March 22, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 1

March 22, 2002

March 22, 2002 Volume 11 t Number 27

S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Inside Nephew chronicles the life of St. David

...Page 8

Chocolate Sunday offers much for children

...Page 15

Sister embraces vocation, develops spirituality

...Page 16

Local News Sisters tackle multiculturalism, more

...Page 5

New Hispanic pastoral plan in the works

...Page 7

Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

— Colossians 3:1-4

The Meaning of Easter The sun that rose that first Easter morning saw Mary of Magdela hurrying to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. She had witnessed His death on the cross; now she would offer Him her final act of love. An empty tomb awaited her. Yet, within moments, she heard her name, “Mary,” and she turned to look upon the Risen Christ. From that graveyard of death she hurried with the message of eternal life: “I have seen the Lord!” Her words echoed throughout the centuries and will continue until the end of time.

If the message of Easter is a message of joy, it is because it is the assurance of eternal life beyond the grave. But, if we would share in the life offered by Christ, we must first be willing to share in His death. As Christ died for sin, His followers must be willing to die to sin. The message of Easter is essentially spiritual; it has nothing in common with a philosophy that teaches that life on earth has no relationship with eternal life.

America is very slowly emerging from the tomb of grief created by the tragic events of last September.

Yet, reports of moral corruption and terrorist attacks continue to destroy innocent lives daily. This is ample proof that, as long as men and women forget God and fail to see Him in their neighbor, selfishness, cruelty and hate will rule the human heart.

Our world needs Jesus — it cannot do without Him. Before He came, “might made right.” Without Him, that evil principle will prevail. If you and I would do our part to set the world right, we must be willing to follow Christ with an undivided heart. Discipleship with Christ demands an identity with Him. His life flows into our lives as members of His Body on earth. Nourished and strengthened by His presence in sacrament and prayer, our words and deeds become the extension of His life on earth. God has willed that the Good News of His love and mercy be placed in our hands.

Yes, for Christians, Easter solves the riddle of life and death. It points beyond the grave to the world to come. There we will one day lay down the burdens of our years and, homeward bound, pass to life with Christ and immortality.

Most Reverend William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte

2 The Catholic News & Herald narrowly defeated government-backed abortion law in exchange for a favorable settlement of child abuse cases.

The March 6 abortion referendum was criticized by several pro-life leaders, who said the proposed law would weaken Ireland’s constitutional laws protecting the unborn. “It has been suggested by some commentators in the media that the unanimous position of the bishops regarding the proposed constitutional amendment was in some way linked to the contribution that religious congregations have agreed to make to the government’s compensation scheme for victims of child abuse. We wish to place it clearly on record that this suggestion is absolutely untrue and has no basis in fact,” the bishops said in a statement.

House passes Born Alive Infants Protection Act WASHINGTON (CNS) — The House of Representatives passed a bill March 12 that amends the legal definitions of “person,” “human being,” “child,” and “individual” to include “every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development.”

According to the bill, H.R. 2175, a child is alive if it “breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut, and regardless of whether the expulsion or extraction (from the mother) occurs as a result of natural or induced labor, Caesarean section, or induced abortion.” However, the bill, written and introduced by Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, makes no attempt to define life “at any point prior to being ‘born alive.’”

Rep. Chabot said in a statement that the legislation will firmly establish “that an infant who is completely expelled or extracted from his or her mother, and who is alive, is considered a person for purposes of federal law.”

Albania to rename international airport after Mother Teresa TIRANA, Albania (CNS) — The largest international airport in Albania is being renamed after Mother Teresa of Calcutta, an ethnic Albanian. Speaking March 11, government spokesman Sokol Gjoka said Albanian premier Pandeli Majko had accepted the suggestion to re-

CNS photo by Thomas Moloney, Long Island Catholic

Air Force Reserves salute slain Long Island priest Air Force Reservists salute the casket of Father Lawrence Penzes at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, N.Y., March 15. The pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook since 1994 and a former Air Force chaplain, Father Penzes was shot and killed while celebrating daily Mass.

Israeli gunfire topples Virgin Mary statue at Bethlehem church JERUSALEM (CNS) — A 120-yearold statue of the Virgin Mary was toppled off the top of a Bethlehem church by Israeli gunfire in the early hours of March 14. According to Holy Family Maternity Hospital director Dr. Robert Tabash, Israeli tanks rolled down to the BethlehemBeit Jalla junction a few yards away from the hospital and started shooting “all over.” There were Palestinian gunmen in the area, said Tabash, but there was “absolutely no shooting” from the hospital compound where the church is located.

An orphanage is also part of the Holy Family compound.

Irish bishops refute reports of secret deal tied to referendum DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) — Irish Catholic bishops criticized media reports that suggested the bishops supported a

Episcopal Mach 22, 2002 Volume 11 • Number 27 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

March 22, 2002

The World in

c a l e n-

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: March 28 — Holy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper St. Patrick, Charlotte March 29 — Good Friday 7:30 p.m. Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte March 30 — Holy Saturday 8 p.m. Easter vigil St. Patrick, Charlotte March 31 — Easter Sunday 11 a.m. Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte April 6 — 11 a.m.

Mass and blessing of Marian Center, convent and Cardinal Gibbons Chapel Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Belmont

dedicate Tirana’s Rinas airport “as a way of honoring the work and personality” of the late charity worker. Mother Teresa, who was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu of Albanian parents on Aug. 26, 1910, in Skopje, now in Macedonia, lived most of her life in Calcutta working for the poor.

She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

European bishops pledge to ‘deepen reconciliation’ in Balkans WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — European Catholic church leaders have pledged to “deepen reconciliation” in the war-torn Balkans by improving links with Orthodox and Muslim communities.

A church spokesman said “serious practical proposals” for promoting democracy and pluralism in the region also had been tabled, but cautioned that “real progress” depended on local efforts. A statement issued after the March 12-13 meeting at

Diocesan

plan -

Feldmeth at (828) 245-6053 or the church office at (828) 245-4017.

7 BOONE — St. Elizabeth Church, 259 Pilgrims Way, will be hosting an information session on the LIMEX graduate education and certificate program. Those interested are encouraged to gather from 2-3:30 p.m. in Pat Jones Hall to discover if this theological reflection process is geared for them. Loyola University of New Orleans offers this distance learning opportunity as preparation for ministry and religious education. For more information, call Connie Milligan at (704) 364-3344 or Peg Ruble at (704) 391-0445.

7 CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will be gathering today at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave.

Celje, Slovenia, said presidents of European bishops’ conferences agreed to work for a “new evangelization” throughout southeastern Europe by promoting youth exchanges, media contacts, prayers for peace and historical studies.

Bishop Sullivan of Fargo, N.D., resigns, is succeeded by coadjutor WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop James S. Sullivan of Fargo, N.D. Bishop Sullivan, 72, is automatically succeeded by Bishop Samuel J. Aquila, who was appointed coadjutor bishop of Fargo last June. The changes were announced in Washington March 18 by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, papal nuncio to the United States. Samuel Joseph Aquila was born in Burbank, Calif., on Sept. 24, 1950. He studied at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, where he earned a master’s in theology, and at San Anselmo University in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Denver Archdiocese in 1976.

Pope says church difficulties include lack of Christian values VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Today’s church faces unprecedented difficulties in proclaiming its message to the world, Pope John Paul II said. The greatest problem was the failure of schools and families to transmit Christian values to younger generations, he said March 16.

Speaking to participants in the plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the pope called for the development of “new ways of evangelization” to reach modern men and women. “The transmission of the Gospel message in today’s world is particularly difficult, especially because our contemporaries are immersed in cultural environments that are often void of any spiritual or interior dimension, in situations in which essentially materialistic aspects dominate,” he said.

Those interested in learning more about the SFO and the Franciscan way of life are invited to attend. For more information please call Skyler Mood, SFO, at (704) 545-8133.

7 SALISBURY — Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St., will be celebrating a charismatic and healing Mass today at 4 p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer teams will be available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner will follow the Mass. Father John Putnam, pastor, will be the celebrant. For further information, call Bill Owens at (704) 639-9837.

7 SWANNANOA — St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Place, will be celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday with Mass and the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m. followed with refreshments. All are invited to attend.

For questions, call the church office at (828) 686-8833.

9 CHARLOTTE — The St. Gabriel Church Arthritis Support and Education Group will meet this morning from 10-11 a.m. in Room D of the

March 22, 2002

Vatican official says Catholics, Muslims should draft guidelines VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholics and Muslims engaged in dialogue for decades should draft practical guidelines and suggestions for those who will follow them in the search for improved Catholic-Muslim relations, a top Vatican official said. Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, led a four-member Vatican delegation to a midMarch meeting with the World Islamic Call Society in Tripoli, Libya. Clerics, intellectuals and politicians from 70 countries attended the meeting to discuss methods for creating “a culture of dialogue in an era of globalization.” Cardinal Arinze’s text was released March 18 by his Vatican office.

Guatemalan bishop faces threats because of support for peasants TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (CNS) — Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri of San Marcos, Guatemala, is again facing threats because of his support for landless peasants. A diocesan priest also has received renewed threats. “What they really want to do is terrorize us, make us afraid, while at the same time de-legitimize our pastoral work among the poor,” Bishop Ramazzini told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview. “The conflicts in this diocese are just a few of the many conflicts over land throughout the country, and the landowners are worried that what’s happening here could be the spark that will set off a big fire. So they want to stop it here.” At issue is Bishop Ramazzini’s support for some 350 peasant families who in early February seized the San Luis plantation near Malacatan, Guatemala. The peasants claim they were awarded ownership of the land by a 1953 government decree, part of an ambitious land-reform program dismantled when the U.S. government overthrew Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz the following year.

Bishops’ Conference Urges Support for Brownback/Landrieu Human Cloning Prohibition Act, S. 1899 WASHINGTON (USCCB) — An official of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urged the SenGuilford County Division 1, an IrishCatholic social and charitable interparish group, will be having a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ladies’ Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. in Greensboro.

For further information, call Alice Schmidt at (336) 288-0983.

6 BOONE — A workshop on centering prayer will be conducted by Rev. Thomas Morris, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 259 Pilgrims Way. The workshop is designed to assist people in developing a more intimate relationship with God. For more information and reservations, call the church office at (828) 264-8338 or Trinity Episcopal Church at (828) 765-4331.

6 FOREST CITY — Immaculate Conception Church, 1024 W. Main St., will hold a mini-health fair sponsored by the parish nurse program from 8-11 a.m. this morning. The fair will include glucose and cholesterol blood tests.

For further information call Claire

The Catholic News & Herald 3

The World in

CNS photo from Reuters

Pakistani police officer stands guard at Islamabad church A Pakistani police officer March 18 stands in front of a Protestant church in Islamabad that was the site a day earlier of a grenade attack that killed five people, including a U.S. Embassy employee and her daughter. The U.S. State Department decried the terrorist act and warned that other attacks against U.S. interests may be imminent.

“The effort to ensure that human clones will be mass-produced in our nation, but only in order to be killed for speculative benefit to others, is as ineffectual in preventing human cloning as it is irresponsible in its attitude toward developing human life,” the USCCB official wrote.

Materials sent by Ms. Quinn to help clarify the issues faced by Congress included fact sheets on What is Human Cloning? Does Human Cloning Produce an Embryo? and a Life Issues Forum column, How Not to Ban Human Cloning.

Florida House passes ban on human cloning WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) — Florida lawmakers passed a bill March 12 banning so-called “therapeutic” human embryo cloning for research and reproductive cloning. Some Florida university researchers and others contested the hardfought legislation in the Florida House of Representatives, but pro-life and other organizations say a message has been sent to U.S. lawmakers to follow suit with a federal ban on cloning. The Florida vote was 7042. An identical bill in the state Senate faces a potentially tougher fight before the ban would become state law.

ate to support “the real human cloning ban” — S. 1899 — and to reject supposedly alternative bills which do not really ban the use of the cloning procedure in humans.

Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said the decision faced by the Senate on human cloning is being obscured by efforts to redefine the term “cloning” for political purposes.

According to Ms. Quinn, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health, longstanding federal law, and the National Bioethics Advisory Commission all agree on the essentials of what constitutes human cloning: it is the creation of a new organism that is genetically identical to a previously existing organism. In human cloning, a technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer is

used to create a human embryo, a new living organism of the human species.

“By this agreed-upon definition, the Brownback/Landrieu Human Cloning Prohibition Act (S. 1899) is the only pending bill that bans human cloning,” Ms. Quinn wrote in a letter (March 1) to the Senate. “It is also the only bill found acceptable by the House, and the only one President Bush has said he is willing to sign into law.”

Ms. Quinn said bills introduced by Senators Feinstein (S. 1758) and Harkin (S. 1893) do not ban use of the cloning procedure in humans at all, for any purpose.

“Rather, they facilitate such cloning for purposes of research — research that does not have, and may never have, any possible clinical use,” she said. “This approach is strongly opposed by the President, and was rejected by the House by a 71-vote margin.”

Pope offers prayers for fathers, asks them to be models of faith VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II offered a special prayer for fathers around the world, asking them to be models of everyday faith for their children. The pope made the comments two days before the feast of St. Joseph — March 19 — which is celebrated as Father’s Day in Italy and some other countries. The pope said St. Joseph accepted his difficult role by listening to God and trying to understand God’s will. His attitude of respectful reflection and obedience to God’s design earned him the Gospel’s definition as a “just man,” he said. “The just person, in fact, is the one who prays, who lives the faith, and who tries to do good works in every concrete circumstance of life,” the pope said. He said the greatest treasure left Christians by St. Joseph was his life of prayer.

March 28 ASHEVILLE — St. Joan of Arc Church, 91 Haywood Rd., will be celebrating the following events: a potluck supper sponsored by the Parish Life Commission at 5:30 p.m. and a bilingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. tonight; 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross and 7:30 p.m. bilingual Veneration of the cross and Eucharist on March 29; 8 p.m. bilingual Mass followed by a reception sponsored by the Catholic Daughters on March 30; and 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses on March 31. For further details, call the church office at (828) 252-3151.

1 CHARLOTTE — Churches in the Charlotte area will be having their regularly scheduled cancer support group meetings for survivors, family and friends on the following days: St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight and every first Monday at 7 p.m. in the ministry center library and St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., on April 2 and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the office building conference room. For more information, call: St. Matthew - Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283 and St. Gabriel - Eileen Correll at (704) 3625047, Ext. 217.

1 CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will be celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celebrated on May 6. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

3 CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., will be having a meeting with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center.

All adults age 55 and older are welcome. For more information about the group or Knights of Columbussponsored bingo held every Monday night at 7:30 p.m., call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

3 WINSTON-SALEM — The St. Clare Fraternity Secular Franciscan Order will be sponsoring an Order Inquiry to take place this morning at 11:30 a.m., April 4 at 7 p.m. and April 5 at 11:30 a.m. The orientation will focus on helping people learn about living the Gospel way of life with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi as their guides. Call Be’ Haver at (336) 722-3898 or e-mail behaver@triad. rr.com for details about the gathering location and other information.

4 GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians

April 1 CHARLOTTE — The bereavement support group will meet tonight from 6-7:30 p.m. and every first Monday in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This support group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. For details, call Ruth Posey, CSS counselor, at (704) 370-3238.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

March 22, 2002

Around the Di-

“Anything Goes” with Bishop McGuinness

By REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY Correspondent WINSTON-SALEM — After six weeks of intense preparation, practice and rehearsal, the students of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (BMHS) performed the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes” at the North Carolina School of Arts in WinstonSalem March 14, 15 and 16. The performers put forth their finest effort to date, according to students, parents, faculty and friends who attended the final performance.

It was no accident that this type of fine arts program came into being at BMHS. St. Joseph Sister Anne Thomas, who came to BMHS as a music teacher six years ago, recently became the dean of students and used her influence and talents to become the driving force behind the fine arts program.

“Whenever you can get 80 kids together, working as hard as they did on a performance like this, it is bound to be the huge success that it was,” said Sister Anne.

The 21-piece orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Alan Hirsh, “performed beautifully,” said Hirsh. “They had had a long hard road to tow, especially during the last three weeks before their five performances.”

Hirsh had personally arranged all of the music to suit the instruments and levels of talent as well as the individual needs of the student members.

The chorus and dancers practiced strenuously for the last one-and-a-half months. “These determined students,

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

air. The cast was well-prepared, and I think we all performed beautifully.”

Parents Steve and Maureen Wittner, whose daughter Maggie was in the chorus, thought the show was a wonderful, professional experience for all involved. Mary Lou Barry Schline, a teacher at St. Leo, came to the performance to see her past and present students perform.

“It was really a great energizing performance. It is truly amazing to see how many introverted students (in the classroom) do so well on stage,” said Schline.

Contact Correspondent Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

Mary Kate Foley, a Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School junior who played “ Re n o ” i n t h e s ch o o l ’s “Anything Goes” musical, takes her bow after the final performance at the North Carolina School of Arts in Winston-Salem March 16. In the background from left to right are student-performers: Matthew Renegar (“Billy”); Gina Neari (“Hope”); and Christopher Eklund (“Sir Evelyn Oakleigh”). with varying degrees of experience and levels of expertise, poured a lot of time and effort into these performances,” said Hirsh.

An old friend of Sister Anne, Micki Sharpe, was the director and choreographer of “Anything Goes.”

Sharpe, an actress who performs in musical murder mysteries on weekends in Philadelphia, has directed the last eight BMHS productions at Sister Anne’s request.

The newest BMHS faculty member to become involved with the production was St. Joseph Sister John Christopher. Sister John, who had assisted with performances in several other schools at which she has taught, said that her stage crew and she have been busy “many a week” getting everything perfected. She highly commended both Patrick Leonard III and his son, Patrick IV, a senior at BMHS, for taking charge of building the set.

Of the parents, Sister John said, “they all will do almost anything to help.” She noted that Susan Renegar and her crew spent much time and effort in making costumes and lunches for the long weekend rehearsals.

In addition to the BMHS students who participated in the show, there was also a children’s chorus consisting of students from Our Lady of Mercy and St. Leo schools in Winston-Salem, St. Pius X School in Greensboro, Kernersville Middle School and Piney Grove Elementary in Kernersville.

Matthew Olster, a BMHS sophomore who played “Ling” in the performance, said he enjoyed doing the play.

“It took a lot of practice and opened new horizons for me,” said Olster. “And it turned out really well.”

Beth Hurley, a BMHS sophomore and chorus member, said “the cast did a wonderful job” and that she truly “enjoyed being in the chorus this year.”

Reilly Jackson, a BMHS senior who played “Ching,” said “it was a lot of dancing and a lot of fun doing the play.”

BMHS junior Christopher Eklund played “Sir Evelyn Oakleigh.” Although this was Chris’s third play at BHMS, it was the first year that he performed a solo. “The rehearsals may have been strenuous,” he said, “but I thoroughly enjoyed the entire production.”

The star of the show was junior Mary Kate Foley, who played “Reno.”

It was Mary Kate’s third play, as well, but it was her first starring role. “It was very nerve-wracking,” she said, “but there was a lot excitement in the

March 22, 2002

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor BELMONT — Opposites have been known to attract. When it comes to cultural understanding, sometimes it is the differences that make us all the same.

The Sisters of Mercy held a multiculturalism and anti-racism meeting for sisters, Mercy Associates and guests at the Sisters of Mercy campus March 9. Their goal was to move toward a greater understanding and a conversion of heart by exploring their own cultures and dynamics involved in multicultural situations.

“All of us have prejudices; all of us have stereotypes that weren’t explicitly taught but were implicitly learned,” said Mercy Sister Maria Elena Gonzalez, president of the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in San Antonio, Texas.

Sister Maria presented several sessions along with Humility of Mary Sister Tobin Lardie, outreach project director for MACC. The sessions were geared to help participants understand cultural differences and their effects on individuals, relationships and ministry.

Sisters Maria and Tobin helped the sisters to examine majority and minority mindsets and attitudes. One session involved the sisters working in groups and sharing their personal experiences with racism and prejudice.

“We looked at our own culture and then looked at how we see other cultures, and how we relate and react to them,” said Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams, faith formation director and pastoral associate at St. Benedict the Moor in Winston-Salem.

The sisters explored the external and internal components of cultures.

External components — such as food

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The Catholic News & Herald 5

Sisters tackle multiculturalism,

Mercy Sister Mary High Mauldin and Mercy Associates Regina Pastula and Mary Pickett discuss the internal and external manifestations of cultural heritage during the multicultural workshop at the Sisters of Mercy campus March 9. and dress — can be changed, but internal components — such as attitudes — cannot be changed. Then the sisters were encouraged to examine the external and internal components within themselves.

“This workshop reminded me that I have my own prejudices. It’s good to be aware of them,” said Mercy Sister Teresa Susana (Susie) Dandison, Hispanic outreach volunteer at St. Francis of Assisi in Mocksville. “I need to accept the differences of the people with whom I work. I cannot try to change

Photos by Kris Jordan

Mercy Sister Mary Matthew Snow, Mercy Sister Joann Ury, Mercy Sister Teresa Susana Dandison and Mercy Sister Martha Hoyle participate in the multicultural workshop on the Sisters of Mercy campus March 9. them, which is a very hard thing to do.”

Sister Susie, originally from Argentina, had gone to MACC to learn about the Mexican culture. “Most of the people to whom I minister in Mocksville are Mexican,” she said.

“I speak the language, but our backgrounds are very different. People have a tendency to lump all Spanishspeaking cultures together.”

Sister Susie said she learned culture is like an iceberg — what is above the waterline is apparent, but there is so much more beneath the surface.

Many of the sisters agreed that the multicultural meeting was beneficial to understanding and accepting not only other cultures, but their own.

“I have a greater sense of selfknowledge,” said Mercy Sister Ray Maria McNamara, a doctoral student at Berkeley University in California. “The workshop supports a long commitment to working to not be tolerant of other cultures, but to accepting and working with the ambiguities of the differences.”

Originally from Guam, Mercy Sister Cabrini Taitano, vocation ministry director, said she had a tendency to negate her own culture when it came to fitting in with the crowd. “I need to be more assertive to my need to express my own way of singing and praying,” she said.

“I can adapt without losing my own culture.”

“I can continue to have courage to be myself and act out of my own culture and not be inhibited to express myself as an African-American,” said Sister Larretta.

Sister Ray said the differences between cultures had always been more of a liability than an asset. “When cultures are mixed, good things come out of it,” she said.

“You just have to accept people for who they are,” said Sister Larretta.

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

6 The Catholic News & Herald Army Ranger’s family, friends share memories at his funeral ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CNS) — As proud as they were of his military heroism, the family and friends of fallen Army Ranger Marc A. Anderson wanted people to know that he was a wonderful person long before he was killed trying to save a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan. Through their shared memories, those who gathered for Anderson’s funeral Mass March 11 at St. Raphael Parish in St. Petersburg saw many aspects of the 30-year-old who died March 4 serving his country. He was a child who got scared when his brothers put on a grotesque mask, a teacher who would come in early and stay late to help kids with their schoolwork, an uncle who loved his niece, and a broad-shouldered son who always seemed to be smiling. “Marc loved his country, he loved his students, but most of all, Marc loved his family,” said Father Michael Smith, associate pastor of St. Raphael Parish.

Faith helps New York’s ‘singing cop’ persevere WASHINGTON (CNS) — Until six months ago, New Yorkers knew Officer Daniel Rodriguez as the city’s singing cop. But since the Sept. 11 terror attacks that brought down the World Trade Center, America and the world also have begun to know the talents of the Catholic policeman. Rodriguez has sung “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “The StarSpangled Banner” at baseball’s World Series, the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and a host of other public events. “Faith”

People in the

CNS photo by Dana Wind, NC Catholic

Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones Jr., R-N.C., has introduced the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He told the NC Catholic in Raleigh that the legislation would allow churches to become more engaged in politics without fear of losing their tax-exempt status. is how Rodriguez says he has gotten through the past half-year knowing that his growing fame is the result of a collective national tragedy — and thousands of individual tragedies.

Rodriguez, a lyric “spinto” — a tenor with the range to reach lower notes — is on leave from the New York Police Department for three months of les-

sons with opera star Placido Domingo, artistic director of the Washington Opera.

held March 22 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

March 22, 2002

Mother of Catholic News & Herald editor dies at 77 Mrs. Jeanne S. Seeley, 77, of Charlotte, mother of The Catholic News & Herald Editor Joann S. Keane, died March 18, 2002, following a courageous, albeit brief battle with cancer.

She was born October 13, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of the late William Leonard Seubert and Alba Seubert Davies. She attended Ohio University where she studied Home Economics. While devoted to her family and home, she worked as a secretary for many years prior to retirement.

In recent years, her life was particularly marked by an unequivocal affection and commitment to her grandchildren.

She will be remembered, too, as a dedicated and caring friend to many.

Jeanne’s survivors include her husband of 56 years, Gerald, of the home; sister, Joann Scheele of Portland, Ore.; four children, Barbara Baker and her husband, Don of Winston-Salem, Jane Seeley of Mt. Shasta, Calif., Joann Keane and her husband, Jim of Charlotte, and David Seeley of Lake Wylie, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Elizabeth and Cameron Baker, Chris, Paul and Daniel Keane, and Jarod Seeley. She is also survived by five nephews and two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Cancer Society, 500 East Morehead Street, Suite 211, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jeanne Seeley, officiated

by Bishop William G. Curlin, was

March 22, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 7

From the

New Hispanic pastoral plan in the

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor HICKORY — Before one can minister to a community, one must understand the needs of that community.

Approximately 30 Hispanic community members from the Hickory, Asheville and Hendersonville areas and diocesan leaders met to offer input on a new Diocese of Charlotte Hispanic pastoral plan at St. Aloysius Church March 14. It was the first of five area meetings over the next two months to help shape the plan to be implemented within the next three years.

“We met to prioritize the ideas brought up in the meeting on January 30,” said Sister Andrea Inkrott, O.S.F., director of Hispanic ministry, who is coordinating the meetings.

The January meeting, held at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, was arranged for coordinators of Hispanic ministry, social service personnel and vicars forane to discuss pastoral, health and human services to the growing number of Spanish-speaking persons in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The plan will be an updated and diocese-focused version of three previous national Hispanic pastoral plans — “The Hispanic Presence: Challenge and Commitment” (1983); “Prophetic Voices” (1986); and “The National Pastoral Plan” (1988) — developed by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Sister Andrea Inkrott, O.S.F., director of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte, works with Hispanic community members during the first of five meetings to critique and develop a new Hispanic pastoral plan for the diocese at St. Aloysius Church March 14.

“We came up with a lot of ideas,” said Sister Andrea. “We had a small task force of volunteers that worked hard to put those ideas into four categories. We worked on those categories tonight.”

“They (the task force) did a good job of bringing the info to us tonight,” said Jesuit Father Frank Reeves of Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville, who had participated in the original January meeting. “They didn’t lose what we did there in Hickory.”

The four categories were evangelization, missionary option, team ministry and formation. Each had numerous subcategories such as: offering liturgies in Spanish where there are none; offering diaconate formation programs in Spanish; and raising the awareness of the Hispanic communities’ needs.

“It’s been a hard and tiring process, but it is very important what we’re doing here tonight,” said Eduardo Bernal, Hispanic coordinator for the western vicariates. “If we don’t know where we’re going, we’ll end up where we don’t want to go.”

The meeting’s participants broke off into groups and rated the subcategories in order of importance to each individual. Then the groups tallied and reported the results to Sister Andrea and Bernal.

“Everyone was participating,” said Sister Andrea. “People said it was a productive meeting. That’s what I was hoping for.”

Sister Andrea noted that the differences in the category ratings given by

the groups were minor. “What was important to one was important to others,” said Sister Andrea. “And by and large, the priorities of the Hispanics were the same as those of the Anglos at the meeting,” said Sister Andrea.

“One of the objectives of the meeting was to see if everyone was in the same mindset,” said Bernal. “We saw that — everyone was voting the same way.”

Once all of the meetings are finished in April, the task force will review the responses and formulate a preliminary plan, which will be critiqued again in another series of community meetings. Once the final information is collected, it will go before the bishop for approval of the new Hispanic pastoral plan.

“I think this is an excellent methodology,” said Father Reeves.

“We’ve taken a firm second step in the process,” said Paul Kotlowski, diocesan director of youth ministry. “We’ve got good footing.”

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

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

March 22, 2002

Nephew chronicles the life of St.

and devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was known for his strength of character, oratory and teaching skills and a humble and suffering obedience to church authority. Since early childhood, Father Velasco demonstrated a desire and willingness to answer God’s call and make the ultimate sacrifice to defend God, the church and his fellow man.

In his sermons, he preached Mexico’s devotion to their queen and prayed that this devotion would continue. He was outspoken on three very important topics: religion, union and independence.

His remarks condemned the policies of the government to try to eradicate the Catholic Church and establish a new Mexican church.

“I want to return to Buenavista and talk to my uncle, Luis Uribe, who is 94 years old and remembers Father Velasco,” said Uribe. “Although I have asked many questions, I’m still drawn to him to hear every little detail. I want to know everything.”

St. David was born Dec. 29, 1888, in Buenavista de Cuellar, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. He entered the Seminary of Chilapa Guerrero when he was 15 years old and was ordained 10 years later. He celebrated his first Mass in his home church of San Antonio de Padua (St. Anthony of Padua) in Buenavista on March 12, 1913.

Shortly thereafter, he became the personal secretary for Bishop Antonio Hernandez Rodriguez of Tabasco.

Within a year of his ordination, persecution of the Catholic Church spread throughout Mexico. At that time, Father Velasco and the bishop were ordered by church officials to leave Tabasco and go to the city of Chilapa back in the state of Guerrero.

Father Velasco carried on his pastoral ministry with prudence and zeal. His first arrest came on a return trip from the coast in Guerrero. His crime: being a priest. He was held for eight days and sentenced to death. On the way to his execution, he was released.

When Plutarco Elias Calles became president of Mexico, he focused on destroying Catholicism in Mexico. When the Mex-

Pictured left is Father David Uribe Velasco, who was canonized on May 21, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. St. David’s remains were originally entombed near the altar at St. Anthony of Padua in Buenavista, Mexico, where he had served. Upon his canonization, his remains were buried under the altar of the church where they remain today.

Courtesy Photo

ican National Press published Archbishop Monsignor Jose Mora Del Rio’s request that the five Articles of the Constitution — articles positioned against the Catholic Church — Calles seized the opportunity to twist the intent of the article into a declaration of war. In June 1926, he enforced the Constitutional Provisions and also signed a decree reforming the penal code, which was very specific regarding the treatment and punishment toward the church and clergy.

The Cristeros, as the rebelling Catholics were known, fought against the government from July 1926 through 1929 in what became referred to as the Cristera War. On July 20, 1926, at the request of the Mexican bishops and with the approval of the Vatican, all Catholic priests abandoned their churches and public worship was nonexistent. Dutifully following orders, Father Velasco left his parish church of San Francisco de Asis (St. Francis of Assisi) in Iguala, encouraging his parishioners to be calm, prudent and patient.

Before leaving, he protected the Blessed Sacrament by hiding it in the home of a neighbor. He secretly ministered to his flock through letters and brief visits.

In all, Father Velasco was arrested three times. His final arrest was on April

7, 1927, in Iguala. He was taken by train to Cuernavaca, Morelos — a ride that took him through his hometown of Buenavista. During this train ride, Father Velasco was offered a pardon if he would renounce the Catholic Church and accept a position as bishop in the new Schismatic Mexican Church. He declined.

On April 11, 1927, Father Velasco wrote his last will and testament from his jail cell. He was taken from his cell early in the morning on April 12, 1927, the Tuesday of Holy Week and driven to a remote site near San Jose Vidal. Getting out of the car, Father Velasco kneeled and prayed to God for forgiveness of his

sins, for the salvation of Mexico and for the church.

Rising and with a paternal voice he addressed the soldiers, “Brothers, kneel to receive God’s blessings. I forgive you with all my heart and I only ask that you pray to God for my soul. For my part, I will never forget you when I am before him.”

Then he blessed the men who were about to murder him and distributed among them his watch, rosary, crucifix and other personal items.

Father Velasco was shot once in the back of the head and left by the side of the road. Daniel Casarrubias, a native of Buenavista and worker in the nearby train station, heard the shot. He sent his son to investigate, since a boy wandering in the countryside would not arouse suspicion. When the son confirmed that it was Father Velasco, Casarrubias telegraphed the news of his death to his hometown.

Continued next page

March 22, 2002

From previous page

By MARY MARSHALL Correspondent MONROE — A small box in a china cabinet was a curious item to a small boy, who lived in Buenavista de Cuellar, Mexico. It was a sacred place with candles and a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe keeping vigil. Relatives prayed the rosary daily in front of the handmade wooden item, but until Jose Gabriel Arizmendi Uribe was nearly nine years old, he only recognized it as something very special at his grandmother’s house.

As Uribe began inquiring about the contents, his grandmother explained that the box contained dirt, hair and dried blood from his martyred great uncle, Father David Uribe Velasco, who was canonized on May 21, 2000, by Pope John Paul II. St. David’s feast day is May 25.

For Uribe, questions and answers came as he grew in wisdom and understanding. He discovered that his mother was the last person to be baptized by Father Velasco with the sacrament administered secretly in his grandmother’s home, which was a dirt floor adobe house.

It was disheartening to find out that for three years, Father Velasco’s remains stayed in the shallow grave dug by a train worker at the spot where he died due to fear of persecution. Yet, it was also amazing for Uribe to learn about the travels in years to come of Father Velasco’s remains.

Three years following his death, Uribe’s grandfather — brother to the murdered priest — dug up the grave

Around the Diplacing the bones in a small box. He took them to Las Nueces, a place in the Buenavista countryside where family members could gather to pray secretly at night. The remains were then taken to his sister Vicenta’s house in Buenavista, where after a prayer gathering, they were buried inside the house under a bed (the house had dirt floors). Only the family knew of the body’s whereabouts.

Years later, the remains were entombed near the altar at St. Anthony of Padua in Buenavista where Father Velasco served. Then in 1942, they were moved to a wall near the entranceway with a plaque recognizing his martyrdom. Upon his canonization, his remains were buried under the altar where they remain today.

In May 2001, 10 priests concelebrated at the first anniversary Mass of Father Velasco’s canonization. Uribe, who is now warehouse supervisor at Arley Corporation in Matthews and helps support his parents in Buenavista, sent money for the celebration feast after the Mass.

After arriving in Monroe nine years ago seeking employment, Uribe became close friends with his ESL class teacher, Tom Shortell, at Southern Piedmont Community College. Shortell, who also teaches Spanish at Our Lady of Lourdes Church where they are both members, was invited to join Uribe’s son on a visit to Buenavista, where Shortell learned about St. David. Knowing a direct descendent of a saint inspired him to delve into researching the life and death of St. David with the help of Uribe.

Shortell discovered that Father Velasco’s attributes included a great love

The Catholic News & Herald 9

The youth are the millennium’s

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor HUNTERSVILLE — Sometimes you find leaders in the most unexpected places — and people.

St. Mark youth ministry and diocesan youth ministers gathered to hear Franciscan Father Dave Pivonka’s “Morning Watchmen for the New Millennium” presentation at St. Mark Church on March 7. Many were surprised to learn that Pope John Paul VI had named the youth as the millennium’s new “morning watchmen.”

“They’re going to be the ones who decide what comes into the new millennium,” said Father Pivonka.

Morning watchmen read the signs and warn people of danger, said Father Pivonka, by keeping each other awake and standing firm side-by-side. The youth will help guide the future of our culture and faith; not the rich, powerful, or the theologians.

Father Pivonka, a Franciscan friar and director of youth outreach at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, travels the country inviting Catholic teens into a dynamic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The university has sponsored a “life-changing” annual Catholic high school youth conference for 25 years that now sees approximately 27,000 teens a year.

“The youth are a culture in and of themselves,” said Father Pivonka.

“Because they’re young, passionate and zealous, they have something to offer the church.”

The youth need positive influence and guidance in their lives to become effective watchmen, said Father Pivonka.

“For the first time, we’re seeing a generation that’s being raised without intimacy or with false intimacy,” he said, referring to interacting with strangers over the Internet. “There’s a sense that they can be intimate (with someone) without seeing them.”

Father Pivonka also noted that the youth culture knows no absolutes, has no sense of right or wrong, is full of fear, and has no continuity in their lives. This must be changed, he said.

“(The youth) may get evangelized in high school, but they don’t get it in college,” said Father Pivonka. “We must root them in the sacraments ... in God and the Scriptures. That is the connection that will lead them because their whole world is disconnected. Even if their environment changes, the core stuff is still with them. God is still God.” Father Pivonka said the youth have a spiritual hunger. “Young people want to be challenged. They want someone to tell them there’s a reason for living...that they can be the kind of person that want to be.

They hunger for the truth.”

Part of the responsibility lies with the youth ministers, said Father Pivonka, because the strength of the messenger gives credibility to the message. “We have a tremendous responsibility. Teens need to be able to see people who are being faithful to what they believe,” he said. “We must be able to influence them.”

Youth ministry is about making disciples, he said. “If we’re not making disciples — where kids’ lives are being transformed and being changed — then it’s not youth ministry,” said Father Pivonka.

“I think it’s definitely what we were called to do,” said Andrew Doss, 18, of being a morning watchman. “It will be rough, but God never gives you anything that you cannot handle.”

“It’s a big responsibility, but with the support I have in my church, friends and adults, I can handle it,” said Tim Rupar, 17.

“We are watchmen. We need to show the love of Christ ... talk about what God has done in our lives through our words and actions,” said Doss. “The results may not be immediate ... but may put a thought in someone’s mind that can be fostered later on.”

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

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Poetry for the Reviewed by Elizabeth Rackover Catholic News Service John O’Donohue’s “Conamara Blues” had me right out of the box with a simply structured poem in which dead twigs, gathered by a crow, taken back to the “vacancy” of the parent tree, become a nest to fill with dreams.

That is poetry — to be able to take common images from nature’s wintry bracken, seen through anybody’s window on any given January day, and make them suddenly magical, even hopeful.

O’Donohue’s cadences and rhythms are smooth and confident. The reader doesn’t have to work at the images; on the contrary, they must almost be fought off, forced to recede so that the next lines can be absorbed.

It is delightful to encounter a poet whose work lands somewhere between Hopkins (less manic) and Yeats (slightly laid back).

Fiercely proud of the Irish landscape, not to say state of mind, the writer gives us outlines not just of topography but of the soul itself.

Is it fair to say it’s a given that the works of nature in and of themselves glorify God? They do, in O’Donohue’s poems, but with a certain wildness that feels as scary as God himself might be if you met him on the moor around sundown.

And hey! How does this guy manage to get inside Mary’s head in his poems “The Annunciation” and “The Visitation”? In both I felt the revelation of the human self meeting and mingling with the divine. Chief among many notable lines: “She awakens a stranger in her own life” and “An anxious moon doubles her among the stone.” In the poem “The Nativity,” the last two lines both glorify and humanize the moment for mother and child, and the spiritual inten-

March 22, 2002

Read-

sity is conveyed through achingly simple words. It is deftly and beautifully done, and I wonder who he talked to, where he got his information, to strike such female chords with such thrilling accuracy.

“Conamara Blues” is just the right size for traveling — slim and sturdy. It is poetry that first makes you feel, then think — it is food and drink for the hungry, traveling soul.

Less inspiring is Franciscan Father Murray Bodo’s “Denise Levertov” volume from the Pauline Books’ “Poetry as Prayer” series. This book begs some knowledge of — passion for, if you want the truth — Levertov’s poetry as a body of work.

It is some way into the book before the reader encounters snippets of poetry. We are then told where Levertov was when she wrote the poem in question — physically, emotionally, and spiritually, of course. I found myself wanting less information about Levertov from a third person, and more information from the writer herself, since that is the unique property of poetry — the transubstantiation of the writer’s heart and soul into language, then into a sometimes tangible experience for the reader.

Having said all that, I reiterate that this is a warm and loving reflection and dissertation about Levertov. Father Bodo first admired, then became acquainted with his subject through poetry. But ultimately this book fails to charm because the bottom line for any poet is the work itself; telling me about the inspiration and leaving out the poetry is like giving me a comprehensive run-down of the kitchen utensils without feeding me any dinner.

Word to Life

Sunday Scripture Readings: March 24, 2002 Cycle A Readings: March 24, Palm Sunday 1) Matthew 21:1-11 2) Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 19-20, 23-24 3) Phillipians 2:6-11 4) Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66

By BOZENA CLOUTIER Catholic News Service We were stationed in Hawaii when our 7-month-old daughter, Marie, developed an eye infection. The base pediatrician told us to take her to the hospital to consult with specialists.

Once there, a team of doctors examined Marie. Some were for keeping her overnight, but the final decision was that we could take her home providing we brought her in the first thing the next morning or if there was any change in her condition.

Next morning, just as we were leaving for the hospital, the pediatrician called asking about Marie. On hearing that she was not in the hospital he became uncharacteristically angry and literally ordered us to take her there right away. Again the team of doctors saw her and to our joy pronounced that she was significantly better. Trying to understand our pediatrician’s anger, I asked if Marie’s infection had been serious. Yes, they replied, it had been serious. My mind raced to the worst scenario. Could it have caused blindness in the eye? No, probably not, but it was very close to the brain and could

have been fatal. “She could have died.”

“Could have died” — the words were comprehensible, but unbelievable.

Wordlessly, numbly, we took Marie home. There we wept and gave thanks.

Days such as these are so momentous and our emotional response so deep and complex that they leave us wordless and spent. Those days change us.

I thought of that day as I looked over the readings for Palm Sunday.

I experienced a multitude of feelings and found myself secretly wishing that somehow those familiar passages would be different.

This year I did not want the readings to end with death and desolation.

I wanted Jesus to be honored, for the crowd to take his side, for him to be recognized for who he was and spared the cruelty of torture and slow death.

Perhaps more honestly I wanted to be spared the pain, helplessness and sorrow I feel as we listen to those Passion readings. But the readings stand as they are, and so does the reality that our (my!) salvation was obtained at such a high price. I can only accept, grieve and weep. I can resolve to change. And ultimately I must give thanks for such love and such a Savior.

QUESTIONS: Examine your own reactions to these passion readings. What disturbs you? What pains you? What challenges you?

Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of March 24 - March 30 Sunday (Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion), Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 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 50:5-9, 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), Isaiah 52:13—53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1—19:42; Saturday (Holy Saturday), Exodus 14:15—15:1, Romans 6:3-11, Luke 24:1-12 Scripture for the week of March 31 - April 6 Sunday (Easter Sunday), Acts 10:34, 37-43, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, John 20:1-9; Monday (Easter Monday), Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday (Easter Tuesday), Acts 2:36-41, John 20:11-18; Wednesday (Easter Wednesday), Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday (Easter Thursday), Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday (Easter Friday), Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday (Easter

March 22, 2002

Entertain-

Video Reviews

CNS photo from 20th Century Fox

Characters from animated film “Ice Age” Diego the saber-toothed tiger, Sid the sloth and Manfred the woolly mammoth are the star characters in the animated movie “Ice Age.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of Am erica rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

Movie Capsule B Catholic News Service y

NEW YORK (CNS) — Following is a capsule review of a movie recently reviewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

“E.T. The Extraterrestrial” (Universal) Ugly-duckling fable in which a boy (Henry Thomas) befriends a stranded alien creature from outer space and helps him to his home. Director Steven Spielberg fashions an inspiring image of youthful innocence and courage in

a story that some may find overly sentimental. Nevertheless, the childlike fantasy conveys some genuine emotion and a message of trust and peace that the family might enjoy. The 20th anniversary re-release has some computergenerated enhancements, a digitally re-mixed soundtrack and a few minutes of extra footage. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

“The Rookie” (Disney) Uplifting charmer based on the

By Catholic News Service “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001) Visually striking futuristic tale in which a boy robot (Haley Joel Osment), who has been programmed to deeply love his adoptive mother (Frances O’Connor), struggles to survive abandonment in order to become a real boy his mother can love. Writer-director Steven Spielberg creates a combination fairy tale-dark fantasy of haunting imagery but leaves underdeveloped the narrative’s intriguing philosophical questions about technology clashing with humanity. Stylized violence to robots, some sexual innuendo and minimal profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Warner Home Video) “Heist” (2001) Betrayals proliferate in this icy crime drama focusing on four thieves (led by Gene Hackman) who are forced to partner with the nephew (Sam Rockwell) of their boss (Danny DeVito) on a major heist. Writer-director David Mamet’s intricate plotting telegraphs its many double-crosses while the soulless greed of every character leaves the viewer unengaged by their murderous mission. Some intense violence, benign view of theft, fleeting sexual innuendo and constant rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (Warner Home Video) “Joy Ride” (2001) Ugly thriller in which two brothers (Steve Zahn and Paul Walker) driving cross country use a CB radio to play a prank on a lonely trucker who turns out to be a psychotic killer intent on getting even with the siblings. Though the territory is familiar, John Dahl’s direction produces briskly paced suspense and a few goose bumps, but the narrative’s mean-spirited tone is as disturbing as the actual terror. Some violence with a few gory images, brief nudity and much rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (Fox) “The Last Castle” (2001) Set in a military prison, a new inmate who was a three-star general (Robert Redford) gradually unites the prisoners behind him to wrench control from the prison’s barbaric warden (James Gandolfini). While marred by simplistic characterizations, director Rod Lurie’s engrossing prison drama uses military strategies to achieve social justice. Some brutal violence, frequent rough language and an instance of profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (DreamWorks) “Less Than Zero” (1987) Failed cautionary tale about the terrible consequences of the drug scene for three bright high school students in an affluent California community. Director Marek Kanievska spends most of his energies depicting the high-gloss drug

The Catholic News & Herald 11

scene so that none of the main three earn viewer sympathy or interest. Several excessive scenes of simulated sex and a pervasive atmosphere of the sordid depths of the drug culture. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (Fox) “Life as a House” (2001) Contrived drama about a dying man (Kevin Kline) who sets out to fulfill his dream of building his own house while enlisting the help of his estranged son (Hayden Christensen), hoping to salvage the relationship before it’s too late. As directed by Irwin Winkler, this tearjerker’s few life-affirming moments are sullied by several distasteful episodes, while the rudimentary story about the measure and meaning of a man’s worth is emotionally manipulative. An attempted suicide, a few sexual encounters, sporadic drug use, implied male prostitution, brief rear nudity and some rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. (New Line) “Sexy Beast” (2001) A volatile British gangster (Ben Kingsley) shows up at the Spanish villa of his retired partner (Ray Winstone) insisting he return for one more heist, but matters go badly awry with deadly consequences. Director Jonathan Glazer’s shrill, violence-drenched drama presents a benign portrait of a criminal in a smug, high-style tale of evil triumphant. Excessive and gory violence, fleeting orgy scene with nudity and constant rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

(Fox) “Zoolander” (2001) Goofy comedy satirizes the male modeling business as two dimwit models (Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson) and a reporter (Christine Taylor) try to prevent a prime minister’s assassination at a fashion show. Also directed by Stiller, the silly proceedings lack razor-sharp wit but are never mean-spirited although the film flirts with a comic view of promiscuity. Implied orgy with recreational drug use, fleeting, stylized violence, sporadic profanity and crude references. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Paramount)

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

March 22, 2002

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope says God has power to overturn normal course of

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Magnificat, the thanksgiving hymn of Hannah in the Old Testament is a mother’s profession of faith in a God who takes the side of the poor and humiliated, Pope John Paul II said.

Both prayers recognize God as the Lord of life and death, the one who has the power to turn the normal course of events upside down, the pope said March 20 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

The pope’s reflection on Hannah’s hymn was part of a continuing series of audience talks on biblical texts used in morning prayer.

Hannah’s prayer is recited in the temple as she offers God her son, Samuel, whose birth was seen as miraculous because she was sterile.

“Hannah’s sterile womb was like a tomb, and yet God made it bring forth life because ‘in his hand is the soul of every living thing and the life breath of all mankind,’” the pope said.

“In this, we see a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, when life definitively triumphs over death,” he said.

The pope said that, like Mary, whose Magnificat speaks of God casting rulers from their thrones and filling the hungry with good things, Hannah sings a hymn praising God who “overturns destinies.”

In Hannah’s hymn, “the strong are humiliated, the weak are girded with strength, the well-fed go in desperate search of food, the hungry are seated at a sumptuous banquet and the poor are raised from the ashes and given glorious thrones,” he said.

“These are professions of faith pronounced by two mothers in the face of the Lord of history who comes to the defense of the least, the poor and unhappy, the offended and humiliated,” the pope said.

At the end of the audience, Pope John Paul offered his prayers and condolences to the family of Marco Biagi, an Italian government economic adviser murdered March 19 outside his home.

Biagi was working on a hotly contested reform of Italian labor law, and the pope prayed that a climate of harmony and peace would mark the debate and its settlement.

Easter is falling in love again There is something peculiar about the greatest celebration of the liturgical year.

We actually celebrate this great event at a different date every year because we still go by the phases of the moon; in fact, we celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox, obviously set to coincide with the rebirth of life that erupts from an ugly bulb planted in the winter ground, representing a message of hope from nature. So be it! Rabbits, eggs, butterflies and lilies really don’t make Easter, but they are powerful signs of fertility, resurrection and hope. In a cartoon called “The Family Circus,” two children have discovered their Easter baskets and are busily enjoying the contents. One of the children asks, “Who colored all these eggs?” The other child replies, “The Easter Bunny.” Then, the philosophical exchange continues: “Who gave us the jelly beans?” ... The Easter Bunny.

“And the chocolate rabbit?” ... The Easter Bunny. Clearly, for those two little children, nothing was impossible for the Easter Bunny. Then the family went to church. They heard the preacher say, “They came to the tomb and saw the stone had been rolled back. Who could have done this? To which the two children cried out in unison, “The Easter Bunny.”

For me the most powerful symbol is the empty tomb. I have been in many cemeteries blessing tombs, and yet I have never seen an empty tomb. I also know that usually people die after some illness. The Lord, to the best of my knowledge, was perfectly healthy, and yet his days were numbered.

A little boy in summer camp went to the infirmary complaining of a cold. The nurse said to him, “I’ll give you an aspirin, and you’ll feel much better. By the way, you have a fine record. You’ve never been sick before, and this is your thirty-fourth day here.” Later, the boy wrote home: “Dear Mom and Dad, today I got sick and guess what! The nurse said my days are numbered.”

The two Marys who went to the tomb were also astonished in seeing the tomb empty, and I don’t blame them. By reading the account of the resurrection, we clearly understand that the empty tomb is as important as the cross. Were it not for the empty tomb, the cross would have been a tragedy. The two Marys were determined to see the Lord again. Perhaps the crucified Lord was only the beginning of their spiritual journey. Their love story had to continue. Once you fall in love with the Lord, he becomes a magnet in our lives. We search for him because we want to be with him. We don’t know everything about the God-Man who died for us, until

The Bottom Line ANTOINETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist

There’s a little-known fairy tale that I always remember, precisely because it is about a woman who never laughed. She got married and couldn’t have children. She was told she couldn’t have children until she laughed five times.

The story goes on about how she learns to laugh and then the laughing woman becomes this beautiful woman, who now has new life. And because she has new life, she can now give new life, and she is able to have children. Interesting that the key to having new life in this tale is laughter.

Laughter is wonderful for relationships. The famous comedian Victor Borge said it best: “A smile is the shortest distance between two people.”

I have found so many wonderful quotes from respected people who understood the importance and need for humor.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If it were not for my little jokes, I could not bear the burdens of this office.” I quite agree with the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr who once said that “humor is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer.”

I’m convinced, by the way, that heaven is a fun place, full of joy and laughter.

Guest Column FATHER JOHN C. AURILIA, OFM Cap Guest Columnist we become part of his love story.

The advertising business tries to make us fall in love with things. Our Risen Lord is in love with us, not with things. Sometimes the marketing techniques may seem too aggressive in our world. Simply read this ad: FOR SALE

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What makes the resurrection an historical event, rather than a marketing item, is the fact that the two Marys and the disciple who were at the Calvary were also the first ones to witness the empty tomb. The resurrection, therefore, is about “witnessing” the cross and the empty tomb. The reality is that whenever we experience or witness Jesus, we celebrate his life and our lives. Easter must be more than lilies, rabbits, butterflies and eggs when we really listen to what the Gospels tell us about the resurrection. We Catholics are the Gospels’ people, who see the real Jesus, not simply the picture or the statue.

Actress Arlene Francis was strolling in the park one day when she saw a very beautiful little girl at play — so beautiful, in fact, that Ms. Francis could not resist congratulating the child’s mother, who was nearby. “Your daughter is the most beautiful child I have ever seen,” she said. She looks so healthy too: her skin, her hair, her eyes, her teeth, everything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a child so beautiful as she.” “Oh, that’s nothing,” said the mother, “you should see the picture!”

Happy Easter Season ... and enjoy the real person of Jesus in our Eucharistic banquet.

The healing power of laughter I was reading the latest issue of “The Joyful Noiseletter” and, as usual, found myself laughing at one of the items. An Indiana priest, Father Gregory Chamberlin, had sent it in, and it went like this: “One Sunday morning before the beginning of Mass, I asked a group of children ‘What do you have to do to get to heaven?’

“One young theologian yelled at the top of his voice, ‘Ya gotta die!’”

For reminding me of the importance of laughter, I once again silently thanked Cal and Rose Samra, founders of “The Fellowship of Merry Christians.” Theirs is a ministry of getting Christians to smile, precisely because they are Christians.

I especially applaud them for proclaiming April as “Holy Humor Month.” Because, Cal Samra says reverently, this is Eastertime, and it was at Easter that the biggest joke in the world occurred. “The joke that God played on Satan by rising from the dead was indisputably the greatest and most imaginative practical joke in the history of the world.”

Explaining the fellowship he founded in the early ’80s, Samra says: “Our modest aim is to recapture the spirit of joy, humor, unity and healing power of the early Christians. We try to be merry more than twice a year!”

That resonated with me. I often have wondered why more emphasis isn’t placed on humor in liturgy and worship. After all, humor, like everything else in life, is part of God’s invention, so why have we ignored it so when it comes to remembering the Lord?

Not that the saints did. Many of them were infamous for how they accentuated the positive — with, I’m sure, a smile. St. Francis of Assisi did some pretty funny things in his life, and he strongly advised: “Leave sadness to the devil.

The devil has reason to be sad.” And St. Teresa of Avila would pray, “From somber, serious, sullen saints, save us, O Lord.”

March 22, 2002

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle MSGR. JIM LISANTE Guest Columnist

his absolute, and always freely-given love, I realized who my truest hero is. It’s my Grandpa.”

So many of us seek someone special to emulate, to admire, to look up to. Maybe we look too far. There could be some truly remarkable people close to home, if we only have the eyes to see. Sometimes they come in the form of stooped and wrinkled figures. Sometimes those worn out bodies hide hearts of radiant gold.

Jenny, Jonathan’s sister also spoke that day. Her eulogy took the form of a poem: You are in my heart, Grandpa No matter where I am You are to me like A warm and bright sunshine amidst the cloudy gray A spot of colorful joy that doesn’t fade away Rising in me and through me And our whole family eternally.

Faithfulness and love leave their own legacy. Jim Nevins, rest in peace.

For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, ALL IN THE FAMILY, write: The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017; or e-mail: mail@ christophers.org

respond generously to the need for transplant organs.

Perhaps better than any further comment of mine is the following letter I received, also responding to the same column. It comes from a 72-year-old father of eight children, who carries it in his wallet: To: Doctors, Hospitals, Emergency Medical Personnel, At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function, and for all intents and purposes my life has stopped. When that happens, don’t call this my death bed. Call it my “bed of life,” and let my body be taken to help others lead fuller lives.

—Give my sight to a man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman.

—Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.

—Give my brain to: Brain and Tissue Bank for Development Disorders, 655 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201-1599. My hope is they can find a way to cure dystonia and Tourette’s syndrome, both of which I have.

—Give my blood to the teen-ager who has been pulled from the wreckage of his car so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.

—Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week.

—Give my lungs to someone who could not quit smoking soon enough.

—Take my bones, every muscle, fiber and nerve in my body, and find a way to make a crippled child walk.

—Take my cells and let them grow so a speechless child will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window.

—Send what is left of my body to be used for study and training of new doctors. If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all my prejudice against my fellow man.

—Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If you wish to remember me, do it with a kind word or deed to someone who needs you.

If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

I am grateful to this Ohio reader for sharing with the rest of us this much-needed and hopeful reminder of the good we can do even after we die.

Close to home heroes I was called recently to officiate at the funeral for a high school classmate’s Dad. He was a true nobleman, his father, always doing for others. Jim Nevins not only went to church regularly, he also put his faith into action. There are countless families, down on their luck, who had occasion to seek his help through decades of service in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He never turned his back on anyone.

At home, Jim faced his own challenges. He had a beloved daughter in a difficult marriage. After three beautiful babies arrived, her husband walked out. Jim Nevins and his equally devoted wife welcomed their daughter and her children into their home.

The Nevinses put aside their own longtime plans and got on with the business of raising a new generation of children. I know from my classmate Tom, the uncle to these three children, that the going was not always easy.

Children are the greatest miracle in the world, but they don’t come with instructions. You learn by doing, and sometimes that includes mistakes. The key is faithfulness, being there through the valleys and mountaintops of daily living. Jim Nevins was there for those children, always.

At the funeral service, one of those children, now a grown and married man in his twenties, got up to speak.

His name is Jonathan, and his words were simple, eloquent, and powerful testimony to the power of one life well lived for others: “In so many ways, my Granddad was the only real father figure I had. Everyone talks about love in the family.

His was real. In fact, it was unconditional. For a long time I think we just thought that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Didn’t realize how great was his giving, his sacrifice for us.”

Jonathan continued, “For a lot of my life, I looked for heroes. In my teenage years, the heroes were mostly professional athletes. Their power and success, the adulation they enjoyed, made them bigger than life. They were my heroes for a time. Then as I got older and more career oriented, I came to admire money and those who made a lot of it. So people like Bill Gates became my heroes.

“Recently, watching my grandfather struggle with illness, I got focused on what really makes someone a hero.

And remembering my grandfather’s devotion to us, his self-sacrifice, his great sense of humor even in difficult times,

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

The different dates for Easter Q. The different dates for Easter each year cause a lot of inconvenience and confusion, especially with school schedules.

Why can’t we celebrate Easter on a specific date, like Christmas and other feasts? (Oklahoma) A. Easter is determined by the lunar calendar because of its connection with the Jewish Passover, which is dated according to lunar cycles. Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring.

Arguments concerning the date for Easter, some of them quite bitter and prolonged, have been going on for centuries among Christians. Not long ago a new effort was under way to find a more consistent Sunday for the celebration (as, for example, the first Sunday of April), but agreement seems yet a long way off.

Concern over donating organs Q. Your recent column about donating bodily organs bothered me. It’s fine if others want to do it. But I would feel terrible knowing that my body will be divided that way.

Thank God it’s still voluntary, I think, and we’re not forced to make these donations. Does the church still encourage it? (New York) A. Donating organs and body tissue after death will always be voluntary, of course. As I’ve explained previously, however, the church, and the pope very explicitly, urge us to

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Our Turn Therese J. Borchard CNS Columnist Why I’m sticking with the church even now How can you continue to place your trust in the Catholic Church after hearing about all those priests?

I hear this question a lot these days.

The topic surfaces at most play groups and moms’ hours that I attend. Predictably, within the first half hour of our meeting, someone will mention the latest bit on the priest pedophilia scandal. As if choreographed, there are simultaneous shrieks of disgust and disappointing sighs.

Most of these young moms would agree with me that sexual molestation of children is the most severe violation of a young person’s respect and dignity, thwarting healthy emotional, psychological and spiritual development, and often causing permanent damage.

Each morning when I sit down with my paper and coffee and read about the most recent charge of pedophilia, I think about my little prince and imagine how outraged I’d be if a trusted priest, a friend of the family, abused him in any way.

But I won’t leave the church over it. No way.

The church is dysfunctional but that it’s my family. It’s my home. I would no more desert it than I would a sister with a prison record or an alcoholic father.

No profession is without its bad apples. How much confidence would I have in the health-care system if I knew about every physician who had been busted with medical malpractice? I might bury life savings under my mattress if I learned about all the small Enrons out there. And I know the government is not immune to corruption. I’m not that naive.

When Bill Clinton admitted on national television that he did have an inappropriate relationship with that woman — Ms. Lewinsky — I experienced the same nausea I felt when the Boston priest scandal broke. We expect flawless character and moral purity from our political and spiritual leaders. We put them on high — too high in my estimation — pedestals.

Like most Americans, I didn’t pin my disappointment over Clinton on George W. Bush just because the two share the same job. So why is the Catholic Church as an institution at fault for the grave, personal disorders of a handful of its ministers? And why have the reports of a few pedophiles tainted many people’s respect for the priesthood in general?

That’s not fair.

I blame the pedophiles for their heinous crimes. But I also blame the press for making pedophilia seem unique to the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, sexual abuse of children happens in churches, seminaries and offices of virtually all religions and professions.

Although the exact number of pedophilia cases in the United States is not known, Father Stephen Rossetti, a psychologist and adviser to the U.S. bishops, believes that the rate of child molestation by priests is probably no different from that of the general population.

How can I continue to place my trust in the Catholic Church after such horrifying stories?

Because of the priests I know, and the priests I love.

Because of the one who married my husband and me, who never forgets my birthday, my feast day, my wedding anniversary. Because of the one whom I trust with

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

Charlotte native honored for commitment to public BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College announced Charlotte entrepreneur, Robert M. Gallagher, as this year’s recipient of the annual Grace Award in a special gala on campus March 11.

The Gallagher family was in attendance, as well as Bishop William G. Curlin of the Diocese of Charlotte, Dr. James Gearity, president of Belmont Abbey College, and Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., chancellor of the college.

The Grace Award, presented by the Belmont Abbey College Associates and the Board of Advisors, is presented to an outstanding individual whose contributions and commitments have significantly improved the quality of life throughout the region and whose life serves as an inspiring example to others. The award is named for Charles L. “Chuck” Grace, president of Cummins Atlantic, Inc., of Charlotte and a longtime supporter of Belmont Abbey College.

Others who have received the Grace

March 22, 2002

In the

Award include, Herman Blumenthal, Bynum and Rebecca Carter, Howard A. “Humpy” Wheeler, Jr., Felix S. Sabates, Thomas Efird, and Father Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Gallagher has served on the college’s Board of Advisors and its Board of Trustees. A 1972 graduate of the c ollege, Gallagher earned the Belmont Abbey College’s Alumnus of the Year in 2000.

Holding degrees in economics, business, and tax law, Gallagher currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of his own company, Good Will Publishers, Inc., one of the largest publishers and distributors of religious and value-oriented books in the country.

In addition to his work for the college, Gallegher has been active in other civic events and served on a number of church counsels and boards.

Photo courtesy of Belmont Abbey College

Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., and Dr. James Gearity, president of Belmont Abbey, flank entrepreneur Robert Gallagher, this year’s recipient of the annual Grace Award. The award was presented at a special gala on campus March 11.

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Administrative Committee puts sex abuse of minors on agenda of General WASHINGTON — The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has put the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy on the agenda of the June General Meeting of the full body of Bishops.

The Conference’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse has been asked to review and report on recommendations leading to “a comprehensive response on the national level” to ensure “the safety of children and the healing of victims and their families.”

The Administrative Committee is made up of nearly 50 Bishops whose responsibilities are to carry on the work of the Conference between General Meetings and to set the agenda for these meetings.

The June General Meeting will be held in Dallas, June 13-15.

The Administrative Committee issued the following statement: “We, the members of the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, meeting in Washington, D.C., discussed with the greatest concern the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy which, we profoundly regret, has so wounded God’s people. We recognize our responsibility as bishops to address this problem more effectively.

“We discussed a variety of recommendations for means to prevent sexual abuse and to assure a safe environment for children.

“The Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual

Abuse was given the charge to review these suggestions and others which it may surface to recommend a comprehensive response on the national level at our June General Meeting that ensures the safety of children and the healing of victims and their families.

“We affirm the five principles first announced in 1992, “1. Respond promptly to all allegations of abuse where there is reasonable belief that abuse has occurred.

“2. If such an allegation is supported by sufficient evidence, relieve the alleged offender promptly of his ministerial duties and refer him for appropriate medical evaluation and intervention.

“3. Comply with the obligations of civil law as regards reporting of the incident and cooperating with the investigation.

“4. Reach out to the victims and their families and communicate sincere commitment to their spiritual and emotional well-being.

“5. Within the confines of respect for privacy of the individuals involved, deal as openly as possible with the members of the community.

“The full body will be asked to consider how these principles can be further developed and whether additional principles should be formulated as the foundation for future action.”

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March 22, 2002

Around the Di-

Chocolate Sunday offers much for

By JOANITA M. NELLENBACH Correspondent HIGHLANDS — Chocolate crosses and bunnies carried by members of the parish’s youth group were part of the offertory procession at Our Lady of the Mountains (OLM) March 3. About a dozen youngsters participated.

Father William M. Evans blessed the unusual gifts that they might bring joy and happiness to those who receive them.

This was “Chocolate Sunday,” a project to provide gifts to REACH of Macon County. The chocolate goodies were placed in eight Easter baskets that will be combined with baskets from other groups throughout the community and given to children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in their own homes.

Chocolate Sunday was also the “kickoff to youth participation in liturgy, at least on a monthly basis,” Mary Beth Brody, OLM’s choir director,

said. “We want to support our children and to support their participation. We don’t want them not coming to church when they’re teen-agers because (they think) it’s boring, and they didn’t have a good experience.”

Brody got the idea from a Catholic Church in New Orleans where youth were much-involved in the liturgy.

The OLM choir donated the baskets, Easter grass, jellybeans, plastic eggs, ribbon and the cellophane to cover the baskets. A collection the week before provided the money for the chocolate. To emphasize the Chocolate-Sunday theme, Brody said, “The boys passed out ice cream sundae glasses during Mass, and the congregation contributed.”

After Mass everyone ate ice cream sundaes in the church hall.

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Bible study class experiences Seder CHARLOTTE — The daytime Bible study class at St. Matthew Church participated in a Seder meal as a followup to the group’s study of the Book of Revelation March 12. Group member Elizabeth Hoffman hosted the meal, which is a Passover ceremony.

The ceremony paralleled part of the Catholic Mass, according to group member Aida Tamayo. Tamayo said that Hoffman, who is extremely knowledgeable in biblical events, spared no

detail in hosting the Seder and made it a wonderful learning event for the class.

The group wanted to thank Hoffman for her spiritual leadership and her incredible faith that serves as an inspiration to them.

The Bible study class uses the Little Rock Scripture’s unique combination of study, reflection and prayer to lead to a transformation of faith. In April, the class will offer the Little Rock Scripture’s study of the book of Exodus.

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or e-mail jnell@dnet.net.

Photo courtesy of Aida Tamayo

Elizabeth Hoffman hosts a Seder meal, a Passover ceremony, for the daytime Bible study class at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte March 12.

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

March 22, 2002

Living the

Sister embraces vocation, develops hard times.

By ALESHA M. PRICE “We were poor, but we didn’t know Staff Writer it,” she said. “My mother and father were CHARLOTTE — Barbara Jean able to manage even through economic Warren grew up like any other young difficulty.” woman during the 1930s and ’40s. As in She attended high school and had the many other families during that era, her same ideas, hopes and dreams as other mother stayed at home while her father young women her age. She wore sweaters, worked as a lineman for Carolina Power bobby socks and saddle shoes and dated and Light. Even though her father came young men while in high school and in from a strong Baptist family, he met and college. After graduation married a Catholic womin 1943, she attended St. an and moved back to his Genevieve Junior Colhometown of Asheville lege and High Point Uniafter his discharge from versity with the hopes of the service. becoming a laboratory “My mother was a technician because of a woman of great courage love of biology. who always maintained She moved to Charher faith in the presence of lotte in 1949 and began great adversity. I owe my working for Charlotte own strong sense of faith Memorial Hospital, to her,” said Mercy Sister which later became CarMary Timothy Warren. olinas Medical Center, The couple raised in the histology departtheir girls Catholic, and ment.

Warren attended CathoShe had begun atlic middle school. Her tending daily Mass at St. faith life was not filled Patrick Cathedral, where with ministerial work; she Mercy Sister Msgr. John Manley was simply attended Sunday Mary Timothy Warren the pastor. He had previMasses and novenas with ously served as the pastor her family. While faith of St. Joan of Arc Church in Asheville, her and spirituality were a significant part of her childhood church. She expressed her desire life, she did not always have a clear focus. “I to become a woman religious to Msgr. think I enjoyed going to the novenas more Manley, and her trust in him led her to the to meet people than to say prayers,” she Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Regional joked.

Community of North Carolina.

So, when she decided, at the age of 26, “I was nervous and scared. I didn’t to enter religious life, many of her friends know anything about them, but they were were surprised. “They thought that I nice,” said Sister Mary Timothy, who enhad too much fun to enter religious life. tered in 1951. “My father wasn’t too happy I wasn’t very pious or religious as a kid, about it, and my mother was surprised but and I didn’t have this jolting experience, happy for me. In those days, I thought I just this nudging inside,” said Sister Mary would be praying a lot. I didn’t know a lot Timothy. “At first, I just didn’t want to do about what they did.” it. I wasn’t attracted to it, and yet, the urgAfter six months of postulancy, she ing was there.” taught at St. Benedict School in Belmont As a child, she and her five sisters and realized that she had a love of teachplayed outside until they were called for ing and a love of students. She moved meals. Their games of sledding during the into the next phase of her preparation to winters and skating during the summers become a woman religious — the ritual down the nearby hill were part of their recof reception, where she received her veil reation. She grew up during the Depression and chose her name — Mary Timothy. but says that the family made it through

School, St. Joan of Arc School and St Agnes School in Greenport, Long Island. She was also the dean of students at Sacred Heart College in Belmont; a cytology technician, director of continuing education and pastoral minister at Mercy Hospital; and the pastoral associate at St. Gabriel Church.

She says that she equally enjoyed working as a principal and in pastoral ministry. “I liked working with children in helping them form their consciences, and it has been gratifying to minister to and for people. One of the nice things is when you go to funerals and weddings, and you see people you taught. It’s nice to see how successful they have become,” she said.

Sister Mary Timothy, currently the diocesan lay ministry director and vicar for women religious, says that she has not regretted any of her time as a women religious and that her vocation has been personally fulfilling. After attending the Institute for Pastoral Life several years ago in Missouri — a three-yearlong commitment — she developed the lay ministry program for the diocese currently in place.

“Many spiritual opportunities have been available to me, and I’ve been able to participate in things that I would not have if I hadn’t been a part of my community,” said Sister Mary Timothy. “I am grateful to the Sisters of Mercy for all of the opportunities that I have been able to have, and I have enjoyed my life.”

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

“Timothy was my maternal grandfather’s name,” she said.

During her time as a novice, she spent a canonical year studying the vows and working in the motherhouse. Even though she was fairly certain that she had made the correct choice, the rules of silence sometimes tried her patience. “I think they were frustrating because I liked to talk,” she said with a laugh. “I grew to understand the reason because there needed to be times of meditation and prayer.”

After final vows approximately four years later, she received her black veil to replace the white one she wore, a ring to symbolize her betrothal to Jesus and a crucifix to wear around her neck. After Vatican II, the style of dress changed along with other changes in religious communities. The skirts were shortened, and habits became optional. Sister Mary Timothy chooses not to wear a habit these days, but she often thinks back to when the changes were first enacted.

“When I entered, we wore the old habit, and I remember all of the pain and agony that we went through when we were considering changing the religious dress,” she said. “There were many people who were affected by that. It was shocking for some sisters who had lived for over 50 years in that dress.

“Back in those days, you packed your trunk in August and waited to find out where you were being assigned next.

Now, you talk to your superior about your appointment. I’ve learned to make adjustments as the church has changed, and some of those changes have been easier than others,” she said.

During her nearly 50 years as a woman religious, Sister Mary Timothy has worked as a principal and teacher at St. Gabriel