July 29, 2011

July 29, 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

Lawsuit filed against diocese stemming from abuse allegation,

Called & installed

3

St. Eugene Parish welcomes Father Pat Cahill as pastor 3

St. Matthew parishioners pack food to help stop hunger, 5 FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

Catholic News Herald-Espa帽ol De Cerca: Conozca los servicios de inmigraci贸n que ofrece la di贸cesis, 10

Calendar 4 Diocese 3-9, 14-16

FAITH 2

mix 17

nation & World 18-21

Viewpoints 22-23

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

Our faith

2

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Teresa Benedicta, Jewish convert and martyr Feast day: Aug. 9 Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

On Aug. 9 the Church remembers St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein. St. Teresa converted from Judaism to Catholicism in the course of her work as a philosopher, and later entered the Carmelite Order. She died in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in 1942.

Edith Stein was born on Oct. 12, 1891 – a date that coincided with her family’s celebration of Yom Kippur, the Jewish “day of St. Teresa atonement.” Edith’s father died Benedicta when she was just 2 years old, and she gave up the practice of her Jewish faith as an adolescent.

As a young woman with profound intellectual gifts, Edith gravitated toward the study of philosophy and became a pupil of the renowned professor Edmund Husserl in 1913. Through her studies, the non-religious Edith met several Christians whose intellectual and spiritual lives she admired.

After earning her degree with the highest honors from Gottingen University in 1915, she served as a nurse in an Austrian field hospital during World War I. She returned to academic work in 1916, earning her doctorate after writing a highly-regarded thesis on the phenomenon of empathy. She remained interested in the idea of religious commitment, but had not yet made such a commitment herself.

In 1921, while visiting friends, Edith spent an entire night reading the autobiography of the 16th century Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Avila. “When I had finished the book,” she later recalled, “I said to myself: This is the truth.” She was baptized into the Catholic Church on the first day of January, 1922.

Edith intended to join the Carmelites immediately after her conversion, but would ultimately have to wait another 11 years before taking this step. Instead, she taught at a Dominican school and gave numerous public lectures on women’s issues. She spent 1931 writing a study of St. Thomas Aquinas and took a university teaching position in 1932.

In 1933, the rise of Nazism, combined with Edith’s Jewish ethnicity, put an end to her teaching career. After a painful parting with her mother, who did not understand her Christian conversion, she entered a Carmelite convent in 1934, taking the name Teresia Benedicta ac Cruce” (“Teresa Benedicta of the Cross”) as a symbol of her acceptance of suffering.

“I felt,” she wrote, “that those who understood the Cross of Christ should take it upon themselves on everybody’s behalf.” She saw it as her vocation “to intercede with God for everyone,” but she prayed especially for the Jews of Germany whose tragic fate was becoming clear.

“I ask the Lord to accept my life and my death,” she wrote in 1939, “so that the Lord will be accepted by His people and that His kingdom may come in glory, for the salvation of Germany and the peace of the world.”

After completing her final work, a study of St. John of the Cross entitled “The Science of the Cross,” Teresa Benedicta was arrested along with her sister Rosa (who had also become a Catholic), and the members of her religious community, on Aug. 7, 1942. The arrests came in retaliation against a protest letter by the Dutch bishops, decrying the Nazi treatment of Jews.

Her last recorded words were to her sister: “Come, let us go for our people.”

Two days later she was killed in the gas chamber at Auschwitz. Blessed John Paul II canonized her in 1998 and proclaimed her a copatroness of Europe the next year.

A saintly life

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 31 - AUG. 6

Sunday, Isaiah 55:1-3, Romans 8:35, 37-39, Matthew 14:13-21; Monday (St. Alphonsus Liguori), Numbers 11:4-15, Matthew 14:22-36; Tuesday (St. Eusebius of Vercelli and St. Peter Julian Eymard), Numbers 12:1-13, Matthew 14:22-36; Wednesday, Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35, Matthew 15:2128; Thursday (St. John Mary Vianney), Numbers 20:1-13, Matthew 16:13-23; Friday, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Matthew 16:24-28; Saturday (The Transfiguration of the Lord), Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 7 - AUG. 13

Sunday, 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33; Monday (St. Dominic), Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Matthew 17:22-27; Tuesday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 7-9, 12, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 1214; Wednesday (St. Lawrence), 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Thursday (St. Clare), Joshua 3:7-11, 13-17, Matthew 18:21-19:1; Friday (St. Frances de Chantal), Joshua 24:1-13, Matthew 19:3-12; Saturday (Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus), Joshua 24:14-29, Matthew 19:13-15

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 14 - AUG. 20

Sunday, Isaiah 56:1, 6-7, Romans 11:13-15, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28; Monday (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Tuesday (St. Stephen of Hungary), Judges 6:11-24, Matthew 19:2330; Wednesday, Judges 9:6-15, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday, Judges 11:29-39, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. John Eudes), Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday (St. Bernard), Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17, Matthew 23:1-12

The facts of faith What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The Third Person of the Trinity, often represented as a dove, grants many specific blessings and favors to the faithful to help us in our mission of faith, hope and love here on earth.

These seven gifts and 12 fruits, as laid down by the Church in sacred tradition, strengthen us through the many challenges and spiritual opportunities in life so that we may grow in true holiness.

The first four of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, which causes us to make decisions in the light of God’s truth; understanding, which makes us more fully human; counsel, which helps us to advise and instruct properly; and fortitude, which enables us to remain steadfast despite setbacks and difficulties. The others are: knowledge, which allows us to act based on truth; piety, which inspires us with a more sincere love of God; and fear of the Lord, which results in a deeper respect and love for our heavenly Father.

These gifts are strengthened and renewed through the sacrament of confirmation.

Through the Holy Spirit, we can receive 12 fruits, or perfections: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.

Charity, patience, kindness and generosity enable us to demonstrate greater regard and respect for our neighbors and ourselves, and the beautiful virtues of modesty, chastity, self-control and faithfulness – so often lacking in our modern world – are some of the finest qualities that mankind can attain.

A careful study of the Holy Spirit’s many gifts can yield a deeper respect and understanding for the nobility of virtue in the hearts of all the faithful, united to God and each other through the prayer and oneness of our Holy Catholic Church.

For more, refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1803-1832.

— Joseph Bruck

Our parishes

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Carter named executive director of CSS CHARLOTTE — Dr. Gerard A. Carter has been officially appointed executive director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Charlotte, the diocese recently announced.

Carter took over as acting executive director in December after Elizabeth Thurbee retired.

Carter has worked for the diocese since Carter 1986 in various ministries, and he has worked with CSS since 1995. For the past six years he has served as associate director of CSS. He and his wife Eileen have two children: Molly, 14, and Charlotte, 11. They live in Winston-Salem and are members of Holy Family Church in Clemmons.

Christ the King to focus on freshmen only in first year CHARLOTTE — Christ the King High School has decided not to offer classes to sophomore students in its first year of operation. The decision to cancel the class was announced to parents July 26.

The school will open at a temporary facility in Mooresville with about 40 freshmen. Upper grades will be added as the first group progresses through high school over the next four years.

Three students were enrolled in the sophomore class. Approximately 40 students are expected to matriculate when the school opens in August.

Principal Dan Dolan met with the parents to explain the decision. “We want Christ the King High School to meet the individual spiritual, academic and social needs of each student,” he said. “Each of these three students presented unique gifts and in the end, regrettably, we felt that their particular needs would be better served at our sister school, Charlotte Catholic.”

Two of the students will have their class schedules restored at Charlotte Catholic High School, the third will be admitted upon application.

Christ the King plans to open a permanent campus on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road near the Cabarrus/ Mecklenburg County line in 2012.

— David Hains

3

Lawsuit filed against Charlotte diocese stemming from sex abuse allegation Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — A man who claims that a priest abused him in the mid-1980s has filed a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Charlotte, contending that the diocese concealed knowledge of the priest’s allegedly abusive behavior.

The lawsuit was filed July 19 in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. Attorneys Seth Langson of Charlotte Farwell and Leto Copeley of Chapel Hill announced the lawsuit in a press

conference outside the county courthouse Tuesday.

The lawsuit claims that the Charlotte diocese committed fraud and negligence by concealing knowledge of child molestation

by Richard Blair Farwell, 63, a suspended priest who now lives in Pompano Beach, Fla. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages of at least $10,000.

In response to the lawsuit, diocesan Director of Communication David Hains said, “We will comment on this matter at an appropriate time.”

The lawsuit alleges that Farwell sexually abused the plaintiff when he was 14 and 15 years old at St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

The lawsuit alleges that the diocese “knew

or should have known” about other allegedly abusive behavior by Farwell and it should have protected the plaintiff.

Farwell has been suspended from ministry since 2002, following a separate allegation of abuse that was investigated in 2002 and concluded in 2004.

In 2003, Farwell was indicted in Rowan County Superior Court on two felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. The indictments stemmed from an allegation made in 2002 by a man who said Farwell abused him when he was a boy in the 1980s at Sacred Heart Church.

The Catholic News & Herald reported in LAWSUIT, SEE page 16

St. Eugene Parish welcomes Father Pat Cahill Priest installed as pastor of Asheville church Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

ASHEVILLE — Hundreds of parishioners and local dignitaries gathered to officially welcome Father Patrick Cahill as pastor of St. Eugene Parish in Asheville July 23.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis installed Father Cahill as pastor during the Saturday vigil Mass, which also featured special music by the Newman Singers, a liturgical and concert group from the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

“We are very excited to have him here,” said parish council chairwoman Carol Jordan, adding that parishioners are already treating him like a son or grandson.

“He will be well taken care of !”

“We are so thankful to Bishop Jugis for assigning him here,” added parishioner Chris Cicotello.

“I think he’s a wonderful match for our parish, and I look forward to him shepherding us for a long time to come.”

This is Father Cahill’s first assignment as pastor, succeeding Father Ed Sheridan, who returns to retirement. Father Cahill previously served as parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Church and St. Matthew Church, both in Charlotte.

Father Cahill will also serve as administrator of Asheville Catholic School and will continue to serve on the diocesan vocations board.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis encouraged Father Cahill to lead the parish with the Good Shepherd as his model, and he also encouraged the parish to support Father Cahill especially in his ongoing efforts to foster vocations.

“It is so essential that we have the whole parish involved,” he said, in helping young men and women hear Jesus’ call to follow Him. In the installation ceremony, Father Cahill took an oath of fidelity to the Church and to the bishop, and publicly signed documents officially taking over as pastor of the parish.

CAHILL, SEE page 14

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

During Mass, Bishop Peter J. Jugis officially installed Father Cahill as pastor. Part of the ceremony involved Bishop Jugis taking Father Cahill around the church to underscore the importance of his pastoral responsibilities and the sacraments, especially in offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the altar to nourish the faithful.

4

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 n. main st.

— Play and Pray: A Woman’s Retreat, MAK Family Life Center, 5-8:30 p.m. Aug. 28. RSVP by Aug. 21 to Tricia Vasil at pavasil@carolina.rr.com or 704-648-7878, Cam Tracy at 704-853-0654, or Barbara Parker at 704-8254404.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: July 31 - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor installation of Father Brandon h. jones Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews Aug. 3 vocation awareness day St. Ann Church, Charlotte Aug. 7 - 8 a.m.

Mass at Catholic Scripture Study international Conference Charlotte Aug. 10 - 6:30 p.m.

Rite of Candidacy for Permanent Diaconate Aspirants St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte August 14 – 12:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Charlotte

CHARLOTTE charlotte convention center, 501 s. college st.

— Seventh Eucharistic Congress, Sept. 23 and 24. The theme is “Do This in Memory 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.

This week’s spotlight:

— Vocation Awareness Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 3. High school and college-aged men are invited to join Bishop Peter Jugis and his priests and seminarians for a day of recreation and meditation focused on the vocation to the priesthood. Contact Father Christopher Gober at cmgober@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3327.

ST. BASIL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC MISSION, Charlotte Catholic High School’s chapel — Services/Liturgies are now being held at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.stbasil.weebly.com.

— Great Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition/Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 4 p.m. Aug. 14. Visit www. stbasil.weebly.com.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 PROVIDENCE ROAD — Shining Stars Support Group, 10 a.m.-noon last Mondays.

Visit www.stgabrielchurch.org.

ST. john neumann CHURCH, 8451 idlewild road — “To Tell the Truth... No Confession Required,” Family Game Night, Parish Hall, 6 p.m. July 30

Organized by the African American Affairs Ministry for the past 13 years. This year’s revivalist is Father Tony Ricard. Meet him at: st. marY church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro, 7 p.m. Aug. 11 St. benedict the moor Church, 1625 E. 12th St., Winston-Salem, 7 p.m. Aug. 12 St. helen mission, 341 Dallas-Spencer Mountain Road, Spencer Mountain, 7 p.m. Aug. 13

For more information, call 704-370-3267 or 704-641-3108.

— Anointing of the Sick at Mass, 10 a.m. Aug. 20.

Refreshments served after Mass. Contact 704-545-1224.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — “The Lord be with you ... And with your spirit,” A Preview

July 29, 2011 Volume 20 • Number 28

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

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

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

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 W. MARKET ST. — Children’s Summer Adoration, 10-10:30 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 18. Contact Meg Foppe at 336-510-4218. st. paul the apostle CHURCH, 2715 horse pen creek road — “safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone,” 1-4 p.m. Aug. 3 or 6-9 p.m. Aug. 18. Registration required to cassal@ stpaulcc.org or 336-294-4696, ext. 226.

HIGHLANDS OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS MISSION, 315 N. FIFTH ST. — Our Lady of the Visitation, Mother of God Prayer Group, following 9 a.m. Mass Thursdays

HUNTERSVILLE of the Revised Roman Missal, NLC, with Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 8 — “Moments Matter in Lectio Divina!” 10-11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. Aug. 4 and 18. Adults interested in seeking a deeper relationship with God are invited to learn more about this practice. Contact Pat Donlevy at patldonlevy@gmail. com or 704-541-8960.

st. mark church, 14740 stumptown road — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novenas, following 6:30 p.m.

Mass Wednesdays — Hora Santa en Español, 7:30-8:30 p.m. terceros jueves

MOUNT AIRY

— Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Informational Meeting, NLC Room 204, 7 p.m. Aug. 8

HOLY ANGELS CHURCH, 1208 N Main st.

— Mass in the Extraordinary Form, noon Sundays. Contact holyangelsmountairy@charlottediocese.org or 336-7868147.

— Charismatic Prayer Group, Choir Room, 7:30-9 p.m.

Mondays. Contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

SWANNANOA

— Centering Prayer Meeting, NLC, 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays. Contact Bruce Hassett at 704-6419041 or Janie Normile at 803-396-8016.

— Alzheimer’s Support Group, library, 9:45 a.m. third Tuesdays ST. luke CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HWY. 16 — Healing Mass, 7 p.m. Aug. 31

REVIVAL OF THE SPIRIT

our lady of consolation church, 2301 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, 11 a.m. Aug. 14

ST. ann CHURCH, 3635 park road

DENVER

ST. MARGARET MARY CHURCH, 102 andrew place — Lectio Divina, 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Contact Deacon Ralph Eckoff at reckoff@bellsouth.net or 828-299-7359.

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

CLEMMONS HOLY family CHURCH, 4820 kinnamon road — Charismatic Prayer Group, 7:15 p.m. Mondays

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. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, 234 CHURCH ST. — “Catholics and Cherokees: Healing the Soul Wound,” with featured speaker Patty Grant, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and founding member of Healing and Wellness Coalition. 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 11. Registration requested to stjohn23@charter.net or 828-456-6707.

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

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

5

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Come, revive your spirit “Revival of the Spirit 2011,” an annual event organized by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry, will be held Aug. 11-14. Guest revivalist will be Father R. Tony Ricard, M.Th., M.Div., pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in New Orleans. A nationally known speaker, Father Ricard is also a core instructor of Church doctrine for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University.

The event will kick off at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 11, at St. Mary Church in Greensboro. On Friday, Aug. 12, the revival will continue at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem, starting at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 13, it will continue at St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain, also starting at 7 p.m. A Mass will conclude the event at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte.

For details, call 704-370-3267 or 704641-3108.

Online registration now open for Eucharistic Congress Volunteers, children need to pre-register SueAnn Howell Staff writer

Christopher Lux | Catholic News Herald

Volunteers of all ages assembled meals at St. Matthew Church July 16. More than 1,200 people gathered to help stop hunger by packaging 285,120 nutrient-rich meals that are being sent to Africa.

Wannamaker retires SAPPHIRE — Ann Wannamaker recently retired from her position as director of faith formation for St. Jude Mission in Sapphire after seven years of service. Dr. Cris Villapando, diocesan faith formation director, presented her with a certificate of appreciation from Bishop Peter J. Jugis July 24. Also pictured is Father Dean Cesa, pastor.

— Dr. Cris Villapando

Veto override makes progress RALEIGH — The effort to override the veto of the Woman’s Right to Vote act in the N.C. General Assembly received a boost July 26 when the state house voted to override the governor’s veto.

At press time Wednesday, the measure was scheduled to be taken up by the state senate. Both of the state’s bishops support the override and urge Catholics to write and call their legislators through their non-partisan Web site Catholic Voice North Carolina, www.CatholicVoiceNC.org.

Among its provisions, the act requires a woman seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours before undergoing the procedure.

Results of the senate vote will be posted on www.catholicnewsherald.com and on the Catholic Voice NC Facebook page.

— David Hains

St. Matthew Church hosts an ‘exceptional’ event to help stop hunger Christopher Lux Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, 25,000 people die each day from hunger and hunger-related causes. On July 16, more than 1,200 volunteers gathered at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte to help combat that awful statistic.

As part of the parish’s year-long 25th anniversary celebration, volunteers aged 5 to 95 packaged dehydrated high-protein meals to be sent to Salesian missionaries in Africa for use in their refugee centers.

Parishioners raised money in advance to purchase the meals. Then volunteers worked two-and-a-half hour shifts on that Saturday combining rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix which included 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small meal packages that were then boxed and stacked into a 44-foot shipping container bound for Africa. The volunteers filled that

shipping container with 285,120 meals.

The parish also collected canned foods, diapers, baby formula, pasta and dried milk to send to missions in Jamaica and Haiti as well as tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo. The parish worked with Stop Hunger Now to put on the event. Stop Hunger Now, a Raleigh-based international hunger relief agency, coordinates the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in countries all over the world.

Organizations host packaging events put on by Stop Hunger Now, which provides the food and assembly process.

Rick Kearney, the meal distribution coordinator for Stop Hunger Now, said they regularly put on these events with many organizations, including fraternities, churches, schools and corporations. St. Matthew’s event was unique, though.

“We’ve had many events this year, but none like this,” Kearney said. “This is exceptional. It’s unusual for one church to do this in one day. It’s unbelievable.”

CHARLOTTE — The 7th Annual Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Charlotte is less than two months away. With more than 10,000 Catholics expected to attend this year, the need for pre-registration – both for volunteers and for children’s tracks – is a must.

The congress will be held Sept. 23-24 at the Charlotte Convention Center on College Street in downtown Charlotte.

Friday evening’s sacred music concert will be at 7 p.m. and will feature an address by Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria, one of the Vatican’s leading experts on Catholic doctrine and the Church’s relations with Islam. Vatican watchers have long speculated that Cardinal Arinze might be one of the more popular candidates for the papacy.

Saturday’s events start with the Eucharistic Procession, which begins at 9 a.m. in front of St. Peter Church on South Tryon Street. Following the procession will be a Holy Hour, talks by keynote speakers, children’s and youths tracks, music and a closing Mass at 4:30 p.m.

Volunteers for the congress are needed Friday evening and all day Saturday. Most shifts are only two hours, which allows for plenty of time to enjoy the congress. All volunteers are required to complete the Protecting God’s Children workshop offered by the diocese and receive a background check.

All children are required to be registered for the K-12 tracks.

Register now Registration for the youth tracks and for volunteers for this year’s Eucharistic Congress, “Do This In Memory of Me,” at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 23-24, is now open. For more information and to register, go online to www.goeucharist.com.

6

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 OUR PARISHES Holy Cross Church in Kernersville recently held 40 Hours Adoration during the Feast of Corpus Christi, marking 10 years of Adoration at the parish. Pictured is Father Paul Dechant, OSFS, processing back to the temporary chapel with the Most Blessed Sacrament following the conclusion of Saturday vigil Mass.

Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

Holy Cross Parish holds 40 Hours Adoration Annette Tenny Correspondent

KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church in Kernersville held its very first Adoration 10 years ago on the Feast of Corpus Christi.

This spring Kathy Garlow and Geri Breeding, parishioners and Adoration Watch Keepers at Holy Cross, approached Father Paul Dechant, OSFS, with an idea. They wanted to honor the devotion of Adoration by holding a 40 Hours Adoration for the Feast of Corpus Christi. They hoped to teach people about the practice of Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and encourage others to experience this special and personal time with Jesus.

They gathered together information about the devotion and published that in the bulletins, and Father Dechant spoke about Adoration during his homily in the weeks leading up to Corpus Christi. Information sessions were held in English and Spanish.

Many parishioners signed up to participate in Adoration, which was conducted in a temporary chapel set up in the parish

Related news Deacon larry O’Toole of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte gave a homily for the Feast of Corpus Christi about the significance of the Real Presence in the Eucharist. See page 23.

library. During the Sunday Masses, the Blessed Sacrament was processed from the chapel into the church and reposed for the duration of Mass, then processed back to the chapel for exposition.

For the organizers of the 40 Hours Adoration, it was a chance to honor and “give back” to the Lord. For all those who participated, it was an opportunity to experience the grace and wonder of the Lord.

“It is an important milestone in the life of the parish, to recognize and celebrate,” Father Dechant said.

Natural Family Planning Week takes spotlight July 24-31 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Natural Family Planning Awareness Week will be marked July 24-31.

This national event is organized yearly to feature natural methods of family planning that focus on the love, commitment and communication between a husband and wife.

Couples in the Diocese of Charlotte and around the country will notice a welcome increase in Natural Family Planning resources this year, with the addition of NFP iPhone applications and online charting capabilities.

The diocese offers couples free, one-day, on-site courses at various locations monthly, which are also available as a home course and

will be accessible via webcast starting this fall.

Four one-day instructor training classes have been held, so free NFP classes in Spanish are now being offered at parishes as well.

Current research proves that NFP methods are 99.6 percent effective in regulating pregnancy. NFP methods can also be used to help achieve pregnancy, with great results for couples struggling with infertility. NFPbased treatments help up to 80 percent of couples struggling with infertility conceive compared with only about 20 percent for those who use in-vitro fertilization.

For more information about NFP, go online to www.css.charlottediocese.org/services/ nfp or contact Batrice Adcock, natural family planning director for the Diocese of Charlotte, at 704-370-3230.

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

photos BY sueann howell | catholic news herald

Praising Him! At top, Father Richard Ho Lung (center), dances during the “Praise Him” concert held at Spirit Square July 16-17. Founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, Father Ho Lung wrote all the music for the production, which funds mission work in Haiti, Jamaica and Africa. Above, he dons a wig, sunglasses and tie during the concert. To support the Missionaries of the Poor’s efforts, go online to www.missionariesofthepoor.org.

Internationally known speakers to headline Bible conference Aug. 5-7 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Catholics from around the country are expected to arrive Aug. 5 to attend the Catholic Scripture Study International Bible Conference to be held at the Renaissance Suites Hotel in Charlotte Aug. 5-7.

Internationally known speakers from EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) are expected to headline the event, including Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa, who hosts the weekly program “Threshold of Hope”; Marcus Grodi, host of “The Journey Home”; and Patrick Madrid, director of the Envoy Institute at Belmont Abbey College and a Catholic apologist featured regularly on EWTN.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis is also among the 11 speakers scheduled for the conference.

Also scheduled to speak are Father Patrick Winslow, a Catholic Scripture Study International lecturer and pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, and Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College.

Besides the inspirational talks throughout the weekend, daily Mass, Adoration, confession, prayer time and live music promise to be an integral part of the threeday event. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to interact with the speakers, ask questions and have their books and CDs signed.

For more information and to register for the conference, go to www.cssconference. com.

OUR PARISHESI

7

8

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Vocation Awareness Day to be held Aug. 3 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The call to serve God as a Catholic priest can be heard in many ways. It can be a tug felt in the heart during Mass, a sense of deep inner peace during Adoration, or intense joy while serving one’s brothers and sisters in Christ.

For each man it is different, yet the call is the same: to follow Christ and help shepherd His flock.

“God has an exciting plan for each one of us,” says Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte.

“Vocation Awareness Day is intended to assist young men in exploring and discovering God’s will in their lives. For some, God may be calling them to a priestly vocation. To that end, we want to do everything to encourage, support and foster future vocations.”

High school and collegeaged men who may be hearing the call to the priesthood are invited to learn more during Vocation Awareness Day, to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 3, at St. Ann Church at 3635 Park Road in Charlotte.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m., and priests and seminarians from around the diocese will be on hand for this day of fellowship, recreation and reflection.

For more information, contact Father Gober at 704-370-3327 or cmgober@ charlottediocese.org.

VOCATION AWARENESS Discernment isn’t easy, but the process itself is invaluable Christopher Lux Correspondent

BELMONT — Discerning a vocation to the religious life is a common thing on the campus of a Catholic college. The question is, though, what does it mean to be discerning? And what do you do if you are discerning? For Justin Sumerel and Nathan Brown, it means they are “undecided.”

They are undecided about what kind of priests they might want to become, what kind of orders they may join, or if they will even ultimately enter religious life.

Both of these Belmont Abbey College students feel they are called by God to the discernment process. Sumerel says he feels a kind of pull to the monastic life, while Brown says he is leaning toward a more “administrative religious life, such as a diocesan priest.” However, they are both open to whatever God calls them.

Sumerel smiles as he tells of an “inner joy” he receives when thinking about entering religious

life, but he recognizes that “God is calling me to discern, so I must live in the present. I can’t live in the future or get caught up in my past.”

The discernment process is important in and of itself, both agree. Brown, who says he is 99 percent confident about wanting to become a priest, also points out that “discernment itself is very valuable – the more I get into it, the more my faith grows.”

The process of discerning a religious vocation requires constant prayer. Sumerel and Brown advise others who may be discerning to keep up spiritual activities including reading Scripture, praying the rosary, going to Adoration and, of course, attending Mass. Not only will these practices nourish your spirituality, but they will give God the opportunity to speak to you. Without these opportunities, “you will have a hard time hearing God’s calling,” Sumerel says.

Brown also suggests being active in the local community. Religious men and women are called to lives of sacrifice. He says that the best way to

Find out more Want to learn more about religious vocations?

Contact your parish priest or the diocesan vocations director, Father Christopher Gober, at 704-370-3327 or cmgober@charlottediocese.org.

prepare for that is to start living that way now by volunteering in whatever ways possible.

The discernment process can be challenging, and even stressful. Through prayer and reliance on God, however, it can be a faith-enriching journey. During the times of difficulty, Brown says, “you should talk to your priest, since he has been through the same thing. It sounds pretty straightforward, but a lot of people don’t think to do that.”

Following God’s Call

Young St. Ann parishioner prepares for religious life SueAnn Howell Staff writer

DAVIDSON — Katie Lewis, an 18-year-old parishioner at St. Ann Church in Charlotte and recent homeschool graduate, is preparing to enter the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Mich., in August.

How does a champion-level Irish step dancer and coffee shop barista discern a call to become a nun?

Here is her vocation story in her own words: “I learned from a young age that service to my parish was Lewis an important part of being a Catholic; both of my parents have always been active in parish life. During my high school years, I taught religious education classes and helped on confirmation retreats.

“Like most people, I know that I could spend more time in prayer than I do. That said, God has granted me a growth in my prayer life over the years that I cannot overvalue. Many times, as a student I would find myself frantic and overwhelmed. I would go to my mother looking for something practical to help. Her first question was always, ‘How is your prayer time?’ ‘Are you ordering your day with morning prayer?’ It was a gift, albeit a bit unwelcome at the time, to know that a better day planner wasn’t really my answer. In the last year or so, my prayer time has

also been enhanced by praying with the Church through the Liturgy of the Hours – as confusing as it was at first.

“When I was in eighth grade, I went on a field trip with nine other girls to visit the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia in Nashville, Tenn. It was a wonderful trip and that was when I first felt myself drawn to the religious life. Seeing the sisters, and how joyful they all were, sparked

God ‘has always been faithful and good, and I trust that what He is calling me to is going to fill all the truest desires of my heart.’ something in my heart that caused me to sincerely consider what God might be calling me to do. I was surprised and a bit caught off guard by what I saw and felt.

“My family has been very open about discussing vocations and making sure that all of the children know that God has a unique plan

for each of us. We have prayed for vocations as a family, and for particular seminarians as well. It has always been more about being open to what God is calling me to than necessarily talking about any particular vocation. I also have been blessed with several parish priests who have become close family friends. One of the things they have in common is the joy they have in their vocations.

“Most recently, and I believe when God had decided it was the proper time, I met Sister Joseph Andrew, O.P., and she was the one who helped me to put the pieces together. She was at Belmont Abbey College leading a retreat for young women on Blessed John Paul II’s letter ‘On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.’ It was only a one-day retreat, but God worked quickly!

I left with an invitation to a weekend retreat in Ann Arbor, Mich., with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

“I believe that God picked it for me. I loved being with the Sisters in Nashville, but Ann Arbor felt like ‘home’ right from the beginning.

The contemplative life is so noble and beautiful, and I love the nuns I know who are called to it, yet I knew in my heart that it wasn’t God’s plan for me.

“Naïvely, I will say that His plan for me is teaching. I thought that I would be a teacher even before thinking about religious life. I once joked with Sister Joseph Andrew that I always knew God wanted me in a classroom, I just didn’t know PARISHIONER, SEE page 16

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Extraordinary Mass on the Feast of St. Ann Father Timothy Reid (center) reverences the altar during the Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form celebrated at St. Ann Church in Charlotte July 26, the feast day of Sts. Ann and Joachim. Bishop Peter J. Jugis was the attending prelate for the Latin-rite Mass, the first of its kind to be held at St. Ann in 40 years.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Eyeing treasures of the Church close up Catholics from around the diocese attended the “Treasures of the Church” exhibit of sacred relics at St. Ann Church July 16. Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross gave a presentation and shared more than 150 sacred relics of the Church. The exhibit was also on display July 17 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

OUR PARISHESI

9

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 10

De

Cerca

La Oficina de Asesoría en inmigración del CSS ofrece servicios de: Peticiones familiares Residencia legal permanente Procesamiento Consular documentos de autorización de trabajo Temporary protected status (TPS)

Alrededor de 450 familias cada año reciben asesoría legal sobre la forma de ajustar su estatus inmigratorio a través de los servicios de Asesoría Legal del Departamento de Servicios Sociales Católicos.

Ciudadanía Cambio de domicilio traducción de documentos No Provee asistencia en casos de aplicaciones por asilo, peticiones por trabajo o casos de violencia doméstica.

Teléfonos: 828-258-2617 (Asheville), 336-727-4745 (Winston-Salem)

Carlos Castañeda | Catholic News Herald

Servicios de inmigración carlos castañeda Catholic news herald-español

CHARLOTTE — Aproximadamente 450 familias hispanas se ven beneficiadas cada año con los servicios de asesoría legal que el Departamento de Servicios Sociales Católicos (Catholic Social Services-CSS) provee, a través de sus dos oficinas, en Winston-Salem y Asheville.

A pesar del elevado número de familias y casos que sirven, muchos hispanos acuden a solicitar estos servicios luego que su situación se complica, por causa de falsos notarios. “Uno de los principales problemas que vemos recurrentemente es la desinformación de muchos hispanos. Esto es principalmente debido a la presencia de los falsos notarios,” señaló Andrea B. Slusser, Abogada y Directora de los Servicios de Asesoría Legal del CSS. Otros, sin embargo, encuentran una solución rápida y efectiva a sus problemas de inmigración.

“Todo fue muy rápido, económico

y seguro,” señaló María Garza, quien acudió a solicitar los servicios legales del Departamento de Servicios Sociales Católicos, para procesar una petición de residencia que había presentado en el 2001.

“En la parroquia me recomendaron que acudiera con ellos, que eran muy buenos y rápidos. No me arrepiento, creo que estuve en buenas manos.”

Slusser lamenta que este éxito en los casos a veces se vea opacado por el daño de algunos inescrupulosos, quienes apelan al miedo y a veces verguenza de la situación de muchos hispanos, para desorientarlos y ofrecer servicios descalificados. “Muchas veces llegan a nuestras oficinas luego de haber gastado mucho dinero con estos falsos profesionales, que no sólo no han podido resolver sus problemas, sino que en muchos casos hasta llenan formularios y completan información oficial, con datos no exactos o hasta falso, con el único fin de intentar procesar los casos de muchos hispanos.

A veces llegan con cartas o notificaciones del Departamento de Inmigración, por

proporcionar información falsa, probelmas que el mismo notario ya no puede resolver.

En muchos casos, el notario no aparece más o abiertamente les dice que no va a resolver nada, que necesitan buscar asesoría en otros lugares. Es lamentable, pero estos notarios no ofrecen garantía alguna por los servicios que ofrecen.”

Los casos que atienden no pueden medirse en números exactos, porque muchos de éstos se abren y deben pasar por períodos de espera hasta que sean notificados de alguna novedad, pero en promedio son unas 450 familias las que año a año reciben asesoría legal sobre la forma de ajustar su estatus inmigratorio o abordar procesos de residencia legal o ciudadanía.

“Hablando claro, lo que nosotros sí ofrecemos es: un diagnóstico claro, específico y conciso de la situación de las personas que usan los servicios de cualquiera de nuestras oficinas. Sea cual sea la situación de cada persona, nos comprometemos a dar la información más transparente y precisa, sea para que puedan iniciar un trámite aqui

o podemos referirlos con profesionales que puedan resolver la especifidad de sus casos,” agregó Slusser.

“Otra cosa que podemos proveer es el llenado de información en los formularios oficiales de inmigración, así como tomar huellas, ejecutar la verificación (background check) con el FBI. Todo de manera confidencial y con la tranquilidad de saber que están en buenas manos,” acotó.

Los servicios de Inmigración que ofrece el CSS son multiculturales, en inglés, español o hasta ruso.

“Nuestra dos oficinas (Asheville y Winston-Salem) proveen estos servicios por un promedio de $45 por la consulta. Tenemos formas de asesorar y guiar a las personas que califican para procesar dispensas de pago (‘waivers’) en el caso que no puedan pagar. Lo más importante es que podamos comunicar el mensaje que la Iglesia enseña, también en materia social: cada uno de nosotros somos criatura de Dios, llenos de dignidad y valor, hijos del mismo Padre y miembros de una misma Familia.”

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Mi

Pueblo

La Virgen de los Angeles Conocida y venerada como la Patrona de Costa Rica, la Virgen de los Angeles es también cariñosamente conocida como “la Negrita,” por sus hijos costarricenses. Es motivo y centro de una gigantesca Romería, una peregrinación anual que congrega literalmente a millones de fieles, entre el 29 de julio y el 2 de agosto, cada año. La historia de su aparición en Cartago data del siglo 17, cuando la pequeña imagen de 20 cm repetidamente apareció sobre una pequeña roca, en el lugar en que quería fuera erigida su casa. Según cuenta la leyenda, una humilde mujer de Cartago la encontró, mientras iba al bosque a recoger leña. Luego de llevarla a su casa para conservarla dentro de una pequeña caja, la misma imagen volvió a aparecer en el mismo lugar, varias veces.

Esto convenció tanto al sacerdote como al pueblo de Cartago de que la Virgen pedía que construyeran su hogar en aquel lugar.

Hoy, la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles es el hogar de “la Negrita.”

Su devoción se extiende no sólo al pueblo costarricense, sino que se extiende a varios paises centroamericanos, cuyos fieles acuden masivamente a la Romería cada año. Su fiesta se inicia el 25 con la Peregrinación de los fieles, desde distintos poblados rurales de Costa Rica y también de la ciudad de San José.

Bajo la advocación de “Virgen de los Angeles, siempre bajo tu protección”, los “ticos” se aprestan a celebrar una nueva edición de la Romería y festejos en honor a “la Negrita.” Este año se espera alrededor de tres millones de fieles que llenarán la Plaza de la Basílica. La Virgen de los Angeles es una devoción que reafirma nuestra Fe. Ella es una forma y vehículo para materializar nuestro amor por Dios, a través del cariño, la ternura y protección maternal del cuidado de una Madre. ¡Feliz Dia, te amamos “Negrita!”

Aqui

nuestra

estamos!

Fe

Encuentro Conyugal 2011 El Ministerio Católico Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte hace una atenta invitación al Encuentro Conyugal 2011, para parejas en unión libre, casadas por civil o por la Iglesia, a realizarse el sábado 13 de agosto, de 8 a.m. a 10 p.m. en la Iglesia San Pablo Apóstol, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road en Greensboro. El costo es de $30 por pareja. Más informes con Marcos y Adarely al 336-491-2039 y Enedino “Nino” Aquino al 336-273-2343, o al e-mail: nino05@hotmail.com.

Cursos de computación en Albemarle El Departamento de English as a Second Language (ESL) ofrece cursos de computación en el Stanley Community College de Albemarle. Para mayor información, llame al 704-807-4155, a la sra. Elsa o a Doug Johnson, al 704-9910308.

Maestros bilingües para formación de fe En la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en Charlotte se necesitan maestros y maestras bilingües (español/ inglés) para las clases de formación de fe en el año escolar 2011/2012. Las clases son cada domingo, de 1:15 pm a 2:45 pm.

Para más información, llame al Diácono David Reiser al teléfono 704-535-3310.

Promotores de la fe El pasado 25 de julio se llevó a cabo la tercera sesión del programa Promotores de la fe, en la Parroquia San Vicente de Paul en Charlotte, de 7-9 p.m. Este programa congrega cada vez más hispanos interesados en aprender más sobre nuestra fe y cómo promoverla frente a los protestantes y el sectarismo.

Para mayor información de las próximas sesiones, por favor comunicarse con Jorge Gómiz al teléfono 704-458-4757.

En

contacto

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

Conociendo

11

704-370-3375.

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

Jorge Gómiz

El impacto de la fe sobre las finanzas

H

ace poco, un amigo mio decía: “A veces, siento que la fuerza de mi fe no se refleja en mis finanzas.” ¿Por qué muchos de nosotros hemos permitido ese muro que separa nuestra vida de fe de nuestro dinero?

A veces, el problema real no es tanto el dinero sino nuestra relación con Dios y la forma en que respondemos a su llamado para ser co-responsables de la Providencia.

Esta relación incluye tanto confiar en que Dios proveerá para nuestras necesidades financieras, como también hacer nuestra parte para administrar los recursos de forma agradable al Señor. ¿Cómo reflejan nuestras prioridades nuestra confianza en Él? La servidumbre financiera adopta muchas formas, como por ejemplo, la incomunicación y desunión de los cónyuges en cuestiones de dinero. También se produce cuando alguien se convierte en un adicto al trabajo, o cuando se busca la satisfacción en la adquisición de “cosas.” Esta servidumbre incesante se interpone en el camino de nuestra relación con Dios, perdemos el enfoque en las prioridades reales y luego la comunicación con Dios se detiene o se convierte en una relación de desesperación en lugar de un crecimiento dinámico.

La manera de lograr la verdadera libertad financiera y la paz es reconociendo que Dios tiene un plan para nuestra vida, incluyendo las finanzas. Él es nuestro Padre y quiere lo mejor para nosotros. Jesús decía: “¿De qué le sirve al hombre ganar el mundo entero si arruina su vida?” (Mc. 8,36). Todos los objetivos financieros y nuestras prioridades deben derivarse de nuestra decisión de ser fieles a Cristo. Un aspecto importante de la transformación de nuestra actitud hacia el dinero viene de aprender a confiar en Dios como nuestro Padre y proveedor.

En el Sermón de la Montaña, el Señor nos enseña a no preocuparnos por preguntas como: “‘¿Qué debemos comer?’, ‘¿Qué vamos a beber?’ o ‘¿Cómo nos vamos a vestir?’

Porque los gentiles buscan todas estas cosas: y nuestro Padre celestial sabe la necesidad de todos. Busca primero el Reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas se le darán por añadidura” (Mt 6,31-33). ¿Significa esto que usted debe dejar su trabajo y vivir de la bondad de los demás? Por supuesto que no. Pero sí significa que debemos pensar dos veces acerca de lo que es realmente una necesidad y lo que es simplemente un deseo.

El primer paso es comprometerse a ser un fiel administrador de los dones que Dios nos ha confiado. Se inicia con la elaboración del orden en su casa espiritual reconociendo que todo lo que tiene en última instancia, le pertenece a Dios. Aprender a ser generosos con el diezmo, aplicando la moderación en nuestro estilo de vida y desarrollando una comunicación efectiva en su matrimonio y la familia. El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica reconoce este hecho del mundo real, donde “la sed de dinero es inmensa, infinita, nunca se apaga” (CCC 2536).

Esta sed, a menos que sea contenida por un caminar cercano con el Señor, a menudo conduce a gastos excesivos y problemas de deuda que causan estragos en la vida familiar, provocando un fracaso.

Permítame alcanzarle algunos consejos útiles: n Evite la gratificación instantánea. Piense en todas las compras por lo menos de un día al otro. n El seguimiento de todos sus gastos.

Usted puede ser sorprendido por dónde se pierde su dinero. n Conecte los valores con los hábitos de gasto.

Una familia decidió cancelar su televisión por cable. Aún más importante que el ahorro de $50 por mes, fue el hecho de que se decidió que la programación por cable no reflejaba los valores y el tiempo empleado frente a la televisión obstruía el tiempo en familia.

Para terminar, quisiera compartir con ustedes esta Oración del Administrador: “Señor, te doy gracias por haberme creado y redimirme. Manténme cerca de Ti durante todos mis días. Ayúdame a recordar que la vida en la tierra es corta y la vida futura eterna. Dame un espíritu generoso; Que te pueda amar a ti, amando a los demás.

Guíame a un uso racional de los regalos que has confiado a mí, mi tiempo, mi talento y mi tesoro. Que los utilice para tu mayor gloria!

La Divina Providencia puede proveer, la Divina Providencia ha proveído... la Divina Providencia proveerá. Amén.

‘La Divina Providencia proveerá’

Jorge Gómiz es el coordinador del Vicariato Hispano de Charlotte.

12

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Eucharistic Prayer: the Church’s greatest prayer Father Matthew Buettner

A

Paschal Mystery: the three parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist

s we begin to examine the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we are reminded that the drama of our redemption is accomplished by Christ in three distinct acts: His passion, death, and resurrection; Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday; The Last Supper, the crucifixion and death on the Cross, and the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. These three acts of our redemption compose what we call the Paschal Mystery. It is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that invites us into the Paschal Mystery and unites us with the means of our salvation.

Within these three acts, the passion, death and resurrection, there are three movements in the Mass that perpetuate the effects of our redemption and apply them to our individual souls. These three movements – the offertory, the Eucharistic Prayer with the consecration at the heart, and the reception of Holy Communion – compose the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Together, they unite us with the mystery of the cross, continue to bring about our salvation by applying the fruits of our redemption today, and ultimately, express God’s divine love and mercy.

The offertory

To apply the merits of redemption to our souls, each of us must renew the death to sin which was brought about

by Christ on the cross. Christ died once and for all on the cross 2,000 years ago. In imitation of His perfect sacrifice and in union with His self-offering to the Father, we offer ourselves in union with Christ.

In the early Church, this was accomplished by offering the same elements that Christ Himself offered at the Last Supper: bread and wine. Some of each was used by the priest to offer the sacrifice.

Today, we substitute money for these elements. The donated money purchases the bread and wine sacrificed at the Mass, but it also represents ourselves, since we receive money as recompense for our labor, our time and our talent. The material sacrifice that we make is still a symbol of our spiritual incorporation into the death of Christ.

Through the free offering of ourselves to God in union with Christ, we find salvation.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The offertory leads us to the Eucharistic Prayer. The consecration of the Mass does not mean that Our Lord dies again, for He can never die again in His own individual human nature. But He prolongs His death in us. In the offertory we present ourselves for sacrifice with Christ; in the consecration we die and rise with Him. We apply His

Learn more This is part 23 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal. Previous articles in this series are archived online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. For more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ link at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

death to ourselves, so that we may share in His resurrection.

At the consecration, the eternal sacrifice of Christ punctures the time barrier, heaven dawns upon earth, and Emmanuel comes again to meet man. By the words of Christ speaking through a priest, the Holy Spirit changes the substance of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. This is known as transubstantiation (from the Latin for “change in substance”).

This is not simply a recited prayer, but a divine act which enables us to apply the merits of the cross to ourselves; the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ is brought into the present and relived in us. Why? The sacrifice is represented by divine command to receive Him as spiritual nourishment and as an antidote for sin and death.

Holy Communion

In the offertory, we are like lambs led to the slaughter.

In the Eucharistic Prayer, we are the lambs who are slaughtered in our old sinful selves. And in Holy Communion, we find that we have not died, but that we have come to life. In a certain sense, the substance of bread and wine must be sacrificed, must die, so that it may become the Body and Blood of Christ.

In the same way, our old habits of sin must also be sacrificed so that we might have new life in Christ.

Chemicals must be sacrificed that plants might live. Plants must perish that animals might live. Chemicals, plants, and animals must be sacrificed that man might live. And our old sinful selves must perish for God to live in us. That is why we “receive” Holy Communion: we receive Christ, we receive divine life. But perhaps more importantly, it is Christ who receives us, incorporating us into His divine life.

In upcoming columns, we will discuss in detail each of these three parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

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. Previous columns are archived online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Lisa Maxson USCCB

What congregations say and hear at Mass will change with the revised English translation of the Roman Missal, but the meaning of what Catholic theologians call the greatest prayer of the Church is unchanged.

The Eucharistic Prayer, heard in the middle of every liturgy around the world, recalls the saving mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection and is the highest point of the Mass, said Monsignor Joseph DeGrocco, professor of liturgy and director of liturgical formation at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y. The revised translation does not change what’s happening during Mass, especially during the consecration, Monsignor DeGrocco said. It just brings the words said closer to the literal Latin translation.

“We believe that when the Church prays the Eucharistic Prayer, that mystery is actually made present,” he said.

“Within that prayer, as part of that making present the mystery, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.”

Various forms of the Eucharistic Prayer will continue to be used throughout the year, depending on liturgical seasons and special occasions, Monsignor DeGrocco said.

Each form expresses the essential beliefs of the Church, but emphasizes different aspects of the theology, he said.

In addition to four principal Eucharistic Prayers, Eucharistic Prayer

What is it?

The Eucharistic Prayer is the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification that takes place at the center of the Mass. During the prayer, one hears an account of Jesus’ actions and His words at the Last Supper and the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Eucharistic Prayer takes place after the Liturgy of the Word and the offertory and is introduced by a preface. The congregation kneels during the Eucharistic Prayer, which ends at the singing of the Great Amen. forms exist for Masses of reconciliation and Masses for various needs and occasions.

Essentially the priest is free to choose whichever prayer he wants to use, but there are guidelines and aspects of good liturgical practice and theology that make some prayers more appropriate at times than others.

Each of the expressions of Eucharistic Prayer offers an emphasis, said Eileen Burke-Sullivan, S.T.D., assistant professor of Pastoral and Systematic Theology and director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Program at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. By listening to the different Eucharistic Prayers throughout the year, people gain a better understanding of our beliefs.

“The way the prayers are written gives a sense of why and when; they help the assembly to understand more fully how it is called to act more fully in the person of Christ,” she said.

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

New musical settings to accompany revised Roman Missal this fall Parishes free to choose what works best for them SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The text of prayers and responses at Mass are not the only changes Catholics will notice when the revised Missal takes effect Nov. 27. The musical settings we use at Mass will also receive a facelift to better reflect the beauty of the revised language in the Mass.

All churches in the diocese are required to incorporate these changes by the first Sunday in Advent, but many of them are beginning in September with the permission of Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

For parish musicians, the changes to the Missal will affect their ministry “pretty profoundly,” said Michael McMahon, president of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and a church music director.

Father Richard Hilgartner, associate director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship, explained, “Musicians will be challenged to lead

the people in sung text that corresponds to the new translation. Composers have readjusted previous musical settings. New compositions are also being prepared that will broaden the treasury of music for the people.”

McMahon said people can expect “new settings of many of the Mass texts that people have come to know and sing pretty confidently – the ‘Gloria,’ the ‘Sanctus.’ A lot of musical settings are being retooled.”

Dr. Larry Stratemeyer, music director of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, said, “We have practiced the music setting that is found in the new missal, the chant setting. It is what we will use. Many churches will at least start out with that version, and then expand to other musical settings.”

For parishioners at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, director of liturgical ministries Kathy Bartlett said, “We are planning on introducing some of the Mass parts starting in September. I have selected a Mass setting from World Library Publications (WLP) by Ed Buldoc called the Mass of St. Ann.” While he doesn’t expect the entire musical repertoire of most parishes to change, McMahon said, one significant difference is that the revised translation will “open up singing parts of the Mass we’re not used to.”

Check it out online Want to hear samples of some of the new musical settings? Go online to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: usccb.org/romanmissal. These major church music publishers also have links to new and revised settings: n GIA Publications Inc., www.giamusic.com n Oregon Catholic Press, ocp.org n World Library Publications, wlpmusic.com

13

In Brief VBS isn’t just for kids MURPHY — More than 30 catechists and adult parishioners of St. William Church in Murphy recently attended a workshop to learn more about the revised translation of the Roman Missal, led by Father Ken Whittington, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton. He arranged the workshop as an interactive forum in the style of Vacation Bible School, a creative approach to instruct people on the changes coming to the text of the Mass this November.

— Dr. Cris Villapando

For example, he calls it a “priority in the new translation” to sing the dialogue at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer. He noted that singing more parts of the Mass “puts us at the same tempo,” adding to the common experience of Mass-goers.

“People always need to be taken back to the basics of liturgical formation,” he said.

— Catholic News Service contributed to this article.

14

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

Runions, and former faith formation director Ann Wannamaker. Celebrating the Mass was Father Dean Cesa, pastor.

— James DeMange

Celebrating life at St. Matthew Church

In Brief

First Eucharist at St. Jude SAPPHIRE — Destiny Martin, Edwin Garcia and Jolie Kruckenberger received the sacrament of First Eucharist June 5 at St. Jude Mission in Sapphire. They were prepared by catechists Bonnie Schaffer, Sherman Runions and Mary Jo

CHARLOTTE — The month of May was a busy pro-life month for St. Matthew Parish. On May 21, more than 1,400 “Spiritually Adopted Unborn Babies” were “born” because St. Matthew families diligently prayed for these children, in danger of abortion, for nine months. The Respect Life Ministry also sponsored a diaper drive to benefit Room at the Inn, Pregnancy Resource Center, Monroe Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Missionaries of Charity. And for the third annual “Rosaries for Life” campaign, also in May, more than 9,000 rosaries were recited by St. Matthew families who dedicated their prayers to the sanctity and dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.

— Pat Rodite

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Father Patrick Cahill was welcomed as pastor of St. Eugene Parish in Asheville July 23, with hundreds of people gathering in the fellowship hall to congratulate him following the Saturday vigil Mass.

Cahill FROM PAGE 3

This is a private tour and is not sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte.

Following Bishop Jugis’ homily, he walked with Father Cahill around the church, pointing out the places where he would exercise his various responsibilities to serve the faithful: the front door – providing generous access to the faithful to come and pray; the baptismal font and the confessional – administering the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation, enabling the faithful to receive new life in Christ and restore their relationship to God; the tabernacle and the altar – celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to nourish the faithful with the Body

and Blood of Christ; and the presidential chair – symbolizing Father Cahill’s role as leader and teacher for the parish.

At the end of Mass, Father Cahill thanked parishioners for his warm welcome.

He also acknowledged the presence of Asheville area leaders including several area ministers, interim Police Chief Wade Wood and Chief District Court Judge J. Calvin Hill, who attended the Mass to show their support for the new pastor in town. His parents John and Kathy Cahill of Atlanta, sister Rose and brother Sebastian also attended the installation.

“Faith, hope and love are alive and well in the parish of St. Eugene,” Father Cahill said, adding that he feels privileged to begin a new chapter together with his parishioners.

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

New Evangelization” will bring together a select number of young Catholic theologians in the nation’s capital Sept. 15-17 to discuss strategies to help re-evangelize our culture. Only 50 theologians from the entire U.S. were selected to participate. Fifteen bishops will be in attendance, as well as other invited speakers. One of the goals of the conference, funded by the Knights of Columbus, is to build relationships between bishops and the next generation of theologians.

— Belmont Abbey College

In Brief Franciscan Sister celebrates golden jubilee ASTON, Pa. — Sister Carol Zurlo, OSF (formerly Sister Emma Francis), formerly of Good Shepherd Home Health Agency in Hayesville, was recently honored by her order for reaching her 50th year as a religious. On June 26, more than 300 members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia gathered in Our Lady of Angels Chapel in Aston, Pa., to give witness to the lives and service of the Sister Carol Zurlo congregation’s 26 jubilarians, who represent an accumulated 1,530 years of service in 17 states and 31 dioceses, as well as in Africa; Antigua, West Indies; the Dominican Republic; Guatemala; and Ireland.

15

recently was “Stick it to Cancer,” raising more than $10,000 for the cause. Gum was sold to be later stuck on a board to cover up the word “cancer.” This was the second year that the youth group organized a fundraiser and participated in the local Relay for Life. The effort was organized by parishioner Terry Garcia.

— Doreen Sugierski

Eagle Scout awarded

Catechists receive merit awards BREVARD — Catechists Linda Weaver (left) and Traci Berezik (right) recently received merit awards for 10 years of continuous teaching at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard. Pictured with them is faith formation leader Myriam Gonzalez, who coordinates both the English and Spanish faith formation programs. They and more than 70 other catechists from around the diocese were honored for their service June 12 during an event at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

CHARLOTTE — Daniel Miller of Boy Scout Troop 9 has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His project involved installing Stations of the Cross along an outside walkway at Charlotte Catholic High School, where he is a rising senior. Assisting him in the project were John Spain and Don DellaMea. He is the son of David and Debbie Miller of Charlotte and is a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

— Dr. Cris Villapando

Catholics and Cherokees program coming up “Catholics and Cherokees: Healing the Soul Wound” acquaints Catholics and people in helping professions with how past events influence people today.

Sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, programs will be held at: 6:30 p.m., Aug. 11, St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville; 7 p.m., Aug. 25, St. William Church, Murphy; and 6:30 p.m., Aug. 26, St. Mary Church, Sylva.

Patty Grant, a Cherokee and a social worker, will discuss historical grief and intergenerational trauma, its impact on Cherokees, an Cherokee cultural renaissance and language immersion classes.

Programs are free, but registration is requested. For information or registration, contact Mary Herr at maryherr@dnet.net or 828497-9498.

Scouts go on rafting trip Food bank receives donation MURPHY — The evangelization commissions of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville and St. William Church in Murphy co-sponsored a ladies’ high tea, soap sale and fashion show May 21 to benefit REACH, the Sharing Center and Clay/Towns County food banks.

GREENSBORO — After a fun-filled weekend of caving and whitewater rafting in the mountains, Scouts from Troop and Pack 244 of St. Pius X Parish attended Mass at St. Bernadette Church in Linville. This was a joint venture between Boy Scouts and Webelos.

— Lynn Duffy

— Linda Ammerman

— Joanita Nellenbach

St. Thomas Aquinas youths receive awards

Parish sells 911 signs

CHARLOTTE — Two youths of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte were recently recognized by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Young Adult Ministry for their exemplary and faithful service to the Church.

Megan Meyer, president of the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council, was awarded the Bishop Michael J. Begley Award, which honors outstanding teens in the diocese who exemplify Christian service, Catholic leadership and high moral standards.

Heather Gebhardt received the St. Timothy Award, given to a youth in the diocese who exhibits his or her faith in all areas of their life.

Through her beautiful devotion to God, she provide for other teens an example of how to live out the Catholic Christian lifestyle.

— Katie Herzing

MURPHY — Parishioners of St. William Church in Murphy, led by Joan Tufford and Barbara Michael, recently took part in a community festival, selling baked goods and 911 reflective address signs. The signs make it much easier for fire and ambulance services to locate residences in an emergency.

Thanks for holiday food help

— Len Tufford

3 Abbey theologians taking part in the New Evangelization BELMONT — Dr. Grattan Brown and Dr. Ron Thomas, assistant professors of theology at Belmont Abbey College, and Dr. Mark Newcomb, associate dean for academic affairs, have been selected by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., to participate in a special conference on the New Evangelization. “The Intellectual Tasks of the

Holy Spirit Church walks in Relay for Life DENVER — Holy Spirit Church youth group’s fundraiser at the East Lincoln Relay for Life 2011

WADESBORO — Father John Starczewski, past pastor of Sacred Heart Mission in Wadesboro; Mary Chapman, president of Sacred Heart Mission’s council; and Charles Boyle, parishioner in charge of holiday food baskets for the poor, recently presented plaques of thanks to Contrenia Hairston, assistant manager of Wadesboro IGA, and IGA employee Eddie Dows for their help in preparing holiday food baskets.

— Mary Chapman We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

16

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Lawsuit FROM PAGE 3

2002, “In February 1999, the alleged victim made an allegation that Father Richard Farwell had molested him once 19 years ago when the alleged victim was between 10 and 12 years of age. Father Farwell denied the charge and the alleged victim was informed.

The diocese sought to verify the claim; the victim would not pursue the claim, stating he did not want his name publicly revealed.”

In 1998 Farwell left active ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte but remained a priest of the diocese.

In 2000 Farwell went to work for Food for the Poor, a Catholic charity in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The Catholic News & Herald reported that in April 2002, the “the Diocese of Charlotte received a letter from the victim’s mother stating her son was now ready to come forth.” After contacting the alleged victim to verify the information, “the incident was reported to the Rowan County Department of Social Services and also referred to a diocesan committee for review.”

In accordance with the new nationwide

Parishioner FROM PAGE 8

how I would be dressed! I will still be fulfilling that calling after I enter, as Dominicans are almost all teachers.

Still, I know from the examples in Scripture and of the saints that God does not need any particular gifts or talents of mine to accomplish His will for me – He requires only my willingness to cooperate. Even in the areas where I think I am naturally gifted, I can do nothing without Him. “I will admit to a bit of internal panic when I first thought about the sacrifice – being away from my family and friends for such an extended period and not being able to have my own family some day. I remember saying, ‘God has really just been there for me but He’s never really asked anything of me before. Now the first time He asks for anything, He’s asking for everything!’ But once I started trusting that maybe He knows what is best for me, things became much easier. He has always been faithful and good, and I trust that what He is calling me to is going to fill all the truest desires of my heart.

“I would encourage anyone to be open to what God might have planned for them. Stay focused on who God is, rather than who you think you are or what you think you can or cannot do. The Church is there to help you in your discernment.

“You have nothing to fear in giving God your ‘yes.’”

policy on responding to cases of alleged sexual misconduct – the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops – the diocese then removed Farwell from ministry, meaning he could not celebrate the Mass or sacraments publicly, wear priestly garb or use the title “Father.” The suspension remains in effect.

Farwell was fired in 2002 from Food for the Poor when the charity was informed of the abuse allegation.

In 2004, one felony charge was dismissed and the other was reduced to a misdemeanor in return for Farwell pleading no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the Catholic News & Herald reported at the time. Farwell denied any wrongdoing when he accepted the plea. He was sentenced to a maximum of 120 days of supervised probation, according to a copy of the plea agreement filed with Rowan County Superior Court.

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

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Poli honored for service ARDEN — Mary Ann Poli, youth ministry director at St. Barnabas Church in Arden, received a certificate of appreciation from Bishop Peter J. Jugis July 23. Poli served tirelessly in the Charlotte diocese for 16 years before retiring, and 36 years of unrelenting ministry on behalf of the Church. She is also a member of the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites. Pictured with her is Father Adrian Porras, pastor, and Dr. Cris Villapando, diocesan faith formation director, who presented the certificate on behalf of Bishop Jugis.

Mix

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

Brit Marling stars in a scene from the movie “Another Earth,” which deals with the fatal fallout of what happens when a new planet in our solar system is discovered.

Marling is a graduate of Jesuitrun Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Mike Cahill is the director of “Another Earth” and also a graduate of Georgetown.

Delightfully innocent, predominantly animated adaptation in which the immortal bear finds his characteristic quest for honey interrupted by his friend Eeyore’s latest crisis, the downcast donkey has lost his tail, and by a misunderstanding that leads all the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood to fear that Christopher Robin has fallen into the clutches of a monster. With its messages about friendship and putting the interests of others first, directors Stephen Anderson and Don Hall’s visually and spiritually faithful screen version of incidents drawn from A.A. Milne’s classic books for children is family fare of the highest quality and widest appeal.

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

‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ A complete absence of cynicism, a crackling undercurrent of dry wit, and the classical purity of its golden-age Hollywood references distinguish this comic book adaptation relating the origins story of the titular superhero.

Director Joe Johnston displays a warm affinity for 1940s America as he chronicles the muscular warrior’s battle against a rogue Nazi and his restrained romance with a fetching scientist.

Despite some scenes of destruction, the result is, for the most part, full-on family entertainment of the old school. Much action violence, including gunplay.

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

On TV n Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m.

(EWTN) “Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Tour Video.”

Tour the glorious Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala., in this engaging documentary look at the shrine that the Child Jesus called Mother Angelica to build. n Saturday, July 30, 8-9:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Loyola, the Soldier Saint.” This special traces the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) from the Spanish court of his youth, to his military career and the near-fatal battlefield injury that brought about his religious awakening.

Photos by CNS | Fox Searchlight

‘Winnie the Pooh’

17

Directing-acting pair’s path to Hollywood began at Georgetown Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Actress Brit Marling and director Mike Cahill, both graduates of Georgetown University, never figured they’d be on the south side of M Street – the college is on the north side of the fashionable Washington, D.C., neighborhood – to promote a movie conceived in part by their studies at the Jesuit-run university.

Marling and Cahill co-wrote “Another Earth,” which deals with the fatal fallout of what happens when a new planet in our solar system is discovered, and it turns out to be a virtual mirror image of the planet Earth – complete with people with the same names and personal histories.

But to call “Another Earth” a science-fiction flick would be wrong. Sci-fi is just the hook to get audiences to consider larger questions.

“Do we have free will or is everything fated?” mused Cahill, a Catholic who went to Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn., before going to Georgetown.

“It’s fascinating, because a story about guilt is so tied up in that question. If you have free will, you are responsible for your guilt,” he said. “If you do not have free will, then you are not responsible for your guilt. The movie doesn’t answer any of those questions necessarily, it just poses the questions. It lets the audience sort that out for themselves.”

“Mike and I struggle with that. That’s one of the big questions of being alive and being human,” Marling said, adding, “In this film, nothing is concrete. Everything’s a best guess.”

“Another Earth” was made “as an art piece to share with 10 friends,” Cahill said, for less than $100,000.

“And then we went to Sundance,” the mammoth independent film festival held each winter in Utah,

Cahill said. The duo received “a standing ovation, won two awards and sold it to Fox Searchlight.

Unbelievable!”

“Another Earth” premieres July 29, although not on as many screens as the latest installments of the “Harry Potter” and “Transformers” epics.

Marling, who is not Catholic, told of a serendipitous turn of events that led her to Georgetown.

Growing up in Orlando, Fla., Marling applied to Georgetown early in her senior year of high school because Georgetown was accepting early applications. Later that year, Marling got sick – too sick to fill out other college application forms. In the meantime, Georgetown accepted her.

Cahill, who earned an economics degree at Georgetown, said he was initially interested in the university because of its international character and because “students work really hard and also have good social lives.”

But when both Cahill and Marling took the same “The Problem of God” course – a requirement at Georgetown – “it changed things profoundly,” Marling said. “It was one of the best courses I ever took. The priest who taught that class was wonderful.”

Cahill and Marling started dabbling in short films – and dating. They’re no longer romantically linked, but they still consider themselves creative partners.

“Brit and I have a wonderful working collaboration, and that will probably continue forever,” Cahill said.

“I know what kind of stories I want to tell, the metaphysical, the big questions of why we’re here.

I like reality with a twist, to learn something more about humanity,” Cahill said.

“There are things I’m trying to say, things I’m dying to convey ... that I think film has the power to do.”

n Sunday, July 31, 2 a.m. and Friday, Aug. 5, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Interrupted Lives: Catholic Sisters Under European Communism.” Documentary exploring the plight of Easternrite and Latin-rite sisters under Soviet domination, who lived out their religious vocations underground from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. n Sunday, July 31, 5 a.m.

(EWTN) “Ignatius Loyola: The Story of the Pilgrim.” This compelling docudrama features "St. Ignatius" narrating the amazing story of his life. n Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m.-noon (TCM) “Saint Joan” (1957).

Screen version of George Bernard Shaw’s play about the French heroine whose voices led her to take up arms for her king against the English who put her to death as a heretic. CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents) n Sunday, July 31, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “In Concert: Popular Choral Classics.” The Choir of St. John’s College and organist Peter Davis perform favorite anthems and hymns by Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, Byrd, Grieg, Bruckner and Mendelssohn, among others. n Friday, Aug. 12, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Catholic View for Women.” A discussion with hosts Teresa Tomeo, Janet Morana and Astrid Benn Gutierrez on how the Church views women and how the world views women.

Our nation 18

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Cardinal criticizes call for contraceptives in health plan WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed opposition to a recommendation that all health plans be required to cover any contraceptives approved by the Food and Drug Administration without a patient co-payment under the new health reform law. The Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Preventive Services for Women has recommended to the Department of Health and Human Services that women of reproductive age should have access to “the full range of Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling” in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Chaput moves to Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, 66, has been appointed archbishop of Philadelphia, succeeding the retiring Cardinal Justin Rigali, 76. He will be installed Sept. 8.

Orange diocese bids $50M to buy Crystal Cathedral ORANGE, Calif. — The Diocese of Orange has made a formal bid of $50 million to buy the Crystal Cathedral, once the home church of the Rev. Robert Schuller, a noted TV preacher.

The 2,900-seat cathedral, one of the nation’s first megachurches, was put up for auction as part of bankruptcy proceedings. The diocese does not have a cathedral to serve its 1.2 million Catholics.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin

Against a backdrop of oak trees draped with Spanish moss, Bishop-designate Gregory John Hartmayer, a Conventual Franciscan, speaks during a press conference adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist after being introduced as the new bishop of Savannah, Ga., July 19. He succeeds retiring Bishop J. Kevin Boland.

New Savannah bishop introduced to his diocese Michael J. Johnson Catholic News Service

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Conventual Franciscan pastor who will become Savannah’s bishop Oct. 18 observed at his introduction July 19 that it will take a helicopter to reach the far-flung ends of the diocese.

Bishop-designate Gregory John Hartmayer was introduced that day by retiring Bishop J. Kevin Boland at a news conference in Layfayette Square, opposite the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. In the shady square, Bishop Boland placed a magenta bishop’s zucchetto atop his successor’s head, symbolically transferring the diocese to Bishop-designate Hartmayer on the 161st anniversary of its creation.

Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation July 19, the same day he named his successor. Bishop Boland is 76; he turned in his resignation at 75 as required by canon law. A native of Ireland, Bishop Boland was ordained for the Savannah diocese in 1959 and has served as bishop since 1995.

Bishop-designate Hartmayer, 59, expressed gratitude to the pope for his confidence in selecting him for the position. He said that since he got word of the impending

announcement July 5, “my head and my world have been spinning in opposite directions.”

His episcopal ordination is scheduled for Oct. 18 in the Cathedral of John the Baptist.

Currently serving in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Bishop-designate Hartmayer is the pastor of St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs. He was the pastor of St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro, Ga., for 15 years before that.

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., he was ordained for the Conventual Franciscans in 1979 and has worked as a guidance counselor, teacher and principal at schools in Baltimore, various cities in New York and in Florida.

He has held posts within his Province of St. Anthony of Padua and as a delegate to provincial chapters.

Bishop Boland noted that he is just the second Conventual Franciscan to become a bishop in the U.S. in the past 100 years – and that the previous one became a cardinal.

Bishop-designate Hartmayer holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Massachusetts and three master’s degrees: in divinity from St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer, N.Y., in pastoral counseling from Emmanuel College in Boston, and in

education from Boston College.

As head of the diocese, Bishop-designate Hartmayer will be the spiritual leader of about 84,500 Catholics out of a general population of nearly 3 million. About 104 priests, 56 permanent deacons and 114 religious sisters and brothers serve in the diocese.

He said he looks forward to meeting and working with the priests, religious and laity “of the parishes in the 90 counties of south Georgia. I think I am going to need a helicopter instead of a car to get to all those counties.”

He said he will bring his spirituality as a Franciscan to his new appointment. It is one of “simple living, joy and humility. It’s become a part of me.”

Mary Mauldin, director of faith formation who has worked at St. Philip Benizi Church for 26 years, remembers when Bishopdesignate Hartmayer first arrived in Jonesboro in 1995.

“I think the people of Savannah will love him just as much as we do,” she said, adding that the diocese is “going from one good bishop to the next.”

— Contributing to this story were Andrew Nelson and Stephen O’Kane in the Atlanta Archdiocese.

July 29, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Maryland governor pledges to sponsor bill to legalize same-sex ‘marriage’ ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Martin J. O’Malley said he will take a leadership role in passing same-sex “marriage” legislation in Maryland next year, promising in a July 22 news conference that he will sponsor legislation that would legalize gay “marriage” while also protecting the free exercise of religion.

“Our country’s history is an ongoing history of a people who strive for a more perfect union and who constantly improve its laws in order to protect fundamental freedoms more fully and more completely for all individuals,” he said.

O’Malley, who is Catholic, noted that

Maryland has passed recent legislation that protects hospital visitation rights and end-of-life decision-making for samesex couples. Expanding the definition of marriage is another step forward, he said.

“This is an evolution in the progress of our state,” he said, “to be able to perfect our laws so that they more fully protect the rights of every individual.”

Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said she was disappointed in the governor’s decision. She noted that a similar effort to pass same-sex “marriage” was defeated in the Maryland General Assembly this year.

“The decision still is in the hands of the General Assembly,” she said, “and, to date, they have chosen not to redefine marriage and we hope they will continue to listen to their consciences and constituents and remain with the decision they made last session.”

Russell noted that the protection of religious freedom, a point emphasized by the governor, is “not the only consideration when it comes to redefining marriage.”

— Catholic News Service

Bill aimed at repealing Defense of Marriage Act gets U.S. Senate hearing WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation pending in both houses of Congress would repeal the 15-year-old Defense of Marriage Act, allowing legally married same-sex couples to take advantage of the same benefits married heterosexual couples receive under federal law.

Called the Respect for Marriage Act, the legislation would end what its supporters consider illegal discrimination against legally married same-sex couples.

However, advocates for traditional marriage said the identical bills, H.R. 1116 in the House and S. 598 in the

Senate, would open the door to redefining marriage and would eventually force states where same-sex “marriage” is illegal to recognize such unions.

The Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, says the federal government defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman and gives states the authority to reject same-sex “marriages” that may have been legally recognized in other states.

Same-sex “marriage” is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and

the District of Columbia. The Obama administration announced July 19 that it supported the legislation. In February, the White House instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the law passed by Congress and signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the legislation July 20.

No hearing has been scheduled on the House version, which was assigned to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.

— Catholic News Service

catholic news heraldI

19

Nuncio on ventilator following complications from surgery WASHINGTON, D.C. — Archbishop Pietro Sambi, papal nuncio to the U.S., has been placed on “assisted ventilation” since experiencing complications from “delicate lung surgery” performed two weeks earlier, according to the apostolic nunciature in Washington, D.C. The ventilator is necessary “to attempt recovery of his lung function,” the nunciature said in an announcement July 22. “The apostolic nunciature and the nuncio’s family kindly ask that bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful offer sacrifices and prayers for the health of the apostolic nuncio,” it said.

Information on where the archbishop was hospitalized or his current condition was not been made public by press time.

A veteran Vatican diplomat, Archbishop Sambi, 73, was named papal nuncio to the U.S.

by Pope Benedict XVI in December 2005. At the time of his appointment, he was the Vatican’s representative to Israel and Palestine, where he helped arrange Pope John Paul II’s historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000.

After he arrived in the U.S. Feb. 24, 2006, he said that he was impressed by the vitality of U.S. Catholicism, the level of weekly Mass attendance among U.S. Catholics and their generosity toward others.

As a papal diplomat, “I travel a lot throughout the world,” he said. “It is difficult to find a part of the world where the charity of U.S. Catholics did not reach the poor or sick people.”

— Catholic News Service

Our world

20

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

A woman holds her baby outside a tent serving as a medical clinic established by the African Union peacekeeping operation in Mogadishu, Somalia, July 16.

Pope Benedict XVI urged the international community to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the drought-stricken region of eastern Africa, especially Somalia.

In Brief Pope calls for end to violence VATICAN CITY — In the wake of the two terror attacks in Norway July 22 that left at least 76 people dead, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to hatred and ideologies that promote evil. He appealed for people “to abandon once and for all the path of violence and avoid principles of evil.” The pope sent a message of condolences to Norway’s King Harald V July 24, praying for all those affected by “the acts of senseless violence perpetrated in Oslo and Utoya.”

In aftermath of Irish abuse report, Vatican recalls nuncio VATICAN CITY — In an exceptional move, the Vatican recalled its nuncio to Ireland so that he could participate in meetings aimed at drafting the Vatican’s formal response to an Irish government report on clerical sex abuse. Following the publication July 13 of the so-called Cloyne Report “and, particularly, after the reactions that followed, the secretary of state has recalled the apostolic nuncio in Ireland, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, for consultations,” the Vatican said July 25. Recalling the nuncio “denotes the seriousness of the situation, (and) the desire of the Holy See to face it with objectivity and determination,” said a Vatican press official. The Cloyne Report examined how the Diocese of Cloyne handled accusations of clerical sex abuse.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | Stuart Price U.N. handout photo via Reuters

Pope urges international aid for drought-stricken eastern Africa Catholic News Service

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI urged the international community to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the drought-stricken Horn of Africa, especially Somalia, where tens of thousands have fled drought and famine.

The pope, addressing pilgrims at his summer residence outside Rome July 17, said he had been following news of the region’s humanitarian catastrophe with “deep concern.” U.N. experts say the prolonged drought, combined with a rise in food prices, have forced many families to make long and often deadly overland treks to

reach refugee camps.

“Innumerable people are fleeing from that tremendous famine in search of food and assistance. I hope the international community will increase its efforts to quickly send aid to our sorely tested brothers and sisters, among them many children,” the pope said. “Our solidarity and the concrete assistance of all people of good will should not be lacking.”

On July 16, the Vatican announced it was making an initial aid contribution of 50,000 euros ($70,000) for the victims of the crisis in Somalia. The funds were sent in the pope’s name from the Pontifical Council Cor Unum to Bishop Giorgio Bertin of Djibouti, who also serves as apostolic administrator of

Mogadishu, Somalia.

Most of those fleeing Somalia have headed toward refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, walking across a barren landscape in journeys that have taken more than a month.

Many mothers arriving in the camps have described losing children along the way to disease and malnutrition.

The drought in eastern Africa has been reported as the worst in 60 years, and U.N. officials say it has placed the lives of 11 million people at risk.

U.S. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said July 17 that U.N. agencies have requested $1.6 billion to pay for life-saving programs in the region, but so far have reached only half that amount.

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Chinese government will ordain more bishops, leader says BEIJING — China’s state-backed Patriotic Catholic Association will ordain more bishops without papal approval when “conditions are right,” a top leader in the organization said.

Bishop Joseph Guoa Jincai of Chengde, vice chairman of the group, told the state-run China Daily newspaper that local churches are preparing for the ordinations of bishops in seven dioceses.

He did not provide a schedule for the ordinations, saying preliminary work is “complicated” and involves various parties. Candidates must submit applications to the local commission of religious affairs for approval.

Father Joseph Huang Bingzhang was illicitly ordained as bishop of Shantou in China’s southern Guangdong province on July 14.

In response, the Vatican declared that he incurred an automatic excommunication and lacks authority to govern the diocese.

Vatican expert Sandro Magister said Church authorities have “prudently” indicated that only the newly ordained have definitely incurred

excommunication.

“For the consecrating bishops, they are suspending judgment until they ascertain whether they acted freely or under constraint,” Magister said in his July 24 column on his website “Chiesa.”

However, the participating bishops are presumed to be culpable, and they too will not be able to exercise their episcopal ministry until they prove they acted under compulsion. Priests and faithful will have to avoid receiving the sacraments administered by them, he wrote.

Magister characterized the dispute as centered upon whether bishops are united to the successor of Peter or are created to act as officials of the Chinese government.

Bishop Huang Bingzhang’s ordination was the third illicit ceremony in nine months.

The Chinese government has said there are about 40 dioceses in need of new bishops and they have pledged to appoint bishops with or without papal approval.

— CNA/EWTN News

U.S. bishops named to lead WYD English-language catechetical sessions Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pontifical Council for the Laity has named eight U.S. bishops to lead English-language catechetical sessions during World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid.

They will be among 250 bishop-catechists, representing many different countries and languages, who will lead catechetical sessions Aug. 17-19 at various sites around Spain’s capital city.

The U.S. prelates chosen by the council, official sponsor of the Aug. 16-21 youth gathering, are: Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Cardinals Francis E. George of Chicago and Sean P. O’Malley of Boston; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, newly appointed as archbishop of Philadelphia; Bishops Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo, N.D., Edward J. Burns of Juneau, Alaska, and William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y.; and Auxiliary Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Brooklyn, N.Y. On July 25, the same day the bishops named as catechists were announced, World Youth Day organizers reminded participants that the only official catechetical sessions and other World Youth Day events are those endorsed by bishops’ conferences.

World Youth Day officials said confusion had arisen over events being sponsored by Michael Voris, a U.S.-based media producer scheduled to offer independent catechesis sessions out of a hotel in Madrid during World Youth Day. Voris runs an organization called RealCatholicTV. “Michael Voris, the clergy and the laity associated with him, and their media efforts ‘RealCatholicTV’ and ‘No Bull in Madrid’ are not in any way recognized or approved

China criticizes Vatican for excommunicating government-backed bishops

Karen Callaway | Catholic New World

Teens from the Chicago Archdiocese sign a World Youth Day cross during a gathering in late February at St. Aloysius Parish in Chicago. Youths are preparing to converge on Madrid, Spain, for the international World Youth Day gathering in August.

by World Youth Day 2011,” said a statement issued from World Youth Day headquarters.

A Web site run by Voris states that his event is “privately sponsored and therefore it is not officially endorsed by World Youth Day,” but organizers of the international youth gathering said “there has been some confusion regarding his affiliation with World Youth Day.” For the official catechetical sessions, the bishops leading them are to prepare separate presentations for each day, based on the theme for this year’s WYD: “Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith,” from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.

As of July 25, the number of U.S. pilgrims planning to go to Madrid was close to 29,000, according to the U.S. bishops’ conference.

Sixty-two U.S. bishops have registered to attend.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government criticized the Vatican for excommunicating two bishops who were ordained without papal mandate.

The state-run Xinhua News Agency published a statement July 25 by the State Administration for Religious Affairs saying that the Vatican’s action was “extremely unreasonable and rude,” reported the Asian Church news agency UCA News.

“If the Vatican has the sincerity to improve relations, it should revoke the excommunications and return to the right track of dialogue in a practical manner,” the Chinese news agency quoted a SARA spokesman as saying.

The Vatican said Father Joseph Huang Bingzhang and Father Paul Lei Shiyin were automatically

21

excommunicated when they were ordained as bishops July 14 and June 29, respectively. The Vatican also said it deplored the way the Church was being treated by Chinese officials in carrying out the ordinations.

The Vatican has expressed deepening concern over such ordinations and emphasized that willing participants in such ceremonies face severe penalties under Church law, including automatic excommunication for the ordained bishop and the consecrating bishops.

The Vatican’s action seriously hurt the Church in China and saddened clergy and the faithful, the government spokesman said.

Citing similar Vatican action in 1950s when the first two “self-elected and self-ordained” bishops were created without papal approval, the spokesperson stressed that “history has proved that China church would not be held up by the Vatican’s threat.”

— Catholic News Service

Classified Business opportunity Home-based publishing consultant - Christian format. Part-time hours. Training. Average annual net = $180k, work from your location. Retiring. $89,900, call 828-665-7719

ViewPoints

22

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

By the numbers

This month’s poll

THE NUMBER OF PARISHES in the U.S. declined from 19,000 in 2000 to 17,800 in 2010. parish change by state

PA

 100+  50-99  1-49 0  1-10  11-41 ALASKA Source: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate ©2011 CNS

HAWAII

Report finds fewer priests celebrating more Masses Charlotte diocese has seen 33% growth over past decade; number of priests grew by 4 Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More U.S. Catholics are attending Masses at fewer parishes staffed by a rapidly declining corps of priests, according to a new report on “The Changing Face of U.S. Catholic Parishes.”

Produced by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate for the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership project of five national Catholic ministerial organizations, the report documents what it calls the “supersizing” of U.S. Catholic parish life.

“Bigger parishes, more Masses and ministries in languages other than English are becoming the norm,” said a news release on the report released July 18.

CARA found that the number of Catholic parishes has declined 7.1 percent since the year 2000 to 17,784 in 2010. The average number of registered households in each U.S. parish grew to 1,168, and the average number of people attending Mass at Catholic parishes was 1,110 in 2010, up from an average of 966 a decade earlier.

In the Diocese of Charlotte’s 92 parishes and missions, the number of registered households has swelled 33 percent since 2000 to 63,348 in 2010, with an average of 689 registered households per parish.

Average weekly Mass attendance in the

Charlotte diocese has grown 30 percent since 2000 to 93,362 people in 2010, yet the number of active priests serving the diocese has increased only from 121 in 2000 to 125 last year.

Half of U.S. parishes celebrate four or more weekend Masses each week, and nearly one in three has Mass in a language other than English at least once a month. But the Masses are being celebrated by a corps of priests that declined by 11 percent in the past decade.

One-third of all U.S. parishes have more than 1,201 registered households, while the percentage of parishes with 200 or fewer households dropped from 24 percent in 2000 to 15 percent in 2010. Smaller parishes are more likely to be closed or consolidated, but they also have higher average Mass attendance than larger parishes.

The report said the current U.S. Catholic population is about 77.7 million, based on Americans’ self-identification in national surveys.

The Church’s official estimate of Catholic population is about 68 million.

Using three different models for population projection, CARA estimated that the U.S. Catholic population would be between 95.4 million and 128 million in 2050.

“As Mass attendance remains steady and the Catholic population grows, this suggests increasing demands on parishes as the real number of Catholics attending and needing sacraments increases,” the report said.

Reconciliation: It’s one of the most beautiful sacraments that Jesus instituted, yet people may at times be loathe to seek it. Yes, frank recognition of one’s sinfulness is humbling, even terrifying. Examining our consciences to discover our failures and weaknesses, and then describing the ugly truths to a priest, certainly isn’t easy.

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest? AmericanCatholic.org states, “Out of His great love, Jesus instituted this sacrament through which a sinner who is sorry receives pardon and peace and is restored to the fullness of grace with God. Sin not only affects our relationship with God, sin also alienates us from other people and the Church. In the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus provides us with a ritual way of being reconciled to God and to those we’ve hurt, and to be strengthened in our connection to God’s entire family.”

But confession of sin is only one part of what you can think of as a healing process.

AmericanCatholic.org states, “Reconciliation addresses the disease (sinfulness) rather than the symptoms (sins). So, the sacrament calls us to more than prepared speeches or lists of sins. We are challenged to search deep into our heart of hearts to discover the struggles, value conflicts and ambiguities (the disease) which cause the sinful acts (the symptoms) to appear.”

For the healing process to be effective, we must experience conversion and repentance for our sins, and then ask for God’s forgiveness. The Good News is that God’s forgiveness and mercy, just like His love, is boundless.

Reconciliation, then, is a healing process for the sinner, and the priest, an instrument of God’s grace and mercy so that the penitent may receive pardon and peace.

This month we’re asking readers:

How often do you seek the sacrament of reconciliation? n Weekly n Monthly n Whenever I realize I’ve committed a mortal (grievous) sin

n Once a year n Less than once a year n Never

Go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com to cast your vote. We’ll publish results in upcoming editions of the Catholic News Herald.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Most-read stories on the web From July 1 to July 27, 225 page titles were viewed a total of 6,843 times. The top 10 local headlines online in July at www.catholicnewsherald.com were:

n N.C. bishops still urging legislators to override veto of Woman’s Right to Know Act ....................492 n Belmont Abbey monk makes ‘no small sacrifice’ by professing vows ..............................................319 n Beloved ‘priest of priests’ and Catholic convert, Fr. Conrad Kimbrough passes away ...................304 n New accounting software goes live at all parishes in Diocese of Charlotte .....................................241 n State funding cut for Winston-Salem teen pregnancy program .......................................................221 n Lawsuit filed against Charlotte diocese stemming from abuse allegation .......................................216 n Catholic Social Services sets up regional volunteer coordinators....................................................204 n St. Lawrence Basilica parishioners promote fair trade .....................................................................199 n An 8,000-mile journey of love ..........................................................................................................189 n Seminarian education funding gets boost ........................................................................................ 184

July 29, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Letters to the editor

Life and marriage are the bedrock of our nation Deacon Larry O’Toole

Through Christ in the Eucharist, we become living tabernacles I

n the 1970s when there was a lot of liturgical innovation going on, Dorothy Day invited a young priest to celebrate Mass at the Catholic Worker. He decided to do something that he thought was new and “hip.” He asked Dorothy Day if he could borrow a coffee cup. She found one in the kitchen and brought it to him. Then he took the cup and used it as the chalice to celebrate Mass.

When Mass was ended, Dorothy picked up the cup, found a small gardening tool, and went to the backyard. She knelt down, dug a hole, kissed the cup and buried it. With that simple gesture, Dorothy Day showed that she understood something that so many people today don’t: Christ was truly present in something as ordinary as a ceramic cup. And that cup could never be just a coffee cup again.

She understood the power and reality of Jesus’ Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

That is really the sum and substance of what we celebrate at Mass. The reason for what the priest does on the altar isn’t to glorify an inanimate object, a bit of bread or a cup of wine.

It is to remind the world that in the Eucharist we receive Christ.

It’s not an idea, or a symbol, or an abstract bit of arcane theology. It is wider, and deeper, and more mysterious.

When we look at the consecrated host, we look at Christ.

An early saint of the Church, Justin Martyr, described how the first Christians received Communion. They did it the way we do it today, offering their outstretched hands, one over another. And he (St. Justin) put it so beautifully: “They make of their hands a throne ... They make themselves ready to receive a king.”

Do we understand that today? Some do, some don’t.

Too often we see the priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion as just a liturgical Pez dispenser – passing out a sliver of bread, again and again and again.

Some don’t truly realize what they are actually receiving.

We are receiving an incalculable, outstanding gift – taking Him into our hands, placing Him on our tongues.

We are being given God. Too often, we take this for granted. We get busy,

we get distracted, it’s just one more part of the Mass, something else to do.

But it isn’t.

When I was in formation, I heard a talk about the Eucharist given by Monsignor James Turro, a professor of theology. He spoke of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the Church’s holiest men. But St. Francis received the Eucharist only three times.

The Eucharist was that sacred to him, and he felt himself that undeserving. He understood deeply the words we pray before we receive Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy ...”

None of us is. Yet Jesus gives us Himself anyway. The God who became man for us, continues to nourish us in the Eucharist.

Everything we are, everything we believe, everything we celebrate around the altar comes down to the incredible truth that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. What began 2,000 years ago in an upper room continues here and now, at altars around the world.

I recall hearing another story of a young priest pouring some unconsecrated communion wafers from a bag, preparing for Mass. Some fell on the floor. He bent down and picked up the stray unconsecrated wafers to throw them out. Holding one between his thumb and forefinger, he showed it to someone, saying, “Just think, what this could have become.”

Just think what we become when we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We become nothing less than living tabernacles: God dwelling within us.

We become what we receive, and what we receive becomes us. That is the great mystery and grace, the great gift of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

We carry something greater than ourselves, and that literally makes us instruments of God’s great work in the world.

How will we use what has changed us to change the world?

Dorothy Day knew that an ordinary cup which had contained the Blood of Christ could never be just a cup again.

Well, what’s true for a ceramic cup is true for each of us. Once we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we can never be the same again.

Deacon larry O’Toole of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte gave this homily on June 27 for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Most of the media imply that the majority of Americans support the new same-sex “marriage” law in New York. Not true! In New York it took political pressure to pass the law by one vote. Forty-one states have legislation or amendments to their state constitutions defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman, while only six states have legalized gay “marriage.” Everywhere people have voted on traditional marriage, it has been upheld.

In 1973, after some states had passed legislation outlawing abortion, the Supreme Court legislated from the bench. Since Roe vs. Wade, more than 4,000 babies a day have been killed in our nation.

Life and marriage are the bedrock of our nation, and we must reinforce them. We need two constitutional amendments: one defining life from conception to natural death, and another defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

We can be Nineveh, or we can be Sodom and Gomorrah. It’s up to us.

I urge you to do three things. Like in Gomorrah, do reparation (prayer and sacrifice) to God for the sins of our nation. Write your senators and congressmen demanding that they sponsor these amendments, and encourage others to do the same.

Prayer, sacrifice and fortitude can save our country. May God give us the courage to act!

Margaret Nogy is a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.

Jesuit universities are also worth considering Deacon James Toner’s July 15 column “Finding the right college” rightly identifies the important difference that attending a Catholic institution for college can have on a student. Not only are the college years formative socially and intellectually, but they are also the time when most young adults choose, for better or worse, their commitment level in the Church. This can happen at a public or private (secular or Catholic) university, but healthy dialogue between faith and the academy is most

23

often found in the classrooms of many Catholic universities. With years of experience in campus ministry at both public and private Catholic institutions, I have certainly seen this to be the case.

What disappoints me about the column is that while it mentions universities run by the Dominicans, Vincentians, Franciscans and Benedictines, there is a glaring absence of some of the great Jesuits institutions of higher learning. With 28 Jesuit universities throughout the U.S., some of which have theology departments that rival even the famed Catholic University of America, you would think one would have made the list. Perhaps Deacon Toner’s experience has not permitted him yet to cross paths with Boston College, Fordham, Creighton, Marquette, the four Loyolas, Georgetown or the many other fine American Jesuit institutions, but here’s to hoping that many of our young Catholics will.

Mark A. Bartholet is the pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

World Youth Day 2011, Madrid Preparations are under way in Spain for World Youth Day 2011. There are 430,000 registered participants from 193 countries so far, but, according to Yago de la Cierva, executive director and spokesperson for WYD, “At the end, there usually are three times more people attending.”

In the midst of what is a severe crisis – economic, social and political – Catholic youth inspire hope in the Church.

At previous WYD celebrations, young people have rediscovered the need for confession and the practice of their Catholic faith.

“Amid the crisis, WYD wants to give young people a firm footing and a hopeful horizon,” said Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco in calling young people to be with the pope. WYD responds to a “huge need among the youth for reflection and personal prayer.”

Let’s pray that many young people from the U.S., and especially from North Carolina, will be able to participate. And let’s be united in prayer with the pope so WYD 2011 bears abundant fruit.

Frank and Marina Carrillo are members of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

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.

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

24

catholicnewsherald.com | July 29, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD