. Philip Scarcella PhD, JCD on your 40th anniversary to the priesthood from your parish and staff, Our Lady of the Assumption Charlotte “Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy; Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too may be holy; Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is Holy; Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy; Guard me then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.”

- St. Augustine

16B iiJune 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC N

Celebrating our Priests

5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Father Jason Barone Father Matthew Codd Father Peter Shaw

Father Patrick Cahill Father Richard DeClue Father Patrick Hoare Father Fred Werth Father Ambrose Akinwande Father Felix F. Nkafu

20 YEARS

25 YEARS

Father W. Ray Williams Father Alvaro Riquelme, CSsR

Father George David Byers Father Herbert Burke Father Stephen Hoyt Father Andrew Latsko Father Gi Tae Lee (not pictured) Father John Putnam

40 YEARS

45 YEARS

50 Y

Father Roger K. Arnsparger Father Philip Scarcella Father Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv.

Father Charlie Donovan, CSsR

Father Dominic T

10 YEARS

Deacons 5 YEARS

Deacon John Barone Deacon John Riehl

Deacon Jose Vargas

35 YEARS

30 YEARS

Deacon Anthony Marini Deacon George Szalony Deacon John Zimmerle

Deacon J. Patrick Crosby Deacon James Johnson

Women religious 25 YEARS

Missionaries of Charity Sister M. Martinella Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Pushpa Jose Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Christie Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Agnes Maria

50 YEARS

Mercy Sister Carolyn Coll Mercy Sister Jane Davis Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp Mercy Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers (not pictured)

NEWS HERALD

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

2017 Jubilarians 15 YEARS Father Larry LoMonaco Father Peter K. Nouck

30 YEARS

35 YEARS

Father Oscar Paniagua, CSsR

Father John Carney, CM

YEARS

55 YEARS

60 YEARS

65 YEARS

Totaro, SJ

Abbot Oscar Burnett, OSB

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

Father Joseph Elzi, CM

15 YEARS

20 YEARS

Deacon Scott McNabb Deacon Roland Geoffroy

Deacon James Gorman Deacon Matthew Reilly

40 YEARS

45 YEARS

Deacon Sidney Huff Deacon Ronald Sherwood

55 YEARS

St. Joseph Sister John Christopher

Deacon Ralph Eckoff

60 YEARS

Mercy Sister Therese Galligan

70 YEARS

Mercy Sister Alma Pangelinan

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 18B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘60 years later, I am still excited about being a priest’ C

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

hampion of the poor, comforter of the sick and dying, friend of St. Teresa of Calcutta, beloved pastor and third Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte – all are apt descriptions of Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, who celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood May 25.

Bishop Curlin celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of his 60th jubilee on May 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, surrounded by brother priests, friends and fellow members of the Order of Malta with whom he has served alongside for decades.

During his homily, Bishop Curlin reminisced about his life as a priest.

“I remember ordination eve, we were at Catholic University … I remember I was so excited thinking about what was going to happen tomorrow, to become a priest.

I went down to the chapel around midnight. I remember going back to my room and getting dressed in the morning. I was so excited to be a priest,” he recalled.

“I can say 60 years later, I am still excited about being a priest. I love it. I thank God every day that despite all my limitations, my lack of talents and I am sure my many mistakes, that God allowed me to be a priest.”

Bishop Curlin shared what Washington Bishop John McNamara had told him just days after ordaining him to the priesthood in 1957: his whole family that had been at the ordination Mass – parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. – would all die over time, leaving him increasingly alone.

“Bishop McNamara said, ‘If you love the people that you serve, ask nothing but to love and accept them.

They will become your family.’ And this morning, you

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD On Mother Teresa Bishop Curlin was a longtime friend and confessor of St. Teresa of Calcutta. He met Mother Teresa in the early 1970s when he was the pastor of a poor parish in Washington, D.C. Their friendship lasted more than 20 years, until her death in 1997. He collaborated with her on several projects in the U.S., especially the Gift of Peace Home for AIDS patients, which opened in 1983 in Washington, D.C. And her ministry, the Missionaries of Charity, has a convent in east Charlotte where members of her order have cared for the poorest and most vulnerable since 1995, when Mother Teresa visited Charlotte and was keynote speaker for an ecumenical prayer service at the Charlotte Coliseum for more than 19,000 people.

After her death, Bishop Curlin was one of those asked to contribute to the official investigation of her life for the cause for her canonization. She was declared a saint in 2016.

“She saw with an inner vision,” said Bishop Curlin during a memorial Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral two years after her death. “She saw with her heart. It was her belief that if you want to touch God, you reach down and touch a crying child, a dying person, you feed the homeless or just reach out to the broken-hearted.” That, he recalled, is where Mother Teresa said you will find Jesus, in the least among us.

“The greatest miracle of her life was ... one tiny little woman who had only faith and love ...

And with those two virtues, she raised the hearts of the world.” With this, he said, she inspired countless millions to want to do the same.

Bishop Curlin notes that “All for Jesus” was her motto, and she really believed through each of us, Jesus is made present in this world.

“Mother believed that Christians should be possessed by Jesus alone, and that love drives them out to the streets to serve the most needy. She said the greatest hunger is not physical hunger; it is the emptiness of God in us crying out for the fullness of God. The greatest hunger is for God, even if we don’t know Him.” He adds, “It’s your life that proves you are a Christian ... The love that comes out of you which is Christ-centered and reaches another person.”

“Her joy was a gift, one of the precious gifts we need in the world today,” he says with admiration, adding that he tries to practice this wherever he goes. are all my family… God knows I try my best to love you as best I can.”

Bishop Curlin reminisced about the long days he spent, especially as a young priest, visiting the sick, responding to emergency calls and offering the sacraments.

“As a young priest, I had boundless energy. I was always working … I look back and think what wonderful days. I miss the energy I had at that age!

“To be a priest, you say to yourself, ‘This man or this woman, a young person – they come to me expecting to find and see Jesus.’

It’s not a job. It’s not just vestments. We’re supposed to reflect in our life an intimacy so profound that you see the presence of Jesus.”

At the conclusion of the anniversary Mass, Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church, thanked Bishop Curlin for his unfailing presence at the parish over the past two decades. He has dedicated the church building, the columbarium, the parish ministry center and the daily Mass chapel.

“You are always welcome here,” Father Lawlor told him.

He also read a letter to Bishop Curlin from the Holy See, written by Angelo Becciu, an assistant to the Holy Father and a delegate for the Knights of Malta: “Your Excellency, the Holy Father was pleased to learn that you will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of your priestly ordination and he has asked me to convey his good wishes and his assurance of his closeness in prayer.

Photos provided by the Catholic Standard; Catholic News Herald archives

(Above) His longtime friend Mother Teresa of Calcutta is the subject of many of Bishop Curlin’s talks and homilies because of how the future saint inspired him in his own ministry. “You must never close your heart to Jesus,” he recalls her saying, and he often remarks, “I believe that she helped me more than I ever helped her.”

(Right) Bishop Curlin is most at home talking with people, either individually, during homilies at Mass, or at retreats and talks he delivers. He also has a special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and the ministry of the Order of Malta, which accompanies sick pilgrims to the holy shrine in France each year.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch an exclusive interview with Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, read his pastoral letter “Of One Heart and One Mind,” and learn more about his devotion to Lourdes “On this happy occasion, His Holiness joins you in thanking almighty God for the many blessings bestowed on the Church throughout your priestly and Episcopal ministry. He prays that your Apostolic labors to spread the Gospel will continue to bear abundant fruit. The building up of Christ’s body in faith, hope and love.”

The Order of Malta also honored Bishop Curlin with a reception after Mass, during which he was given an album containing letters of congratulations from the Vatican, archbishops and bishops from around the U.S., and photos of him serving in ministry throughout the years.

He was presented with a video of people wishing him a happy anniversary, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.

Joe Tronco of the Order of Malta served as emcee at the reception. He and several Knights and Dames of the order recounted Bishop Curlin’s tireless efforts to start the order in the Charlotte diocese and expand the charitable works of the organization.

“I think about 60 years, and even the five

years in the seminary before that – you have about two-thirds of a century this man has given to helping other people,” Tronco said. “And the last 23 years here in Charlotte. I don’t know how we were so blessed. I think God did have a mission.”

Tronco has witnessed firsthand the influence Bishop Curlin has had on so many lives, in the diocese and the U.S., as well as in Lourdes with the Knights of Malta.

When Tronco asked Cardinal Dolan if he would share the message for Bishop Curlin’s 60th anniversary, he quickly agreed.

“He (Cardinal Dolan) said, ‘Father Bill?

Bill Curlin?’ He said, ‘Of course I will give him a message,’” Tronco recalled.

During the reception, the board of Holy Angels of Belmont also presented Bishop Curlin with an award for his longtime service to their ministry, dedicating the new and improved clinic at Holy Angels in his name.

It will now be called the Bishop Curlin Clinic.

Tronco shared some of the board’s reasons for doing so, paraphrasing some of their comments: “Ever since Bishop Curlin has come to Charlotte, he has come to Holy Angels for Christmas to spend time with those children of God who may not quite know who he is but he brings a smile and joy to their lives. So they look forward to him coming. He is always giving of himself.”

BISHOP, SEE page 21B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 20B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘Father Bill’ shares his love of Jesus with everyone Dean DeBuck Special to the Catholic News Herald

May 25, 1957 – Ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. 1957 – Assistant to Bishop John McNamara, St. Gabriel’s Parish in Washington, D.C. 1964 – Assistant Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Takoma Park, Md. 1967 – Assistant Director of Vocations for Men and Assistant at St. Ann’s Parish in Washington, D.C. 1968 – Director of Vocations for Men and Director of Formation Program, Catholic University of America, for Washington candidates for the priesthood 1969 – Appointed Chaplain to Pope Paul VI 1970 – Pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in Washington, D.C.; Director of Vocations for Men and Director of Permanent Diaconate Program for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. 1978 – Appointed Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II 1983 – Pastor of Nativity Church in Washington, D.C. 1988 – Ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C.

Diocese of Charlotte Archives

Bishop William Curlin and Bishop Joseph Gossman of the Diocese of Raleigh review their joint pastoral letter, “Of One Heart and One Mind,” crafted in November 1997 to appeal to both dioceses in North Carolina “to reach out to those in dire economic need.”

On those in economic need In November 1997, Bishop Curlin and Raleigh Bishop Joseph Gossman appealed to their dioceses with a plea to all of the state’s people, “of good will to reach out to those in dire economic need.” In their pastoral letter “Of One Heart and One Mind,” the two bishops invited “Tar Heel Catholics and their neighbors in business, government and the community to ways of ensuring economic justice for ev­eryone.” The pastoral letter expressed urgent concern on a specific topic and called the Church to swift and sincere action.

From the pastoral letter: “... As followers of Jesus Christ our Lord, and as pastoral leaders of the Roman Catholic commu­nity in North Carolina, we feel compelled to express our grave con­cern for the children, women and men in our state who lack suffi­cient economic means to live full and fruitful lives.”

“We write to ask you, our sis­ters and brothers, to embrace with us our Church’s responsibility to help shape our world so that the God-given dignity of every human being will be acknowledged, respected and protected.”

On those with AIDS Bishop Curlin has also been known for his support of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. When the AIDS crisis was still new and many people were afraid to even touch those suffering from the incurable illness, he helped to establish Gift of Peace, a resi­dential home for people with AIDS in Washington, D.C., run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and he served as its chaplain.

When he moved to Charlotte, he encouraged support for the Sisters of Mercy’s House of AIDS, a residence in Belmont that was founded in 1991 for low-income AIDS patients who could no longer care for themselves.

He also celebrated a special healing Mass for people with HIV or AIDS, as well as their families, friends and caregivers at St. Patrick Cathedral on July 26, 1994. For the diocese, it was a first. Twenty-three priests concelebrated the healing Mass as Bishop Curlin offered people who suffer from or deal with the deadly disease the as­surance of Christ’s love.

“We’re not here because it’s the thing to do,” he said in his homily. “We’re not here for some political reason. We’re not here for any­thing except this: That we believe there is a God of mercy and love and heal­ing power.”

On Lourdes

1994 – Installed as Bishop of Charlotte September 2002 – Retired as Bishop of Charlotte

Bishop Curlin has had a longtime devotion to Lourdes, France, and to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Knights of Malta) which helps lead annual pilgrimages for the sick to this shrine and miraculous place of healing.

It was in Lourdes that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 and revealed herself as the “Immaculate Conception.” She also told Bernadette to dig in the ground at a certain spot and to drink from the small spring of water that began to bubble up. Almost immediately cures were reported from drinking the water. Today, millions of pilgrims each year come to Lourdes to drink or bathe in water flowing from a spring in the grotto.

The Knights of Malta ful­fill dreams for dozens of afflicted individuals who would otherwise only yearn for the blessing rendered in Lourdes. Malades (French for ailing or invalid) and their compan­ions are escorted by members of the Federal Association, headquar­tered in Washington, D.C., on the annual pilgrim­age.

Bishop Curlin, a chaplain for the Federal As­sociation, often accompanied the group on their pilgrimage.

“When you think about it, ev­erybody goes to Lourdes as a malade,” he once said. “Each of us has some heartache in our life.”

Pilgrims don’t travel to Lourdes for a physical healing, he said. “They go for a greater courage, a deeper faith, the ability to face life and not be conquered by it.”

This year Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin celebrates his 60th anniversary as a priest. His calling has touched so many lives throughout the U.S. and the world.

Truly “Father Bill” is a man who found his calling when he was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1957.

Father Bill has a gift of gab that anyone would marvel at. He has never met a stranger or someone he doesn’t have the inclination to inspire, engage or help. He shares the same joy with everyone he meets.

He had a close relationship with Mother Teresa, visiting her to give retreats in India as well as ministering to her congregations in the U.S. He has rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and the down and out, and he engages them all with the same level of kindness and priority. He has a gift to touch hearts through his homilies or more intimately at retreats for priests and the religious.

His last Christmas letter recounted the time he was able to spend with a dying child and how privileged he felt to have the chance to serve at that important moment in the family’s life. He recounted being called to the child’s home by his doctor, who told him the child would probably live only a few hours. Sensing that the child was frightened, Father Bill held him and asked him if he remembered the previous Christmas when he had been so excited about the Christmas decorations. Father Bill told him he would soon have a special Christmas, where Jesus would come and take him to “Christmas Land” and he would no longer suffer. The child began to smile and asked when Jesus would come. Father Bill told him he would soon fall asleep and be placed in the arms of Jesus. Soon after, the child died smiling.

Pastor, vocations director, monsignor, bishop and confessor to many – Father Bill’s real passion is to pastor people and to share their joys and sorrows along their spiritual journey.

Those who encounter him never know much about what is bothering him, other than a fierce determination to share his faith. He has experienced difficulties from his own medical battles with cancer, but these battles have enriched his ministering, as he knows first-hand the challenges that illness and aging bring.

At age 14 he started a budding career as a page for the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, and he was intrigued with the Washington political scene. But God had other plans for him that were shaped by his mother’s devotion to Mary and his own internal calling to be a parish priest.

As a young priest it was difficult to catch a few minutes with Father

Bill as he raced from a meeting or a hospital room to a phone call to listen to someone’s troubles or answer the door as someone came calling for a handout or a shoulder to cry on. But he was always respectful of people’s time and had a word of encouragement to offer everyone.

Not much has changed.

During Father Bill’s first assignment at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Washington, D.C., police called him when a man was poised to jump off the roof of a downtown hotel. Before doing so, the man had written a phone number on a slip of paper – it was the number of Father Bill’s church. Father Bill took the call and proceeded to the hotel. He climbed to the roof and spent over an hour talking to the young man.

He was able to convince him to move away from the edge, that jumping was not the answer to his problems.

Father Bill said later, “He was a troubled soul who needed prayers.”

The police sergeant said, “I do not know what Father said to the young man, but whatever it was, it was marvelous.”

Usually someone with those qualities does not have the ability to lead or serve as an administrator.

Father Bill found a way to keep funds flowing whether as the Bishop of Charlotte or at an impoverished inner city parish.

In the 1970s when he was pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in northwest Washington, he brought together young suburban couples to clean the church, ensure the meals for the aging members continued and do what it took to keep the parish going. All of this he did while still ministering to new vocations and helping Mother Teresa open the Gift of Peace, a residential home for people with AlDS in northwest Washington, after the AIDS crisis emerged in the early 1980s.

To the priests he ordained, he urged them to value the privilege of offering Mass for their flocks, and to love them as Jesus loves them: “Say this Mass as if it is your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.”

Truly, he believes, a parish priest without the love of his parishioners cannot find the joy that Jesus intends for him as a priest.

As he recently reflected on his journey, “God has been so good to me, and I hope to continue for another 10 years or until He calls me home.” He lives on his own in Charlotte and continues to say Mass for the Missionaries of Charity there. He continues to visit the sick and dying. He loves to hear from the many friends who have enriched his life with their love and faith.

Bishop Curlin – “Father Bill” to so many people – encourages us all, by word and example, to love one another as Christ loves us and to love Christ in one another. This is his continuing prayer for us all.

Dean DeBuck is a freelance writer from McLean, Va.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD ‘Throughout my life as a priest, I can honestly say I have tried my best to reflect the life of Jesus. I am sure I have made many mistakes, God forgive me. But they were not intentional.’

Bishop Curlin reminisces Editor’s note: On Feb. 4, 2000, Bishop William G. Curlin met with Campus Ministry retreat participants.

The bishop shared stories from 47 years of priesthood, ranging from his own ministry and stories of faith to vocations. He began by telling the college students, “I am a born optimist,” thus setting the tone of his comments. Following are excerpts from that talk: I was ordained in 1957 and was assigned to a very active parish, and became very involved with the parish and adjacent school. Frequently the Mother Superior would call me in to help with the children, which was a joyful task.

Soon after I was ordained, Pope Pius XII died in 1958 and out of nowhere came Pope John XXIII. We fell in love with him. He opened the doors to the Church. This Holy Father opened the world to us. He didn’t say to me as a priest, “Go out into the world and be worldly.” Rather, he challenged us to bring our deep sense of faith to the people. He encouraged us to take the Good News of Jesus out where the people are and see what they’re going through, and help nourish them in their journey.

In the priesthood, when people are hurting, you don’t say, “Well, I’ll say a prayer for you and offer a blessing.” You’ve got to be there and hold their hand, bind up their wounds.

I didn’t become a priest to swing incense, to light candles. Certainly these are important symbols, and I appreciate that. I became a priest because I wanted to take my faith in Jesus and let it grow, and then express that faith in a way that brings it to others.

Mother Teresa has been the greatest influence of my life. I think the Lord Himself sent her to me. God empowers me as Mother Teresa did.

“God sends you out,” she would say. “Go and find the poor, the hurting people.” It’s not a social thing, it’s not pity. Compassion: That is what Jesus had. So I believe He nourishes me through the Eucharist as I do with the faithful.

He heals me through confession when I make mistakes. He empowers me with the grace of confirmation with the Holy Spirit. He guides me in prayer. When I look around, I believe with my faith. I believe the face of God is here.

What is a Christian? It’s not a person who carries their faith on their sleeve. I think there are little conversions constantly; you begin to understand more. And grow with forgiveness, patience, kindness and love while seeing the face of God around us. This is nourished by the Eucharist and by prayers. It is nourished by the Scriptures and by people like you who inspire us. Gradually you grow in your faith and suddenly realize what St. Paul said, “It’s not me.

It’s Christ in me.”

If all this sounds too pious or idealistic, forgive me. It has made me very happy for 47 years. I believe we see Christianity in the presence of God you receive at baptism, and are powered by presence in the Eucharist and in sacrament and prayers. He walks the earth in you.

You have to keep growing in your life. Isn’t the Church asking us to study and come to retreats like this and to challenge one another? We’re trying to grow in Christ. We’re trying to build Christ in one another. When a mother picks up a child and nourishes that child, or holds him when he’s crying, it is Christ holding that child.

When you live in that vision, every day is beautiful. Every day is exciting. I am more excited now than when I was first ordained. I envy you because your life is here in front of you. And if I could, I would do it all over again.

— Catholic News Herald

BISHOP FROM PAGE 19B

Bishop Curlin recalled advice that St. Teresa of Calcutta gave him on his second visit to India: “She said to me, ‘When you feed a poor person, or look at someone who is hurting, your eyes reflect His love, your hands are His hands. Everything about you is Jesus.’

“Throughout my life as a priest, I can honestly say I have tried my best to reflect the life of Jesus.

I am sure I have made many mistakes, God forgive me. But they were not intentional.”

“I have often said to myself, if God would let me live another life here on earth, I would still say, ‘Lord, please give me the call to be one of your priests again.’ There have been difficult times, as in everyone’s life, but the Christ in you lifts you above these problems and you see them through your relationship with Jesus.”

Bishop Curlin explained that his ministry is to guide people, to offer the Eucharist and the sacraments, to nourish people so that they take their ministry outside the church walls.

“My job is to increase your ministry of Jesus,” he said. “Once you identify with Christ, everything changes. This life through you Christ shines. It’s not just you, it is God in you. Your hands are the hands of Jesus. He looks through your eyes. He speaks with your lips. The task of the priest is to keep that message alive, that hope alive, that presence alive in you.

“For 60 years, God in His mercy, has allowed me to be His priest that I might keep Him alive in you, in countless souls like you. That your ministry has increased His presence in the world and you might be living and joyful. That’s what I thank God for today.”

CCDOC.ORG

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offer prayerful congratulations to Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

The Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation Congratulates our Founder Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

A heartfelt thank you for all your efforts in shaping the Catholic Charities services of Burial Assistance and Elder Ministries.

We are privileged to work with you as we strengthen families, build communities, and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

on the 60th Anniversary of his priestly ordination.

May the Lord shower you with every Grace and Blessing!

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 22B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘It is obvious he loves being a priest’ Priests reflect on their friend, mentor

M

any priests of the Diocese of Charlotte met Bishop William Curlin before he moved here in 1994, as he was the vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and visited many seminaries. Others came to know him as they enrolled in seminary here and were ordained by him. Here are some of their reflections about their friendship with him on the occasion of his 60th anniversary of the priesthood:

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church, Greensboro It was a privilege to live and work as Bishop Curlin’s priest secretary. As the bishop celebrates this milestone anniversary of ordination, I have to say it is not the length of his priesthood that impresses me but the love that he puts into it. His life is a life hitting its mark. I just can’t imagine him doing anything else as well or as excellent.

The metric of success for these 60 years of priesthood is the joy that he has brought to so many people through the conviction that they are loved by God. I love to make the bishop laugh, and while he may be one of the most genuinely pious priests I know, I have never sent him a religious card for any occasion. Instead, I look for something hilarious or ridiculous that I know with our sense of humor he will appreciate. It kind of keeps it real, like brothers and just good friends.

One of the great qualities of Bishop Curlin’s style of leadership was that he could change his mind. He might have, or the diocese might have, envisioned some direction or course for ministry and in the doing of it realized something else would be stronger, better suited or a more positive ministerial option for some very good reason. As bishop he would listen to his various councils, consultors and advisors among the laity. I appreciated his example of how the Church in this day and age can adapt to particular circumstances without compromising the mission or the splendor of God’s truth.

Father Brian Cook, pastor of St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem Bishop Curlin and I have been friends for 53 years. He was the young assistant in my home parish and arrived there in 1964 just in time for my first Communion. He gave me my first Communion.

He was the driving influence on a personal level of my studying for the priesthood. He has an ability to draw people to himself; it’s not a personality thing, it’s ‘Come and see what the work of the Lord is about. Come and see the work of God’s mercy in action.’

The day I finally got the guts to go and talk to him about studying for the priesthood, I rang the rectory door and his secretary answered. I asked, ‘Is Monsignor here?’ And she said, ‘Well, sort of. He’s out back scrubbing out the dumpster.’ And he was!

He was the vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and accepted me into the program.

The night I told my parents I was going to study for the priesthood, he happened to drop by our house and we told them the news together.

He has been at every wedding, every family funeral – he’s just been an integral part of my family.

I think some of the qualities that make Bishop Curlin such a wonderful shepherd is that he understands what it means to be a compassionate shepherd. He understands what it means to bring people along, to accept them where they are on their journey of faith and invite them to grow.

He has the personal touch. When he was the pastor of a very poor parish in Washington, he had the ability to bring people from all over the Washington area to worship and then to serve. He has always seen the intimate connection between faith and putting that faith into action.

We scrubbed floors, we helped the elderly people in the projects across the street with their needs. We had a soup kitchen for them. He was back in the kitchen making soup, ladling soup. There was no work in that parish that he was not a part of.

I watched him transform the lives of priests who were having a tough time, including myself in my own career.

When I was a newly ordained priest, I was sitting in my office in a suburban parish in Maryland one night when I heard a tap on my office window. It was Monsignor Curlin, so I ran to the door and let him in. He said he’d just gotten off a plane from New York City and had a meeting with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and she wanted to open a house in Washington for people with HIV/AIDS. He said, ‘Would you be interested in helping me with that work?’ I gulped and said, ‘Yeah, I sure would. I’m in!’ So that was a huge privilege for me as a young priest. It was a marvelous experience. Once again, that kind of tender and compassionate care was evident.

If I’ve done anything good in my priesthood, chances are Bishop Curlin had something to do with it because he taught me everything I know. That sense of accepting people where they are, to not judge people, to always remember God’s mercy.

The impact he has had for me personally, for the people at the parishes where he has served, for residents at the Gift of Peace home (in Washington, D.C.) – in a whole myriad of ways he has been able to spread the heart of the Gospel of mercy, the compassion and the joyful hope of the Gospel. That is a precious legacy.

Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke Church, Mint Hill I have known Bishop Curlin from my days as a seminarian at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. He was Monsignor Curlin in those days and vocation director of the Archdiocese of Washington. I always enjoyed his visits. He would celebrate Mass in the seminary chapel and talk to us about his life and experiences as a priest. He talked to us about serving the poor, visiting the sick and meeting famous people like Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It is obvious he loves being a priest. The joy of serving God and God’s people is evident in his life.

I was delighted when Bishop Curlin was appointed the

Catholic News Herald archives

third Bishop of Charlotte because I knew he would bring those gifts with him. Priests need a role model in their life.

His happiness and enthusiasm served as an inspiration to us. We knew Bishop Curlin loved his priests. He looked after those who were sick or struggling in their lives with great charity and patience. He attracted many priests from outside the diocese to serve in North Carolina, and he took an active interest in promoting vocations.

St. John Paul II told bishops in the United States in 1987 that their pastoral identity as bishops was a daily call to conversion and holiness of life. I see that most clearly in the life of Bishop William George Curlin.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Father Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education, celebrates 40th jubilee SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

TRYON — A Kentucky native and Catholic convert, Father Roger Arnsparger is celebrating four decades of priestly ministry this year. He is the pastor of St. John the Baptist Church and serves as the vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father Arnsparger grew up in what he calls a “Catholic neighborhood” and had Catholic friends.

Arnsparger “My older brother converted after returning from his service in the Army. I began asking him and friends about the history and teachings of the Church. Then I began attending Mass and studying the Mass and Church teachings. It was a great time,” he recalls.

Father Arnsparger says he first realized he had a call to serve the Church as an adult.

“I had a desire to be a minister in my Church. After converting I saw the joy and work of the priests in my town and felt drawn to that,” he says.

While in the seminary, Father Arnsparger took his philosophy courses at St. Pius X College Seminary in the Diocese of Covington, Ky. His theological studies were at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1977, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky., by Bishop Richard H. Ackerman.

Father Arnsparger has served in many parishes during his 40 years of ministry,

as well as at high schools where he taught religion classes.

“I have been blessed to serve as parochial vicar in three parishes while teaching high school religion part time,” he notes. “I then taught religion for five years full time. In 1986 I was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Corbin, Ky., where I had served as a transitional deacon. I continued to teach high school religion for several years while pastor there.

“In all, I taught high school religion for 14 years. I was at Sacred Heart Parish for 13 years,” he says.

After he moved to the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Arnsparger has served as pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia and St. Mark Church in Huntersville before he was assigned to the Tryon parish.

“I have always taught RCIA classes, CCD classes and adult education classes, meeting great people and enjoying the communal aspect of studying the faith together,” he says.

What he enjoys most about his priestly ministry is “the daily Mass, the sacraments and the interaction with the parishioners in their spiritual growth, attention to their families, their love of the Church and their love for their families.”

What is one thing he has learned about being a priest over the past 40 years? “To listen attentively and be available,” he replies.

In his spare time, Father Arnsparger loves to study history, architecture and art.

“And I love to travel,” he adds.

He advises men discerning a vocation to the priesthood to “take time to be involved in parish life, find a priest spiritual director and listen attentively to your folks and fellow parishioners. Enjoy the time of your discernment. Make good memories.”

What Father Arnsparger enjoys most about his priestly ministry is ‘the daily Mass, the sacraments and the interaction with the parishioners in their spiritual growth, attention to their families, their love of the Church and their love for their families.’

Congratulations!

Father Matthew Bean We send our prayers and good wishes to you as you begin your priestly ministry.

Knights of Columbus Council #6700 Gastonia, NC

The Staff and Parishioners of St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC Wish prayerful best wishes to

Fr. Vince Curtin, S.J., Fr. Don Ward, S.J., Fr. Dominic Totaro, S.J., and Fr. Frank Reese, S.J. as they begin their new assignments!

Fr. Vince Curtin, S.J. will be a Senior Priest at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland, Maine.

Fr. Dominic Totaro, S.J. will be a consultant on the Spiritual Exercises for communities in Washington, DC residing at Gonzaga High School.

Fr. Don Ward, S.J. will be a Priest in Residence at Sacred Heart Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Fr. Frank Reese, S.J. will join the community of Senior Jesuits at St. Claude de Colombiere house in Baltimore, Maryland.

We have been privileged to have you lead us at St. Therese and will miss you greatly!

May our prayers and good wishes go with you as you continue your ministry to God’s people.

You Parish family thanks you for your many years of faithful service!

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 24B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘I feel truly blessed to have been called to the priesthood’

Father Putnam marks 25th anniversary SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, celebrates 25 years of priestly ministry this year. He was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop John Donoghue, the second bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte on May 30, 1992.

Over the past 25 years, Father Putnam has continued his studies, specializing in canon law and accepting several positions at parishes around the diocese.

“As I reflect over these past 25 years of priestly ministry, I am amazed at all that the Lord has accomplished in the diocese,” Father Putnam says. “In 1992 I would have never imagined that we would have our own college seminary program or that the diocese would have grown so quickly.”

His first assignment was as interim parochial vicar of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville. Since then he has also served as parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons and as the administrator of Holy Infant Church in Reidsville. He served as sacramental minister of St. Joseph Church in Eden as well.

Father Putnam also served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, a position he held for 15 years. Since 2003, he has held the position of judicial vicar for the diocese, overseeing the marriage tribunal. He has also served the diocese as tribunal assessor, tribunal judge, vicar forane for the Salisbury Vicariate and interim vocation director.

“As the judicial vicar I have to approach my ministry on both a parochial and diocesan level,” he explains. “This can be a challenge at times because competing goods

can often make you feel spread thin. Yet, it also has given me the ability not to become too parochial and help my parishioners understand that there is something bigger than ourselves.”

Various boards and councils he has served on include the Priest Vocations Board, Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Priest Personnel Committee and the Eucharistic Congress Steering Committee.

When asked in 2012 about what he enjoys most about his priestly ministry, Father Putnam stated that in addition to the celebration of the Photo provided by Amy Burger sacraments, he cherishes Father John Putnam is pictured greeting parishioners after celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving for his 25 years being able to celebrate of priestly ministry May 28 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, where he has served as pastor since 2014. He was significant milestones in presented with a gift of a silver paten and chalice by Billie Mobley, president of the Te Deum Foundation. the lives of parishioners and parish families.

He also shared that one of been called to the priesthood,” he says. “The people I the biggest lessons he has learned as a priest is, “Don’t have encountered over the years have helped me become forget that God’s in charge and sometimes you just have to the priest I am today, and I am forever grateful for their get out of the way.” patience and love. It is a wonderful life and, God willing, I “Over the years you experience many joys and will be able to continue living it faithfully and fruitfully.” heartaches; yet, above all, I feel truly blessed to have

The indelible mark on the souls of priests comes with the power of the priesthood and it conforms them to Christ.

Their hands have been consecrated so that whatever they bless may be blessed, whatever they consecrate may become holy and sacred in the name of the Lord Jesus. Let all who would live in Christ flock to their priests. ~ Pope Pius XII

May 30, 1992 Father John Putman was received into the priesthood.

June 17, 2017 Fathers Peter Ascik, Matthew Bean, Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and Christian Cook were received into the priesthood.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Codd celebrates five years of priesthood

Father LoMonaco reflects on priesthood CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed to have many priests celebrating special jubilee anniversaries this year. Father Larry LoMonaco, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, is celebrating 15 years of priestly ministry.

He shares this reflection with the Catholic News Herald on the occasion of his anniversary: As I reflect on my 15 years of ordained ministry serving our Lord, Jesus Christ, through a vocation to the priesthood, I can’t believe it has gone by so quickly. I have been told that when you love your job, you never work a day in your life. I now know that to be true. I also know LoMonaco that time flies when you are having fun.

I love serving our Lord and His people because it is exceptionally fulfilling and never boring. Each new day is a wonderful new gift that I get to open one day at a time.

My vocation has challenged me more than I ever thought possible. I am comforted by the fact that every time I have prayed for wisdom and courage to do God’s will, I have received the divine guidance I need to use my gifts for the greater glory of God. I always begin the day with prayer and I try to pray for at least a half hour. Jesus is my best friend, so I always make time for Him first thing in the morning. I always pray my breviary, not just because I have vowed to do that for myself and the entire Church, but because it is my daily spiritual “gas station.” Personal prayer also helps me

to stay focused on my mission and ministry.

As I get older, I have less mental and physical energy, so I have learned to take better care of myself. No one is going to do that for me; it is up to me. I exercise and eat a healthy diet. I have discovered that food is an occupational hazard for a priest, so I try to eat less and enjoy it more. Boundaries and balance are essential ingredients to this vocation.

I enjoy spending time with people, but I also need time alone to relax and recharge.

When I start feeling the urge to push people away, I know it is time for me to get away. Taking a day off is not negotiable.

Jesus needed time alone during His ministry. Just one day alone at my house in McDowell County makes all the difference.

I try to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I believe it is appropriate to expect the same in return.

I have discovered the value of spiritual renewal by embarking on pilgrimages to holy places: the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago de Compostella, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena, Florence and Rome. I have a pilgrimage planned to Poland.

There never seems to be enough time to accomplish all the duties as the pastor of a rather large parish, but I always make time for the most essential aspect of ministry: leading souls to heaven. The primary mission of the Catholic Church is the salvation of souls, so I try to make that the focus of my ministry.

I love to preach at Mass, but I know that I have to practice what I preach in order to be a witness to our faith. Our Lord never promised that serving Him would be easy. However, He showed us that it is worth every ounce of effort because the benefits are out of this world!

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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BOONE — Five years ago this June, Father Matthew Codd was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Now pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone, the Asheville native Father Codd recently took time to share some insights about himself and his ministry with the Catholic News Herald: CNH: When did you realize you had a call to the priesthood?

Father Codd: I received my call during my junior year in college, while at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I had never really considered priesthood before then.

CNH: Where did you attend seminary?

Father Codd: I attended Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., for all six years.

CNH: What assignments have you had over the past five years?

Father Codd: I was parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville for two years; parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory for one year; and pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone for two years now.

Codd

CNH: What do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?

Father Codd: I enjoy living for God and not for myself, through sacrificing myself for God and the souls He has entrusted to me. Whether that is through preaching, the sacraments, catechesis, or anything else, I simply enjoy living for God as a priest and having that one singular and beautiful purpose.

CNH: What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned over the past five years, especially as a pastor?

Father Codd: There has been an ever-deepening awareness of the depth of both the cross and of the joy of priesthood. So the biggest lesson would probably be how to rely as completely as possible on the wisdom and grace of God. CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Codd: I would remind him of the beauty of priesthood and all of its blessings and joys, and that God is so intimately close to those who serve Him in this vocation.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Faith. Knowledge. Success.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School is proud to have helped in the education of our graduates Father Paul McNulty and the newly ordained Father Brian Becker.

3100 Park Road | Charlotte, NC 28209 | 704.527.7822 | htcms.org

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 26B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.

1 Samuel 2:35

The Education Vicariate congratulates

Very Reverend Roger K. Arnsparger, VE on his 40th anniversary to the priesthood!

With love and gratitude from Campus & Young Adult Ministry Office Evangelization & Adult Education Office Catholic Schools Office Faith Formation Office Office for Youth Ministry The mission of the Education Vicariate is to assist in the implementation of the Bishop’s vision for education in the Diocese of Charlotte. The love of Christ impels us to transmit the Gospel and thus invite people to a personal and intentional faith in Jesus Christ.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

27B

Father Herbert Burke (second from left), pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City, celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood with a dinner June 10, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, and a reception after both Masses June 11. Members of the Ladies Guild presented him with a scrapbook containing photos and notes from parishioners. The cover of the scrapbook featured a photo of the apse mural that Father Burke was instrumental in designing.

Besides parishioners of Immaculate Conception, the celebration was attended by Father Burke’s sister Frances and husband from New Jersey, brother Tom Burke from Black Mountain, and Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

Published author, Air Force veteran Father Burke marks 25th anniversary SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

FOREST CITY — Catholics surfing the internet may have come across Father Herbert Burke, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. He has a YouTube channel and his eight published books are available online. Father Burke is also an Air Force veteran who celebrates 25 years of priesthood this month.

A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, Md., Father Burke was ordained in June 1992 by Cardinal James Hickey at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Father Burke was assigned to Immaculate Conception in Forest City in July 2001. When he arrived, the parish campus consisted of four acres. After his arrival, the parish purchased four plots of adjacent property with a total acreage of 30 acres. But the parish didn’t stop there.

In 2010, a stone Gothic 650-seat church was built adjacent to the old church. He spearheaded the $4 million project, greatly

influencing the design with the architects.

The church is filled with inspiring artwork and custom-wrought stained glass windows. Father Burke sought to make the church as beautiful as possible, saying, “The beauty of the church will lead people to the beauty of the faith… Nobody wants to go to an ugly church on Sunday.”

Since his arrival at the parish, the congregation has more than tripled in size, especially the Latino community. Spiritual activities have increased greatly with an emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration.

In 2015, Father Burke was appointed by Bishop Peter Jugis as vicar forane for the Gastonia Vicariate.

When asked what he enjoys most about his priestly ministry, Father Burke says, “I enjoy watching God in action in my life and in others’ lives, whether I am His direct instrument in bringing positive change to people’s lives or whether I am peripheral.”

Some of the biggest lessons he has learned in his 25 years of priestly ministry are that “it is important to always remember that your emotional support

comes primarily from your family and your priest friends; it should never come primarily from the laity.”

Priests are there to support the laity, he stresses. “It doesn’t mean that they can’t give you some degree of support, but it is always important to maintain that professional boundary. Even if you are over a parishioner’s house for dinner you are at work for God.” Father Burke also believes it is important for priests to use all resources at their disposal to strengthen their parishioners.

“It is important not just to try to help the weak ones, but the strong ones as well,” he explains. “I believe if you make the strong ones stronger, they will help you strengthen the weaker ones through their spiritual fellowship.”

He maintains a strong devotion to the rosary and the Miraculous Medal. He has given his personal witness talk at parishes and schools in many different states, and has given out more than 20,000 Miraculous Medals and finger rosaries with his talks.

He has eight published books with

Queenship Publishing (www.queenship. org). His first book, “A Scriptural Catechism,” has sold almost 30,000 copies.

His second bestselling book, “The Rosary is the Answer,” is carried by EWTN. He encourages priests not to be afraid to “innovate and develop new tools that may not be available for you already. That is why I wrote my own catechism which has sold almost 30,000 copies already, because I felt that the ones that were available did not contain enough apologetics.”

Father Burke’s most recent venture is a YouTube channel called “Father Burke,” with his two most popular talks: “The Rosary, the Bible, and the Eucharist” and “If God is good why does He allow evil?”

He says he developed the channel to reach people who are not big readers.

His advice for men discerning the priesthood? “Make sure that our Eucharistic Lord is your best friend through daily Adoration as much as possible and Our Lady is your second-best friend through the daily rosary.”

— Immaculate Conception Parish contributed.

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 28B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Congratulations to Father Herbert T. Burke, V.F. Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on the occasion of your 25th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

Ordained June 6, 1992 by His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey, St. Matthew’s Cathedral

Ordination Reception June 6, 1992

Sacred Heart mural at the entrance of the new church designed

by Fr. Burke & Lisa Autry

Immaculate Conception in Forest City, NC dedicated in 2010

The parish community has a heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all the time and effort that Fr. Burke has given to accomplish the work of God. We are blessed as a parish and community in Rutherford County to be a part of his ministry.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

29B

15 permanent deacons celebrate jubilee anniversaries Deacon John Martino Special to the Catholic News Herald

Ministering in their new hometown

CHARLOTTE — This year marks milestone anniversaries for 15 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Charlotte.

From the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the states of Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Georgia, Rhode Island and Tennessee, these 15 deacons have journeyed to serve the people in the Charlotte diocese. Whether through family ties, employment opportunities or retirement, the guidance of the Holy Spirit has brought these men to the Triad, Piedmont and mountains of North Carolina. As part of a vibrant and strong diaconate within the Charlotte diocese, we celebrate their anniversaries with great joy.

From the day of their ordination, the lives of these deacons have changed and so have the lives of the many people touched by their ministry. Today it is with the loving support and encouragement of their wives, families and friends, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that they joyfully continue their call to serve.

Pope Paul VI once said, “The deacon is meant to be a living sign of the servanthood of Christ’s Church.”

Even a deacon’s vestments depict the reality that his ordination is one of service.

The stole worn over the left shoulder and fastened to the side represents his ministry of service as teacher and messenger of the Gospel. He also wears the dalmatic, which reflects his ministry of charity to serve those who are most in need.

Relying always on the knowledge that God cares for and loves them, and that He will not abandon them, deacons faithfully serve God and His people every day.

granted retirement in December 2009, he continues to faithfully serve his parish and the diocese.

45 years

35 years

Deacon Ralph Eckoff, 86, and his wife Ruth live in Asheville. He was ordained in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1972 and was a member of the first class in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was also the 60th deacon ordained in the United States.

In coming to North Carolina, he was assigned to St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa in 2003. He was granted formal retirement in 2006 and continues in limited ministry.

40 years

Deacon Ronald Sherwood, 76, was ordained in the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, in 1977. He and his wife Vicky live in Charlotte.

After moving to North Carolina, he was assigned to St. Mark Parish in Huntersville in 2004 and was incardinated to this diocese in 2009. He retired in 2013 and continues in limited ministry.

Deacon Sidney Huff, 81, was ordained on Dec. 11, 1977, for the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. In 2007, he and his wife Elease moved to Monroe, where in August of that year he was granted faculties and was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Being

Permanent deacons have come to serve in the Diocese of Charlotte from across the United States, and this year's deacon jubilarians hail from a variety of places.

NY

IN

AZ

NJ DE

OH

GA

FL

AK PR

Deacon John Zimmerle, 77, lives in Statesville. He was ordained for the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., on March 27, 1982, and also served in the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., before moving to North Carolina with his wife Ladis in 2001. Deacon Zimmerle was granted facilities in the diocese in 2001 and assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville. He retired in 2014 and retains his faculties to participate in liturgical functions and ministerial activities.

Deacon Anthony Marini, 86, was ordained for the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y., on April 17, 1982. In 1984, he and his wife Maria moved to Florida where he continued his ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Fla. In 1993 he and his wife took up residence in North Carolina, where he has served as a seasonal deacon at St. William Parish in Murphy and at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville. He moved to the Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla., in 1997 and retired in 2004. He retains his diaconal faculties in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Deacon George Szalony, 76, was ordained on April 18, 1982, for the Archdiocese of Chicago. After ordination, Deacon Szalony served in the Diocese of Helena, Mont., and in the Diocese of Trenton. It was then that

Deacon Szalony and his wife Christine moved to Charlotte, where he was assigned in 1995 to St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill.

In 2001 he was appointed assistant director of formation and assigned to St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte. During his diaconate service he has also served St. Ann Parish in Charlotte and served as diocesan director of formation from 2008 to 2011. In 2015 he retired and now continues his diaconal faculties as chaplain of airport ministry at CharlotteDouglas International Airport.

30 years

Deacon James Johnson, 80, and his wife Judith live in Soldotna, Alaska. Although he began his formation in Knoxville, Tenn., he completed his studies for the Charlotte diocese. He was ordained on June 27, 1987, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton and served that same parish throughout his ministry.

He also served as diocesan coordinator for prison ministry and was the chaplain for Catholic Scouting for the diocese. In 2011 he retired, and in 2016 he and his wife moved to Alaska.

Deacon J. Patrick Crosby, 76, was ordained for the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., on Aug. 8, 1987. He and his wife Irene moved to the Hendersonville-Brevard area in 1999, when he was granted faculties and

assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish.

Then in late 2000 he was reassigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Brevard. He retired on July 1, 2014.

20 years

Deacon James Gorman, 73, was ordained for the Archdiocese of New York on June 7, 1997, by Cardinal John O’Connor. While in New York he served as pastoral minister at Nyack Hospital. In 2010 he and his wife Helen moved to Charlotte, and in 2011 he was granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese and assigned to St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte.

Deacon Matthew Reilly, 73, was ordained on Sept. 20, 1997, for the Archdiocese of Washington by Cardinal James Hickey. On Feb. 2, 2007, he received faculties for the Charlotte diocese and was assigned to St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville, where he served for seven years.

Currently, Deacon Reilly is assigned to Holy Spirit Parish in Denver. He and his wife Donna Marie live in Mooresville.

DEACONS, SEE page 31B

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 30B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Congratulates Father Brian Becker On The Occasion Of His Ordination To The Holy Priesthood

Congratulations, Fr. Barone, On Your Fifth Anniversary Of Priesthood From Your Family At St. Ann’s Parish

Our Congratulations Also To Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Celebrating His 60th Anniversary Of His Ordination To The Holy Priesthood

And Best Wishes To All Priests, Deacons & Sisters Celebrating Jubilee Anniversaries This Year!

©2017 St. Ann Catholic Church

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

DEACONS FROM PAGE 29B

15 years

Deacon Scott McNabb, 67, and his wife Charlene are seasonal residents of North Carolina with permanent residence in Atlanta.

Deacon McNabb was ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta on Feb. 2, 2002, and is assigned to Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Atlanta. In receiving faculties for the Charlotte diocese in August 2013, he serves, when in residence, at Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands and St. Jude Mission in Sapphire.

Deacon Roland Geoffroy, 76, was ordained for the Diocese of Providence, R.I., on Oct. 18, 2002. After being granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese on Nov. 30, 2006, he was initially assigned to St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte. In June 2007, he was then assigned to serve at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. On March 7, 2016, Deacon Geoffroy was granted retirement and maintains ministerial activities when requested by his pastor. He and his wife Jacqueline live in Monroe.

31B

10 years

Deacon John Barone, 67, and his wife Ellen live in Brasstown.

He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2007 and was assigned to St. Mark Parish in Clarkesville, Ga. On Jan. 20, 2010, he received faculties and was assigned to help the pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Andrews. Currently he is retired and is inactive as a deacon.

Deacon John Riehl, 69, and his wife Shirley live in Hendersonville.

Ordained for the Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn., on May 18, 2007, he was assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City, Tenn. After moving to the Charlotte area, he was granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese on Sept. 1, 2015, and assigned to St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon.

His son, Father Christopher Riehl, has also served in the diocese.

5 Years Deacon Jose Vargas, 61, and his wife Maria are from Puerto Rico. He was ordained for the Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on May 18, 2012. He is a seasonal resident of North Carolina and when in residence he serves at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point. He helps with parish activities and assists with the Spanish-speaking community.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Consecrated religious jubilarians honored Feb. 4 CHARLOTTE — At the conclusion of the Mass for the World Day for Consecrated Life celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral Feb. 4, 12 women religious were honored for their decades of service to the Church.

Religious sisters celebrating special jubilee anniversaries in 2017 include: Mercy Sister Alma Pangelinan (70 years); Mercy Sister Therese Galligan (60 years); St. Joseph Sister John Christopher (55 years); Mercy Sisters Carolyn Coll, Sister Jane Davis, Sister Rose Marie Tresp and Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt (50 years); St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers (50 years); Missionaries of Charity Sister M. Martinella (25 years); and Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Pushpa Jose, Sister Christie and Sister Agnes Maria (25 years).

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Celebrating Vocations

The Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community honors our sisters, priests and deacons on their jubilee anniversaries. We also celebrate the ordination of five new priests.

Sister Alma Pangelinan 70 years

Sister Therese Galligan 60 years

Sister Rose Marie Tresp 50 years

Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt • 50 years

We congratulate Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin on his 60th anniversary.

Sister Carolyn Mary Coll 50 years

Sister Jane Davis 50 years

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 32B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD