June 17, 2011

June 17, 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

A priest forever

‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you’ INSIDE: Joshua Voitus ordained to the priesthood, 12-13 Priest assignments announced, 13 Monsignor Marcaccio marks 20th anniversary as priest, 3 Four other priests celebrate 10th anniversaries of ordination, 5

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El debut de Catholic News Herald-Español Esta semana se inicia Catholic News Herald-Español: cubriendo tópicos de interés para la comunidad hispana.

Inside this edition: the new Catholic News HeraldEspañol, with news of interest to the Hispanic community.

8-9 Calendar 4 Diocese 3-7

FAITH 2

It’s no joke Pope Benedict XVI gets manga comic treatment in time for World Youth Day, 16

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nation & World 18-21 Schools 14

Viewpoints 22-24

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Thomas More Pope Benedict XVI

Pentecost shows universality of the Church

P

entecost shows the Holy Spirit created the Catholic Church for all people, Pope Benedict said in his homily to mark Pentecost June 12.

“From the first moment, in fact, the Holy Spirit created (the Church) as the Church of all people. It embraces the entire world, transcending the boundaries of race, class, nation – it breaks down all barriers and unites people in the profession of the Triune God. From the beginning, the Church is one, catholic and apostolic,” said the pope to a packed congregation at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Pentecost is one of the most prominent feast days in the Christian calendar. It is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church.”

It marks the day, nearly 2,000 years ago, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles following the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. The Holy Spirit emboldened them, and the disciples then set forth to tell all people in Jerusalem of the Resurrection.

“With this we are told something very important: that from the outset the universality of the Catholic Church is not the result of the inclusion of subsequent communities,” the pope explained. He added that the Catholic Church refers to itself as holy “not because of the merits of its members, but because God Himself, with His Spirit, is always creating and sanctifying.”

It is the same Holy Spirit – as the third person of the Holy Trinity – who also reveals God to humanity firstly through creation, then through the incarnation of Christ and then through the founding of the Church, he said. “The Church does not derive from human will, from reflection, from man’s ability and organizational capacity, and if that were so it would have become extinct a long time ago, like all human things.”

— CNA/EWTN News

Feast day: June 22 On June 22, the Church honors the life and martyrdom of St. Thomas More, the lawyer, author and statesman who lost his life opposing King Henry VIII’s plan to subordinate the Church to the English monarchy.

Thomas More was born in 1478, the son of the lawyer and judge John More and his wife Agnes. He received a classical education from the age of 6, and at 13 became the protege of Archbishop John Morton, who also served an important civic role as the lord chancellor. Although Thomas never joined the clergy, he would eventually come to assume the position of lord chancellor himself.

More received a well-rounded college education at Oxford, becoming a “renaissance man” who knew several ancient and modern languages and was wellversed in mathematics, music and literature.

His father, however, determined that Thomas should become a lawyer and withdrew his son from Oxford after two years to focus him on that career.

Despite his legal and political orientation, Thomas was confused about his vocation as a young man. He seriously considered joining either the Carthusian monastic order or the Franciscans, and followed a number of ascetic and spiritual practices throughout his life – such as fasting, corporal mortification and a regular rule of prayer – as means of growing in holiness.

In 1504, however, More was elected to parliament. He gave up his monastic ambitions, though not his disciplined spiritual life, and married Jane Colt of Essex. They were happily married for several years and had four children together, though Jane tragically died during childbirth in 1511. Shortly after her death, More married a widow named Alice Middleton, who proved to be a devoted wife and mother.

Two years earlier, in 1509, King Henry VIII had acceded to the throne. For years, the

A saintly life

“Sir Thomas More,” painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1527 king showed fondness for Thomas, working to further his career as a public servant.

Thomas became a part of the king’s inner circle, eventually overseeing the English court system as lord chancellor. Thomas even authored a book published in Henry’s name, defending Catholic doctrine against Martin Luther.

Thomas’ eventual martyrdom would come as a consequence of Henry VIII’s own tragic downfall. The king wanted an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, a marriage that Pope Clement VII declared to be valid and indissoluble.

By 1532, Thomas had resigned as lord chancellor, refusing to support the king’s efforts to defy the pope and control the Church.

In 1534 Henry VIII declared that every subject of the British crown would have to swear an oath affirming the validity of his new marriage to Anne Boleyn. Refusal of these demands would be regarded as treason against the state.

In April of that year, a royal commission summoned Thomas to force him to take the oath affirming the king’s new marriage as valid. While accepting certain portions of the act which pertained to Henry’s royal line of succession, he could not accept the king’s defiance of papal authority on the marriage question. He was taken from his wife and children and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

For 15 months, his wife and several friends tried to convince him to take the oath and save his life, but Thomas refused. In 1535, while Thomas was in prison, an act of parliament came into effect declaring Henry VIII to be “the only supreme head on earth of the Church in England,” once again under penalty of treason. Members of the clergy who would not take the oath began to be executed.

In June of 1535, Thomas was finally indicted and formally tried for the crime of treason in Westminster Hall. He was charged with opposing the king’s “Act of Supremacy” in private conversations which he insisted had never occurred. But after his defense failed and he was sentenced to death, he finally spoke out in open opposition to what he had previously opposed through silence and refusal.

He explained that Henry’s “Act of Supremacy” was contrary “to the laws of God and His holy Church.” On July 7, 1535, the 57-year-old Thomas came before the executioner to be beheaded. “I die the king’s good servant,” he told the onlookers, “but God’s first.”

He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and canonized in 1935 by Pope Piux XI. — Catholic News Agency

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 19 - JUNE 25

Sunday (Most Holy Trinity), Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9, Daniel 3:52-56, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18; Monday, Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:15; Tuesday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga), Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday (Sts. Paulinus of Nola, John Fisher, and Thomas More), Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday, Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Matthew 7:21-29; Friday (Nativity of St. John the Baptist), Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Saturday, Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-50, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 26 - JULY 2

Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ), Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58; Monday (St. Cyril of Alexandria), Genesis 18:16-33, Matthew 8:1822; Tuesday (St. Irenaeus), Genesis 19:15-29, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday (Sts. Peter and Paul), Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Thursday, Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus), Deuteronomy 7:6-11, 1 John 4:7-16, Matthew 11:2530; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of Mary), Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Luke 2:41-51

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 3 - JULY 9

Sunday, Zechariah 9:9-10, Romans 8:9, 11-13, Matthew 11:25-30; Monday (St. Elizabeth of Portugal), Genesis 28:10-22, Matthew 9:18-26; Tuesday (St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria), Genesis 32:23-33, Matthew 9:32-38; Wednesday (St. Maria Goretti), Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24, Matthew 10:1-7; Thursday, Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5, Matthew 10:7-15; Friday, Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30, Matthew 10:16-23; Saturday (St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions), Genesis 49:29-32, 50:15-26, Matthew 10:24-33

Our parishes

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio gives remarks during the conclusion of the dedication of the new St. Pius X Church in Greensboro last year.

In Brief

Mass for military planned CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis will celebrate a Mass in honor of U.S. military personnel on Sunday, July 3, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. The rosary will be recited at 3 p.m., and the Mass will begin at 3:30 p.m. Photos of servicemen and women who have died or who are now serving will be displayed in the cathedral. Details are posted in the diocesan calendar of events on page 4.

Members needed for Diocesan Youth Council CHARLOTTE — The Office for Youth Ministry is accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Diocesan Youth Advisory Council. High school-aged youths who would be good advocates for their peers are encouraged to apply online at http:// education.charlottediocese.net/youthministry/youth-services/diocesan-youthadvisory-council.

Author honored CHARLOTTE — “Gratitude in Grief: Finding Daily Joy and a Life of Purpose Following the Death of My Son,” by Kelly Buckley, a member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, was recently honored as a finalist in the International Book Awards

Priest who formerly served in diocese admits sexual abuse David Hains Director of Communication

CNH welcomes new advertising manager CHARLOTTE — Kevin E. Eagan has joined the staff of the Catholic News Herald as advertising manager, following the June 3 retirement of Cindi Feerick after 12 years of service.

Eagan, a member of St. Michael Church in Gastonia, has worked in advertising for nearly 15 years, Eagan including six years as advertising manager for the former newspaper of the Diocese of Erie, Pa. He and his wife Christine and daughter Sarah moved to Gastonia in 2006. His wife is a substitute teacher at St. Michael School in Gastonia.

“We are happy to have someone of Kevin’s experience and talent joining our team,” said Editor Patricia Guilfoyle, “particularly at this exciting time as we kick off new ventures such as our online and Spanish communications efforts.”

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Marcaccio is ordained a priest by then-Bishop John Donoghue on June 1, 1991. photos provided by St. Pius X Church

Accepting God’s invitation

Monsignor Marcaccio celebrates 20 years as a priest Ryan Murray Correspondent

GREENSBORO — A celebration begins with an invitation. For Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio, who celebrates the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this week, it all began with an invitation.

“The call is at first an invitation,” said Monsignor Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. “Jesus meets us where we are and calls us to something more. Like any invitation, it’s up to us to respond.”

Fortunately, Monsignor Marcaccio did listen to and respond to that invitation given to him.

“For me, the invitation was clarified in college – I had a wonderful secular undergraduate experience along with pretty concrete plans and goals for my future. I wondered, though, if I wasn’t being called to something more special – like public service or nonprofit work,” Monsignor Marcaccio said. “I was hesitant to say priesthood, but when I did tentatively mention it, I was surprised to hear my friends so quickly say they thought I might make a good priest.”

After he completed college, a priest friend directed him to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where his time there solidified his invitation and call to the priesthood. He was invited as a candidate for the Society of Jesus and the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I chose our diocese because my vocation

was nurtured in a parish setting,” Monsignor Marcaccio said. “It was my hope as a priest to experience the blessing of a shared community and the sense of a family of faith that I enjoyed growing up in South Carolina.”

He was ordained a priest by then-Bishop John Donoghue on June 1, 1991.

Seeing a shared community and family of faith in action have brought some of the most memorable experiences in Monsignor Marcaccio’s 20 years as a priest.

“When God uses people, and occasionally even me, as He works out His purpose and furthers the mission of the Church, it is truly a rewarding experience,” Monsignor Marcaccio said. “Few things are more rewarding than seeing an individual or family pick up and practice their faith again, and I am so incredibly proud of the parishes I served – seeing how they embrace the Gospel and show God’s love to our community.”

The parish community that Monsignor Marcaccio has served for the past 10 years helped commemorate his anniversary June 4-5 with receptions at St. Pius X Church.

For those who feel that they have received the same invitation from God that he did 20 years ago, Monsignor Marcaccio has some advice: “My advice would be to stay close to the Eucharist. At no time or anywhere else do I feel more a priest that at the Eucharist, and I think Marcaccio, SEE page 11

Court documents in Delaware that were temporarily unsealed recently have revealed an admission of sexual abuse by a priest who once had served at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, according to an Associated Press story.

Father James O’Neill, 71, an Oblate of St. Francis DeSales, was removed after 11 years as pastor of St. Paul the Apostle in 2002 when an allegation of sexual misconduct was made by a Delaware man. The abuse allegation did not involve O’Neill’s assignment in North Carolina.

The victim reported that he was sexually abused hundreds of times over a nine-year period, starting when he was 8 years old in 1976, when O’Neill was principal of Salesianum School in Wilmington, Del. The case resulted in settlements with the Oblates, Salesianum and the Diocese of Wilmington.

According to the AP story, the Oblates were in a legal dispute with Abuse, SEE page 17

Photo provided by NC Catholic

On Tuesday, Catholic Voice NC and Monsignor Michael Clay of the Diocese of Raleigh took part in a press conference at the legislature.

Bishops speak out on several bills David Hains Director of Communication

The North Carolina General Assembly was moving toward an early adjournment this week as legislators considered a flurry of bills of interest to Catholics.

BISHOPS, SEE page 24

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events BELMONT

HICKORY

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

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: June 18 – 9:30 a.m.

Liturgy of Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

— "The Church: The Story of Love, Law and Spirit," MAK Family Life Center, 1:30-3:30 p.m. June 21, July 5, July 12 and 19. RSVP to 704-825-9600.

CHARLOTTE charlotte convention center, 501 s. college st.

— Seventh Eucharistic Congress, Sept. 23 and 24. The theme is “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Congress will include a procession of the Eucharist through the streets of uptown Charlotte. The keynote speaker on Friday will be Cardinal Francis Arinze. Visit www. goeucharist.com.

June 20 – 9 a.m.

Room at the Inn Groundbreaking Belmont Abbey, Belmont

ST. ann church, 3635 park road

June 24 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mary Church, Greensboro

ST. basil eastern catholic mission, CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL chapel, 7702 PINEVILLEMATTHEWS ROAD

June 25 – 5:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Good Shepherd Mission, King June 27-29 Province Meeting of Bishops Savannah, Ga.

— Pro-Life Mass, 9 a.m. June 25. Contact Danielle Mathis at 704-541-0858.

— Celebration of the Feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul, Great Vespers at 5:30 p.m. Typica Service with Holy Communion at 6:15 p.m. June 28. Visit www.stbasil. weebly.com.

— Lectio Divina, Family Room, 10-11:30 a.m. June 23 and 30. Lectio Divina is a prayerful way to read Scripture.

Contact Judy O’Toole at jotps46@carolina.rr.com or 704-684-5600.

— Shining Stars Support Group, 10 a.m.-noon last Mondays.

Visit www.stgabrielchurch.org.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 idlewild road — SonFest 2011 Family Festival, 3-10 p.m. June 17 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 18. Visit www.4sjnc.org/sonfest2011.

ST. luke CHURCH, 13700 lawyers road — The Newman Singers in Concert, 7 p.m. July 25. They are a group of Catholic college students from the University of Iowa.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — “The Lord be with you...And with your spirit,” A Preview of the Revised Roman Missal, NLC, with Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, 7-8:30 p.m. July 18 and 25, and Aug. 1 and 8

June 17, 2011 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

hearts on fire at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

A retreat of presentations, prayers, music and talks offered by a team of dynamic young Jesuit priests and seminarians, and Eucharistic Adoration. Activity is open to those in their 20s and 30s. Register at www.apostleshipofprayer.org/hofcharlotte.html or with Kate Reid at 727-698-7382.

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

st. aloysius CHURCH, 921 second st.

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, Parlor, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 16. RSVP required to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

HIGHLANDS OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS CHURCH, 315 N. FIFTH ST. — Eucharistic Adoration, following 9 a.m. Mass first Fridays

HUNTERSVILLE ST. pATRICK CATHEDRAL, 1621 DILWORTH ROAD E. — Mass for U.S. Military, 3:30 p.m. July 3. To include your service member, please mail a color or black/white photocopy of them, preferably in uniform, with their name and military rank on the back of the photocopy to Nancy Weber, Office of the Bishop, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, no later than June 24. (Please do not send originals, as they cannot be returned.)

ST. Thomas aquinas church, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — Revised Roman Missal Workshop, 7 p.m. July 12 and Aug. 4.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 PROVIDENCE ROAD

— “Sew” Happy Together Sewing Guild, Ministry Center third floor conference room, 10 a.m. June 21. Volunteers welcome. Contact Kathy Miskolitz at 704-542-0165.

Volume 20 • Number 25

This week’s spotlight:

CLEMMONS HOLY family CHURCH, 4820 kinnamon road — Charismatic Prayer Group, 7:15 p.m. Mondays — Catholic Trivia, Room 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. six-week summer study session. For details contact Gloria Musselwhite at 336-416-6477 or Joe Muster at 336-978-1419.

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HWY. 16 — Cancer Support Group, Parish Activity Center, 2-3 p.m. first Thursdays

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 W. MARKET ST. — “Catholic, meet the Bible. Bible, meet this Catholic,” School Library, 7-9 p.m. June 21 and 28 and July 12, 19 and 26. Register with Jim at jmccullough@olgchurch.org or 336-274-6520, ext. 335. st. pius x CHURCH, 2210 n. elm st.

— "Blessing of the Bikes...Motorcycles that is!" 9 a.m. June 26, sponsored by the Guiseppe Sarto Motorcycle Club.

Contact Woody Regan at 336-854-5522.

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

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

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

ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 STUMPTOWN ROAD — Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians meeting, Room 203, open to women who are Catholic and Irish by birth or descent, or who are the wives of members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mothers of Junior members, 7 p.m. first Thursday of each month. Contact Bernadette Brady at mcbernie@msn.com or 704-210-8060.

KERNERSVILLE HOLY CROSS church, 616 S. CHERRY ST. — “The Holy Eucharist: Source and Summit of Our Faith,” 40 hours devotion begins after 9 a.m. Mass June 24 through 5 p.m. June 26. Contact Geri Breeding at geribreeding@ triad.rr.com or Kathy Garlow at kgarlow@triad.rr.com.

Para llamadas en español, llame a Alma Rangel al 336-995-4564.

LINVILLE st. bernadette church, 2085 hwy 105 — Theology of the Body for Teens and Young Adults, July 18-22. Informational meeting following Mass on July 17. Contact Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

MOUNT AIRY HOLY ANGELS CHURCH, 1208 N Main st.

— Mass in Extraordinary Form, noon Sundays. Contact holyangelsmountairy@charlottediocese.org or 336-786-8147.

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 704-370-3282.

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

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

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

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD Diocese of Charlotte

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

Online giving grows in parishes SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — There may be fewer envelopes in collection baskets these days, yet parish collections are not declining. It’s the result of more and more parishes adopting autodraft and online giving options.

As parishioners become more accustomed to banking, auto-drafts and purchasing online, churches are joining in to offer an alternative to the traditional collection envelope system. Companies such as J.S. Paluch, Faith Direct and VANCO work with parishes to set up and collect electronic donations.

St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte has offered electronic giving since 2003.

To date, 250 families at the parish are using this option to support the parish.

“It makes life easier for the parishioner to not have to worry about writing a check,” said Claudia Putnam, St. Gabriel’s business manager. “There is less paper to handle for our volunteer count teams.

It helps even out cash flow during the lean summer months for the parish.”

Dan and Julie Melchior, parishioners at St. Gabriel, use the “e-Pay” option to make their donations.

“Convenience and peace of mind are the primary reasons,” Dan Melchior said. “With getting three kids ready for church, it is difficult to always remember to fill out a check and stuff it into an envelope before we leave for Mass. Knowing that our contribution will always be made on a regular basis gives us peace of mind that we are doing our part to support the Church with our ‘treasure.’”

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point has offered electronic giving since 2006.

“Currently we have 151 families that we draft (that includes regular offertory and capital campaign),” said Glenda Terpstra, business manager.

St. Peter Church in Charlotte has offered auto-draft to its parishioners for more than six years and recently introduced online giving.

“Some parishioners use electronic banking and never write checks at all now,” said Mary Ann Sullivan, business manager at St. Peter Church. “There are an everincreasing number of parishioners using online banking as well. Online banking checks are great. The parish receives the entire donation (no fees) and the recording process is done with ease. No security issues with account numbers and permissions.

We just get the checks in the mail GIVING, SEE page 17

Quran reading in Charlotte church cancelled Interfaith event planned David Hains Director of Communication

CHARLOTTE — A plan to allow for the reading of the Quran during a Mass at St. Peter Church in uptown Charlotte later this month has been cancelled. In its place, parish leaders plan to host an interfaith dialogue in October.

St. Peter Parish had agreed to take part in a June 26 event called “Faith Shared” in which priests, rabbis and Muslim scholars read sacred texts in each other’s houses of worship. The event is a project of two groups, the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First.

In announcing the cancellation June 7, Father Patrick Earl, pastor of St. Peter, noted that a 2004 Vatican document, “Redemptionis Sacramentum,” expressly forbids the reading of texts from other religions during the celebration of Holy Mass. Father Earl was not aware of the Vatican prohibition when he agreed to host the event.

Father Earl said his intent in taking part in the event was over a concern about the lack of

respectful dialogue taking place between the Christian and Muslim communities nationwide.

The pastor cited a recent incident in which two Muslim imams, en route to Charlotte for a conference on Islamaphobia, were denied access to their airline flights.

“There is animosity in our country…between the Christians and Muslims and the Christian community needs to address that,” he said.

The plan to allow the reading of the Quran was in its formative stage. Father Earl had not yet contacted a member of the Muslim faith to conduct the reading.

St. Peter Church will host an interfaith event in October as part of its observance of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis engaged in a well-known interfaith dialogue during the fifth crusade in 1219 when he met with the Muslim sultan of Egypt. As recently as January of this year, Pope Benedict spoke of the cordial reception that Francis received even though he was “armed deliberately only with his faith and his personal meekness.” The Holy Father also pointed out that the meeting was “a model that should inspire relations between Christians and Muslims: to promote a dialogue in truth, in reciprocal respect and in mutual understanding.”

June marks 10 years of priestly service for four diocesan priests SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Two brothers from Vietnam and two later-in-life vocations share one thing in common – it has been 10 years since they were ordained priests in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father James Duc Duong, Father Tien Duong, Father Robert Ferris and Father Kurt Fohn were all ordained by then-Bishop William G. Curlin on June 2, 2001.

The paths they have taken over the past decade have taken them around the diocese.

“There is no doubt that my priestly ministry has grown Father James Duc during 10 years as priest,” says Duong Father Tien Duong, now pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin. “My first assignment at St. Gabriel Church taught me a lot, not only in offering the sacraments but also in pastoring the needs of God’s people.”

“The biggest challenge I had to overcome was the language,” he explains. “I came to this country when I was 28 years old. We, my Father Robert brothers and me, spent our whole Ferris life in Vietnam learning French.

Learning English is a big challenge, and now I have to learn Spanish and the culture, to say Mass for our Hispanic community at St. Francis of Assisi Church.”

His younger brother, Father Duc Duong, now pastor of St. Benedict Church in Greensboro,

recalls that on the first day of his first assignment at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor, said, “Now you’re a priest, and from now on, learn how to live as a priest.”

“I will never forget it and I’ve taken it seriously,” Father Duong says. “For me, my formation is still going on, but in a different way.

Patience, openness, listening, compassion and discipline are my developing gifts.”

Father Robert Ferris, now pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, brings a unique perspective to his priesthood, as he is a father and grandfather, whose wife Mary Kay passed Father Tien Duong away in 1991.“I believe that the one thing that I have learned is to let all things reside in the hands of God,” he says. “A priest is confronted with many problems of all types – from the financial to administrative issues in a parish; to spiritual direction and consultation; sanctifying, teaching and governing the people of his parish; to bringing multicultural peoples together as one united Father Kurt Fohn Church of God. No one person has the answers to all of these issues.

They cannot be totally resolved by one person alone.”

He credits the Holy Spirit with guiding him.

“Very early in my ministry I learned that I need PRIESTs, SEE page 11

OUR PARISHESI

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Deacon Hickey passes away at 83 CHARLOTTE — Deacon Gerald Hickey, 83, of Charlotte passed away June 6, 2011. Ordained with 18 other men on May 29, 1983, by then-Bishop Michael Begley, Deacon Jerry was a member of the first class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte and served his entire ministry at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Deacon Gerald Charlotte.

Hickey A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church on June 11, 2011.

Burial followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Deacon Jerry was born on Nov. 18, 1927, in Germantown, Pa., to John Lawrence Hickey and Catherine Doyle Cornell and baptized at St. Benedict Church in Philadelphia. He married Joan Ann Ebert in 1955, and in 1972 they moved from New York to Charlotte.

Soon after they became active at St. Vincent de Paul Church, and he dedicated his life to service in the Church.

He retired in 2002 when he turned 75, although he continued ministering in a reduced role after his retirement.

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing and watching the New York Yankees.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Marie Hickey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan; two sons, Brian Hickey of Charlotte and Kevin Hickey of Little Elm, Texas; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the St. Vincent de Paul Building Campaign or to a charity of one’s choice.

McEwen Funeral ServicePineville Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

6

catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Leah Whaley-Holmes stands in the kitchen of the Nussbaum Maternity Home (center) with two former clients, Brittney Jefferies (right) and Adrienne McKay (left), who are now part of the staff. Whaley-Holmes found help herself from Room at the Inn of the Carolinas in Greensboro after escaping an abusive relationship when she became pregnant. RATIC helped her through the birth of her son and provided assistance so that she could return to college, eventually earning a master’s degree and now running one of RATIC’s maternity homes.

Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

Room at the Inn of the Carolinas celebrates 10th anniversary Annette Tenny Correspondent

GREENSBORO — In his book, “Crossing the Threshold of Hope,” Blessed Pope John Paul II proposed that pregnant women who are truly supported and protected from any type of intimidation are capable of heroism.

Albert Hodges, president and CEO of Room at the Inn of the Carolinas, couldn’t agree more. “The homeless, single women facing crisis pregnancies that become clients of Room at The Inn are the real pro-life heroes.”

In its 10 years of operation, RATIC has opened five facilities offering programs and services for women in need. Last year, it was awarded accreditation by the Council on Accreditation, receiving praise for the positive results of its client satisfaction survey.

The Nussbaum Maternity Home, located in Greensboro, can provide maternity home services for as many as six women, with or without previous children. There are no faith or age requirements, though they must be North Carolina residents. The Father Michael McGivney Maternity Home in Bluffton, S.C., provides residential services to pregnant or parenting women under the age of 21. Plus, there are three supported living homes in North Carolina for

women who have graduated from the maternity homes and wish to attend college or vocational school full-time. Amy’s House in Greensboro, Backyard Ministry of Cherry Street UMC in Kernersville and Samaritan House of First Church of the Brethren in Eden all offer clients the opportunity to transition to independence while attending school and building new lives.

Leah Whaley-Holmes, now the vice president of operations at RATIC, is a former resident of Backyard Ministry. She credits God’s help in answering her prayers when she found out she was pregnant after dropping out of college and escaping an abusive relationship.

A counselor referred her to RATIC and she found out providentially there was an opening at the Nussbaum Home. Within a few hours, people were helping her unpack her car. She returned to college full-time after her son was born, worked part-time at RATIC and at another job while raising her son in the Backyard Ministry home in Kernersville. She maintained a 4.0 grade-point average and graduated a semester early – with honors. She thought her “story” with RATIC would end there, but God had other plans.

Holmes unexpectedly received a call from Hodges asking her to run the new RATIC home in South Carolina. She felt strongly that God was

asking her to move, so she and her son relocated.

She then enrolled in a master’s program at Savannah State University nearby in Georgia, where she graduated in 2009 with her master’s degree in clinical and administrative social work.

“The money people send to us is used not only to support women when they are pregnant, but to support and help them reach their goal of selfsufficiency,” she said. The support from RATIC helps to restore their faith and hope.

She said she would like to be able to open more homes throughout South and North Carolina – the need, she says, just keeps growing. “We have a waiting list here in North Carolina and now we have a waiting list in South Carolina of women and children who need help.”

Many people and partner organizations work tirelessly to make Room at the Inn of the Carolinas a successful, enduring, authentically Catholic and life-affirming alternative for mothers in crisis. Not surprisingly, however, it is these single, homeless women and their children who have become the inspiration for all involved.

“It’s easy for someone like me to be pro-life,” said Hodges. “But for these young women, it forever changes their life. Somehow, these women find the courage to choose life and to say yes to God – and that is a powerful thing.”

Mark your calendar Room at the Inn of the Carolinas will host its annual dinner Oct. 18 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro.

The keynote speaker will be Abbey Johnson, author of “UnPLANNED” and a nationally known pro-life advocate.

For more information about how you can help, go online to www.roominn. org or call 336-9963788.

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

7

CSS hosts Jesuit priest, offers Spanish translation Christopher Lux Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — On June 13 and 14 Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski gave a presentation on the “daily examen,” an Ignation tool for prayer.

Father Koterski’s Tuesday presentation was translated by Jesuit Brother Ricardo Greeley. It’s not the first time Father Koterski has given presentations in the diocese, but for the first time, Catholic Social Services was able to offer the same presentation in two languages. Both English and Spanish speakers attended the successful event.

The daily examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the past events of one’s day to grow in understanding of how God is present to the individual. To discern God’s will, Father Koterski said, take this time to “put yourself in the center for 10 minutes.” He offered the acronym “G.R.A.C.E.” to help remember the method of this form of prayer: Gratitude; Request for light; Account of actions and attitudes; Chart your course; and Enthusiasm.

The 10-minute prayer opens with “saying your thanks for something in your life – your faith, your spouse, the gift of life.” Next is the “request that God shine light on what He wants us to see.”

The third step is the longest part of the prayer. The account of one’s actions and attitudes requires a mental review of the time since your last examen: “It’s like putting a mental DVD into your mind and watching what you did during the day.”

During this review, one takes note of what happened in the day, “how you acted or did not act.” In searching for those things which

require improvements, he said, consider the details of the day: “Think about driving; was I driving civilly? I’m a teacher, so was I prepared for class? Did I pray? Did I take adequate time for recreation?” After identifying those parts that require the most attention, “you rewind and replay those segments.”

He said the fourth part of the prayer, charting the course, is the place to ask, Father Joseph “What, if anything, needs Koterski changing? Correcting?

Challenging? Or should you continue on course with greater effort?”

The prayer is concluded by “entreating the Lord for the energy and enthusiasm needed to carry out the course just charted,” he said.

This technique, which can be practiced in any quiet and peaceful environment, is a spiritual self-review, “not a self-help technique.”

Father Koterski’s presentations emphasized it is important to remember that “the examen is prayer” in which “I am really asking God to show me what He wants me to look at.” This Ignation tool helps a person to see that the examination of conscience is not only for confession. It also helps the person grow closer to God. The presentations were given at the Diocesan Pastoral Center and St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. More than 50 people attended.

Father Koterski is a priest of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus and teaches at Fordham University. He also serves on the board of trustees of Belmont Abbey College.

Photo provided by Ann Kilkelly

Two tons of food donated to Catholic Social Services Members of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte delivered 5,000 pounds of food to Catholic Social Services at the Diocesan Pastoral Center June 6. The parish’s Helping Hands Ministry team organized a “Back to Summer” food drive to help families who depend on free and reduced school lunches for their children during the school year, who then need extra assistance during the summer months. Catholic Social Services and the Cabarrus County pantry, run by Harrisburg United Methodist Church, were the lucky recipients – and it couldn’t come at a better time. The week of May 16 alone, Catholic Social Services distributed 3,924 pounds of pantry goods to 600 people. Pictured are Catholic Social Services staff member Sheila Purello and volunteer Brian Becker helping other staff, and St. Thomas Aquinas Deacon Mark Nash and Harrisburg UMC volunteers John Lomonaco and Mike Brown unloading truckloads of non-perishable food.

photo provided by James DeMange

Confirmed in the Spirit Three young men and women received the sacrament of confirmation at St. Jude Mission in Sapphire May 19. Katie Flynn, Caroline Young and Kevin Young are pictured with Bishop Peter J. Jugis; Father Carl T. Del Giudice, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard; and Father Dean Cesa, pastor of St. Jude Mission and Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands.

8

catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011

De

Cerca

Ser Padre Carlos Castañeda Hispanic Communications Coordinator

CHARLOTTE — Al acercarse el dia del Padre, quisimos explorar el sentido de paternidad que experimentan muchos hombres. Quisimos reunir a tres hombres que viven tres tipos de paternidad, para explorar cuáles son los sentimientos y motivaciones de estas dimensiones igualmente fecundas. El Obispo Emérito William Curlin, quien a lo largo de sus 54 años de vida sacerdotal ha vivido muchas experiencias como padre espiritual; Otto Ojeda, abuelo de Adrián Otto, de 2 meses de edad; y Michael Rodríguez, padre de María Guadalupe, de 14 meses de edad. Tres hombres, tres dimensiones, tres tipos de experiencias. He aqui un cortísimo resumen de nuestra conversación. El video de esta entrevista ‘in extenso’ lo podrá encontrar la próxima semana en la sección Español, en: www.catholicnewsherald.com. ¿Qué significa ser padre?

Obispo Curlin (OC): “Para mi significa lo que alguna vez me dijo hace 54 años un pastor amigo mio, cuando recién iniciaba mi sacerdocio: ‘Recuerde, Padre, que usted es parte de una familia, la Parroquia no es una comunidad en el sentido de un negocio, sino una familia. Y en esa familia, su papel es el de un padre amoroso.”

Michael Rodríguez (MR): “Resulta difícil explicar lo que realmente significa, sino hasta el preciso momento en que ocurre.

Recuerdo la primera vez que tuve a Maria en mis brazos. Luego de cargarla y dársela a la enfermera, sentí algo extraño en mi. Me quedé mudo. Sentí literalmente como un “switch” que se activaba y comprendí que mi escala de prioridades había cambiado completamente, desde que mi hija había nacido, desde que ya la tuve en mis brazos.”

Otto Ojeda (OO): “Yo tuve la linda experiencia de ser padre de mi única hija y hoy vivo la linda experiencia de ser abuelo.

Una felicidad, a pesar de que mi hija se puso mal en la clínica, pero todo eso tiene una recompensa. Ya mi hija y mi nieto están bien y sólo ahora empiezo a disfrutarlos.”

Fotos: Carlos Castañeda | Catholic News Herald

De izquierda a derecha: Otto Ojeda, sosteniendo en brazos al pequeño Otto Adrián; Obispo Emérito William Curlin; Michael Rodriguez cargando a la pequeña María en sus brazos. La paternidad es un sentido y una dimensión que van más allá de lo únicamente biológico. ¿Cuáles son las mayores satisfacciones que su paternidad les ha dado?

OC: “Recuerdo una noche, a las dos de la mañana, cuando uno de los servidores del altar me llamó por teléfono, y me dice: ‘Padre, es un niño, es un niño!’. Yo le respondí si se daba cuenta que eran las dos de la mañana y él me contestó que su hijo acababa de nacer, que yo era su padre espiritual y que como tal él necesitaba compartir su gozo conmigo, que yo era parte de su familia. Yo pude sentir el gozo de su propia paternidad, a través de mi”.

MR: “Yo recuerdo la vez en que María tenía cólicos. No sé quién de todos nosotros estaba más nervioso, pero en un momento, pedí que me dejaran a solas con María, para ayudarla. El sólo hecho de cargarla, mover sus piernitas y ayudarla con los gases, me hizo comprender que una de mis mayores

recompensas como padre es saber que tengo la capacidad de ayudarla, de estar ahi, para ella, siempre. Esa es quizá una de las recompensas que siento, como padre.” ¿Qué opina de que su propia paternidad es una imagen de Dios sobre sus hijos?

OO: “Yo me siento muy orgulloso ante Dios de haber criado a una hija, de haber sido un buen padre con ella y de empezar a vivir ahora esta experiencia como abuelo. Estoy feliz de ser para ellos un ejemplo.”

MR: “Por muchos años traté de reconciliar mi mente y mi corazón, respecto de Dios, sabía que mi pensamiento y teoría debían pasar a mi corazón y poner mi fe en acción. Al casarme y luego al nacer María, me di cuenta que finalmente ambas cosas se unieron. Yo vivo y sirvo al Señor activamente ahora y quisiera también que María viva ese llamado a ser un verdadero

Cristiano, pensando, amando y sirviendo al Señor.”

OC: “Yo recibí múltiples ejemplos de mis padres, acerca de la imagen de Dios. Mi madre era católica, y aunque mi padre no lo era, ella me enseñaba el respeto de la comunicación con Dios en la Eucaristía; Mis abuelos me enseñaron la generosidad, al regular alguna vez nuestra cena de Acción de Gracias a una familia pobre. En cada gesto de generosidad y de amor, los padres transmiten a los hijos ese amor de Dios, son una verdadera inspiración en su propio testimonio de amabilidad, generosidad y los valores que nacen de una relación con Jesús, y que finalmente afectan su vida, para siempre.”

Vea la próxima semana el video de esta entrevista completa en: www. catholicnewsherald.com, sección: Español.

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Conociendo

Aquí

nuestra

estamos!

9

Fe

Clases educativas para mujeres latinas con diabetes CHARLOTTE — Las clases son GRATIS y se llevarán a cabo todos los lunes de agosto a noviembre de 6:30 p.m. a 9:00 p.m. Todas las participantes recibirán un glucómetro y tiras, equipo de ejercicio pequeño, $90.00 en efectivo, comida, recetas de cocina, y mucha información.

Para mayor información, llame a la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe o al 704-687-5957 y deje su mensaje. Habrá cuidado de niños.

Otto Ojeda, sostiene orgulloso a Otto Adrián, el primer nieto de su única hija, Verónica.

El Rosario en St. Thomas Aquinas

Taller de Apologética CHARLOTTE — La Iglesia St. Vincent de Paul organiza un Taller de Apologética, desde el 11 de Julio, a las 6.30 pm. Los objetivos de este Programa son de dar a conocer la Palabra de Dios e impulsar la promoción y defensa de la fe católica. St. Vincent de Paul está en: 6828 Old Reid Rd. Charlotte. Teléfono para informes sobre este curso: 704-554-7088.

Cursillos de Cristiandad en Asheville ASHEVILLE — El Vicariato de Asheville prepara los Cursillos de Cristiandad de este año. La fechas del Cursillo para Hombres son del 25 al 28 de agosto y el Cursillo para Mujeres del 8 al 11 de setiembre. Mayor información en nuestras próximas ediciones y al teléfono: 828-333-5120 (Antonio García, Coordinador del Vicariato de Asheville).

Servicios médicos gratuitos para menores Los tres orgullosos hombres compartiendo junto a hijos y nietos las distintas dimensiones de la paternidad.

En

contacto

Santo, Yo? A

CHARLOTTE — El nuevo Ministerio Hispano de la Parroquia Santo Tomás de Aquino continúa reuniéndose el primer y tercer martes de cada mes, para rezar el Rosario. Las reuniones son a las 7 de la noche, en la Capilla. La próxima reunión es este martes 21. Mayores informes al : 704-491-6035. La Iglesia queda en: 1400 Suther Rd. Charlotte.

María Guadalupe, 14 meses, en brazos de Michael Rodríguez, su padre.

Carlos Castañeda

CHARLOTTE — Servicios médicos gratuitos para menores - El Crucero de la Salud del Hospital Presbiteriano estará el 2 y 16 de julio de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (6212 Tuckaseegee Rd. Charlotte), para ofrecer servicios médicos gratuitos a niños menores de 18 años.

propósito de la canonización del Beato Juan Pablo II y viviendo en medio de redes sociales y globalización, cuál es la santidad a la que podemos humildemente aspirar usted o yo?

Mi generación tuvo la oportunidad de recibir al entonces nuevo Papa Juan Pablo II, en sus visitas al Perú, a inicios de los ochenta. Aquellas visitas impactaron muchas vidas, trajeron muchas nuevas vocaciones, nuevos catequistas y un profundo avivamiento de la fe católica en latinoamérica. Esto significó el acercamiento del liderazgo de una de las personas casi míticas para las vidas de muchos, logró poner al alcance de nuestros ojos al lider inalcanzable, en persona y hasta hablando nuestro propio idioma. Juan Pablo II supo mostrar la cercanía del que camina al lado del otro, supo tomar el liderazgo, romper esquemas y concentrarse en las personas con profunda compasión.

Supo llegar a cada uno con actitud amorosa, escuchando, compartiendo y sintonizando.

En octubre del 2003, durante su homilía en la Misa de celebración por sus 25 años de papado, Juan Pablo II recordaba: “Desde el inicio del Pontificado, mis pensamientos, mis oraciones y mis acciones han sido animadas por un único deseo: Testimoniar que Cristo, el Buen Pastor, está presente y obra en su Iglesia. Él está en contínua búsqueda de cada oveja perdida, la retorna al rebaño, le cura las heridas; cuida a la oveja débil y enferma y protege a la fuerte.” Y luego añade: “Es por ello que, desde el primer día, no he dejado de exhortar: ‘¡No tengáis miedo de acoger a Cristo y de aceptar su potestad! Repito hoy con fuerza: ‘¡Abrid, más aún, abrid de par en par las puertas a Cristo!’ ¡Dejaos guiar por Él! ¡Confiaos a

su amor!”

Su forma de santidad fue entonces la santidad del líder, la actitud de amor que reta, arrastra y motiva a la entrega y compasión total, por amor.

Cuántos conseguimos transmitir esa imagen genuina y amorosa, esparciéndola en los espacios que nos rodean? Este es uno de los caminos que conducen a la santidad que hoy Dios espera de usted y de mi. El Señor nos llama a la santidad del dia a dia. Estamos llamados a la santidad de la honestidad y del amor sincero; estamos llamados a la santidad de la transparencia y la compasión sincera con aquellos que nos rodean, de manera concreta y humilde.

Es el camino de la santidad en medio del Facebook, la agitación, el estrés de la vida moderna, la globalización y los cambios generacionales.

Quisiera terminar esta columna que hoy da inicio a esta sección, citando al Beato Juan Pablo II en su discurso a los miembros de la la Asamblea Plenaria del Consejo Pontificio para la Comunicación Social, en marzo del 2002: “El Evangelio vive siempre en diálogo con la cultura, porque la Palabra eterna nunca deja de estar presente en la Iglesia y en la humanidad. Si la Iglesia se aleja de la cultura, el Evangelio queda silenciado.

Por tanto, no debemos temer cruzar el umbral cultural de las comunicaciones y de la revolución de la información que está teniendo lugar ahora.” Siento que ése puede ser mi llamado personal a la santidad, desde la honestidad y los valores. Y no se tratará de que el Señor me conceda hacer milagros, sino más bien de confiar que El hará este milagro en mi.

Carlos Castañeda es el Coordinador de Comunicaciones Hispanas del Catholic News Herald.

Envíenos sus noticias o anuncios y forme parte de esta sección Este espacio y sección es para promover y conectar a nuestra comunidad. Todos los comentarios y sugerencias son bienvenidas. Si desea escribirnos, dejar sus comentarios, sugerencias u opiniones, así como para enviar alguna noticia o promover algún evento de

su parroquia o grupo, por favor contáctenos: Carlos Castañeda (cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org, 704-3703375.

Si desea participar escribiendo o formando parte del ministerio de comunicaciones, no dude en unirse!

Contáctenos por email o visite: www.catholicnewsherald. com (Sección Español) e ingrese su información. Nosotros le contactaremos tan pronto como sea posible.

10

catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Matthew Buettner

I

The spiritual foundation for the Liturgy of the Word

n earlier columns, we discovered that as the highest form of prayer, the Mass teaches us how to pray.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins with the Penitential Act, which allows us the opportunity to confess our need for God’s abundant mercy. Likewise, prayer begins with the humble recognition of one’s inadequacy in the presence of God. After recognizing our sinfulness and God’s abundant mercy, we are moved to praise and adoration and thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity in the ancient hymn known as the Gloria. Likewise, prayer moves from humility and repentance to praise and adoration and gratitude. Finally, the Introductory Rites of the Mass reach their culmination and fulfillment in the Opening Collect or Prayer. The celebrant collects the petitions and intercessions of the sacrifice and implores the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit. Prayer, as in the Holy Mass, then moves from praise and adoration to petition and intercession.

So far, the Introductory Rites teach us that prayer has the following form: humility and repentance, praise and adoration, petition and intercession. But there is still a further component to prayer beyond the scope of what we have already accomplished.

We must listen to the voice of the Lord.

We must be receptive to the Word of God. Prayer, too, becomes more receptive and meditative as we listen to the voice of God. And so the Mass moves from the Introductory Rites to the Liturgy of the Word. The congregation is seated to listen attentively as God instructs His people.

Perhaps the most theologically relevant teaching on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, “Mediator Dei,” written by Pope Pius XII in 1947, explains the encounter with Christ in the Liturgy of the Word throughout the Liturgical Year: “In the Sacred Liturgy, the whole Christ is proposed to us in all the circumstances of His life, as the Word of the Eternal Father, as born of the Virgin Mother of God, as He who teaches us truth, heals the sick, consoles the afflicted, who endures suffering and who dies; finally, as He who rose triumphantly from the dead,

and who, reigning in the glory of Heaven, sends us the Holy Paraclete, and who abides in His Church forever…. The liturgy shows us Christ not only as a model to be imitated, but as a Master to whom we should listen readily, a Shepherd whom we should follow, as Author of our salvation, the Source of our holiness, and the Head of the Mystical Body whose members we are, living by His very life…. Hence, the liturgical year, devotedly fostered and accompanied by the Church, is not a cold and lifeless representation of the events of the past, or a simple and bare record of a former age. It is rather Christ Himself, who is ever living in His Church.”

In other words, Pope Pius XII teaches that the Liturgy of the Word is not merely the formal reading of sacred texts, not a quaint reminder of our past, but rather the recapitulation of the saving work of Our Lord. Through the faithful proclamation of salvation history found in Scripture, we gain access to the saving mysteries of our faith.

The events of the past are brought into the present. The mysteries of the life of Our Lord are brought into light today to continue and to fulfill the work of salvation in each generation. Christ continues His redemptive activity, His mission of teaching the truth that sets us free.

As His present-day disciples, we have a privileged place of honor sitting at the feet of the Master, listening to Him, listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd leading us to eternal life.” As St. John Eudes wrote, “We must continue to accomplish in ourselves the stages of Jesus’ life and His mysteries and often to beg Him to perfect and realize them in us and in His whole Church….”

And so both in prayer and in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the highest form of prayer, we must listen to the voice of the Lord. We are seated to listen attentively to the voice of the Good Shepherd guiding us into eternal life; we must be receptive to Our Lord, who is called “Rabbi,” the Great Teacher, who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” for He is the eternal Word of the eternal Father.

Several lessons ago, we discussed the Holy Mass as a sacred ritual, whose parts and

prayers are selected, inspired, and faithfully handed down through the centuries. In other words, the selected readings at the Mass are part of this divine plan of revelation, so that through the liturgical seasons of the Church year, the mysteries of Christ’s birth, His life, His teaching and miracles, and finally His passion, death and resurrection are unfolded each year. From week to week, the life of Our Lord emerges from the pages of Scripture, revealed again and again, so that we can penetrate these mysteries and receive the fruits and graces of these mysteries.

Since these readings are pre-selected and handed down to us, they are not subject to the whim of the celebrant. The readings maintain the universal character of the Church – it does not matter which Roman Catholic Church you attend: the country, the language, the local customs, etc., the same readings are provided everywhere in the world. The celebrant does not have the authority or the liberty to select his favorite readings or discard his least favorite. The Catholic faithful must be given the opportunity to hear the voice of God speaking to us in every selected reading.

Consequently, the Church offers us a three-year cycle of readings for Sunday Masses and a two-year cycle for weekday Masses. As you attend Mass each week, almost the entire canon of Sacred Scripture, nearly the whole Bible, is proclaimed every three years. And if you attend Mass every day, you will hear almost the entire canon of Sacred Scripture every two years.

The Sunday readings follow a very simple three-year cycle: year “A” concentrates on the Gospel of St. Matthew, year “B” focuses on the Gospel of St. Mark, and year “C,” the Gospel of St. Luke. These three Gospels are very similar in structure and content and are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Since the Gospel of St. John contains material not found in these three Gospels, St. John’s Gospel is proclaimed during specific times and seasons of the year and at specific feasts, such as Christmas and Easter.

On Sundays and other solemn feast days, three readings are provided. The first reading often comes from the Old Testament

Learn more This is part 20 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal.

Read all previous articles online at www. catholicnewsherald.com. For more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ extensive material online at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

and is selected to show the Old Testament foundation for the Gospel. The Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament.

The New Testament completes the Old Testament. In the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen elucidating the immemorial words of St. Augustine: “The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed; the New is in the Old contained, the Old is in the New explained.”

Therefore, on Sunday, the first reading establishes a hope that is fulfilled in the Gospel. The first reading and the Gospel fit together.

The Responsorial Psalm is a response to the lesson of the Old Testament reading. One psalm is selected out of the 150 psalms of the Old Testament.

The second reading comes from one of the New Testament Epistles, or letters, of one of the Apostles. Throughout the year, we hear the inspired accounts of St. Paul, St. Peter, St. James and a few others. The second lesson often does not follow the pattern established by the first reading and the Gospel, but they offer specific instruction on living the Christian life.

Father Matthew Buettner is the pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton. This is excerpted from “Understanding the Mystery of the Mass – Revisited,” available for purchase online at www.tedeumfoundation.org. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of land for a future seminary in the Diocese of Charlotte. Previous columns are archived online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

‘It took me many years of priesthood to understand some of God’s plan. ...

God has a plan and we have a plan – thank God they are not the same.’

— Father Kurt Fohn

pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville

Priests

Marcaccio

FROM PAGE 5 FROM PAGE 3

to rely on the direction of the Holy Spirit to lead me to the answers needed for a particular issue or lead me to people who could assist me in obtaining those answers. For me, that meant that I had to spend time in prayer and listening to that voice that silently spoke to me; and that communication was best realized in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals all truth and knowledge. I realized that I needed to let God take charge and rely heavily on His direction in my ministry.”

Father Kurt Fohn, pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville, became a priest in his 60s.

“It took me many years of priesthood to understand some of God’s plan,” he says. “To be ordained at 66…. ‘God has a lot of humor’ was my reaction. Only looking back do things make sense. That is why God is God and we are not. God has a plan and we have a plan – thank God they are not the same.”

Father Fohn adds a bit of what he has learned, stating, “It is true that we must work at being holy, keeping the commandments, helping those in need, disciplining ourselves. But even this effort is God’s gift to us and the more we realize that, the more we will use that gift.”

most priests will tell you the same.”

Throughout his life as a priest, Monsignor Marcaccio has had the privilege to meet many people and take part in many wonderful experiences. While both St. Pius X Church and School have received national and international recognition during his time as pastor, he has also had the opportunity to serve on the Crusade Committee for Dr. Billy Graham, to concelebrate Mass with Blessed John Paul II privately and in public, to meet the Dalai

OUR PARISHESI

11

Lama and to celebrate Mass for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Of course, during his 20 years as a priest, Monsignor Marcaccio said, he has also learned a thing or two along the way.

“I try, and fail consistently, but try not to let myself get in the way of Christ working through me.

“The other thing that I have come to know on a very intimate level is the providence of God. Maybe not at first, but certainly now, I have come to believe St. Paul’s words to the Romans...” (Romans 8:28: “All things work for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”) “... and it is the truth.”

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iiiJune 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

‘Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!’: Father Voitus

‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you’ (J

SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Joshua Voitus, 29, of Lewisville, was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte on June 4. Bishop Peter J. Jugis presided over the ordination and was the main celebrant for the ordination Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

More than 40 priests of the diocese along with Charlotte Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey joined Bishop Jugis in concelebrating the Mass. The cathedral was standing-room only for the occasion, filled with members of Father Voitus’ family, women religious from around the diocese, including Sister of St. Joseph Helene Negle who was Father Voitus' former principal, and members of the Knights of Columbus, the Order of Malta, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

During the ordination Mass, the priestelect promised to serve Christ and His Church as a priest, administering the sacraments and preaching the Gospel. As the congregation prayed the ancient Litany of Supplication, also called the Litany of the Saints, the priest-elect prostrated himself before the altar as an expression of his complete dependence on the Lord.

Then Bishop Jugis laid his hands on the priest-elect and prayed for him to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, an ancient sign of ordination and the most solemn moment of the ordination rite. All the priests present at the Mass then did the same, each laying their hands on his head.

Then he was invested with the stole and chasuble, the vestments of a priest, by Father John Putnam, diocesan judicial vicar, and Bishop Jugis anointed his hands with sacred chrism and presented him with the gifts of bread and wine. Then the new Father Voitus joined his fellow priests at the altar to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Following the conclusion of Mass, Father Voitus gave his first blessing to his father, Edward C. Voitus. Flowers were placed at the statue of Mary in honor of his late mother, Joanne Elizabeth Voitus, who died in 2007.

Father Voitus attended seminary at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, where he received Bachelor of Arts degrees in philosophy and English literature. He studied theology at Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., where he received Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees in moral theology.

Father Voitus celebrated his first Mass at his home parish of Holy Family in Clemmons June 5.

He has been assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, where he will serve as parochial vicar.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Joshua Voitus poses for a post-ordination photo at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte on June 4. Father Voitus has been assigned as parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. For more pictures and video of the ordination Mass go to www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Photo provided by Bill LoefFler

Father Voitus celebrates his first Mass at his home parish of Holy Family in Clemmons on June 5.

Bill Washington | Catholic news herald

Father Voitus celebrated a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury June 5. His late mother, Joanne, is interred at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

HE COVER

s ordained in Charlotte

John 15:16)

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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Priest assignments announced for the diocese Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following priest assignments, effective July 1, at the following parishes:

ANDREWS & ROBBINSVILLE Father Carl Kaltreider: from pastor, Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews, and Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville, to administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion Father Brandon H. Jones: from parochial administrator of St. Joseph Church, Asheboro, to pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews, and Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville

ASHEBORO Father Brandon H. Jones: from parochial administrator of St. Joseph Church, Asheboro, to pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews, and Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville Father Philip Kollithanath: from pastor of Christ the King Church, High Point, to pastor of St. Joseph Church, Asheboro

ASHEVILLE Father Edward J. Sheridan: Retiring after serving as pastor of St. Eugene Church, Asheville Father J. Patrick Cahill: from parochial vicar of St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte, to pastor of St. Eugene Church, Asheville

CHARLOTTE Father Joshua A. Voitus to parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar: from parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte, to parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church, Hickory Father J. Patrick Cahill: from parochial vicar of St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte, to pastor of St. Eugene Church, Asheville

HAMLET & WADESBORO Father John F. Starczewski: from pastor of St. James Church, Hamlet, and Sacred Heart Mission, Wadesboro, to pastor of St. Francis Church, Mocksville Father Jean Pierre Swamunu Lhoposo: from parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church, Hickory, to pastor of St. James Church, Hamlet, and Sacred Heart Mission, Wadesboro

Patricia Guilfoyle and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Deacon Voitus lays prostrate during the Litany of the Saints. Father Voitus’ chalice contains the diamond from his late mother’s engagement ring. Bishop Peter Jugis invokes the Holy Spirit during the laying on of hands.

HICKORY Father Jean Pierre Swamunu Lhoposo: from parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church, Hickory, to pastor of St. James Church, Hamlet, and Sacred Heart Mission, Wadesboro Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar: from parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte, to parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church, Hickory

HIGH POINT Father Philip Kollithanath: from pastor of Christ the King Church, High Point, to pastor of St. Joseph Church, Asheboro Father Gnanapragasam Mariasoosai: from pastor of Our Lady of Angels Mission, Marion, to pastor of Christ the King Church, High Point

MARION Father Gnanapragasam Mariasoosai: from pastor of Our Lady of Angels Mission, Marion, to pastor of Christ the King Church, High Point Father Carl Kaltreider: from pastor, Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews, and Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville, to administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion

MOCKSVILLE SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Voitus and Bishop Jugis are surrounded by Father Voitus’ extended family at the reception in honor of Father Voitus’ ordination at St. Patrick June 4.

Father John F. Starczewski: from pastor of St. James Church, Hamlet, and Sacred Heart Mission, Wadesboro, to pastor of St. Francis Church, Mocksville Father Andrew Draper, TOR, former pastor in Mocksville, is being reassigned by his order.

Our schools

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In Brief

Ritter named interim head of diocesan schools CHARLOTTE — Dr. Janice Ritter, the current assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, has been named the diocese’s interim superintendent as the search continues for outgoing superintendent Linda Cherry’s successor.

Ritter will take over the position temporarily beginning June 27. Cherry announced last Ritter month that she would retire in June.

Ritter has been a member of the diocesan schools staff since 1997. She will direct the Catholic schools office, working closely with the priests of the diocese, the diocesan school board, parish school boards, principals and teachers of the diocesan schools, said an announcement released June 10 by Father Roger K. Arnsparger, vicar of education.

“The diocese is pleased that Dr. Ritter is ready to continue her long history of service to the Catholic schools,” Father Arnsparger wrote in his announcement.

The search process is underway to identify a permanent superintendent

by July 1, 2012, Father Arnsparger wrote in his announcement. The search committee is being led by Bishop Peter Jugis and Father Arnsparger.

St. Mark graduates recognized HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Church’s pastor, Monsignor Richard Bellow, recently celebrated a baccalaureate Mass for the parish’s graduating seniors, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith as they enter a new, exciting and challenging time in their lives. The seniors were presented with a special gift from the parish, including a blessed St. Mark medal and the booklet “How to Stay Catholic in College” by Christopher Kaczor. Pictured from left are (back row): Michael Shoemaker, Cory Nivens, Katie Lewis, Anthony Baio, Maddie Fink, Greg Lotito and Meagan Altamira; (front row) Liz Bernardo, Natalie Vaccaro, Alyssa Lang and Kendall Smith.

Photo provided by Lara Davenport

OLM offers helping hand to Child Protective Services Members of the Helping Hands of Mercy Leadership Team proudly display the 75 bags and suitcases which the students of Our Lady of Mercy School collected for children in the care of Forsyth County Child Protective Services. When children must be removed from their homes for their own safety, they can use these bags to collect their belongings. This was the first delivery but students continued to collect the bags until the end of the school year. Helping Hands of Mercy is a school-wide service organization at the school whose focus is “children helping children.” The group conducts a monthly drive or collection to help children in the local community or elsewhere in the world. This year students raised money to send to Haiti and to Japan, and collected hand sanitizers for local homeless children as well as children’s vitamins for Haitian children. They also collected winter coats and other winter gear and blankets for children who would otherwise go without proper protection against the cold. The leadership team is made up of middle school volunteers who meet during their lunch period throughout the year.

— Tim Flynn

St. Mark homeschoolers graduate HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Church in Huntersville recently recognized its Homeschool Ministry 2011 graduates.

Pictured with Monsignor Richard Bellow, pastor, are (from left) Katie Lewis, Katie Reilly and Hunter Reid.

— Gerard Reid

Father Eckert gets cards, cheers GREENSBORO — During Our Lady of Grace School’s end of the year awards ceremony June 6, students celebrated Father John Eckert’s first anniversary as a priest with cards made by students, as well as a standing ovation from students, faculty, staff and parents.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

Sharkey honored Photo provided by Allana-Rae Ramkissoon

First Communicants recognized Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte recently celebrated all of the students who recently made their first Communion. OLA prepares the students through its school-wide Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation program, but students receive the sacraments of first reconciliation and first Holy Communion in their respective parishes. A special communion service was led by Deacon David Reiser at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Pictured with Deacon Reiser and the second-grade students are Sandra Brighton, second-grade teacher; Yasmin Santschi, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd facilitator; Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal; and Martha McRae, teacher assistant.

GREENSBORO — Christopher Sharkey, a fourth-grade student at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, was honored at the school’s end of the year awards ceremony for raising the most money during OLG’s Jump Rope for Hearts, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Sharkey, pictured with OLG’s athletics director Dewey Searcy, raised $150.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

15

Mix

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Sunday. June 19, 2 a.m., Friday, June 24, 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 25, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Rock of Truth.” The extraordinary story of Bruno Cornacchiola, a modern day persecutor of the Catholic Church who planned to kill the pope but was converted when the Virgin Mary appeared to him.

In theaters ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer’ A fun-loving grade schooler’s plans for a super summer go awry when her two best friends take off on adventures of their own, leaving her in the company of a timid third pal, her Bigfoot-obsessed little brother and the aunt who comes to babysit when her parents are suddenly called out of town.

While it conveys a worthwhile lesson about adapting to circumstances, director John Schultz’s screen version of Megan McDonald’s best-selling series of children’s books feels as meandering as the search for Sasquatch.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: PG

n Sunday, June 19, 3 a.m.

(EWTN) “Fr. Groeschel: The Mystery of the Trinity.” Father Benedict Groeschel looks at the mystery of the three persons found in the one God.

‘The Tree of Life’ Terrence Malick’s metaphysical rumination weaves together sequences featuring a married couple raising three boys in Texas in the 1950s with special-effects-laden passages depicting the origins of the universe and change in the natural world. Consistently beautiful and frequently moving, the lyrical work ultimately proves unsatisfying due to its overly schematic starting point, the juxtaposition of nature and grace, and its glancing endorsement of New Age spirituality.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: PG-13

‘Midnight in Paris’ Writer-director Woody Allen’s valentine to the City of Lights, an extended travelogue filled with sumptuous scenery and pretty people, asks the question: Would you be happier living a different life in a long-ago, mythically remembered past? A frustrated Hollywood screenwriter and would-be novelist gets to find out during a visit to the French capital, escaping his indifferent fiancée and her obnoxious parents, with whom he’s unhappily traveling, and gaining mysterious entree to a fantasy world of 1920s Paris. Uses of profanity, some sex and drug-use references.

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

‘X-Men: First Class’ In this Camelot-era prequel to the “X-Men” franchise of comic-book adaptations, young mutants with assorted superpowers, most prominently Charles (Professor X) and Erik (Magneto), team up to avert nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Provocative costuming and the characters’ propensity for coarse talk make this inappropriate for kids.

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

CNS | courtesy Manga Hero

This is the cover of a 32-page Pope Benedict XVI manga comic book, which will be distributed in August during World Youth Day in Madrid. Jonathan Lin runs Manga Hero, which may well be the world’s only publisher of Catholic manga comics.

Pope to get manga comic treatment in time for World Youth Day Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Move over, Spider-Man. Here come some new comic-book heroes.

Among this new breed of heroes are Pope Benedict XVI, St. Paul and Old Testament figure Judith.

They are the stars of comic books done in a style older generations never saw in the comic-book rack at the neighborhood drugstore growing up.

The genre is called manga, a Japanese genre of cartoons and comic books, and Jonathan Lin, who runs Manga Hero, may well be the world’s only publisher of Catholic manga comics.

A 32-page Pope Benedict manga comic will be distributed in August during World Youth Day in Madrid. Lin said he expects to have 300,000 copies produced in Spain to meet demand. He hopes it will whet World Youth Day participants’ appetites for a longer Pope Benedict manga to be produced this fall in the U.S. “I wanted to start my own business – something that could positively influence young people, who are especially influenced by media,” Lin said.

“I was talking to my parents. And my dad, who actually grew up in Japan, asked me, ‘How come there’s no Biblical manga?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s right. That’s a shame.’ There was only a couple written by Protestants and published by

Protestants that basically converted the Bible into a manga series,” Lin said.

But it got Lin to thinking: “What stories are there out there that could actually work?”

The St. Paul and Judith mangas are already available for sale. Later this summer, Lin will have produced a manga telling the parable of the 10 virgins at the wedding feast from the Gospel of Matthew.

Lin explained the difference between mangas and “traditional” comics.

“The manga art style is totally different than the Western comics tradition,” he said. “The Japanese art style is more exaggerated – broadly defined hair, for example. Maybe big eyes. The framing of the scene can be quite different.

Lin, 36, is a real estate broker and uses his earnings to provide seed money for his mangas, online at www.mangahero.com.

He recruited two writers from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego. (The school also supplied Lin with a grant to produce the 300,000 World Youth Day mangas.) And a fulltime manga artist in Singapore does Lin’s manga artwork.

“We have others being written – Joshua, and then we have another one on Blessed John Paul II, Mother Teresa, St. George. These are all in the writing stage,” Lin said. “And then we have an epic on David.”

n Sunday, June 19, 6:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Behold the Man: Spirituality For Men.” This episode will examine the implication of an authentic, Catholic male spirituality for evangelization and overcoming the difficulties and temptations of everyday life. n Sunday, June 19, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “In Concert: Purcell’s Sacred Music.”

The Choir of Clare College from Cambridge, England, presents the following musical pieces: “Te Deum Laudamus,” “Jubilate Domine,” “My Beloved Spake,” “Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences,” and much more. n Wednesday, June 22, 1011 p.m. (EWTN) “A Miracle in Lanciano.” This drama, featuring actor Jeremy Stanbary, celebrates the Eucharistic miracle that took place in Lanciano, Italy, in the early eighth century. n Thursday, June 23, 1-3:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemnity of Corpus Christi Mass and Procession with Pope Benedict XVI (Live).” The pope presides over the Mass and Eucharistic procession on the feast of Corpus Christi, live from Rome.

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Giving

ABUSE

FROM PAGE 5

FROM PAGE 3

instead of through the Sunday offering.”

Electronic giving methods cut down on costs for a parish compared to the traditional envelope system, reduce the use of paper, and provide an opportunity for parishioners to be better stewards of parish funds.

“If you think about the cost to provide envelopes to a parish versus the merchant services fees, it would make it very important for parishes to support electronic giving,” Sullivan said.

Another electronic giving success story comes from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. In just two years since electronic giving was introduced there, 25 percent of the parish’s regular collection now comes from electronic giving.

And for those parishioners who still like to drop that little envelope into the collection basket as it passes by, they can simply check a box printed on the outside of the envelope: “I give electronically.”

their insurance carrier over who should pay the settlement and what the insurance policy covered.

Their insurer claimed that it was not obligated to cover the Oblates because the victim did not suffer a “bodily injury” during the policy period. In a 2007 deposition the Oblates countered that the victim did suffer bodily injury at the hands of O’Neill.

The admission of wrongdoing on the part of O’Neill and the statement by the Oblates that he had caused the victim harm was originally part of a sealed criminal court document but was briefly included in the judge’s ruling on the insurance dispute. According to the AP, the document has since been removed from the court docket.

In addition, according to the documents cited in the AP story, O’Neill’s admission of abuse was included in a memo from the Oblates’ attorney.

O’Neill was assigned to St. Paul the Apostle in 1991. Prior to that, he was a teacher in Virginia and Delaware.

A 2008 news story from Delaware reported that O’Neill was permanently removed from ministry and that he lives in the Oblates retirement community in Maryland.

The Diocese of Charlotte reports all allegations of sexual misconduct to civil authorities. In addition, sexual abuse awareness training and background checks are required of all employees and volunteers at diocesan schools and churches.

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Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Collaboration, not isolation, called key to addressing sex abuse issue Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Deacon Bernard Nojadera, newly appointed to head the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, is a firm believer in working together.

“I don’t work in isolation,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration with Church officials, diocesan leaders, agencies combating abuse and people the office is serving.

He intends to bring to his job, which starts Aug. 15, the same skills he has used as director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Diocese of San Jose, Calif., since 2002.

“What I experienced here is being packed and coming along for the ride as part of the journey,” he said. He plans to rely on his previous conversations with abuse victims, successful ways the diocesan office operated and a pattern of collaboration he developed with colleagues across the state.

He also comes to Washington, D.C., with a sense of humility, saying he has “big shoes to fill” following predecessors Teresa Kettelkamp and Kathleen McChesney, both former law enforcement officers.

McChesney was the highest ranking female official in the FBI when she took the post with the bishops’ child protection

office in 2002, when it was created, and she served until 2005. Kettelkamp, who was the first woman to attain the rank of colonel in the Illinois State Police, has held the position since 2005 and leaves the job in August.

The office was established Deacon Nojadera by the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which they approved in 2002, and it is responsible for helping apply the charter’s mandates of abuse reporting and prevention.

“I hope to continue the good work they’ve started,” said Deacon Nojadera, fully aware that he is the first man and the first clergyman to head the national secretariat.

Ordained to the diaconate in 2008, Deacon Nojadera worked in parish ministry for several years after serving with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army National Guard and as a commissioned officer with the Navy Reserves.

“I wasn’t born with a religious title,” said the father of a 20-year-old daughter and 16-yearold son who said he has “the same hopes and dreams for my children that any parent does.”

His broader hope is to eventually see all abuse eradicated. The deacon said he does not downplay the responsibility of the Church to address the abuse scandal but pointed out that the “reality of this evil is

that it doesn’t exist in the Church alone but is systemic in society.”

He thinks the Church has a role to play as a “change agent so that abuse of any kind – elder abuse, domestic violence and spousal abuse – will not be tolerated” particularly as people become more aware of what to do to prevent abuse or how to report it when it happens.

To that end, Deacon Nojadera thinks the Church is on the right track, saying the charter is a good start. He called it a “living document” that isn’t perfect but is always able to be refined. He also credits the bishops with being open to dialogue and to keeping the issue of abuse prevention a top priority.

“The reality is that this is not an issue that is going to go away. This is part of who we are now,” he said, stressing that every parish in the country needs to be fully accustomed to the fact that anyone who works with young people must be cleared to do so. He said the bishops are setting the tone with this effort and the policies must continue to be followed as they become like “muscle memory” – performed without conscious effort – across the board.

He knows there is much to do and he is aware that it could be overwhelming, but he plans to rely on friends and family members, humor, music and, above all, his faith, saying the work before him is “a mission of the Holy Spirit.”

Charter review, assisted suicide among topics facing bishops in June WASHINGTON, D.C. — Although the U.S. bishops’ spring general assembly was to focus primarily on a review of the 2002 “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” and consideration of a new document on physician-assisted suicide, the June 15-17 meeting in Seattle was to include a variety of presentations looking forward and back.

Diocese of Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis did not attend the meeting in Seattle, but he will attend the Province meeting of bishops in Savannah, Ga., June 27-29.

Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services since 1993, addressed the bishops about his nearly four decades of work with the international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community as his retirement nears.

Monsignor David Malloy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, also addressed the assembly as he concluded a five-year term as general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The bishops were expected to look to the 2012 elections as they discussed their perennial “Faithful Citizenship” document on political responsibility, and Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., was to report to them on progress toward incorporation of Anglican groups into the Catholic Church in the U.S. under Pope Benedict XVI’s November 2009 apostolic constitution “Anglicanorum coetibus.”

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Court declines to hear appeal of law on in-state tuition for immigrants WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court declined June 6 to hear an appeal of a decadeold California law that allows undocumented immigrants and others without state residency to attend college at in-state tuition rates. The action allows the policy to continue.

Without comment, the court declined to hear the appeal of a November ruling by the California Supreme Court upholding the statute. The court often declines to intervene in issues until there are rulings from lower federal courts or state supreme courts that are in conflict on matters of federal law.

Since January 2002, California has allowed students to pay lower in-state tuition if they graduated from a California high school after attending the school for three or more years. In the case of students without lawful immigration status, California requires them to file to legalize their status as soon as possible and requires that information about immigration status remain confidential.

Eleven other states have similar laws. Another 12 states explicitly refuse to allow in-state tuition for people who are not in the country legally.

Illinois dioceses file lawsuit SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Catholic Charities agencies in the Illinois dioceses of Peoria, Springfield and Joliet have filed suit seeking legal clarification of whether they can continue to place foster children with only married couples and single non-cohabiting individuals now that the state’s civil unions law has taken effect.

Signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, who is Catholic, the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act authorizes the state to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples, giving those couples all the rights spouses have, such as parental and adoption rights. The law took effect June 1. It includes a clause saying the law does not interfere or regulate religious practice, meaning institutions would not be required to sanction a same-sex union.

The Church upholds the sanctity of traditional marriage as being only between one man and one woman. It also teaches that any sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful.

The three dioceses filed the suit in Sangamon County Circuit Court June 7 to ask for a legal declaration confirming “that current Illinois law protects the right of a Catholic agency not to place children with unmarried cohabitating individuals,” Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky said.

Boston opens canonization cause BRAINTREE, Mass. — The Archdiocese of Boston has opened the canonization cause of an Opus Dei priest, Father Joseph Muzquiz, who established the organization in the U.S. and worked for many years in the greater Boston area. Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the pope, today has about 87,000 members around the world, including about 1,900 priests.

— Catholic News Service

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Our world

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Rome university, Vatican to promote best practices in fighting abuse Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — A pontifical university and a number of Vatican dicasteries are offering a special symposium to help bishops around the world as they seek to comply with a recent Vatican mandate to set up guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sex abuse.

The symposium, to be held in Rome in February, is meant for representatives of the world’s Catholic bishops’ conferences and major superiors of religious orders.

Titled “Toward Healing and Renewal,” the symposium aims to forge “a global response to the problem of sex abuse and safeguarding the vulnerable,” said a June 13 statement. It will offer workshops and talks in four languages led by experts in psychology, pastoral care, law and theology. Experts will include members of Virtus, formed in the U.S. in the late 1990s by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group to develop effective child abuse prevention programs.

The announcement of the symposium comes just one month after the Vatican’s doctrinal congregation said that, within one year, every bishops’ conference in the world must have “clear and coordinated procedures” for protecting children, assisting victims of abuse, dealing with accused priests, training clergy and cooperating with civil authorities.

Nuncio renews call for abstinence, fidelity-based efforts to limit AIDS Catholic News Service

UNITED NATIONS — Abstinence and fidelity-based programs remain the only universally effective, safe and affordable means of halting the spread of AIDS, the Vatican’s ambassador to the United Nations told a meeting to review progress and chart the future course of the global response to the disease.

Archbishop Francis Chullikatt also said in remarks delivered June 10 that access to anti-retroviral drugs is vital in treating the disease and for reducing the risks for spreading it, but should not be seen as a means to “diminish the consequences of dangerous and irresponsible behavior.”

The nuncio’s remarks were delivered by Jane Adolphe, associate professor of law at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Fla., and a member of the Vatican delegation to the U.N. meeting reviewing efforts under the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. The archbishop said the world’s approach to the AIDS epidemic must involve “a valuebased response which recognizes the need to promote the inherent dignity of the human person, thus, responsible sexual behavior and recognition of responsibility to oneself and one’s own community.”

While access to anti-retroviral drugs has proved beneficial in treating AIDS and limiting the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus that causes the disease, the archbishop said only about a third of the 15 million people with the disease in low- and middle-income countries can obtain the medication.

Archbishop Chullikatt also pointed to reports that showed funding to combat AIDS

Demonstrators march at a rally at U.N. headquarters in New York June 8 during the U.N. General Assembly’s high level meeting on HIV and AIDS. In an address during the meeting, the Vatican’s permanent observer at the U.N. said the Church believes that abstinence and fidelity-based programs are the most effective means to reduce HIV and AIDS. CNS | Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

fell in 2010 for the first time in the 30 years since the disease was identified. “We are reminded that political declaration and good will need to be matched by concrete actions on the ground and at the international level,” he said.

He urged the world to ensure that the 10 million people who lack access to lifesaving drugs receive the safe and affordable treatment, care and support they need.

“The approximately $7 billion which would be needed to provide this treatment is a substantial sum but pales in comparison to the money and resources spent by countries in the pursuit of war and other destructive activities, such as the global enterprise that

surrounds arms and drug trading,” he said.

The archbishop also called upon pharmaceutical companies to reassess policies regarding intellectual property rights to ensure that such legal protections lead to greater research efforts “rather than becoming yet another barrier” to accessing drugs and medical equipment.

“While greater funding and access to necessary drugs is a requirement for addressing the lack of access to treatment, care and support, so too must greater considerations be given to ensuring that these resources are used in a manner which is effective and responsible,” Archbishop Chullikatt said.

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Vatican clarifies excommunication penalty VATICAN CITY — The Vatican said bishops’ ordinations that are not authorized by the pope generally bring the penalty of automatic excommunication, but there can be mitigating circumstances – including fear of reprisal, necessity or serious inconvenience. The clarification appeared to respond to the situation of recent ordinations of bishops in China against the orders of Pope Benedict XVI. In China, the most recent ordinations have involved bishops loyal to the Vatican, who were said to have been intimidated or forced to participate as ordaining ministers.

First part of Irish visitation ends ROME — Vatican representatives have completed the first phase of an investigation of major Catholic institutions in Ireland, ordered by Pope Benedict XVI to examine the response of Irish Church authorities to the clerical sex abuse scandal. A statement from the Vatican June 6 said that apostolic visitators to four metropolitan dioceses, as well as seminaries and religious

institutes, had turned over their reports to the competent Vatican agencies. In the coming months, the statement said, bishops and leaders of religious orders will receive notices on what they should be doing “for the spiritual renewal” of the Irish Church. The visitation was announced by Pope Benedict in March 2010 in a pastoral letter to Irish Catholics after an independent report showed widespread and historic abuse of minors on the part of Church figures.

Philippine bishops urge country’s Catholics to say ‘no’ to divorce WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic clergy in the Philippines are urging fellow Catholics to voice their disapproval of a bill pending in country’s Congress that would legalize divorce. If passed, Vatican City would be the last remaining country where divorce is illegal. The Philippine legislature revived the bill, which had long been in congressional files but never enacted, just days after voters from largely Catholic Malta approved a referendum to legalize divorce May 29.

The Maltese referendum was the first step in the legislative process. The bill is expected to pass, opening the doors for married couples to divorce after four years of separation.

Philippine bishops repeated their determination to protect marriage after the Maltese vote. The debate over divorce in the Philippines, where 82 percent of the population is Catholic, also comes as the country’s legislature considers a controversial reproductive health bill that allows contraception use.

— Catholic News Service

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ViewPoints

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

By the numbers

This month’s poll

Poll finds overlap: Many say they’re both ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’ Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The headline on the introduction to a new report on the generation of people aged 18-29 encapsulates its conclusions as “the peculiar profile of millennials on abortion.”

Peculiar also might describe how it looks that a significant portion of the population surveyed by the Public Religion Research Institute simultaneously identify with both the terms “prochoice” and “pro-life” to describe themselves.

Focusing largely on views on abortion and same-sex marriage, the survey conducted by phone interviews in April and May found that the generation of adults born since 1982 doesn’t differ significantly from their elders in that a majority believes abortion should be legal.

In response to questions about samesex marriage, though, there was more of a generational difference. While 57 percent of millennials support same-sex marriage, just 42 percent of those between 30 and 49, 32 percent of those between 50 and 64, and 26 percent of those over 65 said they favor same-sex marriage.

Another generational difference came through in the issue of access to abortion. While 60 percent of millennials say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, even more – 68 percent – said there should be some abortion services in their communities, which means at least some of the people who said abortion should be illegal in all or most cases also think

abortion should be available where they live.

Another apparent contradiction comes from the high percentage of people across all age groups who say both the terms “pro-choice” and “pro-life” describe them somewhat or very well. Among all of the 3,000 adults sampled for the survey, 70 percent said the term “prochoice” describes them well or somewhat, and 66 percent identify with the word “pro-life.”

Seventy-five percent of millennials identify at least somewhat as “pro-choice,” and 65 percent said the word “pro-life” describes them.

Among Catholics, 77 percent said “pro-life” describes them well or very well, and 70 percent said “pro-choice” describes them.

At a June 9 forum hosted by the Brookings Institution where the survey was released, Robert Jones, CEO and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, explained that in focus groups, people reiterated that they consider themselves fitting under both labels.

Karlyn Bowman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who analyzes American public opinion and also was at the forum, described the “pro-choice”/”pro-life” overlap as a significant portion of those surveyed. It’s somewhat akin to saying, “It’s murder and I’m for it,” Bowman said.

The survey included 3,000 interviews, with 750 conducted over cellphone. The entire survey has a statistical margin of error of plus or minus 2 points. The margin of error for the sample of 612 Catholics is plus or minus 4 points and for the 431 millennials, it’s plus or minus 4.5 points.

Contrary to Catholic teaching, about fourin 10 Catholics in the U.S. say that having an abortion is not a sin and more than half say it should be legal and available in their community. Latino Catholics are more likely to viedw abortion as a sin.

Sunday Mass is an obligation for all Catholics, but during the summer it’s not always easy to stay on track. This month we’re asking readers: How well do you fit Sunday Mass into your summer vacation plans?

So far voters at www.catholicnewsherald.com have responded so far:

Go online to cast your vote, too. While you’re at it, check out the link we have to www.

Masstimes.org. It contains a pretty comprehensive list of parish Mass schedules across the country. The site is a good place to begin as you make your vacation plans, but be sure to contact the local parish in advance to confirm the times just in case.

Letters to the editor

Thank you I must applaud the Catholic News Herald’s coverage of the environment June 3 with articles showing what individuals and parishes can accomplish towards stewardship in God’s creation. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and our pontiff urge all Catholics to think critically about how we treat the Earth. Keep up the good work.

George Burazer is on the Justice and Peace Committee at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont.

Let’s not resort to name-calling The May 20 edition contained two U.S. news briefs from Catholic News Service: one relating Pope Benedict XVI’s “reform of the reform” (stating that we are moving to a “common rite,” with those “resisting the change, including rigid progressives,

— Patricia Guilfoyle

mistakenly viewing the Second Vatican Council as a rupture with the Church’s liturgical traditions...”) and another calling on local bishops and pastors to “respond generously to Catholics who seek celebration of the Mass according to the ... Tridentine rite.”

Having been raised in the Tridentine tradition, I welcomed the changes brought about by Vatican II. The celebration of the Eucharist in the vernacular made me fully appreciate its meaning, and I felt truly engaged in all its phases.

I do not deny anyone who wants the chance to have a Mass following the Tridentine rite to do so, but I do request the same courtesy be extended to those who care to keep the simple Mass, too. I find it highly suspect that the mere fact of asking for this privilege brands me as a “rigid progressive.”

Marie King is a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon.

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

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

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

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry,

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

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

June 17, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Deacon James H. Toner

Building up Catholic schools

T

he most important school children attend is the one provided by their parents, who are their first, and most important, teachers (CCC 2223). Still, we know schools are often critical to children’s mental and moral development.

All good Catholic schools are strong in three areas: faculty, curriculum and atmosphere. The first task of the institution’s principal is to recruit and reward superior teachers whose competence, commitment and compassion are transparent.

“Competence” means demonstrated academic achievement, for the good school insists upon genuine learning.

“Commitment” means that teachers are enthusiastically devoted to teaching students, not just teaching material.

“Compassion” means concern about students’ real success and fairness about standards.

One test of all good teachers is this: Do they read widely and well? Before he attended a “hiring conference,” the principal of a Catholic high school once asked me how he could immediately identify good teaching prospects. I suggested he ask candidates this question: “Name any book you have personally chosen to read within the past two years (a book not assigned for coursework) which you found to be of significant moral value to you.”

If you think I have omitted Catholic orthodoxy from my “recipe,” I have not forgotten it. I have assumed it. It is imperative that teachers at Catholic institutions be Catholic.

At one Catholic high school I know, a theology teacher told her class that she was pro-abortion. The principal who recruited her inexplicably had never questioned her about the faith she was going to teach! That is academic dereliction of duty. The Catholic faith ought to saturate every aspect of the school, and that means teachers, coaches and staff should be devout and well-formed Catholics.

The curriculum at a Catholic school should be resolutely Catholic. This does not mean there is “Catholic algebra.” It does mean that each subject be taught in a Catholic context.

Frequent Masses, prayer before class, regular reference to Catholic saints and scholars, and respect for Church teaching should be basic.

The duty of Catholic students is to do the best they reasonably can to take proper advantage of the opportunities afforded them by their school. The teachers really teach and the students really learn – because that is their responsibility.

The implication of this, of course, is that students who, after fair probation, do not accept their responsibilities will be dismissed. All students entering the school, and their parents, sign a “contract” outlining their responsibilities, chief of which is the promise, not necessarily of academic superiority, but of sustained and serious effort.

Catholic schools should have honor codes requiring students not to lie or cheat or steal, and try (as we all must!) to live according to the teaching of the Catholic faith (cf. Rom 12:2).

As to “atmosphere”: At first, a school’s way of life comes from the top down. Students must be taught the faith; they must be convinced of the need for and value of academic excellence; they must be educated about living virtuous lives.

Walk into a school that has successfully inculcated those values, and you’ll see it, hear it and feel it. At that point, the students’ way of life comes from the “bottom” up: the students own the school’s “atmosphere.” They are proud of it, and they should be.

Deacon James H. Toner, Ph.D., served as Distinguished Visiting Chair of Character Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and is assigned to Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

The Poor Clares

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Rico De Silva

‘I found Him whom The Father loves best I my soul loveth ...’

M ost people in the world today can hardly comprehend a vocation to monastic life, except to think it is intriguing, but definitely archaic.

Our modern world of fast-advancing technology – the world of the Internet and e-mail, the iPod and blogging – still can’t keep pace with the Hound of Heaven, who pursues souls rather than technology. There is no hiding from the One who “searches minds and hearts” and who says to the soul, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.”

Our “culture of death,” as Blessed John Paul II so accurately dubbed it, has no use for the “culture of life” God offers to every soul. We have all been wounded by the lies of the world with its lure of sin, but we who embrace the fullness of the truth in the Catholic faith have great hope. We can find strength and healing in the sacraments to live out our baptismal promise with greater zeal and love. Moreover, some are called to live out their baptismal promise to a radical degree: to these are offered the grace to embrace the evangelical counsels, or vows, of poverty, chastity and obedience.

These vows are extracted from the Gospels and patterned on Jesus’ life. By examining the aspects of Jesus’ life as revealed in the Gospels, one will discover the various charisms of the religious orders that exist today. Each order highlights a different aspect of the life of our Savior. Jesus sanctified every moment of life from conception to death when He chose to come among us as man. He taught us the lesson that every moment, every work, is sacred if done for love of God. We see Him preaching, healing, casting out demons. We see Him among the people, lifting their thoughts higher than the harvest of crops or disputes with a neighbor. We see Him patient with the Apostles, forgiving the sinners, challenging the Pharisees. And again and again, we see Him going off to a quiet place to pray to the Father. He would leave the company of men and seek the company of the Father, in the garden, in the wilderness, on the outskirts of town. “Pray always.” “Be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.” How is this possible? “With God, all things are possible,” Jesus tells us.

It is this last aspect of the life of our Lord that the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration reflect. It is our duty and privilege to spend our lives in Adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, asking Him to intercede with our heavenly Father for the needs of the world. In our particular life of contemplative prayer, we echo the voice of the Bride in the Song of Songs who says, “I have found Him whom my soul loveth, I have held him and will not let him go” (Song of Songs 3:4).

As women living the vow of chastity, we are still called to motherhood, but as mothers of souls. With each reception of Holy Communion we enter more deeply into union with Our Lord through His sacred Passion. By uniting our love and suffering to His, we bear fruit for our spiritual sons and daughters. They find nourishment for their souls to the degree that we are faithful and generous in living out our calling and to the degree we are united with our Divine Bridegroom.

By means of a contemplative life within the monastery’s boundaries, we are protected from many of the distractions of the world so that we may enter more deeply into prayer. Though

miss my father. My dad died more than 20 years ago, but his memory is still fresh in my heart.

Adolfo De Silva was an excellent protector and provider to my mom and his nine children. He was a charismatic yet practical man. I always viewed him as the Clark Kent of fathers, or, “Super Dad.” Not everyone is blessed with having such a father. Recently, I asked one of my coworkers what he liked about his father: “Nothing! He was a dead-beat dad,” he retorted.

“What about a step-dad?” I said.

“Oh, he was great. He was a stand-up guy.

He was always there when I needed him.”

In his book “Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem,” David Blankenhorn writes that “about 40 percent of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live.”

Our growing fatherless society is a social cancer that has spiritual repercussions. The way we relate to our earthly fathers has a direct effect on the way we relate to Our Heavenly Father. If our dad is absent from our lives or is abusive, or if we don’t know our biological father, then it’s almost impossible to grasp the concept of the Fatherhood of God. In another book geared for men, “Wild at Heart,” Christian author John Eldridge writes that a male child’s relationship with his father is crucial to his moving from boyhood to manhood. According to Eldridge, masculinity can be bestowed only by the child’s father or by a man acting as a father figure. In other words, the reason we don’t have enough “real men” out there is because we have had a shortage of “real fathers” over the past 40 years.

That’s the bad news. The Good News is, of course, Jesus Christ. He’s the Way to Our Heavenly Father’s Heart. Even the best of dads is nothing more than an imperfect reflection of the Father’s love.

At the Last Supper, St. Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied” (John 14:8). Jesus replied, “He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9).

Although we haven’t seen Jesus face to face, we see Him at church every Sunday truly present in the Eucharist.

This Father’s Day, let’s be thankful for our earthly fathers and pray that those who have broken relationships with their fathers may receive healing and forgiveness.

Let’s also give thanks for Our Heavenly Father’s unconditional and infinite love. His love is there for us at all times, especially in the sacraments. All we have to do is call upon Him in Jesus’ name.

HIM, SEE page 24

Rico De Silva is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 17, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BISHOPS

In Brief in the “Spirituality: Inspirational” and Religion: Christian Inspirational” categories. This is the second honor for the book. It was also named an award finalist in the USA book News Awards in 2010 in the same categories.

— John Trautman

Flip-flopping for the less fortunate (W/PIC) MINT HILL — Parishioners of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill recently collected more than 1,600 pairs of flip-flops for children in Sierra Leone, following a Lenten parish mission by Monsignor Dan Sullivan, director of the Healey Family Foundation. Church members Kathy Sinay and John Trautman were inspired by the foundation’s work with children and learned that children in Sierra Leone are often afflicted and sometimes killed by parasites that enter their bodies through their bare feet. All it takes is an inexpensive pair of flip-flops to protect their feet and save their lives. They worked with their pastor, Father Paul Gary, the parish secretary, Mary Adams, and the stewardship committee on the collection drive, “Flip Flops for Monsignor Dan’s kids.”

Golf tourney raises $4,500 (W/

HIM FROM PAGE 23

cloistered, our prayers know no boundaries.

Our constitution lays out what is expected of us: “The Sisters have the responsibility of continually sustaining with prayer and sacrifice the Church and the whole world, especially the Holy Father, all clergy and religious, civil servants, the missions and works of the Church, parents, relatives, benefactors, all the faithful departed, and the daily intentions recommended to them.”

How do we accomplish this? Do we never leave the chapel? Actually, we make everything we do a prayer. This is the key to an authentic contemplative: to never leave the chapel in spirit, but to bring Jesus into all of our actions.

We do spend much of our day before our Eucharistic King, but we also perform the normal things that everyone else does. We try our best to do our work with Jesus and for love of Him. Then everything becomes a prayer, and our hearts never leave Him. As we go about our day, we are keenly aware of our own “spiritual benefactors” who by their own prayers and sacrifices enable us to remain faithful to our calling.

We give thanks to God for you at our daily hours of adoration, and we pray that our life before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament bears fruit in your lives also, so that one day we may all find “Him whom my soul loveth.”

Mother Dolores Marie leads the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration at St. Joseph Monastery in Charlotte.

Subscribe to their newsletter and learn more about the Poor Clares online at www.stjosephmonastery.com.

FROM PAGE 3

Catholic Voice North Carolina, www.

CatholicVoiceNC.org, the public policy Web site of the state two Catholic bishops, has been following a diverse list of bills that address the right to life, racial justice and a tax credit for handicapped children.

On Tuesday, Catholic Voice NC participated in a press conference held inside the legislative building.

Monsignor Michael Clay of the Diocese of Raleigh spoke in opposition to the bill, “No Discriminatory Purpose in Death Penalty.”

The bill would effectively repeal the Racial Justice Act that was supported by the bishops and passed into law in 2009. The Racial Justice Act allows racial factors to be considered in death penalty cases.

Earlier in the legislative session, three bills supported by the bishops were passed by the state house. A bill to authorize various special license plates allows for the purchase of a “Choose Life” license plate.

Supporters of the “Choose Life” plates have worked for nearly a decade for its passage.

The specialty plate promotes alternatives to abortion.

The state house also passed the “Woman’s Right to Know Act.” It requires a 24-hour waiting period for any woman who is seeking an abortion. During that time the

act requires that ultrasound images of the unborn child be made available to the mother.

Finally, the bishops also came out in support of a bill that would provide a tax break for families with handicapped children. The tax credit of up to $6,000 per year would be used for the education of the handicapped child.

All three bills passed in the state house are awaiting action in the state senate.

The Catholic Voice North Carolina Web site is providing regular updates on the pending legislation.

Updated information is also posted online at www.CatholicNewsHerald.com.