Feb. 27, 2004

February 27, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Parish Profile:

St. Pius X Church

| Page 16

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI FEBRUARY 27, 2004

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

The essence of ashes

Bishop Jugis addresses clergy abuse issues Local, national abuse statistics released by

editor

love,” asserts Jason Evert.

For many teen-agers, this may seem like a difficult statement to agree with, but Evert believes it — and has said so to hundreds of thousands of teens across the United States.

Twenty-seven-year-old See CHASTITY, page 7

See REPORT, page 8

editor

CHARLOTTE — Lent is a holy season of repentance and conversion, said Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

The bishop delivered the Lenten message during his homily at St. Patrick Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. He called people to conversion, and to reflect on the condition of children during the Lenten season.

See ASHES, page 8

KEVIN E. MURRAY

CHARLOTTE — As part of its ongoing commitment to effectively deal with the sin of sexual abuse of minors by some clergy, the Diocese of Charlotte released information included in the national John Jay study Feb. 27.

The study, conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, was commissioned by the all-lay National Review Board under the mandate of the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

The report, compiled by figures submitted by almost all of the 195 U.S. dioceses, presented data on the nature and scope of the sexual abuse of minors by some priests from 1950 through 2002.

Also on Feb. 27, the National Review Board released a companion study on the causes and context behind clerical abuse of minors, based on a series of interviews with church leaders and specialists. When the bishops formed the board in 2002, part of its mandate was to develop those studies.

The 46-county Diocese of Charlotte reported 13 priests had allegations of sexual misconduct made against them since the establishment of the diocese in 1972. Upon investigation, two priests were exonerated.

The percentage of priests with allegations against them is 1.9 percent of the 677 ac-

KEVIN E. MURRAY

“Every year our Lord Jesus Christ invites us into this holy season of Lent, because he wants to work a miracle of repentance and conversion in our heart through his grace,” said Bishop Jugis.

“It truly is a miracle, isn’t it, when God’s grace can move our hearts to re-

no. 22

Protecting God’s children

Bishop Jugis distributes ashes, Lenten message by

vOLUME 13

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Peter J. Jugis distributes ashes during Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Don’t get carried away

Charlotte students learn value of chastity by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

Editor’s note: The following article contains material of an explicit nature that may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Jason Evert recruits an student at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School for a demonstration to open his talk on chastity Feb. 20.

CHARLOTTE — “It is only when a person takes sex out of a relationship that they can know the value of

Weaving bright futures

Special report

Culture Watch

ORB grant assists Montagnard refugees

Diocese combats sexual abuse of minors

Movies, books, crossword puzzle

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| Pages 8-9

| Pages 10-12

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

February 27, 2004

Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard

ROME (CNS) — Bishops in English-speaking countries have been sent drafts of a new translation of the main prayers used at Mass, but one expert said the number of obviously modified texts would not be overwhelming.

Msgr. James P. Moroney, secretary of the U.S. bishops’ liturgy committee, said “the only things that were changed were those things that needed to be changed for precision or proclamation.”

The English draft of the “Ordo Missae,” or Order of the Mass, was approved by the episcopal board of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy in January.

Copies were sent out Feb. 13 to every Latin-rite bishop in the United States, and other English-speaking bishops’ conferences were expected to distribute the text about the same time.

Msgr. Moroney said he would not

Country in crisis

CNS photo by William B. Plowman

A woman is led away from her damaged vehicle after it was hit by stones during clashes between supporters of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and opposition demonstrators Feb. 15 in Port-au-Prince. Haitian bishops appealed for calm amid a worsening crisis on the island-nation that has pitted supporters of the president against those wanting him ousted from office.

CRS: delivery of humanitarian aid threatened by unrest in BALTIMORE (CNS) — Catholic Relief Services said food supplies at its centers in Haiti are running low and deliveries of fresh supplies are threatened by current unrest.

CRS, the U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency, warned of a potential humanitarian crisis in Haiti if commercial and aid supply lines continued to be affected.

“The situation is critical,” Dula James, CRS country representative in Haiti, said Feb. 18.

That day, CRS began delivering several thousand metric tons of food and cooking supplies. However, the volatile environment — including spontaneous street protests, roadblocks and general social unrest — could threaten the delivery’s implementation, affecting hundreds of thousands who depend solely on CRS food aid for survival, the agency said.

CRS said roadblocks manned by gunmen have made it difficult for supplies and humanitarian assistance to reach these areas.

The agency’s partners in northern Haiti have reported shortages in food and household supplies. CRS was organizing support for parishes in the area to distribute basic necessities.

Some 60 people have been killed since a rebellion against President JeanBertrand Aristide began in early February.

Rebels have chased police from more than a dozen towns and cut supply lines to northern Haiti from Port-au-Prince,

English-speaking bishops receive copies of draft of Mass prayers

the capital, and from the western Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

The threat of violence and lack of communication have left Haitian citizens at the mercy of each day’s events, CRS said.

Hospitals and schools closed and the cost of food, medicine and cooking fuel skyrocketed. In Gonaives, the country’s fourth-largest city with a population of 200,000, all commercial deliveries were discontinued, CRS said.

CRS and Caritas partners continued to work in the areas that remained accessible and lobbied for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to alleviate the suffering of the North.

Aristide, a former Salesian priest, became Haiti’s first elected leader in 1991.

He was ousted in a military coup shortly after his election and was restored to power in a 1994 U.S. invasion. He was reelected in 2000 and now faces accusations of corruption and political violence.

Auxiliary Bishop Pierre-Andre Dumas of Port-au-Prince told Vatican Radio Feb. 17 that Haiti was “on the verge of civil war, and anarchy reigns over the island.”

He said it was time for the United States, which returned Aristide to power in 1994, to remind the president what democracy means.

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE SWANNANOA — St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Place, offers Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month following the 12 p.m. Mass with Benediction at 5 p.m. For information call (828) 686-8833.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — Why would an antiCatholic Presbyterian minister become a full-time Catholic apologist? Gerry Matatics will present a free, eye-opening talk addressing “How the Bible converted me to Catholicism.” “Will ‘faith alone’ get you to heaven?” and “Is ‘Scripture alone’ taught in Scripture?” This free presentation will take place at Ballantyne Resort, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., March 14, 1:30-6 p.m. Bring your Bible, questions and friends. For more information, visit www.gerrymatatics.org.

CHARLOTTE — All women are invited to join Women in the Word for weekly gatherings for prayer, reflection on Sunday scripture, music and sharing experiences of Christ in daily life. The group meets each Thursday, 9:45-11:45 a.m. in the family room of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For details, call Linda Flynn at (704) 366-9889. For childcare reservations, call Jurga Petrikene at 704) 907-0205.

CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church meet the first Wednesday of each month with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center, 3635 Park Rd. All adults age 55 and older

discuss specific suggested changes while the bishops were reviewing and offering their comments on the texts.

He said the Order of the Mass contains “almost all of the changes” expected in the parts of the Mass recited by the congregation.

The Order of the Mass includes prayers that are used at every Mass. It does not include all of the prayers that change weekly during the liturgical year.

Catholic News Service obtained a copy of the draft in late February. In several instances, the new version of the Mass prayers includes more literal translations of the original Latin texts, including the word order.

For example, the proposed Gloria begins: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people of good will.”

The current English text says: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.”

In many instances, the proposed text

are welcome. For more information, call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

CHARLOTTE — The 50+ Club of St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. with a program and lunch in the parish center. The March 10 program will feature a fashion show. For more information, call Lucille Kroboth at (704) 537-2189.

GASTONIA VICARIATE BELMONT — Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 503 N. Main St., will have a Lenten Supper-Study Wednesday evenings during Lent — March 3, 10, 17 and 24. All are welcome. Community dinner is at 6 p.m., with Catechesis 6:45-7:30 p.m. Topic this year is “Vatican II: 40 Years Later.” No preregistration or fee required, no need to bring food, all is provided by the parish. For more information, please contact Dennis TeallFleming, Director of Faith Formation, at teallfleming@yahoo.com or (704) 825-9600, ext. 26.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — Many of us want to do “something extra” during Lent. The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women will host their annual Lenten mini-retreat each Wednesday in March at St. Mary Church, 812 Duke St. Mass will be at 10 a.m. followed by refreshments. For information, call Janet Law at (336) 288-6022.

GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., will host a Lenten reflection series, “The Purpose-Driven Life,” Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m. March 3-April 7. This series is based on Rick Warren’s book, which is a journey to answer life’s most important question: “What on earth am I here for?”

February 27, 2 0 0 4 Volume 13 • Number 22 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 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 $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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.

The Catholic News & Herald 3

February 27, 2004

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope approves six sainthood causes; Vatican sets May 16 canonization month of her pregnancy. In order to VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope

spare the life of the fetus, she decided to refuse an operation that might have saved her life.

Molla carried the girl to term in 1962, but died a week after giving birth.

The other causes set for canonization May 16 include: — Blessed Jose Manyanet Vives, founder of the Sons of the Holy Family.

— Blessed Nimatullah Kassab alHardini, a Lebanese Maronite monk.

— Blessed Paola Busecchi-Tassis, founder of the Institute of the Holy Family and the Congregation of the Holy Family.

— Blessed Annibale Maria di Francia, founder of the Congregation of the Rogationist Fathers and the Daughters of Divine Zeal.

John Paul II formally paved the way for the canonization of four men and two women, the majority of whom are founders of religious congregations from the 19th century.

The six will be elevated to sainthood during a Mass May 16 in St. Peter’s Square.

One of those to be canonized is Blessed Father Luigi Orione, founder of the Little Work of Divine Providence, a religious congregation and the Orione Family, made up of laity, religious and priests.

Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla, the only nonreligious of the group, was an Italian pediatrician who became known as the “pro-life saint.”

She discovered she had a uterine tumor during the end of the second

To register, call the parish office at (336) 272-4681.

ASHEBORO — Father Joseph Mack, pastor of St. Joseph Church, will introduce the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Catholic Church as it is prayed by priests, religious and a growing number of lay people throughout the world. Join us and become a part of this beautiful rhythm of prayer. This program will be held March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Salt Box, Randolph Senior Adult Center, 133 W. Wainman Ave. For more information call the St Joseph Church office at (336) 629-6221.

HICKORY VICARIATE

information, contact (336) 998-7503.

WINSTON-SALEM — The Fraternity of St. Clare of the Secular Franciscan Order invites you to a Peace Meal for the Poor March 7. The fraternity will serve a simple meal consisting of soup, bread and water. A love basket will be available during the meal and the proceeds will be used to stock the food pantry at Catholic Social Services. The meal will be served 12-1 p.m. in the cafeteria of Our Lady of Mercy School located at 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. Please join us and help to feed the hungry in our area. For more information, contact Sharon Jackson, SFO Minister, at (336) 722-7001.

KERNERSVILLE — The Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Student Council will host the American Red Cross Bloodmobile March 11, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

BMCHS recognizes the importance of helping the Red Cross maintain an adequate and safe blood supply, and everyone in the community who is able to donate blood is encouraged to attend. The Blood Drive will be held in the school’s Krispy Kreme Athletic Center at 1725 NC Highway 66 South. The school is located a block south of I-40 on Route 66. An appointment is not necessary but can be made by contacting Linda Kennedy, Student Council moderator, at (336) 564-1010.

HICKORY — The annual World Day of Prayer ecumenical worship service will be held at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church March 5 at 7 p.m. This bilingual service was written by Christian Women of Panama.

The theme is “In Faith, Women Shape the Future.” The guest speaker will be Xiomara Palma. A native of Nicaragua, she is active in lay ministry at St. Joseph Church in Newton.

For more information, contact Carole Marmorato at (828) 256-8956.

SALISBURY VICARIATE MOORESVILLE — A Support Group for Parents Who Have Lost a Child of any age meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. We draw strength from others’ experience of loss and grief. For more information, call Joy at (704) 664-3992.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will celebrate a Healing Mass March 1 at 7:30 p.m. with Msgr. Mauricio West as celebrant. Reconciliation will be offered at 7 p.m. Sacramental laying on of hands will follow the Mass. Please join us for singing and hopeful expectancy. For more

Episcopal

calendar

March 6 — 10 a.m.

Mass with Permanent Deacons and Diaconate Candidates St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte March 6 — 2 p.m.

Rite of Election St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

Early public lobbying for World Youth Day prompts Vatican criticism VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Germany prepares to welcome more than 100,000 young people for World Youth Day in 2005, some countries, like Australia, are already lining up to host World Youth Day 2007.

But one official at the Pontifical Council for the Laity — the Vatican office in charge of overseeing World Youth Day events — was not pleased with the early publicity of countries’ intentions to host future youth celebrations.

On Feb. 19, an Italian Catholic youth Web site reported Australian Catholic bishops agreed to propose Sydney as the next city to host World Youth Day after Cologne, Germany.

Reports also circulated that bishops of South Africa and Bolivia wanted their countries to be considered the venue for World Youth Day 2007.

This publicity prompted criticism from the head of the Pontifical Council for the Laity’s Youth Section, Father Francis Kohn. With preparations still

under way for the World Youth Day event in Germany, Father Kohn said, it was inappropriate to be announcing intentions to host the 2007 event.

“This is not very professional; it’s too soon to announce such a thing, and it wasn’t very prudent of Korazym to send this out so quickly,” he told Catholic News Service.

He said it was the responsibility of the Vatican to announce who would be the candidates for hosting the next round of World Youth Day events.

“It’s fine for the bishops to talk among themselves about wanting their country to host it and to come to an agreement about it and then to send us a letter of formal request. But to publish one’s intentions before even making the request ... they risk doing something that will work against their intention,” Father Kohn said.

Turning a new page

Is your parish or school having an event? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to the event date in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese. org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

CNS photo from Reuters

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: March 7 — 2 p.m.

Rite of Election St. Paul the Apostle Church, Greensboro March 13 F.I.R.E. Rally Mass Fort Mill, S.C.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, speaks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II at the patriarch’s residence in Moscow Feb. 22. Among other contentious issues, the Russian Orthodox object to Pope John Paul II’s desire to appoint Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of Lviv, Ukraine, as Catholic patriarch. Cardinal Kasper told reporters he hoped to “open a new page, a page of friendship” with the Orthodox.

THIS MONTH IN —1996 Our Lady of Lourdes jubilee weekend

Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrated its 50th anniversary Feb. 9-11, 1996. The jubilee weekend included a Mass and luncheon honoring parishioners who had been there since 1946 when the church was established; the blessing and dedication of an organ; a family celebration; and brunch with then-Bishop William G. Curlin.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

February 27, 2004

Que Questions and Answers Q. Why is Ash Wednesday 40 days before Easter? What is the significance of the number 40?

How do you determine the date of Ash Wednesday?

A: Because the early Christians regarded Moses’ parting of the sea as an Old Testament antecedent for Baptism and because Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai before encountering God, Christians used the number 40 as the length of the season to prepare catechumens for receiving the Sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil.

The date of Ash Wednesday is counted back from the date of Easter ­— count back six Sundays and then go to the previous Wednesday. That is Ash Wednesday; those six Sundays are not counted as part of the 40 days.

Lunch and Courtesy Photo

Father Matthew Kauth, administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, chats with participants during “The Four Last Things” women’s retreat at the church Feb. 13-15.

The last four things

Retreat explores leading spiritual life by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

FRANKLIN — The women went to hell and back, sort of.

Approximately 100 women from around the Diocese of Charlotte gathered for a spiritual retreat entitled “The Last Four Things” at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin Feb. 1315.

Father Matthew Kauth, administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and Father Ray Williams, pastor of St. Mary Church in Sylva, spoke during the retreat about sin, purgatory, hell and heaven.

“It was a wonderful weekend,” said Father Kauth. “My job was to take them through hell and sin.”

Hell, he said, “is the inability to love. All sin is a disordered love. When we sin, we turn toward something we want more than God.” To be a saint, he said, takes much love. “Love is to give oneself away, to pour oneself out in sacrifice,” he said.

Everything in life is a prelude to heaven, said Father Kauth, because everyone goes through purgatory either in this life or the next.

In 1999, Pope John Paul II described purgatory as “not a place” but a “condition.”

Love, said Father Williams, “draws us through purgatory, which is actually a process we’re going through now. I compared purgatory to a mountain we’re climbing. This involves a struggle; it’s not necessarily easy, but it can be adventurous.”

Prayer isn’t a struggle, said Father Williams, but the development of a relationship with God. By the grace of God, people can be saved.

“Self-love leads to a hellish existence,” he said. “Loving God and neighbor is what saves us. Heaven is union with God and one another, and the glory to which we’re called. I wanted them to take away real insight into that glory, and to be inspired by that.”

Father Williams said the retreat participants left the retreat uplifted and with new ideas on how to approach the season of Lent.

Many of the women were inspired to strive for saintliness.

“It was real talk to help one become holy, to become a saint, which is what we should all be aiming for,” said Bonny Dodge, a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Tiffin (Ohio) Franciscan Sister Andrea Inkrott teaches Spanish to diocesan employees at the Pastoral Center Feb. 24. The Diocesan Diversity Committee sponsors the weekly “Lunch and Language” program, which was developed out of the desire of many employees to learn Spanish as the Diocese of Charlotte welcomes Spanish-speaking newcomers to its churches.

February 27, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 5

around the diocese

Brighter futures looming in Greensboro Operation Rice Bowl grant assists Montagnard refugees by

REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY correspondent

GREENSBORO — Montagnard refugees are weaving a brighter future in Greensboro.

Last summer, parishioners from various Greensboro-area churches helped more than 20 Montagnard women develop or improve existing weaving skills.

The project was made possible through a one-time $1,000 grant from Operation Rice Bowl, the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, and donations from area businesses, according to Sister of St. Joseph Phyllis Tierney, pastoral associate at St. Pius X Church.

Meeting twice a week for three months, 15 volunteers from Greensboro churches taught the Montagnard women to use electric sewing machines to sew curtains, make skirts and repair clothes.

Though weaving looms were common the women’s homeland, access to sewing machines was uncommon.

Christians from the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, the Montagnard (a French word for mountain dweller) men would hunt and fish while the women would take care of hearth and home. They practices a primitive form of weaving, utilizing six separate pieces of wood instead of a fixed loom.

The Montagnards aided U.S. Special Forces during the 1960s and many became prisoners in re-education camps after the Vietnam War ended. Due to cooperative resettlement efforts of the U.S. Special Forces and the Department of State, North Carolina is currently the largest Montagnard resettlement site in the Western Hemisphere.

The Diocese of Charlotte has helped resettle more than 600 Montagnards in the diocese since 1986. Many of the refugees are those who fled to Cambo-

excess swatches of yarn. Using their sixpiece looms, the women began making shoulder bags ordered by people in the Greensboro area.

Pete Williams, a St. Pius X parishioner and custom wood working business owner, built and donated 35 wooden looms to assist the Montagnard women in their work.

As the women continued to work together successfully, Lynagh encouraged fellow St. Pius X parishioner Amy Debruycker to apply for the Operation Rice Bowl grant through the Office of Justice and Peace.

Each Lent, parishes and schools in the Diocese of Charlotte participate in Operation Rice Bowl (ORB), the Catholic Relief Services program of prayer, fasting, learning and giving. The majority of funds from the ORB collection help the national Catholic Relief Services office’s worldwide anti-poverty programs. The remainder of funds stay in the Diocese of Charlotte, where the diocesan Catholic Relief Services committee sponsors a mini-grants program for local initiatives on international issues or projects.

The women received donated sewing notions, fabric and boxes of thread. In addition, eight donated sewing machines were repaired and given to the best students.

Want More Information?

For more information on Catholic Relief Services programs and Operation Rice Bowl grants, contact Terri Jarina at (704) 370-3234 or e-mail thjarina@charlottediocese. org.

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

H Ngeo, a Montagnard refugee, weaves using a traditional loom from Vietnam. dia after the communist Vietnamese government quelled their protests over intrusion on traditional tribal lands and religious prosecution.

The Montagnards came to North Carolina with a strong faith and limited skills.

Minhthu Lynagh, a Montagnard woman and St. Pius X parishioner active in the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees, helped organize the Greensboro

Montagnard women into a weaver’s guild.

Before relocating to Greensboro, Lynagh worked with refugees in Washington and Florida. One of her goals was to help her fellow Montagnards build unity and healthy relationships among the different tribes.

Lynagh enlisted the assistance of the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center and a local yarn company, which donated

CCHD and CRS are part of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, Catholic Social Services, which is one of the 36 ministries supported by the Diocesan Support Appeal.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

February 27, 2004

Lawyer discuses violence, Are students religion in post-9/11 customers, or not?

Renowned speaker latest headliner for Cuthbert Allen Lecture Series BELMONT — Gil Bailie, J.D., will present “Religious Violence in the 21st Century” as part of the Cuthbert Allen Lecture Series at Belmont Abbey College March 10.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 shattered the way Americans perceive safety and security. The results have been long lines of screenings at airports, the deportation of thousands of immigrants with visa problems and the vigilant eye by nearly every American to thwart any future terrorist threat.

Many are still analyzing the events of Sept. 11 for its lasting impact on American culture.

As a teacher, lecturer and writer, Bailie believes the Judeo-Christian tradition offers a way out of violence. For years, he has explored the deeper spiritual and anthropological implications of the literary and scriptural traditions of Western culture.

Drawing heavily on the influence of French Catholic thinker Rene Girard, emeritus professor of French language, literature and civilization at Stanford University, Bailie’s book, “Violence Unveiled: Humanity at the Crossroads,” won the 1996 Pax Christi USA Book Award.

“We believe Gil Baillie’s work, building on the thought of cultural anthropologist Rene Girard, opens up a unique, rarely-heard perspective on the origins and psychological functions of violence,” says Sister Jane Russell, chair of the theology department at Belmont Abbey College and member of the Cuthbert Allen Lecture Committee.

“As The Other Side said of his book, ‘Violence Unveiled,’ Bailie’s ‘insight into the roots of violence, and final message of redemption and hope reflect a truly innovative Christian cultural critique,’” said Sister Russell. “This insight and message seem particularly worth listening to in light of the current resurgence of ‘sacred violence’ in our post-9/11 world.”

Bailie joins a long list of noteworthy newsmakers in the series, including Ralph Nader, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Wil-

liam Bennett, Wendy Shalit, Sister Helen Prejean, James Kilpatrick, and last year’s speaker, Boston Globe reporter Tom Oliphant.

Bailie is founder and president of the Florilegia Institute of Glen Ellen, Calif., a nonprofit educational institute emphasizing the anthropological uniqueness and historical significance of the Judeo-Christian tradition, especially the Gospels. The Florilegia Institute is concerned with today’s cultural and spiritual crisis and with more accurately assessing its underlying dynamics, its perils and its promise.

The Father Cuthbert Allen Visiting Speakers Program is named after Father Cuthbert Allen who had an interest in stimulating the Belmont Abbey College community to thinking about provocative issues of the day. He provided a fund to be used to invite influential leaders and decision-makers from all walks of life, including politics, government, literature and the media.

Want to Go?

Bailie will speak in the Haid Theatre at Belmont Abbey College on Wednesday, March 10 at 8 p.m.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Philosophy professor debates higher ed issue at Bradley Institute

BELMONT — For years, colleges and universities across the country have debated whether or not students should be treated, in a traditional sense, as customers. The answer depends on whom you ask.

Some students argue they are, in fact, paying customers who are in need of a college degree.

Others debate that the dangers of forcing academia into a corporatist mold would suffocate the notions of free inquiry, free expression, open discovery and dissent found on campuses. By doing so, they predict it would harm institutions and their students by devaluing faculty and lowering academic standards.

Methodist College’s Michael Potts, Ph.D., will tackle the issue as he presents “Students Are Not Customers: A Critique of the Consumer Model of Higher Education” at Belmont Abbey College March 11.

The philosophy and religion professor’s talk is part of the spring lecture series sponsored by The Bradley Institute for the Study of Christian Culture, and is free and open to the public.

Potts will speak about the practical issues of how colleges and universities market themselves.

Potts believes the relationship between an institution and its students should be a far different relationship than that of a commercial enterprise and its customers. He says if that difference is not observed, a corrupting element is introduced into the college campus.

Potts is currently an associate professor and chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Methodist College in Fayetteville. As the co-editor

of the book, “Beyond Brain Death: The Case Against Brain Based Criteria for Human Death,” Potts’ area of academic specialization is in the field of bio-ethics.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb College, a master’s in theology from Harding University Graduate School of Theology, a Master of Arts from Vanderbilt University and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Georgia.

Potts has published in journals including “The American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly,” “The Thomist,” “Perspectives in Biology and Medicine,” “Faith and Philosophy,” “The International Journal for Philosophy of Religion,” “The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy” and “The Journal of Near-Death Studies.”

The Bradley Institute for the Study of Christian Culture, founded in 1996, provides opportunities for business executives, career professionals and clergy to examine relevant ethical, theological and philosophical topics within the context of their modern lives. Program topics range from business, legal and medical ethics to history and philosophy.

Want to Go?

Dr. Michael Potts will speak in the Student Commons at Belmont Abbey College on Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. To make a reservation, please call (704) 829-7231.

February 27, 2004

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Saying ‘yes’ to love CHASTITY, from page 1

Evert is a Catholic apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, one of the nation’s largest lay-run apostolates of Catholic apologetics and evangelization. He addressed the eighth-graders of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, the student body of Charlotte Catholic High School and parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Feb. 19 and 20.

“It’s important to have someone who promotes the Catholic Church’s message of chastity in a positive, engaging manner,” said Father John Allen, chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School and director of diocesan vocations.

The Catholic Church’s call for chastity is the same for everyone, regardless of a person’s age or stage in life, Father Allen said.

Evert explained he promotes chastity rather then abstinence.

“Abstinence is saying ‘no’ to sex,” he said. “Chastity is saying ‘yes’ to love.”

According to the Catholic Answers Web site, “some think that ‘chastity’ simply means ‘not having sex.’ But that’s abstinence: what you can’t do and can’t have. Chastity is what you can do and can have . . . right now: a lifestyle that brings freedom, respect, peace and even romance — without regret. Chastity frees a couple from the selfish attitude of using each other as objects, and makes them capable

he asked the young men.

According to Evert, respect is a key component in healthy, successful relationships. A feeling of being used never brings a person peace, Evert said.

“When you start having sex, you’re not spending time with each other, but with each other’s bodies,” he said.

A lack of respect and communication breeds distrust, which often leads to a breakup.

“Then you’ve given someone a precious gift who didn’t deserve it, and you can’t get it back,” he said.

Evert also stressed the damage that pornography can do to young men and women, because it trains men to see women as objects. When men marry, they transfer their fantasies and lust to their wives, who cannot live up to these impossible standards of beauty and sexuality.

By rejecting pornography now, Evert said young men are being faithful to their future wives.

Evert also encouraged the young women at Holy Trinity to dress and act modestly.

“Girls will never convince guys to respect their modesty until they convince themselves of it,” he said. “The way a woman dresses invites a man to treat her as a gentleman would or as a beast would.”

Evert suggested girls ask themselves, “Am I a date or a soul mate? A

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Students at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School line up to sign a prayer book following Jason Evert’s “Romance without regret” presentation at the school Feb. 20. Evert prays daily for each person who signs the book. for-now girl or a for-ever girl?”

“Ultimately, God wants us all to be happy,” Father Allen said.

“The peace and joy that come from chastity are worth more than all the pleasure in the world,” said Evert.

“Love means doing what is best for your beloved.”

of true love.”

Making a connection Evert began his presentation with an attention-getting demonstration.

He asked a boy to volunteer, and one proudly hopped up on the stage and towered over Evert.

Evert asked the audience to imagine that he and the young man were on a date. To set the scene, Evert gave him a long blond wig to wear.

“Now imagine that we’re at the Grand Canyon overlooking the edge,” Evert said, picking up his “date” in his arms and stepping closer and closer to the edge of the “canyon.”

Evert compared premarital sexual activity to carrying someone to the edge of a cliff and dropping him or her. He asked the audience if they would ever put someone they love in such danger.

Romance without regret “All boys feel lust, but they’ve been lied to about what it means to be a man,” Evert asserted. “Don’t get your manhood by robbing a girl of her purity, but instead by protecting it.”

Evert quoted Ephesians 5:25-26, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her, to sanctify her...”

According to Evert, studies show that the earlier a person engages in sexual activity, the more partners he or she is likely to have, leading to more breakups and more heartache. In turn, these people have higher rates of abortion and divorce.

Throughout his presentation, Evert stressed the importance of today’s decisions on tomorrow’s outcomes. He explained that a marriage between two virgins has a divorce rate 70 percent lower than the national average. Even two non-virgins who save intercourse for marriage are two-to-three times more likely to stay married.

“The things that you want to do with your girlfriend...would you want a guy to do that to your future wife?”

8 The Catholic News & Herald

SPECIAL REPORT

Local, national statistics MISSION, from page 1

tive and retired priests in the diocese between 1972 and 2002.

The clergy alleged to have been involved in these incidents are deceased, retired or no longer in active ministry.

During this same period of 30 years, 18 allegations of sexual misconduct were made against the 13 priests in the Diocese of Charlotte, and the diocese paid $704,439 for counseling and other services to victims, and for legal fees.

In 2003, an additional amount of $10,892 was paid for counseling. However, no new allegations regarding sexual abuse of minors by clergy were reported.

Diocesan insurance funds and the diocesan general fund were used for payment. No money from the Diocesan Support Appeal nor parish savings were used.

“The publication of this information affirms the pledge of the Diocese of Charlotte to root out the sinful crime of sex abuse and to do everything humanly possibly to make sure that it will not recur,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

The bishop addressed the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy during his homily at St. Patrick Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. He also called Catholics to prayer during this season of Lent.

“The theme for Lent this year as set forth by Pope John Paul II is, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.’ It is an invitation for all of us, Catholic or not, to reflect upon the condition of children and especially those children who have been profoundly hurt by the violence of adults,” said Bishop Jugis.

“We are called to protect children and young people,” he said.

National perspective U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops president Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill., noted that “we don’t have comparable statistics” from other organizations or professions that could be used to gauge the significance of the John Jay data on clerical abusers and their victims.

“I would like to believe that the Catholic Church is taking a bold step not only because of the seriousness of this issue for us, but the seriousness of this issue for all of society. ... I trust that what we are doing will advance the knowledge of this horrible crime in other venues,” he said.

In the Feb. 27 report of national figures covering 1950-2002, the total number of priests with allegations of abuse is 4,932. The report said there were 109,694 active priests in this time period, and using this number, 4.0 percent of all priests active between 1950 and 2002 had allegations of abuse.

A total of 10,667 individuals made allegations of child sexual abuse by priests. Of those who alleged abuse, the study contained information that 17.2 percent of them had siblings who were also allegedly abused.

The report said the amount of money already paid as a result of allegations, to victims, for the treatment of priests and for legal expenses was $507,000,000 (including a highly publicized $85,000,000 settlement not

February 27, 2004

included in the surveys from dioceses).

Thomas Plante, a psychology professorin California who treats clergy sex abusers and their victims, said the 4 percent figure is keeping with previous estimates and may not be far off from the general adult male population.

He said there is child sex abuse in other religions and in professions such as teaching and coaching.

“The bishops can’t change history, but we can make sure that it is not repeated by determining the nature and scope of the problem,” said Bishop Jugis. “With this information, the bishops can determine whether the steps we have taken are adequate to the problem.”

Protecting children The Diocese of Charlotte was among the nearly 90 percent of U.S. dioceses in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ national policy to protect children and respond to clergy sexual abuse of minors, according to the first national audit report released Jan. 6.

The report was based on an independent compliance audit conducted by the Boston-based Gavin Group, headed by William Gavin, a former FBI official, and overseen by Kathleen McChesney, a former top FBI agent and head of the U.S. bishops’ Office of Child and Youth Protection.

The Diocese of Charlotte was commended for its early proactive initiatives to ensure the protection of children and youths under its pastoral care. In 1994, the diocese adopted its “Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Concerning Ministry-Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel,” which included the establishment of a review board, a group of volunteers not employed by the diocese, with the exception of one priest.

The group includes a psychological counselor. Their role is to review allegations of abuse and to make recommendations to the bishop.

The diocese was also commended for its comprehensive Safe Environment Program, which includes training programs and background investigations for clergy, volunteers, teachers and contractors who have contact with minors.

Since June 2002, more than 7,000 diocesan employees and volunteers have completed the Protecting God’s Children Training Program to help them recognize and prevent the sexual abuse of children.

Auditors also recommended the Diocese of Charlotte’s policy for reporting allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy be made more readily available.

The diocese complied with the recommendation through regular announcements in church bulletins, The Catholic News & Herald and its Web site, www. charlottediocese.org.

“Here in the Diocese of Charlotte, we have policies, people, programs and, most importantly, prayer to address this problem,” said Bishop Jugis.

“Prayer is the primary response for the people of God when confronted with something as evil as sex abuse.”

“I pray on a daily basis for all vic-

Lenten message ASHES, from page 1

pentance for our sins, and conversion to a more faithful following in Christ.”

The bishop said it was a “very personal dialogue” that Christ initiates between him and his people, “where he speaks tenderly but insistently to the heart: Turn away from sin, and return to me with all your heart.”

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, 46 days before Easter. Ashes are blessed and placed on the foreheads of Catholics to remind them of their sin and the joy that lies in repentance.

“Ashes, as an outward sign of penance, were already used in Old Testament times, and the Church has preserved this custom to the present day,” said the bishop.

The ashes, said Bishop Jugis, express a desire for Christ to undertake an interior journey of conversion within his people.

“The journey of conversion is designed to lead us to the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation before Easter,” said Bishop Jugis.

The Lord tells people to change and become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, said the bishop.

“This is the conversion he asks of us all the time: Change, cultivate simplicity and trust in imitation of Christ, who identified himself with the little ones,” said Bishop Jugis.

The bishop said Pope John Paul II has asked all people to reflect on the condition of children during Lent and be

mindful of them, because welcoming children is a way of welcoming Christ.

“Jesus says, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,’” said Bishop Jugis. “What greater source of grace could we ask for during Lent than receiving Christ himself?”

Too many children, unfortunately, have been “profoundly hurt by the violence and misconduct of adults,” said Bishop Jugis. “Sadly, this has even happened to some children in the Church.”

Bishop Jugis said the John Jay report released Feb. 27 would “help us bishops determine whether the steps we have already taken to address the issue have worked, or if additional steps are still needed.”

“Hopefully, it will serve as a model for a larger community to follow in eradicating sexual abuse of minors from our society,” he said.

The bishop expressed his “profound sorrow” to “victims of this crime.”

“Some clergy did not live up to their calling to be an image of Christ, the Good Shepherd,” said Bishop Jugis. “We are all suffering with those who have been victims of this immoral behavior.”

The bishop asked that, during Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and sacrifice, people pray for “God’s grace to bring healing to our brothers and sisters who are victims, and for God’s grace to bring healing to the Church.”

“This certainly is the intention of my heart,” he said.

Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemur-

February 27, 2004

SPECIAL REPORT

The Catholic News & Herald 9

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN

Charlotte priest removed from ministry

Bishop addresses parish, celebrates Masses by

DAVID HAINS

special to the catholic news & herald

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis began his homilies at Our Lady of the Assumption Church by expressing that he would have preferred his first parish visit to be under different circumstances.

Bishop Jugis celebrated all Masses at the church Feb. 21-22 because Father Gregory Littleton was removed from active ministry and resigned his position as pastor Feb. 20. That action was a result of new information related to a violation of “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” as reported by the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J. In homilies that wove Scripture passages into his message regarding Father Littleton’s situation, Bishop Jugis said, “The Lord is kind and merciful, do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” He offered prayers for the victims of sex abuse and Our Lady of the Assumption Church family.

Father Littleton was a priest in good standing in the Diocese of Metuchen when he transfered to the Diocese of Charlotte in 1997. No allegations of any wrongdoing were made against Father Littleton during his service in the Diocese of Charlotte.

In fall of 2002, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen ordered a review of priest personnel files in response to the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

As a result of the review, in October 2002 the Diocese of Metuchen sent portions of Father Littleton’s psychological assessment to the prosecutor’s office in Middlesex County, N.J. At that time, the Diocese of Charlotte was made aware information was sent to the prosecutor, but Father Littleton’s status as a priest in good standing was not

changed because no other information was supplied to the Diocese of Charlotte.

Unlike the current diocesan policy, the policy in 2002 said the bishop needed a specific allegation in order to take action against a priest — something the Diocese of Charlotte felt it did not have in connection with Father Littleton. Today, an investigation would warrant the priest’s removal from active ministry.

The Middlesex County prosecutor later declined to seek an indictment against Father Littleton in the matter.

In mid-February, 2004, Bishop Bootkoski relayed new information to Bishop Jugis regarding Father Littleton’s case.

Bishop Bootkoski also said he was including Father Littleton among Diocese of Metuchen clergy counted in the John Jay study.

After reviewing the new documents sent from New Jersey on Friday, Feb. 20, and considering the placement in the John Jay study, Bishop Jugis removed Father Littleton from ministry.

“This situation is difficult for the Our Lady of the Assumption parish and for me personally,” said Bishop Jugis.

After the Masses, Bishop Jugis greeted parishioners, many of whom expressed sorrow over the situation. Others asked for additional details about the bishop’s decision, but ethics and confidentiality rules regarding personnel matters prevented the bishop from elaborating beyond what was said in the homilies.

Bishop Jugis assured the parishioners that “God will take care of Father Littleton and God will take care of Our Lady of the Assumption parish.”

David Hains is acting spokesman for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Photo by David Hains

Bishop Peter J. Jugis greets parishioners after Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church Feb. 22.

Protecting God’s Children In the Diocese of Charlotte, policies, procedures, programs and people are in place to combat the sin of sexual abuse of minors. They are: — A written policy to deal with the sin of sexual abuse that was put in place in 1994. This policy has been updated to reflect the values expressed in 2002 in the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

— Procedures that encourage people to come forward if they have witnessed or experienced sexual abuse. The procedures can be found on the diocesan Web site, www.charlottediocese.org. The diocese also encourages anyone who has been a victim to report the incident to civil authorities. The diocese will cooperate in any investigation.

— People who will act as advocates for victims of sexual abuse. Three victims’ assistance advocates are located in diocesan offices in Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Asheville.

— Training for clergy, staff and volunteers. Since June 2002, more than 7,000 diocesan employees and volunteers have completed the Protecting God’s Children

Training Program to help them recognize and prevent the sexual abuse of children.

— The Review Board. This group of volunteers, with the exception of one priest, is not employed by the diocese. The group includes a psychological counselor.

Their role is to review allegations of abuse and to make recommendations to the bishop.

Diocese of Charlotte Review Board Co-chairs — Robert M. Gallagher, publisher — Harry J. Grim, attorney

— James G. Babb, communications executive — Sandy Butler, human resources — Barbara Caldwell, attorney/mother — John G. Engler, investments — Paul Franz, hospital administrator — Janet R. Kenny, MS, LPC, therapist and consultant in child and adolescent therapy involving sexual abuse — Don C. Locke, PhD, college counselor — Msgr. Anthony J. Marcaccio, priest

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

February 27, 2004

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Two healers offer help for mind and body reviewed by EMILIE AST LEMMONS reviewed by EMILIE AST LEMMONS catholic news service

“Riding the Dragon: Ten Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times” has been on the Catholic bestseller list since it hit the bookstores in September. In it, Robert Wicks offers wisdom for staying afloat during low times of depression, burnout and grief.

Wicks has been helping people develop the psychological and spiritual tools of inner work for more than three decades. He is no stranger to dark nights of the soul, both in himself and others. A psychologist and professor in the pastoral counseling department at Loyola College in Maryland, his clients

“Riding the Dragon: Ten Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times,” by Robert Wicks. Sorin Books (Notre Dame, Ind., 2003). 160 pp., $15.95.

“Hands that Touch, Hands that Heal: The True Story of Sister Rosalind Gefre,” by Joan Holman. Sister Rosalind Christian Ministries (St. Paul, Minn., 2003). 114 pp.,

often are other healers and helpers — ministers, doctors, counselors and relief workers.

While many people flock to therapists in an effort to run the “dragon” into its cave, Wicks says greater inner growth comes from staying with problems and, as the title suggests, “riding the dragon.”

“Often we seek security by either running away from our feelings of discouragement or attempting to conquer them,” he writes. “Instead, we need to stay with them.”

Among the ideas Wicks offers: Simplify and “prune” your life if you often find yourself becoming exhausted. Find “renewal zones,” such as quiet walks, cheerful friends, or relaxing hobbies.

Use kindness along with clarity when you assess yourself. Find love in small deeds. And perhaps most important: Allow yourself to rest in your darkness instead of seeking a quick fix. Trust

that life will provide a new way for you.

Wicks also realizes that there are psychological and spiritual dangers involved in “living a full life of involvement with others.” Feelings of “futility, fear, vulnerability and hopelessness” can be contagious. To keep a hopeful but compassionate heart, Wicks suggests steps for a “spiritual review of the day,” a process that combines the “countertransferential review” that mental health workers use after sessions with clients with the theological reflection and self-examination that ministers do in prayer at the end of the day. It is an affirming way of conducting an examination of conscience.

“Hands that Touch, Hands that Heal” is the story of another healer — St. Joseph Sister Rosalind Gefre and “her pioneering work in healing touch.”

Back in the days when massage was associated with prostitution more than health care, Sister Rosalind opened her first massage parlor in St. Paul, Minn. She knew then what mainstream medicine now confirms — that the healing touch of massage can remove headaches and muscle tension, stress and toxins.

But at the time, Sister Rosalind, now 73, faced city regulations that shut down her business, as well as a religious order that asked her to move out because it wasn’t comfortable with the idea of a nun doing massage.

Almost 30 years later, Sister Rosalind is regarded as a leader in changing legislation on massage. She has five schools and six massage clinics in two states. Author Joan Holman weaves the nun’s words in with her own narrative in this light biography. Photographs and some of Sister Rosalind’s poems are included.

Lemmons is a staff writer at The Catholic Spirit, the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocesan paper.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: MARCH. 7, 2004

March 7, Second Sunday of Lent Cycle C Readings: 1) Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14 2) Philippians 3:17-4:1 3) Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

by DAN LUBY catholic news service

Why on earth didn’t they tell anyone about it? They’d had the mother of all mountaintop experiences. They had seen, with their own eyes, their master transfigured, his glory revealed in all its dazzling, awe-inspiring splendor. They had seen Moses and Elijah discussing with Jesus the things that would befall him on his journey to Jerusalem.

How could they not shout from the rooftops the incontrovertible proof that Jesus’ claims to be Messiah were true?

They had been certain enough at first. Peter had been so riveted by the transcendence of the moment that when Moses and Elijah appeared to be leaving, he proposed building three tents so the heavenly visitors could stay and the golden moment could be preserved forever. Yet the Gospel for the second Sunday of Lent concludes with an emphatic note on the silence of the disciples when they returned from the mountain.

Perhaps what changed their mood

from ecstatic enthusiasm to sober, even frightened silence, was the command they heard from the shadow that overtook them: “Listen to him.”

Listening to him, after seeing his glory, they could no longer ignore what Jesus already had been saying — and what they had been objecting to — about the passion that awaited him. With dawning clarity they began to understand that the triumphant vindication of Jesus, for which they were so eager, could be reached only by a path of struggle and trial.

To listen to Jesus in the days ahead, as we travel the Lenten journey with the rest of the church, is to choose a path of repentance and renewal. It is to recognize that the conversion to which this season calls us cannot be embraced without cost.

May the prayer, fasting and almsgiving which make up the discipline of Lent strengthen us for the journey.

Questions: What is one fear that gets in the way of my listening faithfully to Jesus? To what Lenten discipline will I commit myself as a way of sharpening my hearing for the words of Christ in my life?

Scripture to Illustrate: “After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen” (Luke 9:36).

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of February 29 - March 6 Sunday (First Sunday of Lent), Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Romans 10:8-13, Luke 4:1-13; Monday (Lenten Weekday), Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, Matthew 25:31-46; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29-32; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 or 4:17 (Esther’s prayer), Matthew 7:7-12; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48 Scripture for the week of March 7 - March 13 Sunday (Second Sunday of Lent), Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17—4:1, Luke 9:2836; Monday (Lenten Weekday), Daniel 9:4-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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February 27, 2004

Gibson’s ‘Passion’ will be everything and then some to different people Film should arouse opinions, deeper understanding

by GERRI PARE and DAVID DiCERTO catholic news service

NEW YORK — (CNS) “The Passion of the Christ” (Newmarket) is an uncompromising, interpretive dramatization of the final 12 hours of Jesus’ earthly life.

Unflinching in its brutality and penetrating in its iconography of God’s supreme love for humanity, the film will mean different things to people of diverse backgrounds. Co-writer, producer and director Mel Gibson has undoubtedly created one of the most anticipated and controversial films of recent times.

Like other films on Christ’s life, “The Passion” does not simply translate a single Gospel narrative onto the screen. Rather it is a composite of the Passion narratives in the four Gospels embroidered with nonscriptural traditions as well as the imaginative inspiration of the filmmaker. The result is a deeply personal work of devotional art — a moving Stations of the Cross, so to speak.

However, by choosing to narrow his focus almost exclusively to the passion of Christ, Gibson has, perhaps, muted Christ’s teachings, making it difficult for viewers unfamiliar with the New Testament and the era’s historical milieu to contextualize the circumstances leading up to Jesus’ arrest.

And though, for Christians, the Passion is the central event in the history of salvation, the “how” of Christ’s death is lingered on at the expense of the “why?”

The film opens with a distraught Jesus (Jim Caviezel) facing down evil, personified as an androgynous being (played by Rosalinda Celentano), in the

CNS photo from Icon Productions

The weight of the world Jim Caviezel portrays Christ with his cross in a scene from “The Passion of the Christ.” mist shrouded garden of Gethsemane and progresses to his death on the cross, followed by a fleeting, but poetically economic, resurrection coda.

Flashbacks of his public ministry and home life in Nazareth with his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), pepper the action, filling in some of the narrative blanks.

Each flashback in the film is a welcome respite from the near-incessant

bloodletting, but more importantly for how it conveys Jesus’ core message of God’s boundless love for humanity, a love that does not spare his son death on the cross so that we might have eternal life.

Concerning the issue of antiSemitism, the Jewish people are at no time blamed collectively for Jesus’ death; rather, Christ himself freely embraces his destiny, stating clearly “No one takes it (my life) from me, but

I lay it down of myself ” (John 10:18).

By extension, Gibson’s film suggests that all humanity shares culpability for the crucifixion, a theological stance established by the movie’s opening quotation from the prophet Isaiah which explains that Christ was “crushed for our transgressions.”

Catholics viewing the film should recall the teachings of the Second Vatican Council’s decree, “Nostra Aetate,” which affirms that, “though Jewish authorities and those who followed their lead pressed for the death of Christ, neither all Jews indiscriminately at that time, nor Jews today, can be charged with the crimes committed during his passion.”

Overall, the film presents Jews in much the same way as any other group — a mix of vice and virtue, good and bad. Yet while the larger Jewish community is shown to hold diverse opinions concerning Christ’s fate — exemplified by the cacophony of taunts and tears along the Via Dolorosa — it fails to reflect the wider political nuances of first-century Judea. The scene of the stock frenzied mob uniformly calling for Christ’s crucifixion in Pilate’s courtyard is problematic, though once Christ begins his laborious way of the cross Jewish individuals emerge from the crowd to extend kindness — including Veronica wiping his face and Simon of Cyrene helping carry the cross, as a chorus of weeping women lament from the sidelines.

However, the most visually distinctive representatives of Jewish authority — the high priest Caiphas (Matia Sbragia) and those in the Sanhedrin aligned with him — do come across as almost monolithically malevolent. Caiphas is portrayed as adamant and unmerciful and his influence on Pilate is exaggerated. Conversely, Pontius Pilate (Hristo Naumov Shopov) is almost gentle with Jesus, even offering his prisoner a drink.

This overly sympathetic portrayal of the procurator as a vacillating, conflicted and world-weary backwater bureaucrat, See PASSION on next page

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

Gibson’s passion ASHES, from page 1

averse to unnecessary roughness and easily coerced by both his Jewish subjects and his conscience-burdened wife, does not mesh with the Pilate of history remembered by the ancient historians as a ruthless and inflexible brute responsible for ordering the execution of hundreds of Jewish rabble-rousers without hesitation.

However the film is abundantly clear that it is the Romans who are Christ’s executioners (a fact corroborated by both the Nicene Creed and the writings of Tacitus and Josephus).

The Roman soldiers are unimaginably — even gleefully— sadistic in flaying Jesus to within an inch of his life. “The Passion” is exceedingly graphic in its portrayal of the barbarities of Roman justice.

As depicted, the violence, while explicit and extreme, does not seem an end in itself. It is not the kind of violence made to look exciting, glamorized or without consequences. It attempts to convey the depths of salvific divine love. Nonetheless, viewers’ justifiable reaction is to be repelled by such unremitting inhumanity.

In the end, such savagery may be self-defeating in trying to capture the imagination of the everyday moviegoer.

In contrast to Jesus’ physical agony is the emotional desolation seen in the figure of the Virgin Mary. The viewer is pierced by the depth of Mary’s understanding of Christ’s divinity and her sublime acceptance of seeing her son suffer. It tears at one’s heart to see Mary struggling to get close to Jesus as he walks through the winding, narrow streets carrying the cross. Seeing him suddenly fall, she is transported, along with the viewers, to Christ’s childhood, to a time when she was able to scoop him up when he stumbled.

When she finally reaches Jesus, and he is on the ground, crushed by the weight of the cross, it is he who comforts her with his words, “See, mother,

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February 27, 2004

around the diocese

I make all things new.” Morgenstern’s portrayal of Mary is beautifully rendered, never more so than in the Pietalike tableau when Christ’s body is laid in her arms.

The juxtaposition of the wounded and bleeding body of Christ on the cross with scenes of the Last Supper compellingly underscores how the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ. Other indelible images include a derided Jesus faltering under the weight of the cross intercut with his earlier triumphant entry into Jerusalem and a single raindrop — a tear from heaven — heralding Christ’s death.

The power of the cross is also keenly conveyed. Jesus does not recoil from either the horrific scourging at the hands of the Roman soldiers or from carrying the burdensome cross. Instead, he declares his “heart is ready” and embraces the cross as if comforting a fallen sinner. These are truly moving and emotional points in the film.

Cinematically, there are flaws as well as triumphs in Gibson’s film, such as a recurring tendency to slip into the horror-genre conventions, including a scene of a guilt-wracked Judas being taunted by little boys whose faces turn into those of grotesque, macabre ghouls. And close-ups of Christ’s scarred and mutilated body are truly horrible.

For those coming to the film without a faith perspective it may have little resonance. But for Christians, “The Passion of the Christ” is likely to arouse not only passionate opinions, but hopefully a deeper understanding of the drama of salvation and the magnitude of God’s love and forgiveness. It is not about what men did to God, but what God endured for humanity.

Because of gory scenes of scourging, torture and crucifixion, a suicide and some frightening images, the 3240. EOE PRINCIPAL: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic grade school located in Southern Pines, NC, is now accepting curriculum vitae for the position of principal. The school’s curriculum is faithful to the Magesterium of the Church. Applicants must have a Master’s degree and be state certified in education. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Since the school is expanding, an applicant should be a visionary and have fundraising capabilities. Curriculum vitae will be received through 3/31/04. The Very Reverend Jeffrey Ingham, V.F., St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 175 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Sally Field movie “Norma ___” 4 Ooze 8 Slightly open 12 Computer key 13 Verdi opera 14 Design 15 Jesus’ stories 17 Loafer 18 St. Catherine city 19 Out 21 GRF follower 23 Rome Beauty 26 Illinois city 29 Church recess 32 First vowels 33 Light brown 34 Henry follower 35 Brooks partner 36 70’s group 37 Pre-med req.

38 Medicinal plant 39 Regression 41 Distress signal 43 Dancer Gregory 46 Sound alike 50 So be it 52 Spendthrift 54 Say ___ (refuse) 55 Alleviate 56 Costa Rica peninsula 57 Cooking measure (abbr) 58 Arab prince 59 Q-U connector DOWN

1 Sings like Eminem 2 Jai ___ 3 Raison d’ _ 4 Japanese city 5 City in Somalia 6 Biblical garden 7 El ____ 8 City in Illinois 9 Papal Beatles?

10 “A long time ___” 11 Caviar 16 Pear 20 Scottish to 22 Adam’s son 24 Late night last name 25 German one 26 Dutch fragment 27 CA School 28 Seers 30 Actress Zadora 31 Reclines 35 Japanese sauce 37 Education employment org.

40 Turkish seaport 42 Religious group 44 Fencing sword 45 Computer memory type (abbr) 47 Frankenstein’s assistant (var.)

48 Catholic liturgy 49 Israeli seaport 50 May be red 51 Crowd 53 “Whisper Not” group

February 27, 2004

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Super caring

Courtesy Photo

Senior youth group members Michelle Lindstrand and Jessica Hogan present a check to John Baker, president of the Richmond County mental health department in February.

St. James youth stir up funds HAMLET — Youth at St. James Church in Hamlet held their annual Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1.

Inspired by Spring Valley Presbyterian Church’s fundraiser in Columbia, S.C., the event involves parishioners each donating one dollar as they leave church on Super Bowl Sunday.

Money raised is donated to a local charity.

This year, the youth collected $384.06 for Crisis Ministries of Richmond County, which assists area soup kitchens, food banks and shelters.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

February 27, 2004

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

What you never With time, conversation and openness, a person feared is not so fearsome

My friend Jack is a priest in his 60s who enjoys frequent visits to New York City.

Father Jack frequents concert halls and museums like no one else I know. He’s also practical. He realizes that driving into Manhattan means finding parking and additional expense. So public transportation is his usual means of getting around.

He told me recently of an experience he had on the New York City subway.

When Father Jack got on, he was one of about a dozen people in the subway car. Shortly thereafter, a man boarded the train who was completely unkempt and talking loudly to himself.

He was young man, over six feet tall and, to the folks in the car, he looked intimidating.

Nervous looks were exchanged.

At the next station, four passengers got off. At the following station, another five left. In short order, everyone left the car except Father Jack and the young man.

Jack was disturbed, chastising himself for not wearing his clerical collar, which he thought might have given him a little cushion of safety.

The stranger glanced his way. He mumbled a little, growled a little and finally spoke to Jack. “Hey, man, you know what?”

“What?” Father Jack nervously responded.

“Man, you look just like some actor in the movies. What the heck, you know him, but I can’t think of his name — in that scary movie about the crazy doctor!”

To which Father Jack responded: “You mean the doctor who loved a little Chianti with his fava beans?”

Father Jack had described the Hannibal Lecter character played by Anthony Hopkins in “Silence of the Lambs.”

“Yes, that’s the guy. You look exactly like that crazy doc!”

And in that moment, the ice was broken.

A smile crossed the young man’s face. A connection was made. And the unknown suddenly became less frightening.

They began to talk about movies. About the theater. About acting.

About life and dreams for life. And when Father Jack got off the train,

Light One Candle MSGR. JIM LISANTE Guest Columnist

they shook hands and wished each other well. Father Jack recalls thinking as he walked up the subway stairs: “You just never know.”

When Father Jack told me about that meeting with the ultimately delightful stranger, he admitted he’d actually had a number of similar experiences when he’s made an immediate judgment about what someone was or was not, only to learn differently.

We all make these split-second decisions, filled with certainty that our opinion — or our prejudice — is 100 percent correct. And as often as not, we’re absolutely wrong!

Judging people by external appearance is almost always risky. None of us is simply the sum of our looks, but rather the sum of our hearts, our minds and our souls. And those aren’t quickly read.

I remember the time I had the chance to meet Mother Teresa.

I was excited for weeks in anticipation. Here was a living saint. Here was a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Here was a world-renowned advocate for the poor. She’d have to be overwhelming, bigger than life. Her insights were sure to be profound.

Yet nothing was what I expected.

She was tiny and cast her eyes down in humility. Her words were unpretentious and completely understandable. She wasn’t larger than life at all. But she was something much better, the essence of a life lived well with love for others.

There was nothing complex about her, just goodness plain and simple.

She was not what I had expected. But she was everything she should have been.

Father Jack learned that with time, conversation and openness, a person he feared wasn’t so fearsome at all.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could meet everyone the same way? The world would be much more peaceful if we didn’t form opinions about people until we knew something of them, of their souls.

For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, “Resolve, Reconcile Respect,” write: The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org.

Pope says Christians must walk ‘arduous path to holiness’ The Pope

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Pope John Paul II said every baptized Christian is called to walk “the arduous path to holiness” in order to be “authentic disciples of Christ.”

At the start of the church’s penitential season of Lent, the pope presided over a special Ash Wednesday liturgy Feb. 25 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The morning’s weekly general audience was replaced by a solemn Liturgy of the Word celebration at the Vatican.

In previous years, the pope traditionally led an evening Ash Wednesday Mass in Rome’s Basilica of Santa Sabina after holding a Wednesday morning audience.

The Vatican had earlier announced a cutback in the day’s events due to the pope’s declining health.

But Ash Wednesday morning, the pope looked alert in royal blue vestments as he presided over the liturgy as well as blessed and distributed ashes among some of the faithful.

He also read out most portions of his homily but, as has become more common, skipped several sentences.

“This necessarily entails sacrifice and self-denial ... (and) the willingness to face every difficulty and overcome every obstacle to reach the appointed goal,” the homily read.

The penitential act of administering the ashes, his sermon said, “underlines man’s awareness of his sinful nature before the majesty and holiness of God.” “At the same time, it also shows one’s willingness to accept the Gospel and turn (its message) into concrete action,” the homily read.

The pope said the two formulas that accompany the placing of the ashes on the heads of the faithful remind man of his “transient and limited” nature (“For you are dust, and to dust you shall return”) as well as issue an urgent appeal to change one’s life (“Repent, and believe in the Gospel”).

But the pope warned against ostentatious displays of penance during Lent.

“External gestures of penitence have

Priestless parishes

unless something major happens the replacement of Mass with Communion services will become more frequent as time goes by.

Church law on the subject is explicit; the faithful must participate in the Mass on Sundays (Canon 1247). When that is not possible, the obligation does not transfer to a Communion service or any other liturgy.

Of course, worshiping God in some way with our community of faith ought to be an integral part of keeping the Lord’s Day holy. Participation in a Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion together, when the opportunity is provided, is an appropriate way to meet that responsibility.

Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

value if they express an interior attitude, if they express the solid will to avoid evil and follow the path of goodness. This is the profound meaning of Christian asceticism,” he said.

The pope emphasized the need for a “humble and meek acceptance of the will of God together with constant prayer.”

Other typical penitential customs of Christian tradition include “abstinence, fasting, mortification and the giving up of goods,” as well as “concrete gestures of welcoming our neighbor,” he said.

“Lent represents a more intense time of spiritual training and generous service to our brothers and sisters,” said the pope.

Specifically, he urged the faithful to engage in concrete acts of solidarity with needy children this Lenten season.

Referring to this year’s Lenten message, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,” the pope said, “I wanted to draw attention, in particular, to the difficult conditions in which many of the world’s children live.”

He said he strongly hoped that “our small brothers and sisters, often abandoned, receive needed care, thanks in part to our solidarity” with them.

He added, “This is one concrete way of carrying out our Lenten resolutions.”

During the prayers of the faithful, one petition asked God to look after those hit by violence and ethnic and religious divisions and to help guide nations toward reconciliation and peace.

Another asked that God help people “transform their consumerist behavior” into a lifestyle of “temperance that would allow our brothers and sisters to live with greater dignity.”

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist Q. I understand that more than 3,000 of the nearly 29,300 parishes in the United States are now without a resident priest pastor. In many of them, instead of Sunday Mass there is only a Communion service.

Does our obligation to attend Sunday Mass apply also to these Communion services? (Maryland) A. What you say about priestless parishes is correct, and it seems that

The Catholic News & Herald 15

February 27, 2004

The ugly side of political campaigns It’s already going on, the airing of political campaign ads that say or show ugly things about the opponent. Most disturbing so far was the ad picked up by the TV news commentators that showed the face of Adolph Hitler morphing into the face of President Bush.

The Republican National Committee said the ad came from MoveOn.org.

That group issued a disclaimer. (The ad had not been released by MoveOn. org, but it had been submitted to a contest run by that organization.

MoveOn is an Internet political group that wants to see Bush defeated in November.) In spite of the disclaimer, the Republican ranting went on about dirty campaign tactics. The anger was understandable, considering the awful implications of linking Bush to Hitler.

But then, surprise. The Democrats pulled out a TV ad that had been effectively used by the Republican campaign of Saxby Chambliss before the 2002 election to discredit Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia. That offensive ad showed the face of Osama bin Laden morphing into Max Cleland’s face. I had not seen that before, and I went apoplectic.

Cleland is a longtime friend, and much more than that he is a Vietnam War veteran who lost both his legs and one arm in battle. How could anyone put out a TV commercial implying this

The Bottom

ANTOINETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist man is not patriotic! Oh yes, Cleland lost that election.

I met Cleland many years ago when he was addressing a rehabilitation agency dedicated to helping people with disabilities gain independence. Cleland, who had been head of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under President Carter and was at that time secretary of state in Georgia, was so perfectly qualified for that task.

He talked openly about the day that changed his life — Vietnam, April 8, 1968 — when a grenade explosion left him a triple amputee, but “lucky to be alive.”

“Not many people believed that a 25-year-old former Army captain, losing two legs and one arm, could do much after that,” he told me.

He spoke honestly of the years after suffering those terrible wounds when he had to pull his life together.

He would become so discouraged that

he would think “doing the right thing is ending it all.”

He realized then that people who have extraordinary setbacks “have to dig down deeper — to discover more courage” than normally is needed.

“Before Vietnam, I thought courage was the absence of fear,” he said.

He learned instead, that courage is accepting fear and turning to prayer so that you can now “focus on opportunity in the face of danger to take disabilities and turn them into possibilities, to turn your scars into stars.”

Cleland wrote a book about his journey back to life. Its title, “Strong at the Broken Places,” is from a line in Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”: “The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong at the broken places.” I remember being awed, even by the fact that Cleland had traveled by himself from Georgia to Connecticut. I vowed not to complain about my periodic bouts with sciatica!

I judge that linking this heroic soldier to the master terrorist was about the lowest a group could sink to. But it has had a good effect on me. I shall be ever on the alert for raw lies and hateful calumny in this election year of 2004. It is sad that we, through our political parties, have slipped into such shame.

A prayer that makes real sense Surrendering to God’s serenity is secret to recovering from darkness FATHER JOHN CATOIR CNS Columnist “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference — living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to his will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with him forever.”

The reference “taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is” refers of course to Jesus Christ. Alcoholics Anonymous has adopted the first part of this prayer as its own, and all the other addiction programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Gambler’s Anonymous, etc., have done so as well.

They keep the concept of a higher power as neutral as possible, since some addicts don’t even believe in God. Somehow they find a higher power for themselves and sidestep the entire theological issue. Each one decides who

Now that we are nearly two months into 2004, I think we should all pray for the grace to revisit our New Year’s resolutions. God can help us to do the things we are not able to do on our own.

It has been a brutally cold winter, and some people have felt a little blue.

Cabin fever sets in from being confined indoors too long. But cheer up. When the sun comes out the snow melts.

Keep your courage high, and look forward to the warmth of spring.

There is one prayer in particular which has helped a lot of people. Miracles of conversion and transformation come from this prayer, which is called the “Serenity Prayer.” You’ve heard it before I’m sure: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Everyone knows that opening, but there is more. Here is the prayer in its entirety:

or what that higher power is.

For the Christian the entire prayer brings to light the great wisdom of the Gospel message. Whether you have ever had a problem with drink or drugs it makes no difference. The prayer speaks to the heart of every human being.

At the heart of it there is the word “surrender.” It is something all of us have trouble doing. This prayer presupposes a deep faith in God, who is a caring presence in our lives. We know that he will do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. Without his grace given day by day, minute by minute, we are powerless.

This is more than faith; it is a profound level of trust. Those who hit bottom realize that all their intelligence, strength and will power is useless before the demon that holds them in bondage. Their lives have become unmanageable, and until they turn their lives and their wills over to a force greater than themselves they remain helpless.

For the Christian this force, this power, is Jesus Christ, who is Lord and who has dominion over the powers of darkness.

The secret of recovery is in the words Jesus taught us, “Thy will be done, not mine.”

Embracing The Human Side FATHER

EUGENE HEMRICK CNS Columnist Lent is upon us, urging us to pull ourselves together spiritually. A way to accomplish this is to utilize the sacrament of reconciliation more fully throughout this liturgical season and to reflect on reconciliation in all its dimensions.

Most of us see reconciliation as going to confession. But it can also encompass making retreats and pilgrimages, fasting, almsgiving and doing works of charity.

In a retreat, we set aside a special time to examine our lives and how well we are living according to God’s plan for us. A retreat goes hand in hand with the sense that we are endeavoring to get our lives back in order. Retreats create the hope of changing our lives for the better.

Pilgrimages get us into the spirit of holiness by introducing us to holy places and past saints. I never will forget standing before the glass coffin of Blessed Pope John XXIII in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and thinking: “You tried to imitate a gentle, humble Christ and you so inspired us with your kindness. How I wish I could imitate you.”

It was a special pilgrim moment; I felt touched by his sanctity. This same desire for holiness came over me when I visited the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi.

Fasting these days is not easy. Yet it is one of the best means for reducing our selfishness. When we fast, we deprive ourselves for the purpose of living according to a higher order in life, putting aside our needs in order to concern ourselves with those whose basic needs aren’t being met.

Works of charity and almsgiving are a wonderful means of repaying God for the blessings he has showered on us. They promote gratitude, keeping us forever in the debt of God and making it difficult to turn our backs on him.

In Pope John Paul II’s 1984 apostolic exhortation on reconciliation, we learn reconciliation is the best means of discovering where our hearts really are.

The better we understand our internal disposition, the deeper at peace we are within ourselves.

Often subconscious guilt leaves us feeling downhearted, though we never quite know what the reason for this feeling is or take the time to bring it to the surface. The sacrament of reconciliation is an opportunity to surface the cause of our dejection and to put our hearts back in the right place.

When our conscience and God’s voice within us are at one, we have a life. May your Lenten season be life — given for you!

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

February 27, 2004

PARISH PROFILE

St. Pius X Church contributes to spiritual growth of Greensboro Saint Pius X Church 2210 North Elm Street Greensboro, N.C. 27408 (336) 272-4681 or (336) 272-8598 Vicariate: Greensboro Pastor: Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio Deacon: Rev. Mr. Ronald Steinkamp Number of Households: 1,012

Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio

Photo by George K. Cobb

St. Pius X Church in Greensboro was dedicated in 1981 to accommodate the growing congregation.

pastor.

Since Msgr. Marcaccio’s arrival, endowments for the parish and school were established and now total more than $750,000, and a new rectory was purchased.

In 2002, the Korean Catholic community of the Triad began worshiping at St. Pius X Church.

Today, St. Pius X Church consists of more than 1,000 households that actively embrace stewardship as a way of life through approximately 70 established ministries. Planning is under way for the fundraising and construction of a columbarium. Jubilee celebration plans are also in the works for the 50th anniversary of St. Pius X

GREENSBORO — Although St. Pius X Church was not founded until after the first Catholic parish was established in Greensboro, the two communities share an intertwined history.

The first Catholic church consecrated in the Guilford County seat was St. Agnes Church, dedicated in 1877. Benedictine monks assumed responsibility for the mission in 1888, and by century’s end a new church was built and placed under the patronage of St. Benedict.

St. Benedict School was opened in 1926, and by the 1950s a larger facility was needed to accommodate growing numbers of students. Then-Bishop VincentWaters of Raleigh and Msgr.

Hugh Dolan, pastor of St. Benedict Church, purchased a 14-acre site on which a school-chapel complex was built, along with a convent and rectory.

The classroom section of the facility opened its doors in March 1955 to 176 students. The school and church were named in honor of the pope canonized in 1955, St. Pius X. Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Md., staffed the school, and Msgr. Dolan became the first pastor of St. Pius X Church.

Msgr. Dolan remained at St. Pius

X Church for 20 years until a reassignment took him to Charlotte. He was succeeded by Msgr. Lawrence Newman, who was known for his dedication to Catholic education.

In 1977, Msgr. William Pharr succeeded Msgr. Newman as pastor of St. Pius X Church. Through Msgr.

Pharr’s guidance, the parish looked into the possibility of constructing a new church for the growing congregation. The formal request was submitted to then-Bishop Michael J. Begley of Charlotte in December 1978.

When Father George Kloster became pastor of St. Pius X Church in July 1979, planning and fundraising for the new church began. Ground was broken on March 2, 1980, and the new church was dedicated on March 29, 1981. About 400 registered families composed the congregation.

St. Pius X Church soon adopted a southern Peruvian mission that it continues to support. Also during Father Kloster’s pastorate was the establishment of Dolan Manor in July 1979, a retirement center for low-income seniors located behind the church.

Father Frank Cintula succeeded Father Kloster in 1988, and Father Cintula’s pastorate was followed by the arrival of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual — the Conventual Franciscans — in July 1990. They remained at St. Pius X Church until 1994, when Father Francis Connolly, a diocesan priest, was appointed to lead the parish.

In 1997, St. Pius X School underwent renovation and opened a new wing including classrooms, media center, computer lab, science lab and art room. At the time, the school had 411 students enrolled.

The same year, a new parish center was constructed to help meet the spiritual and social needs of a growing congregation. In 1999, the center was renamed the Kloster Center.

In October 1999, a new building with more than 20 units for Dolan Manor was dedicated. In July 2000, Father Connolly retired and a new permanent rectory was purchased. Msgr.

Anthony Marcaccio, former priest secretary to Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, became and still serves as pastor of St. Pius X Church.

In August 2000, a new gym/athletic complex was opened. The center was dedicated in November 2000 and named the Francis T. Connolly Athletic Center, in honor of the former