March 12, 2010
The Catholic News & Herald 1
www.charlottediocese.org
Perspectives
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
The Feast of St. Joseph is March 19 | PAGE 10
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI march 12, 2010
Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Poor Clares moving to Charlotte SUEANN HOWELL Special To The Catholic News & Herald
See POOR CLARES, page 7
no. 17
Going hungry in Huntersville
St. Ann Church welcomes cloistered nuns
CHARLOTTE ― This week the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration of St. Joseph Monastery are moving from their Ohio home to a brick residence behind St. Ann Church and school – marking the first time in three decades since an order of contemplative nuns has lived in the Diocese of Charlotte. Their move from Portsmouth, Ohio, has been three years in the making. It all started after Father Christopher Roux, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral in
vOLUME 19
St. Mark teens raise awareness, money in ‘30 Hour Famine’ HEATHER BELLEMORE Special to The Catholic News & Herald
photo by Tracey Liberacki
Victor Vega and Redmond Anello, eighth-grade students from St. Mark School in Huntersville, search for food while coached by teammates during a 30 Hour Famine event March 5. The role-playing games were part of a 30 hour fast designed to make the teens more aware of poverty and hunger around the world.
HUNTERSVILLE ― More than 70 eighth-graders from St. Mark School endured more than a day of hunger pangs to raise $10,000 for organizations fighting poverty. During the 30-hour fast March 4-5, they were only halfway through their drive but had already raised $5,800, nearly 60 percent of their goal. See FAMINE, page 7
Diocese seeks SACS accreditation for all 18 Catholic schools Review team to visit March 14-17 SUEANN HOWELL Special to The Catholic News & Herald CHARLOTTE ― Representatives from the S outhern A s s o cia t i o n o f Colleges and Schools will visit March 14-17 as part of the diocesan schools’ reaccreditation process with AdvancEd, and for the first time the review will cover
all 1 8 s ch o ols to geth er. P r e v i o u s l y, e a c h s c h o o l was responsible for its own accreditation reviews every five years. AdvancEd is the parent organization of SACS, the premier educational accreditation company that judges academic standards in 23,000 public and private schools in 65 countries. Part of the accreditation
process unique to diocesan schools includes rating “Catholic Identity,” which evaluates how well schools advance the Church’s mission of living and spreading the faith. “We are one of a few dioceses around the United States that is seeking diocesan (district) accreditation,” said Linda Cherry, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Charlotte. AdvancEd accreditation brings with it an assurance of quality in educational
standards and a commitment to all-around excellence. Accredited schools must meet seven specific standards that include having a clear vision and purpose, effective leadership, a rigorous curriculum which tracks student performance, adequate resources for their programs, and goals for continued improvement. SACS representatives will visit eight of the diocese’s 18 schools, as well as meet with officials at the Catholic Schools Office.
Around the Diocese
Culture Watch
Hundreds expected to attend Bishop’s Youth Lenten Pilgrimage March 20
Priest-songwriter says psalms are some of Church’s ‘greatest prayers’
| PAGE 5
| PAGE 6
SACS reviews schools’ performance every five years. With district accreditation, the Catholic Schools Office, rather than individual schools, will receive the performance review visit on a five-year basis. Diocesan schools officials have been preparing for this accreditation review for a year and a half. Dr. Janice Ritter, assistant superintendent of schools, has been aided by a 14-member steering committee comprised of teachers, principals and former administrators.
Around the Diocese Year for Priests profile: Father Ed Sheridan | PAGE 4
March 12, 2010
2 The Catholic News & Herald
InBrief
Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard
WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF
Ariz. bishops criticize Church responds bills to abuse charges in immigration PHOENIX (CNS) ― The three Catholic bishops of Arizona have Germany, elsewhere expressed concern that new legislative VATICAN CITY (CNS) ― Religious orders and bishops’ conferences dealing with cases of clerical sexual abuse of children in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands are acting quickly to uncover the truth and assist the victims, said Vatican spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. New revelations of abuse, mainly at Catholic schools, in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands as well as the recent report on abuse in Ireland, “mobilize the Church to elaborate appropriate responses and should be inserted in the context of a problem that is wider and involves the safeguarding of children and youths from sexual abuse in society,” Father Lombardi said. Also this week, the brother of Pope Benedict XVI apologized to child victims of sexual abuse at his former school even though he said he was unaware of the alleged incidents. “There was never any talk of sexual abuse problems and I had no idea that molestation was taking place,” Msgr. Georg Ratzinger said, recalling his 30 years as choirmaster at the school that trains the elite boys’ choir of the Regensburg Cathedral. “Today, such things are condemned even more because of greater sensitivities. I also condemn them, and simultaneously ask pardon from the victims.” German bishops were to meet March 12 with Pope Benedict to discuss the scandal which erupted in late January. Abuse claims have been reported to date in at least 17 of the German Church’s 27 dioceses. The Dutch bishops’ conference announced an independent inquiry March 9 into allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests at Church schools and apologized to victims. The Dutch inquiry follows reports of at least 200 accusations of abuse.
proposals requiring greater enforcement of immigration laws by local police could harm public safety and separate families. The bishops said bills currently before the Arizona Legislature do not “clearly state that undocumented people who become victims of crimes can come forward without fear of deportation.” “If enacted, these bills could lead to separation of family members that would not take place under current federal law,” they added. “We believe it would be far better to withdraw these bills than to risk costly and unfairly punitive enforcement.”
100 Anglican parishes seek to join Church ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) ― About 100 traditionalist Anglican parishes in the United States have decided to join the Catholic Church as a group. Meeting in Orlando, the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church in America voted to seek entry into the Catholic Church under the guidelines established in Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic constitution “Anglicanorum Coetibus” (“Groups of Anglicans”), said a March 3 statement.
Irish Church plans to close urban schools DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) ― Plans are under way to close Catholic primary schools in 10 urban areas in a joint effort involving the Church and the Irish government. With Catholic schools making up 90 percent of the primary schools in the country, the goal is to reduce the number to 50 to 60 percent of the total, Batt O’Keefe, Ireland’s minister of education and science, said March 5. The process is driven by shrinking enrollment because of changing demographics in Irish cities.
march 12, 2010 Volume 19 • Number 17
1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org PHONE: 704-370-3333 FAX: 704-370-3382 MAIL: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237
PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle, 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Denise Onativia, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cindi Feerick, 704-370-3332, ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher, 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org
NEWS IN BRIEF
Mass planned at Old St. Joseph’s Church MOUNT HOLLY ― Old St. Joseph’s Church will be the site of a special St. Patrick’s Day Mass at noon Wednesday, March 17. Organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Mass will be celebrated by Father Brad Jones of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, and everyone is welcome. At 11:30 a.m. in the church cemetery, the AOH will place a wreath on the grave of Father T.J. Cronin, the first pastor of St. Joseph. For details, contact Joseph D o u g h e r t y, p r e s i d e n t , A O H Mecklenburg County Division 2, at uniteire@yahoo.com.
Knights go on retreat CLEMMONS ― Knights of Columbus Council 9499 (Holy Family
Church) held its seventh annual Council Lenten Retreat Feb. 27-28. The topic was “Hearing the Holy Spirit.” The Knights enjoyed a wonderful weekend at YMCA Camp Hanes in King, including Saturday afternoon Mass at Good Shepherd Church. ― Submitted by Chris Parker
Furniture, other donations needed CHARLOTTE ― The Refugee Resettlement Office of Catholic Social Services is in critical need of couches, loveseats, chairs, dining tables, bedding, towels and lamps to furnish apartments for arriving refugees. The Refugee Office resettled 39 people in February and anticipates resettling 76 people in March. Staff is working on setting up 10 apartments, and would welcome any donations (except clothing) in this time of need. Volunteer help with apartment setups is also welcome. or may soon be, facing job layoffs or transitions, Ministry Center, 7 to 9 p.m. March 18. To register, contact Bill Conwell at SGIT@bellsouth.net.
Diocesan planner For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese.org/ calendarofevents-cn. ARDEN ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. — Women’s Lenten Program: “St. Mary Magdalene: God’s love and mercy,” 9 a.m. March 20, open to females aged 14 and older. RSVP to Marcia Torres at 828-697-1235 or johnandmarciatorres@yahoo.com. BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 N. Main St. — Whole community catechesis, MAK Center, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. March 14. For more information, contact Dennis Teall-Fleming at 704-825-9600, ext. 26, or teallfleming@yahoo.com. BRYSON CITY ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 316 Main St. — Presentations about Holy Week and the Triduum, March 19. Holy Week presentation 1:30 to 3 p.m., Mass followed by potluck supper 4 p.m., Triduum presentation 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mary Herr at 828-497-9498. CHARLOTTE ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 Park Road — Presentation by Clay Presley, parishioner and survivor of the “Flight on the Hudson,” Activity center cafeteria, 7 p.m. March 24. — Missa Cantata, 7 p.m. March 25. ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 Providence Road — “Why YOU will be hired for the job,” presented by St. Gabriel in Transition (SGIT), a ministry for those who are,
The Catholic News & Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 44 times a year, weekly except Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. For all circulation inquiries and orders, contact Denise Onativia at 704-370-3333. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237. NEWS: The Catholic News & Herald welcomes your news and photographs for publication in our print and online PDF
— Sanctity of Life Prayer Vigil for Down Syndrome, 6:30 p.m. March 19. Event will be held outside, rain or shine, followed by an indoor reception. ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 Idlewild Road — The Faith We Profess, adult education class exploring the meaning of the Apostles’ Creed, Parish Hall, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, March 9-23. ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. — StrengthsQuest – a program designed to help teens discover the gifts God gave them and how to use them most effectively, 4 to 5:15 p.m. Sundays, March 7-28 or 7 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, March 9-30. Registration forms available in the narthex. For more information, contact Heather King at hking@stmatthewcatholic.org. — Reflection for deaf, or hard-of-hearing, friends and families: What are you doing for the Triduum this year? New Life Center, 9 a.m. to noon March 20. Light breakfast served. For more information, contact office@stmatthewcatholic.org or Jo Ann VanCamp at jvcxtwo@aol.com. — Discovery, a four-hour “Strengths Journey,” 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 20. Sign up after each Mass March 13 and 14. For more information, contact Frank Colunga at 704-8778241 or frank@frankcolunga.com. — St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service, Church, 7:30 p.m. March 25. — Spiritual renewal and celebration of the gift of Friendship, NLC banquet room, 7 to 9 p.m. March 25. MOMS Alumni and new MOMS encourage you to invite a woman who may be interested in this ministry or who has been instrumental in your spiritual journey. RSVP by March 18 to stmatthewmoms@yahoo.com, include full name and number of guests. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 Suther Road — The Maximilian Kolbe Secular Franciscan Fraternity is starting a new formation class. The inquiry class will be 10 a.m. to noon March 20. For more information, contact Don Baker at 704-525-4031 or mcdempsey7@yahoo.com. — Circle of Friends grief support group, office conference room, 7 p.m. Thursdays until March 25. For more information, contact Robyn Magyar at 704-707-5070 or rmagyar42@aol.com.
editions. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. Deadline is 10 days before requested publication date. We do not publish poetry, form letters or petitions. All submitted items become the property of The Catholic News & Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. For inquiries, contact Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at 704-370-3334 or plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org. ADVERTISING: For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Cindi Feerick at 704-370-3332 or ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.
March 12, 2010
Contact Mary Jane Bruton at 704370-3283 or mjbruton@charlottediocese.org to volunteer or to donate and arrange pickup for large items.
Forming faith in song and prayer in Spanish CHARLOTTE ― Father Oscar Rojas led a prayer and catechist formation session with his guitar at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte March 6. He conducted two sessions on “Prayer” – a required topic for the certification of catechists. The Office of Faith Formation is pursuing Spanish offerings for Hispanic catechists and has been actively planning workshops with the three Hispanic coordinators of the Charlotte, Salisbury and Albemarle vicariates. Other Hispanic presenters were Sister Joan Pearson, Jesuit Brother Ricardo Greeley, Jorge Gomiz and Caroline Fountain. ― Submitted by Cris Villapando
DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. Hwy. 16 — Newcomers’ Welcome, 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 14. A coffee hour will be held between Masses. All parishioners welcome. GASTONIA ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, 708 St. Michael’s Lane — Movie showing: The 13th Day, 6:30 p.m. March 13. GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 West Market St. — Devotions to the Virgin Mary, musical performance, 7:30 p.m. March 18. ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road — Lenten Series: Getting More out of Mass, with Father Benjamin Roberts, Library, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. weekly, Feb. 23 through March 23. — A New Earth/Eckhart Tolle Study Group, Monday evenings beginning March 15. For more information, contact Kevin Haggerty at 336-616-0668 or khaggerty@ triad.rr.com. — Men’s Early Morning Bible Study Group, parish library, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays beginning March 23. For more information, contact gmagrinat@pol.net or jmalmsie@ aol.com. HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 Johnson St. — Hope of Seeing Everyone Again (HOSEA), 7:15 p.m. beginning March 3, meeting weekly. Opportunity for bonding and discussion. For more information or to register, call Jan Hitch at 336-884-5097 or the parish office at 336869-7739. — Lenten Simplicity Meals of soup and bread, Gathering Space, 7:30 p.m. March 12, 19 and 26. HAYESVILLE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, Highway 64 West — Movie showing: Black Gold, 6 p.m. March 22. HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 Stumptown Road — On the Road to Calvary, live dramatization by sixth- and seventhgraders, Parish Hall, 6 p.m. soup and salad, 7 to 8 p.m.
Episcopal
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Former CCHS teacher joins Holy Angels board BELMONT ― Holy Angels President/CEO Regina Moody has announced the appointment of Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams to the Holy Angels Board of Directors. Sister Larretta is originally from Winston-Salem and a graduate of Sacred Heart College. She taught in the Diocese of Charlotte for a number of years prior to completing her educational ministry to secondary education at Charlotte Catholic High School. Sr. Larretta is now the pastoral resident for the School of Divinity and the Associate University Chaplain at Wake Forest University. Holy Angels was founded in 1956 by the Sisters of Mercy.
Refugee exhibit open HICKORY ― “Torn From Home: My Life as a Refugee,” a free multimedia dramatization March 19. RSVP to Katie Herzing at 704948-1306, ext. 117, or katie.herzing@gmail.com. MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road — Lenten Retreat & Children’s Musical: Table for Five Thousand, presented by Bishop William Curlin, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 20. Open to children and adults.
exhibit showcasing refugees, particularly children who have resettled in the U.S., is open until May 2 at the Hickory Museum of Art. On March 9, the museum welcomed local clergy for a breakfast discussion and tour of the exhibit. For details, check out www. hickorymuseumofart.org or www. tornfrsomhome.com. ― Submitted by Cindy Taylor, Torn From Home project facilitator
Follow-up: Nuns give rosary to Oprah Winfrey after show Oprah Winfrey was surprised after her recent show featuring the Dominican Sisters of Mary (see The Catholic News & Herald’s Feb. 19 edition) when the sisters in the studio said they had a present for her. “No one ever gives me a present,” the television
star said. Then, as Sr. Teresa Benedicta – host of the EWTN television program “Truth in the Heart” – described during a recent talk in Ave Maria, Fla., “the sisters gave Oprah a rosary, and taught her how to pray it. She seemed really interested.” Founded 12 years ago in Michigan, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, is one of the fastestgrowing orders of women religious in the U.S. The sisters’ appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last month may attract more women to the order, whose average age is 26. “We had 70 interested women signed up to attend a retreat,” Sr. Teresa Benedicta said, “and after the broadcast we now have 135.” ― Reprinted with permission from The Ave Herald of Ave Maria, Fla., www.aveherald.com. We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.
SPECTACULAR - UNSPOILED – HISTORICAL
CROATIA
with a special visit to Medjugorje
October 18-28, 2010
— Parish Orientation, Family Life Center following 5 p.m. Mass March 20. Meet Father Paul Gary, receive a facility tour and information about St. Luke and its ministries. For more information, call Kathy Hoehn at 704-531-1856. MOORESVILLE ST. THERESE CHURCH, 217 Brawley School Road — Liturgical Ministers’ Retreat, 9 a.m. March 13. RSVP to 704-664-3992. MURPHY ST. WILLIAM CHURCH, 765 Andrews Road — Ecumenical Lenten worship, noon to 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday during Lent. The reflection will be given by a local preacher and an offering will be taken for a local charity. A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served following the service. For more information, call Joan Kennedy at 828-837-8519. SALISBURY SACRED HEART CHURCH, 375 Lumen Christi Lane — Day of Reflection, following 8 a.m. Mass March 20. Light breakfast will be served. Father Matthew Buettner will speak about “The Liturgy.” — Estate Planning Seminar, Technology room, 7 p.m. March 22. RSVP by March 15 to Sharon Burges at 704633-0591. SYLVA ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, 22 Bartlett St. — Bereavement Support Group, living room area of church conference center, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays during Lent. For more information, contact Colleen Hayes at 828-5860217 or colleen.hayes@yahoo.com.
Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese. org or fax to 704-370-3382.
Bring family and friends to join with the Diocese of Charlotte as we experience Croatia – lying just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy! We’ll see breathtaking natural beauty, significant places of European history and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites! Plus, a spiritual visit to Medjugorje -- making this trip a definite favorite for all!
Highlights of these 11 days include: • Zagreb, the capital city with rich cultural and governmental history, and Roman settlements from the 1st century • beautiful, old-world Bled, Slovenia – a “pletna boat” will glide us across glacial Lake Bled with the majestic, snow-tipped Julian Alps as the backdrop • a tour of the world-famous Lipizzaner horse farm where we’ll witness an actual training session of these magnificent Slovenian treasures! • charming seaside Opatija, nestled in beautiful woods with elegant villas and a seaside promenade to bring the Adriatic right up to your feet! • the spectacular, breathtaking phenomenon of Plitvice Lakes national park – 16 terraced lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls and free-flowing cascades. A lake cruise reveals the underwater life thriving in this natural wonderland! • the ancient seaside city of Split (once the most important Mediterranean port in then-Yugoslavia) where we’ll explore the Old City, the markets, Diocletian’s Roman Palace and much more of its charm and fascinating history • Medjugorje, the village which promises to inspire and enrich us as we learn about Our Lady’s appearances there since 1981 – personal time for prayer, reflection and Mass at beautiful St. James Church • exciting Dubrovnik offers us its fascinating Old City, world-famous Franciscan Monastery, exceptional architecture, seaside promenade and more! • unforgettable home visit and culinary feast with a Croatian countryside family sharing their culture and customs to enrich our total experience!
calendar
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:
March 12 – 10 a.m. Mass for Asheville Catholic School Asheville
March 20 Lenten Youth Pilgrimage Belmont Abbey, Belmont
March 14 – 12:30 p.m. Scroll Mass: Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
March 22 – 10:30 a.m. St. Benedict Celebration Belmont Abbey, Belmont
Unparalleled beauty, fascinating history and more await you on this trip! Check out these highlights on the Internet and you’ll see why Croatia is becoming a must-see destination, still unspoiled by “too many tourists.” Price per person (double occupancy) is only $3,379 and includes: roundtrip airfare from Charlotte; all hotels and transfers; most meals; fulltime professional Tour Manager; local guides. Not included are cancellation waiver/insurance ($200 per person) and air taxes/surcharges ($150).
For a brochure or questions, call Cindi Feerick at the diocese (704) 370-3332 or e-mail ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org.
4 The Catholic News & Herald
March 12, 2010
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Year for Priests Interviews with priests around the diocese
Archival Anecdota Historical Bishops of North Carolina
BISHOP E. J. MCGUINNESS
FATHER EDWARD SHERIDAN
FATHER EDWARD SHERIDAN Pastor, St. Eugene Church, Asheville Administrator of Asheville Catholic Schools Place of Birth & Home Parish – Born in New York City; Good Shepherd Parish College/University – St. Peter’s College, Baltimore, Md.; St. Bonaventure University, Olean, N.Y.; UNC-Charlotte (master’s degree in educational administration) Seminary – Christ the King, Olean, NY Date of Ordination – May 23, 1963
What assignments have you had since ordination? 1963-1964 Missionary Apostolate, Newton Grove 1964-1966 William Gaston High School, New Bern; associate pastor of St. Joseph Church and St. Paul Church in New Bern 1966-1968 Bishop McGuinness High School, Winston-Salem 1968-1972 Pastor, Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, with missions at Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands and St. Jude Church in Sapphire 1972-1973 Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe 1972-1976 Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Charlotte and diocesan director of youth ministry 1976-1977 Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Church, Asheville 1977-1984 Pastor, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem; Vicar of Education for the diocese 1984-1987 Pastor, St. Aloysius Church, Hickory 1987-1989 Director of the Catholic Conference Center, Hickory 1989-1998 Pastor, St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte 1998-2004 Pastor, St. Aloysius Church, Hickory 2004-2007 Pastor, St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte 2007-2009 Retired 2009-Present Pastor, St. Eugene Church, Asheville What have been some of the greatest joys for you as a priest? I have enjoyed every assignment.
Helping people come into the Church or return to full participation in the Church has been a true pleasure. Who influenced you most to consider the vocation to priesthood? Father Francis McGough of the Paulist Fathers and Brother Matthew of the Christian Brothers What would people be surprised to know about you? I used to run races, including six marathons (three in New York City, two in Charlotte and one in Wilmington, N.C.). I still run shorter distances and for fun. What are some of your hobbies? I like to work outside in the ground and in the woods. What are some of your favorite books/ spiritual reading/magazines? Best novel – The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett; Spiritual reading – I subscribe to the Spiritual Books Associates, which are great books; Magazines – U.S. Catholic, Cara Report, Handyman, This Old House, and the National Catholic Reporter newspaper. Who is a hero to you? This might sound corny, but I do look to our good Lord who has shown us the way to live and serve. What are some ways that we can help all people/families understand their roles in promoting and supporting vocations? I believe that the priest must encourage people to live their baptismal character by being involved in ministry. We need to show that priesthood is a gift from God and it is a means to help people find and develop their relationship with God and with the people of God. What advice would you give a young man who is contemplating a vocation to the priesthood? Pray for guidance from God to determine a possible vocation. Read the Bible and the documents of Vatican II to determine if you wish to serve the people of God. Priesthood is a life of service and should be entered into to help people.
BISHOP E. J. MCGUINNESS, 1937-1944
Born Sept. 6, 1889, in Bethlehem, Pa., Eugene McGuinness was ordained in 1915 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. In 1919, he moved to Chicago and spent the next 18 years working with the Catholic Church Extension Society. As the second bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, Bishop McGuinness gained first-hand experience of the other side in a home mission frontier. (During Bishop McGuinness’ administration, the Raleigh Diocese excluded eight counties in the western part of the state administered by Abbot Nullius Vincent Taylor of Belmont Abbey Monastery.) Early on, he recognized concerns influencing the efficacy of the mission diocese: “The atmosphere is surcharged with a spirit of indifferentism to the Catholic Church… In the 92 counties of the diocese, fifty of them are churchless, priestless… Why? … priests are hard pressed to function regularly among the pitiful few who, in a population of nearly 3.5M, number but 8,585 Catholics – less than 1/3 of 1%.”
A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e S o u t h e r n culture included the opinion that Catholics were not good Americans. He issued pastoral letters addressing this image of disloyalty to America and followed the recommendation to publicly display honor rolls of Catholics serving in the military. He also recruited new religious orders for the diocese. Many men religious opened parishes for “colored” Catholics, and 14 orders of women religious, numbering 238 women, staffed 40 Catholic schools in the state. From 1938 to 1945, parishes with resident pastors increased from 52 to 86, and 23 were “colored parishes.” The number of religious order priests grew from 26 to 59, while secular clergy increased from 53 to 83. Despite his valiant campaign, resistance to Catholic evangelization remained. The Catholic population increased by a mere 2,000, and Bishop McGuinness thought these numbers disappointing. This brought a sobering close to his dream for the mission diocese as he transferred in 1944 to the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa to serve as coadjutor to Bishop Kelley.
We Thank You The Staff and Advisory Board of the Piedmont Triad Office of
Catholic Social Services
Offers a sincere Thank You to our donors and sponsors who helped to make the Partners In Hope Event a success.
We especially thank the following sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Tierney Don and Bonnie Frail Mike and Carol Hodowansky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McKiernan Robert and Mary DiMarco Paul and Fran Breitbach Nick and Vickie Verano Jeff and Barbara Lawyer Lee Accettullo
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Long Ray and Cathleen McKinney Craig and Anna Marie Smith Eugene and Carmen Rossitch Lou and Mary Valente Deanne and Jim Lentz Carlos and Lettitia Iruela Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Ruiz Jeff Fritts and Maria Iruela Fritts
St. Pius X Catholic Church Yadkin Valley Urology Volvo of the Triad Holy Family Church Knights of Columbus - Bishop Greco Council 9499
March 12, 2010
around the diocese
Not your grandmother’s pilgrimage
BLYP 2010 offers live music, internationally known speakers and Our Eucharistic Lord BELMONT ― Hundreds of young people from across the Diocese of Charlotte are expected to converge on Belmont Abbey College for the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage 2010 on Saturday, March 20. The BYLP 2010, a warm-up for the Eucharistic Congress “Good Shepherd, Come Feed Us” set for Sept. 10-11, is an
invitation to young Catholics to come together in praise, worship, adoration and faith formation. Registration for the day-long event begins at 9 a.m. There will be live praise and worship music from the bands “Covenant 7” and “Brother, Brother.” Internationally known speaker Doug Barry, co-host of EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” is one of the featured speakers. Seminarian Brad Doyle, Trish Metgzer of F.O.C.U.S., and Brother Gabriel Lewis of the Legionaries of Christ will also speak. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis in the abbey basilica. Confession, vespers with the monks at Belmont Abbey, exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a candlelight procession, Adoration and Benediction are also planned. All middle school, high school and college students are welcome to attend this free event. Please bring a bag lunch, and dinner too, if you did not pre-register. For detailed event information, go to www.goeucharist.com and click on the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage link.
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Knights lend a hand
photo provided by John Remensnyder
Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 7184, Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, unload pantry items at the loading dock for the Interfaith Assistance Ministry downtown. During the weekend of March 6-7, parishioners donated 2,789 pounds of essential household goods and $476 in cash to assist those in need. IAM is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with the mission to provide emergency relief to Henderson County residents who are in financial crisis by offering funds, food, clothing, counseling and referrals in an atmosphere of compassion and respect.
Workers in the Vineyard
photo provided by Cris Villapando
When Benedict of Nursia began writing The Rule of St. Benedict in the 6th century, Rome had fallen. The barbarians had breached the gate and ruled over the cities and the countryside. What was left of Western civilization was becoming engulfed in darkness. The darkness of illiteracy. The darkness of ignorance. The darkness of violence. Benedict’s little book of instructions written for his fellow monks was the candle that lit the bonfire of Benedictine holiness and scholarship that illuminated the Middle Ages. The Rule may seem simple to “sophisticated moderns,” but Benedict adjures us—as he did his brother monks—to “Listen with the ears of your heart for the voice of God.” He urged them and he urges us to practice habits of humility and obedience and moderation. He advises that his monks seek a daily balance of work, prayer, reading and rest. He advises them and all of us to bear one another’s infirmities with patience. This guidance, contained in St. Benedict’s “little Rule for beginners,” helped Benedictine monks to live the kind of life that made them and their monasteries beacons in a world beset with ignorance and violence. Benedictine monks fostered literacy, promoted the classics, copied and disseminated the Bible, and helped to create the liberal arts curriculum that has lasted for more than a millennium. Benedict’s monks laid the foundations for the great universities, and re-ignited the lights of Western civilization when they had nearly gone out. How might St. Benedict’s Rule help us today? Could it help to rejuvenate our civilization, to dispel the ignorance, vulgarity, violence, and callousness which often characterize our Modern Age ? Those are the questions with which this year’s Cuthbert Allen lecturer will grapple. Entitled “What St. Benedict Taught the Dark Ages—Then and Now,” the lecture will be delivered by internationally recognized scholar and writer Dr. F. Russell Hittinger on Thursday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. in the Haid Theatre at Belmont Abbey College. Admission is free to the public. Seating is limited (less than 200 seats are available), so please make your reservations today by calling 704.461.6869 or by visiting http://alumni.belmontabbeycollege.edu/Cuthbert
About 77 people attended the Workers in the Vineyard Conference, a collaborative event March 6 at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. The event, designed for the formation of catechists and education in Protecting God’s Children, was planned by the diocesan faith formation office with parish catechetical program leaders from the Charlotte, Salisbury and Albemarle vicariates. Pictured are Amelia Chung, Pat Tomlinson, Martha Hannah (parish catechetical program leader of St. Luke) and Judy Stumbo. Tomlinson, the parish catechetical program leader of St. Matthew, hosted the event.
Providing help. Creating hope. Changing lives. Catholic Social Services — The Diocese of Charlotte Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3227 Associate Director: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3250 Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-3262 Family Life: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3228 Justice and Peace: Joe Purello (704) 370-3225 OEO/CSS Murphy Satellite Office (828) 835-3535 Charlotte Region: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-3262 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Jacqueline Crombie (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second St., Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: Diane Bullard (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office (336) 274-5577 Latino Family Center (336) 884-5858
For information on specific programs, please call your local office. 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte NC 28203 www.cssnc.org
March 12, 2010
6 The Catholic News & Herald
Culture Watch
A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more
Priest-songwriter says psalms are some of Church’s ‘greatest prayers’ He hopes those who “prayerfully listen” to his songs will feel “the grace of God” bringing them “peace, healing, love, repentance, joy and most of all, union with God,” said Father Hemann, pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove and at two other churches. He sums up his part in the musical journey by borrowing a favorite saying from Brother Robert Simon of New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque: “God’s the music, I For more just play the notes.” Information about Father David Hemann’s CD “Psalms of David” contains is available at www.fatherdavid.net. 10 songs. There is an introductory song, pieces based on eight psalms and a closing tune titled “Canticle of Mary.” “The psalms are some of the greatest “The introductory song, titled ‘Holy prayers we have,” he said. “The psalms Presence,’ is a prayer that puts the encompass a whole range of emotions listener into the presence of the Father, and human experiences. There is a psalm Son and Holy Spirit,” Father Hemann for every situation. We can even imagine told The Globe, newspaper of the Jesus at the feet of Mary, praying a Diocese of Sioux City. “St. Francis de psalm.” Sales says whether we pray publicly or Both liturgically and in personal privately, it’s important that before we life, the priest stressed, psalms are great do anything, we should really become prayers of the heart. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (CNS) ― When Father David Hemann, an Iowa pastor, set out to record his sixth CD, his main goal was to convey what was truly in his heart. After years of reading and praying the Book of Psalms, he was inspired to put some of them to music and came up with his latest compilation, titled “Psalms of David.”
cns photo courtesy
G.R. Lindblade and Co.
Father David Hemann, an Iowa priest, has recently released his sixth music CD, “Psalms of David.” The pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove and two other churches in the Sioux City Diocese is pictured in an undated photo. consciously aware that we are in the presence of God.” Prior to its official release, Father Hemann took the CD on his pastoral visits to the sick. One woman told him that the minute she would put on the
music, her terminally ill husband would calm down and find peace. “This music is very soothing. It has cello, harp and a hauntingly beautiful Irish whistle,” he said. “They are very gentle, prayerful, even songs.”
March 12, 2010
The Catholic News & Herald 7
from the cover
Teens raise awareness, money in ‘30 Hour Famine’ FAMINE, from page 1
The fast was part of “30 Hour Famine,” a national campaign created by the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. Several churches in the diocese participated this year, including St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro, Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point and St. Therese in Mooresville. St. Aloysius youths also had a separate 24-hour fast to benefit Catholic Relief Services. During the 30 hours of fasting last weekend, St. Mark students listened to a speaker from Liberia, participated in role-playing games, and watched a film about the “Lost Boys” of Sudan –
activities designed to provide a closer look at world poverty, in which more than 1 billion people around the world do not have enough to eat. “Today’s events are of great import in that they help to instill in our young people the notion that our faith also entails action,” said Father Brandon Jones, St. Mark’s parochial vicar. Father Jones gave the homily at the Friday Mass attended by the eighth-graders as part of the 30 Hour Famine. He explained, “Seeing Jesus ‘in the distressing disguise of the poor’ as Mother Teresa of Calcutta would express it, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian vocation and mission in our world.” St. Mark School has included the program in its eighth-grade curriculum for Lent for five years. This year it involved eighth-grade teachers Kim Antolini, Kris Lyles and Kathryn Louis,
plus more than 30 parent volunteers. Most of Friday was spent playing “tribal games.” Students were assigned to teams based on life in Ethiopia, where half the population suffers from hunger and more than half don’t have clean drinking water. For speaker Nicol Arnold, a Liberian refugee who settled here four years ago with the help of Catholic Social Services, the day’s mission was accomplished. Arnold shared his story of hiding behind dead bodies during war when he was 6, and his struggle to attend school. The aim of his talk, he said, was to help students “become aware of the huge opportunity (they have in the United States).” Eighth-grader Victor Karam noted, “I realized that it’s not a game for kids in Africa; they do struggle and fight for their food.”
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“ Too young” to enjoy the Pennybyrn retirement lifestyle? Ken Hughes, 69, and wife Sally, 68, say their cottage frees them to enjoy life more. “Instead of doing everyday chores, we can be as active as we choose, enjoy the amenities, and do things we never could, like walking every morning and evening. We love the beautiful, mature trees and gardens in our cottage neighborhood. And we love the spirit here… the Sisters make everyone feel welcome.” You too can enjoy an ideal retirement. Call (336) 821-4050 or toll-free (866) 627-9343. www.PennybyrnAtMaryfield.com 109 Penny Road, High Point, NC 27260 Located less than a mile from downtown Jamestown and only 10 minutes from Greensboro.
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3/1/10 10:03:47 AM
Diocese welcomes contemplative nuns POOR CLARES, from page 1
Charlotte, visited the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration monastery in Hanceville, Ala. On his various trips, he casually suggested they might found a monastery in this diocese. In December 2007, Father Roux learned the Poor Clares in Portsmouth wanted to make some changes and possibly relocate. Bishop Peter J. Jugis invited the sisters to visit in January 2008, and shortly thereafter they formally asked Rome if they could move. Bishop Jugis received approval from Rome for the move March 5. “I am delighted to welcome Mother Dolores Marie and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration to the Diocese of Charlotte,” Bishop Jugis said. “Their witness to the beauty of the cloistered contemplative life will be a very special blessing for our local Church. I pray that their community will flourish through vocations that come right here from North Carolina!” St. Francis of Assisi founded the Poor Clares, originally called the “Poor Ladies,” for St. Clare of Assisi and the women with her who chose to live a cloistered life of prayer, poverty and simplicity. This particular order of Poor Clares was founded in 1854 in France by Father Bonaventure, a Capuchin friar, and Josephine Bouilleveaux, who took the name Mother Marie Ste. Clair. Over the years the order established monasteries in Poland, Austria, Germany, India and Bangladesh. Their first U.S. monastery was in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mother Angelica of EWTN fame entered the order in 1944. The Poor Clares devote their lives to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for souls and the world. They rise at 5 a.m. daily and spend most of the time praying. Their main means of support is distributing St. Joseph Monastery Altar Breads for parishes, seminaries, religious communities, Catholic hospitals, nursing homes and prison chaplains. Mother Dolores Marie is the superior of the Poor Clares relocating here. “We have been eager to come, and we are especially delighted that we are coming during the Year for Priests, as part of our charism is to support the priesthood through our life of adoration. We also hope that our life of prayer and adoration will draw many closer to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,” Mother Dolores Marie said. Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, said, “Our parish is very excited to host the sisters. St. Ann Church has been blessed with the wonderful presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph ever since our founding, and now we are looking forward to having the Poor Clares as well. I cannot imagine that there are many parishes that have both active and contemplative women religious, and we know this will be a tremendous blessing to our parish and to the entire diocese.”
8 The Catholic News & Herald
March 12, 2010
in our schools
St. Pius X honors Monsignor Marcaccio
OLG math team excels
photo provided by Gary Gelo
photo provided
The students and faculty of St. Pius X School in Greensboro honored their pastor, Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, as their Priest of the Year with a surprise celebration at the close of a recent school Mass. The school marked the “Year for Priests” by thanking Monsignor Marcaccio for all he does for the school and parish. The event began with seventh-grader Ryan Michaels speaking on Monsignor Marcaccio’s life and his calling to the priesthood. Representing each class, students from kindergarten through the eighth grade processed and presented posters to him expressing their love and appreciation. Principal Anne Knapke presented him with a special plaque, and his parents Rose and Tony Marcaccio were surprise special guests. Pictured here after the surprise celebration are Monsignor Marcaccio with his parents and Knapke.
Our Lady of Grace School math team participated in the Middle School Math Day at Kernodle Middle School in Greensboro Feb. 27. Approximately 15 schools – both public and private – took part. OLG’s seventh-grade team, (pictured from left) Caleb Carmichael, Erin Egan, Matthew Hamlet and Brendan Malone, captured third place in both the written and ciphering contests and placed third in the overall competition. Carmichael placed ninth in the written competition from among approximately 60 other seventh-graders. OLG’s eighth-grade team (Curt Davis, Gabrielle Dimoff, Andrew Horne and Kable Young) placed seventh in the overall competition. Margene Wilkins and Shirley Kinlaw are the team sponsors. Other team members are sixth-graders Monica Krasowski, Riley McNamara, Richard Pincus and Julia Tranguch.
Nine out of ten pregnancies in which an unborn baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome end in abortion. Because the existence of a disability often changes the perspective of an unborn baby, there are some things that should be remembered when there is a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: No baby should be defined solely by this diagnosis. Although Down syndrome becomes a part of a child’s life, it isn’t who he or she is. A baby with Down syndrome is more like other babies than different from them. Babies with Down syndrome grow and develop just like other children … perhaps more slowly, but just as surely. No one can predict how intelligent, successful or independent any baby will be in the future. Early intervention, educational opportunities and various therapies allow babies born with Down syndrome today to achieve goals far beyond what was considered possible in the past. There is support. We are parents with children who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome and we are here to help. For information, contact Sandy Buck at 704.948.4587 or by email at benotafraidnc@live.com.
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st.
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Classified ads bring results! Over 160,000 readers! More than 55,000 homes! Rates: $.80/word per issue ($16 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: For information, call (704) 370-3332.
March 12, 2010
The Catholic News & Herald 9
in our schools
SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF
Lacrosse comes to St. Mark School HUNTERSVILLE ― St. Mark School in Huntersville has started its own lacrosse program and is fielding two boys teams this season. The younger team is comprised of fifth- and sixthgraders, while the varsity team is made up of seventh- and eighth-graders. The game schedules for both teams include a mix of school league and recreation league competitors, with the varsity team set to play its first game Saturday, March 13. For details about St. Mark Lions Lacrosse, contact Kyle Ritchie at 704-358-7491.
Heskamp named Morehead-Cain Scholar CHARLOTTE ― Charlotte Catholic High School senior Grant Heskamp has been awarded the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, a full four-year scholarship given to only 70 young leaders each year. Besides tuition assistance, Heskamp will have opportunities to pursue his studies and public service interests in a broader perspective, including summer projects and studies abroad. Heskamp has worked with Invisible Children (www.invisiblechildren.com), a project spearheaded by teens to make documentaries about children affected by the long-running war in Uganda, using the power of the media to inspire young people to help end the war and raise money for long-term development projects. Heskamp is the son of Tom and Denise Heskamp of Charlotte.
School board openings
CHARLOTTE ― The Diocesan School Board will have three openings beginning with the 2010-’11 school year. The MACS School Board will have four openings beginning with the 2010-’11 school year: representatives for St. Patrick, St. Matthew and two atlarge positions. To inquire for more information or to apply, contact Superintendent Linda Cherry at llcherry@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3271.
Champion basketball teams
photos provided by
Bob Burges
Sacred Heart School recently held a basketball tournament featuring 16 teams from the Diocese of Charlotte at their new site in Salisbury. This three-day tournament featured teams from the elementary (JV) and middle school (Varsity) divisions. The schools participating included Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Grace, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Leo and Sacred Heart. OLM won the JV girls and Varsity boys divisions, IHM won the JV boys division, and Sacred Heart won the Varsity girls division. Sacred Heart’s Varsity boys finished in second place. The OLM Varsity Dolphins (pictured above) completed the year with a 22-11 record, while the Sacred Heart Varsity girls (pictured below) finished with a 16-9 record. The Booster Club from Sacred Heart will use the proceeds from the tournament to help purchase bleachers for their gym, known as the Boyd Dolphin Tank. Founded in 1882 by the Sisters of Mercy, this is the first time Sacred Heart has had its own gym, and they were thrilled to have other Catholic schools play there.
We welcome your school’s news. E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY | Greenville | South Carolina OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY SCHOOL is seeking a principal for its school in Greenville, S.C., with grades K5 to 8 for 2010-2011 school year. Qualified candidate must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church and have at least five years successful teaching experience. Master’s degree in educational leadership/ administration required. Submit resume by March 26, 2010, to: Search Committee/Our Lady of the Rosary P.O. Box 8396, Greenville, SC 29604
Kindergarten Teacher
Sacred Heart Catholic School – Salisbury, NC SHCS is searching for an energetic and fun kindergarten teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. The applicant must recognize and support the Catholic mission of the school and demonstrate effective planning skills by preparing lesson plans to implement state goals and standards. The applicant must maintain a functional and pleasant learning environment, and cooperate with school and diocesan administration. The teacher will introduce the children to math, language arts, science, writing, religion, art and social studies. Qualifications: If a baptized Catholic, must be a practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church; bachelor’s degree in education and/or early childhood education and a North Carolina teaching certificate. Applications to: Sister Annie O.P. at 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147. 704-633-2841. For questions, please email fcardelle@salisburycatholic.org.
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March 12, 2010
10 The Catholic News & Herald
Perspectives
A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints
Many families celebrate Feast of St. Joseph traditions
With a name like Shawn Michael O’Neal, and being Father Shawn at that, many people expect to hear that St. Patrick’s Day is a big blowout at my parish and with my family, but my mother was born and raised in the Johnstown, Penn., area, home to many people of German, Polish and Slovak ancestry. It is through her side of the family that I sought to learn more about customs associated with St. Joseph Day, celebrated throughout the world on March 19 as it has been for more than a millennium. Blessed Pope Pius IX declared Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church in 1870.
Guest Column father
SHAWN O’NEAL guest columnist
celebrates St. Joseph Day as much as it does because so many men are named Joseph that it makes sense to have a big group party rather than individual parties. In theory, due to Lenten fasting, parties are to be small, gifts are to be basic, and not much of a The Feast of St. Joseph feast is to be had. However, in Little information is known about St. Joseph. Scripture tells practice, a large loaf of bread in us that he was known as a carpenter’s son. In spite of his the form of a shepherd’s staff is royal lineage, his descent from King David, he was part of often prepared to be blessed and shared, tables are decorated in red the working class. and white, statues of St. Joseph Biblical references indicate that he was compassionate and are placed upon tables, and party caring, a man of faith, obedient to God’s wishes. His greatest guests bring enough pierogies, concern was for the protection and safety of Mary and Jesus. makowiec (poppyseed rolls), and There is no reference to Joseph appearing in Jesus’ public other dishes to feed a multitude. Perhaps you have heard life, His death or resurrection. It is assumed that Joseph died about Polish doughnuts called before Jesus began his ministry. paczki; these are often served on St. Joseph is the patron of the universal Church and Fat Tuesday, but I am sure that champion of social justice. He is also the patron of the dying, someone sneaks in a few for St. and the patron of fathers and carpenters. Joseph Day. If the Poles don’t Source: Sister Patricia Durbin, sneak in the paczki, then ask director of the diocesan Media Resource Center the Italian friends and family to bring the zeppole, the standard pastry/doughnuts served on St. My interest in St. Joseph Day Joseph Day in southern Italy. As in the has increased as a result of serving as case of American doughnuts, zeppole pastor of a church bearing his name. dough balls are fried and then topped Italians who came to this parish via with powdered sugar. No matter the Chicago make sure that Joseph’s feast nationality arranging the St. Joseph table, is celebrated alongside Patrick. My bowls are placed on them so people can parish even has a small, yet significant, put in money for the sake of assisting the population of young Polish adults who needy. Catholics might get a break from first came to the Smokies to work in the dietary rules on this day, but we should tourism industry. I thank them all for never take a break from caring for all their festive contributions to my parish. people and their immediate needs. Poles do not simply celebrate their birthdays; they celebrate the name days, Father Shawn O’Neal is pastor of too. Poles will tell you that the nation St. Joseph Church in Bryson City.
WORD TO LIFE
Sunday Scripture Readings: MArch. 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent Cycle C Readings: 1) Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126:1-6 2) Philippians 3:8-14 Gospel: John 8:1-11
Jesus offers constant welcome to sinners JEAN DENTON CNS columnist I was touched at a recent Lenten parish mission when the keynote speaker explained how Jesus offers mercy and reconciliation in the sacrament of Eucharist. But suddenly, the noted priest scholar was interrupted by a participant who raised his hand and stood up. “I’m bothered by the continued lack of reverence for the sacrament in our church,” he said. “People aren’t going to confession, and they are still coming to Communion. There are people receiving Eucharist who, I know, have
no business being at the Lord’s table.” The priest paused, incredulous. Was this person not listening? I looked around the room and saw quite a few raised eyebrows. Personally, I wanted to stone the guy. What a judgmental prig! Then I caught myself as the priest patiently explained Jesus’ constant welcome to sinners. He explained it without condemning the questioner. Had I never stood in judgment of another’s worthiness? Of course, I had. Maybe I just hadn’t said it aloud. Well, maybe I had ... maybe more than once. I kept my stones to myself. In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of our own unworthiness. Without stating it in words, he points out that our sinfulness itself proves our unworthiness to judge another. Since that parish mission, the memory of the man publicly, unfairly standing in judgment of others has stayed in my mind. It serves as a continual reminder that Jesus is the only worthy judge – and He has shown us that He is compassionate to sinners. He prefers to forgive and invite them to come to His table restored to goodness and life. QUESTIONS: When have you chosen to be the judge of another’s actions or intentions? What issues tend to bring out your rush to judgment? Have you been without sin in such matters?
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 14 – 20 Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32; Monday, Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54; Tuesday, Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-16; Wednesday (St. Patrick), Isaiah 49:8-15, John 5:17-30; Thursday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem), Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47; Friday (St. Joseph), 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Luke 2:41-51; Saturday, Jeremiah 11:18-20, John 7:40-53. SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 21 – 27 Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Lent), Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:8-14, John 8:1-11; Monday, Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, John 8:12-20; Tuesday (St. Toribio de Mogrovejo), Number 21:4-9, John 8:21-30; Wednesday, Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, John 8:31-42; Thursday (The Annunciation of the Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:2638; Friday, Jeremiah 20:10-13, John 10:31-42; Saturday, Ezekiel 37:21-28, John 11:45-56
March 12, 2010
The Catholic News & Herald 11
Lent is time for prayer, sacrifice, confession “It” started with Ash Wednesday. What is it? Lent is the 40 days of preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Why do we have it? To accept in a more intense way the invitation of Jesus to be more closely united with Him on the cross, thereby dying with Him to sin, selfishness, Satan, and eternal death, so to rise with Him on Easter Sunday to a more radiant life of grace, mercy, and spiritual rebirth. How do we do it? Through the three ancient Lenten practices: prayer, sacrifice and charity. A newsman asked me if I have any practical counsel for Lent. “Yes,” I replied. “Get back to confession.” This sacrament of penance is most associated with this season of Lent. There is no better time to approach this sacrament of reconciliation than before Easter. Recently I made my annual retreat with 35 other priests from the archdiocese in Ars, a tiny village in southwestern France. That village had a legendary pastor, or curé – the Curé of Ars – by the name
of John Vianney for 41 years. While there, he converted the town and, a case can be made, all of France, simply by hearing confessions. By the time of his death in 1859, they had built a new train station to handle the thousands who came weekly to approach the confessional of the humble, holy pastor now venerated as the patron saint of priests. We priests knelt before that simple wooden confessional a lot last week, preparing for our own confessions on retreat, and praying, at my request, for a renewal of the sacrament of penance in our own parishes and archdiocese. A good friend of mine is pastor of a bustling, prestigious parish in a large city. He loves it, and they, him. A couple of years ago he shocked them one Sunday when, in his sermon he announced that, as much as he enjoyed being their pastor, he had asked the archbishop for a transfer. When the congregation gasped, he explained: “Well, I don’t think you need me. See, you must all be saints. I was sent to serve sinners. But, apparently there are none here in this parish, because I sit in
Gospel in the Digital Age Archbishop TIMOTHY DOLAN Guest columnist the confessional with no customers!” We’re called to be saints, but we’re sure not there yet. And a great help to get there is the sacrament of penance. And Lent is a grand time to return to it. A blessed Lent! Timothy Michael Dolan was named Archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. He is the chairman of Catholic Relief Services and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic University of America. This column, originally posted at blog.archny.org, is reprinted with permission from the Archdiocese of New York.
How much time do you devote to God? Last week in the seventh-grade Faith Formation class I teach at St. Michael Church in Gastonia, we tried a little learning rubric to give us some perspective as to how much time we give God in our day-to-day life. Actually, what we did was use the blackboard, in the finest tradition of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, to record how much time in hours we have in each week. To do this we took the seven-day week and multiplied it times the 24 hours in the day to give us a total of 168 hours available to us in a week. Then we deducted eight hours a day for sleep, leaving us 112. From that number we subtracted six hours a day for five days for school, leaving 82. Then we averaged three hours a day for meals and a couple hours for homework for five days of the week, and that cut the number down to 51 hours. Finally, then, we factored in a couple hours for recreation a day – playing outside, video games, texting friends and sports and such, which brought the number down to 37 hours left of remaining free time. Now, these were just rough estimates. Everybody’s total is different. But the final question really got to the meat of the matter – of all the time that we have at our disposal, of the time that is
committed and the time that isn’t, how much of our time do we devote to God? For the tally books we added up the hour we spent in class and the hour in Mass that would follow, to give us our whopping two-hour baseline and we recorded that paltry sum up on the blackboard with all the rest. But was that it or was there more? It was a time for true self-reflection. And it would certainly seem all of us fall short in that department, especially when we do the math. The bottom line to all that really boils down to this. If we call ourselves Christians and claim we love the Lord, is two hours a week as good as it gets? And if so, will that cut it? Something tells me it won’t. Especially in light of Deuteronomy 6:5 when we’re told to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” It’s sort of hard to make a case for loving somebody or something if you spend more time doing everything but what you claim to love. And it’s a case we’ll have to stand before God one day and make. The good news in all this is that the season of Lent, which we are squarely in, gives us the perfect opportunity for such
Guest Column W.S. “BILL” MELTON Jr. Guest columnist personal reflection. And action. The Catechism teaches us that Lent is particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works). Lent is the time when we as Christians join Christ in the desert as He himself fasts and prays and prepares Himself for His ministry, passion and death on a cross. If He loved us that much, how could anyone of us love Him any less? W.S. “Bill” Melton Jr. is a southern writer, humorist, sheriff ’s deputy and convert. He is a member of St. Michael Church in Gastonia, and can be reached by email at wsmelton@wsmelton.com or through his Facebook fan site.
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The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI
God renews, does not reinvent church VATICAN CITY (CNS) ― The Second Vatican Council’s renewal of the Catholic Church was a sign of progress, not a sign of repudiating the past, Pope Benedict XVI said. “We know that after the Second Vatican Council some people were convinced that everything was new, that there was a new Church, that the preconciliar church was finished and that we would have a completely different Church,” the pope said during his general audience March 10. Their vision would have led to “a utopian anarchy,” he said, but the wise guidance of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II “defended the new things brought by the council, while affirming the oneness and continuity of the Church.” The pope made his remarks about reactions to the Second Vatican Council during an audience talk focused on St. Bonaventure’s attempts in the mid-1200s to balance enthusiasm for the new form of religious life introduced by St. Francis of Assisi with continued fidelity to the hierarchal Church. St. Bonaventure taught the early Franciscans and continues to teach Catholics today that living the faith requires “discernment, sober realism and openness to new gifts” given to the Church by the Holy Spirit, the pope said. St. Bonaventure was superior of the Franciscans at a time when a large group of friars embraced the teaching of Joachim of Fiore, who taught that history followed a “Trinitarian rhythm,” in which the Old Testament age was the time of God the father, a time of severity; the New Testament and the first millennium of the Church was the time of Jesus Christ and the “relative freedom” that came from no longer being bound to many of the Jewish laws; and the age of the Holy Spirit was to be a time “of complete freedom,” the pope said. The group of Franciscans who saw St. Francis as initiating the age of the Holy Spirit believed it would be a time when “the hierarchal Church was left behind in order to give birth to the new church of the Holy Spirit, no longer tied to the old structures,” the pope said. “There was, therefore, a risk of a very serious misunderstanding of St. Francis’ message and of his humble fidelity to the Gospel and to the Church,” the pope said. After studying Joachim of Fiore in depth, St. Bonaventure presented his own theology of history, affirming that history is a progressive movement, but that it is directed by God. The Gospel is God’s final revelation to humanity and the Church is where God wants people to live their faith, the pope said.
March 12, 2010
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