Oct. 7, 2011

October 7, 2011

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

Amen!

Record crowd of 11,000 responds to ‘Do this in Memory of Me’

Inside: Full coverage from the seventh annual Eucharistic Congress, 3-17

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte

Respect Life Month, Life Chains and more,

THANK YOU!

Civil lawsuit filed against the diocese involving abuse case against Father Kelleher; Diocese responds to another civil lawsuit, 19

De Cerca María, Auxilio de los Cristianos.

Congreso Mariano del Rosario,

21-23

24-25 Calendar 4 Diocese 18-23

FAITH 2

mix 27

nation & World 30-33 Schools 28-29

Viewpoints 34-36

Call us: 704-370-3333 E-mail us: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Our faith

2

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Benedict XVI

God will guide, protect those who follow Him VATICAN CITY — God will always guide, protect and nourish those intent on following Him, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we will be certain we are on the right path and that the Lord will always guide us, be with us and we will lack nothing,” the pope said Oct. 5 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

With an estimated 20,000 people gathered in the square, the pope continued a series of talks about praying with the Psalms, focusing on Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack.”

Looking at psalm – “a text familiar to and loved by all” – the pope said, “If we walk behind the Good Shepherd, no matter how difficult, twisting or long the path of our lives may seem, even if often it seems we are in a spiritual desert without water,” we can be sure God will protect and provide for us.

The psalm is an expression of “radical trust in God’s loving care,” which reaches its highest expression in the death and resurrection of Jesus, who gave His life to save His flock, the pope said.

Greeting English speakers at the audience, the pope offered his “prayerful good wishes” to the 35 men scheduled to be ordained transitional deacons Oct. 6 by U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The new deacons are preparing for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

— Catholic News Service

‘No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.’ — St. Ignatius of Antioch

St. Ignatius of Antioch Apostolic Father who coined the term ‘Catholic Church’ Feast day: Oct. 17 Born around the year 50 in Syria, Ignatius was an Apostolic Father of the Church, a disciple, with St. Polycarp, of St. John the Evangelist, and the third bishop of Antioch, the former See of Peter before he went to Rome.

In 117 he was sentenced to death by the Emperor Trajan and arrested in Antioch.

He was brought, on a slow journey that lasted months, to the circus in Rome to be devoured by lions. The Roman emperor hoped to make an example of Ignatius and discourage the spread of Christianity.

During his months of captivity he wrote seven letters to Christian congregations in the Mediterranean, who he referred to generally as the “Catholic” (universal) Church – thus coining the term for the first time. His letters included ones to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans and Romans, as well as a letter to Polycarp, who was bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of St. John the Evangelist.

These letters proved to be influential in the development of Christian theology, since there are few extant writings from this period of Church history. They bear signs of being written in great haste and without a proper plan, such as run-on sentences and an unsystematic succession of thought.

Ignatius is the first known Christian writer to put great stress on loyalty to a single bishop in each city, who is assisted by both presbyters (priests) and deacons. Earlier

writings only mention either bishops or presbyters, and give the impression that there was usually more than one bishop per congregation. Ignatius also stresses the value of the Eucharist, calling it “a medicine to immortality.”

His letters show him to have been a zealous bishop, with a fierce love for his flock and the universal Church, and he had no fear of martyrdom; rather, he welcomed it. His letter to the Romans is a jewel of Christian literature: “I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way. I plead with you: show me no untimely kindness.

Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God. I am God’s wheat and bread. Pray to Christ for me that the animals will be the means of making me a sacrificial victim for God. “The prince of this world is determined to lay hold of me and to undermine my will which is intent on God. Let none of you here help him; instead show yourselves on my side, which is also God’s side.

“Believe instead what I am now writing to you. For though I am alive as I write to you, still my real desire is to die. My love of this life has been crucified, and there is no yearning in me for any earthly thing.

“Rather within me is the living water which says deep inside me: ‘Come to the Father.’ I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this

A saintly life

world. I want only God’s bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed from the seed of David, and for drink I crave His blood, which is love that cannot perish.

“Pray for me that I may obtain my desire.

I have not written to you as a mere man would, but as one who knows the mind of God.” — Catholic News Agency

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 9 - OCT. 15

Sunday, Isaiah 25:6-10, Philippians 4:1214, 19-20; Monday, Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:2932; Tuesday, Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:37-41; Wednesday, Romans 2:1-11, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday, Romans 3:21-30, Luke 11:47-54; Friday (St. Callistus I), Romans 4:1-8, Luke 12:1-7; Saturday (St. Teresa of Jesus), Romans 4:13, 16-18, Luke 12:8-12

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 16 - OCT. 22

Sunday, Isaiah 45:1, 4-6, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, Matthew 22:15-21; Monday (St. Ignatius of Antioch), Romans 4:20-25, Luke 1:69-75, Luke 12:13-21; Tuesday (St. Luke), 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:1-9; Wednesdays (St. John de Brebeuf, St. Isaac Jogues and Companions), Romans 6:12-18, Luke 12:39-48; Thursday (St. Paul of the Cross), Romans 6:19-23, Luke 12:49-53; Friday, Romans 7:18-25, Luke 12:54-59; Saturday, Romans 8:1-11, Luke 13:1-9

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 23 - OCT. 29

Sunday, Exodus 22:20-26, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40; Monday (St. Anthony Mary Claret), Romans 8:12-17, Luke 13:1017; Tuesday, Romans 8:18-25, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday, Romans 8:26-30, Luke 13:22-30; Thursday, Romans 8:31-39, Luke 13:31-35; Friday (Sts. Simon and Jude), Ephesians 2:19-22, Luke 6:12-16; Saturday, Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29, Luke 14:1, 7-11

Eucharistic Congress 2011

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

(Right) The Eucharistic procession proceeds down South Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte on Sept.

24 as Bishop Peter J. Jugis holds the monstrance containing the Most Blessed Sacrament surrounded by seminarians, Deacon Carlos Medina and Knights of Columbus. (Above) Parishioners from Catholic churches from across the Diocese of Charlotte carried banners representing their parishes in the Eucharistic procession during the Eucharistic Congress at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Record crowd eagerly answers call to ‘Do this in Memory of Me’ Rain fails to dampen spirits of 11,000-plus joyful souls SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Rose petals, umbrellas and decorative parish banners made for a colorful Eucharistic Procession as the Most Blessed Sacrament was processed in the hands of Bishop Peter J. Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte through what became raindrenched streets of uptown Charlotte on the morning of Sept. 24.

Special guests joining the procession this year were Francis Cardinal Arinze, who

is cardinal bishop of Velletri-Segni, and Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.

First Communicants in their festive garments were invited by Bishop Jugis to lead the procession and scattered multicolored rose petals along the way.

Thousands of faithful knelt along the procession route as Our Lord passed by.

Wind and eventually a steady downpour of rain pelted everyone who participated as they gave witness to their Catholic faith and belief in the True Presence.

Once inside the Charlotte Convention Center, more than 5,000 seats were filled by men, women and children anxious to adore the Lord and participate in the day’s events.

All 280,000 square feet of Halls A, B and C were packed with more than 11,000 people throughout the day – a 10 percent increase in attendance over last year’s congress.

In addition to the Holy Hour with a homily

by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh, congress participants

were treated to talks by seminarian Philip Johnson of the Diocese of Raleigh, Sister Angela Coelho and Monsignor Eduardo Chávez. A Spanish track attended by more than 3,000 also featured Monsignor Chávez, as well as singer Sandy Caldera. Ninetyfive vendors offered books, rosaries, CDs, clothing, statues and other articles of faith for sale.

Lines for confession remained more than 100 people long throughout the day inside the convention center, and all tracks – English, Spanish, and children/youth programs – were heavily attended.

A spirit of unmistakable joy permeated the convention center throughout the two-day congress, which began Friday night with a keynote address by Cardinal Arinze and a sacred music concert at the convention center, followed by overnight Eucharistic Adoration at St. Peter Church.

See even more online Go to www.catholicnewsherald.com and the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel to view more photos and video from the 2011 Eucharistic Congress.

Here are a few selections you’ll not want to miss: n The Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte, Holy Hour and Eucharistic Adoration n Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily in English and in Spanish from the closing Mass n Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge’s homily from the Holy Hour n Cardinal Francis Arinze’s audio interview with staff writer SueAnn Howell n More photos from the closing Mass, along with more photos from throughout the 2011 Congress n Behind the scenes of the congress: a light-hearted look in pictures

CONGRESs, SEE page 16

Photos by Patricia Guilfoyle, SueAnn Howell, Lew McCloud, Doreen Sugierski, Ruben Tamayo, Annette Tenny and Bill Washington

3

4

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, 109 CRESCENT HILL DRIVE — Holocaust Survivor Charlene Schiff from Horochow, Poland, will speak of her experiences, 7 p.m. Nov. 9.

A 6 p.m. Mass will precede, refreshments will follow.

Contact 828-684-6098.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks:

— “Here is Your Mother: Full of Grace.” Fall women’s program will present approved Marian apparitions, messages and reflections. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19. Lunch provided. Contact Marcia Torres at johnandmarciatorres@yahoo.com or 828-697-1235 by Nov. 15.

Oct. 8 – 4:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Sacred Heart Church, Brevard Oct. 10 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville Oct. 12 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Frances of Rome Church, Sparta

ASHEVILLE ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, 97 haywood st.

— Public Rosary in honor of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun, noon Oct. 15. Contact Lisena Maria Moss at jemoss@chartner.net or 828-254-4526.

BELMONT Oct. 13 – 6 p.m.

Friend to Seminarians Dinner Bishop’s Residence Oct. 14 – 10 a.m.

Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center Oct. 15 – 5 p.m.

Mass for 50th Anniversary of mission chapel St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte Oct. 17-19 Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop Hartmayer, OFM Conv.

Savannah, Ga. Oct. 20 – 1 p.m.

Be Not Afraid National Conference St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte Oct. 22 – 6 p.m.

Mass for 100th Anniversary of parish St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon

Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St. — Conversations: “Living Bread, Saving Meal,” Reflections on the Eucharist, 1:30-3:30 p.m. or 7:309:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 31.

BOONE st. elizabeth of the hill country, 259 Pilgrims way — “Judaism and Christianity: Sacramental Parallels,” Pat Jones Hall, 9:15-10:45 a.m. Oct. 9

BREVARD sacred heart church, 100 Brian Berg Lane — Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29. Contact 828-884-4552.

CHARLOTTE st. ann church, 3635 park road — Missa Cantata in honor of Christ the King, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 pROVIDENCE ROAD — “The Chronicles of Maryknoll from North Carolina to Nanjing,” ministry center room A, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 — “The Next 100 Years of Maryknoll,” ministry center room A, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19

October 7, 2011 Volume 20 • Number 34

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

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

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS: Carlos Castañeda 704-370-3375, cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender kdbender@charlottediocese.org

— “Be Not Afraid” Conference. BNA is a Catholic peer ministry which provides comprehensive support to parents carrying to term following a poor prenatal diagnosis, 1-5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 21.

Visit www.bnaconference.eventbrite.com.

ST. JOHN NEUMAnN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD — “The Prophets” Bible Study, 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays

This week’s spotlight: Sisters of Life visit UNCG Campus Ministry

— St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

The Sisters of Life, a contemplative/active religious community of women, will be at UNC Greensboro’s Catholic Campus Ministry, 500 Stirling St., 6 p.m. Oct. 19. They will be speaking to college-age, and high school junior and senior women on the topic “Privilege of Being a Woman.” College-age and high school junior and senior men are invited to join Father John Eckert and Father Chris Davis to discuss the topic “True Manhood.” A pizza dinner will be served. Contact Dominique Seraphin at dominique.seraphin@ gmail.com or 336-334-5130.

— Lectio Divina, 10-11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. first and third Thursdays. Contact Pat Donlevy at patdonlevy@gmail. com or 704-541-8960.

cafeteria, 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 13

ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 lawyers road — Fall Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15. Contact office at 704-545-1224 or fallfestival@stlukechurch.net.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Cenacles of Divine Mercy Day of Healing, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oct. 8.

ST. patrick cathedral, 1621 dilworth road east — Fall Scripture Study: Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, 10-11 a.m. Oct. 9, 16 and 23, and Nov. 6 and 20.

Contact Margaret at jmgusto@bellsouth.net.

— Fall Scripture Study: St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Jan. 3.

Childcare provided. Contact Margaret at jmgusto@ bellsouth.net.

ST. thomas aquinas church, 1400 Suther Road — “Circle of Friends” Grief Support Group, office conference room, 7 p.m. Thursdays. Contact Robyn Magyar at 704-707-5070.

ST. vincent de paul church, 6828 old reid road — Catholics Returning Home Program, Faith Formation Center, 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 10, 17 and 24, and Nov. 8 and 14.

Register at 704-554-7088.

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HWY. 16 — Cancer Support Group, Parish Activity Center, noon Oct. 11 and 18. Contact Barb Hissom at 704-483-6448.

our lady of grace CHURCH, 2205 w. market st.

— “The Catholic Faith and Mormons (Latter Day Saints),”

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

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information,

st. pius x CHURCH, 2210 n. elm st.

— “Learn to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours,” Kloster Center, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Elliott Suttle at spiusx.lothclass@gmail.com.

HENDERSONVILLE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 208 Seventh Avenue West — St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan order invites you to a “Come and See.” They meet 1-3:30 p.m. fourth Sundays. Contact Randy Hair, S.F.O., at 828-698-6466 or Tim Gibson, S.F.O., at 828-606-1728.

HIGH POINT immaculate heart of mary CHURCH, 4145 johnson st.

— “Catholics Come Home” Program, 7 p.m. for six weeks, begins Oct. 13

HUNTERSVILLE

GREENSBORO

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 28 times a year.

— “The Catholic Faith and Muslims,” cafeteria, 7-8:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 and 25

ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 stumptown road — “Secrets for Staying Catholic and Winning Souls for Christ,” parish center, 7 p.m. Oct. 16

contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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

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

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD Diocese of Charlotte

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

5

An interview with Cardinal Francis Arinze

(At right) Cardinal Francis Arinze pauses for a moment to bless a child after Holy Hour during the Eucharistic Congress held at the Charlotte Convention Center on Sept. 24.

(Below) Cardinal Arinze delivers the keynote address on “The Necessity of Sunday” after the sacred music concert held on Friday evening to kick off the seventh annual congress.

CHARLOTTE — Staff writer SueAnn Howell was granted an exclusive interview with Cardinal Francis Arinze Sept. 24 during the 2011 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte. Cardinal Arinze was in town for the two-day annual congress as its keynote speaker, giving an address on Friday about the importance of Sunday Mass and of keeping the Sabbath holy.

In the one-on-one interview, the cardinal offered some advice for the faithful in our diocese regarding the upcoming implementation of the revised English missal and also regarding the ongoing battle to protect the sanctity of marriage in North Carolina and the U.S.

Revised Missal Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

Cardinal Arinze stresses importance of Sunday and Holy Mass Criticizes ‘virus of secularism’ and ‘weekend mentality’

Marriage

SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — In a keynote address during the Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress Sept. 23-24, Cardinal Francis Arinze spoke about the importance of Sunday Mass and the observance of Sunday as the Lord’s Day in an increasingly secularized world.

“Religion is not an option. It is not an accessory footnote. It is the duty of the human creature in front of God the Creator,” Cardinal Arinze said.

The seventh annual congress attracted a record crowd of more than 11,000 Catholics from around the Carolinas to Charlotte, hosted by Bishop Peter J. Jugis at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge also spoke during the twoday event, one of the few Eucharistic congresses in the U.S. held annually and one of only two held in the Southeast each year.

The congress included a Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte, Mass, Eucharistic adoration at the convention center and at historic St. Peter Church in uptown Charlotte, educational programs in both English and Spanish for children and adults, and confession.

“Sunday is the Lord’s day, the day of Christ, the day of the Church and also God’s gift to us humans,” said the Nigerian cleric, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and a leading Vatican scholar on liturgy, Africa and Islam. “The Eucharistic celebration is central to Sunday. It is important to see Sunday as source, summit and center of Catholic life.”

Cardinal Arinze pointed out that the changes in text for the English translation of the Roman Missal are not changes in the Mass itself. And the revisions are being made in nearly every language in the world – not just in English – to more closely align the vernacular translations with the original Latin text of the Missal.

“The aim is to get it more faithful to the original Latin text,” Cardinal Arinze said. “The second: to let it help more to prayer, because liturgical prayer should help us in our personal prayer.”

Thirdly, he said, the English translation better captures the Biblical references that are key components of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Those scriptural references are meaningful and important, he emphasized.

Cardinal Arinze emphasized why Christians should keep the day holy despite the challenges and distractions they face, speaking to a crowd of more than 2,500 faithful gathered at the convention center Sept. 23.

“All time, all history belongs to God. Every instant should be spent in adoring and praising Him and rejoicing in His presence.

Nevertheless, it remains true that God has singled out a day in the week when humanity should pay special attention to Him. So as the Book of Genesis tells us, ‘So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it,’” he said.

“The Third Commandment is very clear: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ The day of the Lord is therefore not just a day of rest for man, a day to put aside our daily work.

It is that, but it is much more than that. It is primarily a day in which human beings give special attention to God the Creator, a day in which people commemorate the wonders created by God. The day of the Lord is that special day in the week in which man ARinZE, SEE page 16

The ongoing battle in the U.S. has recently come home to North Carolina, as the state legislature recently gave the green light for a ballot measure in 2012 to place in the state constitution a definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman. State law already does this, but a constitutional amendment would safeguard traditional marriage from legal challenges, as have already occurred in other states.

Cardinal Arinze reassured the faithful in the battle over traditional values.

“You have Moses and the prophets. Listen to them,” he said, adding, “You have your bishops, you have your priests, you have good theologians.”

“God made marriage (as being between) one man, one woman. That’s what God made. No human being has any power to reinvent (it).

Marriage was not made by the Vatican. It was made

by God Almighty. We will be all right if we follow the laws of the Maker,” he said.

— SueAnn Howell

Listen to it yourself To listen to SueAnn Howell’s interview with Cardinal Francis Arinze, go to www.goeucharist.com.

6

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FrOM THE COVER Bishop Peter Jugis elevates the Holy Eucharist during the closing Mass at the Eucharistic Congress on Sept.

24 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

More than 11,000 people attended the seventh annual congress in Charlotte.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Jugis: The Eucharist is the love that can change our world Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — In a world sadly in need of love, there is one place we know it can be found: at the altar in the Eucharist, Bishop Peter Jugis said during his homily at the closing Mass of the 2011 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte on Sept. 24. Bishop Jugis encouraged his flock to embrace the Eucharist, placing Christ firmly at the center of our lives.

Catholics from across the Diocese of Charlotte filled the Charlotte Convention Center for the two-day congress, and attendance was unusually high for the closing Mass in Hall A, which was overflowing with worshippers.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, Bishop Jugis reminded the thousands of faithful, but he then asked, “Is it really the center of our life around which everything revolves? Does the Eucharist give life to everything you do, day in and day out?”

Bishop Jugis said we should be eager to receive Christ in the Eucharist – eager to receive Him into our lives and eager to express our love for Him in all that we do.

“Are we eager to know our Christian faith? Are we eager to go to Sunday Mass?” he asked. The early Christians were, and we should model our lives on theirs, he said.

Bishop Jugis said that our love for Christ in the Eucharist should be mirrored in our love for each other and for our parish communities, just as the first

Christians loved being together and caring for each other’s needs.

“I want to thank you for your devotion to the life of your parish,” he said. “Thank you for showing the world by your attendance at Mass that you are devoted to being together” and demonstrating that Sunday is the Lord’s day, a reference to the theme of keynote speaker Cardinal Francis Arinze, who spoke Friday about the importance of keeping Sunday holy.

Bishop Jugis pointed out that the Apostles ordained seven deacons to minister to the needs of widows and the poor during the early days of the Church – the level of charity of the early Christians was so great that it took seven men all day every day to distribute it. This was “an avalanche” of love, an outpouring of love and eagerness to serve others that the community in Jerusalem possessed. Today, the faithful need to recapture that same sense of enthusiasm and abundance of love for one another, he said.

Too, the faithful’s communal “Amen!” at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer is an expression of our eagerness to receive Christ into our lives, Bishop Jugis said. It signifies our recognition of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and it gives us the opportunity to worship and adore Him. He said that our enthusiastic response of faith during that moment is as if we are saying, “My Savior comes to me!”

He concluded, “May His love lift you up. Jesus eagerly desires to give Himself to you. With joy let us receive Him!”

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Thousands of faithful crowded into the convention center Saturday for the closing Mass.

Bishop Jugis encouraged his flock to embrace the Eucharist with enthusiasm, as it will strengthen us to go out and serve others.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

7

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

O

Let us receive the Eucharist with a joyful and enthusiastic ‘Amen’!

ne of the things I enjoy doing most for you as your bishop is to celebrate Mass when I come to visit your parish for different events. I really look forward to being with you on those occasions for the celebration of the Mass. As bishop, I have to shepherd the entire diocese and work to keep the sheep of the flock together, united in the Lord. And the Mass is the place where we do come together as one in the Lord.

That is why the Eucharistic Congress is such a tremendous joy for me: we all come together from parishes across the diocese to celebrate the Eucharist as one family.

All around, you see many individuals, and maybe there are some people around you that you may not even recognize. But there is a spiritual bond already existing between all of you because of your baptism – our common baptism in Christ. It is the Eucharist, though, that makes that spiritual bond, which is already existing, stronger and more perfect.

And so it is with good reason that we call the Eucharist the sacrament of unity and also the sacrament of charity. I am delighted that you are all here today for this Mass.

At the Last Supper, Jesus told His Apostles: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” The time had come for Jesus to show His great love for us. He knew the time had come for His suffering.

“Greater love hath no man, but that he lay down his life for his friends.”

And He says, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.” He is eager to celebrate the Passover before He suffers.

He is eager to give Himself to us in the Eucharist; He is eager to create this living Memorial of His passion and resurrection.

He is eager to show us His love.

And then He says those memorable words: “Do this in memory of me.” What beautiful words! The offering of Jesus eagerly desiring to give Himself to us is to be celebrated over and over again. His love is to remain in the very heart of the Church, so that we may receive the gift of His sacrifice until the end of time – His eagerly desiring to give Himself to us.

“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22:15). Do we match Jesus’ eager desire with our own eager desire to come meet Him at Mass? Do we say: “I am eager to go to Mass; I want to go to Mass; I hunger for the Eucharist; Jesus wants to give Himself to me, and I want to receive Him”?

It’s a good question to ask ourselves, to

‘Does the Eucharist give life to everything you do, day in and day out? Does His love so transform your life that your love in action leads you back to the summit of your Christian living, to a more faithful and fervent celebration of Mass?’ make sure that we have the proper attitude toward Sunday Mass. An important way that we show our eager desire to receive Him is by our preparation to receive Him; that there is some preparation – prayerful preparation, by prayer to receive Him at Holy Mass; by confession; by our whole life lived in conformity with the Gospel. All of that shows our eager desire to receive the One who eagerly desires to give Himself to us.

Are we so enthusiastic about the prospect of receiving Jesus – His Body and Blood?

Do we prepare ourselves by dressing modestly for Mass? I enjoy celebrating the sacrament of confirmation when I visit parishes, and I often compliment the confirmation students for wearing their Sunday best to come for the celebration of their confirmation. I like to tell them: I would like to see you wear your Sunday finest every Sunday!

Is there enthusiasm on our part for the Eucharist, and a desire on our part for the Eucharist? Is the Eucharist really the summit and the source of our life? Is it really the center of our life around which everything revolves? For you, does everything in your Christian living flow from the Eucharist, or are there parts in our life that are separated from the Eucharist? Does the Eucharist give life to everything you do, day in and day out?

Does His love so transform your life that your love in action leads you back to the summit of your Christian living, to a more faithful and fervent celebration of Mass? It’s worth thinking about: the place of the Eucharist and our eager desire to receive Him into our life.

We can learn a lot from the example of the early Church in the time of the Apostles about their eager desire to receive the Lord (Acts 2:42). We are told that the Christian community devoted themselves to the Breaking of the Bread – in other words, to

the Eucharist. They devoted themselves, that’s what St. Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles – in other words, they were eager to celebrate the Eucharist and to pray. Their life was centered on the life-giving sacrifice of Christ in the Eucharist.

We are also told that the early Christians devoted themselves to the Apostles’ instruction; they were eager to know their Christian faith, to know the teachings of Jesus being handed on to them by the Apostles. We have those very same opportunities today in our parishes: to study the faith, to study the Scriptures, to attend classes or talks on different topics of faith. Are we eager for this, as were our brothers and sisters of the first generation who devoted themselves to the Apostles’ instruction?

In that same passage from the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that the Church in the time of the Apostles was devoted to the communal life. They wouldn’t think of absenting themselves from the Sunday assembly. That would have been a concept completely foreign to their minds. And if someone were so seriously ill and not able to come to the assembly, they brought Holy Communion to that person, so devoted were they to being together – the communal dimension of their faith.

I want to thank you as your bishop for your devotion to the life of your parish, your eager desire to be together at the Sunday assembly, and with your brothers and sisters at Mass.

Thank you for showing the world, by your attendance at Mass, that you are devoted to being together, as our brothers and sisters showed us by their example from the first generation. Thank you for showing the world that Sunday is a holy day for the Lord.

The Christian community also must have produced a veritable avalanche of charitable

outpouring. Because we read in that same passage, that Luke describes the early Christian community, that in order to take care of the daily distribution of goods, not just one deacon, but seven deacons were needed for the distribution of charity. And in addition, there was a daily distribution of that charity. That means that it took seven men working every day to distribute all the charity to the needy in the Jerusalem community. That is a veritable avalanche of charitable outpouring from our early Christian brothers and sisters – a flowing from the Eucharist from their communion with Jesus, making them overflowing with love for the needy, for their brothers and sisters.

There you have enthusiasm, there you have eagerness, to match Jesus’ own eager desire to give Himself to us.

How do we respond to this love that has been so lavishly bestowed upon us?

In this Mass we have the opportunity again to adore Our Lord. At the consecration, when I elevate the Body of Christ and I elevate the chalice with the Blood of Christ for all to see, we will worship him. That is precisely what that moment is for, to adore the Lord, who is now present. With the eyes of faith we acknowledge His Real Presence, and with love we proclaim His death and resurrection until He comes again in glory. And later, in Holy Communion, we are privileged to say “Amen” – the enthusiastic response of our amen of faith. The Lord Jesus is present – Amen! My Savior offers His life for me, He has come to me! It is an enthusiastic response to match the eager desire with which He wishes to give Himself to us.

Where is the love that can change our world? It is right here at the altar: the Holy Eucharist. May this Eucharistic Congress nourish your faith in our Eucharistic Lord.

May His love lift you up. Jesus eagerly desires to give Himself to you. With joy, let us receive Him! The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis is the bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. He delivered this homily during the closing Mass of the congress on Sept. 24.

See it yourself The video of Bishop Jugis’ homily is posted to the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel.

8

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FrOM THE COVER

Bishop Burbidge encourages faithful to ‘wash others’ feet,’ just as Jesus did Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — During a homily for Holy Hour, Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge encouraged the faithful to come frequently to adore Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament, and then take the spiritual gifts we receive from Him and go forth to serve others – washing their feet just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.

The Holy Hour on Sept. 24 at the 2011 Eucharistic Congress immediately followed a Eucharistic Procession from St. Peter Church on Tryon Street to the Charlotte Convention Center, and the procession and the Holy Hour drew an estimated crowd of 5,100 faithful.

Bishop Burbidge recalled the enthusiasm, joy and faith he found at World Youth Day in Madrid recently, and how 2 million young people gathered with Pope Benedict XVI to worship and praise the Lord, both in prayer and song, as well as in the silence of Eucharistic Adoration. In that stillness, the youths could feel the power of Jesus, he said, and many youths told him that they did not want to leave Madrid and return home.

But they had to return home in order to share the spiritual gifts they received with others, he said, just as when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, entreating them to “do this in memory of Me.” “This Eucharistic Congress proclaims and celebrates the power of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,” Bishop Burbidge said. “We proclaim together our beliefs that the Eucharist is the Body, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ....

“So we come to this Holy Hour and fall on our knees; we offer praise and worship to our God; and we allow time to be still and be silent in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord and to experience His grace and power in our lives.”

He encouraged the faithful to seek out Jesus every day, and to grow in our faith and relationship with the Lord.

Return home from the congress to serve others and find meaning, purpose and joy in washing others’ feet, he said.

And while it may be difficult, he emphasized in the conclusion to his homily, sometimes we must put aside our pride and allow others to wash our feet, just as Peter allowed Jesus to wash his feet.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh (above and left) speaks with Cardinal Francis Arinze after the sacred music concert on Sept. 23 at start of the Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.

photos by Ruben Tamayo and sueann howell | catholic news herald

(Left) Peppi Calvar, music director at St. John Neumann Church, performs during the sacred music concert.

(Right) Two children from the Children’s Latin Choir perform solos during the Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 24.

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Diocese of Charlotte choir performs at congress Mollie Gordon Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The seventh annual Eucharistic Congress began with prayer – the Prayer for the Success of the Eucharistic Congress and the sacred music concert. St. Augustine is credited with the quote, “Those who sing, pray twice,” and this concert was certainly a worthy example.

This year’s theme, “Do this in memory of Me,” was

reflected in the musical selections for the concert by the Diocese of Charlotte choir, and performances included works

by Haydn, Gounod, Aichinger, Lizst and Lange.

“I just hope that people hear the glory of God through all the time periods and all the cultures. It is why we’re called the universal Church,” said choir director Tiffany Gallozzi.

This year, in addition to choral music, several brass quartet pieces further illustrated how music can be written and performed in remembrance of Our Lord.

Members of parishes across the diocese comprised this year’s concert choir of 75 singers.

“It is a way to gather singers from around the diocese to present sacred music, and share with the participants the treasure of choral music. The singers have the opportunity to learn new pieces, and experience singing in a larger group than would be possible in individual parishes,” noted Dr. Larry Stratemeyer, the concert’s organist.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

9

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

A

Strengthened and renewed in faith, go home with renewed zeal to serve others

llow me to begin by thanking you, Bishop Jugis, for your kind and gracious invitation to preach at this Holy Hour. I am so honored to be with you, the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay faithful of your vibrant and faithfilled diocese and with all those who gather at this Eucharistic Congress.

This past August, clergy, religious and laity, including approximately two million young people from all around the world, gathered for World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, to be with Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout those days, there were opportunities for our young people to learn more about their faith and to discuss it with others. There were Masses and other prayerful celebrations that provided gracefilled moments for all of them.

The one celebration that most deeply touched me was the prayer vigil with the Holy Father. It was a stormy and rainy night. The heavier the winds and the rains became, the louder and more enthusiastic the young people became – nothing was going to ruin this night. They continued to sing and cheer. After about 20 minutes, the rains stopped. Then, the ceremony continued and the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist, was placed in the monstrance and on the altar. I will never forget it. All of a sudden, without any instruction, close to two million young people simply knelt, and there was dead silence. There we were in an open field and there was not a sound. The silence was extended for a significant period of time.

The next day I asked one of the young people, “How is it possible to get that many young people so quiet?” He said, “The power of Jesus, Bishop, the power of Jesus!”

Dear friends in Christ, this Eucharistic Congress proclaims and celebrates the power of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We proclaim together our beliefs that the Eucharist is the Body, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, His very real presence, the bread of life, the cup of salvation, and the source and summit of our lives and all that we do. And so we come to this Holy Hour and fall on our knees; we offer praise and worship to our God; and, we allow time to be still and silent in the presence of Our Eucharistic Lord and to experience His grace and power in our lives.

One of the great gifts of World Youth Day was to see the immense joy of our young people as they realized the precious gift of

‘As wonderful as this Eucharistic Congress is, you understand fully that you cannot stay in this sacred place.

Strengthened and renewed in the faith, you must go home with renewed zeal to serve others.’ being members of the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. As you know, our young people face many challenges as they seek to live their faith in today’s society.

They hear many conflicting voices that speak untruths. They are challenged and even dismissed and rejected by many of their peers who mock those who believe.

They are ridiculed for wanting to live chastely, purely and honorably. No wonder they were so uplifted at World Youth Day. They strengthened, encouraged and supported one another and participated in many activities that helped them to experience and embrace the reality of the theme for World Youth Day: “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ: Firm in the Faith.”

No wonder I heard so many young people somewhat amusingly say, “I do not want to leave. I want to stay in this sacred place.” But they knew they could not.

Just like the disciples on the mountain of transfiguration, the young people knew that they had to come down from this “peak experience” and return home. They were reminded that the graces and blessings they received from God were not for them alone.

Those gifts were given to them so that they would be “firm in the faith” and go forth renewed in their commitment to share their faith and to imitate the selfless service of the Lord. Those young people understand the meaning of your theme for this Congress: “Do this in memory of Me.” The Gospel account just proclaimed brings to us the dramatic scene in which Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and then said to them, “I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you also should do.” It is a powerful reminder that we who receive the Body and Blood of Christ must offer our very lives in service to Him and His people.

It may be safe to presume that most of us welcome and embrace that challenge. As

wonderful as this Eucharistic Congress is, you understand fully that you cannot stay in this sacred place. Strengthened and renewed in the faith, you must go home with renewed zeal to serve others. I believe we can all say that we find meaning, purpose and joy in washing the feet of those in most need.

Thank God, this service happens daily in your homes, parishes and throughout your wonderful diocese as you work together in defending the sacredness of all human life from conception to natural death and in proclaiming the dignity of each and every person. You wash the feet of others and “do this in memory of Jesus” in your compassionate care of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the sick and the most vulnerable in our midst. It happens as you welcome and embrace the immigrant and the stranger. We “do this in memory of Jesus” as we reach out to those who have grown lukewarm in their faith – or maybe even abandoned it – and assure them of God’s infinite mercy and love for them. Let all of us, dear friends, renew that commitment this evening! It is this humble, selfless and compassionate service that unites us as God’s holy family.

While we may readily embrace the call of Jesus to wash the feet of one another, we may struggle at every stage in life to allow our feet to be washed by Jesus and by all those who love us. If so, we are no different than Peter in tonight’s Gospel. He did not want to depend on anyone, not even Jesus.

There was no way Peter was going to have his feet washed. He was going to take care of himself. Does that sound familiar?

What is it that keeps us, at times, from acknowledging our dependency on Christ Jesus? Maybe it is the pride of Judas who put money and power before God. Maybe it is the exaggerated self-importance of Peter and his insistence on “being in control.”

Maybe it is the refusal to acknowledge our

sins and weaknesses and need for God’s infinite mercy. Whatever it is, we must, with God’s grace, submit ourselves and our lives to the Lord so that we may echo the words of Peter: “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”

How do we get to that point of humility?

It must begin with a deep realization of the great love that our Lord Jesus has for us. As we gather at this congress with our focus on the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist, we celebrate the reality of being loved so incredibly that Jesus gives us Himself, His very Body and Blood, so that our sins may be forgiven and we may be strengthened for our pilgrimage on earth and life with Christ.

Remember, there is no sin, no failure, no mistake that is greater than His love and mercy. Thus, ponder anew God’s great love for you and give thanks for the gift of this Eucharist and for all His countless blessings.

It is my hope and prayer that this Eucharistic Congress also renews your commitment, in the midst of the storms we all face in life, to discover the power of Jesus simply by being with Him each and every day, listening to His voice and seeking His guidance and amazing graces. We must leave this sacred place dedicated to growing closer to Jesus.

At this Holy Hour and at every Mass, we celebrate the great love that God has for us, perfectly revealed in the gift of His Son in the Holy Eucharist. This precious gift also brings two challenges: First, and this can be the most difficult for many of us, with all humility we must allow Jesus to wash our feet with all their stains – and especially when they are tired and weary. And then in turn, we must go forth in service to wash the feet of one another and those in most need, in imitation of Christ who says, “I have given you a model to follow and as I have done for you, you should also do.” In other words, “Do this in memory of Me!” The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge is the bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh. He delivered this homily during the Holy Hour at the congress on Sept. 24.

See it yourself The video of Bishop Burbidge’s homily is posted on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel.

10

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FROM THE COVER The faithful receive Holy Communion from Bishop Jugis during the closing Mass of the congress. (Bottom left) Flags from different countries were included in the Eucharistic procession on Saturday.

(Bottom right) Parishioners arrive to the Charlotte Convention Center on Saturday.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter Jugis greets young adults during the Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 23.

Young adult event in midst of Eucharistic Congress draws souls to the Blessed Sacrament Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Beginning with a mixer in the Convention Center, more than 100 college students and young adults mingled to live music from local band “Genesis,” ate pizza and enjoyed a special visit from Bishop Peter Jugis on Friday night, Sept. 23, to kick off the 2011 Eucharistic Congress.

Nearly half of them proceeded to spend the night taking shifts of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Peter Church on Tryon Street while camping out in the basement.

“Make sure you are a witness to Christ on your college campus,” Bishop Jugis urged the young people during his remarks to them.

“Like the cardinal (Cardinal Francis Arinze) said: What we do on Sunday says a lot about the priorities in our life,” Bishop Jugis said, reiterating the cardinal’s message of keeping Sundays holy during his keynote address at the congress earlier Friday evening.

For Belmont Abbey College junior Caroline McKinney, that message hit home. “The cardinal’s talk really inspired me to manage my time better as a student so I may rest on Sundays, not write papers,” she said.

Ella Kunu, a junior at the University of North CarolinaCharlotte, looked forward to meeting other Catholics her age as well as participating in the nocturnal Adoration. “It was peaceful,” she said of her overnight holy hour in which she meditated on the rosary.

She added, “And I stayed up until 4 in the morning and had so much fun!”

UNC-Greensboro sophomore Tim Potkay, who was attending the Eucharistic Congress for the first time after spending five years as a Pentecostal, noted that “something was missing” from his life away from the Church. That “something” was the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Overall, the Friday night young adult event was a success, with organizer Mary Wright, director of Catholic Campus Ministry, commenting that “some students were standing out there [in the lobby] because they couldn’t fit!”

Doreen Sugierski, Patricia L. Guilfoyle and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Congress goers agree, ‘We have been commissioned’ Annette Tenny Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — ‘Do This In Memory of Me’ was the theme of the 2011 Eucharistic Congress. For Congress goers, that meant the Eucharist should be at the center of our lives. When asked about the theme and what it means to them and how they live it in their daily lives, most respondents immediately said, “Mass! We go to Mass!”

People willingly shared how the bountiful river that flows from the gift of the Eucharist flows into them, through them and pours out into the world each and every day.

A group of slightly soggy students (who’d just come in from the rain during the Eucharistic procession Saturday morning) from the diocesan Catholic Campus Ministry spoke of the void that the Eucharist fills.

They willingly accept this gift knowing full well that with it also comes obligation: the obligation to pass on the teachings of Christ, to live what they believe and to live it on the inside and on the outside.

The Mark of Christ is a joy, they said, and they want to “pay it forward.”

“This theme reminds us of what our commission is, as Christians,” said Dr. Jude Okoyeh.

He, his family and a companion spoke eloquently and at length about that authority and the responsibility to carry out that commission daily. They talked about the need for the sacraments and the joy the sacraments bring through the power of the Holy Spirit.

These gifts allow us to go into our communities, to work for our brothers and sisters – not for pay but for

love of Christ, they said. They discussed the power and mystery of the Eucharist: We are brought into the presence of Jesus Christ during Mass. We focus on Him, we are gifted and we are given the graces we need to do for others what Christ has done for us, they pointed out.

Keeping our focus on Christ was one of the common points people made during the congress. From middle school students to the elderly, this simple joy was deeply important to people. Three teens from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory and St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton lit up like sparklers when asked about this year’s theme.

They said, “Awesome theme!”

“Forever Christ!”

“Christ is everywhere we are!”

They spoke in a jumble, but their love and joy were clear. To be able to focus on Jesus was huge to them – no distractions just Jesus. They agreed that going to Mass, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, meant they could learn how to be closer to God – and learn how to love. Then they said, in no uncertain terms, they could go out and do this for everybody else.

Another common point for people was the immediacy and necessity of joining ourselves to the timelessness of the Last Supper. The congress goers understood that the Eucharist is for them and for their children, but it is a gift also to be shared with the world. They know that there is much work to do and that it is their obligation to do Christ’s work and do it well.

What we do “in memory of Him” might often depend on where we are in life, our age or our circumstance, one young father said. But if we do everything in memory of Him, then we properly honor Him.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI Knights of Columbus played a prominent role in the Eucharistic Congress, from leading the Eucharistic procession to standing watch outside the Adoration chapel and during Mass.

Bill Washington and Lew McCloud | Catholic News Herald

Who’s who in the Eucharistic Procession Ever wonder who those other people are processing behind the Blessed Sacrament?

Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Besides clergy, religious and first communicants, a variety of lay persons likewise had official places for the Eucharistic and Mass processions at the 2011 Eucharistic Congress Sept. 23-24. They are members of charitable associations that defend the mission of the Church and provide for the needs of the poor.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is an ecclesiastical order directly under the Holy Father that “was started at the Crusades when the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was under attack,” member Michael Balbirnie of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte explained. Today, they still defend the Catholic identity of the Holy Land through financial contributions.

Knights and ladies of this order wear capes featuring a thick red “Jerusalem cross,” which has four miniature crosses in each corner of the main cross. The men’s capes are cream-colored, and the women’s capes are black. Each member wears an accompanying headpiece: a mantilla for the women and a beret for the men.

The Order of Malta is likewise comprised of both men and women. Jerry Schmitt of St.

Peter Church in Charlotte explained that the order’s mission to “practice and defend the Catholic faith and practice charity toward neighbor, especially the poor and sick.”

The habit of the Knights and dames of Malta consists of a black robe with thick white cuffs and collar. Prominently displayed on the chest of the robe is a red

Maltese cross, a cross that separates to two points on each leg.

More familiar to many Catholics are the Knights of Columbus, who wield swords and plumed chapeaus and whose mission it is to protect the Blessed Sacrament. They did this during the congress by standing guard at all Eucharistic processions both outside and inside the Charlotte Convention Center, at the Adoration chapel, and during distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.

On a larger scale, the Knights’ mission is primarily charity, both locally and globally, and support of the pro-life cause.

Ornate military-style garb is the trademark of the Knights of Columbus regalia. White, yellow and purple plume chapeaus (hats) paired with red, white, green, purple and yellow capes denote a Knight’s position and rank within the order. Only men are invested as Knights of Columbus.

Lastly, the processions of the Eucharistic Congress included a small number of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a charitable organization of women founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus. Their academic-style robes feature the same color combinations as their founders and include further position designations as embroidered symbols on the left arm.

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

Members of various charitable associations also participated in the Eucharistic procession. At top are members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Above are members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

11

12

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FrOM THE COVER Thousands of faithful gathered to adore the Most Blessed Sacrament during the Eucharistic Congress – in song, prayer and silent adoration.

Ruben tamayo | Catholic News Herald

Congress attendees take extra time for Adoration during day’s events Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter Jugis adores the Most Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration chapel at the Eucharistic Congress.

CHARLOTTE — In the midst of talks, concerts, lunch and Catholic shopping sprees, many Eucharistic Congress attendees also spent additional time in Adoration over and above the Holy Hour that followed the Eucharistic procession on the morning of Sept. 24.

A simple, softly lit tent provided the temporary chapel for the Most Blessed Sacrament for the full day of the congress.

Colorful Knights of Columbus alternated 15-minute shifts throughout the afternoon as watchful guards.

John Lefeber from St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morgantown stood watch around lunch time and was impressed to see parents who had never been to Adoration bring their young children and instruct them in silence and prayer.

“There was a variety of folks in a variety of dress,” he noted, commenting sadly that some

people need to mind modest dress in church.

Like during the Holy Hour on Saturday in the Charlotte Convention Center, the faithful knelt on the bare concrete floor to offer their prayers and worship to God. “Christ is here,” said Dr. Austin Osemeka of St. Michael Church in Gastonia. “What’s kneeling on concrete?”

Alyssa Dimmock, 10, left the chapel beaming, holding a jeweled rosary. “I like to pray the rosary in Adoration,” she said simply.

Lisena Maria Moss from St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville likewise held a rosary as she left the chapel following her time spent in Adoration. She had soft tears in her eyes and praised the opportunity to make a Holy Hour with the thousands of Congress attendees.

Sister Archana, SCV, of Christ the King Church in High Point, said that she and the 13 sisters of her convent “could feel the living presence of the Eucharist” at Adoration. She called this experience “very touching in our hearts.”

Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

(Top) Father David Miller, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, and seminarian Nick Vari led a Eucharistic procession through the children and youth tracks at the congress. (Above) The Adoration chapel remained filled with the faithful throughout the congress.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI Hundreds of faithful received the sacrament of reconciliation during the Eucharistic Congress, and dozens of priests remained busy all day in the English and Spanish confession areas.

Lines for confession stretched more than 100 people deep at times.

Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

The healing power of confession: Penitents brave long lines to confess sins Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — For nearly five hours, long lines – at times stretching more than 100 people deep – formed outside two tented areas at the 2011 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte, where penitents waited patiently, often in silence, to receive the sacrament of confession.

In both the English and Spanish tracks, “priests rotated through 10 confessionals, and they stayed as long as they liked to hear confessions,” said volunteer Manny Obregon, a parishioner of St. Mark Church in Huntersville. “So many priests volunteered that we had to ask them to come back later!”

The lines “went about as quickly as the line on Saturday at my parish,” said Mark Brown, a University of North Carolina-Charlotte student who attends St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Brown attempted to beat the lines by going to confession during the lunch break, but he found himself on still a very long line.

Obregon said no official count was made of the number of penitents.

Brochures were available in English and Spanish to serve as primers for receiving the sacrament; they listed

the Ten Commandments and gave specific examples for making a good confession.

“God is here with us today not just in the Blessed Sacrament, but the Holy Spirit is guiding us (the priests),” said Father John Starczewski, pastor of St. Francis Church in Mocksville. “Today, it was amazing the things that came out of my mouth to bring healing ... God gives to us words and thoughts we’ve never had before, for the penitent.”

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari from Belmont Abbey himself spent nearly two hours hearing confessions. “So many people use this as an opportunity to go to confession when they haven’t gone in years,” he noted.

Volunteer Enrique Rojas, also from St. Mark Parish, further explained: “In some parishes, there is no one to hear a Spanish confession, so this may be the only chance all year that people get to go.”

Once penitents finished praying with their priestconfessor, they were given penances. Obregon noted that participants in both the English and Spanish tracks proceeded from the confessional to the adjacent Adoration chapel inside the Charlotte Convention Center, to say their penances and be healed by the hands of the Divine Physician.

13

14

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FROM THE COVER

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

The faithful didn’t mind getting wet during the Eucharistic procession on Saturday.

Thousands of parishioners from across the Diocese of Charlotte poured into the Charlotte Convention Center on Saturday. Crowds were estimated at more than 11,000 people.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis talks with young people during his visits to each of the tracks at the congress.

Bill Washington and Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis, Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge and Cardinal Francis Arinze share a moment following the Holy Hour at the seventh annual Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte. In the middle is Father Roger Arnsparger, vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte and head of the planning committee for the diocesan congress.

(Top) First Communicants always feature prominently in the Eucharistic procession at the congress.

(Above) Father Pat Hoare, pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, led a “mini-retreat” for middle school students at the congress.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

photo courtesy of Lew McCloud

(Above) Bishop Peter Jugis processes with the Most Blessed Sacrament at the start of Holy Hour on Saturday.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Deacon Matthew Hanes, an Eastern Catholic-rite deacon, processes with a censer during the Eucharistic Congress.

Censers used in the Eastern Catholic rite not only burn incense, but are also strung with bells that ring out to symbolize God’s invitation to all people to gather and worship.

(At left) Seth DeMoor, founder of “One Billion Stories,” spoke to youths in the teen track at the congress.

Ruben Tamayo | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis gives the chalice containing the Precious Blood to Charlotte Bishop Emeritus William Curlin during Communion at the closing Mass of the congress.

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

The faithful came to worship God together at the Eucharistic Congress through song, prayer and adoration.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

15

16

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 FROM THE COVER

CONGRESS: FROM PAGE 3

“What a blessed and wonderful experience,” commented Marta Obregon, a parishioner at St. Mark Church in

Huntersville who also volunteered at the congress.

Bishop Jugis echoed this sense of joy during his homily at the closing Mass.

“As bishop, I have to shepherd the entire diocese and work to keep the sheep of the flock together, united in the Lord. And the Mass is where we do come together as one in the Lord.

That is why the Eucharistic Congress is such

a tremendous joy for me: we all come together from parishes across the diocese to celebrate the Eucharist as one family.

“All around, you see many individuals, and maybe there are some people around you that you may not even recognize. But there is a spiritual bond which already existing between all of you because of your baptism – our common baptism in Christ.

It is the Eucharist that makes that spiritual bond which is already existing, stronger and more perfect. And so it is with good reason that we call the Eucharist the sacrament of unity and also the sacrament of charity. I am delighted that you are all here today for this Mass.”

Bishop Jugis also illustrated Christ’s eagerness toward meeting us at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He challenged those present to examine their devotion to Our Lord and their devotion toward receiving Him. “Are we so enthusiastic about the prospect of receiving Jesus, His Body and Blood, that we prepare ourselves by prayer, by confession, by our whole life lived in conformity with the Gospel?” Bishop Jugis asked. “Is the Eucharist really the summit and the source of our Christian life?”

He then pointed toward the early Church and the Apostles as examples of devotion to the Eucharist, to their communities, toward growth in knowledge of the Christian faith and examples of charitable service to those in need.

“Where is the love which can change our world? It is right here at the altar: the Eucharist,” he said.

The congress was organized under the leadership of Father Roger K. Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education, who chaired a steering committee of laity and clergy from across the diocese that includes 25 subcommittees who work throughout the year planning the congress. More than 250 volunteers assisted during the two-day congress.

Father Arnsparger said he was edified by the steering committee and hundreds of volunteers who helped put on the congress, to make it a “wonderful spiritual experience for the people of the diocese.”

The eighth annual Eucharistic Congress will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 21-22, 2012.

ARINZE:

‘weekend,’ a pair of days or a period in which normal work activities are suspended and one has the opportunity to make space for several engagements for which there was not enough time during the week (i.e., social engagements, feasts, political rallies and funerals).”

Cardinal Arinze also addressed the idea that many view Sunday as a free day for sports and recreation – football games, picnics, visits to friends, or grocery shopping.

“Such social and cultural activities are good in themselves. They possess positive value and can become part of a properly disciplined observance of the Day of the Lord,” he said. “‘Unfortunately, when Sunday loses its fundamental meaning and becomes merely part of a ‘weekend,’ it can happen that people stay locked within a horizon so limited that they can no longer see ‘the heavens’ (Dies Domini, 4).”

Cardinal Arinze explains that underlying most of these habits result from not considering Sunday primarily as a day set apart for God. “Many modern societies are affected by the virus of secularism,” he said. “People live as if God did not exist and as if man were the center around which everything else should rotate. Such people are trying to turn ‘the Day of the Lord’ into ‘the day of man.’

This has a dangerous effect which “drags the human heart away from God and religion and from a sense of God’s transcendence. It progressively obscures or elbows out longestablished Christian values,” he said.

“Christianity cannot accept such an approach,” Cardinal Arinze said. “God is our Creator. We are His creatures….We owe him adoration, praise, thanksgiving and also reparation because we are sinners. Religion is not an option. It is not an accessory footnote. It is the duty of the human creature in front of God the Creator. If this objective is well oriented, the dimension of Sunday as a reality that also enriches man will be located in its proper place – that is, secondary to the worship due to God.”

FROM PAGE 5

manifests his gratitude to God the Creator by adoration, praise, thanksgiving and by admiration of the wonders provided by God. And the Church does this especially by the Eucharistic celebration.”

The Eucharistic celebration is the heart of the day of the Lord, he noted.

“The Eucharistic Sacrifice is ‘the fount and apex of the whole Christian life’ (Lumen Gentium, 11). The only possession which the Church has which is equal to a Mass is, well, another Mass! She does not possess anything greater…. The more people are convinced of these riches, the more they will appreciate the need for the Sunday Mass, without having to see participation at this assembly as a matter primarily of Church law.”

This coming together then gives the Catholic community a sense of being a community of faith, worship and solidarity, he explained. And it is powerful.

“God has called us, not just as individuals, but as a community…. The Catholic Mass in Charlotte is in communion with members of the Church in Rome, in Paris, in London, in Washington, D.C., in Mexico City, in Brasilia, in Canberrra, in Tokyo, in New Delhi, in Jerusalem, in Warsaw, in Nairobi and in Abuja. This sense of catholicity is very reassuring and encouraging for a Catholic who takes part at Sunday Mass.”

There are obstacles to honoring the day of the Lord, though, he said. “In many societies in the world of today, Sunday is being challenged by several forces which, as it were, are in competition with it.”

In the more industrialized nations, he blamed “the weekend mentality” for infringing on celebration of the Lord’s Day and taking a day of rest on Sundays. This view sees Saturday, as well as Sunday, as work-free days.

“The tendency is to see both days as a

— Patricia Guilfoyle contributed.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

17

Our parishes

18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Lawsuit filed challenging Women’s Right to Know Act

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Kimberly Bender hired to new position on CNH staff CHARLOTTE — The Catholic News Herald has hired Kimberly Bender for the newly created position of online reporter/search engine optimization specialist.

Bender, who has a degree in journalism from Kent State University in Ohio, will be writing for www.catholicnewsherald. com and helping increase the newspaper’s presence online.

Bender Bender comes to the CNH from The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C. She and her husband Bill are the proud parents of a 6-month-old boy, Grant. They live in Charlotte.

“We are excited to welcome Kimberly aboard in this new position, as we expand our communication and evangelization efforts beyond print to online and social media,” said Editor Patricia Guilfoyle.

Bender can be reached at kdbender@ charlottediocese.org.

SueAnn Howell and David Hains Catholic News Herald

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis and Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey concelebrated the annual “Red Mass” at St. Patrick Cathedral Sept. 29. In his homily, Bishop Jugis spoke about the Source of moral law and warned that when we are out of touch with God’s moral law, human dignity is threatened. The Red Mass was followed by a banquet in which state Rep. Ruth Samuelson was given the 2011 St. Thomas More Society of Charlotte Award.

At Red Mass, Bishop Jugis entreats all to follow God’s moral law Catholic legal society honors key supporter of pro-life law Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

Kernersville Knights installed KERNERSVILLE — New officers of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Pope John Paul II Assembly 3017 of Holy Cross Church in Kernersville were recently installed. Pictured above are (first row, from left): Al Livelsberger, two-year trustee; Fred Schaefer, three-year trustee; Herb Pennington, faithful captain; Tom Fitzgerald, faithful purser; and Mike Karn, outer sentinel; (second row, from left): Jean Dion, one-year trustee; Mike Hamilton, faithful scribe; Chris Gonzalez, inner sentinel; Richard Phillips, faithful navigator; Steve Salvitti, faithful pilot; and Richard Meyer, faithful comptroller.

The installation service was programmed and directed by Robert Grabowsky, district master, assisted by Thurman Dubose, past faithful navigator.

— Fred Hogan

CHARLOTTE — State Rep. Ruth Samuelson of Mecklenburg County received the 2011 St. Thomas More Society of Charlotte Award Sept. 29 following an annual gathering of Catholic legal professionals and the celebration of what’s commonly called the “Red Mass” at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Samuelson was instrumental in the recent passage by the N.C. General Assembly of the Woman’s Right to Know Act, which provides pregnant women considering an abortion with information that could save the life of the unborn child, including requiring them to wait 24 hours and requiring abortionists to display and Samuelson describe an ultrasound image of the baby.

The St. Thomas More Award, named for the patron saint of politicians and statesmen, is given annually to a person who exemplifies service to Truth in the area of law.

Earlier on Sept. 29, a lawsuit that seeks to stop North Carolina from implementing

the Right to Know Act was filed in federal court in Raleigh by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation, Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina, and the Center for Reproductive Rights. They contend the law is unconstitutional, alleging it violates the rights of abortion facilities and women.

Gov. Beverly Perdue had vetoed the act passed by the state legislature earlier this year, but state legislators narrowly overrode her veto.

Charlotte’s eighth annual Red Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis and concelebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College.

It’s called the Red Mass because the clergy wear red vestments. Since the 13th century the Red Mass has marked the opening of the term of courts. It provides the legal, political and law enforcement communities with an opportunity to ask God for wisdom as they administer the law.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis referred to Pope Benedict XVI’s speech to the German parliament during his September trip to his homeland, in which the pope reflected on the source of all law.

RED MASS, SEE page 36

RALEIGH — On Sept. 29, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation, Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina, and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit in the federal district court for the Middle District of North Carolina challenging the new North Carolina law that requires abortion providers to show women who are seeking an abortion an ultrasound of their unborn child and provide them with information 24 hours prior to an abortion being performed.

The lawsuit is being sought by the organizations on behalf of several North Carolina physicians and seeks to declare that the new law passed in July is unconstitutional and to issue an injunction that would prevent it from being enforced. The law is set to go into effect Oct. 1.

Both houses of the N.C. General Assembly narrowly voted to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of the Woman’s Right to Know Act in late July.

The law requires abortionists to give women information that will allow them to make informed choices about the lives of their unborn children.

A woman who seeks an abortion will have to wait for 24 hours after first going to an abortion clinic. During that time, the doctor performing the abortion is required to: n Make available to the woman a realtime ultrasound with the sound of the heartbeat n Explain the medical risks of an abortion n Explain the medical risks of carrying the child to term n Reveal whether the abortionist has medical malpractice insurance n Tell the location of the nearest hospital n Inform the woman if the abortionist does not have admitting privileges to the nearest hospital The new law also requires that women considering an abortion be given information about support for them and their unborn children during the pregnancy and after birth.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

Lawsuit filed against diocese involving Father Kelleher Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — Attorneys for two men who say they were abused as children by Father Joseph Kelleher filed a civil lawsuit Sept. 28 against the Diocese of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County Superior Court.

The two men say they were abused by Father Kelleher as teenagers, one at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle in 1977, and the other in about 1980 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte, the lawsuit contends.

Father Kelleher, now retired from diocesan ministry and living in Winston-Salem after more than 40 years in priestly ministry, has been under Kelleher criminal investigation by Albemarle and Charlotte police and internally by diocesan officials since the diocese alerted authorities to an anonymous abuse allegation in early 2010. The priest – who had most recently served as chaplain of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville – has been on administrative leave since June 2010, pending an outcome to the investigations.

The two men are being represented by attorneys Seth Langson and Leto Copley of Charlotte. In their complaint against the diocese, the unnamed men allege that the diocese “knew or should have known since at least the 1970’s that Kelleher was abusing minors” and that the diocese was negligent in its oversight of Kelleher.

David Hains, diocesan director of communications, said the diocese has not seen the lawsuit and cannot comment at this time.

Stanly County officials investigated a claim last year that the priest sexually molested a teenaged boy in the mid-1970s

while at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, where he was pastor from 1973 to 1977. Father Kelleher was arrested in July 2010 by Albemarle police and charged with one count of taking indecent liberties with a child. A Stanly County magistrate released him on a $5,000 bond; his case is pending in Stanly County Superior Court.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police opened an investigation at the same time. No charges have been filed in that case. The diocese first contacted authorities when an online post of an allegation of sexual misconduct was brought to its attention in January 2010. The diocese is cooperating fully with the police investigation, and the Review Board of the Diocese of Charlotte is also conducting an investigation of both abuse allegations, Hains said.

While he is on administrative leave, Father Kelleher cannot publicly celebrate Mass or the sacraments and he cannot appear in public wearing priestly attire.

Father Kelleher was ordained in 1953 in Ireland. He was a Trappist monk at Southern Star Abbey in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, until he joined the Diocese of Raleigh in 1966. In 1972 when the Charlotte diocese was carved out of the Raleigh diocese, he was serving as pastor of St. John Church in Waynesville. He remained with the Charlotte diocese until he retired in 1999.

Other parishes in the Charlotte diocese where he served include: St. Joseph Church in Asheboro, the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, and St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

He returned to Bishop McGuinness High School to serve as chaplain in 1999. In his retirement, Father Kelleher also celebrated Mass at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.

Response to civil lawsuit filed Involves Farwell abuse allegation David Hains and patricia . guilfoyle Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is seeking to have a court dismiss a civil lawsuit connected to a sexual abuse case involving Father Richard B. Farwell.

Father Farwell was removed from public ministry by the diocese in 2002 and was subsequently fired from a Florida-based Catholic charity after an investigation was launched following an abuse claim made against him.

Father Farwell, 63, pleaded no contest in 2004 to one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

He now lives in Pompano Beach, Fla. The civil lawsuit was filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in July by attorneys representing a man who is one of two alleged victims who came forward in 2002, contending he had been sexually abused by Father Farwell as a teenager in the mid-1980s, and upon whose allegations an indictment was sought. The civil lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages of at least $10,000.

The civil lawsuit claims that the Charlotte diocese committed fraud and negligence by concealing knowledge of Father Farwell’s allegedly abusive behavior.

The diocese filed what is known as a responsive pleading on Sept. 30, asking that FARWELL, SEE page 36

OUR PARISHESI

19

20

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Father Kolinsky’s funeral held Sept. 24 CHARLOTTE — Vincentian Father Arthur Kolinsky, C.M., passed away Sept.

20, 2011, in Charlotte. He was 67.

A funeral Mass was held Sept. 21, 2011, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept.

24, 2011, at St. Thomas More Church on the St. Johns University – Queens Campus in New York. Interment was at the Vincentian Cemetery Kolinsky at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Princeton, N.J. Father Kolinsky served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte, and was appointed parochial vicar in 2008. He was part of the Vincentian’s Congregation of the Mission – Eastern Province USA. Father Kolinsky was active in the Hispanic ministry in the Charlotte diocese.

During the funeral Mass in Charlotte, Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, recalled Father Kolinsky as being an inspired priest.

“St. Vincent de Paul said: ‘Charity, when dwells in a soul, take complete, full possession of all his powers. Never rests. A fire acts without ceasing.’ (RC XI, 132). God’s love captured the whole being of Father

Arthur, his whole thinking, all his feelings, his way of relating to others, his words and actions. That love was a fire that took possession of him in all its potentials and opportunities.

“Father Arthur sought to be good news, joy, peace for the poor. For him, the most important thing was always with his people, accompanying them in their struggles, their joys in his life. May Father Arthur’s life and testimony lead us to feed the fire of God’s love in our hearts. May the Lord have mercy on him and may he rest in peace.”

He was born on Dec. 6, 1943, in Maspeth, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. Father Kolinsky was a wellknown Vincentian missioner to Hispanics and helped train his confreres in Hispanic ministry outreach. He was a fluent speaker of Spanish, having many years of experience behind him as a missioner in Central and South America, according to the Vincentians’ web site.

He is survived by three brothers: John Kolinsky (wife, Kathleen), Michael Kolinsky (wife, Ellen) and Joseph Kolinsky (wife, Bonnie); and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28208.

Immaculate Conception marks start of centennial year in Hendersonville Kathleen Schmeider Correspondent

HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville kicked off its 100th anniversary year Sept. 17 with a Mass, banquet and parish procession led by a banner depicting the motto which the community has selected as its centennial theme: “Though Many ... We are One.” Father Nick Mormando, OFM Cap., pastor, and Father John Salvas, OFM Cap., parochial vicar, concelebrated the bilingual Mass and helped lead the procession of 400-plus people from the church to the auditorium of Immaculata School, where parishioners enjoyed a dinner and music provided by members of the parish’s Latino community.

It was the first of what will be monthly celebrations highlighting the growth of the parish, its faith and its diversity.

“So many things are going on right now,” said Father Mormando as he greeted the parishioners pouring into the dinner. “It is absolutely amazing!”

“Each month the church will offer a celebration hosted by one of the groups serving the parish,” said Catherine Lynch, event planner and chairman of the parish’s Justice for Immigrants group.

The co-chairmen of the 100th anniversary planning committee, Kathy and Jim Meersman, are working with many parish groups to assure each month’s event will be as successful as the first.

“Father (Mormando) wanted us to do a lead-in to the anniversary,” said Kathy Meersman. “We wanted to do this with the theme of ‘Do this in remembrance of Me.’ We feel it is important to be Christ in the community, to be Christ-like in everything we do. All the ministries have stepped up to the plate.”

“It’s incredible to think that 100 years ago the church began with seven families and 19 members,” she noted. “Today we serve over 1,600 families.”

“The Church is doing so much!” added Sandy Donecho, parish faith formation director. “You can’t believe how many things are going on in the Catholic churches in western North Carolina. We are coming together and it is an amazing time. People should know how much we are doing and how much more we are trying to do.”

Other upcoming events include Life Teen hosting a celebration in October, and the Stewardship Council hosting an evening of reflection in November that will focus on the Luminous Mysteries and on Eucharistic Adoration.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

21

Concord doctors provide ‘supportive environment’ for life Christopher Lux Correspondent

CONCORD — If you encounter a person who is planning to have an abortion, what can you do? You can talk to them, you can pray for them and you can even suggest places like Florence Crittenton. But did you know that there are doctors who are willing to provide free medical care for otherwise abortion-bound women?

The doctors of Northgate Family Medicine in Concord provide free obstetrical care for, on average, two to three women each month in this situation.

Although they typically help October is Respect abortion-bound women, Dr. Life Month. For more Matthew Harrison tells of one resources about the patient that came to the clinic 48 Church’s teaching on hours after taking an abortion the dignity of human pill. She had changed her mind life – from conception about the abortion, so “we gave to natural death – go her progesterone shots that online to the U.S. bishops’ blocked the action of the pill website, www.usccb.org. and the baby lived,” he recalls.

“We delivered the little girl, and she was and still is a perfectly normal and adorable little girl.”

Dr. Daniel Holland started the practice in 1999, he says, with the hope of “providing the best medical option out there for women.” One and a half years later, Harrison entered the family practice. Then, about 10 years after the family practice began, Dr. Dawn Owens-Watterson joined

Learn more

the team. Owens-Watterson says that she chose to work with Harrison and Holland because she “wanted to work in a faith-based practice.”

Besides offering care to abortion-bound women and continuing care to the child after birth, the doctors practice medicine “within the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church,” Holland says. That means “natural family planning only, with no abortions or birth control prescribed.”

Although Harrison and Owens-Watterson are not Catholics, they see the moral teachings of the Catholic Church regarding the dignity of human life as a perfect way to guide them in practicing medicine.

Harrison says that, as a doctor, “I care for the physical, mental, emotional, and often the spiritual aspects of illness.” And while they will not prescribe contraception or perform abortions, they are truly ready to help their patients: “We are prepared to lend an ear to people with problems and offer a supportive environment.”

The doctors of the practice put on monthly Natural Family Planning classes and have been involved with Theology on Tap, a speaker series that provides an opportunity to explore issues and challenges faced by Catholic young adults.

Furthermore, Harrison and Holland serve on the Priests for Life medical consultant team. Along with other doctors, they provide input and guidance to the various facets of Priests for Life. The team of medical advisors also answers questions from the public about pro-life issues on the Priests for Life website.

Holland, who serves as a medical consultant for NaPro Infertility treatments, has also trained at the Pope Paul VI

Photo provided by Northgate Family Medicine

The doctors at Northgate Family Medicine in Concord practice medicine from a pro-life perspective.

Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction in Omaha, Neb. When they are not operating their practice, the doctors also go on medical mission trips at least once a year.

Among the countries they have served are El Salvador, Mexico and Ghana.

22

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Room at the Inn of the Triad plans benefit banquet Georgianna Penn Correspondent

GREENSBORO — Room at the Inn of the Triad will host its 12th annual benefit banquet Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro. Abby Johnson, author of the book “Unplanned” and former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, will share her story of conversion, compassion and courage.

Johnson writes in her book how prolife volunteers prayed at “the fence” of her workplace for years, always speaking words of compassion, hoping Christ would change her heart and mind. Their prayers finally reached her heart through the gift of

compassion, she recalls. “We must always be charitable and compassionate when talking to others… taking an aggressive tone only turns people away from the message of Christ’s love and mercy” she shared in a recent email interview.

At Room at the Inn of the Triad, they do just that. Room at the Inn not only surrounds its clients with Christ’s compassion, but its donors and volunteers surround Room at the Inn with that same compassion.

“Of the thousands of donors and volunteers who have gotten involved over the years… all I have seen is a generosity of spirit and a compassionate acceptance of our young mothers,” said Albert Hodges, president of Room at the Inn of the Triad.

A double dose of compassion is what women receive when they find themselves at Room at the Inn of the Triad. But it is when compassion meets courage that lives are changed.

“Often abandoned by their unborn child’s father as well as their own family and friends, our young mothers have difficulties to endure as they embrace the hardships of being a single mother or of making an adoption plan,” Hodges said. At Room at the Inn, “God provides them with a friend in their corner… I hope our agency is that friend for each of them.”

“I have found that God only wants to bless us,” wrote Abby Johnson in her email this week, as she looks forward to her visit to Greensboro. “But we also have to be the

‘We have to be the hands and feet of Christ…’

Abby Johnson, Author of “Unplanned” hands and feet of Christ…”

For more information about attending the banquet, volunteering or making a donation, call 366-996-3788.

Also, the agency is in need of diapers, baby wipes, gifts cards, furniture, household items and used cars. To donate items, call Nussbaum Maternity Home at 336-275-9566.

Mass planned for families who have lost children Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — “We found out on Christmas Eve morning that he no longer had a heartbeat, and the children’s Mass that night was so sad for us,” recalls Elizabeth DeHority.

Such is the often indescribable grief of any parent upon losing an infant or young child.

Parents who have experienced such loss are invited to a memorial Mass at St. Ann Church in Charlotte on National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day to honor their deceased children and find healing. The Mass will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.

Instituted nationwide in 2006 by Congress, the day of remembrance “provides validation to those who have suffered a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or other complications.”

DeHority and her husband, members of St. Ann Parish, were able to hold a graveside burial service for their deceased child, but not every parent has such an opportunity –

particularly if the child is stillborn or if the mother miscarries.

Parents who desire the opportunity are invited to light a remembrance candle during the Mass.

“As Catholics, we value life from conception to natural death,” explains Meagan Wong, also a member of St. Ann Parish. “For many families, natural death sadly comes very early in their child’s life.

In holding with our pro-life stance, we wanted to reach out and provide a Mass for the children we have lost. It helps our fellow parishioners know they are not alone and their loss does not go unnoticed.”

Wong started the Elizabeth Ministry at St. Ann Church, and many parishes across the diocese have similar ministries for grieving parents. It is a group that “connects women who are struggling through a pregnancy, birth, adoption or infant crisis with women in our parish who have similar experiences.”

Resources are available at www. elizabethministry.com.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 23

Local initiative gains national spotlight

BNA Pastoral Care Manual used as model for U.S. The founders of Be Not Afraid Charlotte have developed a manual to be used as a guide for a model of care for parents experiencing a poor prenatal diagnosis (PPD). The 52-page manual outlines the services offered by the Catholic peer ministry, as well as an understanding of PPD and how to offer pastoral care according to the teachings of the Church in a compassionate, comprehensive manner.

Support for parents varies through three distinct phases: the pregnancy, the birth and the postpartum period. The focus of the support changes as the pregnancy progresses and as parents move from the diagnosis to anticipation of the birth and whatever lies beyond.

Cost of the manual is $20. For more information contact Tracy Winsor of Be Not Afraid Charlotte at 704-543-4780 or Maggi Nadol, Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Social Services Respect Life program director at MNadol@charlottediocese.org.

Be Not Afraid Conference coming to St. Gabriel Church Oct. 20-21 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Three years ago, two mothers in the Diocese of Charlotte banned together to help other parents face one of the most difficult moments in their lives – a poor prenatal diagnosis and the possible death of their unborn child.

Sandy Buck and Tracy Winsor, who had both experienced the pain associated with a poor prenatal diagnosis and the lack of support and resources, formed the Catholic Be Not Afraid Charlotte peer ministry, which is now gaining national attention.

Their latest effort is a Be Not Afraid Conference to be held at St. Gabriel Church Oct. 20-21 to help educate people

Photo courtesy of Meg Foppe

Praying for life Greensboro area parishioners were among many across the Diocese of Charlotte who participated in “Life Chain” prayer vigils on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 2. In Greensboro alone, more than 670 parishioners joined their pastors and deacons to line the busy thoroughfare of Battleground Avenue.

from groups and dioceses across the country on the most effective ways to minister to parents in crisis.

“We have attendees coming from Texas, Florida, Maryland and New York,” Winsor said.

“Representatives from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Diocese of Richmond, Diocese of Charleston and the Archdioceses of Atlanta and Washington are attending as well. National organizations attending include the National Council of Catholic Women and Medical Students for Life.”

Speakers at the conference include Jan Benton, executive director of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, Dr. Marcella Colbert from the National Gabriel Project Office, and Dr. John Bruchalski, obstetrician and founder of

Tepeyac Care in Fairfax, Va., which offers perinatal hospice care.

Sponsors of the conference include Catholic Social Services, the Diocese of Charlotte, the Diocese of Charleston, St. Gabriel Church, St. Ann Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church and two advocacy organizations, Designer Genes and 1Heart2Souls.

The National Center for Catholic Bioethics is featuring an article written by Monica Rafie and Tracy Winsor of Be Not Afraid Ministries. To view the article, go to www. ncbcenter.org/page.aspx?pid=1136.

For more information about the upcoming conference, contact Sandy Buck at benotafraidnc@live.com or call Tracy Winsor at 704-543-4780.

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 24

De

Cerca

Las vistosas banderolas de los diferentes grupos marianos de la diócesis adornaron el Cabarrus Arena el pasado fin de semana.

fotos: carlos castañeda | Catholic News Herald

Cientos de familias hispanas enteras se congregaron en el Cabarrus Arena, el 30 de Septiembre y 1 de Octubre, para celebrar el tercer Congreso Mariano del Rosario.

Arriba: Hombres y mujeres de la comunidad hispana dedicando el rezo del Santo Rosario por las intenciones del Congreso Mariano. Abajo: Los Consagrados a María, uno de los grupos marianos presentes en el Congreso Mariano del Rosario, en el Cabarrus Arena.

A Jesús por María carlos castañeda Catholic news herald-español

CHARLOTTE — Familias enteras y agrupaciones marianas de la diócesis se dieron cita el viernes 30 de setiembre y sábado 1 de octubre pasados en el Cabarrus arena, en Concord, para participar de la tercera edición del Congreso Mariano del Rosario.

El evento comenzó el viernes 30 de septiembre por la noche, con un concierto ofrecido por la Lake Norman Orchestra. Al dia siguiente, desde las nueve de la mañana, las puertas del recinto se abrieron para dar inicio a las charlas que estuvieron a cargo de expositores internacionales, quienes vinieron desde distintas partes del pais y de Latinoamérica, para reflexionar acerca de la presencia de María en nuestra espiritualidad y fe. El evento estuvo dividido en dos grandes secciones, de las cuales destacó muy notablemente la inmensa mayoría hispana. El salón principal, el más grande de ambos, fue el de las conferencias en español, contando con una amplia participación de familias y grupos marianos hispanos.

Uno de los conferencistas participantes fue el Padre Rafael Chávez, sacerdote venezolano que cursó estudios de medicina y música. El Padre Chávez recibió además el Premio Monseñor Pellin, por el uso de la música como medio de evangelización. Actualmente cuenta con ocho producciones discográficas y participa en conciertos y

congresos de evangelización por diversos países del mundo.

El Padre Alvaro Riquelme, Párroco de la Iglesia San José, en Kannapolis y Asesor Espiritual de la Renovación Carismática de la diócesis, fue una de las cabezas y piezas vitales en la realización del evento. “Estamos sumamente satisfechos de ver la respuesta y el amor de las familias hispanas por Nuestra Madre. Es motivante comprobar la devoción y fervor por el Santo Rosario, puesta de manifiesto por los conferencistas que tuvieron la oportunidad de participar en el Congreso. El Obispo Emérito William G. Curlin, por ejemplo, nos resaltó ese amor profundo por el rezo del Rosario en todos los momentos de nuestra vida, aún cuando por ejemplo estamos manejando, en tramos largos.

Sentirnos unidos por el amor a Nuestra Madre Santísima en un evento como éste, representa un avivamiento de nuestra fe,” comentó el Padre Riquelme.

Entre los grupos marianos que participaron con lugares de exhibición e información encontramos a los Consagrados a María, un grupo que ha venido creciendo mucho últimamente en nuestra diócesis y que cada vez cuenta con más personas interesadas en consagrarse al amor de Nuestra Madre, en diferentes parroquias. Mariella Buscaglia es una de ellas. “Somos un grupo de hombres y mujeres comunes y corrientes, que buscamos crecer en el amor a Dios, a través de una consagración al amor de María, madre de Jesús y madre nuestra,” señaló Buscaglia.

El proceso de consagración se hace siguiendo un programa

de semanas de preparación. “La preparación concluye con una ceremonia en la que los consagrados se comprometen valientemente a vivir un estilo de vida mariano,” acotó Buscaglia.

Al concluir el congreso, todos los participantes marcharon en procesión por los alrededores del recinto, entonando cantos marianos y rezando misterios del Rosario. Toda una alegre celebración, digna del gozo que despierta María en los corazones de sus fieles. Al concluir el congreso, el colorido desfile de banderolas y estatuas de Nuestra Madre hizo su ingreso a la Misa de clausura del evento, la cual estuvo presidida por el Obispo Peter J. Jugis.

Al concluir el evento, quisimos preguntar al Padre Riquelme, si realizar este evento tan cerca a la realización del Congreso Eucarístico Diocesano pudo afectar una participación mayor, nos respondió: “Efectivamente, no fue nuestra intención hacer el Congreso en una fecha tan cercana a nuestro Congreso Eucarístico Diocesano, pero no tuvimos mucha alternativa, por las fechas de los expositores, etc. Si bien pensamos ver la posibilidad de realizar el congreso el próximo año en un mes también mariano como mayo, por ejemplo, eso también abre una serie de cuestiones a considerar, como las fechas de cierres de año escolar, graduaciones, etc.”, continuó el Padre friquelme.

Y finalizó: “Es una decisión por la que queremos orar y pedir a los fieles que recen el Rosario, para resolver de la mejor manera esta situación en el futuro.”

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

Mi

Pueblo

El Señor de los Milagros El culto y celebración en honor al Señor de los Milagros es una celebración netamente peruana, pero es considerada la celebración periódica Católica más grande del mundo, por la cantidad de fieles que congrega en sus procesiones anuales del mes de octubre. Su historia se remonta al siglo XVI, en Lima, capital del Perú, a la que llegó mucha gente atraída por la prosperidad de la época. Un residente angolés en Lima pintó un Cristo con rasgos morenos en la pared del pequeño local de una cofradía en Pachacamilla, cerca de Lima.

En 1655, un fuerte terremoto sacudió Lima y destruyó muchos edificios, dejando intacta la pared en la que estaba pintado el Cristo Moreno. Esto no sólo fue considerado un signo milagroso, sino que a la vista de la historia, representa la consolidación de un pueblo en torno a la fuerza de una fe que permanece en pie, a pesar de las adversidades. Este amor fructificó en una devoción que representa mucho de la tradición Católica peruana. Todo el mes de octubre es considerado el “mes morado” (color identificado completamente con toda la devoción del Cristo Moreno).

En el mes de octubre, la fiesta tiene dos puntos centrales: el 18 y el 28, dias en que la procesión recorre las calles de Lima, en medio de un mar de gente que inunda la ciudad. Su devoción se extendió por diferentes partes del mundo, a través de las colonias de peruanos que emigraban a diversas partes del mundo.

Por eso en el año 2005, el Arzobispo de Lima nombró al Señor de los Milagros como el Patrono de los Peruanos Residentes e Inmigrantes. Podemos confiar que el Señor de los Milagros protege y cuida a todos los inmigrantes del mundo. El Señor de los Milagros es el mismo y único Cristo, quien a través de nuestra cultura, tradiciones y costumbres, camina siempre a nuestro lado.

Aqui

nuestra

estamos!

Gran Kermesse por Aniversario La parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Gracia en Greensboro realizará una Kermesse el domingo 16 de octubre, con motivo de cumplir 10 años celebrando la Misa en español. Esta actividad se iniciará con una Misa a las 2 p.m., en el templo y la Kermesse será en el gimnasio de la escuela.

Lo recaudado por la venta de los alimentos será donado a la Iglesia para su mantenimiento

Retiro de “Alianza por Amor” El Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Greensboro, organiza el Retiro “Alianza por Amor,” el cual invita a jóvenes de 14 a 18 años a tomar conciencia acerca de la importancia de la sexualidad y a vivir la castidad como un estilo de vida para llegar al matrimonio. El retiro se llevará a cabo del 21 al 23 de octubre, en la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción, de Greensboro. Mayores informes al (336) 273-2343.

Señor de los Milagros El martes 18 de octubre, el ministerio hispano de la parroquia Santo Tomás de Aquino, en Charlotte, dedicará el rezo del Santo Rosario en honor al Señor de los Milagros. El evento se realizará en la capilla de la Iglesia, a las 7 p.m.

Retiro Juvenil en Greensboro El ministerio hispano de la Vicaría de Greensboro está organizando un Retiro para Jóvenes, del 28 al 30 de octubre, en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, de Winston-Salem. Se necesita tener mínimo 15 años para poder participar y el costo de es $30 por persona. Mayores informes al (336) 273-2343.

En

contacto

Envíenos sus noticias o anuncios y forme parte de esta sección Este espacio y sección es para promover y conectar a nuestra comunidad. Todos los comentarios y sugerencias son bienvenidas. Si desea escribirnos, dejar sus comentarios, sugerencias u opiniones, así como para enviar alguna noticia o promover algún evento de su parroquia o grupo, por favor contáctenos: Carlos Castañeda (cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org,

Conociendo

704-370-3375.

Si desea participar escribiendo o formando parte del ministerio de comunicaciones, no dude en unirse! Contáctenos por email o visite: www. catholicnewsherald.com (Sección Español) e ingrese su información. Nosotros le contactaremos tan pronto como sea posible.

FROM THE COVERI

25

Fe

Padre Vincent Finnerty

H

La despedida de un amigo

ay una frase de San Vicente de Paúl que dice: La caridad, cuando mora en un alma, toma completa posesión completa de todas sus potencias. NUNCA DESCANSA. Es un fuego que actúa sin cesar.” (RC XI, 132). El amor de Dios acaparó todo el ser del Padre Arturo Kolinsky, todo su pensar, todo su sentir, su manera de relacionarse con los demás, sus palabras, sus acciones. Ese amor fue un fuego que tomó posesión de él en todas sus potencialidades, Kolinsky posibilidades y nunca descansó.

Así como ese fuego tiene muchas llamas, así también el Padre Arturo amaba muchas cosas y de muchas maneras. El primer amor del Padre Arturo fue su sacerdocio, su vocación misionera. Aunque él mismo hubiese alguna vez experimentado muchas dudas en su propia vocación, él se mantuvo firme en su decisión y la alimentó dándose en amor a los pobres. Arturo era firme, leal en su compromiso con Dios.

Tal vez la llama más grande de ese fuego del amor de Dios fue su corazón misionero.

Como hemos escuchado en las lecturas de esta noche, el evangelio hace eco a Isaías: “El Espíritu de Dios está sobre mí. El me ha ungido para llevar buenas noticias a los pobres.” (Lc. 4, 18). El Padre Arturo buscó ser buena noticia, alegría, paz para los pobres. Para él, lo más importante era estar siempre con su gente, acompañándoles en sus luchas, en sus alegrías, en su vida.

Otro amor de Arturo fue su querida Nueva York. Al dia siguiente de los trágicos sucesos del 11 de setiembre, allí estuvo el Padre Arturo, en el ‘ground zero’, como capellán de la Cruz Roja, trabajando por casí dos meses.

Apenas llegó el Padre Arturo a esta parroquia, todos nos dimos cuenta de otro amor suyo: le encantaba comer. Cuando Arturo comía algo que no estaba en su dieta, el Padre José (a quien consideramos un abuelo en nuestra comunidad de sacerdotes), lo regañaba. Por eso, a veces el Padre Arturo iba a escondidas a la cocina de la parroquia para comer un tamal y unos frijolitos sin que el Padre José se

diera cuenta. Una de las cosas que más le costó cuando estuvo en tratamiento de quimoterapia fue el hecho de perder su sentido de saborear la comida. Comer con la gente y comer lo que la gente cocinaba era otra manifestación de su corazón misionero.

Otra llama del fuego de amor que ardía en el corazón de Arturo era que le gustaba ser travieso y reirse a carcajadas. Una vez fuimos a Panamá a visitar la comunidad vicentina que tiene dos parroquias en el interior del pais. Arturo y yo nos alojamos en una de ellas. Un dia, al decidir fuimos a la otra parroquia a saludar a los padres que estaban allí. Al entrar en la la casa, vimos a la cocinera terminando de decorar un delicioso pastel de chocolate por el cumpleaños del superior de la casa.

Nosotros teníamos años de no comer un pastel y menos de chocolate (que también fue otra pasión de Arturo). Subimos al segundo piso y luego de saludar, Arturo bromeó con el superior de la casa diciendo que él llevaría ese pastel a nuestra casa en Puerto Armuelles. Nadie pensó mayor cosa de lo que Arturo habiá dicho. Pero cuando Arturo y yo bajamos a la planta baja de la casa, Arturo tomó el pastel, lo llevamos a nuestra casa y allí nos lo comimos. El Padre José recuerda aún ese momento porque no le tocó nada del pastel. Por años Arturo se reía a carcajadas al recordar aquel pastel.

Y en esta parroquia conocimos muy bien la llama del amor de Dios que era más obvia, la de su amor por los niños. El Padre Arturo tenía una tremenda ternura en sus ojos que hacía a los niños sentirse tan en confianza con él. Tenía mucha paciencia para escucharles.

Pero una de las llamas más grandes del amor que habitaba el corazón de Arturo era todos ustedes. Aquí, entre ustedes, él se sentía en casa. Sentía esta comunidad tan unida, colaboradora y calurosa que anhelaba en todo momento estar con ustedes. Cuando regresó aquí en agosto pasado, me compartió que de aquí ya no quería moverse. Había regresado a casa, a su gente, a ustedes.

Que la vida y el testimonio del Padre Arturo nos lleve a avivar el fuego del amor de Dios en nuestros corazones.

El padre Vincent Finnerty es el Párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, en Charlotte.

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

26

Father Matthew Buettner

T

he sacred words of institution and consecration, which constitute the heart of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, are not merely historical or Biblical words used to recount the activity of the Last Supper, but in fact, in the Holy Mass, Christ truly re-presents His sacrifice through His priest acting as His instrument. Bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ as the words of consecration are spoken by Christ through each Catholic priest throughout time and history. This truth inspired Pope Benedict XVI to remark that, “This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God Himself acts and does what is essential.”

Until this moment in the Mass, all the prayers and actions prepare for Our Lord’s sacramental arrival. From this moment forward, when Christ is truly present on the altar, the priest again addresses the Heavenly Father on behalf of the Church.

The four remaining parts of the Eucharistic Prayer that are addressed to the Father are: anamnesis, the oblation, intercessions and the doxology.

Anamnesis

Immediately following the consecration, the celebrant announces: “The mystery of faith.” The people respond with one of the four options that expresses the Paschal Mystery: “We proclaim Your death, O Lord, and profess Your Resurrection until You come again.”

This acclamation leads us into the next part of the Eucharistic Prayer, called by its

‘Mysterium Fidei’: A continued look at the Eucharistic Prayer Greek name, anamnesis, or “memorial.” The anamnesis is a prayer of remembrance in which the Church calls to mind the Lord’s passion, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. We are reminded that the Church is acting in memory of Our Lord and obeying His explicit command, “Do this in memory of Me.” We are mindful of Our Lord’s parting mandate and the Church rejoices in her fidelity to Christ; we are, in fact, faithfully following the command to “Do this in memory of Me.”

those old sacrifices of bullocks and goats and rams under the Jewish Law, and in their way, even the sacrifices offered by the old pagans to their gods when they were trying to do their best, are caught up and contained in this supreme sacrifice which Our Lord’s Death has now made it possible for us to offer.”

Christ is, therefore, the High priest offering the Mass, but in the oblation, we discover that He is also the Victim being offered.

The Oblation

Intercessions

The oblation or offering follows the memorial in the Eucharistic Prayer. Prior to the consecration, the priest asks the Lord to accept the gifts of bread and wine as a token of ourselves. But now, following the consecration, the bread and wine no longer exist; they have been changed into the Body and Blood of the risen Christ. Christ is now offered to the Father. In the Roman Canon, three Old Testament persons are mentioned whose offerings were acceptable to the Father: Abel, who offered the firstborn lamb of his flock; Abraham, who was willing to offer his own son; and Melchisedech, who offered bread and wine as a priest of God. Each of these three Biblical sacrifices foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfilled all others. Monsignor Ronald Knox explains, “All those remote people in the Old Testament are dragged in here, because we want to remind ourselves that the instinct of offering God sacrifice is an instinct which the human race had long before the Christian dispensation came to explain how the thing could be done. All

Because Christ is the High Priest and mediator between God and man, intercessory prayers form the next part of the Eucharistic Prayer.

The intercessions make clear that each Mass is offered for the salvation of the whole world in union with the entire Church on earth, as well as in heaven. All members of Christ’s Mystical Body are included in the benefits of the Mass: we seek the intercession of those in heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints; we pray for the living and we intercede on behalf of the dead.

“The Church never allows us to be selfish in our prayers,” adds Monsignor Knox, “she makes us think of the other people we didn’t know, whose death was a grief, whose memory is a sacred thing, to other people, not us.”

The pope, the bishop of the diocese, and the clergy are always mentioned, since union with the pope and the local bishop reminds us of our unity with the Catholic Church throughout the world.

Learn more This is part 28 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal.

Previous articles in this series are archived online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. For more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ link at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

The Doxology

With the close of the intercessions comes the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer.

The formula, known as the Doxology, is common to all Eucharistic Prayers. The Greek word doxology simply means “A word of glory or praise.” The priest raises the chalice and paten in a final word of praise to the Father as he prays, “Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, for ever and ever.”

The faithful conclude the Eucharistic Prayer with the “Amen,” which may be recited or sung. St. Jerome wrote in the fifth century that the “Amen” at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer “resounded in heaven, as a celestial thunderclap in the Roman basilicas.”

Let us pray that our assent, that our “Amen,” will proceed from the same ardent faith, hope and love.

Father Matthew Buettner is the pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton. This is excerpted from “Understanding the Mystery of the Mass – Revisited.” Previous columns are online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Mix

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

PBS to broadcast ‘Catholicism’ series

by Chicago priest Joyce Duriga Catholic News Service

‘Dolphin Tale’ The true story of “Winter,” a dolphin that received the first artificial tail, is brought to the screen in a family-friendly film that offers lessons in faith, perseverance, and respect for persons, and animals, with disabilities. Elevenyear-old Sawyer finds Winter washed up on a beach, badly injured from a fishing trap. His new friend is transported to the Clearwater Marine Hospital. When Winter’s tail is amputated, his survival is threatened, until Dr. Cameron McCarthy, a master of prosthetics, decides to take on the challenge.

CNS: A-I (general patronage), MPAA: PG

‘Dream House’ Psychological thriller about a couple who ditch the city for the country and the perfect house in which to raise their two daughters.

But they discover that five years ago the previous owner gunned down his wife and two daughters in cold blood. As they investigate what happened, the line between reality and dreams gets blurred. Scenes of bloody violence and brief nongraphic marital lovemaking.

CNS: L (limited adult audience), MPAA: PG-13

CHICAGO — Television viewers across the country will get a glimpse into the rich history, culture and tenets of the Catholic faith this fall when 90 public television stations across the country air episodes of a series called “Catholicism” developed by a Chicago priest.

The series is hosted by Father Robert Barron, who runs the Chicago-based Word on Fire ministry. It includes 10 hourlong DVDs, leader and group study guides and a 300-page stand-alone book of the same title. Episodes also will be broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network.

The priest’s goal was to show the history and treasures of the Catholic Church. The series was filmed in high-definition and spans more than 50 locations in 15 countries.

The global media ministry Word on Fire – which aims to “educate and engage the culture” – pitched all 10 episodes of “Catholicism” to PBS, but the network opted to run four shows: the revelation, God becomes man; the mystery of God; Mary, the mother of God; and Peter and Paul as missionaries.

No money was exchanged under the agreement, Father Barron said, and Word on Fire will promote the full DVD set and program at the end of each episode.

Father Barron, a priest of the Archdiocese of

On TV n Sunday, Oct. 10, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Alter Christus.”A look into the important aspects of the priesthood. n Part 1: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. Part 2: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m. (EWTN) “Teresa De Jesus: Parts 1 and 2.” Eight part mini-series on the life of the great saint and mystic Teresa of Avila. n Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) "Teresa de Jesus."

The series continues with back-to-back episodes Saturdays through Nov. 5, 8-10 p.m. each night.

Photo provided by Catholic News Agency

Father Robert Barron of the Chicago-based Word on Fire Ministries is pictured while airing one of the episodes of “Catholicism,” a 10-part series exploring the Catholic faith that is airing in part on PBS and in full on EWTN this month.

Chicago and a professor of faith and culture at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, said he was surprised PBS agreed to air “Catholicism.”

“I thought that maybe they would think it was too Catholic. They loved it right away,” he said.

Don’t miss the show Four shows of the 10-part series “Catholicism” are airing on North Carolina public television, WTVI: at 11 p.m. on Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26.

27

More information about the series is available at www. wordonfire.org and www.catholicismseries.com.

n Saturday, Oct 15, 10 p.m.

(EWTN) "Vianney Speaks."

Spiritual profile featuring the penetrating sermons and prayers of the Cure of Ars, St. John Vianney, the patron of parish priests. n Tuesday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m.

(EWTN) “Mass of Ordination and Installation of the New Bishop of Savannah, Ga.” n Friday, Oct. 21, 1-2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Vitae Monologues.” Pro-life drama that shines the spotlight on the consequences of abortion.

Our schools 28

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Going ‘from farm to fork’ and growing friendships

In Brief

IHM School adds after school enrichment program HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point has developed “Eagle’s Landing,” an after school enrichment program for students in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade. Director Renae Haas, pictured above with some Pre-K students, has created a daily schedule that focuses on addressing the needs of the whole child. Opportunities are provided for children to excel further in academics, friendships, the arts and beyond.

— Mendy Yarborough

CHARLOTTE — About 100 students from St. Patrick School and Brookstone School in Charlotte spent Sept. 13 working together to harvest and prepare dishes from their own garden and learning about healthy eating choices from a local chef.

The schools built a close partnership funded through a Front Porch Grant, in which they worked together to design and plant flower beds and six raised beds of fruits and vegetables in a community garden located at Brookstone Schools. The garden project is coordinated by Kathleen Smith.

Students from both schools worked side by side on several occasions to cultivate their flowers and vegetables and further learned about seeds, soil, composting and the components of growing a vegetable garden. They learned to work as a team and taking responsibility for sustaining the garden. While working together, the students developed lasting friendships with children from different economic, racial and religious backgrounds.

The Sept. 13 “farm to fork” experience was the culmination of their project.

Chef Marc Jacksina and owner Karen Teed from Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth restaurant led the project. Students worked with the Halcyon team to plan and prepare dishes with vegetables harvested from the garden, and learned about food freshness and seasonality. They also gained an understanding of how food is delivered from farms to their family tables.

Front Porch Grants awarded by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation support the creation of small-scale gatherings that build relationships by exchanging ideas, experiences or actions. The project was also made possible by donations from The Scotts Miracle Gro Company, Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot, Flower Girl Designs and Bru Time Landscaping.

Photo provided by Denise Reis and Kathleen Smith

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

sueann howell | catholic news herald

St. Matthew balloons take to the skies Students from St. Matthew School in south Charlotte watch their balloons float skyward on Sept. 28 as they participate in the annual balloon derby honoring their patron saint. The launch was delayed a week due to inclement weather.

In Brief

OLG Troop helps Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center

International day of Peace celebrated at St. Leo School

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School’s seventh-grade Girl Scout Cadette Troop 40859 recently donated hand-made tie-dyed baby onesies to the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center. The girls spent their first meeting of the year dyeing the 30 white cotton onesies with more than 10 different colors. The troop members are beginning their fifth year together, and are planning many more community projects for during the school year. Pictured from left are: Leslie Hannon (leader), Marie Lawson, Rebekah Yokeley, Megan Lush, Jeannie Egan, Mackenzie Bradford, Emily Gentry and Caroline Crater.

WINSTON-SALEM — In recognition of the recent International Peace Day, the student body of St. Leo School in Winston-Salem dressed in red, white and blue colored clothing and gathered in the gymnasium for regular morning announcements and special prayers for peace.

Student council officers and their prayer partners led the students in prayer, and then the class representatives in grades 3-8, along with their prayer partners, were called up to get a flag from a particular country. Their assignment was to return to their classrooms and work together to figure out what country the flag they were given represents and to say a special prayer for the people of that country.

— Leslie Hannon

— Donna Birkel

29

Our nation

30

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishops’ new ad hoc committee will tackle religious liberty concerns Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Saying they are increasingly distressed over government policies that promote contraception, abortion and same-sex marriage and amount to an assault on religious freedom, the U.S. bishops have established a committee to shape public policy and coordinate the Church’s response on the issue.

The Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty was announced Sept. 30 by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., was named chairman.

“There is a common and factually grounded perception that religious liberty is increasingly under assault at the state and federal level in the United States, whether through unfriendly legislation or through rules and regulations that impede or tend to impede the work of the Church,” Bishop Lori said. “Hopefully, we will raise up the issue for the entire Catholic community in the United States. We will help educate about the issue and hopefully there will be good and effective action.”

Bishop Lori has been a public defender of religious liberty over the past year. In October 2010 he issued “Let Freedom Ring: A Pastoral Letter on Religious Freedom,” which carefully laid out an argument that some legislative efforts in the government seemed to be aimed solely at the Catholic Church.

Bishop Lori said the USCCB has discussed its concerns about restrictions on religious freedom repeatedly, most recently at its June meeting in suburban Seattle and again when the administrative committee met in Washington, D.C., in mid-September.

In his announcement, Archbishop Dolan

said that committee members will work with a variety of national organizations, ecumenical and interreligious partners, charities and scholars to “form a united and forceful front in defense of religious freedom in our nation.”

“Never before have we faced this kind of challenge in our ability to engage in the public square as people of faith and as a service provider,” the archbishop said in a statement.

Archbishop Dolan cited a series actions at various levels of government that pose dangers to the free exercise of religion.

Specifically, he pointed to the narrow religious exemption in New York in regard to same-sex marriage, the Justice Department’s recent argument that the support of traditional marriage as defined in the Defense of Marriage Act amounted to bigotry, and the requirement by the Department of Health and Human Services that the USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services provide the “full range of reproductive service” – including abortion and contraception – to trafficking victims in its cooperative agreements and government contracts.

He also repeated the U.S. bishops’ concern about Health and Human Services regulations that would mandate the coverage of contraception and sterilization in all private health insurance plans while failing to protect insurers and individuals with religious or moral objections to the mandate.

“As shepherds of over 70 million U.S. citizens we share a common and compelling responsibility to proclaim the truth of religious freedom for all and so to protect our people from this assault which now appears to grow at an ever-accelerating pace in ways most us could never have imagined,” Archbishop Dolan said.

Catholic organizations file objections to HHS contraception mandate Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic health and social service organizations, and 18 Catholic universities filed comments to express their strong disapproval of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that health insurance plans cover contraception and sterilization and defining what religious exemptions could be allowed. Both Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis and Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge also expressed objections through Catholic Voice NC and through thousands of parish bulletins, urging North Carolina Catholics to voice their opposition to the HHS regulations as well.

The comment deadline was Sept. 30, the last day of a 60-day comment period for the mandate and proposed exemption announced Aug. 1 by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Catholic Voice NC reported that 1,341 e-mails were sent to HHS before the comment period ended.

In describing as “narrow” a religious exception from the proposed mandate, Catholic Charities USA president Father Larry Snyder said the mandate will “force organizations that oppose contraception for religious reasons to choose between (1) offering these services in violation of their religious beliefs, and (2) facing the prospect of substantial fees if they choose not to offer health insurance coverage. This lose-lose choice would impose a ‘substantial burden’ on these organizations’ exercise of religion.”

Under the HHS proposal, to qualify for a religious exemption, an organization would have to meet four criteria: “(1) has the inculcation of religious values as its purpose; (2) primarily employs persons who share its religious tenets; (3) primarily serves persons who share its religious tenets; and

(4) is a nonprofit organization” under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code.

Catholic Charities has been the principal social services agency of the U.S. Church for more than a century. “Throughout our history, we have always been able to serve those in need while maintaining our religious identity,” Father Snyder said.

“These federal regulations, if implemented, would compromise in unprecedented ways the ability of our agencies in local communities across America to provide these services.”

In addition, 18 Catholic colleges asked the Obama administration to exempt all religious individuals and institutions from being forced to participate in the federal mandate that health insurance plans cover contraceptives and sterilization. The appeal was sent to the White House Sept. 29 and called the Department of Health and Human Services’ exemptions for religious employers as “potentially so narrow as to be not only nearly inconsequential but insulting to religious entities, in particular to Catholic colleges and universities.”

Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Curry, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education, also signed the letter. The Catholic institutions joined the U.S. bishops and the Catholic Health Association in support of stronger religious exemptions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Monsignor Stuart Swetland, vice president of mission at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., said the proposed mandates under the health care law threaten the operation of Catholic colleges and universities.

“It’s unprecedented in federal law.

Religious exemptions were always written to accommodate sincere religious beliefs. This is written so narrowly,” Monsignor Swetland said.

October 7, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Catholic Charities’ request to continue adoptions denied SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An Illinois county circuit judge has denied an emergency request by Catholic Charities to stay his earlier ruling that the agencies have no right to state contracts to provide adoption and foster care services. In his Sept. 26 ruling, Judge John Schmidt of the Sangamon County Circuit Court in Springfield said the state can begin canceling the contracts for foster care and adoption it has with Catholic Charities agencies in the dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria and Springfield.

The state’s Department of Children and Family Services ended $30 million in contracts with these agencies in July, stating that Catholic Charities’ practice of referring unmarried couples to other agencies was discriminatory and a violation of the state’s civil union law.

The Thomas More Society, representing Catholic Charities, said it planned to immediately seek a stay from the Illinois Appellate Court to allow the agencies to continue their operations during the appeal. In court documents, the Catholic Charities lawyers argued that canceling these contracts would be disruptive to their 2,000 children clients. The legal proceedings on this issue began after passage of the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which took effect June 1.

New Our Lady of Lebanon chapel dedicated at national shrine WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a ceremony reflecting their Lebanese heritage, Maronite Catholics gathered Sept. 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the consecration of a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lebanon.

Bishop Gregory J. Mansour of St. Maron

of Brooklyn, N.Y., consecrated and dedicated the chapel, which is located near the shrine’s Memorial Hall.

Maronite Catholics, predominantly from Lebanon, take their name from St. Maron, a fifth-century Syrian hermit whose holiness and miracles attracted many followers, some of whom later brought Christianity to Lebanon.

Archbishop Hannan, paratroop chaplain and Kennedy counselor, dies at 98 NEW ORLEANS — Retired Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of New Orleans, a World War II paratroop chaplain who befriended and secretly counseled John F. Kennedy during and after his historic run for the White House as the first U.S. Catholic president, died Sept.

29 at age 98.

“Archbishop Hannan in every way was a good shepherd of the Church who was modeled after Christ, not just for Catholics of New Orleans but for the whole community,” Hannon Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans said. “We will miss him, but at 98, he has lived a full life. We truly believe in faith that he will feast not just at table of the Eucharist but at the table of the Lord in heaven.”

A funeral Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Aymond at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans Oct. 6, and interment followed in a crypt beneath the sanctuary.

Retired Miami Auxiliary Bishop Fernandez, 76, dies MIAMI — Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski celebrated a funeral Mass Oct. 3 for retired Miami Auxiliary Bishop Gilberto Fernandez, who died Sept. 30 after a long illness. He was 76. Those who worked with the late bishop said they will remember him as being humble, gentle and “a true Christian gentleman.” Archbishop Wenski called him his “twin,” referring to the fact they were ordained together as auxiliary bishops Sept.

3, 1997.

— Catholic News Service

catholic news heraldI

31

Our world

32

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In pope’s Germany, a test case for ‘new evangelization’ John Thavis Catholic News Service

CNS | Arnd Wiegmann, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead a prayer vigil with young people in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Sept. 24. The German-born pontiff visited his homeland Sept. 22-25.

FREIBURG, Germany — Pope Benedict XVI’s four-day visit to Germany highlighted two closely connected challenges for the Church: how to re-evangelize traditionally Christian countries in the West, and how to regain a credible voice in modern society.

In a sense, the pope’s German homeland was a test case for the “new evangelization” project that has taken center stage in his pontificate.

As the pope pointed out repeatedly during the Sept. 22-25 visit, modern Germany is a highly secularized country where atheism or religious indifference is widespread, where traditional moral values are eroding and where the Church’s message seems to have less and less impact.

And yet Germany has a native son as pope – still a point of pride for many Germans – and a tradition of intellectual debate. At the very least, the pope hoped for a fair hearing, and at some levels, he got one.

His address to the German parliament, in which he argued that social justice must be grounded in morality, prompted reflection and discussion in German media.

The normally critical weekly Der Spiegel called the speech thought-provoking and “courageous.”

It was a classic Pope Benedict speech, a philosophical exposition that ranged from the biblical account of King Solomon to the positivist world view of modernity.

He showed that he can connect with the intelligentsia, and at this rarified level he gets respect.

The pope also clearly connected with the Catholic faithful who turned out by the tens of thousands for his Masses and prayer services. Praying before a statue of Mary at a shrine in Etzelsbach or kneeling in Eucharistic Adoration at the Freiburg cathedral, the pope heard behind him the sound of silence – music to his ears, because it was a sign of intense participation.

His appeal to return to the Christian roots of Germany met with enthusiastic approval from what one woman called his “base” – the Catholic families who have tried to maintain their religious traditions in the face of decades of communism and more recent years of social fragmentation.

Other audiences appeared less in sync with the pope’s message and his singleminded focus on the “return to God” theme.

To Germans who have left the Church or those who have pushed for a “dialogue”

CNS | Miro Kuzmanovic, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI gestures as he arrives for a meeting with Catholics involved in the Church and society in the concert hall of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Sept. 25. Meeting with about 1,500 Catholics, the pope said he knows Germany is experiencing a decline in religious practice and is seeing many of its members drift away from Church life. within the Church on issues like priestly celibacy and the role of women and lay people, the pope had some pointed words.

First, he said the root problem was a misunderstanding of the nature of the Church: It’s not just a social organization that people opt in or out of, but a community of believers that belongs to Jesus Christ. He blamed internal dissatisfaction on Catholics’ superficial notions of a “dream church” that has failed to materialize.

In a meeting in Freiburg with officials of Germany’s central lay Catholic committee, the pope bluntly described the German Church as “superbly organized” but lacking in spirit. Rather than relying on big Church structures and programs, he said, “new evangelization” will depend more on small Catholic communities and individuals able to share their faith experiences with coworkers, family and friends.

In Freiburg, he said that rather than launch a “new strategy,” the Church needs to “set aside its worldliness” and stop adapting itself to the standards of the secular society.

Faith lived fully is always counter-cultural, he said, but history has shown it’s the only way for the Church to regain credibility for its mission.

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope Benedict to visit Benin Nov. 18-20 to release postsynod document on Africa VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI will make his second trip as pope to Africa, visiting Benin Nov. 18-20 to sign and distribute a letter reflecting on the 2009 special Synod of Bishops for Africa. The synod focused on “the church in Africa in service to reconciliation, justice and peace.” At the end of the synod, the bishops gave the pope 57 proposals for action on the part of Church leaders and the faithful, including a call for a new spirituality to counter bad government, ethnic tensions, disease, exploitation by multinational companies and the cultural agenda of foreign aid organizations.

Pope Benedict used the propositions as the basis for the postsynodal apostolic exhortation that he will sign Nov. 19 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Ouidah, Benin, and will present formally to African bishops the next day during a Mass in Cotonou.

His schedule includes meetings with government representatives, African bishops and children. He also is scheduled to pray at the tomb of the late Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, who died in 2008. The Benin cardinal had retired as dean of the College of Cardinals in 2002 and was succeeded by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

From beginning to death, everyone has a guardian angel, Pope Benedict says VATICAN CITY — Guardian angels exist to protect every human life from its beginning to end, Pope Benedict XVI said. “The Lord is always near and active in human history, and he also accompanies us with the unique presence of his angels, which the Church today venerates” on feast of the Guardian Angels Oct. 2, he said before reciting the Angelus. Guardian angels are “ministers of divine care for every person,” he said. “From the beginning to the time of death, human life is surrounded by their unceasing protection,” the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He also asked everyone to pray for the protection of all those who do the Lord’s work, especially for those who face religious intolerance.

After spending nearly three months at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo, the pope returned to the Vatican Oct. 1.

— Catholic News Service

33

ViewPoints

34

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Give thanks to God

O

ctober is upon us and with that comes crisp temperatures, delicious apple cider, the sounds of children playing football outside, and the wonderful scents of autumn leaves everywhere – opening our eyes. Let us not forget, however, to open our senses and take the opportunity to see the Big Guy in our lives – God. It’s a very busy time of year. School is in full swing, summer vacations are over and the holidays are not too far off. It’s very easy to get caught up in what is going on around us in our day-to-day lives. However, this time of year also gives us the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on all that is around us, all that He has given us. Stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

The leaves are beginning to change and what beautiful colors the Lord has given us to awe in. Instead of watching television on a Saturday afternoon, take a walk and be sure to enjoy those colors. And be sure to take a minute to thank Him. While you are on that walk, take notice of the temperature change and the crispness that you may feel on your face. While you feel those cool temperatures, pause for a second and give thanks to God for giving us a change of seasons. Your prayer doesn’t have to be complex, as a simple ‘thank you’ will suffice.

After that walk, make a home-cooked meal instead of ordering in. While that meal is cooking in the oven, be sure to notice the wonderful aromas that it brings about. In my case, the aromas are much more enjoyable when my wife cooks, as the smell of toast

Ryan Murray only goes so far. If you are like me, this gives you a great opening not only to say a prayer of gratitude to Him for those scents, but to also give thanks for your wife!

When that meal is done cooking, say grace and thank Him for the food He has given us. Invite family or friends over to thank Him together. After that, be sure to enjoy it because that is what He wants.

While you are at the table enjoying the food, listen to those that you have invited over. Whether it is your wife, children, family or friends, hear what they have to say.

And thank Him for giving you others in your life that you love.

His Son Jesus Christ taught us the Perfect Prayer. It’s easy to ask our Lord for things and that’s OK. Trust me, I do it all the time.

However, the first thing we have been taught in the Perfect Prayer is to give thanks. As we go through our lives on a daily basis, we should take opportunities to remind ourselves of this. And with the beautiful autumn season upon us, I can’t think of a better time to do just that.

Ryan Murray is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. Have an idea or comment? E-mail him at murrayrj18@hotmail.com.

Reader poll October is the Month of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as Respect Life Month, and Oct. 7 marks the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. It’s one of the times when many of us pray the rosary most frequently – asking our Mother to intercede for us and to help protect the vulnerable and the unborn. As the Godbearer, the Mother of God, the Tabernacle of Our Lord, Mary encourages us as we fight to promote the dignity and value of all human life.

This month we’re asking readers:

How often do you pray the rosary?

Photo provided by Jason Murphy

n Daily n Weekly n Monthly n During Lent, Advent, or other special times Go online to www.catholicnewsherald. com to respond.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

October 7, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

35

Amy Goduti

Peggy Bowes

Resources for month of the rosary

Busy moms are also witnesses for the dignity of human life

T

he Church dedicates the month of October to the most holy rosary, primarily because we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 7. If you do not currently have a habit of praying a daily rosary, this is the perfect time to begin.

I often tell those who are uncertain as to how to pray the rosary to start with small steps. If you don’t know the basic prayers of the rosary, take the time and effort to memorize them. Work on one prayer each week, repeating it once in the morning and once before bed. You can find all the rosary prayers and many more wonderful resources on all things rosary at www.how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com. (Be sure to include the dashes in the URL.) The next step is to memorize the mysteries. There are 20 mysteries – five each to reflect on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. To help you better understand each mystery and aid in memorization, read the Bible verses that describe each of the 20 events. You might find a Scriptural Rosary booklet to be helpful in this undertaking. They can be found at your local Catholic bookstore or one of the many Catholic online merchants. You might also check out the lovely website, www.

ScripturalRosary.org.

Once you’ve memorized the basic prayers and mysteries, it’s time to learn the skill of meditation. It’s important to understand that the rosary is both a mental and a vocal prayer.

The vocal consists of saying the prayers (aloud or silently) that make up the rosary. The repeated Hail Marys of each decade serve as a type of background music to lull the mind into a meditative state. They mark the time allotted for meditation on each mystery. This reflection, or mental prayer, is the true soul of the rosary.

Meditation is a skill that requires much patience and practice to master. It’s helpful to focus on just one decade at a time. Make a commitment to pray one decade of the rosary each day, and devote your full attention to contemplating that mystery. Pray to the Blessed Mother for help, and read and study the Gospels. A very helpful and inexpensive reference is the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament. Pope John Paul II said that the rosary is a “compendium [complete summary] of the Gospel message.” Reading the Gospels can help you to meditate on the rosary, and meditating on the rosary mysteries can help you to better understand the Gospels.

Each mystery also has an imbedded virtue, or fruit, through which we can learn to imitate Christ. Over time, a person who prays the rosary devoutly and meditates on the 20 mysteries grows in and imitates these virtues.

If you still need convincing to start up a rosary habit, consider this advice from Blessed Alan de la Roche: “If you persevere in reciting the rosary, this will be a most probable sign of your eternal salvation.”

Peggy Bowes is a member of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy and author of “The Rosary Workout” (www.rosaryworkout.com).

I

am very blessed to have parents, in-laws, and many dear friends who are actively involved in defending the sanctity of human life. As the mother of eight children aged 1-16, however, my involvement in the pro-life movement has been limited to sometimes attending the annual March for Life and a tiny bumper sticker on the side of my car – dismal qualifications for being on the front lines of the pro-life movement.

Then one day, God gave me the grace to see my role somewhat differently. I was shopping alone (a rarity) at Costco, dragging one completely full cart of groceries and pushing another. I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea as I moved through the aisles, while people stepped aside with exaggeration while others asked questions about the army I must be feeding. My heart started racing as I mentally tallied the The Goduti family is pictured last Christmas. Top row (from left): Jake, Fred (holding Clare grocery bill, and I was reaching near panic on his lap), Amy (holding Mary Rose on her lap), and Kathryn. Seated are Grace, holding by the time I reached the checkout thinking Brigid on her lap, and Christian, holding John Patrick on his lap. about the cost and responsibility of feeding Big families have an enormous responsibility in a very a large family. quiet and yet extremely powerful way: to evangelize the Suddenly, a young woman in line behind me asked if beauty of being open to life. And people are watching.

I ever go to Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

This is not the first time someone had recognized me as “Yes,” I answered, very surprised because we were that mother of eight children. Believe it or not, I can no roughly 30 minutes from Huntersville. “I recognize you,” longer count the number of times someone has stopped she said. “You have eight children.” I was completely me. Up until this point, I had cringed and wondered if dumbfounded. St. Mark has more than 4,000 families, and they recognized me because of the temper tantrum my I did not have any of my children with me. twins had thrown (in unison) at Target. I hadn’t thought I am embarrassed to say that I then braced myself for of it in a positive light, as an opportunity for witness. the negative comments about having so many children.

I am now acutely aware of how I present myself as a Instead, she went on to tell me that she was one of six Catholic mother wherever I go. Am I being kind to the and her husband one of seven. She spoke about the clerk even when they are obviously annoyed by my large tremendous blessing it was to be a part of a large family. order? Am I patient with someone in the parking lot who As we parted ways, she told me to watch EWTN if I was seems bothered by the amount of time it takes all my little ever feeling overwhelmed. ones to cross the street? Do I look exhausted and frumpy, Wow! Two lessons you do not expect to learn in the as if all my children are draining the life out of me, or do checkout line. First of all, don’t always assume everyone I at least try and fake it with a cute pea coat over my spitthinks you are leaving too big a “carbon footprint” with up stained shirt? the size of your family. The negative comments definitely Every day that I take care of my family, that I make sting, but Satan loves to fool you into thinking that sure they are respectful, kind and well-groomed even everyone thinks you are just plain crazy for having so if their clothes come from a consignment store, that I many children. attend Mass as a family, or that I simply venture out Second, and more importantly, I do work the front lines of the pro-life movement every single day – and not just when I have my kids with me.

LIFE, SEE page 36

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

To be considered for publication, each letter

must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry,

form letters or petitions. Items submitted to the Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

36

catholicnewsherald.com | October 7, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

RED MASS: FROM PAGE 18

Bishop Jugis said the pope asked, “How do we recognize what is right? How do we discern between good and evil, between what is truly right and what may appear right?”

The answer lies in the fact that the law is not a human invention. Its source is God, he said. Just as God reveals Himself in the order of nature, so too does He reveal Himself in the natural moral law. When we are out of touch with that moral law, our human dignity is threatened, he said.

“How can laws allow the denial of the right to life of the innocent human being, or allow experimentation on human

subjects, in the case of embryonic stem-cell research, or allow the denial of hydration and nutrition to the seriously ill, or change the definition of marriage?” Bishop Jugis asked. “Something is very wrong with our appreciation for the inviolable human dignity of the little ones, of the weak, of the fragile. We cannot live in a concrete bunker with laws of our own making that are divorced from God or not in accord with the order of nature, of which we are part.”

Following Mass, Samuelson said she was honored to receive the award, especially as she strives to live out her Christian faith within her career as a state legislator.

She has lived in Charlotte nearly all her life. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications. She attends Uptown Church, and she and her husband Ken Samuelson have four grown children.

LIFE: FROM PAGE 35

in public with them, I am witnessing life.

Whenever someone comments that I seem to have my act together, I smile graciously but inwardly laugh at the loads of laundry and disorganized closets waiting for me at home.

I am humbled that God has entrusted

FARWELL: FROM PAGE 19

the case be dismissed based on the North Carolina statute of limitations.

When the abuse claim was made in 2002, the diocese reported the allegation to the N.C. Department of Social Services in Rowan County, where the abuse allegedly occurred. The diocese also removed Father Farwell from ministry, meaning he could not celebrate the Mass or sacraments publicly, or wear priestly garb – in accordance with the U.S. bishops’ nationwide policy on responding to cases of alleged sexual misconduct called the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The suspension remains in effect.

Father Farwell was indicted in Rowan County Superior Court on two felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a

me with eight beautiful souls, and as only our perfect Heavenly Father works, he has allowed me to be a part of the great battle for the sanctity of human life without ever forsaking my vocation as a mom.

Amy Goduti is the mother of Brigid, Christian, Clare, Grace, Jake, John Patrick, Kathryn and Mary Rose, and the wife of Fred Goduti. They live in Huntersville and are active parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte.

child in 2003. In 2004, one felony charge was dismissed and the other was reduced to a misdemeanor in return for Father Farwell pleading no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Father Farwell denied any wrongdoing when he accepted the plea. He was sentenced to supervised probation for 18 months and fined $1,000 plus court costs, according to a copy of the plea agreement filed with Rowan County Superior Court.

Documents from the 2004 Rowan County criminal proceeding have been attached as exhibits to the diocese’s motion to dismiss.

Father Farwell was ordained in 1981. In addition to Sacred Heart Church, he served at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton and Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont; and in the Diocese of Raleigh, he served at St. Joseph Church in Burgaw and Transfiguration Mission in Wallace.