March 18, 2005

March 18, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Year of the Eucharist

Pope stresses importance of confession; Mystery of the Mass, Part 11

| Page 7

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI March 18, 2005

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

In comes the green

vOLUME 14

no. 24

Fighting for Life

Cardinal joins with Florida bishops in statement on Schiavo case

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities joined with the Florida bishops March 9 in calling for the continuation of any medical treatment or care that could benefit Terri Schindler Schiavo, the brain-damaged Florida woman who has been at the center of a legal battle over removal of the feeding tube that is keeping her alive.

The statement from Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore came nine days before the court-imposed deadline for the woman to be by

See SCHIAVO, page 5

CNS photo from Reuters

Terri Schindler Schiavo is shown here with her mother, Mary Schindler, in a photo taken in late 2001.

Catholics fight push by states for embryonic stem-cell Photos by Kevin E. Murray

Above, Irish dancers from Rince na h’Eireann School of Traditional Irish Dance make their way down Tryon Street as part of the ninth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in uptown Charlotte March 12. Below, Zachary Martin, 11, of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, enjoys the parade while dressed as a leprechaun.

St. Pat parade marches through uptown Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Diocese of Charlotte schools and other local Catholic organizations were among the 95 groups that marched in the ninth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in uptown Charlotte March 12.

This year’s morning parade, the largest ever, which ran along Tryon Street and was viewed by an estimated 30,000 people, was followed by a free community festival that ran until 10 p.m. The festival, which also grows bigger each year, featured live entertainment.

St. Patrick’s Day actually falls on March 17, but Charlotte events traditionally take place on the Saturday before the 17th.

Neuroscientist describes research hopes as ‘fairy tale’ by

NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN

catholic news service

WASHINGTON — Like many other states, Massachu-

setts is considering legislation that would promote embryonic stem-cell research, prohibit human reproductive cloning, and set rules for informed consent and ethical review of any such research.

“Our research community See STEM CELLS, page 6

Toward the priesthood Seminarians to be ordained as transitional deacons

by KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Two seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte will soon be ordained as transitional deacons.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will ordain James Stuhrenberg and Alejandro Ayala to the

More coverage on pages 8-9.

transitional diaconate at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Penn. April 3.

The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood.

Seminarians serve one year as transitional deacons before See DEACONS, page 4

Culture Watch

In Our Schools

Parish Profile

Years of meetings help pope with book; venerating relics of Christ’s Passion

Winning basketball teams; students put minds to successful results

St. William Church serves western N.C. Catholics for six decades

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| Pages 12-13

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2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

March 18, 2005

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

POULSBO, Wash. (CNS) — Undeterred by more than two years in prison, Dominican Sister Jackie Hudson returned home March 6 determined to continue her peace activism while refusing to pay restitution money to the federal government because she said it would be spent on violent means.

Sister Hudson and two other Dominican sisters were ordered to pay $3,080 for cutting through a 32-foot section of fence on Oct. 6, 2002, to gain access to a Minuteman III missile silo site in northern Colorado as part of an anti-nuclear weapons protest.

They hammered on the silo cover and the adjoining tracks, and poured their own blood in the form of a cross, before they were arrested. They were later convicted on sabotage charges and sentenced to 30 to 40 months in prison.

Sister Hudson, 70, served 26 months of her 30-month sentence,

A SHEPHERD SPEAKS

Photo by David Hains

Bishop Peter J. Jugis is filmed walking with WBTV News anchor Maureen O’Boyle outside St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. The interview was part of an upcoming half-hour special on the bishop and the growth of the diocese.

Bishop Jugis subject of television documentary by

DAVID HAINS

special to the catholic news & herald

CHARLOTTE — A television station video crew showed up at several Masses celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis over the past few weeks.

WBTV News of Charlotte will use the footage in a half-hour documentary on the bishop that will air on Easter Sunday and the following day.

The program, “Maureen O’Boyle and Bishop Peter Jugis,” will include an extensive interview with the bishop by O’Boyle, a news anchor at the station.

O’Boyle is familiar to viewers from her role as anchor of the syndicated programs “A Current Affair” and “Extra” during the 1990s. She is a Charlotte native whose daughter attends a Catholic school.

Although Bishop Jugis is regularly quoted in the pages of The Catholic News & Herald and has been interviewed by secular newspapers in the diocese, this is his first extensive television interview.

The interview took place at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Among other topics, O’Boyle asked the bishop about the growth of the Catholic Church and the influence of Hispanics who have moved into the diocese during the last decade.

No subject was off limits and O’Boyle asked the bishop about the national sexual abuse scandal involving clergy as well as his pastoral statement, “Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion.”

The document says that Catholic politi-

Dominican activist released from jail; she refuses to pay restitution

cians who persistently support abortion may not be admitted to holy Communion in the diocese.

Bishop Jugis also addressed the current controversy over the placement of Ten Commandment monuments on state-owned property and the differences between Catholic and public schools. In addition, he answered questions about his background as a Charlotte native and how growing up Catholic in North Carolina at a time when Catholics made up less than one-half of one percent of the population influences his ministry as bishop.

“We felt it was important for a religious leader and a community leader to be heard and we are interested in doing those sorts of programs,” said Ron Bilek, executive editor of WBTV News.

Bilek said that television is a great medium that lets a large audience get to know someone.

David Hains is director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Diocesan planner ALBEMARLE VICARIATE BISCOE — The groundbreaking for the new Our Lady of the Americas Church will be April 9 at 1 p.m. on Farmers Market Road off Route 211 in Candor just east of Interstate 73/74 (Hwy 220). Bishop Peter J. Jugis will preside at the groundbreaking. Following the ceremony there will be food and pageantry followed by a bilingual Mass of Thanksgiving at 4 p.m. For details, call the church office at (910) 428-3051.

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE ASHEVILLE — The St. Martin De Porres Dominican Laity Chapter meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the rectory building at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. Inquirers are welcome. For more information, contact Beverly Reid at (423) 6338-4744 or bebereid@adelphia.net.

HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets the fourth Sunday of each month 2:304:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West. Visitors and inquirers are welcome. For more information, call Joanita Nellenbach, SFO, (828) 627-9209 or jnell@ dnet.net.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday April 3 with a Holy Hour at 3 p.m. including Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Reconciliation will not be offered. For more information, call Paul Deer at (704) 948-0628.

CHARLOTTE — The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a Blood Drive

WANT TO WATCH?

“Maureen O’Boyle and Bishop Peter Jugis” airs on WBTV News at 12 p.m. on Easter Sunday, March 27, and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 28.

Since WBTV’s programs cannot be seen in all parts of the Diocese of Charlotte, the diocesan Office of Communications is investigating the possibility of making DVD copies of the program with Bishop Jugis available. Look for more information in an upcoming edition of The Catholic News & Herald.

receiving time off for good behavior.

After being welcomed at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by a small group of supporters, she told reporters she would not pay her part of the $3,080.

“When that money would go to increase the number of nuclear weapons at Bangor” in Washington state, she said, or “to increase the violence in Afghanistan or Iraq, I cannot possibly do that. My own conscience will not allow that.”

She added that the other two women religious share her resolve.

In lieu of paying monetary restitution, Sister Hudson asked supporters to offer “alternative restitution” to the government in the form of volunteering with social services. So far, $150,000 worth of services has been donated by supporters around the world, she said.

at the Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., April 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Vanessa Garcia at (704) 370-3357 or visit www.ncdonor.com.

CHARLOTTE — Theology on Tap will meet at Pepperoni’s Pizza in Park Road Shopping Center, 4267 Park Rd; Tuesdays in April, at 6:30 p.m.

The theme for the sessions will be “Uncorking the Truth About God, Sex, and the Sanctity of Life” and will feature Father Timothy Reid, Cindy Brown, Dr. Matt Harrison and Abbott Placid Solari as speakers. For more information, contact Catrina Conway at (704) 632-8620.

CHARLOTTE — Al Barbarino and Father Gio Belanich, director of Croatian Relief Services, will visit St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., April 10. A free concert, healing service with the Blessed Sacrament, adoration and Benediction will be offered following the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

For more information, contact Debbie Smith at (704) 578-5059.

HUNTERSVILLE — Women’s Catholic Scripture Study meets Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. The class will focus on the book of Exodus and will meet through May 2005. For details, call the church office at (704) 948-0231.

HUNTERSVILLE — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of St. Mark Church parishioners who have lost babies before of shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. For details, call Sandy Buck at (704) 948-4587.

CHARLOTTE — The Cancer Support Group for survivors, family and friends meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. For more information, call Marilyn Borrelli at (704)

MARCH 18, 2 0 0 5 Volume 14 • Number 24 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 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

March 18, 2005

FROM THE VATICAN

With formality or familiarity, tens of thousands e-mail pope

With no dedicated address for Polish writers, the Vatican said it is impossible to give an accurate count of messages from the 84-year-old pope’s compatriots; their messages are scattered throughout the six inboxes.

The messages are distributed to the appropriate language desk in the Vatican Secretariat of State. Each one is read, a summary is prepared for the pope and sample messages are printed for him.

The e-mail messages come from individuals, families and groups, including ones from a seminary in South Africa, a retreat center in Ireland and the staff of a parish in Mexico.

A woman from the Archdiocese of Atlanta wrote, “I know that you are going through many struggles, but you are an amazing man and God has surely given you the grace to carry on the good fight.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With the greatest formality or the most relaxed familiarity, tens of thousands of people sent e-mail messages to Pope John Paul II. They offered prayers for the pope’s health, expressed hope that he would be released soon fraom Rome’s Gemelli hospital — which he was — but also asked to be remembered in his prayers.

The pope was hospitalized Feb. 24 and underwent a tracheotomy to help ease breathing difficulties; he returned to the Vatican March 13.

The Vatican Secretariat of State reported that between March 1-10, more than 43,500 e-mail messages had been sent to the pope’s six electronic addresses.

They begin “Your Holiness,” or “My very, very dear John Paul II,” “Esteemed Holy Father,” or simply “Hola” (Hello).

542-2283.

St. Mary’s Rectory next door. Come celebrate with us the great mystery of His Divine Mercy.

For more information, call (828) 586-9496.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — Theology on Tap will meet April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Coopers Ale House 5340 West Market St. For more information, e-mail greensborotot@yahoo.com.

GREENSBORO — If you have a special need for prayers, or would like to offer your time in prayer for others’ needs, please call the Prayer Chain at Our Lady of Grace Church. The Prayer Chain is a sizable group committed to praying for your needs and the needs of your family and friends on a daily basis. To request a prayer or to participate in the Prayer Chain, call the church office at (336) 274-6520, ext. 10 and leave your name, address and phone number.

HICKORY VICARIATE HENDERSONVILLE — The Widows Lunch Bunch, sponsored by Immaculate Conception Church, meets at a different restaurant on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are necessary. For more information and reservations, call Joan Keagle at (828) 693-4733.

SALISBURY VICARIATE SALISBURY — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of Sacred Heart Church parishioners who have lost babies before of shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. For details, call Renee Washington at (704) 637-0472 or Sharon Burges at (704) 633-0591.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St., invites all Catholics who have been inactive, feel alienated or want to take another look at the Catholic Church to attend a series of sessions designed to address issue that have perhaps cause a feeling of estrangement.

Re-Membering Church will meet Wednesdays, April 20 through May 25, at following the 7 p.m. Mass For more information, call Juliann Demmond at (336) 996-7136.

calendar

ing food and other emergency supplies.

The United Nations estimates than more than 1.8 million people are internally displaced in Darfur or are living across the border in refugee camps in Chad.

In his speech to the U.N. refugee agency, Msgr. Nwachukwu said progress made last year in assisting refugees around the world “is clouded now by insufficient funding and by the worsening of violence and ill-treatment of the displaced population of Darfur, where the humanitarian situation is critical.”

The attacks on civilians are “brutal and violent, and human rights violations are a daily occurrence. Particularly vulnerable are women subjected to rape and other forms of degradation,” he said.

Msgr. Nwachukwu said the situation calls for stronger leadership on the part of the United Nations and the designation of one agency to coordinate the work of all the nongovernmental agencies trying to assist the refugees and displaced people.

“This involvement in protection and human rights issues will require larger human and financial resources and, above all, the political will to act” to intervene and to disarm the aggressors, he said.

Joint efforts

WINSTON-SALEM — The Healing Companions is a grief support group for the bereaved that meets the first and third Thursdays of the month in conference room B at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For further details, call Joanne Parcel at (336) 924-9478.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public?

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.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:

March 20 — 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

of the Lord’s Passion Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 22 — 11 a.m. Chrism Mass Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 26 — 7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 24 — 7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 27 — 11 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass Saint Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 25 — 7:30 p.m. Celebration

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Facing hunger, rape and death, refugees and displaced people in Sudan’s Darfur region and throughout Africa must be given greater assistance by the international community, a Vatican official said.

“The precarious and tragic condition of these millions of persons forcibly uprooted from their villages and their lands calls for concrete and prompt decisions,” Msgr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu told the executive committee of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Msgr. Nwachukwu, a staff member at the Vatican’s observer mission to U.N. agencies in Geneva, spoke to the committee March 10.

On March 11, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the U.N. Security Council that the Sudanese government and rebels had not made any serious attempt in the past month to resolve the Darfur conflict.

The government, Annan said, has not stopped Arab-led militias from attacking civilians, nor has it made progress to stop human rights abuses in the region.

The secretary-general also criticized rebels for harassing relief workers and for firing on relief-agency helicopters deliver-

KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St., hosts a Senior Coffee House the first and third Monday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Salesian Hall in the Child Development Building. Call the church office at (336) 9965109 ext. 12 for directions or information.

SYLVA — St. Mary Church 22 Bartlett St., will observe Divine Mercy Sunday April 3, 3-4 p.m., with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, communal prayer and song followed by a reception at

Episcopal

Vatican official says displaced Africans, refugees need more help

CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec

German Cardinal Walter Kasper greets Rabbi Leon Klenicki at the start of a program on the theological dimensions of Catholic-Jewish relations March 13 at The Catholic University of America in Washington.

Cardinal Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, gave the opening talk of a three-day discussion marking the 40th anniversary of “Nostra Aetate,” the Second Vatican Council document that reshaped Catholic attitudes toward Jews and Judaism.

California Catholic Conference wants same-sex ruling overturned SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) — The executive director of the California Catholic Conference has expressed hope that the California Supreme Court will overturn a lower court ruling permitting same-sex marriages in the state.

The ruling, which declares that state law banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, violates sacred church traditions and a fundamental aspect of civil society, said Ned Dolejsi, executive director

of the conference, the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops.

The ruling was made March 14 by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer, who said that the current situation of denying marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples is discriminatory.

“Simply put, same-sex marriage cannot be prohibited solely because California has always done so before,” said the ruling.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

March 18, 2005

Seminarians to be ordained to

Knightly voices

DEACONS, from page 1

Courtesy Photo

Pictured are members of the new choir of the Knights of Columbus Council 10389 at Holy Spirit Church in Denver. The choir received many compliments on their vocal talents after the Saturday, Feb. 12, Mass and were asked by Father Joseph Ayathupadam, pastor, to sing again at the Sunday, Feb. 13, Mass. The choir is now scheduled to sing during both the Saturday vigil and Palm Sunday Masses, March 19-20. The choir consists of Mark Brannan, Bob Zollo, Kurth Dohmann, Gordy Hirshman, Bob Ladousier, Sal Romolo, Steve Beatty, Tony Brunner, Pete Ferrara and Don Richmond.

Deacon Richard Kauth, permanent deacon at Holy Spirit Church, conceived the idea of the Knights choir at the church.

they are eligible be ordained as priests.

Stuhrenberg, son of Maurice and Virginia Stuhrenberg of Charlotte, is a third-year seminarian at Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass.

Stuhrenberg was born in Long Beach, N.C. He attended Charlotte Catholic High School and graduated from South Mecklenburg High School.

He attended North Carolina State University and graduated from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1987.

Prior to entering the seminary, Stuhrenberg was employed as an electrical engineer for the Department of the Navy.

A parishioner of St. Vincent de

Paul Church in Charlotte, Stuhrenberg served his most recent pastoral internship with St. Aloysius Church in Hickory.

Ayala is a third-year seminarian at St. Vincent Seminary. The son of the late Horacio G. Ayala and Elena B. Pena, he was born in Ledesma, Argentina.

Ayala attended Catholic schools and studied law at St. Thomas Aquinas University in Tuc, Argentina. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Vincent Seminary.

Prior to entering the seminary, Ayala was employed at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, where he is a parishioner.

Ayala served his most recent pastoral internship with St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail

March 18, 2005

fighting for life

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Cardinal joins fight for Schiavo’s life SCHIAVO, from page 1

taken off the tube.

Michael Schiavo — who remains legally married to Terri Schiavo but now has two children with another woman — says his wife would want the feeding tube removed. Her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, say their daughter would want to live, in part because of her Catholic beliefs.

The cardinal said he, like the Florida bishops, prayed “that those who hold power over Terri Schindler Schiavo’s fate will see that she ‘continues to receive nourishment, comfort and loving care.’”

Cardinal Keeler quoted from Pope John Paul II’s 2004 talk to a conference in Rome, in which the pope said even patients in a persistent vegetative state have “the right to basic health care (nutrition, hydration, cleanliness, warmth, etc.).”

The pope said it is “morally obligatory” to provide water and food, even by artificial means, “insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, which in the present case consists in providing nourishment to the patient and alleviation of his suffering.”

The cardinal said “there are times when even such basic means may cease to be morally obligatory because they have become useless or unduly burdensome for the patient.”

“Deliberately to remove them in order to hasten a patient’s death, however, would be a form of euthanasia, which is gravely wrong,” he added.

Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge George Greer ruled Feb. 25 that Michael

Schiavo could order doctors to remove the feeding tube at 1 p.m. March 18.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court refused without comment to review a lower court decision overturning the Florida law that allowed Gov. Jeb Bush to order reinsertion of the woman’s feeding tube when it was removed for six days in 2003.

Terri Schiavo, 41, has been impaired for the past 15 years. She can breathe on her own but requires nutrition and hydration through a feeding tube.

A resident of a nursing home in Pinellas Park, she has been receiving food and water through a feeding tube since 1990, when she collapsed at her home in St. Petersburg because of what doctors believe was a potassium imbalance. Her brain was deprived of oxygen for several

CNS photo by Ed Foster Jr.

Franciscan Brother Conrad Richardson leads intercessory prayers during a rally for Terri Schindler Schiavo March 12 across from the hospice where the 41-year-old woman resides in Pinellas Park, Fla. More than 200 people gathered to pray and speak out against the removal of Schiavo’s feeding tube, which was scheduled under court order for March 18.

Vatican bioethicist says removing tube ‘direct euthanasia’

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Removing the feeding tube from Terri Schindler Schiavoc or other patients in a similar condition amounts to “direct euthanasia,” a “cruel way of killing someone,” said the Vatican’s top bioethicist.

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said the academy usually does not comment on specific cases before courts, but “silence in this case could be interpreted as approval.”

The bishop said March 11 that withdrawing Schiavo’s gastric tube would not be a matter of allowing her to die, but would “inflict death.”

Judge George Greer of Florida’s Pinellas County Circuit Court ruled Feb. 25 that Michael Schiavo, Terri Schiavo’s husband, could order doctors to remove the feeding tube March 18.

Her parents have opposed their sonin-law’s efforts.

Bishop Sgreccia spoke to Vatican Radio the day after Greer ruled the state’s Department of Children and Families could not intervene in the process.

Bishop Sgreccia told Vatican Radio, “Terri Schiavo must be considered a living human person, deprived of full consciousness, whose juridical rights must be recognized, respected and defended.

“The removal of the gastric tube used for nourishing her cannot be considered an ‘extraordinary’ measure or a therapeutic measure,” he said. “It is an essential part of the way in which Mrs. Terri Schiavo is

nourished and hydrated.”

“As far as we are concerned, denying someone access to food and water is a cruel way of killing someone,” he said.

“Taking into account only medical and anthropological considerations,” he said, “we feel an obligation to affirm that such a decision violates the rights of Terri Schiavo and, therefore, constitutes an abuse of judicial authority.”

Bishop Sgreccia said he also was concerned about the precedent the court’s decision could set in the United States, creating a situation in which euthanasia is seen “as a right.”

Bishop Sgreccia said the Catholic Church does not support keeping people alive at all costs, going to extraordinary and even painful means to postpone death.

However, he said, keeping a patient clean, warm, fed and hydrated is not the same thing as “therapeutic obstinacy” or the refusal to accept death.

Feeding and hydration are “signs of respect for the human person,” whether young or old, healthy or sick, he said.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover Stem-cell basics explained

Catholics fight embryonic stem-cell research STEM CELLS, from page

stands on the threshold of great advances in the fight against disabling childhood and degenerative diseases, but has been held back by cloudy legal policy on stem-cell research,” said Senate President Robert Travaglini in introducing the legislation.

“Massachusetts must act now to maintain its prominence in the industry,” he said.

“The issue of stem-cell research is one that has drawn interest because of the hope it offers to those suffering physical illness or injury,” said Maggi Nadol, director of the Respect Life Office for the Diocese of Charlotte, in response to the legislation.

“However, we must draw the distinction between embryonic stem cells, which require the sacrifice of a human being, and adult stem cells, which may be obtained in an ethical manner,” she said.

Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a neuroscientist who is director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, sees the rush to get in on embryonic stem-cell research as part of a “modern secular fairy tale.”

People want to believe that science can “push back the frontiers of death itself,” the priest said in an interview. But the hopes of those promoting embryonic stem-cell research are “much bigger than what’s supported by science,” he added.

States’ responses to the debate over embryonic stem-cell research range from that of California, where voters in November approved an initiative mandating $3 billion in state spending on embryonic stem-cell research, to South Dakota, which bans all research that destroys a human embryo, unless the research was intended to preserve the life and health of that embryo.

A group in Florida is collecting signatures to amend the state constitution to permit such research, while New Jersey political leaders have already given $11.5 million to the state’s new stem-cell institute and proposed spending another $500 million over the next 10 years.

“We believe it is more important than ever to stand for the principle that government must not treat any living human being as research material, as a mere means to benefit others,” said the Catholic bishops of New Jersey after acting Gov. Richard J. Codey proposed funding the stem-cell institute with $200 million in unspent bond money and asking voters to approve the additional $30 million annually for 10 years.

The bishops also urged reflection on “whether the high cost of embryonic stemcell research and the lack of cures from such research have made venture capitalists reluctant to invest in human cloning technology.”

“We believe this raises profound moral questions, not the least of which is whether state government should subsidize and force morally opposed taxpayers to subsidize research that requires the destruction of human life,” they added.

Similarly, the Massachusetts bishops called on legislators to join the United Nations, which approved a declaration March 8 calling on member states to “prohibit all forms of human cloning inasmuch as they are incompatible with human dignity and the protection of human life.”

“This international move demonstrates that the debate cannot be reduced to a disagreement between religion and science,” the bishops added.

In Washington the same day, President Bush applauded the U.N. action, which was supported by the United States.

“Human life must not be created for the purpose of destroying it,” Bush said.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation said researchers at Tufts University isolated a stem cell from bone marrow that they think might have as much potential to become different kinds of cells as embryonic stem cells do.

“I think embryonic stem cells are going to fade in the rear-view mirror of adult stem cells,” said Dr. Douglas Losordo, lead researcher for the Tufts study.

Contributing to this story was Donis Tracy in Boston and Editor Kevin E. Mur-

WASHINGTON (CNS) — So what are stem cells and why should you care?

The foundational cells for all life, stem cells can be coaxed into becoming a wide variety of tissues and even organs, scientists believe.

Two characteristics distinguish stem cells from other types of cells: — They are “unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division.”

— Under certain conditions, “they can be induced to become cells with special functions” such as heart muscle or the insulinproducing cells of the pancreas.

Based on successful research on animals, scientists have theorized that stem cells could play a role in preventing or curing a variety of diseases, conditions and disabilities including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, spinal cord injuries, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and burns.

But since researchers discovered in 1998 how to isolate and develop human embryonic stem cells, no human disease or condition has been successfully treated with them.

The only definitive advances in treating humans have come using adult stem cells, such as the blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow, used to treat leukemia, lymphoma and several inherited blood disorders.

The U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-

March 18, 2005

Life Activities calls the claims about the potential of embryonic stem cells “largely speculation.”

“Embryonic stem cells have never treated a human patient, and animal trials suggest that they are too genetically unstable and too likely to form lethal tumors to be used for treatment anytime soon,” said a release.

“This kind of exaggerated ‘promise’ has misled researchers and patient groups before — most obviously in the case of fetal tissue from abortions, which a decade ago was said to promise miracle cures and has produced nothing of the kind,” it said.

Embryonic stem cells come from living embryos that have been frozen after creation for in vitro fertilization procedures or, less frequently, created by cloning specifically for research. Harvesting stem cells from them always kills the embryos.

Adult stem cells come from three sources — pregnancy-related tissue such as umbilical cords, placentas and amniotic fluid; adult tissues and organ systems such as bone marrow, liver,

March 18, 2005

year of the eucharist

Pope reminds Catholics of need to go to confession Only those with no mortal sins may receive body of Christ, says pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholics must remember that they may not receive Communion if they have committed a serious sin and have not gone to confession, Pope John Paul II said.

In the year the church has dedicated to the Eucharist, it is important to remind people of the importance of going to confession, the pope said in a message sent from Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

The pope’s message, released at the Vatican March 12, was addressed to priests taking a course at the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court dealing with matters related to confession and questions of conscience.

“Only one who has a sincere awareness of not having committed a mortal sin can receive the body of Christ,” the pope said in his message.

The prayers of the Mass underline the need for “purification and conversion,” he said, citing the initial penitential rite, the sign of peace and the prayers immediately before the reception of the Eucharist.

The pope said the Gospel readings of Lent “help us to better understand the value of this unique priestly ministry.”

“They show the Savior while converting the Samaritan woman, becoming a source of joy for her; he heals the man born blind, becoming a source of light for him; he raises Lazarus from the dead and shows how life and resurrection defeat death, the consequence of sin,” the pope wrote.

“His penetrating gaze, his word and his judgment of love enlighten the conscience of those he meets, provoking their conversion and profound renewal,” Pope John Paul said.

The pope said that in an age when people seem to forget about God and ignore the reality of sin priests and religious educators must work even harder to help people understand that Christ is calling them to conversion, “which presupposes a conscious confession of their sins and the request for forgiveness and salvation.”

The pope also told the priests that people will not approach them unless they model their lives and behavior on Christ, “the teacher and pastor, healer of souls and bodies, spiritual guide and just and merciful judge.”

Deo Gratias Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, Part 11

We mentioned last week that the Liturgy of the Word offers us the opportunity to listen to the voice of the good shepherd, who still guides his church from his throne in heaven.

At each Mass, the eternal Word of the eternal Father unfolds the mystery of our redemption from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and finally into the present day. He constantly reveals the divine plan of our salvation.

And last week we continued our examination of the Liturgy of the Word by following this revelation from our first reading from the Old Testament, the Responsorial Psalm, New Testament Epistle, and finally the holy Gospel.

This week we continue our discussion by inspecting the homily or sermon that follows the reading of the Gospel.

At the conclusion of each reading from sacred Scripture, there is a ritual indicating that the reading has ended.

The Lector proclaims, “Verbum Domini” [“The word of the Lord”] and we respond, “Deo Gratias” [“Thanks be to God”].

It is truly fitting that this ritual follow the retelling and the recounting of the events of salvation history found in Scripture. Indeed, our souls and our minds ought to respond with great joy to the proclamation of Scripture in gratitude and thanksgiving for what God has accomplished through His beloved Son. The whole of Sacred Scripture is Good News to us who are in desperate need of God’s abundant mercy and love.

The Liturgy of the Word reaches its summit in the proclamation of the Gospel, marked by the use of incense; the joyful Alleluia chant (which in itself is a shout of praise at the resurrection and victory of the Lord); and standing at attention, for the words and deeds of Our Lord are about to be spoken.

Following this reading, another ritual response is exchanged, “Verbum Domini” [“The Gospel of the Lord”], “Laus tibi Christe” [“Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”]. The faithful are then seated once again.

Until now, the Mass has maintained a strict ritual, including the ritual responses at the conclusion of each reading.

But here, the celebrant departs somewhat from a formal structure in order to explain and instruct. In other words, follow-

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Guest Column Father Matthew Buettner guest columnist

ing the Gospel, the homily or sermon, is the first unstructured response of man to God’s saving activity in salvation history.

And so, the homily extends our response to the readings; the homily is an extended Deo Gratias for what God has accomplished and continues to accomplish in bringing about our salvation.

It is important to note that only those in Holy Orders — deacons, priests and bishops — may proclaim the Gospel and preach during the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Why? Not only do these men receive years of theological training, but they are officially consecrated by Holy Mother Church to preach in the name of Christ: they are not to give their personal opinions and views, but rather they speak on behalf of the Church as an instrument of Christ (Cf. Redemptionis Sacramentum No. 65-67).

As we just mentioned, the celebrant may give either a homily or a sermon.

There is a slight distinction between them: a homily generally focuses on the readings from sacred Scripture, whereas a sermon usually focuses on a particular topic or theme, such as the Seven Deadly Sins or a sermon on charity.

It is also important to note the distinction between preaching and teaching.

The object of preaching is to increase faith, whereas the object of teaching is to increase knowledge. The ultimate purpose of the homily or sermon is to increase faith, although elements of catechesis should be included to accomplish that goal.

Unfortunately, one of the difficulties about preaching in our day is an unreasonable expectation of the homily. We may expect the homily to provide us with our weekly dose of Catholic faith and life: history, theology, philosophy, spirituality, liturgy, morality, Scripture analysis, etc. And we want it in five minutes or less!

I will never forget one Dominican motto: “One homily cannot cover everything.” Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God! Next week we will conclude our discussion of the Liturgy of the Word as we take a look at the Profession of Faith and General Intercessions.

Father Buettner is parochial vicar of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

FEATURE SECTION

March 18, 2005

Irish saint not really so Irish St. Patrick converts Ireland to Christianity

St. Patrick, Ireland’s favorite saint, wasn’t actually Irish. Nor did he drive the snakes out of Ireland.

Instead, he was born in Britain as the pampered, far-from-faith-filled son of a Roman nobleman around 385 A.D. Patrick’s real name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat, and his baptismal name was Patricius.

In his teens, his plush lifestyle ended when his village was attacked and slave traders kidnapped and sold him to an Irish chieftain. Serving as a shepherd on a lonesome hillside, the distraught youth gradually turned to prayer and, after six years, made a daring escape to Gaul (now France) and eventually returned home.

But memories of the Irish haunted him and Patrick felt God wanted him to preach the Good News in pagan Ireland.

Ordained to the priesthood, he sailed back to Ireland in 432 A.D. and in essence converted the entire populace. That this was accomplished without resorting to violence is a historical rarity.

Patrick’s success at winning converts upset the Celtic Druids. They arrested Patrick several times, but he escaped each time.

Patrick established monasteries across Ireland, which were instrumental in preserving Western civilization’s literary traditions through the Dark Ages. He also set up schools and churches, which would help him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.

It is believed that Patrick raised people from the dead, though this cannot be substantiated. He is also said to have given a sermon from the hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Because no snakes were ever native to Ireland, many scholars believe this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans to Christianity.

Patrick’s mission in Ireland lasted for 30 years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17, 461 A.D. The day has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day ever since.

Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular holiday, often celebrated with parades and festivals.

Mercy Sister Patricia Durbin, director of the diocesan Media Resources Office, contributed to this story.

Legend of the shamrock

The shamrock, a three-leafed clover, is the national emblem of Ireland. It is widely believed that St. Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity, but the idea cannot be proven.

The shamrock was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the 17th century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism.

As English seized Irish land and made laws against the Irish language and practice of Catholicism, many Irish wore the shamrock as a symbol of their heritage and displeasure with English rule.

Photos by Kevin E. Murray

St. Pat’s parade

The ninth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in uptown Charlotte March 12 was the largest parade to date, with 95 groups. Above: Charlotte Catholic High School. Below left: Ancient Order of Hibernians Mecklenburg — Division 1. Below right: St. Mark School in Huntersville’s Girl Scout Troop 608.

March 18, 2005

FEATURE SECTION

Photos by Kevin E. Murray

Top left: St. Patrick School in Charlotte. Top right: Belmont Abbey College’ alumni association. Above left: St. Matthew School in Charlotte. Above right: St. Ann School in Charlotte. Right: Jesuit Father Thomas McDonnell, parochial vicar at St. Peter Church in Charlotte, blesses the start of the parade while flanked by Knights of Columbus. Below: Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Brigid Division 1.

The Catholic News & Herald 9

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

March 18, 2005

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Pope formed ideas for book during years of meetings by

JONATHAN LUXMOORE catholic news service

WARSAW, Poland — A Polish philosopher who provided material for Pope John Paul II’s latest book, “Memory and Identity,” said the pope was helped to formulate ideas by contacts with leading philosophers over many years.

“Our talks focused on the 20th century’s experience of evil, as the pope had seen it — we wanted to act as catalysts, helping the pope tell his own story,” said Krzysztof Michalski, rector of the Austrian-based Institute of Human Sciences.

“So the conversations were often very personal, about times and people,” said Michalski. “Philosophy appeared in the background, sometimes as a signpost, sometimes a hindrance.”

Michalski said that as early as 1980 he and the pope’s longtime friend, the late Father Jozef Tischner, helped arrange discussions with leading thinkers at the pope’s summer home in Castel Gandolfo.

He said discussions included the late German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer, Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, the late French mathematician Rene Thom and Polish philosopher Leszek Kolakowski.

Michalski said the pope later agreed to discuss his “life and insights” at separate meetings with him and Father Tischner.

“We asked how he’d viewed prewar, occupied and communist Poland, and then Europe and the world,” he said. “We wanted to show Karol Wojtyla’s ideas in his life context, as motives for his behavior.”

The pope acknowledges his debt to Michalski and Father Tischner in “Memory and Identity,” which was published in Italian Feb. 22. A Polish edition

by Krakow-based Znak is to be launched March 14 in Warsaw.

Michalski said the pope had encouraged an “exchange of ideas” between Catholics and non-Catholics while he was archbishop of Krakow in the 1970s and had later “taken his intellectual interests to Rome.”

He added that the pope viewed Nazism and communism “mostly through the experiences of people he met” and said the pope’s Polish identity helped him appreciate human sufferings.

“He said his Polish experience had helped him, as pope, better understand societies that were hurt, struggling for independence or economic justice,” Michalski said.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: Mar. 27, 2005

March 27, Easter Sunday Cycle A Readings: 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 2) Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 3) Gospel: John 20:1-9

Resurrection story offers hope, joy

by BEVERLY CORZINE catholic news service

Clean and vacant in the morning sunlight, the yellow house stood in sharp contrast to the unspeakable violence that had exploded inside its once peaceful walls.

Little evidence of life remained in the surrounding yard except for a few struggling perennial remnants. The occupant of this modest residence, now empty, had been a widow, a mother, a mother-in-law and a grandmother — a disciple of Jesus and finally, ironically, a murder victim.

Irene’s family had gathered for the last time in front of her yellow house. I walked toward what had once been a clump of

irises. At my feet lay three dehydrated leaves with roots partially exposed.

Rescuing these pathetic leaves became my mission, for somehow they had become my fragile connection to Irene, the woman who planted them — my motherin-law.

During the next nine years the irises flourished but did not bloom. My husband and I babied them. We consulted plant books. Nothing happened. Hope faded. Perhaps they were just too sad to bloom.

Then one morning in early April I went out for my daily iris inspection.

Expecting nothing, I was shocked by joy; there among the leaves a bud stalk was shooting upward. Soon it would reveal the glorious purple petals now tightly wrapped like a splendid gift.

For my husband and me, the iris had become a labor of love and healing — a sign of resurrection.

On this Sunday of the Easter Triduum, we return to the empty tomb once again. We join the women and men as they try to grasp the great mystery of what it means to rise from the dead. They soon will know that it is a quest that takes a lifetime, accompanied by the risen Lord, a journey that will surely end in unspeakable joy.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of March 20-26 Sunday (Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion), Matthew 21:1-11, Is 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Matthew 26:14—27:66; Monday (Monday of Holy Week), Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11; Tuesday (Tuesday of Holy Week), Isaiah 49:1-6, John 13:21-33, 36-38; Wednesday (Wednesday of Holy Week), Isaiah 50:4-9, Matthew 26:14-25; Thursday (Holy Thursday), Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15; Friday (Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion), Isaiah 52:1353:12, Hebrews 4;14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42; Saturday (Holy Saturday), Exodus 14:15-15:1 Romans 6:3-11, Matthew 28:1-10.

Scripture for the week of March 27 - April 2 Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord), Acts 10:34, 37-43, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, John 20:1-9; Monday(Monday in the Octave of Easter), Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday (Tuesday in the Octave of Easter), Acts 2:36-41, John 20:11-18; Wednesday (Wednesday in the Octave of Easter), Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday (Thursday in the Octave of Easter), Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday (Easter Friday), Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday (Easter Saturday), Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

March 18, 2005

Thousands flock to Denver cathedral to venerate relics of Catholic, Greek Orthodox churches share tradition, says priest

by ROXANNE KING catholic news service

DENVER — Several thousand people flocked to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver March 5-6 to venerate items associated with Christ’s last hours.

Some waited up to an hour to view the “Relics of the Passion” exhibit, which began its 2005 tour to six cities in February in Honolulu. The tour will end in Los Angeles during Holy Week.

Sponsored by the Apostolate for Holy Relics, the exhibit included a piece of the true cross discovered by St. Helena; full-size replicas of the nails used in Jesus’ crucifixion made with shavings from the actual nails; remains from the crown of thorns worn by Jesus; and a portion of the “sindonis,” the cloth believed to be the exterior wrapping in which the burial cloth of Jesus was kept when it was not being venerated.

Additional relics were an artist’s rendition of Veronica’s veil that had been touched to the veil itself; a piece of the column of flagellation used in Jesus’ scourging; a relic of the table of the Last Supper; and a bone fragment of St. Longinus, the centurion who pierced Christ’s side and proclaimed, “Indeed, this was the Son of God.” The display drew Catholics, nonCatholics and people from both inside and outside the Denver Archdiocese. Their reaction to the relics was a mixture of curiosity, excitement, reverence and awe.

“Today is my birthday, I had to come,” said Greek Orthodox Father Ambrose Mayas, 58.

Clad in the tall black headdress and robes of his faith, the priest bowed and blessed himself several times before the relics, which were under the watchful eyes of caped Knights of Columbus.

Noting that the veneration of relics is an ancient tradition shared by the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, he said, “They are heavenly images that bring us closer to God.” He said the display reminded him

of last year’s blockbuster movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” a recut version of which opened in Denver March 11.

The display, like the film, brought to life the Gospel events of redemption, he said.

Deeply touched by the close relationship between Jesus and his mother depicted in the film, the 58-year-old priest said he was also struck by the manner in which Christ accepted his cross.

“In love and compassion he embraced the cross for all of us to set us free,” Father Mayas said, thrilled that the display included a fragment of the true cross.

Jim Lucero, 54, an Anglican who became a Catholic nine years ago, said the relics are tangible reminders of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.

“I love the church because it has so much history and the relics are part of that history,” he said. “By faith I do believe those relics are part of Our Lord’s history. It’s incredible we have that physical matter we can identify with Our Lord.”

The relics on display were all authenticated in Rome, according to Tom Serafin, president of the Apostolate for Holy Relics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the guardianship and promotion of relics that operates with the approval of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

But he emphasized that their veneration is not a question of proof, but an act of faith — even if curiosity drives a person to see them.

“The intention is still pure,” he said.

“The action of the people that venerate them validates the relics themselves, whether an act of thanksgiving, hope, reparation or an act of love for Christ’s crucifixion.”

Many of those praying before the sacred items took rosaries, religious medals or scapulars to be touched to the relic of the true cross.

Serafin said he was particularly moved by those who asked him to touch their wedding rings to the relic, calling his ability to do so for them “a privilege.”

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

in our schools

March 18, 2005

Beautiful minds

Courtesy Photo

The Odyssey of the Mind middle school team from St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem celebrates its first-place divisional win at Wake Forest University March 5. For the last six years, St. Leo the Great School students have been among the thousands of teams from throughout the United States and 25 other countries to participate in the program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities. Contestants apply creativity to solve problems, which range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretations of literary classics, in local, state and world levels.

The St. Leo the Great team will participate in the state competition at Appalachian State University in Boone April 9.

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT LIBRARIAN - MEDIA SPECIALIST: Fulltime opening available for ’05-’06 school year.MLS required. Please submit resume to St. Pius X School, 2200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408. (336) 2739865 - FAX # (336) 273-0199.

ORGANIST/PIANIST: The Sisters of Mercy have an opening for a part-time organist/pianist.

Salary will be based on degree and experience.

Must be available for Sunday, Holy Days, funerals, and other major celebrations. Send resume to:

Sister Mary Angela Perez, Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC 28012.

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Rates: $.70/word per issue ($14 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 18, 2005

in our schools

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Courting success

Catholic school honors basketball teams by

CAROLE McGROTTY correspondent

ASHEVILLE — A recent day at Asheville Catholic School ended with an impromptu assembly to honor the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.

The players were met with cheers from their fellow classmates as they

entered the gymnasium March 1. Both teams won first place during the annual Shamrock Basketball Tournament h e l d at C at h o l i c s c h o o l s i n Charlotte Feb. 25-27.

Thirty-four teams from schools in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia participated in the tournament.

After playing six games in less than 48 hours, Asheville Catholic’s girls’ team topped their undefeated season with first place in the tournament, playing in both large- school and small-school divisions.

Asheville Catholic’s boys’ team, which had only one loss all season, took first place in the boys’ small-school division.

Mary Evans, Asheville Catholic’s athletic director, praised both teams for their dedication and hard work as well as girls’ team coach Charlene Reeves and boys’ team coaches Steve Cogburn and Tommy Gassaway.

“They were the most unselfish teams in giving up the ball and letting everyone have a chance,” said Evans.

All tour nament players were treated to a dance March 26, giving them a chance to meet each other in a non-competitive setting.

Photo by Carole McGrotty

The Asheville Catholic School girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball team members display their awards after both teams took first place in the annual Shamrock Basketball Tournament in Charlotte Feb. 25-27. The teams were honored with a speical assembly at Asheville Catholic School March 1.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

March 18, 2005

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

The Easter hero: St. Thomas Saint shows doorway to Jesus Thomas was an outsider for not being with the Apostles when the Lord appeared, but soon became an insider for having had the privilege of seeing and touching Jesus with his own eyes and his own hands. Until we are able to touch the wounds of our sisters and brothers, we will never appreciate the greatness of loving and the risk of believing.

Thomas was locked out because of fear, pessimism and grief.

The doors were shut and he was outside. His doubts paralyzed his love for the Lord.

Some people can certainly understand Thomas’ drama when they feel imprisoned by fear. God seems only a myth, justice is relative and Jesus is a fairy tale. Thomas was a believer who wanted proof. His analytical mind demanded more than hearsay. He was the first who sensed trouble ahead and said, “Let us also go that we may die with Him” (Jn.11:16); but the hostility and the crucifixion heaped so heavily on him that his rock-like courage was cracked into pieces.

The door of fear is so powerful that it can lock you out of faith. Another door that shut Thomas out was pessimism. He knew things were going badly. He feared the worst and it happened. The arrest, trial, execution and death of his beloved master greatly disturbed him to the point of feeling defeated and full of doubts and fears. If they did this to Jesus, whom can you trust?

How many times have we been defeated by our own fears, discouraged by our doubts and eventually become cynical? Thomas’ story is our story.

The third door that locked Thomas out was grief. There is no doubt that Thomas loved Jesus, but when what he feared really happened, it broke his heart.

Jesus was everything to him, but when he was killed, life faded away for Thomas

Guest Column FATHER JOHN AURILIA, OFM Cap.

Having celebrated Easter with lilies and alleluias, we have also turned a new leaf into full bloom with the conversion process, which has already begun (I hope) and will continue until we die.

Nature, in this time of the year, does just that. If we are not in this spirit, it’s never too late to begin. So we pray that Easter may not simply be a day on the calendar, but a way of life. Faith is not just a present memory of past events in a distant land, but is a living presence and a guiding power.

The stone of selfishness has been rolled away, the tomb is empty of pride and Jesus’ resurrection is not the grand finale. That same Jesus is in our midst today, knocking at the doors of our lives.

God forbid we dare to celebrate only what has already happened, the pages of faith already written, the miracles already performed.

We celebrate our journey today and the miracles of our daily lives. So, Easter is not over and will never be over. During this season, the doubting Thomas is our guide.

What do we know about St. Thomas? He was one of the Twelve Apostles.

His name in Aramaic means “twin.” Since the question “who’s twin was he?” cannot be answered, I let the scholars have fun with it.

My fascination for St. Thomas is based on the fact that his story is our story: we want to see, to touch; we want reasons to believe. There is a Thomas in each one of us. He didn’t quit, but he experienced failure, fear and disappointment. He makes us understand that we cannot stay in our own tombs of selfishness and greed. It’s time to come out and soon.

Why humility is such an attractive virtue Being humble begets honesty and vice versa Humility is an attractive quality, isn’t it?

The word “humility” comes from the Latin “humus,” meaning “earth.”

Humble people are down to earth.

To avoid becoming too lofty, they plant their feet firmly on the ground by knowing who they truly are and admitting that without God they wouldn’t be here or have what they have. They unabashedly submit to a higher power.

Part of the reason for humility’s outstanding attractiveness is its honesty, a virtue that has been revered by all great civilizations. Take, for example, the Romans. During Rome’s golden age, senators customarily had marble busts made of themselves. Artisans employed the time-consuming task of hand polishing the marble until it was smooth.

As the demand for busts increased, artisans learned they could speed up the process by filling in flaws with wax rather than polishing them smooth.

This worked well until one hot Roman summer. The baking sun began melting the wax, and all of a sudden young, handsome-looking senators lost their youthful, smooth looks.

The senators immediately employed their legal powers to rectify the situation, passing the law that said: “All marble works of busts must be sculpted without wax.” The word for “without” in Latin is “sine,” and for “wax, it is “cera.” This is where we get our word “sincerity.”

When we are sincere, there is no waxing over what we say or do. We tell it as it is and don’t try to make ourselves out to be something we’re not. We humbly admit limitations, especially our own, and accept them. as well. He was in such a deep grief that he could not be with anyone. He had to be alone.

There are times when sorrow needs silence and solitude. The greatness of Thomas is that he got out of this mess with three positive steps: Christian fellowship, truth and faith.

The Gospel tells us that on the next appearance, the disciples were in the upper room. The doors once more were locked, but this time Thomas was inside with the others. Thomas realized his first big mistake was withdrawing from the fellowship of the disciples.

The next positive step taken by Thomas was his uncompromising honesty. He refused to say he understood what he didn’t or that he believed what he couldn’t. He would not quiet his doubts by pretending they did not exist.

The third positive step was faith to counteract his doubts. Thomas did not air his doubts for the sake of mental gymnastics. He doubted in order to be sure and when he was sure, he committed

The Human Side FATHER

EUGENE HEMRICK cns columnist

So humility begets honesty, and vice versa.

There is something else to mention about humility. When we are humble, we aren’t afraid of what others think of us. We are ourselves without pretenses. What others see in us is authentic; they can take it or leave it.

Today’s society is becoming increasingly concerned about the games so-called reputable people play. So people are crying out for the virtue of humility in the church, government and, for that matter, society as a whole.

There is a growing sense that manipulating, hiding and falsifying the truth could destroy our nation.

Society hungers more than ever today for people of character who know their humble beginnings and limitations, and speak truthfully. We want to see humility, honesty and sincerity in society. Repeatedly, the church is being reminded to imitate Christ’s love of humility, sincerity and truth.

Jesus praised the humility of the tax collector who confessed his sins.

He did not wax over things when teaching, and he asked us to follow him as the way, the life and the truth.

himself totally and completely: “My Lord and my God.” Doubting our doubts is a sign of wisdom and maturity. Faith, on the other hand, must be embraced as is without hesitation or fear. Of course, faith has a variety of stages and we may experience the frail faith of a superficial believer or the strong faith of a saint.

Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A blurry eye is still an eye and so is a weeping and smiling eye. Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus. A trembling hand is still a hand. Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot.

Thank you, Thomas, for teaching us how to become insiders and how we can open the door to Jesus, wishing to enter into our history. You have shown us the way: “Don’t wait to be perfect in order to love and believe, because you never will.”

Father Aurilia is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

The Catholic News & Herald 15

March 18, 2005

DecaHow different life would be if we followed the Ten Commandments

Learned any good words lately? If you are a regular consumer of the news, you’ve no doubt added the word “Decalogue” to your vocabulary. Decalogue, a proper noun, is Greek for “ten words.”

It is a media substitution for the Ten Commandments. Why they don’t just say “The Ten Commandments” is, well, Greek to me.

The Ten Commandments are in the news because of a Supreme Court case.

The Justices will try to answer the burning question of whether our republic will survive the placement of monuments bearing God’s dictation to Moses on the tree-shaded lawns of state capitols and county courthouses.

Everyone knows that replicas of the stone tablets that Moses carried from the mountain are the Ten Commandments.

But let’s be honest, who can recite all 10?

Sadly, these monuments, most of which are about 50 years old, have been unread and unnoticed until this case, a sad fact that the Court’s decision probably will not change.

The larger question is the issue of the state promoting religion. It’s a constitutional “no-no” that has fueled ACLU cases from Maine to San Diego. Of course, the last time I checked, most governments were having serious problems with some of their basic services such as teaching children how to read and fixing potholes.

The idea of elected officials and bureaucrats effectively encouraging

the complex notion of eternal salvation through religion should raise an eyebrow in mirth, not concern. But there is no law against bringing a lawsuit.

What if the Court decided to toss aside the Constitution and make Christianity our official religion? That would make the Ten Commandments the law of the land. Let’s look at how different the media would be with the Decalogue as its point of reference: 1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Instead of endlessly promoting money, sex and power, the focus would shift to faith, service and compassion. Not a bad start.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

Although close to No. 1, Scripture indicates that this is a physical image of an idol or false god. Posters of surly, overpaid athletes and underdressed teen “celebrities” would be banished.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain.

This would severely limit the vocabulary of many cable-TV channels and they might go off the air.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy.

With no “big” games on TV on Sundays, families discover that communication and time spent together are more rewarding.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother.

Kids would plan activities for their parents instead of the other way around.

Walt Disney World closes, Epcot thrives.

The next four Commandments are already on the books. What would happen to the media if they were actually obeyed?

6. Thou shalt not kill.

This would be good news for every-

Catholics & the Media DAVID HAINS guest columnist

one except for TV news people. Without murder and mayhem, local TV newscasts would have almost nothing to report.

Commercials for car dealers would fill the extra time.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

“Entertainment Tonight” goes off the air. Jerry Springer is seen at the unemployment office.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

See number six above since this represents the balance of local news.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

The shorthand for this is called lying. With no false witness to bear, all of the court TV shows would be replaced by cartoons. As an added bonus, the IRS would have more money than Bill Gates.

10. Thou shall not covet they neighbor’s goods.

The last Commandment covers greed and jealousy that, while difficult to codify in law, are not very nice. Suffice it to say that if you were following the first Commandment, then this one would be automatic.

Of course if the high court rules that the monuments must be removed, then the media will be unchanged except for extensive “live” on-the-spot coverage and analysis of the protests that take place when the bulldozers arrive.

A film whose theme transcends Meaningful existence stems from need to make up for lost time. A friend sympathizes with him, and the two go on a pleasure-seeking rampage, which only leaves him more depressed.

Then he meets a young girl who is full of youthful joy. He tells her his story and gets her to feel sorry for him. Her efforts to cheer him up take their toll, and she soon tires of him. He in turn realizes that he cannot find meaning by living vicariously through another.

Suddenly, there is an epiphany. He comes to his senses and understands that a meaningful life is only possible if one is willing to sacrifice himself to help others.

He sees the importance of leaving this world a little better than it was before one entered upon the scene of life.

The movie’s irony is that too often only by a radical confrontation with death does one come to realize true liberation.

A familiar theme to Christians is: It is in giving that we receive and in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

Watanabe-san’s spirit begins to soar as he devotes himself to helping a group of mothers who had been trying to get a park built for their children on the site of a filthy

Clint Eastwood is gifted, but he will never be one of the great directors because he chooses themes for his movies that deal with murder in one form or another. His work always serves the culture of death.

One of the greatest directors of all time, Akira Kurosawa, on the other hand, usually chooses themes that transcend life and elevate his audience to idealism. One of his classics, “IKIRU” (which means “to live”), won universal praise as one of his greatest movies. In it he asks his audience, What does it mean to live a worthwhile life?

As the story begins, a 50-year-old, low-level office worker named Watanabe-san, is looking at an X-ray showing a large white growth in his stomach. He learns that he has only six months to live.

We all are confronted with the question, What would you do if you had only six more months to live?

Watanabe-san is of course devastated. He sinks into darkness and self-pity, regretting that he worked half his life away and never took the time really to live. Life is so short.

We stay with him in his misery for a while, but soon he begins to feel the

FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

lot near their homes. The bureaucrats had resisted them for months.

As his health fails, Watanabe-san decides to battle the system right up to the office of the mayor. He continually is disrespected and rejected.

Then he learns that a group of gangsters want to buy the land and turn it into a bar. He goes respectfully to the head gangster and pleads his case. The sinister figure threatens to kill him if he persists.

Watanabe-san suppresses a smile and stares him down.

Surprisingly, the politicians cave in, not out of any sense of idealism, but because it was an election year. The racketeers even back off, and the park is built.

Watanabe-san then dies a peaceful death.

In the next scene we are at the wake. On the closed-casket a picture of Watanabe-san is placed for all to see. The grieving mothers come in, full of gratitude, and pay their respects.

In Kurosawa’s work idealism triumphs over apathy, and sacrifice prevails

Letter to the Understanding the ‘Mystery’

I just wanted to say how beneficial Father Matthew Buettner’s series on the Mystery of the Mass has been.

It’s both a refresher for me, a cradle Catholic, and a learning experience for my husband, a Protestant.

Thank you.

— Diana Ross Charlotte

Immigrants should take legal route

With all due respect to Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., I vehemently disagree with him in regard to illegal immigrants and workers (“Farming support,” March 11).

I legally immigrated to this country in January 1954; five years later I became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America. Of course, I had to learn the language of my adopted country.

Bishop Wenski’s contention that these people — illegal workers in this country who have invested equity — deserve “legal immigration status” does not make any sense to me.

As a taxpayer ... I have all the compassion and understanding — economic and otherwise — for the millions of people who would do anything to enter into this country. But I would say to these people: apply for it legally and learn the language of this country.

— Joseph De Lillo Bryson City

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March 18, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 16

PARISH PROFILE

St. William Church serves Catholics of western St. William Church 765 Andrews Rd. Murphy, N.C. 28906 (828) 837-2000 Vicariate: Charlotte Pastor: Father George M. Kloster Permanent Deacon: Deacon Carl Hubbell Number of Households: 195 year-round 238 seasonal

Father George M. Kloster

File Photo

St. William Church, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Cherokee County, has served as the spiritual homes for Catholics in western North Carolina for 60 years. continued to grow markedly during the 1960s into the late ’80s. The Glenmary Missioners offered their spiritual leadership to many people, and were instrumental in evangelizing, educating and ministering to people living in the western extremes of the state. Churches were built or enlarged, a Bible Center was constructed, a parish in Andrews was established and a pastoral center was opened to instruct Glenmary priests and brothers.

In autumn of 1984, under the direction of the Diocese of Charlotte’s founding shepherd, Bishop Michael J. Begley, ground was broken for a new church in Murphy. The new St. William Church, complete with a parish hall and offices, hosted its first Mass on Christmas Eve, 1985. Almost 300 people attended then-Bishop John F. Donoghue’s dedication ceremony in April 1986.

In June 1987, Father Bernard

Manley became the first diocesan priest to serve the parishioners of St. William Church. He remained until June 1991, when Father Edmund Kirsch succeeded him. Father George Kloster assumed the pastorate of St. William Church in 1998 and serves there today.

In 1999, the diocesan office of Catholic Social Services established the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Murphy. St. William parishioners are actively involved with the agency, which seeks to create a collaborative, community-driven effort to achieve economic justice in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties.

As a member of the Cherokee County Ministerial Association, the parish strives to maintain a healthy spirit of ecumenism, as well, in the western mountains. The Catholic population continues to grow in Cherokee County, with dozens of visiting faithful from Florida and elsewhere

MURPHY — In a state where today Catholics compose less than four percent of the population, the faith was thriving in the western extremes of North Carolina more than 60 years ago.

In 1936, Father Howard Lane assumed the pastorate of the Waynesville parish of St. John Church. The parish boundaries included the seven westernmost counties of the state. Father Lane offered a weekly lecture series at the Cherokee County Courthouse in Murphy for two months in 1937, after which several other Diocese of Raleigh priests periodically celebrated Mass in Murphy.

A resident’s home, a funeral parlor, a theater and a hotel dining room all served as sites for Masses in Murphy over the years. In the early 1950s, local parishioners — with St. John Church’s pastor, Father Lawrence Newman — began a church building campaign.

A call for help was issued to families across the nation with the surname Murphy to assist in building a Catholic church in the mountain town. The campaign raised $5,000, which the Catholic Extension Society doubled with a matching contribution.

Construction was underway in 1952, and the new St. William Church, including a parish hall and priest’s living quarters, was dedicated by Bishop Vincent S. Waters in August of that year.

In December 1954, Glenmary Father Joseph Dean became the first Glenmary Home Missioner to serve the parish. Father Dean — the first resident pastor of Cherokee County — and his successors went to work evangelizing throughout the western mountain regions of North Carolina.

They established several missions during the 1950s and ’60s, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville, which today remains in the pastoral care of St. William Church.

Sisters of Providence of Holyoke, Mass., arrived in Murphy at the invitation of Father Dean in January 1956.

They managed and staffed Petrie Hospital, which was blessed and dedicated as Providence Hospital by Bishop Waters in November 1956. The sisters remained in Murphy until 1978.

Glenmary Sisters also served the area beginning in 1958. They established a home nursing service — today’s Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice Agency — and assisted in fervent missionary work.

St. William Church and the Catholic population of the surrounding area