Dec. 27, 2024

At a glance

DECEMBER

27, 2024

VOLUME 34 • NUMBER 6 1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@rcdoc.org

704-370-3333

PUBLISHER

The Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX

Contact us 2

Español 16-21

Our Diocese 4-15

Our Faith 3

Scripture

TheCATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Epiphany of the Lord, which in 2025 will be celebrated on Jan. 5 in the United States, commemorates the revelation to the Gentiles that Jesus is the Son of God through the visit of the Magi, or Three Wise Men. In the Eastern tradition where the feast originated, Epiphany – or Theophany as it is called there – honors three varied events, the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana. In the Western Church, the celebration primarily focuses on the visit of the Magi. As the rest of the world all-too-rapidly moves past the beauty of Christmas, Epiphany gives us more time to reflect on how Jesus is made manifest in our own homes and lives.

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LET US EAT CAKE

King Cake, also known as Three Kings Cake, is a culinary treat associated with Epiphany in many countries. Although the cake’s ingredients vary widely, almost all have a fève, or small trinket, hidden inside that represents the Magi’s search for the Christ Child. The fève itself varies from country to country, ranging from a bean, coin or almond to a small figure of the infant Jesus. The person who finds the fève traditionally gets a prize. While most of us in the United States associate King Cake with Mardi Gras, the dessert is traditionally served from Epiphany through Carnival in Louisiana. Bake your own version with recipes found at Catholic Cuisine.

COME BEARING GIFTS

The Three Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ Child, and in many cultures, the tradition of giving gifts on this day continues. Just as the gifts of the Magi had deeper meanings, consider a gift that speaks to your family and faith. Gold, a symbol of wealth and power, identifies the recipient as a king. Frankincense, the crystallized sap of a tree used as incense and as an offering, is symbolic of prayer. Myrrh, another resinous tree sap, was used in healing and as an embalming ointment.

Diocesan calendar of events

EVENTS

This gift foreshadowed Jesus’ death. Some families and cultures have a custom of giving three gifts to reflect these biblical offerings.

BLESS YOUR HOME

Did you know that it’s traditional to bless your home on Epiphany? This practice stems from the biblical reference to the Magi entering the home where the Holy Family was staying to worship the Christ Child. Start with a short service that you can find online at the QR code. Then use blessed chalk to write the letters C, M and B plus the year above your home’s main entrance or interior doors in this format: 20 + C + M + B + 25. The + represents the cross and the letters are the initials of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. They are also an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless the house.” It’s a beautiful way to usher in a New Year filled with blessings.

— Trish Stukbauer. Sources: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic News Agency

HARAMBEE MASS : Our Lady of Consolation Parish will celebrate a Harambee Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. The church is located at 1235 Badger Ct., Charlotte. All are welcome and encouraged to join in this rich liturgy that will set the tone for a New Year of unity and solidarity. For information, contact the parish office at olcCharlotte@rcdoc.org or call 704-375-4339.

PRAYER SERVICES

CHARLOTTE MARCH FOR LIFE : Witness to the dignity of all human life on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Charlotte March for Life. The one-mile march kicks off at noon from the Diocesan Pastoral Center and features inspirational talks and prayer at Independence Square at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte. Get details at www.marchforlifecharlotte.com.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS : St. Patrick Cathedral hosts a vigil to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, each first Friday through first Saturday. Mass will be at 8 p.m. on Jan. 3 followed by an overnight Adoration that ends with a Mass at 8 a.m. Jan. 4. Sign up at www.prolifecharlotte.org/two-hearts.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE : 7 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, St. Matthew Church chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Includes a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. For details, go to www.stmatthewcatholic.org/st-peregrine.

DEC. 28 – 5 P.M.

Opening Mass of Hope for Holy Year

St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville

DEC. 29 – 11:30 A.M.

Opening Mass of Hope for Holy Year

St. Pius X Church, Greensboro

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

the following events:

DEC. 29 – 5 P.M.

Opening Mass of Hope for Holy Year

St. Mark Church, Huntersville

JAN. 1 – 9 A.M.

Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., will participate in

Our faith

Pope Francis

Jesus is the path and destination for Jubilee pilgrims

Pope Francis called on Catholics to focus their Holy Year 2025 pilgrimages on Jesus Christ, who is both the path and destination for Christian hope.

At his general audience Dec. 18, the pope began a new series of talks on “Jesus Christ our hope,” which he announced will be the theme for his weekly catechesis throughout the Jubilee Year, which began with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 24.

Jesus “is the destination of our pilgrimage, and He Himself is the way, the path to be traveled,” he said in the Vatican audience hall.

Walking across the stage to his seat rather than using a wheelchair as he had previously done, Pope Francis stopped to pray before a relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the 19th-century French saint who was the subject of an apostolic exhortation published by the pope in 2023.

After aides read the genealogy of Jesus from St. Matthew’s Gospel in various languages, the pope explained that “the genealogy is a literary genre that is suitable for conveying a very important message: No one gives life to him- or herself but receives it as a gift for others.”

Unlike the genealogies in the Old Testament, which mention only male figures, St. Matthew includes five women in Jesus’ lineage, Pope Francis noted. Four of the women are united “by being foreigners to the people of Israel,” the pope said, highlighting Jesus’ mission to embrace both Jews and Gentiles.

The mention of Mary in the genealogy “marks a new beginning,” Pope Francis said, “because in her story it is no longer the human creature who is the protagonist of generation, but God himself.”

In St. Matthew’s Gospel, the genealogy typically describes lineage by stating that a male figure “became the father of” a son. However, when it comes to Mary, the wording shifts: “of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.”

Through His lineage to David, Jesus is destined to be the Messiah of Israel, but because He is also descended from Abraham and foreign women, He will become the “light of the Gentiles” and “savior of the world,” Pope Francis said, citing Scripture.

“Brothers and sisters, let us awaken in ourselves the grateful memory toward our ancestors,” he said, “and above all let us give thanks to God who, through mother Church, has begotten us to eternal life, the life of Jesus, our hope.”

In his greeting to pilgrims after his main talk, Pope Francis briefly reflected on his Dec. 15 trip to the French island of Corsica to close a theology conference on popular religiosity.

“The recent trip in Corsica, where I was so warmly welcomed, particularly struck me for the fervor of the people,” who do not treat faith as a “private matter,” he said, as well as “for the number of children present, a great joy and a great hope.”

‘Life everlasting’

In the penultimate installment in our series we talked about the resurrection: the fact that at the end of history, all the dead will rise, “those who have done good deeds, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds, to the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn 5:29). But what happens next? The simple answer is: everything else.

One could say that it is only after the resurrection that our real lives begin. Our old, mortal lives will have ended and our new, eternal lives will have begun. If you want a sobering thought to meditate on during your next holy hour, consider these two seemingly contradictory but inescapable truths. The first is that you will one day die. The second is that you will live forever. We are both mortal and immortal.

Each one of us will have a “last day” here on earth (maybe sooner, maybe later), after which we will stand before the Just Judge to give an account of our lives (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1021-1022). We will hear either the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:23) or “Depart from me; I never knew you” (Mt 7:23). Our probationary time will have ended. Our time for making a choice for or against God, for or against love and goodness, truth and righteousness, mercy and forgiveness, will be behind us, and we will live with the consequences of that choice.

The idea that we get to choose our eternal destiny scandalizes many, because why would anyone choose hell? This has led some to wonder if hell might be empty. Yet the Church is clear: Hell is a real possibility for us. We gain a clearer understanding if we consider the defining characteristic of hell. What makes hell hellish is not fire, brimstone or pitchforks (no one would willingly choose torture). According to the Catechism, it is the “definitive selfexclusion from communion with God and the blessed” (CCC 1033).

Do we want to live forever in a loving communion with God and with the saints, or do we not? We make that choice in all the ways we love or fail to love God and neighbor in the here and now. As St. John of the Cross put it, “At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love.” In

Daily Scripture readings

DEC. 29-JAN. 4

Sunday (Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph): Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28, Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10, Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24, Lk 2:41-52; Monday: 1 Jn 2:12-17, Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, Lk 2:36-40; Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21, Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13, Jn 1:1-18; Wednesday (Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God): Num 6:22-27, Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8, Gal 4:4-7, Lk 2:16-21; Thursday (Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church): 1 Jn 2:22-28, Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, Jn 1:19-28; Friday: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6, Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6, Jn 1:29-34; Saturday (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton): 1 Jn 3:7-10, Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9, Jn 1:35-42

Credo

A 12-part series on the creed

by Deacon Matthew Newsome

EDITOR’S NOTE

This is the final article in a 12-part series exploring the Creed. The entire series can be found online at: www.catholicnewsherald.com.

light of this understanding, hell can be understood as an aspect of God’s mercy. Heaven is loving communion with God, and “we cannot be united with God unless we freely choose to love Him” (CCC 1033). Love must be freely given and freely received, or else it is not love at all. Because God loves us, He grants us the freedom of loving Him back, which makes possible the terrible choice of rejecting Him. For the one who despises God, the only thing worse than hell would be heaven! So God, in His mercy, provides a place even for those who reject Him. But let us dwell no longer on hell! Let us end our exploration of the Creed as we hope our lives will end, with the glories of heaven, defined by the Catechism as “the communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed … the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness” (CCC 1024).

We don’t know what this eternal communion with God will be like in practical terms. As St. Paul put it, “eye

JAN. 5-11

Sunday (Epiphany of the Lord): Is 60:1-6, Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mt 2:1-12; Monday: 1 Jn 3:224:6, Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a, Mt 4:12-17, 23-25; Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10, Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, Mk 6:34-44; Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18, Ps 72:12, 10, 12-13, Mk 6:45-52; Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19–5:4, Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17, Lk 4:1422; Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13, Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20, Lk 5:12-16; Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21, Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b, Jn 3:22-30

has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the human heart what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9). We know that our deepest longings will be fulfilled. As St. Augustine points out in the opening lines of his Confessions, God made us for Himself, and it is in communion with God that we find our fulfillment.

We are made in the image and likeness of a Triune God, and that means we are made for communal relationship. It is only by giving and receiving personal love that we find true happiness. In heaven we will experience that perfectly, therefore we will be perfectly happy. All of our human longings and desires ultimately find their fulfillment in that blessed communion.

There, we will see God face to face: We will both know fully and be fully known (cf. 1 Cor 13:12). This direct knowledge of God is called the beatific vision, the state of seeing God as He is (cf. 1 Jn 3:2). This perfect union with the God of Love, the source of all goodness, truth and beauty, allows for no sorrow. As St. John describes it in his heavenly vision, “God Himself will always be with them … He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away” (Rev 21:3-4).

This is what God wills for us: that we should have all of our desires fulfilled by the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, completely and for ever. The only question is: Do we want this for ourselves?

In a conference on the Creed, St. Thomas Aquinas noted, “It is fitting that the end of all our desires, namely eternal life, coincides with the words at the end of the creed, ‘Life everlasting. Amen.’” That little word, “Amen,” means “so be it.” It is a word of assent, saying, “I want this to be so.” When we say it at the end of the Creed, may we say it with conviction and integrity; and may we live each day in accord with that “Amen” so that our lives in this world may lead us to that blessed end.

DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the author of “The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales,” available from Sophia Institute Press.

JAN. 12-18

Sunday (Baptism of the Lord): Is 42:14, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11, Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 2930, Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7, Lk 3:15-16, 21-22; Monday: Heb 1:1-6, Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9, Mk 1:14-20; Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12, Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9, Mk 1:21-28; Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18, Ps 105:12, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9, Mk 1:29-39; Thursday: Heb 3:7-14, Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11, Mk 1:4045; Friday (St. Anthony, Abbot): Heb 4:1-5, 11, Ps 78:3 & 4bc, 6c-7, 8, Mk 2:1-12; Saturday: Heb 4:12-16, Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15, Mk 2:13-17

Our diocese

‘Real glory is in the Lord’

Bishop Martin celebrates multiple Christmas Masses in Charlotte

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s glory revealed in an infant sent to save us from our sins, Bishop Michael Martin preached to packed congregations Dec. 24 and 25.

In Bishop Martin’s first Christmas since becoming bishop of Charlotte in May, he celebrated the holy day by offering Masses at Our Lady of Consolation Church and St. Patrick Cathedral.

In his homily, the bishop noted that Christmas is about celebrating the glory of God, the sacrifice of God, and the wisdom of God.

But first he shared a story about his backyard bird feeder.

‘TRYING TO CLIMB’

“I’m not a big bird watcher, but I will admit I like in the backyard to have a bird feeder. I love feeding the birds and watching them,” Bishop Martin said. Yet his “enemy” is a squirrel that manages to outwit his “high-tech, superduper, anti-squirrel bird feeder” by dangling sideways on the pole on which the feeder hangs.

“Squirrels have a Ph.D. in how to do this,” he joked. “I don’t know how they do it, but do you think I’m going to let it go? No, no, no ...”

“I take a can of WD-40,” he continued, and “spray the pole.” Undaunted, the squirrels keep jumping onto the pole, but then slide down without reaching the feeder.

“It’s more entertainment than watching the birds fly by,” he laughed. “It’s hysterical.”

His voice turning serious, the bishop said that slippery pole is God’s way of reminding him of his own folly.

“I’m the squirrel,” he said, pointing to himself, “too often jumping up, trying to climb, thinking I’m going to achieve something, only to just slide right back down. Plop! Right on the ground, over and over and over again. I think I’m going up – and I keep coming right back down.”

He continued, “My brothers and sisters: We’re here tonight to redefine glory. We’re here tonight to acknowledge that what the world claims as glory is not what we claim as glory.

“We’re here tonight to stop jumping up onto that pole and sliding down – to realize that real glory is not in our accomplishment. Real glory is in the Lord.

“If we don’t recognize that daily, we will find ourselves climbing the pole of life and never achieving what we hope to and always find ourselves wanting more, lacking something, wondering why everyone else seems to be having such a glorious life except me.”

‘GOD’S GLORY’

As Christians, we are called to focus on the glory of God, not glorying in ourselves and our achievements, Bishop Martin said.

“Are achievements great? Sure they are, but who do they glorify? Not me. The One who made me, the One who empowered me, the One who’s given me all that I’ve ever been given – all that I have.”

“It’s God’s glory,” he said. “Our glory is in Him.” We must let go of focusing on ourselves and what keeps us from serving others and doing God’s will, he said.

‘LET GO’

Jesus followed the will of His Father, and He did so at great sacrifice to Himself – dying on a cross to save humanity from sin, the bishop noted.

Self-sacrifice and serving others – particularly serving the poor and the marginalized – is what defines a Christian and a Christian community, he said. “We have got to let go and be willing to serve rather than to be served.”

“Let’s realize that we have got to sacrifice at a greater level, and we can’t do it by ourselves,” he said. Building a community in which members are emboldened to

sacrifice and serve others, he said, demonstrates the glory of God to others.

“Let’s commit to that – to carry the cross together,” he urged.

‘SOMETHING GREATER’

Every child represents to us the greatness of God, Bishop Martin also said.

God could have chosen any number of ways to save us, yet in His wisdom, “He comes to us as an infant.”

Although not having children is “one of the challenges” of a religious vocation, the bishop added, “one of the joys of my life has been being able to hold the infant children of my sisters or my nieces and nephew or friends of mine.

“Holding an infant – there’s a glory in that that is so far beyond who I am … in something greater than me,”

Bishop Martin said.

“That’s what God wanted to make manifest at Christmas: that when our senses are piqued, we can realize His glory is what we’re here to praise. His glory is what we’re here to worship – made manifest to us in the most vulnerable, most humble, of a newborn child.”

“May we commit this Christmas to realizing what real glory is,” he concluded. “Real glory is in sacrifice that always and only will be perfected in the cross, and that the true glory of God is made manifest in Jesus Christ.”

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Watch Bishop

Michael Martin’s full homily from Christmas.

TROY C. HULL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(At top) Bishop Michael Martin places the baby Jesus in the manger scene at St. Patrick Cathedral as he begins the Christmas Mass at midnight. (Above) Bishop Martin offers the Christmas vigil Mass Dec. 24 at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte.

Scenes of the Season

Parishes and schools across the Diocese of Charlotte are celebrating the ‘Reason for the Season’ with Christmas Masses, performances and special visitors. Here is a glimpse of the Christmas season in photos. See many more online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Clockwise from top left) St. Mark Church in Huntersville presents a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Holy Trinity Middle School students and a special guest perform during a choral concert. Kalion Reep, playing one of the Three Wise Men, joins others from St. Bernadette Parish in the Newland Christmas parade. The Daughters of the Virgin Mother mark the shortest day of the year at a pre-dawn Mass at St. Mark Church lit only by candlelight.

(From left) Nearly every student at Immaculata School takes part in a performance of “The Branch from Jesse’s Tree” at Hendersonville High School. The St. Patrick community comes together at the MACS Fine Arts Center for its annual Christmas performance. From wise men to angels and shepherds and the Holy Family, St. Matthew Parish’s Children’s Nativity reminds everyone of the true meaning of the season.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Join the 19th annual March for Life Charlotte on Jan. 10

CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to make a public stand for life at the 19th annual March for Life Charlotte scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10.

Held each year in January, the event offers the faithful a chance for public witness as they gather to march and pray for the protection and sanctity of all human life.

“This is a chance for people to give a visible witness as part of the body of Christ,” said Tina Witt, who leads the nonprofit group that coordinates the annual march.

“The people who turn up for the march have a very powerful impact. It’s a chance for us to communicate the truth.”

The day will begin with a Mass for the Unborn offered at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Participants are asked to gather starting at 11 a.m. in the overflow parking lot across from the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 1123 S. Church St. Marchers will receive instructions and have a chance for prayer beginning at 11:30 a.m. The march will kick off at noon and process from the parking lot to Independence Square at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in Uptown Charlotte.

Father Peter Rusciolelli, the parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem

and who grew up attending the march with his family, will be the guest homilist.

“The March for Life and the many lives that have been saved is a witness to the power of prayer and faith in Christ, that where two or three are gathered together in His name, all things are possible,” Father Rusciolelli said.

Participants will also pray the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy during the march.

The March for Life is just one way to support life and make public witness among many other events that go on year-round in the Diocese of Charlotte, according to Father Peter Ascik, director of the diocesan Family Life Office.

Father Ascik said MiraVia pregnancy care center in Charlotte, Birthright and the parishbased Walking With Moms in Need groups all offer examples of supporting life and mothers. He also credited the Knights of Columbus councils, which regularly hold baby bottle campaigns to raise money to support mothers and their babies. Additional support for women and children can be found at Catherine’s House in Belmont and Room At The Inn in the Triad.

“All of these efforts are part of the network that supports life in the Diocese of Charlotte, along with other ongoing efforts to support pregnancy and parenting moms,” he said. More online At www.marchforlifecharlotte.com

Students from Holy Trinity Middle School carry a banner bearing their school’s name during last year’s March for Life Charlotte. This year’s march will take place Friday, Jan. 10.

Rusciolelli

Special Mass of Peace and Solace offers time for reflection amid the busy holiday season

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Tryon

Street glowed with Christmas lights Dec. 19 as people bundled in coats merrily rushed past St. Peter Church. Some people, however, stopped and went inside the historic church, seeking something different that evening.

They left behind the hustle and bustle of the final days before Christmas to experience a moment of quiet worship punctuated by acoustic song and candlelight. The special event, an Advent Mass of Peace and Solace, offered an opportunity to spend time with the Lord away from society’s expectation of Christmas festivity.

Some were dealing with grief, others with job loss, illness, financial issues or simply trying to find a quiet moment with their thoughts and memories. The annual Mass at St. Peter gave them a chance to find peace and comfort while dealing with difficult emotions.

The evening featured songs that spoke of God’s gentle grace and of hope. Meditations about the Advent season and its challenges were read as the Advent wreath candles were lit. The comforting carol “Silent Night” was sung while people sat bathed in candlelight.

In his homily Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, St. Peter’s pastor, focused on how hard it can be to handle grief and challenging emotions during this season when an increasingly secular culture bombards people with images of manufactured festivity. It’s also difficult to crave simplicity and find the true meaning of the season when there is such a focus on commercial excess, he said.

Father Stephens told the story of the first Christmas Eve he could remember, when as a child he saw his grandmother,

“this woman who never ever seemed to stop working, lying on her bed waiting for the ambulance to come.” He described his memory of looking at Christmas lights through the car windows on his ride home, finding it hard to reconcile that festive holiday image outside with the knowledge of his grandmother’s serious illness.

“It’s hard to juxtapose the Christmas that seems to be part of the atmosphere and what you might be feeling,” Father Stephens said. “There are probably deep

feelings of loss, sadness and depression that can stem from something in life that doesn’t quite fit what we or society think Christmas should be about…Sometimes we come at Christmas with too many unrealistic expectations.”

He reminded the congregation that feelings of grief or anxiety are not something to be ashamed of or to hide.

“It’s important to be reminded they are particularly natural, normal feelings, and we need to own them and acknowledge them, to continue to honor the memory of people who are no longer physically present,” he said.

Father Stephens suggested that when their emotions well up, people focus on the humble stable where Christ was born.

“We need to allow God the opportunity to draw us into the simplicity of the true meaning of Christ, recognizing that what that stable represents is a lot truer when we see it in its simplicity,” he said. “God born as one of us in the most radically simple circumstances is really intended to lift us up. By God wanting to be with us, He lifts us all up. We need to ask God to transform our grief, our sorrow, our emptiness. … Those feelings are not the limit of what God wants for us. Even in the midst of our sorrow, He wants to give us peace.”

Mary Claire Wall, a member of St. Peter, brought her friend Gay Boswell to the Mass. Both women used the time to think about people they have lost over the years and found the evening to be a chance for reflection and comfort.

“It was so special to be in this lovely, humble place with regular people singing in the candlelight,” Boswell said. “My heart was warmed by being here. All of us have lost someone, and this was a chance to think about them and feel God’s grace.”

Diocese found compliant in review of child protection measures

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has participated in an independent review of its compliance to nationally prescribed child protection procedures, passing for the 22nd straight year.

The yearly assessment by Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., monitors U.S. dioceses’ compliance with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by clergy or other Church personnel.

The review covered data related to child protection measures for the period of July 2023 through June 2024.

The external review checked compliance with reporting requirements of the charter, including the diocese’s efforts to ensure the protection of children through criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse.

The diocese has been found compliant with all audited articles of the charter each year since the audits began in 2003.

In the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the diocese conducted 6,991 background checks, required on an ongoing basis for all diocesan clergy, employees and volunteers. Since 2002, more than 80,000 background checks have been conducted. That includes rechecking active volunteers and employees every five years.

A total of 6,290 adults completed training in the diocese’s safe environment educational awareness program, CMG Connect. More than 70,000 adults have received training in this program since it began in 2002.

Sounds of the season

HAYESVILLE — Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish performed its annual “Glory and Light Christmas Cantata,” sharing the sounds of the season with neighbors in the western North Carolina mountains and beyond through its YouTube channel on Dec. 16.

CMG Connect educates adults to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims, families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help prevent abuse.

The diocese also supports an independent hotline for the reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct. Reports can be made anonymously anytime by phone at 1-888-630-5929 or online at www.redflagreporting. com/rcdoc. (Please note: The Diocese of Charlotte reports all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to local law enforcement.)

— Catholic News Herald

Learn more

At www.charlottediocese.org

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioner Mary Claire Wall lights a candle on the Advent wreath at St. Peter Church on Dec. 19 while prayers are said during the Advent Mass of Peace and Solace. The annual Mass is designed to bring comfort to those who are grieving a loss during the holidays.

‘Stan the Band Man’ retires

Beloved educator steps down after 68 years of music

LISA GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE

— “Stan the Band Man” took his final bow last week during the annual Christmas concerts for middle and high schoolers of Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools – earning standing ovations and a band room named in his honor, and leaving a remarkable legacy few could match.

Dr. Stanley Michalski Jr. started the band program at MACS back in 1993 and spent the next three decades teaching music, guiding instructors and building an enterprise that now includes band programs at nine schools and routinely sends students on to college and sometimes professional music careers.

What’s more remarkable is that Stan Michalski is 90. He will retire in January after 68 years in music – 32 of them at MACS, a second career that started on a whim.

“I call him ‘Stan the Band Man’ because of the depth of his

expertise and love of music,” says Charlotte Catholic High School President Kurt Telford, who admits he also had trouble pronouncing Michalski’s Polish last name (it’s “Mick-all-ski”).

“He knows everything about band – from what features we needed in our new Fine Arts Center, to instruments, to acoustics, to what the kids in band need to inspire them,” Telford says. “Stan knows how to elevate his students

Dr. Stan Michalski, alongside his successor Ben Ranzinger, helps middle schoolers practice for their concert. Michalski can listen to students’ performances and tell exactly how they can be improved.

through music and through praise – which also elevates families and our entire school community.”

Known as “Dr. Michalski” to most, he will retire from MACS on Jan. 13 – the same date he started 32 years ago –after retiring as a professor, conductor and administrator at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, which took him around the world. He was 57 when he and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Charlotte to be near their children, unaware of the opportunity that lay ahead and would allow him to combine two passions: music and the Catholic faith.

CHURCH OPENS DOORS

Michalski grew up in Pennsylvania with a tuba to his lips, accordion around his neck, and piano at his fingertips. His father, a self-taught musician whose parents had come from Poland, taught him all he knew starting at the age of 5. Young Stanley played at weddings, sang at funerals and played the organ at church. His father “sent me to the

MICHALSKI, SEE PAGE 9

nuns”

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“ ”

I played three Masses every day. They had to put boards on the seat so I could see over the organ. Playing for the Catholic Church is what opened the door for me.

— Dr. Stanley Michalski

MICHALSKI

FROM PAGE 8

in Scranton to learn to sing in Latin.

“I played three Masses every day. They had to put boards on the seat so I could see over the organ,” Michalski recalls. “Playing for the Catholic Church is what opened the door for me.” Michalski went on to play piano at nightclubs and strum numbers for the local radio station. He obtained a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree in music education from Penn State. Over the years, he picked up the wind instruments as well, performing across the country and “learning from the best of the best,” he says, until he began to be consulted as the master musician.

GIVING BACK TO GOD

Former MACS Superintendent Dr. Michael Skube had no idea of the gem he found in 1992, when Michalski stepped inside the central office, looking to volunteer his time to start a music program in the Catholic schools.

“They didn’t have one music stand –nothing, not a (music) piece, not even a pencil,” says Michalski, who was hired as MACS Instrumental Music Coordinator.

He drew up plans, spoke with Skube for hours, conducted interest surveys, and with $10,000 appropriated, launched the band program.

“Dr. Skube asked me how many students I thought I was going to get. I didn’t know, I thought we’d get about 50,” Michalski says. “We did the survey, and we had 162 kids signed up. That was the nucleus that started it all.”

That nucleus grew to more than 400 students a year, from one school to nine schools, from one teacher to seven, and from no place to rehearse to the state-of-the-art MACS Fine Arts Center, which opened in 2022 on the Charlotte Catholic campus and is available for use by the schools and the community.

“One thing I preach to the students is that when you are part of a band program, you are

giving back part of the talent that God gave you,” Michalski says. “When we teach a student to play well, they are generating their interest, their heart, and their talent for other people.”

One of those students was Ben Ranzinger. He played trombone in middle and high school, went on to study music, then returned to teach music at Charlotte Catholic, his alma mater. Now, with Michalski’s blessing, he will succeed his mentor as the Catholic Schools’ music coordinator.

“The advice he provided was very guiding for me. There was a moment of clarity in my sophomore year where I knew this was a path I could take,” says Ranzinger, who considers Michalski a father figure.

“He was really helpful in developing me as a musician and as a person. He is not just a band mentor and a band representative, he is an international music icon. He represents our

program to the highest degree.”

Michalski oversees MACS band classes, marching bands, concert bands, ensembles, and all measures of special performances. Beyond music, he is a skilled educator and administrator. At MACS he’s hired more than a dozen band and music directors who work with students, while he roams from one school to the next to see how things are going.

Love and encouragement, he says, are the tools that inspire students and teachers alike.

When he hears a good solo, Michalski will praise the student, then call or email their parents.

“Those parents call me and tell me they are never going to erase that message from their phone,” he says. “I encourage my faculty

MICHALSKI, SEE PAGE 28

Other high notes

A career spanning 68 years as a conductor, educator, performer, clinician and performance judge

Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in music education from Pennsylvania State University

Played in 43 states and on three continents

Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Music and Conductor of Bands at Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Recognized as one of the top 10 most outstanding band directors in the U.S. by The School Musician Journal

Who’s Who in American Music, 1985-2007

Awarded membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 1974; elected president in 1998

Recipient of the Gold Medal of Honor from the Denmark Band Director’s Association

LIZ CHANDLER AND TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEW HERALD Michalski teaches the classics in basic terms to young children, meeting them where they are. Michalski believes education is what motivates students to practice and learn an instrument, but if you try to push students too hard before that education takes place, they will feel overwhelmed. Michalski has many student fans; two were able to snag his autograph before he left. (Below) Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, pulls Michalski aside during his surprise retirement party to offer some words of gratitude.

Holy Angels celebrates Christmas with Bishop Martin

LISA GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

BELMONT — Bishop Michael Martin celebrated a Christmas Nativity and Mass Dec. 17 with his newfound friends, the Holy Angels, joining their annual tradition that is a holiday highlight.

Holy Angels, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, provides care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bishop Martin gathered with many of the 81 residents for the holiday celebration at nearby Queen of the Apostles Church.

“His warmth, kindness and genuine presence light up the room and bring so much joy to everyone here at Holy Angels,” said Holy Angels’ CEO Kerri Massey, who was delighted the bishop visited. “Our residents respond with smiles, laughter and a sense of comfort that speaks to his ability to make each person feel seen, valued and loved.”

While the bishop brought joy, the residents gave gifts of music, theater and dance. The Holy Angels Handbell Choir started off the celebration. Gentlemen in gold vests with bow ties and ladies in gold sparkly blazers used their bells as their voices to sing their rendition of “The First Noel” and “What Child is This?”

The whole congregation – Bishop Martin included – belted out classic Christmas carols like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

The Holy Angels, each with a custom-made costume, played a part in recreating the Nativity scene. There was a tax collector with carefully knitted bags of money on his lap, an innkeeper with a lantern in her hand, and even two little holy angels in white, a halo of garland over their heads and gold wings hanging from the back of their tiny wheelchairs. One of those angels was Emberley, the youngest resident at 18 months. Five months ago, Bishop Martin held her in his arms during his first visit to Holy Angels.

The bishop’s homily was carefully curated to inspire his audience, with a message of dignity for all people.

“Each of us has a role to play, each of us has a particular purpose in our lives to remind the people around us that God loves us so much, that not only did He send His Son, He sent all of you,” Bishop Martin said.

The bishop then addressed the staff, “When we were doing the first reading about God wanting to bring the light into the darkness, that is what the folks who serve from the administration all the way through all the different departments, that’s what you do.”

Bishop Martin then told family members: “Every human life is a gift and that is the message the Christ Child brings and helps us to appreciate. It isn’t always in the glorious lives that the world brings us, the fancy lives of the rich and famous, it is about the small child in a part of the world no one wants to be, born in a time of difficulty and challenge … who is thought worthless, and it’s that human life that saves us...”

Holy Angels exemplifies God’s love for all His children, “these wonderful human beings who make our lives different, make our lives more rich, because they’re a part of our friends, a part of our family.”

“May you continue to celebrate that Christmas every single day,” he concluded.

The bishop’s second trip to Holy Angels was a hit.

“Bishop Martin has a special heart for our residents,” said Dennis Kuhn, Holy Angels chaplain and board of directors member, who remembered the bishop’s visit in April on his first day as bishopelect. “This makes the day so much more special.”

Monsignor Arnsparger retires as vicar, remains as pastor

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., has accepted Monsignor Roger K. Arnsparger’s request to retire from his position as the diocese’s Vicar of Education for Catechetical Formation, which oversees a broad variety of religious education programs as well as the Eucharistic Congress.

Monsignor Arnsparger remains pastor and rector of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, as the 115-year-old national landmark begins a $25 million restoration project.

His duties as vicar will be absorbed into the diocese’s Office of Catechetical Formation, with Director Chris Beal serving as interim director of the augmented department as Bishop Martin continues to study diocesan personnel and operations.

Bishop Martin thanked Monsignor Arnsparger for his leadership of the vicariate’s wide-ranging responsibilities, which include supervising Campus Ministry and Youth Ministry, as well as overseeing catechist training and the annual diocesan catechetical conference. He has also overseen the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage and Totus Tuus summer faith formation program, diocesan youth retreats, and Campus Ministry service projects.

Monsignor Arnsparger also chaired the organizing committee of the diocese’s Eucharistic Congress since the event was established two decades ago. The annual event each September regularly draws some 10,000 people to the Charlotte Convention Center and includes one of the nation’s largest Eucharistic processions.

“We are grateful for the leadership and devotion of Monsignor Arnsparger in roles beyond his service as pastor of the vibrant St. Lawrence Parish and its extraordinary basilica,” Bishop Martin said. “One of our most important responsibilities as Catholics is how we share and teach the faith to others – and Monsignor Arnsparger has created a solid foundation for us to build upon as we form disciples of Christ. He has certainly earned the special title of monsignor, recently bestowed by Pope Francis.”

Monsignor Arnsparger’s priesthood spans 47 years – 25 of them as a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte. He turns 75 in January, the age at which Church law requires a priest to submit his resignation from office to his bishop, who, depending on the needs of the diocese, may accept it or ask a priest to stay on.

During the celebration, Bishop Martin said Holy Angels lights up the darkness of the world. The Dance Troupe performed at the end of the special Mass, each member dancing and swaying a candle in the air to a song called “A Light of the World.”

For an encore, Holy Angels adult resident Lorraine sang her favorite song, “The Little Drummer Boy,” and, by that time, everybody couldn’t help but join her.

“I am grateful for my time as vicar of education because it gave me a chance to work with so many people on a range of projects across our diocese,” Monsignor Arnsparger said. “I also really enjoy working as a parish priest, which I have done for my entire priesthood, even when teaching high school full time. I enjoy offering Holy Mass and the sacraments and teaching, being there for confession – and just being there with people.”

He predicts great success for Chris Beal in his oversight on catechetical formation, jovially calling him “one of the best hires I ever made.”

“Chris will do a great job and has already been doing much of this work,” Monsignor Arnsparger said. “He is a devoted Catholic husband, father, teacher and formator of people in the spiritual life. He has had a great impact on our Faith Formation endeavors and has enhanced the Catholic lives of so many people.” — Catholic News Herald

Arnsparger

SHAWN FLYNN | HOLY ANGELS

(Clockwise from top) Bishop Michael Martin reunites with Emberley, who was an angel in the Nativity play. He met Emberley on his first day as bishop-elect. The bishop talks with Holy Angels residents Cheryl, Elise and Maria before Mass. Resident Cameron personifies an angel with her halo, wings and gown for the play.

In Brief

Kara Griffin, chair of the Catholic Charities Human Trafficking Awareness Committee, welcomes attendees.

Stop Human Trafficking event

featured subject experts

SALISBURY — “Stop Human Trafficking –Learn and Take Action,” an educational program sponsored by Catholic Charities and the Sisters of Mercy, took place Nov. 23 at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. Attendees began the day with Mass, followed by breakfast provided by the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America.

The event featured an opening plenary by Dr. Jim Duncan, president of Rowan County Project Light, followed by presentations from Charlene Mooneyhan with Homeland Security and Alexa McDonald with Fields of Hope Safehouse. A panel discussion followed. Presentations focused on sharing the current realities of human trafficking in North Carolina and ways to stop this horrific crime.

Geraci joins CNH team

CHARLOTTE — Lisa Geraci has joined the Catholic News Herald as a reporter.

Geraci brings seven years of journalism experience to the diocesan newspaper, where she got her start writing as a freelance correspondent.

She has also written for The Enquirer Journal in Monroe and The Stanly News and Press in Albemarle, and worked as a staff reporter for The Lancaster (S.C.) News. A native of Goshen, New York, Geraci attended Catholic schools growing up. In her teens her family moved to Huntersville, where they were among the founding members of St. Mark Parish.

Geraci graduated from North Mecklenburg High School and went on to earn degrees in marketing from Central Piedmont Community College and UNC-Pembroke. Later, she earned a master’s degree in Middle Grades Education with a major in English from UNC-Charlotte and taught middle school English for 12 years. She now lives in Mint Hill, where she and her family attend St. Luke Church.

— Catholic News Herald Pope marks World Day of Peace with special message

The World Day of Peace is celebrated on Jan. 1, the same day the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Pope Francis has marked the World Day of Peace with a special message, inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace.

Bishop Martin rejoices with St. Peter after historic church’s renovation

TRISH STUKBAUER tmstukbauer@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — The Third Sunday of Advent was truly a time of rejoicing at St. Peter Church, which welcomed Bishop Michael Martin on his first visit since the historic church completed a $2.7 million renovation effort.

“It’s really an honor for me to be here today with all of you in this beautifully historic church that has been so recently and beautifully restored to its original beauty,” Bishop Martin said at the start of the Dec. 15 Mass, which he celebrated with the parish’s clergy, Jesuit Father Tim Stephens and Father Paul Campbell.

“It’s always wonderful” to have the bishop visit, said Father Stephens, noting that while Bishop Martin had visited St. Peter Church during the Eucharistic Congress in August, Sunday was his first time offering Mass there and seeing the renovations.

Established in 1851, St. Peter is the oldest active parish in the diocese, staffed in early times by the Benedictines and by the Jesuits since 1986.

Renovations to the Gothic-style church, which dates from 1893, were designed to preserve its historic beauty by shoring up its structural and technical features.

Parishioners only recently returned to the church after the extensive renovation work this summer and fall forced Masses to be celebrated in the parish’s St. Benedict and Biss halls.

The seven-month renovation project included replacing or improving the church’s ceiling, hardwood floors and subflooring, as well as the brick façade’s exterior weatherproofing.

Working with the parish and the diocese was Charlotte-based Edifice Inc. as general contractor, Vincent Ciccarelli of Insight Architects, and Melissa Countryman and Sandra Grzemski of JLL as project managers.

The church’s historic pews, a gift from St. Katharine Drexel in 1910 – who donated them with the requirement that some seats be reserved for African Americans – were also restored and reinstalled as part of the renovation.

Lighting was retrofitted and accessibility improvements were also made to the interior and entryway.

The church’s sound system, which was last worked on in 2008, was updated to improve the experience for Mass-goers and to accommodate new technology that streams the church’s audio directly to people’s hearing aids.

“We’re grateful to the Benedictines for building it, so we tried not to mess it up too much,” Father Stephens joked about the renovation, which faithfully preserved the feel of the space while lightening and brightening the interior. “I think it’ll be here for at least another 130 years.”

“The acoustics of the church are so much improved post-renovation,” noted Darien Clark, who along with his wife cantors at St. Peter. “It makes such a difference to have the renovated worship space, to have it closer to what it was when it was originally built.”

Parishioner Caitlyn Cano has been coming to St. Peter for about a year. While she loved the closeness she developed with fellow parishioners attending Mass next door in the parish’s St. Benedict Hall, she is thrilled to be back inside the

church. “Music means a lot to me,” Cano said. “That’s all the Lord wants from us, is to make some joyful noise. Here, it gets to be beautiful.”

During his homily, Bishop Martin emphasized the call for every Christian to actively rejoice, during Advent and always. “Not just the noun ‘joy,’ but the verb ‘rejoice,’” he said.

Rejoicing is not “a lame sort of optimism” like you often find in a Hallmark card, he said. “It’s hard core: I know my Savior lives.”

One way of rejoicing is to sing, he said. “God gave you that voice. He deserves to hear it.” And singing together is important, he added, because “when I hear others rejoicing, what am I filled with? Joy.”

“The world needs to see us rejoicing,”

he said. “The world needs to see our joy. Otherwise, why would they ever, ever follow us?”

Bishop Martin, himself a religious order priest with the Conventual Franciscans, encouraged members of the Jesuit-run parish in uptown Charlotte to deepen their commitment to discipleship, connecting with each other and serving the poor.

“The greats of our spiritual journey – the Ignatiuses, the Francises – have shown us that the more we focus on who Christ is, the more we learn who we are, and as we rejoice in Him, the more we’ll see who we’re called to be,” Bishop Martin said.

Outside after Mass, the bishop greeted parishioners as Carolinas Panthers fans on their way to the game at nearby Bank of America Stadium stopped by to pick up hot dogs from “Garden of Eat’n” – the parish ministry of nearly 30 years that serves hot dogs on home game days, with proceeds going to charity.

Serving at St. Peter is now something that parishioners rejoice over even more. “We loved the church even as it was falling apart,” said Moe Cieri, secretary of the pastoral council who was involved in the capital campaign for the renovations. As a weekday sacristan, he often arrives early to pray the rosary. “At that time of day, all of a sudden, the sun hits a stained-glass window and you say, ‘That’s the Holy Spirit.’ There’s nothing like the sanctuary here.”

Geraci

The cross is reattached atop St. Peter Church earlier this year during its $2.7 million renovation. At left, Bishop Michael Martin talks with parishioners on his first visit since the renovations.

TROY C. HULL AND TRISH STUKBAUER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Order Of Malta dinner raises funds to help infants in the birthplace of hope

GREENSBORO — Just a few weeks before celebrating the birth of Christ, people gathered at St. Pius X Church to raise funds for some of the most vulnerable infants in the world.

The Dec. 7 event benefited the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation and was hosted by the Federal Association of the Order of Malta.

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem provides medical care and hope for families throughout the Holy Land. In 1989 St. John Paul II entrusted the care of Holy Family Hospital to the Order of Malta. The order restored and

not survive,” the foundation’s president, Ambassador Michele B. Bowe, told supporters at the fundraising event.

Herself a dame of the Order of Malta and the ambassador of the order to Palestine, Bowe was welcomed to St. Pius X Church on Dec. 6 with a live Nativity play and festival. The next day, Bishop Michael Martin offered Mass before the dinner, which was attended by 121 members of the Order of Malta, sponsors and clergy. The event raised $300,000 with 94% of proceeds going directly to Holy Family Hospital.

reopened the shuttered general hospital in Bethlehem and has been managing it ever since.

Funds raised from the benefit dinner will be used to purchase life-saving equipment such as ventilators and incubators, NICU care, mobile medical units, medical residencies and medical student scholarships.

Now this state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal critical care center – located 1,500 steps from where Jesus was born –serves poor and at-risk women, infants and children of all faiths. This past year, 4,223 babies were born there.

“Last month we delivered 10 babies born before 28 weeks and eight others were born with sepsis. Without Holy Family Hospital, these babies would

The mothers, babies, and families of Bethlehem will benefit greatly from the generosity of all who attended the dinner.

St. Pius X Parish has partnered with the Holy Family Hospital Foundation of Bethlehem for several years in what has become a meaningful endeavor to bring joy and hope to a region that is in desperate need of such things.

“Partnership is the nature of the Church,” Bishop Martin told those gathered, emphasizing that God wants us to continue to open our hearts to giving to others.

That partnership is essential since Holy Family Hospital is subsidizing its services by 75 percent due to escalating poverty in the war-torn region. No one is turned away – in keeping with Catholic tradition, everyone is cared for regardless of their ability to pay.

“Hope is delivered a dozen times a day at our hospital in Bethlehem,” said Bowe, “thanks to our partnership with the Diocese of Charlotte’s Mission Cooperative Appeal and the generosity of St. Pius X parishioners.”

Bowe thanked St. Pius X’s pastor, Father Christian Cook, for making the hospital fundraiser a priority, particularly during one of the busiest times of the year.

While the situation in the Holy Land seems bleak, Bowe emphasized that Bethlehem clings

to hope. Holy Family Hospital not only brings hope to the poor in Bethlehem but also provides hope for Christianity to remain in Bethlehem.

“They are a Christmas people,” she said, noting that the Blessed

Charlotte hosts conference celebrating Burmese-American Catholics

CHARLOTTE — More than 1,000 people –including Auxiliary Bishop John Nhàn Tran of Atlanta, Burmese priests, deacons, nuns and Catholics from across the country – attended the 13th annual National Conference of Burmese-American Catholics Nov. 28-30. The event gave immigrants from Myanmar and Burmese-Americans an opportunity to gather as a community, grow in faith and celebrate their heritage.

Virgin Mary stands tall in the form of a Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal watching over the hospital.

“I credit her for the everyday miracles in Bethlehem.”

— Georgianna Penn

Joining a pilgrimage through history

BARCELONA, Spain — Twenty members from St. John Lee Korean Parish started their pilgrimage early in anticipation of the Jubilee Year. They braved the rainy weather, visiting holy sites all over Spain, including the Basilica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona. The largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, the basilica is still under construction after more than 136 years of work. Work on the famous Gothic basilica is expected to be completed in 2026.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARY ANN LUEDTKE

Bishop Michael Martin joins organizers at a benefit for Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, which cares for the vulnerable in the Holy Land. Order of Malta Ambassador to Palestine Michele Bowe presents Father Christian Cook, St. Pius X’s pastor, with a gift.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Delivering bags of cheer for Christmas

ALBEMARLE — Knights of Columbus Council 10495 and Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish joined together to pack and deliver 60 bags filled with food to enable Stanly County families in need to host a Christmas Day dinner. Don Barker, program organizer and Knight, has led the Save Tears on Christmas mission for the past 15 years.

“We are able to raise the money partially from winning a $1,000 mini-grant from the diocese, which helps significantly, and also from donations from parishioners, along with Baskets of Cheer raffle tickets,” Barker said. “Without the help of the parishioners, the charity that they give, and their commitment to come in and pack and deliver, we could not do it.”

Our Lady of the Assumption School consecrated to Mary

CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The celebration marked the culmination of 33 days of learning and discussion, prayer and Scripture readings, community service projects, and a special focus on the virtues.

The celebration included Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and a special blessing of the school by Father Timothy Reid, diocesan vicar of education for Catholic schools.

Joining the school community and Principal Tyler Kulp for the special day were Father Enrique González Gaytán and Deacon David Reiser of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and Dr. Greg Monroe, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.

The goal of the 33-day consecration was to encourage students and the school community to learn more about Mary and follow her example as a disciple of Jesus – and ultimately, to entrust themselves to Mary’s care, protection and guidance in their lives.

By consecrating the school to Mary, Kulp said, “we acknowledge her as our spiritual mother and seek her intercession and maternal care for our entire school family.”

MURPHY — St. William Church hosted its first Christmas Ministers Luncheon Dec. 17 for parishioners who are active in church ministries. Father H. Alejandro Ayala celebrated Mass at noon, and the luncheon attended by 26 followed. In keeping with their dedication to the community, some attendees were a little tardy as they were serving free lunches to the homeless in Murphy prior to the luncheon. St. William is the westernmost church in the Diocese of Charlotte.

In memory of

GREENSBORO — Santa is delighting passersby this Christmas season – making a surprise return to the attic window of St. Pius X Church’s rectory overlooking North Elm Street.

Parishioners worried the tradition would be lost when their beloved former Pastor, Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, died in July – and the original Santa he had displayed for years went missing.

Although he was a little late this year, a three-foot, light-up Santa returned to his perch before Christmas where he will remain until Jan. 12, when the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

One commuter wrote a letter of thanks: “I was worried you had moved away when I didn’t see Santa in your window…This little detail has brought me so much joy at Christmas. Thank you for putting a smile on my face!” The church’s new pastor, Father Christian Cook, says: “People were asking about the attic Santa, so I contacted the North Pole and he agreed to return to Greensboro. For all the things Monsignor Marcaccio did for this church, it’s amazing how much this one little gesture meant to people, and what it said about him.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oblate Father John ‘Jack’ Kelly, former IHM pastor, dies aged 80

CHILDS, Maryland — Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father John J. (Jack) Kelly died Dec. 3, 2024, aged 80. He was professed with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for 61 years and a priest for 53 years. He was former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, where parishioners remember him as having an exuberant personality and being a priest who challenged people to embrace Salesian spirituality and “Live Jesus!” in their everyday lives.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 10, 2024, in the Our Lady of Light Chapel of Annecy Hall in Elkton, Maryland. Interment was at the Oblate Cemetery in Elkton.

A memorial Mass will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., High Point. Born Jan. 5, 1944, in Philadelphia, Jack Kelly was the son of John Kelly and Catherine (Bratina) Kelly. He grew up in Steelton, Pennsylvania, and attended Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg. In high school, he met the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who were his teachers and coaches, and joined the Oblates after graduation in 1961. He made his first profession of vows in 1963 and did student teaching at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia in the mid-1960s. He made his perpetual profession as an Oblate in 1966.

In 1968, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Niagara University in Niagara, New York. While in college, he fell in love with the theatre and started

to perform in plays at Niagara. After graduating from college, he continued his love of the theatre and received special permission from his superiors to study drama at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. The Oblate provincial at the time, the late Father Dan Gambet, told him that “God has gifted you with much talent” and encouraged him to pursue his passion.

He went on to earn a Master of Arts at CUA while simultaneously completing his studies for the priesthood at De Sales School of Theology in D.C. He was ordained a priest in 1971 and then was assigned to teach English at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware.

As a young teacher at Salesianum, Father Kelly impacted the entire school community. He taught English but became involved in both the theater and the athletics departments. He directed most of the school plays, starred in some of the Salesianum alumni shows, established and coached the ice hockey club, and frequently announced the football games at Baynard Stadium (now Abessinio Stadium).

Though his interests and talents were diverse, theater consumed most of his time. Father Kelly eventually became the head of the school’s Fine Arts Department. One Salesianum alumnus observed that Father Kelly was a “skilled director with an excellent feeling for the stage” and a worthy successor to Father John Spragg, OSFS – considered a legend of Salesianum theatre. During summer break, Father Kelly broadened his scope and starred as George M. Cohan in a production of “George M.” at the famous Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater in Delaware.

In the early 1980s, Father Kelly sought

Mercy Sister Bernadette McNamara, former parish ministry leader and CEO of Catherine’s House, passes away

BELMONT — Mercy Sister Bernadette McNamara peacefully departed this life on Dec. 16, 2024, at the Sisters of Mercy Residence, Marion Center.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 23, 2024, at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel. Interment followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Born Sara Bernadette McNamara on Jan. 24, 1934, in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, she was the beloved daughter of Patrick Joseph McNamara and Elizabeth Kinney.

Entering the Sisters of Mercy on Oct. 3, 1951, Sister Bernadette dedicated her life to education and pastoral care, primarily serving as an educator within the Diocese of Charlotte. Her profound calling to serve extended to pastoral services and family life, leading her to work in Guam and Saipan. Upon her return to the United States, she became the administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville. Her

treatment for an alcohol addiction. He entered a rehabilitation program and was eventually certified as a counselor. He left high school ministry and joined Oblate Brother Dick Gannon in founding the Center for Pastoral Counseling for Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Wilmington. Working with Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Wilmington, these two Oblates offered programs and support for individuals, families and groups affected by alcohol abuse.

In 1991, Father Kelly left Wilmington and returned to the education field as Catholic campus minister at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. At the university level, he drew on his many talents, interests and experiences as he connected with college students, faculty and staff. He continued his counseling work and found time to step on the stage and skate on the ice when he could.

In 1999, Father Kelly began his long association with the Catholic community in North Carolina when he moved to the Tar Heel State to continue college ministry at the University of North CarolinaGreensboro. After a year at UNCG, Father Kelly moved to parish ministry, serving first as parochial vicar (three and a half years) and later as pastor (eight years) at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, where he served until 2010.

In 2010, he was transferred to Fayetteville and served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. For 12 years, Father Kelly led the parish family in Fayetteville, helping the close-knit community settle into a new church building. He led the parish through a period of continued growth and encouraged parishioners to stay strong and keep connected during the COVID-19 crisis.

Health issues forced Father Kelly to leave St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, yet not wanting to retire completely, he moved to Holy Infant Parish in Durham to live with Father Robert Rutledge, the Oblate pastor. While semi-retired, Father Kelly continued to serve the community by celebrating Mass regularly and supporting Father Rutledge in the sacramental life of the parish.

Even as he slowed down, Father Kelly continued to attend hockey games and theater productions. He was faithful to his annual vacation to London’s West End theatre district and was able to make one final trip last September. When he returned to the U.S., Father Kelly realized he needed more assistance in navigating his health care and- medical needs. He came to the Oblate assisted care center (Annecy Hall) in Childs, Maryland, in November, and when his health began to decline quickly, he entered hospice care at Annecy Hall a few days before he died.

Father Kelly was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sisters, Beth Barclay and Kathy Kelly; his brother, Bob Kelly; nieces and nephews; and his brother Oblates.

In his final weeks, Father Kelly embodied a quote from Shakespeare’s “Measure by Measure”: “I’ve hope to live but I am prepared to die.” In his vocation as an Oblate and a priest, in the struggles and blessings of daily life, Father Kelly practiced the Salesian virtue of embracing the present moment and lived each day striving to “Live Jesus.”

Condolences may be sent to his sister Beth Barclay at 200 Cyril Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23229.

Hicks Home for Funerals, P.A., of Elkton was in charge of arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

UNC retreat gives students chance to invite God into their lives

remarkable ministry continued with an appointment as CEO and president at Catherine’s House. Feeling the call to return to parish ministry, she later became pastoral associate at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont.

Upon retirement, Sister Bernadette volunteered at the Mercy Heritage Center on the Sacred Heart-Sisters of Mercy campus, reflecting her unwavering commitment to service. She was cherished by all who knew her, easily winning the affection of parishioners and colleagues alike.

Sister Bernadette had a zest for life; she loved music, cherished her family, and wore her title as a Sister of Mercy with pride. Her infectious Irish smile and jovial jokes brightened the lives of those around her, making every moment spent with her a joy.

Sister Bernadette’s legacy of love, service and joy will forever resonate in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catherine’s House or to the Sisters of Mercy at 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements. — Catholic News Herald

GREENSBORO — More than 80 UNCChapel Hill students along with dozens of alumni and student-leaders attended the 16th Carolina Awakening Retreat at YMCA Camp Weaver.

Awakening retreats are entirely studentled and encourage faith formation through

Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, student talks, group activities and personal reflection.

This year’s theme was “I am the vine; you are the branches. Remain in My love” (Jn 15:5-9).

Peter Tran, a freshman, said the retreat was a way for him to reconnect to his faith and expand his friend group. He especially enjoyed the small group activities, polar

plunge, playing basketball and Adoration.

“I had a lot of time to reflect on myself, pray, go to confession and discern what I wanted to do with my future,” he said.

“The Holy Spirit was definitely working constantly throughout the weekend.”

Bishop Michael Martin, who participated in many Awakening retreats when he was director of the Duke Catholic Center, sent a letter of prayerful support to UNC Newman Catholic students who attended the event last month.

The retreat was the highlight of the semester for junior Georgia Copenhaver.

The president of the UNC Newman Community was a student leader, serving as master of ceremonies, giving a talk on love and ensuring the weekend went smoothly.

“Being a leader, I was able to get so much out of this retreat,” she said. “It was so cool to be able to see the retreatants’ faith light up from an outside perspective.”

Sophomore Matthew Castillo was also a student leader and experienced the power of spreading God’s love to others.

“I had a couple of conversations with the retreatants where they really acknowledged they had encountered God on the retreat and that was really powerful,” he said. “It showed me just how impactful I can be and how I can really make a difference and spread God’s love.”

— Courtney McLaughlin

Kelly McNamara

St. Margaret of Scotland parishioners study the roots of faith, even learning how to read Biblical Hebrew

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MAGGIE VALLEY — At St. Margaret of Scotland, a small parish tucked away in rural western North Carolina, Catholics are taking part in faith formation classes that take them back to the earliest roots of their faith.

Classes at the parish of about 120 households are led by Dominican Father Becket Soule and offer a range of study that covers Scripture, basic theological questions and even the ancient language of the Old Testament – Biblical Hebrew –a subject not found on the faith formation schedule at many parishes.

The classes emerged from a very real desire for deeper formation that Father Soule noticed when he came to St. Margaret in 2020.

“People were looking for a Christian education opportunity, and initially someone said we could get DVDs or something, but you can’t actually interact that way,” Father Soule said. “The classes are really a way of going deeper into the faith and to tap the intellectual resources we have right here.”

On Wednesday mornings, Father Soule leads a Scripture study which goes through the Bible one chapter at a time. The class started about four years ago, initially reading the Book of Revelation. They started with the first chapter of

Genesis in 2022 and have made their way to the 11th chapter of Leviticus, which deals with the ritual, legal and moral practices followed by the ancient Israelites.

“I suspect we may be one of the only Catholic parishes to read through Leviticus line by line,” Father Soule said.

The approach offers students a chance to learn more about the Old Testament and how all of Scripture works together.

“Many people only are exposed to the Bible through the Sunday readings, which gives you bite-size pieces each week,” Father Soule said. “You don’t often know what happened before or what happened afterward. This is a way of looking at all of Scripture in a more comprehensive fashion.”

Out of the weekly Bible study emerged the Tuesday afternoon Aquinas Circle, which goes through St. Thomas Aquinas’ best-known work, the Summa Theologica, focusing on one theological question a week. Most recently the group has been focusing on the Summa’s questions about the nature of fear and how to handle it through faith.

And then there’s the Biblical Hebrew class, which started weekly on Thursdays earlier this year and came about because some expressed an interest in reading the Old Testament in its original language. Father Soule studied Hebrew for six years in graduate school and had offered

classes in it before, so he readily agreed to help students learn the ancient language.

Students use the Cambridge Biblical Hebrew workbook as a text because it allows them to work on exercises at home. Their main focus has been learning the Hebrew alphabet and vocabulary. By February he hopes to lead students through reading actual books of the Old Testament in their original Hebrew.

“Reading the Scriptures in the original language can really help to break the texts open, to focus on why a particular word was used, where else does it occur and what it really means,” Father Soule said. “Once you get past the alphabet it’s really amazing to look at the language in its original form.”

The classes include people of many backgrounds. Not all of the students are Catholic, and they range in age from people in their 20s to retirees. People from other Christian denominations have joined the classes, and one of the Biblical Hebrew students is Jewish. Father Soule said the variety of faith backgrounds makes for good discussions and helps all of the students learn about different perspectives.

“There is a mutual respect for each other, and a wide variety of backgrounds that really enrich each other,” he said. Those interested in the classes offered at St. Margaret of Scotland can contact Father Soule at wbsoule@rcdoc.org.

The upcoming Jan. 1 message focuses on the theme “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace.” This follows in the tradition of Jan. 1 papal messages that began with St. Paul VI in 1967. In his 2025 message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis emphasizes how necessary it is for us to rely on God’s mercy. Through God’s mercy, our sins are forgiven, and as we grow in awareness that we are all children of God, we grow in awareness that we are all brothers and sisters, united on the path of peace.

The 2025 World Day of Peace message of Pope Francis is available, in multiple languages, at www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ messages/peace.html. The page also includes past World Day of Peace messages since 2014. — Joseph Purello

Our Lady of Consolation to celebrate Harambee Mass

CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Consolation will celebrate a Harambee Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. All are welcome at this rich liturgy to set the tone for a New Year of unity and solidarity. “Harambee” is a Swahili word meaning “pull together.” It was increasingly heard as a call for unity during the 1970’s during the height of Pan-Africanism, when many young African-Americans sought ways to connect with Africa and its culture and history. Our Lady of Consolation, founded to celebrate Roman Catholicism in the spiritual, cultural and musical vernacular of Black people, has long celebrated Harambee. The church is located at 1235 Badger Ct. in Charlotte.

MARCH FOR LIFE MARCH FOR LIFE

CHARLOTTE MARCH FOR LIFE

JANUARY 10, 2025

Mass 10:00am | Cathedral of St. Patrick Gather & Pray 11:30am | March 12:00pm 1123 S Church St Charlotte, NC

NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE

WASHINGTON, DC

JANUARY 23-25, 2025

2 buses this year! Depart & return from Charlotte Bus fare, lodging, breakfasts included Tickets: $200-$300; student discount available

National Prayer Vigil Mass | Life Fest Rally & March for Life | Saturday Pilgrimage

El Papa abre la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro y lanza el ‘Jubileo de la Esperanza’

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — En la tranquilidad de la Nochebuena, el Papa Francisco abrió la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro, dando inicio a lo que llamó un “Jubileo de la Esperanza”. Al abrirse las puertas, las campanas de la basílica comenzaron a repicar.

Tras la lectura de un breve pasaje del Evangelio de Juan en el que Jesús se describe a sí mismo como “la puerta”, el Papa Francisco abandonó brevemente el atrio de la basílica, creando cierta confusión. Pero cuando los cardenales de la primera fila se sentaron, los demás hicieron lo mismo.

Tres minutos después, el Papa regresó. Le empujaron en su silla de ruedas por la rampa hasta la Puerta Santa. En silencio, se levantó de la silla para llamar cinco veces, y los ayudantes del interior abrieron lentamente la puerta, que había sido enmarcada con una guirnalda de ramas de pino verdes, adornada con rosas rojas y piñas doradas.

La apertura de la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro ha sido un elemento fijo de la celebración de los años jubilares de la Iglesia Católica desde el Año Santo 1450, dijo el Vaticano.

El Papa Francisco eligió “Peregrinos de la esperanza” como tema del Año Santo 2025, que comenzó el 24 de diciembre y durará hasta el 6 de enero de 2026.

El rito de apertura de la puerta de bronce decorada comenzó en el interior de la basílica con la lectura en distintas lenguas de pasajes bíblicos que profetizaban el nacimiento del salvador “que trae su reino de paz a nuestro mundo”, según explicó el lector.

A continuación, para subrayar cómo el nacimiento de Jesús “proclama el amanecer de la esperanza en nuestro mundo”, se proclamó el relato del Evangelio de San Mateo sobre el nacimiento de Jesús.

Introducido con un toque de trompetas, el coro cantó: “Iremos con alegría a la casa del Señor”.

“Los pasos que ahora damos son los pasos de toda la Iglesia, peregrina en el mundo y testigo de la paz”,dijo el Papa a los cardenales, obispos, invitados ecuménicos y fieles laicos reunidos en el atrio de la basílica.

“Aferrados a Cristo, roca de nuestra salvación, iluminados por su palabra y renovados por su gracia”, prosiguió el Papa, “crucemos el umbral de este templo santo y entremos así en un tiempo de

Papa Francisco hace una pausa en oración en el umbral de la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro en el Vaticano el 24 de diciembre de 2024, después de abrirla e inaugurar el Año Santo 2025.

misericordia y de perdón para que se revele a todo hombre y a toda mujer el camino de la esperanza que no defrauda”.

Haciéndose eco de los temas jubilares bíblicos de la reconciliación y el perdón, el Papa Francisco rezó para que el Espíritu Santo ablande los corazones endurecidos para que “los enemigos vuelvan a hablarse, los adversarios se den la mano y los pueblos busquen encontrarse”.

“Haz que la Iglesia sea fiel testigo de tu amor y resplandezca como signo vital de la esperanza bendita de tu Reino”, rezó.

Normalmente, la Puerta Santa, a la derecha de las puertas centrales de la

basílica, permanece sellada con ladrillos, un recordatorio simbólico de la barrera del pecado entre las personas y Dios.

Los 16 paneles de las puertas de bronce ilustran momentos clave de la historia de la salvación, como la caída de Adán y Eva, la anunciación del nacimiento de Jesús, Cristo presentado como el pastor que rescata a una oveja perdida, la crucifixión y Jesús resucitado apareciéndose a los discípulos.

Diez niños de 10 países diferentes, cogidos de la mano de sus padres, cruzaron el umbral después del Papa y los monaguillos, pero antes que los

cardenales y obispos. Después pasaron 54 personas de 27 naciones, entre ellas Estados Unidos y Canadá, Australia, Tanzania y Togo, Venezuela y Vietnam. Muchos de ellos vestían los trajes tradicionales de sus naciones o grupos étnicos.

Ni la oficina de prensa del Vaticano ni la del Jubileo dieron a conocer los nombres de los peregrinos ni explicaron cómo habían sido elegidos.

Entre los primeros en cruzar el umbral también había representantes de otras iglesias cristianas. El Dicasterio para la Promoción de la Unidad de los Cristianos dijo en una nota explicativa: “Entrar por la Puerta Santa expresa la voluntad de seguir y dejarse guiar por el Hijo Unigénito de Dios”.

Especialmente durante el año en que se celebrará el 1700 aniversario del Concilio de Nicea, que definió solemnemente los fundamentos de la fe cristiana, el ritual “es una manifestación de la fe que todos los cristianos comparten en Jesús, el Verbo Eterno hecho hombre”, decía la nota.

Sin embargo, añadía, la participación de los invitados ecuménicos “no debe interpretarse como un intento de asociarlos a elementos del jubileo, como la indulgencia jubilar, que no están en consonancia con las prácticas de sus respectivas comunidades”.

De hecho, la “venta” de indulgencias contribuyó a desencadenar la Reforma Protestante; la práctica fue prohibida posteriormente por el Concilio de Trento. La Iglesia católica cree que Cristo y los santos han acumulado un tesoro de méritos, al que otros creyentes -- estando arrepentidos y rezando profundamente -- pueden recurrir para reducir o borrar el castigo que les corresponde por los pecados que han cometido. Peregrinar, confesarse, comulgar y rezar para obtener una indulgencia es una parte fundamental del Año Santo.

Catholic News Service

Celebrar el Año Santo

En la Diócesis de Charlotte, el Obispo Michael Martin celebrará tres Misas de Esperanza para abrir el Año Jubilar:

n 28 DE DICIEMBRE — Basílica San Lorenzo, Asheville, 5 p.m.

n 29 DE DICIEMBRE — Iglesia San Pío X, Greensboro, 11:30 a.m.

n 29 DE DICIEMBRE — Iglesia San Marcos, Huntersville, 5 p.m.

Vea la cobertura completa de las celebraciones online en www.catholicnewsherald.com

Más online

‘La verdadera gloria está en el Señor’

El Obispo Martin celebró varias Misas de Navidad en Charlotte

PATRICIA

L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — La Navidad es un tiempo para celebrar la gloria de Dios revelada en un bebé enviado para salvarnos de nuestros pecados, predicó el Obispo Michael Martin a multitudinarias congregaciones el 24 y 25 de diciembre.

En la primera Navidad del Obispo Martin desde que se convirtió en Obispo de Charlotte en mayo, celebró el día santo ofreciendo Misas en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y en la Catedral San Patricio.

En su homilía, el obispo señaló que la Navidad se trata de celebrar la gloria de Dios, el sacrificio y la sabiduría de Dios.

Pero primero, compartió una historia sobre el comedero para pájaros de su patio trasero.

‘TRATANDO DE ESCALAR’

“No soy un gran observador de aves, pero admito que me gusta tener un comedero para pájaros en el patio trasero. Me encanta alimentar a los pájaros y observarlos”, dijo el Obispo Martin. Sin embargo, su “enemiga” era una ardilla que se las arreglaba para burlar su “comedero para pájaros de alta tecnología, super-especial y anti-ardillas” colgándose en el poste de al lado donde se ubica el comedero.

“Las ardillas tienen un doctorado en cómo hacer esto”, bromeó. “No sé cómo lo hacen, pero ¿crees que lo voy a dejar pasar? No, no, no...”

“Tomé una lata de WD-40”, continuó, y “rocié el poste”. Sin desanimarse, las ardillas seguían saltando sobre el poste, pero luego se deslizaban hacia abajo sin llegar al comedero.

“Era más entretenido que ver volar a los pájaros”, dijo entre risas. “Era muy gracioso”.

Con voz seria, el obispo dijo que el poste resbaladizo es la forma en que Dios le recordaba su propia falta de sentido común. “Soy la ardilla”, dijo, señalándose a sí mismo, “con demasiada frecuencia saltando, tratando de trepar, pensando que voy a lograr algo, solo para volver a deslizarme hacia abajo. ¡Plop! Justo en el suelo, una y otra y otra vez. Creo que estoy subiendo, y sigo bajando”.

Continuó: “Mis hermanos y hermanas, estamos aquí esta noche para redefinir la gloria. Estamos aquí esta noche para reconocer que lo que el mundo reclama como gloria no es lo que nosotros reclamamos como gloria”.

“Estamos aquí esta noche para dejar de saltar a ese poste y deslizarnos hacia abajo, para darnos cuenta de que la verdadera gloria no está en nuestros logros. La verdadera gloria está en el Señor”.

“Si no reconocemos eso todos los días, nos encontraremos subiendo el poste de la vida y nunca lograremos lo que esperamos y siempre nos encontraremos queriendo más, careciendo de algo, preguntándonos por qué todos los demás parecen estar teniendo una vida tan gloriosa excepto yo”.

‘LA GLORI DE DIOS’

Como cristianos, estamos llamados a enfocarnos en la gloria de Dios, no en gloriarnos a nosotros mismos y en nuestros logros, dijo el Obispo Martin.

“¿Son grandes los logros? Claro que lo son, pero ¿a quién glorifican? A mí no. A Aquel que me hizo, Aquel que me empoderó, Aquel que me ha dado todo lo que siempre me han

dado, todo lo que tengo”.

“Es la gloria de Dios”, dijo. “Nuestra gloria está en Él”.

Debemos dejar de centrarnos en nosotros mismos y en lo que nos impide servir a los demás y hacer la voluntad de Dios, dijo.

‘PERMITAMOS QUE SUCEDA’

Jesús siguió la voluntad de su Padre, y lo hizo con un gran sacrificio para sí mismo: murió en una cruz para salvar a la humanidad del pecado, señaló el obispo.

El sacrificio personal y el servicio a los demás, particularmente el servicio a los pobres y marginados, es lo que define a un cristiano y a una comunidad cristiana, dijo. “Tenemos que soltar y estar dispuestos a servir en lugar de ser servidos”.

“Démonos cuenta de que tenemos que sacrificarnos a un nivel mayor, y no podemos hacerlo solos”, dijo. Construir una comunidad en la que los miembros se animen a sacrificarse y servir a los demás, dijo, demuestra la gloria de Dios a los demás.

“Comprometámonos con eso, con llevar la cruz juntos”, instó.

‘SOMETHING GREATER’

Cada niño representa para nosotros la grandeza de Dios, dijo también el Obispo Martin.

Dios pudo haber elegido cualquier número de formas para salvarnos, sin embargo, en Su sabiduría, “Él viene a nosotros como un niño”.

Aunque no tener hijos es “uno de los desafíos” de una vocación religiosa, agregó el obispo, “una de las alegrías de mi vida ha sido poder sostener a los hijos pequeños de mis hermanas o de mis sobrinos o amigos míos.

“En sostener a un bebé, hay una gloria en eso que está mucho más allá de lo que soy... en algo más grande que yo”, dijo.

“Eso es lo que Dios quería manifestar en Navidad: que cuando nuestros sentidos se

despiertan, podemos darnos cuenta de que

Su gloria es lo que estamos aquí para alabar.

Su gloria es lo que estamos aquí para adorar, manifestada a nosotros en lo más vulnerable, en lo más humilde de un niño recién nacido”. “Que nos comprometamos esta Navidad a darnos cuenta de lo que es la verdadera gloria”, concluyó. “La verdadera gloria

El obispo Michael Martin celebró la Misa de la vigilia de Navidad el 24 de diciembre en la iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación en Charlotte. En la parte superior, colocó al niño Jesús en la escena del pesebre en la Catedral de San Patricio mientras comenzaba la Misa de Navidad a medianoche.

TROY C. HULL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

está en el sacrificio que siempre y solo será perfeccionado en la cruz, y que la verdadera gloria de Dios se manifiesta en Jesucristo”.

Más online

En www.catholicnewsherald.com Vea la homilía completa del Obispo Michael Martin por Navidad.

FE FAMILIA FRATERNIDAD

Caballeros de Colón

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

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

Coros se capacitaron en recursos y prácticas de canto

SERGIO LÓPEZ selopez@rcdoc.org

YADKINVILLE — El pasado sábado 23 de noviembre se llevó a cabo el Tercer Encuentro de Coros para la Vicaría de Winston-Salem celebrando a Santa Cecilia, patrona de los músicos, en la instalación antigua de Cristo Rey en Yadkinville, salón perteneciente a la parroquia Divino Redentor.

Se contó con la participación de 6 coros provenientes de las parroquias Santa Cruz en Kernersville, Sagrada Familia en Clemmons, San Benito el Moro en WinstonSalem y Divino Redentor en Boonville.

El encuentro inició con el canto de los Laudes, tomado de la liturgia de las horas, oración cantada que fue dirigida por Oscar Hernández, director de música sagrada de la parroquia Santa Cruz, pianista y músico profesional, quien fue explicando las partes y marcando las entradas y respuestas para que todos los asistentes participaran.

Hernández estuvo a cargo de la formación sobre las mejores prácticas de canto. Incidió especialmente en técnicas de respiración, precalentamiento de voz, diferencias entre práctica y ensayo, entonación, uso de los instrumentos y otros recursos.

Hernández dictó una conferencia sobre la importancia de la música en la liturgia en el encuentro catequético del pasado noviembre en Hickory. En esta ocasión, amplió la información citando el documento de la Instrucción General del Misal Romano e invitando al aprendizaje del canto gregoriano y la polifonía. También ofreció algunos recursos

para todos los coros, aplicó una práctica de respiración, precalentamiento vocal, entonación y solfeo. Habló de la importancia de la puntualidad tanto en los ensayos como en la liturgia. Respecto a las prácticas y ensayos destacó que la

práctica se hace en casa y en los ensayos se ensambla lo previamente practicado. Al término del encuentro se realizó una demostración de todos los coros, que demostraron su gran versatilidad, empeño y motivación. Todos las agrupaciones se desempeñaron con excelencia. Una de las motivaciones de estos encuentros es el agradecimiento al esfuerzo, servicio y labor que los coros han realizado a lo largo de los años. En esta edición se ofrecieron dos reconocimientos: al coro Santa María de la parroquia Divino Redentor y al coro Hosanna de la parroquia Sagrada Familia. Adicionalmente, se otorgaron

reconocimientos especiales por el apoyo, dedicación y liderazgo a Oscar Hernández, de la parroquia Santa Cruz; Carmen Leyva, de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced; Marina Diaz y Netzxar Reyna de la parroquia Divino Redentor, quienes se hicieron cargo de la organización integral del evento.

Para el próximo encuentro de coros en 2025, los organizadores planean lanzar la convocatoria a toda la zona norte de la diócesis, con la esperanza de extender la participación a un mayor número de parroquias y promover la capacitación de las agrupaciones corales.

Se anunciaron fechas de colectas especiales en 2025

CHARLOTTE — La Diócesis de Charlotte anunció las fechas de nueve colectas especiales en 2025. Estas colectas anuales financian ministerios vitales y ayudan a asistir a nuestros sacerdotes y religiosos que dan generosamente de sus vidas al servicio de la Iglesia.

Las colectas especiales y sus fechas son las siguientes:

n 18 y 19 DE ENERO: Colecta combinada para la misión en beneficio de la Iglesia en América Latina, la Iglesia en Europa central y oriental, la Campaña de misiones de los Estados Unidos (Misiones afroamericanas y nativas), las Misiones católicas locales y la Iglesia en África.

n 19 y 20 DE ABRIL: Colecta para la educación de los seminaristas (primera de dos colectas).

n 17 y 18 DE MAYO: Colecta combinada internacional y nacional en beneficio de Catholic Relief Services, Colecta para Tierra Santa, Colecta para las Obras del Santo Padre (Óbolo de San Pedro), Universidad Católica de América, Campaña de Comunicaciones Católicas.

n 30 y 31 DE AGOSTO: Arquidiócesis de Servicios Militares.

n 20 y 21 DE SEPTIEMBRE: Beneficios de jubilación de sacerdotes.

n 18 y 19 DE OCTUBRE: Domingo Mundial de las Misiones (Propagación de la Fe).

n 1 y 2 DE NOVIEMBRE: Colecta para la educación de los seminaristas (segunda de dos colectas).

n 22 y 23 DE NOVIEMBRE: Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano.

n 13 y 14 DE DICIEMBRE: Jubilación de religiosos.

En el sitio web de la Diócesis de Charlotte, www.charlottediocese.org, obtenga más información sobre estas colectas especiales, así como sobre otras formas de apoyar económicamente a los diversos ministerios de la Iglesia en la Diócesis de Charlotte, incluida la Campaña de apoyo diocesano y la Fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte. — Catholic News Herald

SERGIO LÓPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bajo la conducción de Óscar Hernández, director de música sagrada de la parroquia Santa Cruz, se desarrolló el tercer encuentro coral de la Vicaría de Winston-Salem.

HONRANDO A NUESTRA SEÑORA

“¡Cómo nos ama Dios, que nos ha enviado a su Madre! En aquel tiempo, cuando predominaba la cultura de la muerte, ella vino a proclamar una cultura de la vida. Con firmeza declaró: ‘Yo soy la Madre del verdadero Dios por quien se vive; no más sacrificios.’ Hoy, en medio de tantas preocupaciones, estrés, ansiedad y oscuridad, María nos ofrece un modelo de esperanza. Ella, envuelta con la luz del sol, nos muestra que también nosotros podemos encontrar calor en el frío y luz en la oscuridad. Esa luz, la de María y de su Hijo, continúa iluminando nuestro sendero, dándonos confianza y esperanza en un mundo lleno de desafíos”.

— Padre Marvin Navas, párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

La fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe se celebró en todos los rincones de nuestra diócesis. Arriba, de izquierda a derecha, imagen proveniente de la parroquia Santiago Apóstol en Hamlet; un ramillete de hermosos niños de la parroquia San José de las Colinas en Eden; y un grupo de danzantes de la parroquia Santa Teresa en Huntersville. Al centro, la procesión realizada en la parroquia San Benedicto el Moro en Winston-Salem. Abajo, el espectacular altar de flores para Nuestra Señora en la parroquia San Francisco de Asís en Franklin. FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS

Únete a la 19 Marcha Anual por la Vida en Charlotte el 10 de enero

CHARLOTTE — Los católicos de la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados a hacer una declaración pública a favor de la vida en la 19 Marcha Anual por la Vida en Charlotte, programada para el viernes 10 de enero.

Celebrada cada año en enero, este evento brinda a los fieles la oportunidad de dar testimonio público mientras se reúnen para marchar y orar por la protección y santidad de toda vida humana.

“Esta es una oportunidad para que las personas den un testimonio visible como parte del Cuerpo de Cristo”, dijo Tina Witt, quien lidera el grupo sin fines de lucro que coordina la marcha anual. “Las personas que asisten a la Marcha tienen un impacto muy poderoso. Es una oportunidad para que comuniquemos la verdad”.

El día comenzará con una Misa por los No Nacidos, que se celebrará a las 10:00 a.m. en la Catedral San Patricio, ubicada en 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Se pide a los participantes que se reúnan a las 11 a.m. en el estacionamiento adicional, frente al Centro Pastoral de la diócesis, en 1123 S. Church St. Los marchantes recibirán instrucciones y tendrán la oportunidad de orar a partir de las 11:30 a.m. La marcha comenzará al mediodía y partirá del estacionamiento

hasta llegar a Independence Square, en la intersección de las calles Trade y Tryon, en el centro de Charlotte.

El Padre Peter Rusciolelli, vicario parroquial en San Leo el Grande en Winston-Salem, quien creció asistiendo a la marcha con su familia, será el predicador invitado.

“La Marcha por la Vida y las muchas vidas que se han salvado son un testimonio del poder de la oración y la fe en Cristo, que donde 2 o 3 se reúnen en Su nombre, todo es posible”, dijo el Padre Rusciolelli. Los participantes también rezarán el rosario y la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia durante la Marcha.

La Marcha por la Vida es solo una forma de apoyar la vida y dar un testimonio público entre los muchos otros eventos que ocurren durante todo el año en la Diócesis de Charlotte, según el Padre Peter Ascik, director de la Oficina de Vida Familiar de la diócesis.

El Padre Ascik dijo que MiraVia, el centro de atención prenatal en Charlotte, Birthright y los grupos con sede en las parroquias “Walking With Moms in Need” ofrecen ejemplos de apoyo a la vida y a las madres. También destacó los Consejos de los Caballeros de Colón, que regularmente realizan campañas de recolecta de fondos para apoyar a las madres y sus bebés. Además, se puede encontrar apoyo adicional para mujeres y niños en Catherine’s House en Belmont y Room At The Inn en el Triad.

“Todos estos esfuerzos son parte de

la red que apoya la vida en la Diócesis de Charlotte, junto con otros esfuerzos continuos para apoyar a las mamás embarazadas y las que están criando a sus hijos”, dijo el Padre Ascik.

En www.marchforlifecharlotte.com

Obtenga más detalles sobre la Marcha por la Vida Charlotte 2025.

ARCHIVO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Los católicos de toda la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados a marchar y orar por la protección y la santidad de toda vida humana en la 19 Marcha anual por la Vida en Charlotte, programada para el viernes 10 de enero.

Rusciolelli

Papa Francisco

Jesús es el camino y el destino de los peregrinos del Jubileo

El Papa Francisco pidió a los católicos que centren sus peregrinaciones del Año Santo 2025 en Jesucristo, que es tanto el camino como el destino de la esperanza cristiana. En su audiencia general del 18 de diciembre, el Papa inició un nuevo ciclo de catequesis sobre “Jesucristo, nuestra esperanza”, que anunció será el tema de sus catequesis semanales a lo largo del Año Jubilar, que comenzará con la apertura de la Puerta Santa en la Basílica de San Pedro el 24 de diciembre.

Jesús, “es, en efecto, la meta de nuestra peregrinación, y Él mismo es el camino, la senda a seguir”, dijo en la sala de audiencias del Vaticano. Caminando por el escenario hacia su asiento en lugar de usar una silla de ruedas como había hecho anteriormente, el Papa Francisco se detuvo a rezar ante una reliquia de Santa Teresa de Lisieux, la santa francesa del siglo XIX que fue objeto de una exhortación apostólica publicada por el Papa en 2023.

Después de que sus ayudantes leyeran la genealogía de Jesús del Evangelio de San Mateo en varias lenguas, el Papa explicó que “la genealogía es un género literario, es decir, una forma adecuada a transmitir un mensaje muy importante: nadie se da la vida a sí mismo, sino que la recibe como don de otros”.

A diferencia de las genealogías del Antiguo Testamento, que sólo mencionan figuras masculinas, San Mateo incluye a cinco mujeres en el linaje de Jesús, señaló el Papa Francisco. Cuatro de las mujeres están unidas “por ser extranjeras para el pueblo de Israel”, dijo el Papa, destacando la misión de Jesús de abrazar tanto a judíos como a gentiles.

La mención de María en la genealogía “marca un nuevo comienzo”, dijo el Papa Francisco, “porque en su historia ya no es la criatura humana la protagonista de la generación, sino Dios mismo”.

En el Evangelio de San Mateo, la genealogía describe típicamente el linaje afirmando que una figura masculina “fue padre de” un hijo. Sin embargo, cuando se trata de María, la redacción cambia: “de la cual nació Jesús, llamado Cristo”. Por su linaje con David, Jesús está destinado a ser el Mesías de Israel, pero como también desciende de Abraham y de mujeres extranjeras, se convertirá en la “luz para iluminar las naciones paganas” y “Salvador del mundo”, dijo el Papa Francisco citando las Escrituras.

“Hermanos y hermanas, despertemos en nosotros el recuerdo agradecido hacia nuestros antepasados”, dijo, “y sobre todo, demos gracias a Dios, que, a través de la Madre Iglesia, nos ha generado a la vida eterna, la vida de Jesús, nuestra esperanza”.

En su saludo a los peregrinos tras su discurso principal, el Papa Francisco reflexionó brevemente sobre su viaje del 15 de diciembre a la isla francesa de Córcega para clausurar un congreso de teología sobre religiosidad popular.

“El reciente viaje en Córcega, donde fui acogido tan calurosamente, me impresionó particularmente por el fervor de la gente” que no trata la fe como un “asunto privado”, dijo, añadiendo que también le impresionó “el número de niños presentes, una gran alegría y una gran esperanza”.

San Manuel González García

Modelo de fe Eucarística

Nació en Sevilla y concluyó sus días en Palencia, donde reposan sus restos en la capilla del Sagrario de la Catedral. Como sacerdote, ordenado en 1901, ejerció su ministerio en Sevilla y Huelva. Fue Obispo de Málaga, consagrado en 1916, y de Palencia, localidad al norte de Castilla-León.

Fundó obras sociales en Huelva, Andalucía, y construyó un nuevo seminario en Málaga. En 1931, tras ser incendiada su residencia, dejó Málaga y rigió la Diócesis de Gibraltar y Madrid. En 1935, Pío XI le asignó la sede palentina; allí consumó la ofrenda de su vida a imagen del Buen Pastor, sin perder la bondad en la mirada y la sonrisa en los labios.

En 1902, en la parroquia de Palomares del Río, recibió la gracia que polarizaría toda su vida. Él mismo cuenta: “Me fui derecho al Sagrario. Ahí mi fe veía a un Jesús tan callado, tan paciente, que me miraba, que me decía mucho y me pedía más, una mirada en la que se reflejaba todo lo triste del Evangelio: lo triste de no tener posada, de la traición, de la negación, del abandono de todos”.

Luego de esta experiencia mística, el 4 de marzo de 1910, fundó en Huelva la primera rama de la Familia Eucarística Reparadora (formada por laicos, consagrados y sacerdotes), con el fin de dar y buscar una respuesta de amor a Cristo Eucaristía. Fundó también dos revistas de acción eucarística: “El granito de Arena”, para adultos, y “RIE”, para los niños, y escribió libros de oración, formación sacerdotal y catequesis.

“Para mis pasos yo no quiero más que un camino, el que me lleva al Sagrario, y yo sé que ando por este camino encontraré hambrientos y pobres de muchas clases... y haré descender sobre ellos la alegría de la Vida”. Estas palabras trazan el perfil del santo. Con razón el Papa San Juan Pablo II lo propuso como “modelo de fe eucarística”.

— Condensado de ACI Prensa

Lecturas Diarias

DICIEMBRE 29-ENERO 4

Oración a San

Manuel González García

San Manuel González, apóstol y obispo de los sagrarios abandonados.

Tú, que enamorado de la eucaristía y de la presencia real de Dios encarnado en todos los tabernáculos del mundo; y ante la indiferencia, ingratitud y olvido por parte de los hombres de acompañar en amor e intimidad al Santísimo Sacramento, te ofreciste como reparador y amante del Dios escondido hasta la muerte; y pediste ser enterrado junto a un sagrario para que tus huesos gritaran: “¡ahí está Jesús! ¡Ahí está! No le dejéis abandonado.”

Enséñanos a tener esa intimidad con Cristo sacramentado para que nuestras almas locas de amor por Él se entreguen como ostias vivas para la salvación del mundo.

San Manuel González. Ruega por nosotros.

Domingo (Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia): 1 Samuel 1:2022. 24-28, Salmo 83:2-3. 5-6. 9-10, 1 Juan 3:1-2. 21-24, Lucas 2:41-52; Lunes: 1 Juan 2:12-17, Salmo 95:7-8a. 8b-9. 10, Lucas 2:36-40; Martes: 1 Juan 2:18-21, Salmo 95:1-2. 11-12. 13, Juan 1:1-18; Miércoles (Solemnidad de María Santísima, Madre de Dios): Números 6:22-27, Salmo 66:2-3. 5. 6 y 8, Gálatas 4:4-7, Lucas 2:16-21; Jueves (Memoria de San Basilio Magno y San Gregorio Nacianzeno, Obispos y doctores de la Iglesia): 1 Juan 2:22-28, Salmo 97:1-2-3ab, 3cd-4, Juan 1:19-28; Viernes: 1 Juan 2:29–3, 6, Salmo 97:1. 3cd-4. 5-6, Juan 1:29-34; Sábado (Memoria de Santa Isabel Ana Seton, religiosa): 1 Juan 3:7-10 , Salmo 97:1. 7-8. 9 , Juan 1:35-42

ENERO 5-11

Domingo (Solemnidad de la Epifanía del Señor): Isaías 60:1-6, Salmo 71:1-2. 7-8. 10-11. 12-13, Efesios 3:2-3a. 5-6, Mateo 2:1-12; Lunes: 1 Juan 3:22–4:6, Salmo 2:7-8. 10-11, Mateo 4:12-17.

23-25; Martes:1 Juan 4:7-10, Salmo 71:2. 3-4ab. 7-8, Marcos 6:34-44; Miércoles: 1 Juan 4:11-18, Salmo 71:2. 10-11. 12-13, Marcos 6:45-52; Jueves: 1 Juan 4:19–5:4, Salmo 71:2. 14-15bc. 17, Lucas 4:14-22; Viernes: 1 Juan 5:5-13, Salmo 147:12-13. 14-15. 19-20, Lucas 5:12-16; Sábado: 1 Juan 5:14-21, Salmo 149:1-2. 3-4. 5. 6a. 9b, Juan 3:22-30

ENERO 12-18

Domingo (Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor): Isaías 42:1-4. 6-7, Salmo 28:1a. 2. 3ac-4:3b. 9b-10, Hechos 10:34-38, Lucas 3:15-16. 21-22; Lunes: Hebreos 1:1-6, Salmo 96:1. 2b. 6-7c. 9, Marcos 1:14-20; Martes: Hebreos 2:5-12, Salmo 8:2ab. 5. 6-7. 8-9, Marcos 1:21-28; Miércoles: Hebreos 2:14-18, Salmo 104:1-2. 3-4. 6-7. 8-9, Marcos 1:29-39; Jueves: Hebreos 3:7-14, Salmo 94:6-7c. 8-9. 10-11, Marcos 1:40-45; Viernes (Memoria de San Antonio, abad): Hebreos 4:1-5. 11, Salmo 77:3. 4bc. 6c-7. 8, Marcos 2:1-12; Sábado: Hebreos 4:12-16, Salmo 18:8. 9. 10. 15, Marcos 2:13-17

Our nation

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception designated a Jubilee Year site

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the nation’s patronal church, has been named a special place of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year 2025.

The designation – made by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ administrative committee and announced Dec. 16 – enables pilgrims to gain the Jubilee Year indulgence.

USCCB president

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services said in a media release issued by the shrine that “visiting the basilica is a powerful way to take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee and to be filled with the hope that flows from the embrace of our Mother.”

Catholic Church,” which makes it an ideal site for a Jubilee Year pilgrimage close to home.

“This honor will provide a moment of grace for all ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ during the Jubilee Year and will be especially beneficial to those who are unable to travel to Rome to pass through the Holy Doors and obtain the jubilee indulgence,” Monsignor Rossi said.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that sin incurs a “double consequence.”

Basilica Rector Monsignor Walter Rossi said he was “grateful to the Administrative Committee for the privilege of designating Mary’s Shrine as a special place of pilgrimage for the Holy Year.”

The shrine is the largest Catholic Church building ion North America. Construction of the Byzantine and Romanesque Revival building began in 1920. It is home to 82 Marian chapels representing peoples from every corner of the globe. As its website notes, “the National Shrine reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States and the unity and universality of the

While the sacrament of reconciliation restores men and women to grace and “intimate friendship” with God, the Church teaches that “temporal punishment of sin remains.” This requires purification through works of mercy, charity, prayer and penance to complete the soul’s conversion. Such temporal punishment can also be remitted, in whole or in part, through indulgences granted by the Church.

Pope Francis issued a May 13 decree specifying the ways in which the Jubilee Year indulgence can be obtained.

Conditions include true repentance, freedom from any affection for sin, a spirit of charity, receiving the sacraments of reconciliation and holy Communion, and praying during the Jubilee Year for the pope’s intentions.

In addition, pilgrims must make either a pilgrimage or pious visit to one of the

designated jubilee sites in the world. Those unable to travel – such as cloistered orders, as well as the elderly, the infirm and their caretakers, and the incarcerated – can obtain the indulgence through prayer, including the Lord’s Prayer and the Profession of Faith, and the offering up of their sufferings. The indulgence will also be extended to the faithful who carry out works of mercy and penance.

The national shrine, open every day of

the year, provides four daily Masses from Monday through Saturday, and seven Masses (including the vigil) on Sunday. Confession is available five hours each day.

The basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and among the 10 largest in the world. Among those visiting the shrine have been two saints, John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and two other popes, Benedict XVI and Francis.

OSV News

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND OSV NEWS

Spring flowers bloom outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington in this file photo. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the art-filled and inspiring basilica (below) as a special pilgrimage site for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Supreme Court takes up S.C.’s case against Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court took up a case Dec. 18 regarding South Carolina’s attempt to prevent Planned Parenthood from participating in the Medicaid health program. The case sets up a potential major ruling about the nation’s largest abortion provider’s ability to access public funds in states that have restricted abortion.

Planned Parenthood’s supporters argue the group should have access to Medicaid because it offers cancer screening and some preventive health services – such as pap tests and HPV vaccinations.

Critics, however, argue the funds coming into the abortion giant are fungible and could help facilitate abortion in a pro-life state.

Attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious liberty law firm, represent the state’s health and human services’ director’s appeal of a lower court decision. They asked the high court to take up the case, arguing that pro-life states such as South Carolina should be free to disqualify Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers as not eligible to receive Medicaid funding. They also said Congress did not want federal courts second-guessing state decisions on how Medicaid funds are spent.

Ten Commandments tablet sells for over $5M at auction

NEW YORK — An inscribed tablet of the Ten Commandments, believed to be the oldest known extant example, was auctioned for just over $5 million at Sotheby’s New York on Dec. 18. This allegedly 1,500-year-old marble tablet, weighing 115 pounds and standing two feet tall, was expected to fetch up to $2 million but sold for $5.04 million to an anonymous buyer. Discovered in what is today Israel during a 1913 railway excavation, it was unknowingly used as a paving stone for 30 years before its significance was recognized.

The tablet, known as the Yavne Tablet, is believed to be linked to Samaritans, a people culturally and ethnically distinct from Jews. It features nine of the traditional Ten Commandments but replaces the commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain” with one instructing worship on Mount Gerizim, a sacred site for Samaritans in the West Bank. The tablet is inscribed in Paleo-Hebrew script, though some characters have been re-inscribed over time.

While some experts praise it as a remarkable link to the ancient Ten Commandments, some have raised concerns about its provenance due to the lack of documentation from its discovery. The tablet was previously displayed at the Living Torah Museum and sold in 2016 for $850,000.

Missouri’s maternity home program saves money

A pro-family tax credit program in Missouri saves taxpayers nearly $600,000 a year while supporting mothers, a report found. The St. Raymond’s Society maternity home report found that the program, which offers tax credits for donations to pro-life maternity homes, saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars by limiting public spending on other programs, such as homelessness.

“Pregnant women and new mothers are highly vulnerable to the financial impacts of these precarious circumstances,” the report noted. “Early intervention to address poverty is important as studies show the longer one is in poverty, the less likely they are to exit poverty.”

Maternity homes do more than just house women – they often provide coaching and mentoring services as well as financial and emotional support.

New early childhood center highlights higher-ed trend

BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary is launching an early childhood center to support the childcare needs of faculty and community members. According to a 2023 US News and World report, there is a shortage of high-quality, affordable early childhood centers across the United States.

Set to open next summer, the Butler Early Childhood Center addresses a significant county

gap in quality, affordable childcare. The center will use a $465,000 state grant to renovate a campus building, allowing it to offer services, backed by university resources, at a lower cost.

This initiative is part of the university’s broader commitment to pro-life efforts, including support for young mothers through programs like its St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, which supports young mothers

The University of Mary’s work is in line with similar initiatives at Catholic institutions across the country that aim to support both mothers and children in meaningful ways. Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina supports expectant and new mothers through MiraVia, while the Guadalupe Project at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., develops resources, awareness campaigns and programs to assist mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

Pope will receive outgoing President Biden at Vatican

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will meet with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden at the

Vatican Jan. 10 to discuss efforts to promote peace worldwide, the White House’s press secretary said. The two leaders also spoke by telephone Dec. 19, during which the 82-year-old president thanked the pope “for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms,” the White House said in a written statement.

The president spoke with the pope, who turned 88 Dec. 17, “to discuss efforts to advance peace around the world during the holiday season,” the statement said. “President Biden also graciously accepted His Holiness Pope Francis’ invitation to visit the Vatican next month,” it added. That meeting will happen on Jan. 10, said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, in a separate statement Dec. 19.

The president will “have an audience with the pope and discuss efforts to advance peace around the world.” Biden will travel to Rome Jan. 9-12 to meet separately with the pope, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she said. — OSV News and Catholic News Agency

Our world

Pope opens Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching ‘Jubilee of Hope’

VATICAN CITY — In the quiet of Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching what he called a “Jubilee of Hope.”

As the doors opened, the bells of the basilica began to peal.

After the reading of a brief passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus describes Himself as “the door,” Pope Francis briefly left the atrium of the basilica, creating some confusion. But when the cardinals in the front row sat down, the others did likewise.

Three minutes later, the pope returned. He was pushed in his wheelchair up the ramp to the Holy Door. In silence, he raised himself from the chair to knock five times, and aides inside slowly opened the door, which had been framed in a garland of green pine branches, decorated with red roses and gold pinecones.

Opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica has been a fixture of the Catholic Church’s celebration of jubilee years since the Holy Year 1450, the Vatican said. The holy doors at the papal basilicas in Rome symbolize the path to salvation for Catholics and are only open during Jubilee years.

Pope Francis chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for the Holy Year 2025, which began Dec. 24 and will run through Jan. 6, 2026.

The rite of opening the decorated bronze door began inside the basilica with the reading in different languages of biblical passages prophesying the birth of the savior “who brings His kingdom of peace into our world,” as the lector explained. Then, to emphasize how the birth of Jesus “proclaims the dawn of hope in our world,” the Gospel of St. Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus was proclaimed.

Introduced with a blare of trumpets, the choir sang, “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

“The steps we now take are the steps of the whole Church, a pilgrim in the world and a witness of peace,” the pope told the assembled cardinals, bishops, ecumenical guests and lay faithful in the atrium of the basilica.

“Holding fast to Christ, the rock of our salvation, enlightened by His word and renewed by His grace,” the pope continued, “may we cross the threshold of this holy temple and so enter into a season of mercy and forgiveness in which every man and woman may encounter and embrace the path of hope, which does not disappoint.”

Echoing the biblical jubilee themes of reconciliation and forgiveness, Pope Francis prayed that the Holy Spirit would soften hardened hearts so that “enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands and people seek to meet together.”

“Grant that the Church may bear faithful

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

‘Grant that the Church may bear faithful witness to Your love and may shine forth as a vital sign of the blessed hope of Your kingdom.’ — Pope Francis

pilgrims or explained how they were chosen. Also among the first to cross the threshold were representatives of other Christian churches. The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity said in an explanatory note, “Entering through the Holy Door expresses the willingness to follow and be guided by the only begotten Son of God.”

Especially during the year that will see the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which solemnly defined the basics of Christian faith, the ritual “is a manifestation of the faith that all Christians share in Jesus, the Eternal Word made man,” the note said. However, it added, the ecumenical guests’ participation “must not be interpreted as an attempt to associate them with elements of the jubilee, such as the jubilee indulgence, which are not in line with the practices of their respective communities.”

In fact, the “selling” of indulgences helped spark the Protestant Reformation; the practice was later banned by the Council of Trent.

The Catholic Church believes that Christ and the saints have accumulated a treasure of merits, which other believers – who are prayerful and repentant – can draw upon to reduce or erase the punishment they are due because of sins they have committed. Making a pilgrimage, going to confession, receiving Communion and offering prayers to receive an indulgence are a key part of the Holy Year.

— Catholic News Service

Celebrate the Holy Year

witness to Your love and may shine forth as a vital sign of the blessed hope of Your kingdom,” he prayed.

Normally the Holy Door, to the right of the basilica’s center doors, remains sealed with bricks, a symbolic reminder of the barrier of sin between people and God. The 16 panels on the bronze doors illustrate key moments in salvation history, including the fall of Adam and Eve, the annunciation of Jesus’ birth, Christ presented as the shepherd rescuing a lost sheep, the crucifixion and the risen Jesus appearing

to the disciples.

Ten children from 10 different countries, holding hands with their parents, crossed the threshold after the pope and the altar servers, but before the cardinals and bishops. Then 54 people from 27 nations –including the United States and Canada, Australia, Tanzania and Togo, Venezuela and Vietnam – passed through. Many of them wore the traditional dress of their nations or ethnic groups.

Neither the Vatican press office nor the Jubilee press office released the names of the

Here in the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin will celebrate three Masses of Hope to open the Jubilee Year:

n DEC. 28 – St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville, 5 p.m. n DEC. 29 – St. Pius X Church, Greensboro, 11:30 a.m. n DEC. 29 – St. Mark Church, Huntersville, 5 p.m.

See full coverage of the celebrations online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. More online

At www.charlottediocese.org/jubilee-2025: Learn more about the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis pauses in prayer on the threshold of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24, after he opened it and inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025.

Vatican chooses prison as starting point for Jubilee art

VATICAN CITY — Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, an award-winning poet, believes art can heal people, including prisoners, and can help them find the right path forward. The cardinal, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, presented some of the Vatican’s contemporary art projects for the Holy Year 2025 and explained the choice to begin in Rome’s Rebibbia prison, where Pope Francis opened a Holy Door Dec. 26.

While at the prison, the pope will see the fruit of a collaboration between the Italian contemporary artist Marinella Senatore and some 60 men and women serving time at Rebibbia. “Io Contengo Moltitudini” (“I Contain Multitudes”) is a structure more than 19 feet tall that resembles the baroque “luminaria,” a tower supporting a bonfire or fireworks. Shooting out from the main structure are rays on which phrases about hope are written in a variety of languages and dialects.

Pope’s book: Iraqi police intercepted would-be assassins

VATICAN CITY — On his 88th birthday, two major newspapers published different excerpts from a new book on hope by Pope Francis. The New York Times published the pope’s words on the importance of humor as a guest essay in its opinion section, while Italy’s Corriere della Sera ran the pope’s recollection of his March 2021 trip to Iraq, revealing that two suicide bombers had planned to attack him but were intercepted and killed by police.

“I was warned as soon as we landed in Baghdad the previous day. The police had alerted the Vatican gendarmes to a report that had come from British intelligence: a woman loaded with explosives – a young suicide bomber – was on her way to Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit. And a van had also left at full speed with the same intent,” he said in the new book. “When I asked the gendarmes the following day what was known about the two bombers, the commander replied succinctly, ‘They’re gone.’ The Iraqi police had intercepted them and detonated them. That, too, struck me deeply. This, too, was the poisoned fruit of war,” he wrote. The excerpts published Dec. 17 were from the book “Hope: The Autobiography,” written with journalist Carlo Musso. The book is set for global release in 80 countries Jan. 14.

3,000 students, Black Eyed Peas members create Christmas song

MANILA, Philippines — In a heartwarming collaboration, 3,000 Catholic school children from the Philippines made their pop debut in a new Christmas song by Black Eyed Peas members Apl.de.Ap, Keith Harris and David “DQ” Quiñones. The song, “It’s That Time of Year,” was released in late November, followed by a music video Dec. 13.

Performed by students from the Sisters of Mary Schools in Cavite, the track blends jazzy Christmas vibes with handbells and a festive choir. Apl, who has Filipino roots, was inspired by a visit to the school, where he saw the incredible resilience of the children, many from poor farming or fishing families. The Sisters of Mary Schools, founded by Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz in 1985, provide free education, food, shelter and health care to children in need.

— Catholic News Service and OSV

Pope at Christmas: Jesus’ birth brings hope for world of justice, peace

CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Celebrating Christmas Mass after opening the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis said the birth of Jesus fills Christians with hope and the courage to work for peace and justice.

“This is our hope: God is Emmanuel, God-with-us,” he said at the Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica with an overflow crowd. On a windy winter night, thousands of people were sitting in St. Peter’s Square watching the liturgy on video screens.

“The infinitely great has made Himself tiny; divine light has shone amid the darkness of our world; the glory of heaven has appeared on earth – how? – as a little child,” the pope said. “If God can visit us, even when our hearts seem like a lowly manger, we can truly say: Hope is not dead; hope is alive, and it embraces our lives forever! Hope does not disappoint.”

The “Christmas Mass at Night,” often referred to as “midnight Mass,” has not been celebrated at midnight at the Vatican since 2009. Pope Francis began the liturgy at about 7:30 p.m. after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican press office said 6,000 people were inside and, as the pope opened the Holy Door, some 25,000 people were in the square. Dozens of priests went outside to distribute Communion to them during the Mass.

At the beginning of Mass, 10 children, who were among the first pilgrims to cross the threshold of the Holy Door, placed flowers around a figurine of Jesus that

rested in front of the basilica’s main altar.

Pope Francis chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for the Holy Year, which the Catholic Church celebrates every 25 years as a special time of pilgrimage, conversion and renewal of faith.

Adding to his prepared text, the pope told people, “There is much desolation in the world right now. Think of the wars, of the children gunned down, of the bombs falling on schools and hospitals,” references that he has applied to both Russia’s war on Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Hope is not indifferent but requires courage, he said. It means not being afraid to “speak out against evil and the injustices perpetrated at the expense of the poor.”

Christian hope, “while inviting us to wait patiently for the kingdom to grow and spread,” he said, “also requires of us, even now, to be bold in our anticipation of the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise, to be responsible and not only, but to be compassionate.”

“Tonight, God speaks to each of us and says: There is hope also for you,” the pope said in his homily. To receive that gift of hope, all that is needed is to set out, like the shepherds of Bethlehem did, to meet Jesus.

“For Christians hope is not a ‘happy ending’ which we passively await – it’s not the happy ending of a film – but rather, a promise, the Lord’s promise, to be welcomed here and now in our world of suffering and sighs,” Pope Francis said.

The offer of hope requires a response, he said. God asks people not to “wallow in mediocrity or laziness,” but to notice when

things are wrong and try to change them.

“Hope calls us to become pilgrims in search of truth, dreamers who never tire, women and men open to being challenged by God’s dream, which is the dream of a new world where peace and justice reign,” Pope Francis said.

The Holy Year, he said, “calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world, so that this year may truly become a time of jubilation: A jubilee for our mother Earth, disfigured by profiteering; a time of jubilee for the poorer countries burdened beneath unfair debts; a time of jubilee for all those who are in bondage to forms of slavery old and new.”

As Christians, the pope said, “all of us have received the gift and task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost, lives broken, promises unkept, dreams shattered and hearts overwhelmed by adversity.”

“We are called to bring hope to the weary who have no strength to carry on, the lonely oppressed by the bitterness of failure, and all those who are brokenhearted,” the pope said. In addition, Christians are called “to bring hope to the interminable, dreary days of prisoners, to the cold and dismal lodgings of the poor, and to all those places desecrated by war and violence.”

At the end of Mass, escorted by children, Pope Francis carried the figurine of the baby Jesus in his lap while an aide pushed the pope in his wheelchair toward the Nativity scene at the back of the basilica so the figurine could be placed in the manger.

LOLA GOMEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Pope Francis, after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, gives his homily during the Christmas Mass at Night Dec. 24.

ViewPoints

Laura Kelly Fanucci

Every day’s a New Year, so which door will you choose?

Imagine two doors before you. One wide. One narrow. You stand on the threshold. A moment of decision.

The wide door hints at busy brightness behind. You can hear music, laughter and many voices. You catch a hint of delicious smells and colorful lights. The pull is almost irresistible.

But you pause, hand on doorknob. The mere presence of another door is intriguing. It stands smaller and quieter. You cannot make out anything behind it, but you wonder where it goes.

What difference will it make, which door you choose?

BEHIND ONE DOOR, GOD WAITS

As Catholics, we stand before two doors: secular time and Church time. The ancient Greeks – and thus the early Church – had two words for these different senses of time. Chronos is chronological: earthly, ordinary, one day after the next. Kairos, on the other hand, is sacred: extraordinary, holy and perfect whenever it interrupts our daily lives.

God is always waiting to meet us in kairos, right in the midst of our chronos.

Each day we stand before the doors of chronos and kairos. We can enter into the frantic, fast-paced, nonstop rush of consumerist culture, with its endless urgent cries of “buy, buy, buy” and “more, more, more.” Or we can turn and open another door, the quieter way of faith. Here we learn to listen, to slow down and quiet our hearts, to learn more about the mystery of God and turn our lives toward Christ in response to his call.

The door we choose will change our lives – and the lives of those we love.

A delightful (and overlooked) aspect of the liturgical calendar is how it teaches us to live “off time” with the rest of the world. While secular society is swarming with after-Christmas sales and end-of-year specials, we’ve already celebrated our new year with the start of Advent. And while Jan. 1st gets heralded as the perfect time for “new year, new you,” the Church begins the calendar year with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

At every turn, our Catholic faith invites us to follow Christ down the narrow way. What’s more, this choice is offered to us every day, as if each dawn brings another New Year’s Day. God’s mercies are fresh each morning (Lam 3:22-23).

NEW CHANCE FOR RECONCILIATION

As a child I was charmed by the plucky words of Anne of Green Gables: “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.” But as adults, we learn it’s hard to scrub the slate clean. Grudges fester, resentment simmers and even ordinary conflicts quickly cloud our relationships. Forgiveness ranks among the hardest parts of the Christian life. This is why Jesus spoke of forgiveness in the Our Father, why the Church celebrates reconciliation as a sacrament and why God pours out grace to help us. We cannot forgive alone, but it changes lives – for spouses, children, siblings, friends, relatives, co-workers and anyone whose path crosses ours.

“Today a new day dawns, the day of our redemption, prepared by God from ages past, the beginning of our never ending gladness.” The Office of Readings includes this responsory for Christmas, but the wonder of God’s grace and the power of reconciliation mean that we could pray these words every morning.

START EACH DAY WITH

A CHOICE

What if we tried to live more like this? Trusting that each new day is part of God’s plan for salvation. Believing in the transformative practice of forgiveness. Trying to love one another, then waking up and doing it again.

To enter by the narrow door, we must bow our heads with humility. We may miss out on the fleeting fun, ego boosts or selfish gains behind the wide door that leads to the wild world. But if we trust that Jesus is the Way, we will find Love waiting for us inside.

Family life brings endless possibilities to try again. Each morning when we wake, which door will we choose?

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality.

The power of prayer

The morning of Hurricane Helene, I opened my eyes to the sound of wind and rain outside. What time is it? I looked at the clock. 7:30. I looked outside the window and almost began to panic. The wind was gushing and the trees were rocking violently. I instantly felt fear at the idea that this was my first hurricane and that I could be killed. I sat there, feeling more and more scared at the noises outside.

Suddenly my mom came in, looking worried and shaking her head. I stared at her in surprise.

She said, “We’re praying the rosary.” It was one of the few times my mom didn’t have to tell me twice. I was scared. I wanted to pray, because I knew only God could save us.

So me, my brother, my mom and my dad all began to pray, while my younger siblings were sleeping. I prayed while looking outside, scared that at any point, the house would go flying with me and all my family in it. Then the power went out.

***

We went a week without power. It was difficult to keep my little sisters occupied and to keep myself busy. Our everyday lives had been destroyed, but I knew there were people out there with worse problems. I knew there were houses destroyed, and people trapped or even dead. There were people I knew that didn’t have food or water.

My mom took us to a church, where we

picked up 50 boxes of food, and then we went to Swannanoa to distribute them to workers who were helping fix roads and houses. Seeing the destruction the hurricane had left in Swannanoa pierced my heart, because I knew people’s lives would never be the same. Buildings were destroyed, the river flooded, and it was really dry and dusty in some areas.

Though it was sad to see that, my mood instantly changed when I noticed how there were many places where food, water and clothes were being distributed, and I knew that through it all, we were helping each other. The hurricane had brought something good out of us.

Once we had given out all the boxes, we returned home, passing the same destroyed buildings but with renewed hope. Hope that everything would become normal, and that everyone would have a home. We prayed that all those people lost would be found, and all those whose family members died be consoled.

A few days later, my mother went to a friend’s house. She wanted to cook meals for those in need. Since I couldn’t cook much, I helped take care of my siblings. It was good to know that I could help in small yet meaningful ways. Seeing all of my mom’s friends show up made me realize how our community had united to help out. Those who were safe helped those who weren’t. Neighbors opened their doors, and people were working together. We all had hoped that Asheville would become the place it once was, a place where people helped one another and where you had friends and neighbors to help you in troubling times. Seeing the community come together gave me courage, and I wanted to help.

I helped in the best way I could, comforting my siblings and trying my hardest to be patient with them, because I knew there were people far less fortunate than I, and because I was thankful they were still there with me.

Arriving home that afternoon, my mother summoned us to pray. Kneeling toward the altar, I gave God my greatest thanks. He had let me help, and let me see all He has given me and the goodness in people. I thanked God for the hurricane, because I knew only He knew why He let it happen.

I looked out the window, at my neighbor’s house, knowing that they were OK. As I closed my eyes, concentrating, I felt the presence of God in me. I recalled the people, all the workers in Swannanoa and those who were willing to help, and I knew God had been working through them.

Maybe that’s why the hurricane had happened, because God wanted us to unite, to help others. He wanted our community to strengthen, though the buildings were destroyed. Through everything, Asheville was going strong.

And that’s when our power returned. Lord God, I thought, You are great.

JACKIE SANDOVAL is a seventh-grader at Asheville Catholic School. She wrote this story of faith, prayer, hope and resilience in Catherine Lordi’s English Language Arts class on her return to school after missing 18 days of class due to Hurricane Helene.

Jackie Sandoval

Eucharist opens a portal to the true meaning of Christmas

There’s no question that much of what the world does to celebrate Christmas resembles very little of the holiday’s etymological roots. Christmas, of course, comes from combining Christ and Mass – a throwback to when the Mass was the central part of any celebration of Jesus’ birth.

It’s not hard to enumerate the ways in which something is missing from Christmas today, the ways we need to “keep Christ in Christmas,” as the popular slogan goes.

But the real issue isn’t so much about saying “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays.” Keeping Christ in Christmas, or in any other day for that matter, is really the challenge of a Eucharistic lifestyle. Our words are meaningless and empty when they are not upheld by our personal conformity in all we think, say and do.

THE ONGOING TASK OF CHRISTMAS

The task of Eucharistic living, then, is a Christmas task par excellence. Christ came to dwell among us, to be one with us in Bethlehem. And He continues to do so, albeit mysteriously, in our lives each day if we let Him in. Each day is like Christmas when Christ is born anew – in our heart, mind and will – when we take on a Eucharistic pattern to our life. Making the elements of the Eucharistic celebration present in our lives can help us. We always express our sorrow for sin at the start of each Mass, begging for God’s forgiveness. Each day should include some examination of conscience to help us understand our weaknesses and give us an idea of how to seek God’s help to be more like Christ.

Feasts and solemnities, including Sundays outside of Lent and Advent, include the Gloria. This hymn, which begins with the angelic announcement to Bethlehem’s shepherds at the first Christmas, reminds us that praise and thanksgiving must be at the start of all our endeavors. With this proper order, Christ enters the world anew through each of us, truly to bring “peace to people of goodwill.”

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‘Jesus is

the destination of our

pilgrimage, and He Himself is the way, the path to be traveled.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Jesus is the path and destination for Jubilee pilgrims, pope says”

The Word of God is our sure guide in life, the blueprint for our journey to the Father. Since all of Scripture speaks of Christ, it is a primary means for becoming like Him. Scripture should be a key component of our prayer every day. Reading the gospel assigned to each day in the lectionary from Mass – readily available in multiple platforms – is a simple, helpful way to achieve this.

“Christ was born for this!” the hymn “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” proclaims. “This” is his redemptive sacrifice, made present again at every Mass and the means for us to join and offer to the Father our very lives with His. We learn in the mystery of the Eucharist how to keep alive the sacrificial character of Christ’s life in our own.

The various mysteries of faith celebrated in our feasts offer renewed opportunities to consider how they shape us. The holy men and women we commemorate at Mass day in and year out all remind us that our undertaking is more than possible – we have the opportunity to thrive as the saints God has made each of us to be.

SENT FORTH AND GIVING BIRTH

Ultimately, taking up anew the call to be apostles for Christ, we are dismissed from Mass, sent forth into a world so desperately needing Christ. When in the Eucharist Christ is born again in our hearts, as we cooperate with God’s grace given in the sacrament, we can bring him to birth in the various facets and circumstances in which we find ourselves.

Without Christmas, the world would not know life. With Christmas, the path to life becomes clear. The Eucharist opens the portal to the truest realities of what Christmas means. The world will truly encounter the babe born in Bethlehem, through us, when we live this way. Every day can be Christmas when we do. There is no greater way to keep Christ in Christmas than that.

MICHAEL R. HEINLEIN is author of “Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.” and a promised member of the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

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Michael R. Heinlein

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Michalski looks over the concert program as he listens to the

band director, had them play one of Michalski’s favorite songs,

honor of the band program’s patriarch.

MICHALSKI

FROM PAGE 9

to call one child every day. When I am watching a teacher, I want the teachers to compliment at least two or three students. I think that is a lifetime thing; everybody loves getting compliments.”

Before concerts, Michalski typically pulls the soloists aside. In his deep, melodic voice (a B-flat, he’ll tell you), he reminds students he is depending on them and is confident they can do it. His pep talk ends with a handshake or a pat on the back, then Michalski eases their nerves with a wink.

DEFINING MOMENTS

Thousands of students, including four of his grandchildren, have played under Michalski’s instruction in MACS. He takes pride in all the graduates, many of whom have gone on to play in college. Watching a child blossom from beginner to expert, Michalski says, is one of his greatest rewards.

“A lot of these students I’ve had since fourth grade. At that age they are vulnerable, and they will give you a hug around the leg. By eighth grade, they don’t want to talk to you. And by 11th and 12th grade, they come back and they give you a hug again.”

and acoustics. In these surroundings, his band members shine.

A LASTING LEGACY

In December, admirers gave Michalski a fitting sendoff: A special reception. A champagne toast. Kids seeking his autograph. A TV news interview. Two Christmas concerts with students playing in unison – and a bronze plaque inscribed with his name that will hang in the Performing Arts Center’s band room.

“Stan is dearly beloved by those he has taught, those he has led, and his colleagues across our school system,” says Catholic Schools Superintendent Greg Monroe. “He cares about others and demonstrates humility. He provides the great witness of a master teacher who always reflects the very best of his faith.”

Michalski says he’d be remiss if he failed to acknowledge two key ingredients in his success: God and his family, especially his wife of 67 years, Joan, who passed away in March.

Two defining moments stand out for Michalski: One is the first time the Charlotte Catholic band marched onto the football field, and the other is their first performance in the Fine Arts Center in 2022.

“When that band marched out on the field, I just had this feeling like, ‘Oh, good God, is this real? Look what we’ve done from nothing,’” he recalls. “They did such a good job playing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and the school alma mater. It was like everything came together: the football team had that nice scoreboard, and with the band – we had an identity!”

The Fine Arts Center added an aura of professionalism, he says, with comfortable seats instead of bleachers, good lighting

“A lot of this success is due largely to my wife, because when we went off to play, she sat home with the babies,” he says. “Later, she traveled with me to London and came with me when I judged the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year in Ireland. In Vienna, she was with me for four summers. … She was my best critic. She would tell me if I was nervous on stage. She would tell me to stand up straight. She was a good pal to have, and she went to every football game – 330 games! She sat on that bus, and we traveled all the time to Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, and she was a real trooper. And she didn’t even play an instrument.”

MACS won’t be the same without Stan the Band Man, says President Telford. He has insisted that Michalski keep his key to the school, so he can look in on the kids anytime.

“Stan is a model. He does everything he expects others to do, whether that’s moving chairs, setting up or breaking down,” Telford says. “The kids see his love for music – and for them. So they respond. They want to do well, not only for themselves and for Dr. Michalski. That’s what every great educator hopes for.”

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Charlotte Catholic High band performance. Jacob Bohan,

“Chimes” by Dmitri Shostakovich, in