The Catholic News & Herald 1
February 3, 2001
February 3, 2001 Volume 10 t Number 21
Inside Pope names record 44 cardinals
Places stamp on church governance, will help Holy Father govern Church for remainder of papacy.
S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
“Whom Shall I Send?” — Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8
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Diocese responds to earthquake in India
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Local News Seminarian sees God in art, everyday life
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African American Affairs Ministry event blends community, faith, heritage CSS case manager helps those in need ...Page 16
Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11
Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13
Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch ... Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. —Luke 5: 4, 10
Special DSA Edition Look for features throughout this issue of The Catholic News & Herald
2 The Catholic News & Herald whites a minority group. The United States will cease to be a microcosm of Europe and will become a microcosm of the world, he said. Christians face the challenge of “interpretation of differences,” and are called to undertake this task in a way that keeps pluralism from becoming tribalism, he said. Pope signs revised constitution of Vatican City State VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II has signed Vatican City State’s first new constitution in 72 years, abolishing on paper practices and traditions already ruled out by previous popes, including use of the death penalty. The revised “basic law” of the 108.7-acre state confirms that the supreme pontiff is the sovereign of the state and governs it with full power. The law refers to the governance of Vatican territory, not the governance of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Jan. 26 the text will be published “in a few days.” “The new text updates the previous law, making a better distinction between legislative, executive and judicial powers,” he said. Catholics urged to stand up to fundamentalists BALTIMORE (CNS) — Biblical fundamentalism is “creeping and finding its way into Catholic life” and a growing number of Catholics are being seduced by its religious naivete and oversimplistic approach to Scripture, according to the U.S. provincial superior of the Sulpicians. While attributing some of the defections to the active and even militant evangelizing efforts of fundamentalists, Sulpician Father Ronald D. Witherup also blamed the losses on weak or nonexistent Catholic Bible study programs, unwelcoming Catholic churches and poor preaching. “The reality is that the preaching quality in the United States among Catholic priests and deacons is not always of the highest caliber and is not always very biblical,” he told a group of parish-based catechists, youth ministers and educators in a daylong program Jan. 11 in the Baltimore Archdiocese.
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BUSH TALKS WITH U.S. CATHOLIC LEADERS President George W. Bush talks with U.S. Catholic leaders at the residence of the archbishop of Washington Jan. 25 in Hyattsville, Md. Clockwise from top left is the president, Cardinal-designate Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington; retired Washington Cardinal James A. Hickey (partially hidden from view); Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops; Alberto Gonzales, White House general counsel; and Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Obscured from view, but also present, were Washington Auxiliary Bishop William E. Lori, newly appointed bishop of Bridgeport, Conn.; and national security adviser Condoleeza Rice.
Church urged to help Americans move from tribalism to solidarity NEW YORK (CNS) — Father Bryan N. Massingale, a professor at the Milwaukee archdiocesan seminary, St. Francis in Milwaukee, called in a New York lecture for the church to help Americans move away from tribalism to solidarity. In the Christian faith, diversity of colors and languages is not “reluctantly accepted” but “cherished and celebrated” as a gift of God, he said. Speaking at St. John’s University in Queens Jan. 25, Father Massingale said the United States was undergoing a demographic change that would soon make non-Latino
Episcopal February 3, 2001 Volume 10 • Number 21
Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Jane Glodowski 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.
February 3, 2001
The World in
c a l e n-
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: February 3 - 7 p.m. Confirmation Hispanic Center, Charlotte February 4 - 6:30 p.m. Mass Davidson College, Davidson
February 9 - 1:30 p.m. Mass St. Pius X School, Greensboro February 11 - 11 a.m. Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte February 12 - 7:30 pm Legislative Dinner with Bishop Gossman, Raleigh
El Salvador earthquake provoked anxiety for relatives in U.S. LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The January earthquake that killed at least 700 people in El Salvador also sent tremors through the hearts of Salvadorans in the United States. Broken and busy telephone lines made it a struggle for Salvadorans to learn about the safety of their relatives in the quake zone. Many in Los Angeles and elsewhere channeled their sufferings into prayers for the victims at weekend Masses. This was accompanied by fund raising to aid victims of the Jan. 13 quake. “The biggest thing is
Diocesan
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held at the ministry center of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. The gathering is for those who have experienced a loss or those in bereavement ministry. For more information, call (704) 3645431. CHARLOTTE — The 50+ Club of St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., is having their meeting this morning at 11 a.m. with a program with a guest speaker from Sharon Luggage and lunch in the parish center. Donations are being accepted during the meeting. For more information, call Louise Brewer at (704) 366-8357 or Gloria Silipigni at (704) 821-1343. 16 HOT SPRINGS — The Jesuit House of Prayer, 289 NW Hwy. 25/70, is hosting a Reiki retreat weekend. Reiki is a natural healing technique that uses laying on of hands
the uncertainty of not knowing if family members are dead or alive,” said Jesuit Father Michael Kennedy, pastor at Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights. The Los Angeles Archdiocese has one of the largest Salvadoran populations in the United States, about 500,000. Church in Chile wants further data on Pinochet years SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) — With Chile remaining divided over the political legacy of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, the Catholic Church has pushed for further clarification of the human rights situation during his 1973-90 dictatorial rule. It also has tried to steer a middle course between Pinochet’s defenders and his critics. In a mid-January interview, Cardinal-designate Francisco Errazuriz Ossa of Santiago expressed hope that “when there has been some conclusion to the Pinochet case,” the armed forces will provide further data on people who disappeared during that regime. Pinochet opponents say that these victims were kidnapped by the military. The church has praised an armed forces’ report on 200 disappeared people, essentially endorsing the report’s much contested credibility; but it has lent support to human rights groups that criticize the military for not providing all the available information. Vatican, Anglican Communion announce new working group VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican and the Anglican Communion announced the formation of an international working group to prepare a joint affirmation of faith and promote cooperative projects. The Anglican-Roman Catholic Working Group will be led by Anglican Bishop David Beetle of Highvale, South Africa, and by Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, Australia, the Vatican said in an announcement Jan. 25, the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In addition, the group will have five Anglican and five Catholic members and a secretary from each side. The announcement said the working group, proposed by Catholic and Anglican bishops during a meeting in Canada in May, would try “to consolidate 30 to reduce stress and accelerate the body’s ability to heal. Karen Prescott, a second-degree Reiki practitioner in the Usai system of healing, is the retreat facilitator. For more information, call Mercy Sister Peggy Verstege at (828) 622-7366 or e-mail vpaul@madison. main.nc.us. 17 DENVER — The Knights of Columbus Council 10389 Denver is having their annual Italian Night in the parish hall of Holy Spirit Church, 537 Hwy. 16 North, at 7 p.m. tonight. The dinner is open to the public on a firstcome, first-served basis, and guests may dine on soups, pasta, desserts and other foods. For tickets or other information, call Pat Lisi at (704) 896-7735 or the church office at (704) 483-6448. 23 CHARLOTTE — All married couples are invited to participate in the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter this weekend at the Holiday Inn Airport in Charlotte. Marriage Encounter is a 44-hour period when couples can take time off from families, work and other responsibilities to focus on each
February 3, 2001
In the
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Pope names record 44 cardinals, places stamp on church By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Naming a record 44 new cardinals in January, Pope John Paul II placed a definitive stamp on the body that will help him govern the church for the rest of his papacy and someday elect his successor. The pope enhanced the influence of three groups in particular: cardinals from the Roman Curia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The 12 new appointees of the Curia, the Vatican’s administrative structure, means that of the 135 potential electors in a conclave, 41 would be active or retired Vatican career officials — more than 30 percent of the total. Latin America picked up 10 residential cardinals and one in the Vatican, which would give the continent 27 cardinal-electors, or 20 percent of the total. That percentage will increase as cardinals turn 80 over the next few years, because Latin America’s cardinals are younger than the rest. In fact, of the church’s 25 youngest cardinals, eight are from Latin America — seven of them residential archbishops. The reverse process will occur among Roman Curia voting-age cardinals: Of the 15 cardinals who will turn 80 over the next two years, 10 of them are from the Curia. So the Vatican’s numerical influence in a potential conclave is at a high point, but will steadily decline. Europe added 21 voting-age cardinals. Five of them were from former communist countries of Eastern Europe, continuing a trend by the Polish-born pope. East Europeans now represent more than 10 percent of the cardinal-electors, and Europeans overall account for 48 percent. The latest batch of cardinal nomi-
nees is important whether or not a conclave is held anytime soon. Pope John Paul has increased the cardinals’ voice in church governance and tends to rely on them individually as the most trusted advisors on regional and universal issues. Cardinals from around the world are, more and more, frequent visitors at the Vatican, where they help manage the business of Vatican congregations and other agencies, take a leading role in synods and, when necessary, meet with the pope in private audience. For the last few years at the Vatican, there has been talk of a “Latin American moment.” The Synod for the Americas in 1997 ended up being dominated by Latin American issues. Since then, the pope has selected a number of important Latin American prelates to head Vatican departments, including sacraments and divine worship, clergy and health care. The idea that the College of Cardinals might elect a Latin American pope in the next conclave is not so strange, considering that the continent is home to more than 40 percent of the world’s Catholics. But until now, few
Latin American cardinals have been well known outside their region. That is clearly changing, and the latest group of nominees includes several high-profile leader s, including Hondur an Cardinal-designate Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, former president of the Latin American bishops’ council and a member of four major Vatican agencies. The biggest surprise in the pope’s naming of 12 Roman Curia cardinals was the high number. Many had expected the pope to restrict the number of Vatican cardinals to make room for more residential archbishops and still stay under the numerical limit of 120 voting-age — or under-80 — cardinals; instead, the pope waived the limit and left the college with 135 voting members. There had been rumors in recent weeks about papal displeasure at his own Curia, based on a papal warning late last year against “rivalry and careerism” among Vatican officials. In that sense, the pope’s generosity in handing out red hats in Rome probably
Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, this afternoon at 4 p.m. with prayer teams at 3 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. For further information, contact Josie Backus at (704) 527-4676. MORGANTON — St. Charles Borromeo Church, 728 West Union St., is hosting a Valentine Tea for Chocolate Lovers this afternoon from 2-4 p.m. in Murray Hall. Valentine delights include snow-drenched chocolate cheesecake, brownie decadence, chocolate-kissed strawberries and other goodies. For tickets and other information, call the church office at (828) 437-3108. 12 CHARLOTTE — The support group for adult children grieving the loss of a parent meets tonight and Feb. 26 from 7-8 p.m. in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For further details, call the church office at (704) 364-5431. 14 CHARLOTTE — A session entitled “Spiritual Aspects of Grief ” is being
February 4 BELMONT — In celebration of the 6th anniver sar y o f t h e A d o r at i o n C h a p e l , located behind the monastery on the Belmont Abbey College campus, all are invited to a covered dish party at the Queen of the Apostles Church Family Center, 503 N. Main St., today after the 11 a.m. Mass around 12:30 p.m. Adorers are asked to bring friends and a covered dish to share. For details, call Marie Siebers at (704) 827-6734. 5 CHARLOTTE — Churches in the Charlotte area are having their regularly scheduled cancer suppor t g roup meetings for survivors, family and friends on the following days: St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the ministry center and St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the office building. For more information, call: St. Matthew - Marilyn Bor-
relli at (704) 542-2283 and St. Gabriel - Eileen Cordell at (704) 352-5047, Ext. 217. For further information, call Bob Poffenbarger, Sr., coordinator, at (704) 553-7000. CHARLOTTE — The widowed support group for those grieving the loss of a spouse meets from 6-7 p.m. tonight and Feb. 19 in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For further details, call (704) 3645431. CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., is celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. with Father Mark Lawlor. The sacrament of reconciliation is being given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands is taking place after Mass. The next Mass takes place Mar 5. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503. 10 CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., is offering Lenten Small Faith Sharing Groups, meeting once a week for the
The biggest surprise in the pope’s naming of 12 a Roman Curia cardinals was the high number. Many had expected the pope to restrict the number of Vatican cardinals to make room for more residential archbishops and still stay under the numerical limit of 120 voting-age — or under-80 — cardinals; instead, the pope waived the limit and left the college with 135 voting members.
came as a relief. Among the curial cardinals, in fact, were two highly visible and mobile career Vatican administrators: Italian Cardinals-designate Giovanni Battista Re, head of the Congregation for Bishops, and Crescenzio Sepe, who helped manage Holy Year 2000 and is awaiting his next assignment. The curial list also contained two quieter types, however, who may be important figures when conclave time arrives: Vietnamese Cardinal-designate Francois X. Nguyen Van Thuan, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, whose 13 years in a communist prison in his native country is seen by many as an eloquent witness of the faith in the modern age; and German Cardinaldesignate Walter Kasper, a highly respected theologian who may soon head the Vatican’s ecumenical department or another curial agency. The recent appointments were considered good news in Italy, where the papacy is still popularly viewed as an It alian institution on loan to a foreigner. Over the years, practically every Italian cardinal has been dubbed “papabile,” or potentially electable in a conclave. Now, Cardinal-designate Re is already being described in newspapers as the Italian answer to church governance of the future. Buoying Italians is the fact that they remain the biggest single national bloc of conclave voters, with 24. The United States is next with 11, and no other country has more than seven. But the clock is ticking for many of the Italians: Over the next year and a half, six Italian cardinals will turn 80. That will leave Italy with at most 18 voting cardinals — still the biggest group and six weeks of Lent, to explore and reflect on the Sunday scripture readings. Sign up for the groups begins today and continues through Feb. 25. For more information, call the church office at (704) 543-7677. HIGH POINT — Christ the King Church, 1505 E. Kivett Dr., is celebrating a Mass in the Syro-Malabar Rite in Malayalam at 6:30 p.m. tonight. For details, call the church office at (336) 884-0244 or (336) 884-5858. MAGGIE VALLEY — An “Overnight Retreat for Sweethearts” is taking place this weekend through Feb. 11 at Living Waters Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane. This romantic and prayerful evening getaway weekend includes a “sweetheart” dinner at 5 p.m. this evening and a conference and faith sharing. Also taking place is a renewal of marriage vows. For more details, call the center at (828) 926-3833 or e-mail lwcrc@main. nc.us. 11 CHARLOTTE — A charismatic Mass is being held at St. Patrick
4 The Catholic News & Herald
Diocesan Support
Seminarian sees God By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — On a recent visit to the see city of a diocese, where he hopes to serve as a priest, seminarian Alejandro Alaya spoke of finding God. Alaya says God’s voice sent him in pursuit of religious life, after all. But it is also sensing God in everyday life — and especially in his own artwork — that Alaya truly feels a divine presence. “Since I was a teen-ager, I had that deep desire for giving my life to God,” says Alaya, a native of Argentina. “I felt that voice inside me — that feeling, that desire, that need for filling my heart with something more. That belongs to God, to the mystery of God. “That voice is still inside me.” While that voice has long been there, Alaya felt another pull, too. “For me it was difficult to enter the seminary because I wanted to do my art,” he says. “I design tapestries, and my cousin and I founded a small company. At one point, we had the chance to do an exhibition in Toulouse, France.” “I had a great curiosity for the world,” he continued. “I wanted to see the world as much as I could, and I wasn’t ready to settle down in just one way of life. I think it was my artist impulse telling me to see as much as I could.” The reality of making a living as an artist eventually set in, however. “Unfortunately, I am not a very good businessman — just a designer,” he
says, laughing. “So I didn’t do very well in the business.” Plus, while he dreamed of pursuing that impulse to see the world as an artist, Alaya still had the feeling of being sent in a different direction. In a small community in Argentina called El Siambon, Alaya continued his discernment process at a Benedictine monasAs he felt about his calling, “the time tery. “I took many retreats, and at first, I will come” to return to art as well, he said — thought of becoming a Benedictine,” “God-willing, when I join the priesthood.” he says. “It was a great time.” Alaya looks forward to the day he His work as an artist continued, and in is sent as a newly those tapestries, he ordained priest to a experienced God’s parish, where he will “Since I was a teen-ager, I had presence as well. “I embrace the people that deep desire for giving my life wanted to try as of God in the Diomuch as I could to cese of Charlotte. to God,” says Alaya, a native of express God and the “To serve people, to divine through art,” bring God to them Argentina. “I felt that voice inside he says. “Through — I think that is the art, you can express me — that feeling, that desire, thing that attracts the mysteries of me the most,” he that need for filling my heart with God that are besays of his calling. “I yond words. Art is want to live truly in something more. That belongs to a metaphor for the God and bring him divine, the transcenGod, to the mystery of God. to others.” dent.” Though he “That voice is still inside me.” The vocations doesn’t recall any — Alejandro Alaya program is one of particular converthe life-giving minsion e xperience istries in the Diocese of Charlotte partialthat steered him toward the priestly funded by the Diocesan Support Appeal. hood, Alaya again began to answer For details on vocations in the Diocese of the call to be sent into religious life. Charlotte, contact Father John Allen at Through more retreats, and in discus(704) 370-3353.
February 3, 2001
sion with the Benedictines, Cistercians, Salesians and Dominicans he met, Alaya was convinced that the time was right for him to give himself completely to God and his plan. Alaya left his homeland and settled in Asheville. Five years ago in that mountain town within the Diocese of Charlotte, he became a faithful parishioner and, later, a worker at the Basilica of St. Lawrence downtown. In daily conversations with the priests who have ministered at the church, he found examples of faith. “That was a big step in my life because I started living around priests everyday,” says Alaya, who worked as a maintenance man at the historic church. “They influenced me, and I enjoyed so much just hanging around with them.” Through more prayer and discernment, Alaya knew where his life was headed. “It didn’t happen in any special event,” he says of his calling. “I just knew that the time would come for me in which I was ready. Now is that time.” Now a first-year seminary student at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa., Alaya continues along the path of his faith journey. Though “100 percent” involved in his studies at this mile marker, he hopes to find God in his tapestries and painting again somewhere down the road.
February 3, 2001
Diocese responds to India Earthquake The people of India are recovering from a devastating earthquake that struck the country on Friday, Jan. 26. Over 20,000 people are believed dead, and tens of thousands are still missing. The high number of injured and the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons have placed a tremendous burden on the available government resources. The state of Gujurat was especially hit hard by the earthquake. Two cities, Bhuj and Ahmedabad, have suffered tremendous damage and loss of life. The Diocese of Charlotte, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is responding to the immediate human needs of the people of India for food, plastic sheeting, blankets, tents, mats and other non-food items. CRS is the U.S. Catholic Church’s international development and relief organization and is committed to helping the people of India recover from this tragedy and rebuild their communities. This call for your generous response to the needs of the people of India follows upon the Diocese of Charlotte’s recent appeal for assistance to aid the people of El Salvador. Only two weeks ago, El Salvador experienced a severe earthquake. Please consider making a donation to support the earthquake relief efforts of CRS in India and/or El Salvador. Kindly respond to parish initiatives by remitting a contribution directly to your parish. Make checks payable to your parish, marked clearly for CRS Relief: India or
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Diocesan Support
CRS Relief: El Salvador. Alternately, donations may be sent to the Diocese of Charlotte, Attn: Earthquake Relief, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C., 28203. All contributions will be forwarded to CRS. Thank you for your generosity.
CNS photo from Reuters
volumes
Simple acts speak
By Joann S. Keane Editor CHARLOTTE — Alicia doesn’t know what her day will bring. Today she will serve as translator at a medical center for a non-English speaking Catholic Social Services’ client. The CSS Refugee Office client has cancer, and hearing the intricate details of needed treatment in his native tongue will hopefully soften the anxiety he faces. It’s all in a day’s work for Alicia, a case manager for CSS’s Refugee Office. Tomorrow will bring another client, another challenge, another solution provided by this division of Catholic Social Services. And at least in part, contributions to the Diocesan Support Appeal help offset the cost it takes to provide life-enhancing services. ‘Whom shall I send?’ Isaiah’s wise words appropriately give credence to the 2001 DSA theme. And for CSS, it is the smattering of caseworkers sent out to tend the masses that fulfill the mission of the diocesan social services ministry. In reality, the Refugee Office receives about four percent of their annual budget from the DSA. This agency relies largely on government grants including funding from the United States Catholic Conference. But DSA, nonetheless, is a part of their foundation. But this underscores how the Refugee Office to a greater degree, and other DSA agencies, and ministries — to lesser degrees — depend on alternative sources of income to supplement DSA funding. Catholic Social Services is one of the four focal points of the annual support appeal. Along with CSS, Multi-Cultural Ministries, Educational Ministries and the Vocations Program are beneficiaries of the generosity of members of the diocese.
“The 2001 goal of $3,333,000 is the result of preparing account-by-account budgets for each agency and program which comprise these four areas of ministry,” said William G. Weldon, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Charlotte. This years’ DSA goal represents a 6.15 percent increase over last year. “We try very hard to limit cost increases while expanding program services.” The diocese, said Weldon, has been very successful in this by focusing on other sources of financial support for DSA programs. Quick evidence of external funding success is the Refugee Office, which holds national acclaim for their outreach services. “The Refugee Office, CSS and all program directors work very hard to stretch every dollar in funding to maximize services rendered,” said Weldon. “Catholic Social Services will benefit from an increase in funding of approximately $70,000 of the total DSA increase of $193,000,” said Weldon, adding that educational and multicultural ministries will each receive an increase of about $50,000 over last year. “Last year more than 45,000 individuals were impacted by programs made available thanks to financial support of the DSA,” said Weldon. “Every dollar counts. We take very seriously our responsibility to use these funds as prudently as possible to achieve the goals of the various agencies and ministries.” The DSA provides the means, while the ministries provide the way. Some find a way up; others find a way out, and most all find a way to a stronger relationship with the Lord. “The DSA provides an opportunity for others to join with me in reaching out to make Christ present
Sound fiscal responsibility eases way for social
6 The Catholic News & Herald Pope names seven more new cardinals, brings total to 44 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a surprising and unprecedented move, Pope John Paul II named seven new cardinals after appointing 37 just a week earlier. The new nominees included archbishops from Ukraine and Latvia whom the pope had designated cardinals “in pectore” — in his heart — in 1998, but whose names could not be divulged until now. Additionally, he named two prelates from Germany, the first black cardinal from South Africa, a Bolivian and the head of the Ukrainian Eastern-rite church. The two cardinals-designate whom the pope reserved “in pectore” at the Feb. 21, 1998, consistory are: Marian Jaworski of the Latin-rite Archdiocese of Lviv, Ukraine, 74, and Janis Pujats of Riga, Latvia, 70. The other five new cardinals-designate are Lubomyr Husar, newly elected major archbishop of Lviv and head of the Eastern-rite Ukrainian Catholic Church. He will be 68 Feb. 26; Johannes Joachim Degenhart of Paderborn, Germany. He turns 75 Jan. 31; Julio Terrazas Sandoval of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, 64; Wilfred Fox Napier of Durban, South Africa, 59; and Karl Lehmann of Mainz, Germany, 64. People facing medical-moral dilemma need a lifeline, says priest ERIE, Pa. (CNS) — Like good friends who aid contestants via telephone on ABC-TV’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” priests often are summoned to dispense practical information to people facing morally charged medical decisions. “They’re like a lifeline,” said Paulist Father Richard Sparks, a pastor, author and ethicist who led a study week for Erie diocesan priests on health care ethics at Erie’s Villa Maria Center in early January. When people confront difficult medical issues such as infertility or whether it’s OK to terminate life support or treatment for a sick relative, he said, they sometimes wonder where God is in their lives or why a good God would allow his people
February 3, 2001
People in the
CNS photo from Reuters
MAN PRAYS NEAR DESTROYED HOUSE IN BHUJ, INDIA A man prays near his destroyed house in the northwestern Indian city of Bhuj Jan. 27 following a massive earthquake that hit the region the day before. The death toll from the powerful earthquake was reaching beyond 20,000. to suffer. Priests, he said, are in a unique position to help people decide on a final answer to the tough moral decisions they face. Polish priest faces extradition to Austria for fraud WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — A Polish priest faces extradition to Austria for allegedly misappropriating $1.3 million while using fake letters from his archbishop. The prosecutor’s office in the central city of Lodz, Poland, said it was awaiting a court order for the extradition
of Father Wiktor Dudzinski on charges of embezzling 20 million Austrian shillings (US$1.3 million) while working in the country. The priest, who holds Austrian citizenship, retired from his parish at Aggsbach-Markt, Austria, in September 1999. An arrest warrant was issued three months later after claims that he had staged bogus collections for
his home Archdiocese of Lodz. Judge Janusz Ritman of the Lodz County Court said Father Dudzinski, who was one of 130 Polish priests working in Austria’s Vienna Archdiocese, was being “treated as a private citizen.” Catholics among Mongolian herders hit by blizzards HONG KONG (CNS) — Catholic families are among more than a million herders in Inner Mongolia suffering from fuel and food shortages in blizzard-hit northern China. Father Kang Zhenqing, pastor of Xilin Gol in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said the local church was unable to render relief aid to those families because the blizzards, the worst in 40 years, have cut off communication with the areas. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, said Father Kang was quoted by Beifang Jinde, a Catholic social service organization in China’s Hebei province. Herders in China’s northern neighbor, Mongolia, also have been hit by the weather. Eight herders and nearly 500,000 animals have died since November. It’s no mystery: Novelist supports Catholic education CLARK, N.J. (CNS) — Mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark put in a few good words for Catholic education during a reception hosted by St. Agnes School in the city of Clark. “Catholic education serves as the fabric — the moral base — that will serve your children all the days of their life,” the author said. “We don’t know what the future has in store for us, but a good Catholic education, in a nurturing environment, can help students prepare for whatever life may bring,” she added.
February 3, 2001
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Diocesan Support
African American Affairs Ministry event promotes blend of community, faith, “Embrace what you have in common, celebrate what sets you apart. It takes more than the color that you find on a palate to turn humanity into an art....” — Ellis Paul, “Translucent Soul” By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — On the dawn of a month celebrating black history, people of African descent in the Diocese of Charlotte gathered to discuss who they are as people of faith, culture and community. The Diocese of Charlotte’s African American Affairs Ministry sponsored the 16th Annual Memorial Celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 27 at Our Lady of Consolation Church. Parishioners of the diocese’s handful of predominantly AfricanAmerican parishes attended to hear a national leader on black Catholic issues speak a message of unity. Dr. Hilbert Stanley, executive director of the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC), headquartered in Baltimore, directed a series of workshops on evangelizing people of African descent. His message sparked his audience to strive for participation and leadership in the church and the community. “The National Black Catholic Congress exists to provide education both to people of African descent and those of other ethnic groups in the church,” Dr. Stanley said in an interview. “So often the history, culture and values of black people are not included.” The program Stanley led at the Charlotte parish was developed by the NBCC around a 1997 address to the U.S. Catholic bishops by Bishop Edward Braxton, auxiliary of St. Louis. In that message, Bishop Braxton urged his brother bishops to find cultureappropriate ways of evangelizing their congregations. Likening the neighborhood barbershop as a beacon in black com-
Photo by Jimmy Rostar
Dr. Hilbert Stanley, executive director of the National Black Catholic Congress, chats with Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd during the 16th Annual Diocesan Memorial Celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Mr. Todd, diocesan vice chancellor and vicar for the African American Affairs Ministry, was honored during the event for his work for people of African descent. munities where people can come for comfort, conversation and community, Bishop Braxton said the church is an even stronger refuge. Stanley agreed, emphasizing the point by noting Pope John Paul II’s encouragement of the same with the release of the new catechism of the church. “He was saying that if the countries do not adapt that catechism
to the people and the culture living there, then the catechism is going to be useless,” Stanley said. The diocese’s African American Affairs Ministry promotes evangelization and education in the black com-
munity and in the diocese at large. One of its main events, the annual King memorial, honors the life of the fallen civil rights leader while focusing on contributions black Catholics make to the church and community. In November 1999, the ministry sponsored a pilgrimage to the Our Mother of Africa Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Last September, it led a pilgrimage to Rome to witness Pope John Paul II’s canonization of Sudanese slave Josephine Bakhita and American benefactor Katherine Drexel. Last summer, the ministry sponsored a tent revival that drew more than 500 to Charlotte for preaching, music and fellowship. Like its other activities, the ministry hosted the event to attract faithful Catholics as well as the unchurched and those who have fallen away from the faith. Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, diocesan vice chancellor and vicar for the African American Affairs Ministry, said there are some 2,000 registered black Catholics in the diocese. Stanley said that to evangelize and teach others effectively, people must evangelize and teach themselves first. “What we’re trying to do is strengthen the background of our own people,” he said. “So many of our people do not know their own history and culture because it hasn’t been taught in our schools — and it’s certainly not taught in the church.” The workshops took the feel of town meetings, with Stanley directing the conversation and participants sharing experiences and thoughts on being people of culture and faith in today’s United States. “We can be black, and we can be Catholic in this country,” he said. “This program is designed to raise our comfort level with being Catholic and being black. We can enter a Catholic church and leave our blackness out there, but that’s not being true to ourselves.” Stanley emphasized the difference
See MINISTRY, page 14
8 The Catholic News & Herald
February 3, 2001
Diocesan Support
Students travel to ‘City of Joy’ to volunteer time, talent
poverty of a different sort. It is really hard emotionally, intellectually and physically, and it takes a little while to come to grips with it.” The students’ day began at dawn with a light breakfast and optional daily Mass with the sisters and the morning volunteer session at several of the homes, and in the afternoon, the volunteers came together to work at Kalighat, Mother Teresa’s firstestablished facility for the dying. Twenty one-year-old Erin Swanson, a senior English major, worked at a home for mentally and physically handicapped children, where she helped with baths, simple motor skills work and basic class work like coloring, singing and other activities in the morning. Bradley worked at Prem Dan, a home for the mentally and physically handicapped, in the morning, where he helped with laundry, cleaning and comfort to many of the male patients. He and three other students had to boil, scrub, rinse and hang laundry and scrub down the bedroom floors and stack beds during the morning hours. In addition to the chores and working with the people in the homes, Father DeAngelo was asked to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, administer sacraments and give a conference to the sister community. “There was a real hunger to hear the different experiences of religious and diocesan
Courtesy Photo
The students and Conventual Franciscan Father Jude De Angelo, campus minister, pictured center, from the Wake Forest University’s City of Joy Program take time to enjoy the sights in India and stand in front of the Taj Mahal. The students volunteered to work in the homes and medical facilities sponsored and founded by the Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Calcutta, India, during their Christmas break. priests and to be able to use the gifts that I have and just to be with these women was a wonderful experience.” Bradley talked about the importance of daily Mass during his time in India. “It was really incredible to
go to Mass with the sisters everyday. For me, Mass was a centering and starting point for me,” he said. “It put everything in focus. Even though it was a very Catholic environment, several students of other denominations were interested in taking part in daily Mass.” Swanson agreed, “It was a pretty powerful experience to go to Mass in the morning, and whether you were
Catholic or not, you were able to appreciate the beauty of the Mass, especially the ones held at Mother Teresa’s tomb.” One of the most rewarding experiences for Father DeAngelo was the chance to travel to India with students of different denominations. “Knowing that students of other faiths were involved and being a part of that ecumenical group was exciting. To witness students not of our faith see the Catholic Church and the sisters and volunteers from around the world and to participate with them in prayer and to see how they honor the faith commitment of whoever they serving was a beautiful thing.” “It was an amazing opportunity for personal growth and to help out other people. I had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be able to go, and I am glad I did it,” said Swanson. “The fact that the Missionaries of Charity devote their entire lives to service of the poor with love, consistency and diligence and that so many volunteers from all over the world come to help the sisters and brothers renewed my faith in humanity.” Campus Ministry is one of the lifegiving ministries partially funded by the Diocesan Support Appeal. Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
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February 3, 2001
Calcutta,
from previous page By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer WINSTON-SALEM — College students look forward to their Christmas break as a time to go home to their families to relax and unwind after long hours studying. However, eleven Wake Forest University students opted to travel halfway around the world the day after Christmas to serve as volunteers in one of the world’s most poverty-stricken countries. Through a university-sponsored trip, the Wake Forest’s City of Joy Scholars Program, the students went to Calcutta, India, to work in homes and agencies founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of Charity Sisters. The name, “City of Joy,” is taken from a novel and movie about India’s largest city, where Mother Teresa conducted most of her ministerial work and founded the Missionaries of Charity. The students, led by Coventual Franciscan Father Jude DeAngelo, the campus minister for Wake Forest University, and John Bradley, a 22-yearold senior English and German major
Diocesan Support chosen as this year’s student leader after traveling to India last year with the college program, lived and worked in Calcutta for almost three weeks through the school program entering its seventh year. They lived at a local YMCA and traveled to the various homes for the city’s poor, disabled, sick and dying to help in any way deemed necessary Father DeAngelo was chosen to be the faculty leader for this year and said that through college student fund raising and support from local church and school communities, he was able to travel to India. “Our Lady of Mercy Church and Holy Family Church parishioners, the students at Our Lady of Mercy School and the Knights of Columbus made great donations and all wanted to be a part of the trip. Those connections between local parishes, institutions and campus ministry was a huge gift and goes beyond dollars and cents.” Bradley explained the nature of the program and what they had to face. “This is a really different experience, and people don’t really realize it until they are there. This is difficult physical labor starting with 36 hours of travel. You can’t drink the water, and you have to be very cautious about the foods. It is a polluted city, and this is
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New faith formation policy embraces far-reaching catechetical community By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — When Bishop William G. Curlin approved a diocesan policy designed to reach out to parents who catechize their children at home, he took an innovative step as shepherd of a diocese committed to educating its parishioners in the faith. The policy for home catechesis for the Diocese of Charlotte was implemented last October following a yearlong study by pastors, parents and catechetical leaders in western North Carolina. The goal of the policy, said Father James Hawker, diocesan vicar for education, is to emphasize the pastor as chief catechist while embracing the teaching role of parents. “The home catechesis policy assists in a collaborative stance between pastors and parents of children who are catechized at home,” said Father Hawker. “There is no question that parents have the primary responsibility regarding the education of their children. At the same time, the pastor is responsible to ensure that those within his parish family, including children, are properly prepared in their understanding and appreciation of the teachings of the faith.” Canon law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are quoted in the policy. Key elements of the page-and-ahalf-long policy include: — Parents’ notification of intent to pastors that they wish to catechize their children in the home. — Ongoing dialogue between parents and pastors/parish catechetical leaders. — The providing of diocesan and parish expectations and resources for faith formation and sacramental preparation — including registration, recommendation of texts and other guidance — to parents by pastors/ parish catechetical leaders. — The signing of a covenant by the pastor, parents and children
symbolizing the mutual bond and an understanding of expectations and responsibilities. “The bishop wants to support the role of parents as the primary educators of their children, and at the same time he is bound by canon law to support the pastors who ultimately determine the readiness of children for receiving the sacraments,” said Dr. Cris Villapando, diocesan director of faith formation programs. Villapando said less than 50 percent of dioceses in the United States have any policy on home catechesis, and he is not aware of any other diocese in which a covenant between pastor, parent and child is signed to acknowledge parents’ rights and pastors’ responsibilities. In a recent series of workshops for pastors and parish catechetical leaders, Villapando outlined the policy and its guidelines. “In doing the workshops, I explained to the people that the heart of this policy is dialogue,” he said. He added that the policy is replete with language like communication, community and shared responsibility, while it is clear that the pastor — in any catechetical efforts — primarily determines a child’s readiness for the sacraments. In a letter to pastors, Bishop Curlin voiced hope that the policy will bridge faith formation between the parish and the home. “I am confident that the ... policy will assist pastors and parents to ensure that the catechetical mission within the parish is implemented collaboratively and responsibly,” he said. That spirit of collaboration is important in any faith formation endeavor, Villapando said. He applauded parents throughout the diocese who want the best for their children when it comes to knowing and living their faith. “The bishop is a symbol of unity,” he added. “He wants the pastor, who is the chief catechist at the parish level, to be a symbol of unity, too.”
1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review
New book offers step-by-step rules for life
Each chapter includes suggestions on how to practice the rules. In the chapter on work, she writes, “One way of recognizing our limits is to set some boundaries for ourselves. By establishing some guidelines for the hours we work, what we will do, and how we will serve, we admit to our limits and build them into our days.” With topics like stewardship, hospitality and simple living, this is a book that lends itself to being marked up with underlines, highlights and margin notations. It is a book that can be picked up and read a few pages at a time. As a giver of retreats and workshops on spiritual life, Farrington is wise enough to know that spiritual development does not take place in a vacuum. Thus, she writes about the mind and the body, too. In doing so, she provides encouragement for readers to examine all aspects of their lives, while subtly reminding them that the core of success, i.e., happiness, is found in one’s relationship with God. “Living Faith Day By Day” is an excellent book for those beginning a spiritual journey, as well as for those who have already begun, but who wish to examine where they are going. Olszewski is editor of the Northwest Indiana Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Gary, Ind.
February 3, 2001
Read-
Reviewed by BRIAN T. OLSZEWSKI Catholic News Service “Living Faith Day by Day” could have been subtitled “How to get your spiritual life in order without needing a doctorate in theology.” Debra Farrington provides an understandable (and that is a key word), step-by-step process of how one can develop and apply rules for living. In a conversational manner, Farrington has written a text that not only teaches the value of examining one’s life and developing rules for that life, but she inspires the reader, through her own stories and the stories of others, to take action. From the background about rules for religious communities to the chapter-by-chapter development of rules for oneself, this book makes self-spiritual
LIVING FAITH DAY BY DAY: HOW THE SACRED RULES OF MONASTIC TRADITIONS CAN HELP YOU LIVE SPIRITUALLY IN THE MODERN WORLD, by Debra K. Farrington. Berkley Publishing Group, division of Penguin Putnam, Inc. (New York, 2000). 276 pp., $13.95. reform a non-threatening undertaking. What Farrington says is the stuff many Catholics may have heard during retreats or other spiritual enrichment sessions. The difference is that this book can serve as a resource, as a workbook for those who do not succeed the first time they try something.
Word to Life
February 4, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8 2) 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 3) Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service The unworthy prophet, the sinful disciple, the convert who formerly persecuted believers, all of them awed by God’s holiness, humbled by their own sinfulness. The description of this motley crew sounds a bit like James Joyce’s description of the Catholic Church: “Here comes everybody.” And maybe it is, but listen on. Of the three described above, the unworthy prophet is Isaiah; the sinful disciple is Peter; the convert who persecuted Christ in his church is Paul. Today’s readings make a very particular point about our response to God’s holiness in light of our own selfknowledge. But the Isaiah passage offers an image of God’s provision for this very sense of our unworthiness. He first confesses, before the throne of God, in the grips of his own awe: “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the king, the Lord of hosts!” Next he describes God’s provision: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ‘See,’ he said, ‘now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed, your sins purged.”’ And Isaiah continues, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,”’ said Isaiah, now full of God-given courage, “‘send me!’ And (the Lord) replied: ‘Go and say to this people ...”’ At one time or another, all of us will be called to speak up for God. At such times, when we are certain by all we know of God through the teachings of the church, the word of God in Scripture and the still, small voice of our consciences informed as well by common sense wisdom, we will have the courage to “go and say to this people” the message God has given us to deliver. I’ve known many reluctant prophets across the years. They fear to speak for many reasons, their own sinfulness, natural humility and shyness, among them. But when they have known that speaking up would make a difference and have found that what they were called to say lined up with what God has revealed of himself, they have spoken. They have risked. They have called others to a higher standard of respect for life, moral rectitude and justice. It will never be easy to be either a disciple or a prophet, but if we commit ourselves to be people of prayer who inform their consciences through reading Scripture and attending to the teachings of our church, we will always find it possible — though sometimes painful — to speak and to live
Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Feb. 4 - 10, 2000 Sunday, Isaiah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11; Monday (St. Agatha), Genesis 1:1-19, Mark 6:53-56; Tuesday (St. Paul Miki & Companions), Genesis 1:20-2:4, Mark 7:1-13; Wednesday, Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17, Mark 7:14-23; Thursday (St. Jerome Emiliani), Genesis 2:18-25, Mark 7:24-30; Friday, Genesis 3:1-8, Mark 7:31-37; Saturday (St. Scholastica), Genesis 3:9-24, Mark 8:1-10 Readings for the week of Feb. 11 - 17, 2001 Sunday, Jeremiah 17:5-8, 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20, Luke 6:17, 20-26; Monday, Genesis 4:1-15, 25, Mark 8:11-13; Tuesday, Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Mark 8:14-21; Wednesday (Sts. Cyril & Methodius), Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22, Mark 8:22-26; Thursday, Genesis 8:1-13, Mark 8:27-33; Friday, Genesis 11:19, Mark 8:34-9:1; Saturday (Seven Servite Founders), Hebrews 11:1-7, Mark
February 3, 2001
Video
By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are home videocassette reviews from the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video audience. “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” (2000) Occasionally diverting children’s comedy in which animated cartoon characters, a talking moose (voice of Keith Scott) and a flying squirrel (voice of June Foray), team up with an FBI agent (Piper Perabo) to stop the evil plans of a power-hungry leader (Robert De Niro) and his two faithful underlings (Jason Alexander and Rene Russo). Combining computer animation with live-action characters and backgrounds, director Des McAnuff’s lackluster film has a lagging narrative but succeeds in garnering hardy laughs when it pokes fun at itself. Fleeting crass language and some comically intended violence. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. (Universal) “Bring It On” (2000) Silly teen flick about a newly elected cheerleading captain (Kirsten Dunst) whose perky world is flipped with the discovery that her team’s routines were stolen from an inner-city hip-hop squad that threatens to out pompom them in the national competition. As directed by Peyton Reed, by-thenumbers plotting and bromidic dialogue cast a shadow on the few laughs that make the innocuous film mildly amusing. A few fleeting sexual references and some crude slang expressions. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Universal) “Cecil B. Demented” (2000) Repulsive and ridiculous comedy about a famous Hollywood actress (Melanie Griffith) forced to star in a radical underground movie after she is kidnapped by fa-
Entertainnatical movie purists (led by Stephen Dorff) bent on destroying “multiplex America.” The latest offering from writer-director John Waters starts energetically with clever film-industry barbs but quickly loses momentum as the slapdash plot gets mired in gratuitous brutality and nasty humor. Recurring violence, an orgy, several lewd sexual references, intermittent drug use, devil-worshipping implications and constant rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (Artisan) “Death on the Nile” (1982) An heiress is murdered on a honeymoon cruise up the Nile and Agatha Christie’s sleuth, Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) is on hand to interrogate such suspects as Bette Davis, Angela Lansbury, Maggie Smith, George Kennedy and Mia Farrow. Directed by John Guillermin, it is an intricately plotted whodunit that plays the game fairly in laying out clues to challenge the mystery fan. A lavishly produced 1930s period piece with exotic Egyptian locales, the film is solid escapist entertainment for those who don’t mind rather graphic depictions of murder. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. (Republic) “Deceived” (1991) A young widow (Goldie Hawn) discovers that her museum-curator husband (John Heard) was leading a double life, putting her and her little girl (Ashley Peldon) in mortal danger. Director Damian Harris’ nifty thriller is packed with implausibilities but scores on atmosphere and emotionally involving suspense. Momentary violence and mild sexual innuendo. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Touchstone) “Dinosaur” (2000) Visually superb animated adventure set in prehistoric times after a devastating meteor turns much of Earth into dry rubble, forcing a herd of dinosaurs to search for their nesting grounds while pursued by larger predators of their species. Directors Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton successfully combine real backgrounds with spectacular computer-generated digital
The Catholic News & Herald 11
CNS photo from Cloud Ten Pictures
SCENE FROM FILM ‘LEFT BEHIND: THE MOVIE’ Kirk Cameron stars in “Left Behind: The Movie.” The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. images that are extraordinarily lifelike although the narrative is skimpy and the pace sometimes slow-moving. Some scenes of predatory violence. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. (Disney) “MVP: Most Valuable Primate” (2000) Plodding family film has an escaped chimpanzee befriending a deaf girl (Jamie Renee Smith) and helping her brother’s (Kevin Zegers) high school hockey team win a championship match by joining the team. Directed by Robert Vince, the film alternates between the chimp’s amusing antics and hockey action as it skates on sentimentality to a foregone conclusion. Some rough hockey play. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. (Disney) “Steal This Movie” (2000) Flawed biography about Yippie found-
er Abbie Hoffman (Vincent D’Onofrio), a revolutionary prankster and countercultural figure who used flamboyant and provocative tactics to raise awareness of social issues in the 1960s. Director Robert Greenwald’s broad narrative becomes overwhelmed with the era’s political complexities while the details of Hoffman’s life are told in methodical, uninspiring flashbacks. A few sexual encounters, some nudity, drug use and much rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (Trimark)
1 2 The Catholic News & Herald
February 3, 2001
Editorials and Col-
The Pope Speaks
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Pope says kingdom of God will come through quiet cooperation By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The kingdom of God will not have its full establishment on earth through some apocalyptic event, but quietly and with the cooperation of men and women who work for justice and peace, Pope John Paul II said. In the midst of “the weakness, misery, violence and injustice of human history,” Jesus Christ has already inaugurated God’s kingdom by defeating death and offering everyone the possibility of salvation, the pope said Jan. 31 at his weekly general audience. God’s plan of salvation promises liberation and peace not only for all humanity, but also for the world which God created, he told an estimated 4,000 people in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Living in a world “under the weight of evil, contradictions and death,” people can be tempted to doubt the promise of “a new heaven and a new earth,” he said. Discouraged, some people make no attempt to work for the transformation of the temporal world, he said. “They are convinced that nothing can change, that every effort will be in vain, that God is absent and cares nothing about the minuscule part of the universe which is the earth,” he said. On the other extreme, the pope said, are those who expect “apocalyptic scenes” marking God’s interruption of history and establishment of his kingdom. But “God has entered human history and the world and proceeds silently, awaiting humanity with patience,” the pope said. “He respects human liberty, sustains those in the grips of desperation, leads us step by step and invites us to collaborate in the project of truth, justice and peace. “Divine action and human commitment must intersect,” Pope John Paul said. Christians must go through their lives “trying to follow the footsteps of God and working with him to give birth to a world in which mercy and truth shall meet, justice and peace shall kiss,” he said. At the end of his audience, Pope John Paul greeted and posed for photographs with players and officials of the Irish national rugby team. The team was in Rome for the Feb. 3 opening match of the Six Nations Championship. The tournament opens with Ireland playing Italy. The other countries in the league are England, Scotland, Wales and France.
In his book, The Way of the Wolf: The Gospel in New Images, Marin Bell shares a memorable parable about young Barrington Bunny, who was searching for a family to party with on Christmas Eve. He was saddened because he didn’t have a family of his own and felt he didn’t have any characteristics that would allow him to fit in with the other forest animals. After all he couldn’t swim out to the beavers den, nor could he climb up to the squirrel’s nest. Feeling all alone, Barrington met the great silver wolf, who taught him three very valuable lessons. Barrington learned that all the animals of the forest were part of his family. Then he learned that everyone, himself included, had gifts and talents to contribute to the well being of them all. Finally, he learned that the secret to happiness could be found in giving. So he used his talent, the ability to hop, to find gifts for the other animals—gifts without strings attached. His gifts were carefully matched to the needs of each recipient, but he gave them freely—with no strings attached. The beaver family got a strong stick for their den and the squirrel family a nice pile of leaves and grass for their nest. Barrington learned the joy of giving without anticipating reward and without counting the cost, and with no strings attached. I will leave the ending to your own imagination or further reading. This little parable reminds me in many ways of stewardship and the Diocesan Support Appeal. By virtue of our Baptism, we are all part of one family—the Body of Christ. While each member of the family has a variety of diverse needs, God has gifted each member of this family with unique gifts and talents to serve the needs of the rest. Furthermore, God has also gifted each of us in varying degrees with gifts of our time, talent and treasure. One of the secrets to real happiness comes in giving to others—freely, with no strings attached, without seeking a reward or counting the cost. Some of us are sent by
Principles of Catholic Social Thought FATHER WILLIAM J. BYRON, SJ CNS Columnist Both driver and mechanic take the whole tire, the entire wheel, into consideration when they inspect tires for safety and road readiness. The New Dictionary of Catholic Social Thought, edited by Judith A. Dryer (Michael Glazier Books, 1994) contains an interesting article on the common good. It makes the point that recent teaching presents two complementary themes relative to this concept, namely, the individual’s obligation to contribute to the common good and the right of the individual to participate in society’s benefits. Anyone who takes a moment to reflect on the fact that more than 44 million Americans participate in no health insurance program today will be forgiven for expressing outrage at this obvious assault on the principle of the common good. For better or worse, all of us in the human community are in the same boat. All of us have to work to keep it afloat and pull our respective oars if progress is to be achieved. Turn again to the Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Nos. 25, 30) for further instruction on this point: The good of each person is bound up with the good of the community, and the obligations of justice and love are fulfilled when each person contributes to the common good in accord with his or her abilities and in light of the needs of others. Commitment to the common good is the ultimate selfimprovement program!
Guest Columnist Barbara Gaddy, Associate Director of Development Guest Columnist God to use our talents directly in service to others as catechists, counselors, seminarians, deacons, campus ministers or youth ministers. Others may participate in these important ministries of the Church through contributions to the Diocesan Support Appeal. Still others may find that the only way they can serve the Body of Christ is through prayer. Regardless of our own individual needs, we can all share with other members of our “family” a portion of the time gifted to us, the talent given to us and the treasure allotted to us. Barrington Bunny has a lesson for us all — a reminder of living and giving, of sharing and caring. And we can apply that lesson for life to our own participation in the Diocesan Support Appeal.
Part IX: The Principle of the Common Good Contemporary Catholic social thought, building on Aristotle and Aquinas, understands and applies the notion of the “common good” in a common-sense way. In its Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Vatican Council II explained the common good as “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment” (No. 26). The council immediately added that this principle relates to “the general welfare of the whole human family.” Sally Spalatin-Moore, of Malibu, Calif., has 10 “Credenda/Agenda” (“Things to Believe/Things to Do”) principles posted on her family’s refrigerator door. One says, “Your choices must foster the universality of the common good.” Another says, “The common good insists upon a global family.” It is quite natural for families (and voters) to see the world through their respective kitchen windows. It is unusual, however, for the ordinary citizen’s worldview to be truly global. Respect for the person is one piece of the common good. Also included is the promotion of conditions that encourage development of the full human potential of all persons in all circumstances. Another important part of the common good is the maintenance, by public authority, of peace and security. In our day, however, the principle of the common good has taken on global proportions by reaching beyond family and neighborhood to cross regional and national boundaries. What constitutes the common good in a particular set of circumstances and a given historical context always will be debatable. But if there is no debate — if there is an absence of concern for or sensitivity to the common good in public discourse — then you have a clear indication that society stands in need of help. As a sense of community erodes, concern for the common good declines. This is an obvious danger in an age of individualism. The common good of society as a whole can be likened to the balance that is not simply desirable but necessary for both wheel and tire on an automobile. Perfect balance means safe progress whenever the wheels are in motion.
February 3, 2001
Editorials and Col-
Light One Candle MSGR. JAMES P. LISANTE Guest Columnist
Our unique selves Pre-natal studies are discovering ever more tantalizing facts about our early development. One of the most fascinating has to do with our thumbprints. It seems that at no later than eight weeks after conception, each of us has a not-to-be-duplicated fingerprint. It will match no other person on planet earth. We are, from the outset, uniquely and wonderfully ourselves. What a shame, then, that so much of our lives are spent conforming to other people’s expectations or standards. Why do we worry so much about being like everyone else? In wardrobe, in style and in perspective, people too often need to be what others expect. I have been told, “You’re not like other priests.” Now, what does that mean? How can anyone determine what a priest should be like? Have any of these questioning folks taken a good look at the chosen Twelve? Could there be a more diverse and yet more delightfully unique band of followers for the Man Himself? Clearly, the Lord had no cookie-cutter at hand in selecting his apostles! Made individually and wonderfully by the Creator, we owe it to ourselves and our God to be the people he calls us to be. Two recent films, both suitable for adult audiences, focus on this issue, and both are worth your time. If you miss them in the theaters, wait for them on video, but The soul “after” death but “before” the Second Coming Q. Some friends and I were discussing what happens to your soul when you die. I thought the soul immediately goes to heaven. Another thought one’s soul remains sleeping until Jesus comes again; then we go to heaven, but it will feel like you have been asleep for only a second. Can you shed any light on our thoughts? (Maryland) A. Most of what you asked cannot be answered with anything more than pure speculation. A few considerations, however, might throw some hopeful light on your discussion. First, we know that people are in heaven right now, including Jesus, of course. Our Catholic and general Christian understanding of saints who have died, been canonized or otherwise, is that they are with God — or, if you wish, “in heaven.” Second, as far as we can theorize, for reasons that are obvious there will be no “time” as we have it here (hours, days, years) in whatever existence comes after death. Time-related words like “until,” “later,” “before,” “after” and so on, really are thus meaningless in that setting. As we know, with God there is no past or future, no yesterdays or tomorrows. All that is exists in one eternally present moment in and for God. If we think about it, that is the nature of eternity — no limits, no boundaries, no markers into the future. Third, we cannot think of the soul as the real “me” and our body as a dispensable attachment that we need in this life, but no longer. Both our spiritual and material parts, traditionally referred to as body and soul, are essential for our human nature, whether here or in the next life. In other words, there can never be such a thing as a truly human soul floating around without a body. If a soul does not have some relation to a body, it is not a human soul. Whatever it is, if such a separate existence were even possible, it would not be a human being. Without getting too philosophically technical,
please be sure to catch these two great movies. One was “Billy Elliot” (Universal Pictures), the story of an 11-year-old coal miner’s son from Northern England played to perfection by Jamie Bell. He dares to be different by pursuing an interest in ballet. Through the firm but understanding help of a teacher named Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters), Billy finds his destiny through dance. This is where he shines, where he feels fulfilled, where he can be most truly himself. For much of the movie, Billy’s vocational choice is hidden from his Dad (Gary Lewis) and tough older brother Tony (Jamie Draven). He knows that they will see his choice as unmanly and oppose it. When they at last discover his secret, they react with severe disdain. Only the reality of how limited his son’s prospects would otherwise be finally allows Mr. Elliot to let Billy pursue his dreams. Another jewel of a film is “You Can Count On Me” (Paramount Classics). Terry (Mark Ruffalo) is the family failure. Moving across America from job to job, he fits no mold and drives his more traditional sister Sammy (Laura Linney) to distraction. Why, she and his hometown neighbors reason, can’t he be more like us? Why not settle down? Why not avoid trouble with the law? Why not be more respectable? But Terry is far more open to life than all his judges. He wears his imperfections more candidly, but he is not any less a person for his unique way of living. In fact, Terry is far less artificial than his sister. Sammy attends church regularly while her brother does not. But once outside the confines of Sunday worship, she breaks many more of the Commandments than Terry does. By the film’s end, in fact, we recognize a more authentic wholeness in Terry. He has remained the person he is, not someone pretending to be another. Both films celebrate the wonder of being who you truly are. Both films encourage people to ignore the powerful tendency to blend in. You are uniquely and wonderfully made, different from others. Just being your best self is something to appreciate. A great message, that.
Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist
all this follows from the church’s traditional explanation of our human nature (“body” and “soul”) in terms of the Greek metaphysics passed down to us by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, in which elements called matter and form are the inseparable, interwoven components of all material beings. This all fits and presupposes, of course, what we profess in the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in the resurrection of the body. Attempts at this sort of reflection commonly raise the question: How can we explain the continued existence of deceased human bodies through centuries of time? I don’t think we can explain it. It is commonly acknowledged today that the awakening of the dead to the sound of the trumpet at the end of time of which St. Paul speaks (1 Cor 15), is his metaphorical effort to put into human language an event, the cosmic mystery of transformed life, that transcends all human experience and concepts. Your friend’s comment about being “asleep for only a second” is interesting. Putting all the above (and lots of other factors) together, many have suggested that when we die, our next conscious moment will be the resurrection, our rising to the new life that Paul attempts to describe in that letter.
The Catholic News & Herald 13
“Whom Shall I Send?” Most Rev. William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte Jesus knew that the work of spreading the Good News of Salvation and building the Kingdom would require many hands. He knew that he could not do it all alone, so he called others to join him in the work of his Father. He formed them and sent them out in his service. As the shepherd of this diocese, I have been entrusted with the same mission of spreading the Good News and building the Kingdom here in Western North Carolina. And, like Jesus, I cannot do it alone. I depend on the thousands of people in this diocese who have responded to the question, “Whom shall I send?” with an enthusiastic, “Here I am, send me!” When I consider the rapid growth of this diocese and the tremendous task of providing for the increasing needs of the people, I know that I need help. I am ever so grateful for those who are eager to go forth and serve in the name of the Lord. I depend on the loving service of holy and dedicated priests to serve the people of God in our 90 parishes and missions. I am grateful for the 20 seminarians who have answered the call to serve others through the priesthood. Yet before they can be sent forth into the parishes and missions, they must be properly formed. Likewise, the catechists, RCIA team members and youth ministers serving in our parishes receive instruction, support and encouragement through programs offered by our educational ministry offices. Your gifts to the Diocesan Support Appeal help provide education and formation for our future priests as well as our parish lay leaders. I cannot personally answer every cry for help from those who are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, a problem of addiction or a broken marriage. I need the help of counselors and caseworkers from Catholic Social Services who are trained to help others deal with life’s tragedies. These co-workers in the Lord are especially invaluable in responding to the everincreasing needs of our ethnically diverse population. I am deeply gratified by the thousands of people who help me on a daily basis meet the needs of the growing number of Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte. I see the DSA as a way that every parishioner can participate in the ministries so vital to the life of our diocese. The DSA provides an opportunity for others to join with me in reaching out to make Christ present in a world where His presence is so sorely needed. Each person who gives to the Diocesan Support Appeal can proudly say, “The Lord sent me!”
1 4 The Catholic News & Herald
MINISTRY, from page between forming new culture-based rites in the church and culture-based adaptations of liturgy and catechesis to effectively evangelize. A recent study, he said, found that black Catholics overwhelmingly opposed any new rites; they simply want to be welcomed as a contributing and vital part of the universal church. A helpful way of evangelizing and educating, he said, is to reach one person at a time. “We don’t need to go out and make a big speech on the street corner or knock on doors,” he said. “If we can talk to one person and spread the Good News about the church, our spirituality and our values, then that’s the way to do it.” During a Mass following the workshops, the board of the African American Affairs Ministry honored the ministry’s director with an award for dedicated service. Rev. Mr. Todd is the 2001 recipient of the Glenda Rollins-Gaither Service Award, named in memory of a founding member of the ministry and honoring a person each year who has made contributions in advancing full recognition and inclusion of African Americans. The ministry board recognized Rev. Mr. Todd as “the keeper of the diocese’s vision for evangelization and ministry for people of African descent.” After a standing ovation upon his receiving the award, Rev. Mr. Todd spoke of the power of Christ in his life. “Before I knew who Jesus was, I didn’t know who I was,” he said. “I mean this sincerely: If you don’t have that personal relationship with Jesus, you are completely lost. Without him, you are nothing.” He asked the congregation to pray for unity in the faith journey, “that all
ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Administrative Assistant: Full-time. Oversees church statistics/database, supports pastor and staff, prepares and manages church calendar, assists prospective parishioners, and other duties as assigned. BA/BS and 2-4 years business/administrative experience required. Must have knowledge of Catholic terminology, excellent customer service skills and be a self-motivator who works well with others. Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, and Powerpoint required. Excellent diocesan benefits provided. Submit resume, salary history, and references by December 1 to: Search Committee, Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Drive, Durham, NC 27713-9470. Director of Development: The diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time director of development for Catholic Social Services. The candidate must be a college graduate with a degree in marketing, communications, or related field. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in fundraising and marketing. Responsibilities include managing the annual giving campaigns, handling all aspects of production of newsletters and annual reports, and serving as liaison to diocesan boards. Please submit resume by February 14 to Jim Kelley, Office of Development, 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003. Director of Music Ministry: Holy Infant Catholic Church is in search of a full-time Director of Music. Located in Durham, North Carolina, a dynamic and growing area of the country near Research Triangle Park, this Vatican II parish consists of 900 households that are committed to ongoing liturgical renewal. Holy Infant Parish embraces its call to be hospitable, inclusive and
February 3, 2001
Diocesan Support of us together can accomplish what God put us here for.” Father Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he recalled those black ancestors who lived and died in the belief that all are equal in God’s eyes and who reached out in support, encouragement and love for others, especially the needy. “No matter how far we have come, we must turn to every one of our brothers and sisters who are visited with suffering and trial,” he said. “The hallmark of our belief must be that no one stands alone.” African American Affairs Ministry is one of the life-giving ministries partiall y funded b y the Diocesan Support Appeal.
Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
Christ-centered. This position works closely with the Pastor and a collaborative and supportive staff. Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field although a master’s degree is preferred. Must have music performance skill (e.g. piano, voice); choral directing; cantor training; knowledge of Catholic rites and rituals. Available no later than November 1, 2000. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits package included. Send resume to: DOMM Search Committee, Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Dr., Durham, NC 27713. Fax 919/544-1799. References required at time of application for consideration for this position. Music Minister: Rapidly growing parish of 700 families near Raleigh, North Carolina is building new church and desires qualified person knowledgeable in Roman Catholic liturgy. Candidate will have a BA in music and keyboard proficiency. Full-time salary of 35K with benefits. Job description on request. Send inquiries/resume by February 28 to: Search Committee, St. Ann Church, 113 N. 7th St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Principal, Elementary: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Raleigh, NC announces its opening for Principal, effective July 1, 2001. We are a parishbased K-8 coeducational school serving 538 students. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, have an advanced degree and administrative experience. Prospective candidates interviewed immediately. Direct inquiries to: Principal Search Committee, Our Lady of Lourdes School, 2710 Overbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27608. (919)782-1670 ext.123; Fax (919)4202188. Principal, Elementary: St. Mary School, Johnson City, Tennessee, has an opening for principal beginning July 1, 2001; 200 students, K-8. Southern Association accreditation. Qualifications: practicing Catholic; leadership skills; master’s in administration or willing to work on certification. Deadline: February 23rd. Letter and resume to: Kathleen Mitchell, 2211 E. Lakeview Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601.
DSA Supported Agencies and Ministries
Social Services Ministries 704-370-3262 Diocesan Ministries 704-370-3228 Disability Ministry 7 0 4 370-3250 Disaster Relief 704-370-3228 Elder Ministries 704-370-3220 Family Life- 704-370-3250 Marriage Preparation 704-370-3228 Natural Family Planning 704-370-3230 Prison Ministry (beeper)704-581-7693 Respect Life 704-370-3229 Office of Justice and Peace 704-370-3225 Campaign for Human Development 704-370-3234 Catholic Relief Services 704-370-3231 Education - Issue Response 704-370-3225 Social Services / Western Regional Office 704-255-0146 Hispanic Social Services - Adoption - Counseling Crisis Intervention -Foster Care - Pregnancy Support Social Services / Charlotte Regional Office 704-370-3232 Adoption - Counseling - Crisis Intervention Foster Care - Pregnancy Support - Programa Esperanza Social Services / Piedmont-Triad Regional Office 336-727-0705 Casa Guadalupe - Adoption - Counseling Crisis Intervention - Foster Care - Pregnancy Support Multicultural Ministries African American Ministry 704-370-3399 Hispanic Ministry 704-335-1281 Hmong / Lahu Ministry 704-327-2341 Educational Ministries Vicar for Education 704-370-3210 Campus Ministry 704-370-3212 Catholic Schools Administration 704-370-3271 Faith Formation 704-370-3246 Lay Ministry Training 704-370-3213 Media Resources 704-370-3241 RCIA 704-370-3246 Young Adult Ministry 704-370-3212 Youth Ministry 704-370-3211 Vocations Permanent Diaconate 704-370-3344 Seminarian Education 704-370-3353
Classified ads bring results! Over 115,000 readers! Over 45,000 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date How to order: Ads may be faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.
Teacher: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School is accepting applications for certified Kindergarten Teacher starting March 2001; also, 3rd Grade teacher for August 2001. Contact or send resume to: Ed Manville, Principal. Phone: (919)570-0070; Fax: (919)570-0071; e-mail emanville@stcathsiena.org Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, located in Fairburn, Georgia (south of Atlanta), is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the 2001-2002 school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment as well as competitive salary and benefits. Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to John Cobis, Principal, OLMCHS, 861 Highway 270, Fairburn, GA 30213. Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Diocese of Savannah seeks a qualified director for this ministry in south Georgia. Qualifications: Practicing Catholic in good standing; at least 3 years’ relevant experience; master’s degree or equivalent in appropriate field; suitable organizational skills; demonstrated capacity to work collegially; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to travel independently within Diocese. Spanish language ability a plus. For job description and application contact Youth Ministry Search Committee, Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401-5196; fax (912)238-2339; e-mail Cooper0987@aol.com REAL ESTATE
Buying? Selling? Call me anytime — Charles McCollum, member of St. Gabriel, Charlotte. Past Grand Knight of K of C Charlotte Council 770. Part of commission donated to Church. Coldwell Banker Flouhouse - (704)541-5111 or home (704)367-1371. Let’s get started now! PRODUCTS Want to lose weight? 12 people needed to lose 10 to 20 pounds in the new year. All natural. 100% guaranteed. Call 1-800-8578. SERVICES Complete Hair Care in YOUR Home: Shampoo, Cut, Perm, Color. Done at YOUR convenience. Call Greta Perlata: (704)341-1936 (NC License). St. John Neumann member.
February 3, 2001
The Catholic News & Herald 15
Diocesan Support
PARISH # CHURCH 2001 Goal City 1 Our Lady of the Assumption $39,796.00 Charlotte 2 St. John Neumann $80,310.00 Charlotte 3 Our Lady of Consolation $39,509.00 Charlotte 4 St. Ann $59,154.00 Charlotte 5 St. Gabriel $301,101.00 Charlotte 6 St. Patrick Cathedral $75,726.00 Charlotte 7 St. Peter $71,223.00 Charlotte 8 St. Vincent de Paul $100,001.00 Charlotte 9 St. Thomas Aquinas $108,594.00 Charlotte 10 St. Luke $50,411.00 Charlotte 11 St. Mark $83,099.00 Huntersville 12 St. Matthew $240,868.00 Charlotte 15 Our Lady of the Annunciation $17,217.00 Albemarle 16 St. James $50,091.00 Concord 17 St. James $9,317.00 Hamlet 18 St. Joseph $11,898.00 Kannapolis 19 Our Lady of Lourdes $30,631.00 Monroe 20 Sacred Heart $51,654.00 Salisbury 21 Sacred Heart $2,651.00 Wadesboro 22 Our Lady of the Americas $8,901.00 Biscoe 23 St. Andrew the Apostle $6,098.00 Mars Hill 24 St. Barnabas $43,428.00 Arden 25 St. Eugene $67,289.00 Asheville 26 St. Joan of Arc $18,902.00 Asheville 27 Basilica of St. Lawrence $52,079.00 Asheville 28 Sacred Heart $40,574.00 Brevard 29 Immaculate Conception $94,630.00 Hendersonville 30 Chapel of the Redeemer Hot Springs 31 St. Jude $10,939.00 Sapphire Valley 32 St. Margaret Mary $23,343.00 Swannanoa 33 St. John the Baptist $28,580.00 Tryon 37 St. Elizabeth $39,805.00 Boone 38 Sacred Heart $3,613.00 Burnsville 40 St. Francis of Assisi $7,632.00 Jefferson 41 St. John Baptist de La Salle $11,399.00 North Wilkesboro 42 St. Frances of Rome $4,552.00 Sparta 43 St. Lucien $5,887.00 Spruce Pine 46 Queen of the Apostles $32,114.00 Belmont 47 Immaculate Conception $10,032.00 Forest City 48 St. Michael $71,061.00 Gastonia 49 Christ the King $4,282.00 Kings Mountain 50 St. Dorothy $16,761.00 Lincolnton 51 Our Lady of the Angels $6,673.00 Marion 52 St. Mary $19,772.00 Shelby 53 St Helen $2,623.00 Spencer Mountain 56 St. Joseph $25,741.00 Asheboro 57 St. Joseph of the Hills $10,791.00 Eden 58 Our Lady of Grace $116,430.00 Greensboro 59 St. Benedict $17,090.00 Greensboro 60 St. Mary $23,309.00 Greensboro 61 St. Paul the Apostle $126,617.00 Greensboro 62 St. Pius Tenth $76,153.00 Greensboro 63 Christ the King $13,033.00 High Point 64 Immaculate Heart of Mary $69,618.00 High Point 65 Holy Infant $13,356.00 Reidsville 66 Our Lady of the Highways $12,071.00 Thomasville 69 St. Aloysius $75,203.00 Hickory 70 St. Francis of Assisi $15,431.00 Lenoir 71 St. Therese $70,732.00 Mooresville 72 St. Charles Borromeo $28,687.00 Morganton 73 St. Philip the Apostle $39,238.00 Statesville 74 St. Joseph $19,480.00 Newton 76 Holy Redeemer $3,016.00 Andrews 77 St. Joseph $5,941.00 Bryson City 78 Immaculate Conception $3,180.00 Canton 79 Our Lady of Guadalupe $2,863.00 Cherokee 81 Prince of Peace $2,165.00 Robbinsville 82 St. Francis of Assisi $21,284.00 Franklin 83 Immaculate Heart of Mary $11,516.00 Hayesville 84 Our Lady of the Mountains $10,450.00 Highlands 85 St. Margaret $16,541.00 Maggie Valley 86 St. John the Evangelist $13,585.00 Waynesville 88 St. Mary $11,679.00 Sylva 89 St. William $12,155.00 Murphy 91 St. Stephen $5,167.00 Elkin 92 Holy Cross $41,976.00 Kernersville 93 Our Lady of the Rosary $12,536.00 Lexington 94 St. Francis of Assisi $8,190.00 Mocksville 95 Holy Angels $13,310.00 Mount Airy 96 Our Lady of Mercy $50,413.00 Winston-Salem 97 St. Benedict the Moor $10,851.00 Winston-Salem 98 St. Leo $119,463.00 Winston-Salem 99 Holy Family $86,065.00 Clemmons 101 St. Bernadette $12,869.00 Linville 103 Holy Spirit $18,080.00 Denver 107 Good Shepherd $7,748.00 King 109 Holy Trinity $5,934.00 Taylorsville 110 Our Lady of Fatima $18,824.00 Winston-Salem
2001 DSA MINISTRIES BUDGET Catholic Social Services Diocesan Ministries Special Ministries $191,893 Natural Family Planning - Respect Life - Prison Ministry Elder Pastoral Services (CRISM) - Elder Social Services Widowed/Separated/Divorced - Family Life Marriage Preparation Office of Justice and Peace $145,687 Campaign for Human Development - Catholic Relief Services Parish Social Ministry - Voices for Justice - Legislative Network Refugee Resettlement Program
$33,761
Catholic Social Service Administration
$82,159
Regional Services Western Regional Office - Asheville $180,461 Hispanic Services - Adoption – Counseling - Crisis Intervention Foster Care - Pregnancy Support
Charlotte Regional Office Adoption, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Foster Care, Pregnancy Support, Programa Esperanza
$249,790
Piedmont Triad Office - Winston-Salem Casa Guadalupe, Adoption, Counseling, Crisis Intervention Foster Care, Pregnancy Support
$253,552
Multicultural Ministries African American $22,050 Hispanic Ministry $311,000 Hmong Ministry $46,786 Educational Ministries Faith Formation $344,944 Catholic Schools $240,969 Campus Ministry $396,743 Evangelization $25,000 Lay Ministry Training $43,569 Media Resources $64,995 Vicar’s Office $59,427 Youth Ministry $118,668 Vocations Permanent Diaconate $73,510 Seminarian Education $295,836 Campaign Expenses $152,200 Total
4.6
11.4
11.1
34.1
38.8
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
$3,333,000
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
38.8%
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES
34.1%
VOCATIONS
11.1%
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES
11.4%
CAMPAIGN EXPENSES
4.6%
1 6 The Catholic News & Herald
Prayers for African-American family to begin Black History
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — African-American Catholics around the country will kick off Black History Month in February with prayers for the African-American family. The National Day of Prayer for the African-American Family, observed on Feb. 4 this year, was established in 1989 by Franciscan Father James E. Goode as an opportunity to give special thanks to God for families and to place their every care in the arms of Jesus. The observance is co-sponsored by the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for African-American Catholics, National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, National Black Sisters’ Conference, National Association of Black Catholic Administrators, National Black Catholic Congress, Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Josephite Pastoral Center and the Immaculate Conception Province of the Order of Friars Minor. Beverly A. Carroll, executive director of the bishops’ secretariat, said celebration of Black Catholic History Month would begin with a prayer service Feb. 5 at the bishops’ national headquarters in Washington. In a brochure for the National Day of Prayer for the African-American Family, Father Goode urged families to mark the day by: — Worshipping and praying as a family. — Celebrating a meal together and telling your family story. — Setting aside some time to read the family Bible. — Saying a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the needs of all families throughout the world. — Making a family resolution, no matter how big or small, and striving to fulfill that resolution throughout the year. “We want every generation born of African descent to know that through it all we have been, and we are, a people of faith,” Father Goode said. “We’ve come through trials, tribulations and persecution. Here we stand. Look how far we’ve come with the Lord.”
Harambee Mass BELMONT — Belmont Abbey
College will host a Harambee Mass in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Belmont Abbey on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor, will serve as celebrant for this Mass celebrated for parent’s weekend at Belmont Abbey College. The Perpetual Help Gospel Choir and the Kabaka Dancers and Drummers from Our Lady of Consolation will enrich the Mass with their presence and performance.
February 3, 2001
Diocesan Support
CSS case manager works with those in By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — Most people do not think of the airport as the place where life can begin anew, but for some refugees who are first arriving in the United States, it is where they first meet their guide to a new country with a new culture and way of life. Alicia Garcia is a Catholic Social Services Case Manager in the diocesan Refugee Resettlement Office, and many times, her job begins at the airport where she meets her clients and accompanies them to their new homes. After Garcia makes sure that the clients have their basic needs met for their first days in America, then her daily and monthly routine begins — one that is subject to change at any minute. “We are trying to help them in any way possible to make their lives as easy as possible after they arrive in this country,” stressed Garcia, who has been working with CSS for nearly five years. “We are always very busy, and we don’t work basic 40-hour weeks. We sometimes have to go to appointments at 8 a.m. and have to pick up the client at 7 or 7:30 a.m. Also, if someone has a job that doesn’t end until 5 or 6 p.m., we have to schedule our appointments after that. We also visit the clients every week to make sure they have everything they need. You have to have the heart for this kind of work.” All clients are given a two-hour orientation involving basic skills and basic knowledge so that they can function in their new homes and neighborhoods. She teaches them about city and state laws and provides basic English lessons for everyday words if a language barrier exists. She also provides local geographical information about hospitals, grocery stores and other necessary knowledge. She also translates all school documents to register the children of these families and gives her phone number and information to the school in case of questions or emergencies. She accompanies all of her clients to their state-required medical appointments, a series of three, where they receive immunizations, physicals and tests, and acts as a translator and a liaison between her office and the Department of Social Services (DSS). “We make sure everyone receives the most appropriate medical attention because many do not have the resources they need,” said Garcia. “We are their representatives with DSS, and we apply on their behalf with DSS for their benefits.” These trips do not include medical appointments that she must transport her clients to if they are ill. Unfortunately, many of them fall into that category. Garcia spoke of several clients whose main concerns now involve their health. “In
Courtesy Photo
Alicia Garcia, pictured center, greets some of her clients, a Somalian family, as they arrive for the first time in the United States over a year ago. one Cuban family, the father had a heart attack before coming to this county and was referred to a cardiologist here. His wife is partially-blind and lost her hearing from a virus and cannot work, and their daughter contracted Hepatitis B from a transfusion.” Many of her clients have various problems, and Garcia is a part of every aspect of their lives. “A bond is created between the case worker and the client, and we become attached to one another which can be difficult because you have so many clients to help. You have to exercise control so that you don’t get too involved in their lives. You have to be a good listener, and you have to be caring and understanding. It gives me such great pleasure when I have a case where the
clients were in such poverty when they arrived, and two years later, they have worked and saved to buy a house. They are a part of me.” Catholic Social Services is one of the life-giving ministries in the Diocese of Charlotte partially funded by the Diocesan Support Appeal.