Jan. 28, 2011

January 28, 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

Bronze statue unveiling, more events planned for silver jubilee year at historic church in Charlotte, 3

High school deadline approaches Diocesan officials meet with interested parents, set Feb. 28 enrollment deadline,

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Praying for

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte

N.C. Catholics converge on the nation’s capital for March for Life, 12-14

THANK YOU!

LIFE Belmont Abbey College students tour Capitol, 14

Denver women’s shelter lives the pro-life Gospel, 10-11

CNS | Jim Young, Reuters

Jesuits celebrate 25 years at St. Peter’s

Bishop Jugis: ‘Love of Christ motivates the pro-life movement,’

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Father Lawlor: ‘Let us pray for conversions,’ 23

ONLINE: More photos from the D.C. march and video from the Charlotte march Calendar 4 Diocese 3-7

FAITH 2

mix 17

nation & World 18-21 Schools 16

Viewpoints 22-24

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

Our faith

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘According to the law of Moses, they took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.’

Pope Benedict XVI

Evangelization without solidarity for oppressed is unacceptable

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t is “unacceptable” to evangelize without addressing the urgent problems of poverty, injustice and oppression, Pope Benedict XVI said.

To not be concerned with life’s temporal problems would be to forget the Gospel teaching to love one’s neighbor who is suffering and in need and “it would not be in harmony with Jesus’ life,” which combined proclaiming the Good News and curing people of disease and illness, the pope said in his message for World Mission Sunday 2011.

The annual observance will be marked Oct. 23 at the Vatican and in most countries.

In his message, released in Italian Jan. 25 at the Vatican, the pope focused on the responsibility of every baptized Christian to announce the Gospel message to all men and women in every corner of the world.

“We cannot remain untroubled by the fact that after 2,000 years, there are still people who don’t know Christ and still have not heard is message of salvation,” the pope said.

Just as important is the cultural transformation of traditionally Christian countries that have forgotten or abandoned the Christian faith and are now “resistant to opening themselves up” to the dimension of religion and belief, his message said.

Globalization and relativism have fueled the spread of a mentality or a lifestyle that “exalts the search for well-being and easy money and having one’s career and success be the goals of life, even at the expense of moral values,” the papal message said.

Bringing the Gospel to everyone is “the most precious service the Church can give to humanity and to every individual on a quest for profound reasons to live life to the full,” the pope said.

— Luke 2:22

Presentation of the Lord Feast day: Feb. 2

On Feb. 2 the Church marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple, also known as the Purification of Mary. On this day, Jesus was circumcised in the temple and given His Name, and Mary, as a new mother, went through the ritual of purification. It is also when the prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna recognized that the Baby in Mary’s arms was indeed the promised Christ Child. Simeon also prophesied that “a sword will pierce your (Mary’s) soul,” which is the origin of many works of art of the Sorrowful Mother.

The feast is celebrated 40 days following the birth of Jesus. According to the law of Moses, a woman who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days. For the next 33 days she was to remain “in the blood of her purification” and refrain from going to the temple. When the 40 days were over, she was to “bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin.” If she was not able to offer a lamb, she was to take two turtle doves or two pigeons.

The priest prayed for her, and so she was cleansed.

Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary complied with this precept of the law. She redeemed her firstborn from the temple and was purified by the prayer of Simeon the just, in the presence of Anna the prophetess.

No doubt this event, the first solemn introduction of Christ into the house of God, was in the earliest times celebrated in the Church of Jerusalem. The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries.

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession on the feast day. At the end of the same century, the blessing and distribution of candles that continue to this day became part of the celebration – giving the feast its popular name of Candlemas.

Candlemas is also the origin of Groundhog Day. The nursery rhyme that we still follow today (albeit in a more secular context) is: “If Candlemas day be bright and fair, / There’ll be two winters in a year./ If Candlemas be fair and bright, / winter will have another flight.”

— Sources: The Catholic Encyclopedia, Catholic News Agency “Simeon and Anna Recognize the Lord in Jesus” by Rembrandt Van Rijn, 1627

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 30 - FEB. 5

Sunday, Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 5:1-12; Monday (St. John Bosco), Hebrews 11:32-40, Mark 5:1-20; Tuesday, Hebrews 12:1-4, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday, Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:2240; Thursday (St. Blaise, St. Ansgar), Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24, Mark 6:7-13; Friday, Hebrews 13:1-8, Mark 6:14-29; Saturday (St. Agatha), Hebrews 13:1517, 20-21, Mark 6:30-34

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 6 - FEB. 12

Sunday, Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16; Monday, Genesis 1:1-19, Mark 6:53-56; Tuesday (St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita), Genesis 1:20-2:4, Mark 7:1-13; Wednesday, Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17, Mark 7:14-23; Thursday (St. Scholastica), Genesis 2:18-25, Mark 7:24-30; Friday (Our Lady of Lourdes), Genesis 3:1-8, Mark 7:31-37; Saturday, Genesis 3:924, Mark 8:1-10

Our parishes

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

In Brief CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church and the Special Religious Development Program (SPRED) will present “Teaching Children with Autism” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the church’s New Life Center banquet room.

Dr. Katherine Trela and Kathy Fallin from CharlotteMecklenburg Schools will offer strategies to support student learning. While this seminar recognizes the unique nature of each child with autism, it will provide tools for educators and caregivers to guide their support.

St. Matthew Church is located at Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Rea Road in Charlotte.

For more information and to RSVP to the free program, contact Jan Clemens, SPRED coordinator, at 704-246-7102.

Estonian ambassador to speak at Belmont Abbey College

Hibernians donate funds HUNTERSVILLE — The St. Brendan division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Catholic Irish fraternal organization, based at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, recently donated funds to three Catholic entities: St. Mark School and the Charlotte Catholic High School Band, in support of Catholic education; and Room at the Inn, in support of the organization’s pro-life mission.

Help build school in Sudan, learn about refugees Last week’s edition of the Catholic News Herald featured the story of Lubo Mijak, a “Lost Boy” of Sudan who survived the massacres of the last Sudanese Civil War and emigrated to the U.S., thanks to help from Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office. After getting a job and earning a college degree here in the U.S., Mijak now wants to build a school in his hometown in Southern Sudan. To help, contact his nonprofit Mothering Across Continents at info@ motheringacrosscontinents.org or 704-607-0098. The nonprofit’s Web site is motheringacrosscontinents.org. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information about how you can help arriving refugees like Mijak from all over the world, call the Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office at 704-370-3283 or e-mail Mary Jane Bruton at mjbruton@charlottediocese.org. Learn more online at cssnc.org.

We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

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The Jesuits are marking 25 years of service at St. Peter Church in Charlotte this year.

Pictured are (from left) former Charlotte mayor Sue Myrick with the Jesuit priests who were serving at St. Peter Church in 1989: Father Eugene McCreesh, Father John Haughey and Father Robert Paquet. Behind them is the Ben Long fresco that once graced the sanctuary of the historic church – a triptych that depicted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Resurrection and Pentecost.

Learn about teaching children with autism

BELMONT — Dr. Aldona Wos, the former U.S. ambassador to Estonia and the descendant of Holocaust survivors, will speak on “The Polish Christian Experience of World War II” at 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 7, at Belmont Abbey College’s Haid Theatre.

Wos is a parishioner at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro and a Dame of the Order of Malta. Her grandparents were born in democratic Poland but in World War I they were taken as slave labor to Germany. When World War II broke out, her grandfather joined the Polish Army and narrowly escaped being killed by the advancing Soviets. He returned to Warsaw and worked to save Jews who were targeted during the Warsaw Uprising, in which 250,000 men, women and children were killed over 63 days by the Germans. Israel recognized her grandparents and her father as Righteous Gentiles for saving 23 Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Register online at alumni.belmontabbeycollege.edu/Wos. For details, call Mary Worthington at 704-461-6574.

catholic news heraldI

Joann Keene | Catholic News Herald archives

St. Peter Church marks Jesuits’ 25th anniversary Bronze statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola planned for garden courtyard SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — This year will be the 25th that Jesuits have been serving at St. Peter Church, the oldest Catholic church in Charlotte, and the entire parish is planning a series of events all year long to commemorate the anniversary – starting with the dedication of a new bronze statue of Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola during a twoday alumni gathering in March.

Jesuits have played a critical role in guiding the parish over the past 25 years of its 160-year history, becoming an integral part of the Catholic community in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The Jesuits came to St. Peter Church in 1986, the same year Pope John Paul II penned “Dominum et Vivificantem” (“Lord and Giver of Life”), about the living presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church and the world.

The timing of this encyclical and the Jesuits’ arrival in Charlotte is poignant, as St. Ignatius was a missionary, said Jesuit Father Patrick Earl, pastor. For centuries, Jesuits have traveled the world preaching the Gospel message.

At the request of his parishioners, Father Earl created a theme for the silver anniversary that reflects the mission of both the parish and the Jesuits.

“When some parishioners came to me explaining their desire to celebrate that arrival, I felt delighted, I felt humbled and I felt grateful,” he said.

“They asked for a theme, for a word around which would cluster Jesuit meaning for our parish. That word came easily – magis.”

Magis is a Latin word, meaning “more” or “greater.”

It comes from the motto of the Jesuits: “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (“To the greater glory of God”). The full theme Father Earl chose is “MAGIS Charged with the Grandeur of God.” “Magis is all about God’s greater glory, God’s living presence, God’s working presence in us and amongst us – God’s presence becoming more clear, more compelling, more complete,” he said.

St. Peter Church will kick off the Jesuits’ silver anniversary with an alumni gathering March 19-20.

A bronze statue of St. Ignatius will be unveiled during the two-day celebration, and hundreds of Jesuits from around the U.S. are expected to attend.

The bronze statue is designed by artist Shelley Coleman Smith, a graduate of Queens University who is now the art conservator at the Judd Foundation in Marfa, Texas. It will be placed in the garden courtyard between St. Peter Church and the administrative building.

“The Jesuit alumni groups are all excited because no one has ever done something like this,” said Julie Pomeroy, communications coordinator at St. Peter Church and a member of the anniversary celebration steering committee.

“We are really excited, too. There are hundreds of Jesuits in our area who will attend.”

Parishioners and visitors to St. Peter Church can get a sneak peek of the new statue on special 25th-anniversary prayer cards that have been tucked into all the church hymnals.

For more information about St. Peter Church and its 25th anniversary celebrations, go online to stpeterscatholic.org.

Check out a special video about the 25th anniversary on You Tube at youtube.com/watch?v=nMOANAsHc8E.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next week: Jan. 29 – 11 a.m.

Ordination to Permanent Diaconate St. Mark Church, Huntersville Jan. 31 – 10 a.m.

Mass for Catholic Schools Week Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville Feb. 3 – 10 a.m.

Mass for Catholic Schools Week Sacred Heart School, Salisbury

BELMONT

GASTONIA

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 N. MAIN ST.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH, 708 st. michael’s lane

— Centering Prayer Sessions, Room B, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays.

Contact Peggy Geiger at 704-865-0898.

CHARLOTTE CAMPUS MINISTRY, 9408 SANDBURG ROAD — Wednesday Dinners, 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, open to all college students. Visit sco.uncc.edu/catholic.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Roman Missal Revision Workshop, 1:45-4:45 p.m. Jan. 30.

Contact Michael Burck at mburck@stmatthewcatholic. org or 704-541-8362 ext. 4.

— Anticipatory Grief, presented with Hospice of Charlotte, 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 — Back to Basics Catholicism 101: The Church, presented by Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, NLC Room 203, 11 a.m.12:15 p.m. Feb. 2, 9 and 16, and March 2 — Back to Basics: Survey of the New Testament, presented

by Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, NLC Room 203, 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesdays

This week’s spotlight: Lunar New Year The Lunar New Year will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 3. Several parishes’ Asian communities are planning events: n Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., High Point, Chinese Celebration of Lunar New Year, Meeting Room 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 7. RSVP to Nancy at nkvalego@yahoo.com or 336-884-0522. n Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, Vietnamese Mass for the Lunar New Year, 6 p.m. Jan. 30 n St. Mary Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro, Vietnamese Mass for the Lunar New Year, 2 p.m. Feb. 6

— Natural Family Planning Introducation and Full Course, 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Feb. 5. RSVP required to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

GREENSBORO our lady of grace church, 2205 W. market St. — Film: The Story of Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano, Our Lady’s Cottage, 7 p.m. Feb. 8. Contact Greg at gregrinaldi@yahoo.com or 336-665-5899.

— Straight Talk ...For Men, Our Lady’s Cottage, 6:30-8 p.m.

Feb. 21, March 21, April 18, and May 16. Contact John Endredy at jendredy@gmail.com or 336-202-9635.

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, 2715 HORSE PEN CREEK ROAD — Eucharistic Adoration, 5:30-7 p.m. and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. first Friday of each month

ST. PIUS X CHURCH, 2210 N. ELM ST. — Eucharistic Adoration, 6-9 p.m. first Friday of each month

— Cancer Support Group, New Life Center, 10 a.m.-noon first Thursday of each month — National Mental Alliance on Mental Illness Meeting, Family Life Center Room 202, 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. Contact David Rains at 704-900-5444 or Sister Marie Frechette at 704-543-7677 ext. 1073. our lady of the assumption church, 4207 SHAMROCK DR. — Volando a La Luz Del Sol Que es Jesucristo: El Evangelio Según San Juan, 7:30 p.m. 1, 8, 15 y 22 de febrero

st. thomas aquinas church, 1400 suther road — Taizé Prayer Service, 7 p.m. Feb. 15 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, 6828 OLD REID ROAD — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Reflection, with Father Christopher Roux, 9 a.m. Feb. 7. Membership is not required to attend. Contact Linda Granzow at jlgranzow@ windstream.net or 704-847-7872.

— Catholics Returning Home Program, Faith Formation Center, 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14 and 21, and March 1 and 7. Register at 704-554-7088.

HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 STUMPTOWN ROAD — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novenas, 6:30 p.m. Mondays — Eucharistic Adoration, Chapel, 7:30 a.m. Fridays-8:45 a.m.

Saturdays

MOUNT AIRY Holy angels church, 1208 n. main st.

— Missa Cantata, noon Jan. 30

st. peter church, 507 s. tryon st.

— Ignatian Retreat for Women, 8:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 29. Free parking in the Green Parking Garage next door. Register at ignatianretreat@gmail.com or 704-332-2901.

— God Grew Tired of Us, film about the Sudanese Lost Boys, Biss Hall, 7 p.m. Feb. 2. Contact raisingsudan@gmail.com or Bob Cook at 704-616-4469.

— Raising Sudan: From Education Comes...Peace, Biss Hall, 10:15 a.m. Feb. 6. Contact raisingsudan@gmail.com or Bob Cook at 704-616-4469.

January 28, 2011 Volume 20 • Number 9

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: Cindi Feerick 704-370-3332, ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

DENVER

WINSTON-SALEM

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HIGHWAY 16 — Moving On After Moving In, class open to women which deals with the spiritual, emotional and practical needs of making a move or life transition, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 3.

Contact Candy at 704-489-1696 or Maureen at 704-4890544.

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 KINNAMON ROAD — Charismatic Prayer Group, Chapel, 7:15 p.m. Mondays

— Cancer Support Group, PAC Room 8, 2-3 p.m. Feb 8

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 35 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photographs for publication in our print and online PDF editions.

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: For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Cindi Feerick at 704-370-3332 or ckfeerick@

— Eucharistic Adoration, Curlin Center, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Thursdays Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Calendar is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org or fax to 704-370-3382.

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.

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

OUR PARISHESI

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Books and bears bring cheer to those in need Joanita M. Nellenbach Correspondent

Marian Cowhig Owen | Catholic News Herald

The Diocese of Charlotte’s African American Affairs Ministry sponsored a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 22 at St. Mary Church in Greensboro. The event featured a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman of Greenville United A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, who asked participants like those pictured above to list and discuss issues of concern to the black community today versus the early days of the modern civil rights movement. The celebration also included a dance performed by Our Lady of Consolation Church parishioners Cirsten and Chevonna Nimmons and other members of a troupe called F.L.O.W. (Faith Leading Our Way), plus a trip to the new civil rights museum in Greensboro.

Remembering Martin and Malcolm Diocesan MLK Day celebration honors civil rights heroes’ impact on community Marian Cowhig Owen Correspondent

GREENSBORO — Martin did more than have a dream.

Malcolm used more than a fist. And the strategies of these two civil rights heroes are still relevant to Americans today, said the Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman, who gave the keynote address at a diocesan celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week.

“Too many of our young people have no idea who (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X) really were,” he said at the Jan. 22 event, sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte’s African American Affairs Ministry. “We have a tendency to only think about them in pigeonholes, instead of how they evolved.”

Shipman is pastor of Charlotte’s Greenville Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, a denomination known as the “freedom church” because of its role in the abolitionist movement.

Though the civil rights movement of the 1960s made great strides for black Americans, the community still seeks change.

Shipman asked the 95 attendees at the celebration, held at St. Mary Church in Greensboro, to list issues facing their community. Those issues – poverty, unemployment, equal education and health care – are similar to the issues being tackled in the ’60s, Shipman noted, and the same philosophies used then can have an impact today.

Both King and Malcolm X saw self-respect as integral to advancing civil rights. For King, this meant emphasizing blacks’ link to America; for Malcolm X, it emphasized the link to Africa.

Above all, Shipman said, “genuine self-respect means seeing yourself not as a Negro but as a human being.”

Other elements of King’s civil rights strategy were high moral standards, wholehearted work, leadership and nonviolence.

Malcolm X’s vision emphasized unity, self-knowledge, self-love,

self-defense and separation, said Shipman, who is planning a book about the two men.

The Jan. 22 celebration evoked diverse aspects of the African American experience. African American Affairs Ministry director Sandy Murdock got the crowd’s attention with the African greeting “Ago,” and they responded “Ame.” Following an African tradition, Shipman began his presentation by recognizing the elders of the group and asking their permission to proceed. Later, he asked attendees to gather in small groups, saying conversations like these were the roots of the movement – “both Martin and Malcolm began at a lunch table.”

The group finished the day-long celebration by touring Greensboro’s new International Civil Rights Museum. Open for almost a year, the museum occupies the former F.W. Woolworth drug store, the site of one of the South’s first lunch-counter sit-ins.

In February 1960, four freshmen at what is now North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University attempted to integrate the Woolworth lunch counter. They were refused service, but they and other students returned over the coming weeks until the lunch counter was integrated that summer.

The sit-in kicked off a wave of activism across the South, particularly among students. The museum places the Woolworth sit-in in the context of the larger civil rights movement, from boycotts to marches to legal victories.

Though King, Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders all had different perspectives about how to achieve their goals, each offered himself in service to his community.

Service to others – that’s the most potent strategy, Shipman said.

Through service, we act for others through grace and love, he said, pointing to a quote from King: “Everybody can be great.

Because anyone can serve.”

HAYESVILLE — Donna Brummert, a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville, has started a creative ministry to give hope to people experiencing troubled times.

She tucks little toy bears, prayer cards and inspirational books into gift baskets and sends them to people who are ill, having a difficult time in life, or who just need a little cheer and a reminder that God loves them.

With the help of fellow parishioners, Brummert and the “Books and Bears” Ministry has given 10 of these loving gifts since she and her husband James moved there in October.

The youngest recipient was a 19-year-old pregnant friend. Her bear featured a button on the back that she could push to hear a recording of a human heartbeat. The baby now falls asleep to the sound every night, Brummert said.

The oldest to receive a book and bear was an 86-year-old woman who is undergoing chemotherapy.

“Her daughter said her mom’s spirits picked up,” Brummert said, “when the mailman delivered her basket that contained an inspirational book, a bear named Hope, and a prayer card.”

Brummert placed an announcement in the church bulletin: “Books and Bears from someone who cares would also like to include the military families from our parish. I would like to start with those serving in Iraq.”

Parishioner Maureen Gustafson called about her son, Navy Cmdr. Timothy Keeton, who soon received a book and bear.

“Age doesn’t seem to matter,” Brummert said. “It just makes the recipient glad to know that someone cares and is thinking of them.”

Books and Bears began when Brummert volunteered at an after-school program in Altoona, Penn., in 2001.

Looking at the bears and children’s books that she had collected over the years, she wondered, “Why should I keep all these books and bears when no one’s enjoying them but me?” She started giving them to the children as rewards for improving their grades in school, especially reading.

Joanne Guggisberg, the parish’s catechist coordinator, lets her know who might need a gift, then Brummert finds the toy bears, inspirational books and journals on sale or second-hand in pristine condition and assembles the baskets.

Father George Kloster, Immaculate Heart of Mary’s pastor, blesses the little bears before Mass, and then children selected by Guggisberg look after the bears and sit beside them in the pews.

After Mass, Brummert puts a tag on a ribbon around each bear’s neck. “My name is HOPE,” it reads. “I sat in the pew at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville, N.C., listening to Scripture, hymns and prayers. I am given to you as a special gift and reminder of God’s blessings and love.”

The message concludes with 1 Corinthians 13:8, which begins, “Love bears all things ... .”

Said Brummert, “With my ministry of Books and Bears (or whatever you might do for others), you never know what your small act of kindness might do to make the recipients feel better on the exact day they needed it most.”

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Sisters of Mercy Foundation announces $1.6M in grants Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $1,637,204 to 38 non-profit organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina. The money will be used for a variety of purposes including affordable housing, children’s services, crisis assistance, education, food distribution, health care, immigration assistance, job training, legal services and social services.

Since 1996 the Sisters of Mercy Foundation has awarded 1,096 grants totaling more than $49,490,000 to organizations serving unserved or underserved populations.

Benefiting from the most recent grants in the Diocese of Charlotte are: n A Child’s Place of Charlotte, works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to provide education and support services for children and their families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. They were awarded $50,000 to provide support for social work staff. n Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council, Salisbury, works to strengthen families by providing parenting information and by preventing adolescent pregnancy.

They will receive $43,450 to provide assistance for the Teen Parent Support Services Program. n Adult Enrichment Services of Wilkes County, North Wilkesboro, provides a protective environment and program for combined adult day care and day health services. Their $50,000 grant will provide support for a registered nurse for the Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Health Program. n Alexander Youth Network, Charlotte, operates behavioral health programs for emotionally troubled children and a nationally accredited child development center. Their $62,888 grant will provide for start-up costs for two Intensive In-Home Service Teams in Charlotte and Gaston County. n All Souls Counseling Center, Asheville, will receive $65,000 for general operating support. The organization provides affordable mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families, regardless of ability to pay.

n Asheville City Schools Foundation promotes educational success for students by engaging and mobilizing the community to support enriching and innovative educational activities. They will receive $35,000 to support In Real Life, a new after school program for students of Asheville Middle School. n Belmont Community Development Corp., Charlotte, was awarded $38,325 to provide general operating support. The organization works to provide affordable housing as well as educational and living wage employment opportunities. n Centro de Enlace, Burnsville, empowers Latinos and immigrants to access the full range of opportunities available to them.

They will receive $21,659 to provide support for an outreach worker. n Children and Family Resource Center, Hendersonville, works to improve the lives of children by providing counsel, resources and direct services for families. Their $27,260 grant will help support the Parents as Teachers Program. n City of Charlotte Neighborhood and Business Services Department, strives to improve Charlotte’s neighborhoods. They were awarded $17,000 to provide operating support for the Truancy Prevention Program. n Crisis Control Ministry, Winston-Salem, will receive $35,000 to provide salary support for a full-time pharmacist. The ministry responds to the critical needs of people by assisting with rent, utilities, food, clothing and medicine. n Exchange/SCAN Child and Parenting Center, Statesville, assists adults and children regarding problems relating to child abuse, neglect and deprivation. They were awarded $35,000 to provide support for the Parent Aide Program. n Guilford Child Development, Greensboro, helps children and families to reach their full potential by working with numerous community organizations to maximize government funding. Their $51,000 grant will help support a nurse home visitor. n Heart Society of Gaston County, Gastonia, increases awareness of cardiac GRANTs, SEE page 7

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

GRANTS FROM PAGE 6

disease, promotes heart healthy lifestyles and provides services to heart patients. They were awarded $15,000 to provide support for the Medication Assistance Program. n The Hunger and Health Coalition, Boone, will receive $29,000 to support the Pharmacy Assistance Program. The coalition helps relieve poverty and hunger for people experiencing immediate but temporary economic hardship and food shortages. n Irene Wortham Center, Asheville, delivers comprehensive, quality residential and day services for individuals with developmental challenges. Their $54,000 grant will be used to purchase assistive equipment for a new Adult Day Activity Center. n Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Charlotte, was awarded $100,000 to provide support for Jacob’s Ladder West. Jacob’s Ladder is a job placement service aimed at helping chronically unemployed and underemployed individuals obtain and sustain living wage employment. n Meals on Wheels, Asheville, provides nutritious meals to elderly homebound individuals. They will receive $35,000 to buy food. n Meals on Wheels of Rowan, Salisbury, provides nutritionally balanced hot meals and a daily visit to the homebound. Their $10,000 grant will help offset the costs of meals. n Mecklenburg County Health Department, Charlotte, offers a spectrum of services to address the leading health challenges of the community. They will receive $67,549 to provide support for a social worker as well as operating support for the Community Alternative Program for Disabled Adults. n Men’s Shelter, Charlotte, provides shelter and opportunities for homeless men to rebuild their lives by offering

services such as assistance with substance abuse, mental health problems, education, employment and housing. Their $50,000 grant will provide operating support. n Pisgah Legal Services, Asheville, provides legal services for economically disadvantaged persons. Their $70,000 grant will be used to help provide support for an attorney and legal assistant to establish a satellite office in Rutherford County. n Residential and Support Services, Charlotte, provides housing, programs and support for developmentally disabled individuals and their families. Their $25,000 grant will provide operating support for the First in Families Program. n The Salvation Army, Charlotte, provides programs and services to elevate the moral, physical, spiritual and social conditions of individuals. Their $100,000 grant will provide operating support for the Hampton Crest Transitional Housing Project. n St. Peter’s Homes, Charlotte, was awarded $30,000 for operating support, specifically to assist with salaries. St. Peter’s Homes provides affordable housing and alleviates homelessness by operating McCreesh Place, a single-room occupancy apartment community with 63 permanent housing units and on-site support services for formerly homeless, disabled men. n United Family Services, Charlotte, provides services such as counseling and education, domestic violence services and victim assistance. They were awarded $47,283 for salary support of a child and family advocate. n Urban Ministry Center, Charlotte, is an interfaith organization involved in ministries of compassion and in the study of urban issues, especially those impacting the poor, homeless and others in need. Their $50,000 grant will provide support for the Substance Abuse Education and Recovery Treatment Program. n W.I.S.H. Program, Charlotte, empowers homeless working families to achieve economic independence in safe neighborhoods. They will receive $49,675 to provide support for the Workforce Initiative for Supporting Housing Program.

OUR PARISHESI

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Louie Verrecchio

T

What does ‘active participation’ mean, anyway?

he widespread misunderstanding of “active participation” in the sacred liturgy has undoubtedly been one of the most disruptive forces in Catholic life after Vatican II. It is no surprise it has often been the subject of recent papal instruction.

In his 2007 apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist, “Sacramentum Caritatis,” Pope Benedict XVI said, “We must not overlook the fact that some misunderstanding has arisen concerning the precise meaning of participation. It should be made clear that the word ‘participation’ does not refer to mere external activity during the celebration.”

“In fact,” the Holy Father continued, “the active participation called for by the (Second Vatican) Council must be understood in more substantial terms, on the basis of a greater awareness of the mystery being celebrated and its relationship to daily life.”

So, if assigning liturgical duties to laypeople, transposing sacred texts into everyday language or choreographing innovations like the “Folk Mass” aren’t keys to fostering active participation, what is?

The Council Fathers give us the answer in the very title to the section of “Sacrosanctum Concilium”: “The Promotion of Liturgical Instruction and Active Participation.”

Liturgical instruction and the promotion of active participation simply go hand in hand! As we discussed last week, to participate in the sacred liturgy in an authentic way, we must first be made aware of what is taking place. Liturgical instruction is the key.

Catechesis, in fact, is the vehicle that moves us in the liturgy “from the visible to the invisible, from the sign to the thing signified, from the sacraments to the mysteries” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1075).

To illustrate the importance of catechesis, consider for a moment how you experienced Mass in your youth – whether your spiritual youth or your actual youth. How many of us can admit to once thinking of the Mass as largely mechanical and needlessly ritualistic? Stand up, sit down, kneel, recite this, recite that...

The missing ingredient? Catechesis.

Without it our awareness is destined to remain trapped in the externals of the

sacred liturgy, consigning us to lives of spiritual immaturity.

It is for this reason that the Council Fathers vigorously stressed the necessity of catechesis, saying, “Pastors of souls must zealously strive to achieve active participation by means of the necessary instruction of the faithful” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 14).

This instruction is not just something that would be nice if we can find the time to do it.

It is “necessary”!

Pastors are told, therefore, that they “must strive” to carry it out. How? “Zealously”!

This is deliberately strong language coming from the Council.

In his ad limina address to the U.S. bishops in 1998, Pope John Paul II specifically referred to the misguided view that promoting “active participation” is synonymous with creating ever more diverse troupes of “lay ministers.”

“Full participation does not mean that everyone does everything, since this would lead to a clericalizing of the laity and a laicizing of the priesthood; and this was not what the Council had in mind,” the Holy Father said. “The liturgy, like the Church, is intended to be hierarchical and polyphonic, respecting the different roles assigned by Christ and allowing all the different voices to blend in one great hymn of praise.”

Pope Benedict XVI made a similar point in Sacramentum Caritatis: “Active participation is not equivalent to the exercise of a specific ministry. Fruitful participation in the liturgy requires that one be personally conformed to the mystery being celebrated.”

The Holy Father is speaking about interior disposition. He goes on to tell us that its development is greatly aided by “mystagogical catechesis;” that is, the kind of liturgical instruction that illuminates for us, to the extent possible, what Mass truly is – a sacred mystery.

Mystery in the theological sense does not mean entirely unknowable; rather, it refers to a truth that is so great and so profound that we can refer to it only by way of analogy and through signs. The word “mystery” comes from the Greek “mysterion” and it is often translated in the Latin as “sacramentum” (“sacrament”).

Some of you may recall the Baltimore \

‘Though many of us simply assume that “active participation” is the equivalent of “doing something,” it is not.’

Catechism definition: “A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.”

Mass, instituted by Christ and containing many outward signs, is like the sacraments, of which the Council said, “Because they are signs they instruct” (SC 59).

Consider once again the instructive role played by sacred signs. Everything we encounter in Mass – every word spoken or sung, every posture and gesture, every sign and symbol, every furnishing and vessel – all of it should serve the singular purpose of drawing the faithful ever more deeply into the mystical work of Christ, who is truly present and active in the sacred liturgy.

When the things we introduce into the liturgy point more toward us than to sacred mystery – and let’s be honest, this has happened often over the past 40-plus years – we cannot help but lose sight of what Mass truly is. This naturally leads to a distorted view of what active participation truly means, thus paving the way for even more earthbound elements to be thrust upon the sacred liturgy. And so the vicious cycle continues, until our sense of the sacred is all but destroyed.

How often we have equated our participation in Mass with mere externals alone; getting caught up in things like reading at the ambo, singing in the choir, carrying up the gifts, serving as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, offering the sign of peace to 27 of our closest neighbors right in the middle of Mass...

If we confine our understanding of participation to these activities alone, it

Learn more This is part 4 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal. Our series will be compiled online at catholicnewsherald.com.

For even more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ extensive material online at usccb. org/romanmissal.

cannot be said that we are truly engaged in “fully conscious and active participation” as Holy Mother Church intends it. Why not?

The answer is simple: because the sacred mystery into which Christ invites us cannot be so confined.

Now don’t get me wrong. You might be a perfectly wonderful cantor, a clear and articulate lector, a diligent and dignified usher, etc., and if you are, please don’t be offended. Just know this: to participate in Mass in a meaningful way, everything we do must be carried out in harmony with the interior disposition necessary to remain ever aware that we are taking part in nothing less than God’s saving action mysteriously made present in our midst. Apart from this, our activities at Mass are utterly meaningless.

Though many of us simply assume that “active participation” is the equivalent of “doing something,” it is not. Pope John Paul II corrected this error when he said, “Active participation does not preclude the active passivity of silence, stillness and listening: indeed, it demands it.”

The active passivity of silence. What an excellent phrase! How often we resist silence and stillness these days because we assume that they are the enemy of active participation, when in fact they are necessary requirements for it.

Louie Verrecchio is a Catholic speaker and Catholic News Agency columnist. For more information go to harvestingthefruit.com. This series is excerpted from the book “And with Your Spirit – Recovering a sense of the sacred in the English translation of the Roman Missal – 3rd Edition.”

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Gained in translation The challenges of the Roman Missal

Peter Feuerherd U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

“A translator is a traitor.”

Father Paul Turner, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, knows the saying as an inside joke among those who move words, phrases and meanings from one language to another. He points out that the joke works better in Italian, in which the words for “traitor” and “translator” are almost the same.

But in any language the phrase points to a greater truth, said Father Turner, a Latin scholar who worked for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy that developed the revised translation of the Roman Missal.

“Anytime you translate you are doing your best. But it is nearly impossible to capture all the nuances and bring them into a new language,” he said.

At the ICEL commission meetings Father Turner served as a recorder of the proceedings held by 11 bishops from the English-speaking world. Led by Bishop Arthur Roche of Leeds, England, the group reviewed liturgical translations. Along with other scholars, Father Turner, who is also pastor of St. Muchin Church in Cameron, Mo., could raise points about meaning and grammar, but only the bishops voted on the actual approvals.

Sometimes proposed suggestions were inserted into the revised texts; other times suggestions failed to win approval. The group, Father Turner said, was determined that the original Latin of the liturgical texts be faithfully rendered into English.

“We want the liturgy to be understood,” he said. “But those who pray it have to know that it is the prayer being brought to us by the tradition.” The result, for American Catholics who first encounter the Missal, will take some adjustment.

The current translation focuses on rendering the texts understandable to modern English-speakers. The revised translation will focus more on keeping the

Workshops planned St. Matthew Catholic Church will offer a series of workshops on adult faith formation using the U.S. bishops’ materials on the revised Missal. The workshops will be held: 1:45-4:45 p.m.

Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 12, and 7-9:30 p.m.

March 15. Contact Michael Burck at mburck@ stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-541-8362, ext. 4.

nuances in the original Latin. The result will be the use of some words not normally a part of everyday American English.

“It’s not that the translation we have is wrong or heretical. But what we gained in fluidity (in English) we lost in nuance (from the Latin),” Father Turner said.

For example: the revised translation sometimes uses the word “ineffable” to describe the power of God. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as anything “incapable of being expressed in words.”

While not a part of daily English speech, “it’s a great word when you talk about the mystery of God. It is a word that means we are speechless before God.” When taken in context, he said, English speakers will become familiar with it for a description of a mysterious quality of God. Other examples: in the Creed of the revised Missal, the old translation read that Jesus was “one in being” with the Father.

The revised translation will describe this relationship as “consubstantial,” an English word as close to the original Latin meaning as possible.

It may sound strange at first but, notes Father Turner, English-speaking Christians through the ages have recited the Lord’s Prayer, with its famous phrase, “hallowed be thy name.” The word “hallowed” is rarely used in English anymore, but English speakers reciting the Lord’s Prayer easily recognize it in that context. The same should hold true for the terminology in the revised Missal, he said.

Must-watch TV EWTN will air a one-hour presentation by Monsignor James P. Moroney, “A New Translation for a New Roman Missal,” at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, and 5 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Monsignor Moroney is the former executive director of the U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for the Liturgy and the executive secretary of the Vox Clara Committee, created by the Vatican in 2002 to advise the Congregation of Divine Worship on the English translation.

Editor’s note: In coming weeks on these pages, the Catholic News Herald also will publish a series of Q&As with Monsignor Moroney.

catholic news heraldI

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Changes coming Some changes in wording at Mass that will come with the revised Roman Missal in English at Advent 2011 Part of Mass

Present Wording

Revised Wording

People’s response at the Greeting, Preface Dialogue, Sign of Peace and Concluding Rites

And also with you.

And with your spirit.

...I have sinned through my own fault...

...I have greatly sinned... through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault...

Gloria

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory...

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. ...

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen... ...one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. ...

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. ... ...consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made. ...

Sanctus

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts. ...

Mystery of Faith (Memorial Acclamation, form A)

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

Penitential Act (form A)

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 FROM THE COVER

Caring for life, giving ‘Women and children are the hardest hit when it comes to an economic downturn. When a young lady discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant, the human survival mode kicks in and an overwhelming amount of questions enter the mind. Our program assists women in sorting through those questions, prioritizing viable, life-affirming solutions and mapping out a roadway of practical assistance. By educating the client on what is available, how to care for herself and her children, and instilling a sense of pride and self-esteem by earning what she needs, this program has the potential to not only save lives of unborn citizens but also change lives forever.’

— Crystal Regan

director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Denver, N.C.

The Pregnancy Care Center of Denver, N.C., helps expectant mothers plan for their baby’s arrivals and care for their needs. One new mom recently assisted by the center is Alyssa Edwards, pictured above with her fiancé Ian Goodwin and their baby Benjamin. Right now they each live with their parents but jointly care for Benjamin. Ian is working and Alyssa is studying to become a cosmetologist. They share similar sentiments about Benjamin. “It took some time getting used to [parenting], but I wouldn’t trade him for the world,” Alyssa says. Ian adds, “He is definitely a treasure, something to hold onto!”

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

hope Photos by Doreen Sugierski

FROM THE COVERI

The Pregnancy Care Center in Denver, N.C., helps women carry their babies to term by providing emotional support and practical assistance.

Day in, day out, volunteers help expectant moms face the future with hope for themselves and their children.

How you can help Pray for expectant mothers in need, that they may choose life, and pray for the people who support and care for them.

Donate money or items such as cribs, car seats, baby clothing, diapers, baby wipes, toiletries or gas cards.

Volunteer as a peer mentor, receptionist or boutique organizer.

Ask to arrange speaking engagements for the center’s director, Crystal Regan.

How to contact them

Tracy Cole, the center’s client services director, adds donated items to the “Boutique” at the Pregnancy Care Center. Clients earn points for being on time to appointments, attending parenting classes and Bible studies, going to school or maintaining a job, going to church and various other activities. They are able to spend the points they earn in the boutique, which has items such as cribs, baby clothes, car seats, toys and more. Diapers and baby formula are also provided to clients as needed.

Crystal Regan speaks to the Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club recently. She is passionate about bringing the pro-life message and information about the Pregnancy Care Center to any interested church or community group.

Justin and Amanda Lobdell come to the center for Bible studies and relationship classes. They are currently enrolled in a court-ordered parenting skills class to be reunited with their two children The Pregnancy Care Center provides pregnancy education, relationship management tools, and parenting education as well as post-abortion recovery support. Counselors and mentors are volunteers who have been trained to support the clients’ needs.

Director Crystal Regan, volunteer counselor Evelyn Jachimiec, volunteer receptionist Ruth Benson and client services director Tracy Cole walk outside the building that the center moved into last February, a converted house on Highway 16 in Denver. The center is now raising money to buy the building and access the full basement to add counseling space and a private rear entrance.

Nadine Mooney and daughter Ellery, 17 months, select clothes and toys to donate to the center. Nadine says that “it is very meaningful to me to pass along all of Ellery’s baby items and clothing to the center, knowing that they will help other mothers care for their babies.”

Pregnancy Care Center of Denver 4264 North N.C. Hwy 16 Denver, N.C. 28037 704-489-0708 e-mail: elpccenter@bellsouth.net They are online at eastlincolnpcc.org.

“Baby Bottle Boomerang” is a fundraiser that brings in approximately $10,000 per year for the center.

Members of local churches, including parishioners at Holy Spirit Church in Denver, take home baby bottles and fill them with loose change or donations.

Also, an annual Walk for Life fundraiser held at Rock Springs Elementary School in Denver brings the community out to support the center and its pro-life mission.

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iiiJanuary 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

CNS | Octavio Duran

A pro-life supporter holds a crucifix during the annual March for Life rally in Washington Jan. 24.

Elections re-energized pro-life movement, lawmakers, Cantor says

Praying for

LIFE

FROM TH

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia said that after being out of power on Capitol Hill for the past couple of years, pro-life supporters in Congress and across the nation have been re-energized since last November’s elections brought in “the biggest pro-life freshman class in memory. The tide has turned,” Cantor said in remarks at the March for Life rally on the National Mall, held Jan. 24 to mark the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

Jan. 22 was the official anniversary date, but the March for Life was organized for the following Monday to allow participants to visit their representatives on the Hill after a noon rally and a march along Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court.

Members of the House pledge to institute a government-wide ban on the use of federal funds for abortion, said Cantor. He acknowledged that any pro-life legislation will face an uphill battle in the Senate and with President Barack Obama, a supporter of keeping abortion legal, but “the people’s House will stand unapologetically for life,” Cantor said.

Bishop likens march participants to pilgrims WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., likened people coming to the Capitol to take part in the annual March for Life to pilgrims. And in that effort, they are linked to “the most blessed of all pilgrims – the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Bishop Lori said in his homily at a Jan. 24 Mass that concluded an overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

“Our journey is not necessarily an easy one,” Bishop Lori said. “We got up earlier than we ever thought imaginable to get on a plane to be here” or “had to be cooped up for hours in bus rides” for the march, which is held each year to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision that permitted abortion virtually on demand.

But Mary’s pilgrimage to see her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, “was not easy,” he noted. “She didn’t have buses or roads or fast-food franchises. She made her way along narrow paths or mountain roads upon which she walked.”

Now, Bishop Lori said, “Mary joins us in this pilgrimage dedicated to the cause of life ... from the moment of conception until natural death.”

— Catholic News Service

CNS photo | Peter Lockley

March for Life participants make their way up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court building in Washington Jan. 24. The annual pro-life demonstration marks the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the nation.

HE COVER

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnewsiii

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Hundreds of thousands assemble in D.C. against abortion Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency/EWTN

Pilgrims from Diocese of Charlotte make voices heard in D.C. SueAnn Howell Staff writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An estimated 1,200 of the faithful from the Diocese of Charlotte boarded charter buses and made the eight-hour drive to Washington, D.C., Jan. 23-24 to add their voices to the annual March for Life and prayers calling for an end to abortion in the U.S. As one group of parishioners from St. Mark Church in Huntersville boarded their bus in the pre-dawn hours Sunday, pastor Monsignor Richard Bellow greeted them and prayed for these “spiritual warriors” before their departure.

“You are going to do battle. You are going to give a voice to the voiceless, standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” Monsignor Bellow told them.

After the pilgrims from Huntersville boarded their bus, with people ranging from infancy to retirees, they heard from organizers Gini and Allen Bond.

Gini Bond, who is the Respect Life Committee coordinator at St. Mark Church, said, “You’re in for a life-changing experience. You’ll want to come back and you’ll want to do things between the marches and all the other things we can do to protect life and to change hearts. That’s where the victory will be won, with the changing of hearts of the people.”

“Our family is going to the March for Life because we want to save babies’ lives,” said Hannah Martin, 7, of Huntersville. “We want to give them a chance to stay alive and see the world.”

After arriving in D.C. Sunday night and sleeping a few hours on the floor of a Knights of Columbus banquet hall in Arlington, Va., the weary travelers from St. Mark were treated to free meals provided by the Knights Council 2473 before heading to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the annual Mass for Life for North Carolinians Monday morning.

Parishioners from both the Charlotte and — Chris Bond of Charlotte Raleigh dioceses filled to capacity the upper church in the basilica, joining in solidarity with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, who was the main celebrant, and Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, who was the homilist. Priests and deacons from both dioceses were also present.

“We are here because of our love of Christ,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily. “[Our motivation] is our love for Christ. Jesus has placed his love into our hearts, which moves us to share the Gospel of Life with our brothers and sisters who are hurt, crushed, left confused and in darkness

‘I can’t change any laws regarding abortion, but I can add my voice to the thousands of others and try to change the hearts of Americans.’

because of the culture of abortion which has captured them. Christ’s love motivates us to come to the aid of others, inviting them to come into the light of Christ.”

At the conclusion of Mass, the North Carolina pilgrims again boarded their buses and headed to the National Mall to join the March for Life.

They merged with a sea of people of all ages and ethnicities walking up Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Supreme Court building. There was a feeling of great anticipation as hundreds of thousands of people, some bearing signs with pro-life messages, some wheeling children in strollers, some praying the rosary and some chanting pro-life phrases – all in peaceful witness to the sanctity of all human life.

Many paused in front of the Supreme Court to pray. The St. Mark pilgrims paused to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, asking for God’s mercy on the U.S. and for a change in the unjust laws that have cost so many innocent lives.

Three Catholic Social Services staff from Charlotte also attended the march: Maggi Nadol (Respect Life program director), Gerry Carter (CSS acting executive director) and Joe Purello (Justice and Peace office director).

“This is my third year at the March for Life, and each year it gets to me,” said Daniel Pressley, a St. Mark Life Teen member. “It simply amazes me that a country that was established on the idea of ‘freedom’ and ‘equal rights’ can kill itself off. Abortion is a cancer not only to our country but the whole world. On the other hand, seeing all these people, young and old, both Christian and non-Christian, all come together is mind-blowing.”

After they had braved hours of below-freezing temperatures during the march, the pilgrims then boarded their buses and returned home in the early morning hours Tuesday.

“One is either part of the problem or part of the solution,” said Chris Bond of Charlotte. “I can’t change any laws regarding abortion but I can add my voice to the thousands of others and try to change the hearts of Americans.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hundreds of thousands of people packed the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Jan. 24 to show their support for the human rights of the unborn at the annual March for Life.

This year’s march marked the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade and the 37th annual march.

Following morning youth rallies that for the first time were held in two locations to accommodate larger-than-usual crowds totaling about 28,000, demonstrators assembled on the Washington Mall before proceeding to the steps of the Supreme Court.

Although the city of Washington, D.C., does not provide estimates of the crowd size at the yearly event, organizers estimated that up to 400,000 people were at this year’s march.

Growing youth participation, possibly assisted by online social media, has nearly quadrupled the size of the march during the past decade.

The evening before the march, thousands gathered in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas, and chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, celebrated the Mass for a capacity crowd at the nation’s largest Catholic church.

Cardinal DiNardo drew particular encouragement from the presence of many young people who came from across the nation to advocate for the rights of the unborn. He described the ABORTION, SEE page 24

Related news Bill introduced to ban public abortion funding permanently. See page 18.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 FROM THE COVER

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Belmont Abbey monks, Belmont Abbey College students and alumni, and college president Dr. Bill Thierfelder converged on the nation’s capital to participate in the annual march, tour the Capitol and meet with their Congressman, Republican Patrick McHenry, a 1999 graduate of the college.

(Top) St. Mark Church pilgrims are pictured just before joining the March for Life; (center) Anthony Rivera, 15, holds a prolife banner on Constitution Avenue during his interview with ABC News; (bottom) Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Bishop Peter J. Jugis concelebrate Mass at the basilica in D.C. sueann howell | catholic news herald

More online More photos from the March for Life in Washington, D.C., are posted online at charlottenewsherald.com.

Belmont Abbey College students tour Capitol, take part in march Mary Beth Worthington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “We need good people who have the right values and are willing to work hard!”

Belmont Abbey College students heard this challenge Sunday night as they sat on the floor of the Capitol. Addressing them was a 1999 Abbey alumnus, Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry.

“There are moments when you get frustrated,” McHenry told the students. “We have to make sure this is a rational debate – we need to take away the misconceptions and replace them with the facts.”

McHenry, a fourth-term congressman from western North Carolina, also gave the group of 75 college students, staff and alumni an insider’s tour that included the Capitol’s rotunda, crypt and halls.

“Your presence does have a very powerful impact on what we do here,” McHenry said.

“I am very grateful to see my constituents at the March for Life.”

“The look of wonder and excitement on the faces of our students as they walked onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives brought me the greatest joy,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Belmont Abbey College’s president. “The questions they asked Congressman McHenry, and his answers back to them, showed that they were thinking, ‘Wow, maybe I could be a member of the House or Senate.’ My hope is that this experience will inspire some of them to enter the public square and continue the work begun at Belmont Abbey College, which is building a culture of excellence and virtue.”

Abbey sophomore Kathleen Lindsley, 20, was thrilled to “be able to talk to a BAC alum who had come all this way.”

During their three-day stay in Washington, D.C., the students also heard from Dr. John Bruchalski, a former abortion provider. After returning to the faith and then fighting 18 months to be able to stop participating in abortions, contraception and sterilizations, he opened the Tepeyac Family Center, a pro-life medical center in northern Virginia.

“It was very inspiring in terms of his conversion from being an abortion provider,” said junior Anthony Perlas, 21.

“God is raising a pro-life army.”

Alumna Jessica Hanson joined 45 prolifers for a prayer vigil at downtown Washington’s Planned Parenthood clinic Monday morning before the March for Life.

“I believe that every pro-life group who comes to the March for Life should begin their trip by praying at an abortion clinic,” Hanson said. “This puts what we are doing into perspective and draws our focus to the reality of our mission.”

Along with thousands others, the college group attended the Mass for Life concelebrated by North Carolina Bishops Peter J. Jugis and Michael F. Burbidge just prior to going to the Mall to begin the 38th annual March for Life.

“Many are confused about what the [pro-life] issues are,” said junior Megan Ference, 20. “A lot of people don’t know about psychological effects [of abortion] on women, or that their health problems may be because of a past abortion.”

Passionate about pro-life issues, Ference is a member of the student pro-life club “Crusaders for Life.”

“If what we truly desire is a pro-life campus, it will come from nurturing the student body,” campus minister Tricia Stevenson added. “Part of nurturing this growth is this March for Life.”

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

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Our schools

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

New high school enrollment deadline set for Feb. 28 Diocesan schools officials meet with parents, continue to eye potential school sites SueAnn Howell Staff writer

MOORESVILLE — More than 100 people attended a meeting at St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville Jan. 20 to learn more about the possible opening of Christ the King High School north of Charlotte.

The high school, which would be the second for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, has been proposed to serve the growing number of Catholic families who live north of Charlotte. Diocesan schools representatives are encouraging parents to register their children soon so that plans can proceed and the school can open this August.

At the Jan. 20 meeting, Dan Dolan, the new high school’s project developer for the diocese, and other diocesan schools representatives met with interested parents and students to review the plans and answer questions.

“We wanted to clear up any unknowns that may be keeping people on the sidelines,” Dolan said.

Required enrollment of 100 freshmen by Feb. 28 is mandatory before plans for the proposed school can proceed and the school can open, he said. Assuming enrollment goals are met, the school will open in August with ninth and 10th grades.

“We are hopeful that this can be done. We are working towards that goal,” Dolan said.

Diocesan schools officials continue to look for the most appropriate site for the school in north Charlotte, including permanent sites to build on and temporary sites they could lease, Dolan said.

The most likely location for the new high school is in the vicinity of Poplar Tent Road and Highway 73.

Also at the Jan. 20 meeting, diocesan schools representatives unveiled the school’s working mission statement: “To believe intentionally, to think critically, and to serve others in the name of Christ the King. So, if that mission statement is formally adopted, one possible motto could be ‘Believe, think, serve.’”

Dolan explained the working mission statement: “Father (Roger) Arnsparger (the vicar of education for the diocese) has challenged us to go beyond being ‘cultural Catholics’ to being ‘intentional Catholics’... to believe intentionally. I often talk of this in terms of taking ownership of your faith.

“What we also want to do is have the students think critically, to do more than memorize facts. We want them to be able to debate, ideally in more than one language, to ask good questions, to be able find data and use that data to find new solutions to problems. Service is then the expression of Christ amongst us,” he said.

Dolan also has been meeting with parents and others in smaller groups to listen to their requests for the new Catholic high school and gain an understanding of potential students’ academic, spiritual and extracurricular needs.

Admissions information, financial aid, busing, virtual learning opportunities, athletics and extracurricular programs for the new high school were also discussed.

The new school’s colors, mascot and team name will be decided later, so that the incoming classes of students can provide input.

Feb. 28 is the deadline for applications for Christ the King High School for ninth- and 10th-grade students.

Registration forms are posted online at christthekinghs.com. For more information, call Dolan at 704-370-3355 or e-mail dgdolan@charlottediocese.org.

National Catholic Schools Week is Jan. 30 – Feb 5 Teachers, students gear up for festivities SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Catholic school students around the Diocese of Charlotte will enjoy a week of recognition as they commemorate National Catholic Schools Week Jan. 30-Feb. 5.

Catholic Schools Week started in 1974, and is sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2011 is “Catholic Schools: A+ For America,” which illustrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value (“A plus”) for the nation.

According to the NCEA, the 2011 theme also reflects Catholic schools’ traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values; Catholic schools’ high level of service to local communities because of the many service projects students undertake; Catholic schools’ high level of service to the nation by serving students from all economic backgrounds and giving them a strong academic and moral foundation, allowing them to succeed in life.

There are 18 Catholic schools in western North Carolina.

Each school has its own way of celebrating Catholic Schools Week, depending on the ages of the students. Most schools offer special Masses, assemblies, school-wide celebrations and community outreach projects.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass at two schools in the Diocese of Charlotte during Catholic Schools Week: Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston-Salem at 10 a.m. Jan. 31, and Sacred Heart Catholic School in Salisbury at 10 a.m. Feb. 3.

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

On TV n Sunday, Jan. 30, 10-11 p.m. (EWTN) “Parish Priest of Majdanek: About Omelian Kovch.” A look into the life of Father Omelian Kovch, who died in a German Nazi concentration camp on the outskirts of Lublin, Poland.

He served in Peremyshliany, Ukraine, and was known for his gracious treatment of the town’s residents. n Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10-11:30 p.m.

EST (PBS) “For Once in My Life.”

A documentary look at the Spirit of Goodwill Band. Made up of 28 musicians and singers, all of whom have severe mental and physical disabilities, the band members display talent, humor and tenacity. An “Independent Lens” presentation. America Ferrera hosts (TV-PG). n Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10 p.m.-12:15 a.m.

(TCM) “A Man for All Seasons” (1966). Engrossing drama of the last seven years in the life of Thomas More, Henry VIII’s chancellor, who met a martyr’s death rather than compromise his conscience during a period of religious turmoil. The historical dramatization achieves an authentic human dimension that makes its 16th-century events more accessible and its issues more universal. Profoundly entertaining but heavy-going for children. CNS: A-I (general patronage), MPAA: G n Thursday, Feb. 3, 6: 30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Providence Will Provide.” A documentary look at Mother Mary Lange, who despite cultural hostility established the first religious Lange community of black women in the history of the Catholic Church. n Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

(TCM) “Becket” (1964). Superb adaptation of Jean Anouilh’s classic play about the deep friendship and later conflict between England’s King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) and his friend, Sir Thomas à Becket (Richard Burton), later a saint, and how their days of drinking and womanizing came to an end when the monarch appointed Becket archbishop of Canterbury, leading to Becket’s spiritual transformation and ultimate martyrdom. CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: PG-13

Abbey professor promotes faith, action with iPhone app Morgan Castillo Correspondent

BELMONT — Finding the time both to read Scripture and reflect on it is a trying task for many of the faithful to fit into their busy daily routines. Now, a new iPhone application, created by Dr. Beth Kreitzer of Belmont Abbey College and sponsored by Woman’s Day magazine, aims to help people connect with Scripture and find ways to apply Biblical messages to their lives – at the click of a button.

Kreitzer was approached last year by the popular magazine with the proposal of “picking a passage, writing a reflection and two to three action points” on how to apply Scripture “to your life and make your life better,” Kreitzer says. Since last August, Kreitzer has been providing the material for Woman’s Day’s daily “Faith & Action” app, and will continue through this September, depending on the number of subscribers.

Although Woman’s Day is not a Catholic publication, it has published Bible verses on its table of contents page since it was established in 1937.

Kreitzer says she writes “about sacraments, the Eucharist, the importance of baptism and my own theological background. ... I don’t specifically write to Roman Catholics, but from my own perspective as a Roman Catholic.”

Her reflections are particularly helpful

for busy Christians on the go, she says, as they offer a simple approach to pursuing an active life of faith by first featuring a daily inspirational Bible verse, then a brief reflection on its meaning, and finally a few simple tips about how to Kreitzer apply the Scripture verse in one’s own life.

“The Church has always used new media and new directions to connect with people and encourage piety,” Kreitzer says. “The message is the same – you’re just trying to spread the Word and explore new avenues.”

The iPhone app is sponsored and promoted

by Woman’s Day, but Kreitzer stresses that it is not designed just for women.

“The Bible is for everybody and I don’t necessarily focus what I write to women specifically. It could be useful to anybody,” she says.

Kreitzer received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University.

She is a part-time theology and history professor at Belmont Abbey College, as well as the advisor to the college’s Liberal Studies department.

The Woman’s Day “Faith & Action” app is available for 99 cents. To find out more, go online to WomansDay.com/FaithandAction.

EWTN acquires National Catholic Register IRONDALE, Ala. — The Eternal Word Television Network, based in Irondale, has signed a letter of intent to acquire the National Catholic Register, which describes itself as “the nation’s leading Catholic newspaper.”

Effective Feb. 1, EWTN will take full control and ownership of the Register.

Its editorial and business offices had been based in North Haven, Conn., since 1995, when the Legionaries of Christ bought the paper and moved it to New England from California.

“I am very pleased and excited that the Register will now be a part of the EWTN family,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer. “All of us at EWTN have great respect for the Register and the role it has played throughout its history. It’s a tremendous legacy that deserves to not only be preserved, but also to grow and to

flourish.” Warsaw said in a Jan. 19 statement: “I believe that EWTN will be able to provide the stability that the Register needs at this time as well as to give it a platform for its growth in the years ahead. We’re proud to be able to step in and carry on both the Register’s name and its tradition of faithful Catholic reporting on the issues of the day.”

Under the terms of the transaction, no cash will be exchanged on the sale. EWTN, a global Catholic network, will take over the ongoing operational expenses of the Register and will assume the paper’s future subscription liabilities.

The National Catholic Register grew out of the Denver Catholic Register, launched Aug. 11, 1905. The first national edition appeared Nov. 8, 1927.

— Catholic News Service

Mix

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In theaters ‘The Way Back’ Inspirational, partly fact-based portrayal of a 4,000-mile trek by escaped prisoners from a Russian gulag to political asylum in India. Director and co-writer Peter Weir’s superbly made drama sees an ensemble of skilled actors (Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Saiorse Ronan) displaying deeply felt emotions along with stunning courage.

Probably acceptable for older teens. Fleeting rough language.

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

‘No Strings Attached’ Morally unmoored relationship comedy about a commitment-averse doctor (Natalie Portman) and a romantically disillusioned TV producer (Ashton Kutcher) who agree to an emotionless sexual arrangement, only to find their feelings for each other getting in the way after all. Strong sexual content, including graphic nonmarital and homosexual activity, partial nudity, drug use, pervasive bedroom humor, profanity and rough language.

CNS: O (morally offensive), MPAA: R

Our nation 18

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

USCCB president outlines policy priorities for new Congress

Bill introduced to ban public abortion funding permanently Bishops urge changes to current health care law

Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service

Kevin J. Jones CNA/EWTN News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation permanently prohibiting taxpayers’ federal funding of abortion is “one of our highest legislative priorities,” the new speaker of the House said in his introduction to the legislation.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Reps.

Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Joe Pitts (R-Penn.) discussed the introduction of H.R. 3, the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” during a press conference Jan. 20.

Boehner said the new Republican majority is keeping its commitment to taxpayers by “ensuring their tax dollars are never used to fund abortions.” He said an abortion funding ban is “the will of the people and ought to be the law of the land.”

“Our new bill is designed to permanently end any U.S. government financial support for abortion, whether it be direct funding or by tax credits or any other subsidy,” he said.

While present federal funding regulations contain restrictions on abortion, many of these restrictions must be renewed annually.

Rep. Smith noted that the new bill also protects conscience rights of people and institutions by giving courts the authority to “prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of conscience.”

The U.S. bishops have urged the passage of legislation to amend the 2010 health care legislation called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prevent it explicitly from either providing abortion directly, or funding health care plans and community health centers that do so.

The Republican-led House of Representatives voted 245-189 Jan. 19 to repeal the health reform law, but a repeal is unlikely to be reconsidered by the Democraticrun Senate. President Barack Obama has threatened to veto it if it reaches his desk.

For the U.S. Catholic bishops, it was never a question of whether to repeal.

“Rather than joining efforts to support or oppose the repeal of the recently enacted health care law, we will continue to devote our efforts to correcting serious moral problems in the current law, so health care reform can truly be life-affirming for all,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., and Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles.

The three chair the USCCB committees on ProLife Activities, on Domestic Justice and Human Development and on Migration, respectively.

— Catholic News Service contributed

CNS | Alex Brandon pool via Reuters

Sargent Shriver, Peace Corps founder, is remembered Pallbearers carry the casket of R. Sargent Shriver after his wake at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C. Jan. 21. Shriver, the founder and first director of the Peace Corps, died Jan. 18 at age 95. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., presided over the funeral Mass Jan. 22 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, Md. Shriver’s death came about a year and a half after the death of his wife, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a founder of the Special Olympics and member of one of the most prominent American Catholic political families of the 20th century. A lifelong Catholic who attended daily Mass and was known to carry a well-worn rosary with him, Shriver was “a man for this age,” whose faith shaped his work on behalf of the poor around the world and his work in defending the dignity of all human life, said Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl. Shriver was also a key architect of anti-poverty programs such as Head Start, VISTA, the Job Corps and Upward Bound.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a “time of difficult economic and policy choices,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered the new Congress an outline of the bishops’ priorities for the coming legislative year.

In a letter mailed to all members of Congress Jan. 14, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York expressed hope that “this newly elected Congress will advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially vulnerable and poor persons whose needs are critical.”

He described the priorities he outlined as “an agenda for dialogue and action.”

“From our experience and our tradition, we offer a distinctive, constructive and principled contribution to the national dialogue on how to defend human life and dignity, promote and protect marriage and family life, lift up those who experience economic turmoil and suffering, and promote peace in a world troubled by war and violence,” he said.

Archbishop Dolan said the USCCB’s public policy concerns for the 112th Congress will include defense of unborn children, the disabled and the terminally ill; support for marriage as the “faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of one man and one woman”; budget, tax and entitlement policies that fairly “allocate the burdens and sacrifices” among all Americans; and achievement of a health care system that is truly “universal and life-affirming.”

He also emphasized the need to “fix a broken immigration system which harms both immigrants and our entire nation”; enact legislation and federal regulations to ensure equal access to the Internet for all; adopt policies that allow parents to choose schools that best address the needs of their children; and “empower faith-based groups as effective partners” with government in fighting poverty.

He said the bishops approach public policy issues “not as politicians but as pastors and teachers.”

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

In Brief

Classified

CNS | Bern Zovistoski, The New Vision

Faith leaders pray at site of Tucson shooting TUCSON, Ariz. — Gathering at the site of the Jan. 8 mass shooting outside a Tucson Safeway, a group of community faith leaders performed “a service of cleansing and healing” Jan. 20, sprinkling the area with blessed water “to reverence and reclaim the space.” Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., center, joined seven other faith leaders at the site of the Jan. 8 shooting.

Pictured from left are the Rev. Sue Westfall, a Presbyterian minister; the Rev. Jan Olan Flaaten of the Arizona Ecumenical Council; and Bishop Kirk Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Tucson.

The faith leaders dipped juniper branches into the holy water and sprinkled the parking lot where a gunman killed six and wounded 13 in a rampage apparently aimed at Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

U.S. bishops, college presidents to discuss Catholic identity WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. bishops and Catholic college and university presidents plan to discuss how best to promote Catholic mission and identity on college campuses this year, as part of a 10-year review of “The Application of ‘Ex Corde Ecclesiae’ for the United States.” They will discuss the specifics of implementing the Vatican document on Catholic higher education “Ex Corde Ecclesiae” (“From the Heart of the Church”).

“Ex Corde Ecclesiae” is an apostolic constitution issued in 1990 by Pope John Paul II that outlines the identity and mission of Catholic colleges.

Doctor charged in baby deaths; archdiocese calls acts ‘heinous’ PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia doctor who routinely performed illegal late-term abortions for more than 30 years was charged in the death of a female patient and accused of murdering seven babies born alive in his squalid health clinic.

A grand jury indicted Kermit B. Gosnell and nine associates Jan. 19 on dozens of charges. The indictment said the babies were killed when their spinal cords were severed with scissors.

News of the practices prompted the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to offer “fervent prayers” for the victims, their families and all touched by “these heinous practices.”

District Attorney Seth Williams said it was likely that hundreds of other babies died at the clinic between 1979 and February 2010, when federal agents raided the location and Gosnell’s home.

— Catholic News Service

catholic news heraldI

SPACE FOR RENT The Palace in Cornelius, NC, rents THEATER SPACE for church meetings, youth groups, religious services, satellite services. Maura@platinumrealty.com or 704-892-7636.

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Our world

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vatican: Bishops not told to cover up abuse cases Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican’s spokesman last week downplayed a 1997 Vatican letter to Irish bishops about handling cases of clerical sex abuse, saying it did not tell bishops to hide cases from the police.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said the letter aimed at ensuring the bishops fully followed Church law for dealing with accusations to avoid a situation in which an abusive priest could return to ministry on the technicality of his bishop mishandling the process.

The letter, brought to public attention Jan. 17 by Ireland’s RTE television and published by the Associated Press, was written by the late Archbishop Luciano Storero, then-nuncio to Ireland. The letter summarized concerns of the Congregation for Clergy regarding proposed Irish norms for dealing with the sex abuse crisis. Archbishop Storero said that according to the congregation, “the situation of ‘mandatory reporting’ gives rise to serious reservations of both a moral and a canonical nature.”

Father Lombardi said the Vatican “does not have a universal, specific position on mandatory reporting because the

Read it yourself Read the full 1997 letter at CatholicNewsHerald.com.

CNS | Paul Haring

laws and situations are so different from country to country.” The Vatican made it clear to bishops that their policies for dealing with abuse accusations “must respect the laws of their country.”

Some news reports and some groups of sex abuse victims have pointed to the 1997 letter as evidence the Vatican directly orchestrated the response of bishops’ conferences to the sex abuse crisis and that, even in the late 1990s, not everyone at the Vatican was convinced abusers should be turned over to police.

Father Lombardi objected to the letter being presented as “proof” the Vatican wanted to cover up abuse cases.

Instead, he said, the letter demonstrates the seriousness with which the Vatican was taking the need to craft comprehensive norms. He also noted that the letter was written before 2001, when Pope John Paul II issued new norms for dealing with abuse allegations.

Cristine del Campo works on the Facebook site of World Youth Day at the headquarters of the international youth gathering in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 12, 2010. In his 2011 message for World Communications Day released this week, Pope Benedict XVI invited Christians to join social networks to spread the Gospel and discover new friendships, but he also warned of the limits and dangers of online communication.

Social networks can help spread the Gospel, pope says John Thavis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI invited Christians to join online social networks to spread the Gospel through digital media and discover “an entirely new world of potential friendships.”

At the same time, the pope warned of the limits and the dangers of digital communication, including the risks of constructing a false online image and of replacing direct human contact with virtual relationships.

“Entering cyberspace can be a sign of an authentic search for personal encounters with others, provided that attention is paid to avoiding dangers such as enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive exposure to the virtual world,” the pope said in his message for the 2011 celebration of World Communications Day. “In the search for sharing, for ‘friends,’ there is the challenge to be authentic and faithful, and not give in to the illusion of constructing an artificial public profile for oneself,” he said.

The theme of this year’s World Communications Day, set for June 5, is “Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age.”

The great potential of social networks for building relationships makes it a natural place for the Church to be present, he said.

Follow us online The Catholic News Herald will soon start posting news on the popular social networking site Facebook. Stay tuned for details. In the meantime, check out the Diocese of Charlotte’s new YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/DioceseOfCharlotte.

But there is a “Christian way” of being online – through communication that is “honest and open, responsible and respectful of others,” he said.

He said proclaiming the Gospel through new media was not simply a matter of inserting religious content into online platforms, but also of witnessing the Gospel consistently when communicating choices, preferences and judgments.

This witness, he said, can and should challenge some ways of thinking that are typical of Web sites – for one thing, he said, the truth Christians want to share is not based on its popularity or the amount of attention it receives.

The pope said the Gospel should be presented online not as a consumer item, but as daily nourishment. That requires communication that is “respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience,” he said.

January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Catholic weddings not a right, pope says Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Men and women have a natural right to marry, but that does not mean they have a right to a Catholic wedding, Pope Benedict XVI said.

For the Church, marriage is a sacrament witnessed by a priest or deacon, but performed by the couple who pledge their union will be forever and that they will be open to having and educating children, the pope said.

“The right to contract marriage presupposes that one is able to and intends to truly celebrate it, that is, in the truth of its essence as taught by the Church,” Pope Benedict said Jan. 22 while meeting with the Roman Rota, a Vatican-based tribunal that deals mainly with marriage cases.

Because the Church has a very specific religious understanding of what marriage is, “no one can claim the right to a marriage ceremony” in the Church, the pope said.

For the Church, he said, there exists only one kind of marriage – sacramental – and the right of Catholic couples to celebrate the sacrament can be exercised only if they fully

understand what they are doing.

In his annual meeting with the tribunal officials, Pope Benedict said he wanted to focus on the legal or juridical aspect of Catholic marriage preparation programs, because too often engaged couples – and even those preparing them for marriage – consider the courses simply a bureaucratic hurdle to overcome before the wedding.

Anyone involved in marriage preparation programs, but especially the priest or other pastoral worker conducting the obligatory pre-marriage interviews with the potential bride and potential groom, has an obligation to ensure nothing stands in the way of a valid celebration of the sacrament.

For the marriage to be valid, the couple must understand the commitment being undertaken, the pope said.

Pastoral workers and marriage tribunal officials together “must work to interrupt to the extent possible the vicious cycle frequently noted of too easily allowing couples to marry without adequate preparation” and “the sometimes equally easy judicial declaration” that a marriage is invalid, he said.

In Brief Muslim scholars announce boycott of dialogue

Pope’s second book on Jesus due out March 15

VATICAN CITY — Top Muslim academics in Egypt have suspended dialogue with the Vatican to protest Pope Benedict XVI’s recent remarks criticizing anti-Christian violence in Egypt. The unanimous decision by Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, president of al-Azhar University in Cairo, and members of the Islamic Research Academy, came just a month before a scheduled annual meeting of the Joint Committee for Dialogue of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pontifical council’s “line of openness and the desire for dialogue ... remain unchanged.”

VATICAN CITY — The second volume of Pope Benedict XVI’s two-volume biblical study, “Jesus of Nazareth,” is expected to be released this Lent.

Amazon.com lists a March 15 release date for the book, being published in the U.S. by Ignatius Press and concentrating on the period between Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and His resurrection.

The new book comes on the heels of the pope’s successful book-length interview. “Light of the Word: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times” has sold nearly a million copies since it was released in November.

— Catholic News Service

— CNA/EWTN News

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ViewPoints

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

By the numbers

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U.S. ABORTION RATE The abortion rate has been on a general decline for the past 30 years.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After declining steadily for the past quarter-century from a high of 29.3 in 1981, the U.S. abortion rate increased slightly in 2008, according to the latest Guttmacher Institute survey of abortion providers.

The survey estimated that 1.21 million abortions were performed in the U.S. in 2008 for an abortion rate of 19.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. The abortion rate was 19.4 in 2005 and 19.5 in 2007, according to Guttmacher.

The number of abortions performed has remained relatively stable at about 1.2 million abortions per year for each of the past five years, but more abortions were performed in nonhospital settings and more were chemical rather than surgical.

Abortion rateper 1,000womenaged15-44

29.3%

25

25.0%

19.6%

20 19.4% 16.3%

15 ‘73 ’77

81

‘85

’89

‘93

’97

‘01

’05

‘08

— Catholic News Service Source: Guttmacher Institute TIM P. FARAGHER | Catholic News Herald

Letters to the editor

Translations should be kept close to original texts I was adopted as an infant and raised Roman Catholic Christian in a very religious family in Wisconsin. I grew up with relatives who were both Catholic and Protestant. I had cousins who became nuns, Salesian or diocesan priests, and one became a monsignor.

One of my cousins who is a Salesian informed me of the coming changes in the wording of the Mass and other revised translations that are coming this Advent, and I think that going back to the way the texts were previously translated from Latin into English could be a good thing.

I for one was always satisfied with the “I” rather than the “we” in prayers. After all, when I was baptized, it was “I,” not “we,”

who was being washed clean from the stain of original sin.

In the creed, “I believe” regardless of what others believe. My intent is to attain eternal reward with God, the creator of me who is in His image and likeness. (The Baltimore Catechism is always in the back of my mind.)

I hope that my fellow “man” strives for this same goal, but I believe that each person is responsible for his own soul with the help of my life’s example.

I am a middle-of-the-road Catholic who believes that translations of Scripture and doctrine into the vernacular need to remain as close as possible to the meaning of the original texts. There should be little room for religious “political correctness.”

Michael Kamps is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Experience peace through Adoration Thanks for publishing Bill Melton’s column about his New Year’s resolution to begin making a daily Holy Hour in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament in response to one of Bishop Fulton Sheen’s “key teachings.” Many of us who were privileged to have grown up watching him in the 1950s and ’60s are trying to respond to that call by spending at least one hour a week with our Lord exposed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Perhaps some readers are not aware of the beautiful Perpetual Adoration Chapel at that parish that has been in operation since January 1993. We are always in need of Catholics – lay, clergy or religious – willing

to commit to spending one hour each week, on a specific day at a specific time, to adore our Lord and, as Mr. Melton quoted Bishop Sheen as saying, make reparation for the evil that continues to envelop not only our nation but the world.

As our world continues to yearn for peace, the peace our Lord told us only He could give, what better way to experience it in our own hearts and lives than to respond to His call to watch one hour with Him. If anyone would like to respond to Christ’s call, contact Kathleen Potter at 704-366-5127 to have their names added to the register of Perpetual Adoration volunteers.

Estelle Wisneski is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

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January 28, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

Father Mark Lawlor

Let us pray for conversions

O

ver the past 20 years or so, I have participated in various Marches for Life. It has been an honor to join in the prayers of many dedicated and faithful Christians. I see these as pilgrimages of prayer and peaceful testimonies to the sanctity of life, and I admire those who have persevered in the Respect Life movement for many years.

Many people of faith and goodwill recall, or have learned, that on Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, by a vote of 7 to 2, decided that it was legal for a woman to choose to end the life of the infant in her womb as part of her “right to privacy.” That case, Roe v. Wade, has resulted in a human tragedy that has denied perhaps 50 million babies or more their birthdays.

Our prayerful witness is a statement that this tragedy must end. Only God has sovereignty over life.

With prayer and the sacraments as our foundation, we must discern how we may help to enact a positive change in society. The Church teaches that it is a duty to participate in the political process, by registering to vote and then voting with an informed conscience.

People are encouraged to examine the positions of candidates on a range of issues, while noting that the life issues have a certain priority.

The Catholic Church has been “pro-life” since the beginning. This only makes sense as we reflect on the Incarnation of our Lord, having just recently celebrated Christmas.

The Divine Son of God was born as a little child. God created humanity in His divine image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). Our Lord is referred to in Scripture as “the author of life” (Acts 3:15). Mary, the Blessed Mother, joyfully received the life of her Son and Lord. John the Baptist, in the womb of his mother St. Elizabeth, leapt for joy at the presence of his Savior at the time of the visitation. (Luke 1:41) One of the first witnesses to the presence of our Lord was a child before birth!

We believe that the innocent should be protected.

Who is more innocent than a child before birth?

We see the sign of God’s love in the life of a little child.

As I have had the privilege to baptize more than 1,000 little children, I am always moved by the miracle of life.

Let us continue to move forward with a prayerful witness to the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Let us pray for those individuals and institutions opposed to God’s gift of life. Let us pray for this nation, especially for those who govern and legislate, to come to their senses regarding God’s gift of life.

Let us ask for the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and of Mary, the Blessed Mother – our Queen of Peace and the Patroness of the Unborn.

Let us be the people of life.

Father Mark Lawlor is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

catholic news heraldI 23

The love of Christ motivates the pro-life movement And because Christ’s love never fails, then, the pro-life cause will not fail

I

remember as a new priest, in the 1980s, boarding a bus at my parish in Winston-Salem, N.C., and coming to this shrine in January to attend Mass offered by our bishop and to walk with him in the March for Life. There was a great deal of excitement and zeal to stand for the right to life of the little ones, who could not speak for themselves. Here we are 38 years after the legalization of abortion, and the pro-life movement, far from growing weaker over time, is in fact stronger than ever and has grown even larger, and is filled with a lot of energy.

What is the reason for the enduring success of the pro-life movement?

We are here because of the love of Christ.

Individuals in the large pro-life movement may certainly be motivated by different reasons: for instance, some may be motivated by a purely humanitarian concern for the unborn; or others may be motivated by enlightened self-interest because they realize that if their own mothers had not made the loving choice for life, they could have been the victims of abortions. But our motivation for our pro-life work is ultimately religious: it is the love of Christ. Jesus has placed His love into our hearts, which moves us to share the Gospel of Life with our brothers and sisters who are hurt, crushed, and

photo provided by PATTIE CURRAN

Bishop Peter J. Jugis is pictured with members of Triad Students for Life as the March for Life was getting under way in Washington, D.C.

left confused and in darkness because of the culture of abortion which has captured them. Christ’s love impels us to come to the aid of others, inviting them to come into the light of Christ.

What ultimately is the reason for the success of our pro-life efforts? It is the love of Christ, which we carry with us into all our pro-life work.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” Christ brings the love of the Blessed Trinity into the world, and the Son of God then tells us to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Proclaim the Gospel of Life! Proclaim the Gospel of Love!

The Silent No More campaign enables women who have had abortions – and men who have participated – to tell the stories of their regret over the abortions. Men can now speak publicly of their regret over lost fatherhood.

The stories of women in tears as the abortions of their children are being performed – tears of sadness, tears of grief – are now coming to light. The curtain of secrecy surrounding the abortion mill is more and more being pulled back to reveal the sadness and sorrow that is found there. It is into this darkness that the Gospel of Life and Love is now shining. We are bringing the light of Christ into this darkness.

What moves us to stand with Life Chain on Respect Life Sunday in October?

What moves us to stand with others praying outside an abortion facility?

What moves us to support pregnancy care centers, helping at-risk mothers make the loving choice for life?

What moves us to come to Washington, D.C., to take part in the national Right to Life march?

What moves us to write to legislators to appeal for an end to abortion funding in our laws?

What is at the heart of our mission?

It is the love of Christ.

The love of Christ moves us to pray, to serve. Without Christ and His love, we are nothing.

Love knows no limits. Love does not hesitate to do the good. Love does not calculate the cost of doing the good.

As St. Paul says, “Love never fails.”

Love is consistent, always looking for new ways to serve – new opportunities. Its message never grows old or stale.

Love overcomes all darkness, all sorrow, all evil. Love conquers the opposition, not to destroy it, but to bring it into the light of love. There is no limit to love’s ability to be patient. The love of Christ is what moves us, and that ultimately is the reason behind the success of our pro-life efforts.

In fact, even the opposition tries to adopt the language of love in its promotion of abortion, arguing that it is out of concern for the mother and her difficult situation that JUGIS, SEE page 24

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | January 28, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

JUGIS FROM PAGE 23

she must choose an abortion. But that kind of so-called “love” turns out to be an empty illusion, a choice containing within it a lifetime of regret, sadness, inner conflict and turmoil, and conflicted relationships with others. It is a choice that does not bring peace, which is the fruit of true love. It has been the tactic of the evil one from the beginning, to present with convincing arguments what appears to be good, but then once the bad choice is made, to reveal it to be what it was all along: a choice filled with darkness, sorrow, and the promise of a wounded soul and burdened heart.

Research is showing that women who have abortions often do not want to do it.

In fact, many feel they have no choice, no other alternative, but to have abortions.

Many times they are looking for a sign and even praying, “Lord, give me a sign not to have this abortion.”

And when they arrive at the abortion facility and see the group of people along the sidewalk praying, they say, “That’s it. That’s the sign.” And they sometimes turn the car around right then and leave.

Or if they do get as far as the waiting room of the facility, they may still change their minds and exit the building.

Such is the power of the witness of our love. It is the love of Christ which motivates us. Without Jesus and His love, we are nothing.

Love is not rude. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices in what is right. Love never fails.

It is because love never fails, then, that the pro-life movement motivated

by Christ’s love will never fail. It is the love of Christ, which we bring with us into our pro-life work, that is the reason for the enduring success of the pro-life movement.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis leads the Diocese of Charlotte.

He delivered this homily during the Mass for North Carolina participants in the March for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Jan. 24.

ABORTION FROM PAGE 13

youth as the “genuine leaders and pioneers of this March for Life,” noting that their stand against abortion showed a willingness to question today’s popular culture.

Catholic participation in the march itself has always been strong, although the event attracts participants with various beliefs.

Its focus is on the right to life as a question of justice and human rights, rather than as a matter of faith – an approach that Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York recently endorsed when he called the defense of unborn life “the premier civil rights issue of our day.”

The annual march came as the new Republican Majority House has made abortion one of its top priorities and reopened the controversial debate. Last week, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) introduced legislation that would ban federal

funding for abortion, calling it one of the House’s “top legislative priorities.”

President Barack Obama, however, praised the Roe v. Wade decision on its anniversary, Jan. 22, saying that it “affirms the fundamental principle” that “government should not intrude on private family matters.”

Nellie Gray, founder of the group that organizes the march each year, said there have been incremental steps in the past 38 years to try to address the fallout of what she called the “unconstitutional” court decision but nothing short of overturning Roe is acceptable.

Gray, who is now 85, said pro-life supporters had come to Washington to bring their message to Obama “with love, and we’re willing to work with you ... as the president of all the people, including the preborn.”

“We ask our government to overturn Roe v. Wade now,” she said.

— Julie Asher with Catholic News Service contributed