March 24, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 1

March 24, 2000

March 24, 2000 Volume 9 t Number 29

Inside Glenmary Priest gives economic justice message ...Page 3

Catechists urged to renew faith ...Page 5

The Pope’s historic visit to the Holy Land ...Pages 8-9

Local News Faithful citizenship a moral imperative, official says Living the Faith

Mountain doctor making a difference in Madison County

...Page 16

Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13

The“Lent Season of Lent 2000: I am thirsty” A column by Father John Aurilia

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

Lent in the Lives of Youth

Retreat reminds students about Lent’s significance

that seeing people who are less fortunate and turning your back is like turning your back to God.” The retreatants also took part in

By Alesha M. Price an arts and crafts activity where they Staff Writer constructed banners depicting the HUNTERSVILLE — Luke 4: Stations of the Cross for a Saturday 1-15 — The passage about Jesus’ forty afternoon presentation to the group. days of temptation in the desert was The activity that many of the the central focus of the Lenten Reteens favorably commented about was treat 2000 for high school youth. The the World Hunger Banquet, which had retreat, entitled “Into the Wild, Led them separated into three groups — by the Spirit ... Out From the Wild, first, second and third worlds — repArmed with the Spirit” was held at St. resentative of the world’s population Mark Church during the weekend of and given food accordingly. The first March 17-19. It served as a meeting world was served a full meal, and the place for diocesan youth from various second world had vegetables and an backgrounds to reflect on Lent and its adequate supply of water in cups. meaning in the lives of Catholics.

However, those from the third The weekend consisted of small world, the group with the most people, and large group activities and presenwere given bread and water, without tations from the team leaders based cups. As in society, many in the three on prayer, fasting, charity, almsgiving different groups reacted in the same and sacrifice. The sessions were mixed way as the general population. with journal writing, prayer ser“The third world folks were comvices given by each of the six smaller plaining and upset and trying to steal groups, arts and crafts and games. food. Eventually, some from the second “We focused on temptation with world gave their food away, while those Lent being our own personal wilderfrom the first world watched, which ness time. For some young people, the was really interesting,” explained Rochallenges of Lent are harder than for bichaux. “One girl from the first world others because they are growing up s a i d that she wanted to help but felt Photos by Alesha M. Price in today’s culture, which brings like she couldn’t because no one its own temptations,” said Paul Students are taking part in a Stations of the Cross in her group acted.”

Kotlowski, diocesan director of activity during the Lenten Retreat 2000 at St. Matthew Houghland, 16, youth ministry. “This is a means Mark Church in Huntersville during the March from St. Mark Church in Huntfor the young church to enter 17-19 weekend. First picture from left to right, ersville said that the activity more fully into the Lenten ex- Jennifer Murphy and Elizabeth Misiewicz from helped to demonstrate what the perience by pulling out of the Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, Evan Hege world is actually like, but on a fast lane and entering into Jesus’ from Holy Spirit Church in Denver, and Matthew larger scale, he thought more life and responding to the call of Houghland from St. Mark in Huntersville, second people would probably give more Lent to conversion in prepara- picture from left to right, Liem Nguyen from of what they had. tion of Easter.”

Other activities included St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte and One of the activities rea presentation on Jesus in the Courtney Colon from Our Lady of Consolation quired the students to find picGarden of Gethsemane and the tures of worldly temptations in Church in Charlotte, and third picture from crucifixion and a silent reflection magazines to paste on one side left to right, Fernando Steele from Our Lady of time, rosary prayer and closing of a card with a related Bible pas- Consolation Church and Phong T. Nguyen from Mass.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church. sage on the other side.

Sixteen-year-old Hanna Sixteen-year-old Jezrael Gordola, a parishioner from St. As the weekend progressed, the Hood from Our Lady of ConsolaStephen Church in Elkin, said, “I liked teens’ feelings about the other particition Church in Charlotte said that activbeing with people I’ve never been with pants and their roles as young Cathoity was one of the parts that he liked. “I before, and it was nice to reflect on lics also seemed to move forward. am exposed to many temptations in my my religion and how it affects me and Matthew Newton, 14, from St. life, but I tend to reject them. You have other people.

It is hard because I come Jude Church in Sapphire Valley was to in order to remain close to God.” from a predominately white neighborskeptical about the retreat. “It has John Robichaux, the Office of hood with mostly Protestant families, turned out better than I expected.

Youth Ministry event coordinator, said and in the Phillipines, most of the I’ve met a lot of new people, and it that the other teens seemed to underpeople are Catholic.

So, it was nice behas been nice to hang out with others stand the overall theme and to grasp ing with other Catholics from different communicating about church and our the point of the activities. “This group backgrounds.” personal lives with people other than has been excellent, and they are one of One of the team leaders, 20-yearmy friends at home. We have formed a the more energetic and largest groups old Erin Graves, a junior at the Unikind of trust with each other.”

I have seen, with 38 participants. They versity of North Carolina at Charlotte, Hood agreed, “This retreat has have been really outgoing toward each brought me closer to God because of other and the topics.”

See LENTEN RETREAT, page 5 the teachings I have learned. I realize

2 The Catholic News & Herald gious leaders including two national rabbinical groups. In a joint statement the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform) and the Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative) hailed the pope’s “inspiring leadership” and “courageous strides in working to heal the historic breach that has separated our communities.” In a separate statement the Executive Committee of the Rabbinic Committee for Interreligious Dialogue called the pope’s expression of sorrow a “revolutionary and epic-making confession.”

Only General Assembly can review Vatican U.N. status, says official UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, cannot conduct the review of the Vatican’s U.N. status that Catholics for a Free Choice has called for, according to a spokeswoman at U.N. headquarters in New York.

Myriam Dessables, a staff member in the office of the spokesman for the secretary-general, told Catholic News Service in mid-March that such a review could be conducted only if it was formally requested by the General Assembly. So far, no government has taken or proposed any action that could lead to the voting of such a request.

AFL-CIO, bishops to collaborate on amnesty, immigration reforms WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops and the AFL-CIO will collaborate on efforts to reform U.S. immigration policy, including a new amnesty program for illegal immigrants. At a March 15 press briefing, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, and Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Camden, N.J., announced that the two organizations will work together to seek fundamental changes in U.S. immigration policies. The church-union collaboration will start by coordinating with like-minded organizations and establishing a core agenda, said Bishop DiMarzio, who chairs the bishops’ Migration Committee. “Obviously, a broader coalition needs to be developed.”

English text recounts Romero’s anger at curial stonewalling

CNS photo from Reuters

Mass suicide in Uganda A crucifix is found outside the prayer house at the compound where some 500 people died in a mass suicide in Kanungu, Uganda, March 19.

Those found burned to death were said to be members of a Christian cult “Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God.” Some of the cult leaders were former Catholic priests and nuns.

Cardinal announces opening of Dorothy Day’s sainthood cause NEW YORK (CNS) — Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York announced “with great joy” that the Vatican had approved opening the cause for canonization of Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker leader who died in 1980.

“With this approval comes the title Servant of God,” he wrote in his March 16 column in his archdiocesan weekly newspaper, Catholic New York “What a gift to the church in New York and to the church universal this is!” On the same day, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, Texas, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement calling the Vatican approval “a blessed moment for the church in the United States.”

Jewish, Christian leaders laud papal apology WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope John Paul II’s jubilee-year apology for wrongs committed by Catholics has drawn strong praise from U.S. reli-

Episcopal March 24, 2000 Volume 9 • Number 29

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

March 24, 2000

The World in

c a l e n-

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: March 28 — 6:30 pm Diocesan School Board Mass and Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte March 29 Priest Personnel Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte April 1 — 1 pm Confirmation Sacred Heart, Salisbury April 1 — 7 pm Catholic Social Services Annual Beatty Awards Banquet Founders Hall, Charlotte April 2 — 11 am Mass St. Patrick Cathedral April 4 — 7:30 pm Penance Service St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

WASHINGTON (CNS) — An English translation of a book about slain Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero recounts his anger at being in Rome to meet Pope John Paul II, then being stonewalled by Vatican officials.

The story is one of several vignettes in “Oscar Romero: Memories in Mosaic,”

by Maria Lopez Vigil, a Cuban-born journalist and editor of Envio, the Jesuit magazine on Central American affairs.

The book, a translation of the Spanish work published in 1993, was released in mid-March, just before the 20th anniversary of the archbishop’s death. The account is based on Lopez’s interview with Archbishop Romero in Madrid May 11, 1979, as he returned to San Salvador from Rome.

‘Roe’ abortion case figures ask courts to reconsider rulings WASHINGTON (CNS) — The women in whose names the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973 are asking the courts to reconsider those rulings on the grounds that their par-

Diocesan

plan -

9 — St. Luke Church in Charlotte at 7 p.m., April 10 — St. Mark Church in Huntersville at 7 p.m., April 11 — St. Matthew Church in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m., April 12 — St. Peter Church in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. and St. Vincent Church in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m., April 13 — St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m., April 15 — St. Joseph Church in Charlotte at 1 p.m., April 16 — St. Ann Church in Charlotte at 4 p.m., April 17 — Our Lady of Assumption Church in Charlotte at 7 p.m., and April 18 — St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m.

5 CONCORD — The Catholic Home School Group of St. James Church, 251 Union St. North, is holding a curriculum night from 6-9 p.m. in the church hall, located under the church.

For further information, call Geri Young at (704) 795-6077.

WAYNESVILLE — Augustinian Fa-

ticipation was coerced and exploited and that many women today have abortions under similar coercive circumstances. At a March 15 press conference, Norma McCorvey and Sandra Cano Saucedo said they are making their appeal in connection with a New Jersey class-action lawsuit by women who have unsuccessfully tried to sue doctors who performed abortions on them without first obtaining informed and voluntary consent. That case, Santa Marie vs. Whitman, follows attempts by three women who had abortions to sue different doctors and clinics for wrongful death of their babies.

Ten convicted for trespassing at School of Americas protests COLUMBUS, Ga. (CNS) — A 70-year-old Catholic nun and nine others have been convicted of trespassing during protests last fall at the U.S. Army School of the Americas.

Nine people who joined last November’s 12,000-person protest aimed at shutting down the military training program at Fort Benning, Ga., were convicted March 10 and face sentences of up to six months in prison and fines of up to $5,000. A 10th protester who also engaged in a separate December protest was also found guilty in a March 13 trial. He faces a possible sentence of 12 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Priest charged with murder of Guatemalan auxiliary bishop SAN SALVADOR (CNS) — A Guatemalan prosecutor formally charged a diocesan priest with the murder of Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera of Guatemala City. Police officers delivered the charges March 10 to Father Mario Orantes in a city hospital, where he is recovering from a chronic ailment.

Father Orantes lived in the same house as Bishop Gerardi and claimed to be the first person to find his body April 26, 1998. Under Guatemalan law, the charge of “murder” covers direct and indirect involvement in a crime, said Neri Rodenas, director of the archdiocesan human rights office.

ther Augustine M. Esposito is directing the St. John Church, 234 Church St., parish mission today through April 7.

The mission begins today with a covered dish supper in the parish hall at 5:30 p.m. with Mass and the first talk at 7 p.m.

Father Esposito will celebrate morning liturgies at 9 a.m. on April 6 and 7. On April 6 there will be evening sung prayer and a homily, and on April 7, there will be the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from the end of 9 a.m. Mass until the 7 p.m. closing of the retreat. For more information, call the church office at (828) 456-6707.

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to publication date.

March 24, 2000

Around the Di-

The Catholic News & Herald 3

Glenmary priest visits with economic justice

By Joanita M. Nellenbach Correspondent ASHEVILLE — “If you want to be a holy and wonderful person, you’ve got to look after your economic life and the economic lives of those around you,” Father John S. Rausch told attendees at “Putting Your Faith to Work: Transforming Society,” a workshop held March 18 at St. Eugene Catholic Church.

It’s all about choice, Father Rausch said, and the choice should affirm human dignity, opt for the poor and involve community. Father Rausch, a Glenmary priest, has organized three worker-owned business in central Appalachia; taught at the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center in Berea, Ky.; and has organized the Mountain Management Institute to serve the business needs of Appalachian cooperatives. His column, “Economy of Faith,” appears in 22 diocesan newspapers, including The Catholic News & Herald.

The marketplace drives everything, including how people regard each other. “In the marketplace,” Father Rausch said, “your worth equals your wealth. What happens in the marketplace when you’re not strong, smart or beautiful?”

Even when people can work, their income is often insufficient to meet their needs. “The global economy should be called the one-third economy because only one-third of the world can participate,” Father Rausch said.

the purpose of making life better for others,” he said. He also suggested getting together with friends to work for better conditions for the poor and disadvantaged by forming a mediating structure, “which is one in which each person is heard, but together we have more punch.”

That made an impression on the Rev. Beth Glass, a Methodist minister who is director of Transylvania Christian Ministries. “I though it was wonderful,” she said, “bringing the issues of the poor to the megastructure so those issues can be heard. And I think about how the poor go home to their houses and we go home to ours, and what could we be doing to bring us together?”

Claudia Blackstock, a parishioner at St. Eugene, also was impressed with the workshop and its focus on social justice. “Sometimes you wonder what you could do,” she said. “It’s given me a lot to think about.”

Father Rausch suggested that the church’s social teachings are principles. “Everyone of us has to figure out how to put those principles into play in their own lives. We (the church) have a vision that we can be stewards of creation, have a fulfilling life, and live in community with others because we don’t take everything for ourselves.” t

Carolina’s fastest-growing parish kicks off

CHARLOTTE — The Carolinas’ fastest-growing parish has announced “Campaign 2000: Give to Touch a Life.” St. Matthew Church launches its capital campaign this weekend with a goal of $2.5 million for expanded spiritual, educational and recreational facilities. Plans include a multi-purpose/education center, a daily Mass chapel, and a sports and recreation

facility. Landscaped gardens are also in the plans, as are memorial dedications available for parishioners and supporters. St. Matthew Church now has more than 12,000 registered parishioners representing over 4,000 families. Sixty parish ministries address a variety of needs, and five Masses are celebrated each weekend. t

ognition Process Workshop is being held today from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. James Church, 251 Union St. North.

The courses offered are part of the requirements for catechist certification. Call Marylin Kravatz, Southern Region coordinator for the Office of Faith Formation, at (704) 370-3247 for further information.

2 CLEMMONS — The Fourth Annual Mother/Daughter Tea is for mothers and daughters of all ages to share the afternoon together. The event is being held at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., in the parish center from 2-4:30 p.m. All attendants should try to bring at least six pictures for the “Creative Memories” craft project. Finger sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and more are being served. For ticket information, call (336) 778-2670.

4 CHARLOTTE VICARIATE — Lenten reconciliation services are being held as follows: April 4 — St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte at 7:30 p.m., April 5 — Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte at 7 p.m., April

March 26 KING — Good Shepherd Church, East End of Kirby Rd., is sponsoring a parish mission today through March 28 with Father John Hoover of New Creation Monastery as the facilitator.

The title of the mission is “Practical Spirituality for the Home” with topics on praying with Sunday scriptures, sacraments, keeping the Sabbath Day and process in the spiritual life. All are invited to attend the two daily sessions.

Call the church office at (336) 983-2680 for further details.

29 ASHEVILLE — The Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., is offering a course on the doctors, scholars and fathers of the Church. The series of classes are being held in the St. Justin Building across the street from the basilica. Tonight’s class focusing on St. Benedict takes place from 7:30-9 p.m.

Upcoming classes include Venerable Bede on April 5, St. Jerome on April 12 and Pope John Paul II on May 2. Call the church faith formation office for

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Father John S. Rausch chats with attendees at his workshop on social justice held March 18 at St. Eugene Catholic Church.

“The two-thirds can sew my pants, but they don’t make enough to buy what they produce. When you are in the marketplace, the wants of the rich bid against the needs of the poor. We send a message into the marketplace if we continue to consume luxury goods. As a consumer, my choice of lifestyle has an impact on the economic system.”

Father Rausch, who has a master’s degree in economics from Notre Dame, said that economics is based on scarcity. “It also is called the science of choice,” he said. “You can have a standing forest or cut it down and make tables and chairs. Economics also is a study of power. A company can devastate a small community.”

He suggested that people ask themselves how much they need, as opposed to how much they want. “We should all have enough, in order to be more,” he said. “When you have enough, you can dispose yourself to grow. If you don’t have enough, you can’t function well and your mind will always be on yourself.

“The marketplace is not a dogma,

but it is a device. It’s wonderful, but it falls down. If it was so great, there wouldn’t be 44 million people without health insurance or one out of five children in the United States who are malnourished. I’m not saying throw out the marketplace, but let’s recognize that it’s limited.”

In the Old Testament, idolatry was the greatest sin; the New Testament equates only one thing with it, “the greed that is idolatry” (Colossians 4:5), because, Father Rausch said, “you are taking a part of creation and making it your god.”

We use the “poor you will always have with you” (John 12:8) as an excuse not to do anything,” Father Rausch said. “Mary was in a stance of listening, so she could hear. We have to be careful who we are listening to. We have to hear what the poor are saying.

What’s important, more toys for me, or enough for everyone?”

There are other things we can do besides living simpler lives, he said.

“Invest yourself in a group that has

further details at (828) 252-8816.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE — Lenten reconciliation services are being held as follows: March 29 — St. Leo the Great Church in WinstonSalem at 10 a.m. and a Spanish service at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem at 7 p.m. tonight, and March 31 — Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem at 10:30 a.m.

30 ASHEVILLE — All are invited to a healing Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church, 919 Haywood Rd., tonight at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow. For more information, contact the church office at (828) 252-3151.

31 GREENSBORO — The Our Lady of Grace Church staff are sponsoring a fish fry today from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 2205 West Market St. in the school cafeteria. Patrons may dine-in or take out dinners of fried fish, baked potatoes, hush puppies, Cole slaw and beverages. Proceeds will benefit a local charity. For more details, call the church office at (336) 274-6520.

HICKORY — To experience the pres-

ence of Jesus while walking down the road to Emmaus, there is a men’s Emmaus retreat at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. and continuing this weekend until 3 p.m. on April 2. Space is limited. For more information about registration, call Joe Christian at (704) 543-1892.

MAGGIE VALLEY — Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, is having a retreat, “Conscious Breathing: Taking a Journey to Wholeness,” this weekend through April 2. Mary Guthrie and Augustinian Father Terry Hyland are showing how relaxation and proper breathing can profoundly influence every dimension of a person’s life. The focus is God’s spirit breathing within everyone. For reservations, call the center at (828) 926-3833.

April 1 CONCORD — A Catechist Rec-

4 The Catholic News & Herald

March 24, 2000

Around the Di-

Sisters are doing it for

The workshops include a focus on solidarity, health and spirituality, with topics including “Sister to Sistah” about building relationships between black Catholic lay women and black Catholic women religious, the link between institutional racism and the link with stress among black women and group witnessing to Jesus’ role in the lives of black women.

“What we have found is that black Catholic women have not come together, and we are excited about this and want it to come together,” said Carol F. White, co-chairperson of the NBSC Black Women’s Project Committee and the campus minister for St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas.

One of three programs or committees of the NBSC is the Black Women’s Project, where the idea for a national gathering first emerged. The national gathering serves as the culmination of diocesan forums on local levels to identify the reasons for the lack of representation of black women within Catholicism and to work to resolve those issues on local and national levels.

Forums have taken place in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Chicago, Ill., Sumpter, S.C. and St. Paul, Minn. Plans are in the works for similar forums in Boston, Mass., St. Louis, Mo. and Greensboro, N.C. for black Catholic women from the Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh. The idea is to form an on-site committee consisting of women from both dioceses to handle local details, said White.

“We hope to publish the proceedings from the national gathering and possibly a study guide in addition to forming a national black Catholic women’s organization that actively promotes change,” said Sister Patricia.

The idea for this type of national gathering, for and by black Catholic women, began several years ago, and many strides have taken place.

The event had not had the support it needed to take off until NBSC representatives spoke with Bishop William G. Curlin, who suggested having the

Photos by Alesha M. Price

By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — History is in the making for July of 2001. The city of Charlotte will be the host site for the first national gathering of black women Catholics. Three representatives from the National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC), sponsor for this summer meeting of the minds, traveled to Charlotte from various places to talk with diocesan officials, hotel staff and other businesses to continue their preliminary preparations for the event.

“In many urban cities, black women are the movers and shakers in the church,” explained Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Patricia J. Chappell, president of the NBSC. “There is a hunger on the part of black Catholic women to experience renewal in their own faith and a need to talk about issues specifically related to black women and to bond and celebrate who they are as black and Catholic women.”

The event with the theme “Black Catholic Women — Untapped Treasures ... Magnify the Lord” — will take place during the weekend of July 27-29, 2001 at a local hotel with workshops, speakers, performances and vendors. There will be four speakers

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Patricia J. Chappell, NBSC president, is pictured at left, and from left to right, are Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Martin de Porres Coleman, NBSC treasurer and pastoral minister and care coordinator for her religious community in the California Province, and Carol F. White, co-chairperson of the NBSC Black Women’s Project Committee and the St. Philip’s College campus minister in San Antonio. with five workshops, where participants can choose to attend two of the workshops.

The keynotes are as follows: “The Gift and Genius of Black Women,” presented by Franciscan Sister Francesca Thompson, “The State of Black Women in the Catholic Faith,” presented by Dr. Diana Hayes, “The Emergence of Black Women in the Catholic Faith,” presented by Dominican Sister Jamie Phelps, and “Untapped Treasures Revealed ... Magnify the Lord, presented by Daughter of the Heart of Mary Sister Anita Baird.

event in Charlotte and Father Mauricio W. West, who supported the idea.

“I am excited about this national gathering for black Catholic women, and we in the Diocese of Charlotte will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the event is a success. This is significant, not only for diocesan women, but for black Catholic women across the nation,” said Father West.

Sister Patricia said, “We are so appreciative and grateful for the invitation from Bishop Curlin to come to Charlotte and for the help and support from Father West.”

“The people in Charlotte and the diocesan personnel have been enthusiastic and so willing to offer resources and service to see that this is a success,” said Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Martin de Porres Coleman, NBSC treasurer and pastoral minister and care coordinator According to the mission statement, the NBSC has been in existence since August 1968 and includes black Catholic women religious and lay male and female associates from across the United States. It serves as a center for education and support of black women religious and education in the AfricanAmerican community and a source for statistical research about black women religious. t Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

March 24, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Around the Di-

BY ELLEN NEERINCX SIGMON Correspondent STATESVILLE — Catechists and parish catechetical leaders from across the Diocese of Charlotte gathered with Bishop William G. Curlin March 18 for a day of reflection at St. Philip the Apostle Church.

The diocesan Office of Faith Formation organized the day to help catechists and parish catechetical leaders be renewed in their faith so that they could be more effective in their day-to-day, teaching and reaching out to others.

The day began with a short prayer service, and it included two talks by Bishop Curlin and a time for silent reflection.

Bishop Curlin’s stories illustrated a point that he came back to time and time again during the day: that catechetical leaders have to feel Jesus in their hearts to be effective in teaching others about him.

“When you are really in love, you have to share that love,” he said.

“When it is real to you, unconsciously, you radiate that love.”

“You have the power and the ability to say, ‘Let me show you Jesus,’” he said. “The goal of your ministry is to set the world on fire with Christ.”

“How do you find that spirit where every day is a good day, whether it’s raining or it’s sunny?” he asked. “Don’t see life as a struggle. Get up each day and say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Let’s do this together.’”

Bishop Curlin also talked to those gathered about the importance of

Catechists urged to renew faith

Photo by Ellen Neerincx Sigmon

Theresa Watkins and Rhonda White of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem fill out an evaluation sheet at the end of the retreat. seeing Christ in every person. “Jesus knew how to reach people where they were,” he said. “To do that, we need to know where we are.”

He also said that every person has dark times in life, but that prayer helps.

“When you bring your weakness, your fears, your brokenness to God, he gives new life,” he said. “The world is ours if

See coverage of Pope John Paul II’s historic trip to the Holy Land ... Pages 8-9

we believe that God walks the world in us.”

Bishop Curlin also stressed the importance of the Eucharist, the sacramental life and reading the Scriptures. “It is important for us to have the Eucharist present in the church,” he said. “It’s the presence of the Living God. The power of that sacrament is

the power to love.”

He also suggested spending extra time in reflection before Mass to prepare for receiving Communion. “We should nourish the spirit before the Eucharist so that we hunger for it,” he said.

Marie Jordan, a faith formation teacher at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, talked about what Bishop Curlin had to say. “It just reminded me of what my role is as a faith formation teacher,” she said. “I have to go inward and be aware of the presence of Jesus, and pray and hope that the message that is received is influenced by the presence of Jesus.”

Ann Marie Bridges, director of faith formation at Christ the King Church in Kings Mountain, talked about the importance of faith renewal for those who teach others about the faith. “Everybody has to be fed in order to feed,” she said. “This is something you have to do. You have to go to the source. If I can’t feel it, I can’t help them to feel it.”

Bishop Curlin ended his second talk during the retreat with a challenge to the group. “The hunger is out there for God,” he said. “But, do we have the food for the hunger?”

“To be Catholic is to surrender in Jesus, to be so in love with him that you cannot hide the love,” he added. “You have the power to do it. (Say every day to God), ‘I’m yours.’ t

Lenten Retreat, from page 1

has participated in prior retreats and is the co-coordinator for the senior high youth group at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. “So many times, especially during the Lenten season, the kids get flack for being Catholic. When they come here, they see that it is O.K. to express their Catholic beliefs. If they can leave here feeling better about themselves and take an active part in the Lenten season, then the rest of the team and I have done our jobs. We try to get them to mature as Catholics, while we are maturing at the same time.” t Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

6 The Catholic News & Herald Cardinal O’Connor’s absence felt at St. Patrick’s Day parade NEW YORK (CNS) — St. Patrick’s Day festivities in New York were marked by cool temperatures, rain and snow, but even more by the absence of the Irish-American who has been a central figure for the past 15 years, Cardinal John J. O’Connor. The cardinal, who has celebrated Mass each year for the patron saint of the New York Archdiocese in the cathedral named for him, and then has stood in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral to greet dignitaries and review the parade that goes up Fifth Avenue, was too weak to leave his residence.

Founder of Catholic teachers’ organization dies PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — John Reilly, founding president of the National Association of Catholic School Teachers, died of cancer March 2 at the age of 77. In 1978, he spearheaded the creation of the organization representing lay teachers in Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

He continued to lead the organization until his retirement in 1993. Reilly, who initially taught in a Catholic high school, founded Philadelphia’s Association of Catholic Teachers, the country’s first Catholic teachers’ union.

No medical explanation found in cure of Pennsylvania girl PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The medical board of the Vatican Congregation for Sainthood Causes has ruled there is no medical explanation for the cure of a Pennsylvania girl who suffered from a crippling and debilitating spinal ailment. The cure is attributed to the intercession of Blessed Frances de Sales Aviat, the French religious who founded the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia did not name the girl, but the Philadelphia Inquirer daily newspaper identified her as Bernadette McKenzie.

People in the

CNS photo by John Glover, Fairfield County Catholic

Cardinal Kung dies A nun of the Sisters Minor of Mary Immaculate places her hand on that of Cardinal Ignatius Kung Pin-mei prior to his funeral Mass at St. John’s Church in Stamford, Conn., March 18. The Chinese cardinal, who had been living in exile, died in Stamford March 12 at age 98.

She was also identified in the parish bulletin of St. Bernadette Parish in Drexel Hill. The Oblate order founded

by Blessed Frances Aviat runs the parish school there.

Robert Burns, columnist and editor at U.S. Catholic, dies at 80 CHICAGO (CNS) — Robert E. Burns, an award-winning columnist who served for more than 20 years as executive editor of U.S. Catholic magazine, died March 13 after a long illness. He was 80. His funeral Mass was scheduled for March 18 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest, with burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. “Mr. Burns was an invaluable friend of and partner with the Claretians,” said Claretian Fa-

ther James Maloney, who worked with Burns for many years.

Polish director’s Oscar highlights Christian values WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — When Poland’s veteran director, Andrzej Wajda, collects a lifetime achievement Oscar in Hollywood March 26, church leaders will join in the applause. While not stressing a church affiliation, Wajda has won praise for his skilled expression of Christian ideas and images. “It’s risky to call him a Catholic director,” said Father Adam Boniecki, editor of Poland’s Tygodnik Powszechny Catholic weekly. “But Wajda’s work represents an encounter with Christianity on a foundation of supreme values that both respects and

March 24, 2000

is respected by the church.”

Wrestling coach gives Catholic high school $1 million BALTIMORE (CNS) — When Alan Gebhart first came to Archbishop Curley High School more than a decade ago to help coach the school’s wrestling team, he didn’t know much at all about the Franciscan order of friars who staff the all-boys’ school in east Baltimore. He wasn’t Catholic.

And he hadn’t attended a Catholic school. But from the instant he saw the black-robed priests and observed their commitment to shaping the “total student,” Gebhart said he was convinced he had discovered one of the best schools in the state. That’s why the successful 52-year-old businessman decided to give the school $1 million — believed to be the largest contribution ever to a school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Fides says Chinese martyrs’ canonization is challenge to Beijing VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican’s decision to canonize 120 Chinese martyrs can be seen as a challenge to China’s communist government, said the Vatican’s missionary news agency. “The canonization of China’s martyrs is a challenge to Beijing, a challenge of courage,” said a March 11 editorial in Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The Vatican announced March 10 that Pope John Paul II will canonize the martyrs Oct. 1. The group includes Chinese citizens and European missionaries, clergy, religious, men, women and children; half of the martyrs were killed during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, and the other half were martyred during 17th- and 18th-century persecutions.

March 24, 2000

From the

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Faithful citizenship a moral imperative, official deacons and Catholic Social Services personnel about the U.S. bishops Administrative Board’s 1999 statement on political responsibility, “Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium.”

In a March 16 interview in Charlotte, Rosenhauer highlighted key points of the statement, and discussed ways Catholics can — and should — be faithful citizens.

“The primary message of the statement is about participation,” she said. “This is a call to Catholics and to all people to get involved in public life, to not become so cynical that we drop out, and to understand that that there is a connection between our faith and the decisions we make as citizens.”

Rosenhauer said concerns about separation between church and state, as well as discouragement with candidates whose positions do not reflect Catholic teaching, are barriers to Catholics’ involvement in public policy discussions.

“The separation of church and state doesn’t prohibit us from being involved in political life and in public policy decisions,” she said. “The Constitution prohibits the state from opposing religion, from discriminating against people because of their religious beliefs, or treating people with favoritism because of their religious beliefs.”

Involvement in public life must go beyond Election Day as well, she explained.

“This is an ongoing obligation,” she said. “You do have to make a decision in the voting booth, but then you also need to recognize the importance of continuing to work on the issues that we care about.”

She cautioned against the thought that the church endorses or opposes

“As bishops, we do not seek the formation of a religious voting bloc, nor do we wish to instruct persons on how they should vote by endorsing or opposing candidates.

We hope that voters will examine the position of candidates on the full range of issues, as well as on their personal integrity, philosophy, and performance. We are convinced that a consistent ethic of life should be the moral framework from which to address all issues in the political arena.

We urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not simply party affiliation or mere self-interest.”

— from “Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium,” by the Administrative Board of the U.S.

life and dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good and the condition for all others.’”

Rosenhauer’s visit here is part of an ongoing diocesan effort to instruct Catholics on the principles of faithful citizenship. Educational efforts led by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace will continue into the fall, and a resource kit from the USCC was mailed to all parishes in the United States this month.

Especially in this election year — the first year of new millennium and one the church calls the great jubilee — Rosenhauer said civic concern is especially important for Catholics.

“The Constitution protects the rights of people to participate in the

“You do have to make a decision in the voting booth, but then you also need to recognize the importance of continuing to work on the issues that we care about.”

— Joan Rosenhauer

Catholic bishops

By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — Catholics who connect faith values with decisions they make in the public arena are taking an important step toward shaping public policy, said an official from the United States Catholic Conference during a visit to the Diocese of Charlotte.

Joan Rosenhauer, special projects coordinator for the USCC’s social development office, was in western North Carolina March 14-16 to speak to parishioners, priests, permanent

debate about public policy,” she said.

“What the bishops are saying in this statement is we need to be a part of the public policy discussion, and they hope others will also be a part of that discussion and bring their moral convictions to it.”

Additional copies of the bishops’ statement and other related materials can be ordered by calling (800) 2358722. For information on diocesan educational efforts, call Joanne Frazer in the Office of Justice and Peace at (704) 370-3225. t Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org

certain candidates, noting instead that the bishops “certainly encourage Catholics to look at church teaching, to look at the importance of the issues that they talk about in their statement, and then make that difficult decision (of whom to vote for) themselves.”

The difficulty many Catholic voters run into is that candidates often do not stand for the wide range of life, social justice and other issues that the Catholic Church holds in its teaching, she said. In addition to apathy and discouragement, divisions over issues can result, she added.

“All of us have to challenge ourselves to see that there is a consistent message in our teaching that says we do have to be concerned about all human life,” she said. “That doesn’t mean that at any given time we might not put more effort into one issue than another.

“But in the larger scheme of things, we have to challenge all Catholics to see that we care about human life and that we need to be working together to advance that as a priority in our society” so that Catholics do not dilute their ability to shape how decisions are made.

The bishops’ statement reflects the need for Catholics to address such challenges by knowing and acting on church teachings.

It points out the broad range of the Catholic moral framework and how those issues are important in public life. In particular, the statement highlights the principles of Catholic social teaching, which range from the dignity, rights and responsibilities of the human person, to the need for family and social life and outreach to the poor and vulnerable.

In its discussion of moral priorities for public life, the statement suggests a number of issues the bishops say are important concerns, including war, development, the death penalty, family life and social justice. The statement also quotes from the U.S. bishops’ 1998 statement “Living the Gospel of Life”: “‘Abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human

8 The Catholic News & Herald

The Holy Land

March 24, 2000

In Jordan, pope walks in footsteps of St. John the

By John Thavis Catholic News Service AMMAN, Jordan (CNS) — Reading from chapters of salvation history in the Holy Land of Jordan, Pope John Paul II evoked St. John the Baptist as a sure guide for Christians of all ages, then walked in his footsteps near the Jordan River.

During a Mass in an Amman soccer stadium March 21 for 20,000 Jordanian Catholics, the pope recalled how John the Baptist, an itinerant preacher, had prepared Christ’s path throughout the river valley area more than 2,000 years ago.

“We look for a guide to show us the way. And there comes to meet us the figure of John the Baptist, a voice that cries in the wilderness,” the pope said.

“He will set us on the road that we must take if our eyes are to see the salvation of God,” he said. John, who baptized Christ in the waters of the Jordan River, was the “last of the line of prophets” who, like Abraham and Moses before him, defended God’s law and nurtured the divine promise made to God’s people, he said.

The pope, on the second day of a historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land, sat hunched on an altar half-covered by a fabric canopy, as a cool breeze blew across the soccer field. Dressed in brilliant red vestments, he coughed occasionally but spoke in a strong voice.

His popemobile was mobbed by wellwishers when he arrived at the complex, and the stadium was decked with banners proclaiming Jordan “the land of prophecy and salvation.” Among the crowd were dozens of Christians from Iraq, many of them living in Jordan since the 1991 Gulf

CNS photo from Reuters

war. They waved small Iraqi and Vatican flags.

Some 2,000 children, dressed in white with yellow sashes, made their first Communion during the papal liturgy, and the pope offered them a simple message in his sermon: “Jesus is your best friend; he knows what is in your hearts. Stay close to him, and in your prayers remember the church and the pope.”

He also marked Mother’s Day in Jordan by asking mothers to help build a “civilization of love” where the dignity of all life is respected.

The pope described himself as a pilgrim through the church’s historical landscape and said his pilgrim’s path led naturally to Christ, the “realization of the promise” of the Old Testament and “the goal of all our journeying.”

“The risen Christ alone reveals the full meaning of all that happened at the Red Sea and Mount Sinai. He reveals the true nature of the Promised Land, where ‘death shall be no more,”’ he said.

The Mass was a high point for Jordan’s small Catholic community, which represents just more than 1 percent of the population in the predominantly Muslim country.

The pope praised the results of a recent regional synod and said the future of the church in the Holy Land clearly lies in “unity and love,” expressed through parishes, lay movements, schools and other activities.

“There is no more effective way to be involved socially, professionally and politically, above all in the work of justice, reconciliation and peace,” he said.

He also urged Christians to strengthen the bonds of friendship with members of “the other great religions that flourish here.”

Later in the day, before heading to Jerusalem, the pope made a brief prayer stop near the banks of the Jordan River at Wadi al-Kharrar, where many Christians believe Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist.

“Glory to you, O Christ, Son of God! ... From the river blessed by your Jordan’s King Abdullah smiles as Pope John Paul II waves upon his arrival to Amman March 20.

CNS photo by Arturo Mari

Pope looks out over the Jordan valley from Mount Nebo March 20. The pope recounted how Moses led his people for 40 years through the desert before reaching the mountain, where he died before he could reach the Promised Land. presence you went forth to baptize not only with water but with fire and the Holy Spirit,” he said in a prayer.

Thousands of people covered the dry and dusty hills of Wadi al-Kharrar for the visit. The site’s few date palms usually provide the only touches of color in the barren landscape, but for the papal visit the panorama was enriched with redcoated soldiers on horseback and the crowds waving Vatican, Jordanian and Palestinian flags.

The pope rode through the crowd in a golf cart, following a path lined with newly planted palms to a small platform, where, in a strong wind, he led the crowd in prayer. Asking the people to remember their own baptism, the pope blessed a terra cotta jug full

of Jordan River water and sprinkled the crowd with it.

Jordan has uncovered archeological evidence that it says indicates this was the place where St. John did his first baptisms. In Israel, other experts claim the most likely site of Christ’s baptism lies on the western side of the Jordan River, in disputed territory now under Israeli control.

The pope, in a display of evenhandedness, was scheduled to visit that site later in the week. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls downplayed the rival claims, noting that the Bible speaks of St. John performing baptisms throughout the river valley, not in one place. t

March 24, 2000

The Holy Land

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Pope reaches Israel as a pilgrim, realizing his dream

The Papal Trip to the Holy Land At the time of publication, Pope John Paul II was halfway through his visit to the Holy Land. Look for coverage of the Israeli portion of his trip in next week’s issue of The Catholic News & Herald. For current papal coverage, visit www.charlottediocese.org.

Mon., March 20 (Rome, Amman, Madaba) Tues., March 21 (Amman, Wadi al-Kharrar, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem) Wed., March 22 (Jerusalem, al-Maghtas, Bethlehem, Dehyishe, Jerusalem) Thurs., March 23 (Jerusalem) Fri., March 24 (Jerusalem, Korazim, Tabgha, Capernaum) Sat., March 25 (Jerusalem, Nazareth)

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service JERUSALEM (CNS) — Pope John Paul II reached Israel March 21, realizing a dream that frail health, interreligious squabbles and political tensions could not stop.

Arriving at the airport in Tel Aviv, the 79-year-old pope briefly acknowledged the sensitive issues surrounding his visit, but said he came as a pilgrim, “in a spirit of humble gratitude and hope, to the origins of our religious history.”

His seven-day pilgrimage to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, he said, was “a tribute to the three religious traditions which co-exist in this land” — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

After kissing Israeli soil held up to him in a bowl, the pope said, “I pray that my visit will serve to encourage an increase of interreligious dialogue.”

Pope John Paul said the teaching of the three religions should give all their members “the motivation and the perseverance to work for the peace and justice which the peoples of the Holy Land do not yet have and for which they yearn so deeply.”

The pope’s arrival in Israel coincided with the opening in the United States of a new round of peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, and amid increasing signs that Israel and Syria would restart direct talks about the Golan Heights, territory Israel captured in 1967.

“May peace be God’s gift to the land he chose as his own,” the pope said at the rainy airport welcoming ceremony.

Pope John Paul told Israeli President Ezer Weizman, Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other officials at the airport that although he traveled as head of the Roman Catholic Church, his visit was also a private pilgrimage that began in late February at the Vatican and in Egypt and continued the day before in Jordan.

“Along every step of the way I am moved by a vivid sense of God,

who has gone before us and leads us on, who wants us to honor him in spirit and in truth, to acknowledge the differences between us, but also to recognize in every human being the image and likeness of the one creator of heaven and earth,” he said.

The pope and Weizman spoke of rapid changes and improvements in Catholic-Jewish relations, especially over the past 20 years, paving the way for the visit.

Pope John Paul, who repeatedly used the phrase “the state of Israel” in his airport speech, said “many things have changed” since Pope Paul VI visited the Holy Land in 1964. Pope John Paul specifically cited the launching

“With new-found openness toward one another, Christians and Jews together must make courageous efforts to remove all forms of prejudice. We must strive always and everywhere to present the true face of the Jews and of Judaism, as likewise of Christians and of Christianity, and this at every level of attitude, teaching and communication.”

— Pope John Paul II

of diplomatic relations with Israel in 1994 as “a seal on our efforts to open an era of dialogue.”

For many Jews, the exchange of ambassadors between Israel and the Vatican was a long-awaited sign that the Vatican recognized Israel’s existence as a state.

Relations on a religious level have improved as well, the pope said.

“With new-found openness toward one another, Christians and Jews together must make courageous efforts to remove all forms of prejudice,”

See POPE IN ISRAEL, page 14

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Irish subjects explored in three new

Reviewed by Maureen E. Daly Catholic News Service Three new books on Irish subjects — one for the armchair historian, one for the scholar of sociology and religion and one for the researcher on the Irish in America — have just been published. Not all three are for everyone, but I highly recommend them all.

“For the Cause of Liberty: A Thousand Years of Ireland’s Heroes”

by Terry Golway is a very readable survey of Irish history for a general audience. Golway begins with the conquest of Ireland in the 11th century and ends with November of 1999 and today’s heroes struggling for peace.

Golway is an editor and columnist for The New York Observer and an author of two other books on Ireland. The bulk of the book is the period from the late 18th to the early 20th century, the years of repressive legislation, emigration, famine and revolution.

In telling the larger story Golway focuses on individual heroes with inspiring personal vignettes, such as the story of attorney Thomas Addis Emmet, whose client was convicted in 1795 of administering the United Irishmen’s oath. Taking the oath was an act of sedition punishable by death.

Emmet read the oath aloud: “I will endeavor, so much as lies in my ability, to forward a brotherhood of affection, an identity of interest, a communion of rights and a union of power, among Irishmen of all religious persuasions.”

He turned to the judges: “My Lords, here in the presence of this legal court ...

I myself in the presence of God, declare: I take the oath.” Emmet’s clients were spared the death sentence, and Emmet was marked as a dangerous man.

A contemporary hero is Gutsy Spence, who served 18 years in prison for his role in a sectarian killing and emerged from prison in 1984 committed to nonviolence. Spence, a Protestant, became a spokesman for progressive Unionists and had a public friendship with the late Catholic Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich of Armagh.

This carefully footnoted history helped me sort out the Loyalists from the Nationalists, Theobald Wolfe Tone, Padraig Pearse, Michael Collins, Daniel O’Connell and where they were featured in the story that produced today’s Bernadette Devlin, Gerry Adams and Rev. Ian Paisley.

A more scholarly work by sociologist Michael P. Carroll is “Irish

March 24, 2000

Read-

“For the Cause of Liberty: A Thousand Years of Ireland’s Heroes”

By Terry Golway Simon and Schuster (New York, 2000). 397 pp., $26.00 “Irish Pilgrimage: Holy Wells and Popular Catholic Devotion”

By Michael P. Carroll Johns Hopkins University Press (Baltimore, 1999). 226 pp., $38.00 “The Encyclopedia of the Irish in America” Edited by Michael Glazier University of Notre Dame Press (Notre Dame, Ind., 1999). 1,096 pp., $89.95 Pilgrimage: Holy Wells and Popular Catholic Devotion.” Carroll writes that in the years between the Reformation in the 16th century and the famine in the 19th century Irish Catholics had a tradition of visiting sacred spots to complete a series of prayers and a pattern of pacing. There were hundreds of these pilgrimage destinations all over Ireland. Some, like Croagh Patrick, are still pilgrimage sites today.

Carroll examines why this custom began and declined in Ireland.

The bibliography alone is worth the price of the book, but Carroll, a professor at the University of Western Ontario, also has an interesting theory to defend. He disagrees with the widespread belief that these pilgrimages were not mainstream Catholicism but were rather vestiges of Celtic pre-history. Carroll says this interpretation was invented by writers of the Romantic era who preferred to believe that charming folk customs were pre-Christian; Druids seemed more fascinating. Carroll argues that the Irish pilgrimage was a distinctive expression of Irish Catholic faith, what today we might call an example of inculturation.

“The Encyclopedia of the Irish in

See IRISH BOOKS, page 14

Word to Life March 26, Third Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Readings: 1) Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19:8-11 2) 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 3) Gospel: John 2:13-25

By Jean Denton Catholic News Service Today’s Gospel reading includes the story that often seems to get dragged out as an apologetic for giving in to anger. It shows, the argument goes, that, hey, Jesus got angry, and with good reason. But my friend Peggy’s story helps me see that Jesus’ behavior in the temple was motivated by something other than anger.

Peggy was a diligent homemaker, keeping the house clean and comfortable for her family. But, as happens in homes with adolescent children, she “constantly was picking up after them.” No sooner would she finish a day of housecleaning than the troops would come in, drop their bookbags and jackets in the middle of the floor, get a snack and leave a trail of cups, chip bags and crumbs throughout the place.

One day, exasperated, Peggy directed the kids to do a thorough housecleaning — not just their own mess, but it was their turn to do the entire job. After a day of work, the children sat in the den, exhausted but pleased with how clean and neat they’d made their home.

So imagine their horror when

Peggy strolls through the room, dropping her coat, shoes and a shopping bag in the middle of the floor, plops down a can of soda and a plate of half-eaten pizza, strews magazines all over, and finally, literally, throws popcorn everywhere!

As the kids stared incredulously she said, “Now you know how it feels.”

Then she instructed them to clean up the mess, which they did without complaint but with some amusement.

Peggy told me the story. She laughed, “I love object lessons.”

Was she angry? No. She was a little frustrated, maybe, but mostly she just wanted her children to appreciate their home and take part in caring for what they valued. As she went about trashing the den, she was neither in a rage nor gleeful. She was going about a task — to make an important impression.

That’s how I see Jesus knocking over tables and spilling money in the temple. When Jews complained, noting that it took a long time to build the place, Jesus’ point was: Then why are you making such a mess, are you forgetting what it stands for?

He knew that, as with the temple building, people would abuse God’s goodness wherever it was present, even in his very person. That’s what is in the human heart, this Scripture reminds us. Mercifully, the Lord continues to pick up after us, but he also offers this object lesson. t

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Mar. 26 - April 1, 2000 Sunday (Third Sunday of Lent), Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:542; Monday, 2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday, Daniel 3:25, 33-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday, Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday, Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:14-23; Friday (Abstinence), Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:2834; Saturday, Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14 Readings for the week of April 2 - 8, 2000 Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13, Ephesians 5:814, John 9:1-41; Monday, Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54; Tuesday (St. Isidore of Seville), Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-3, 5-16; Wednesday, Isaiah 49:8-15, John 5:17-30; Thursday, Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47; Friday (St. John Baptist de la Salle), Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30; Saturday, Jeremiah 11:18-20, John 7:40-53

March 24, 2000

Entertain-

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Priest serves as consultant to new NBC

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — NBC’s new animated series, “God, the Devil and Bob,” has a little extra help in the God department.

Paulist Father Ellwood “Bud” Kieser and Rabbi Harold Schulweis serve as theological consultants to the show, seen at 8:30 p.m. EST Tuesdays. If you squint hard enough as the closing credits zip by, you can see their names.

Father Kieser, producer of the “Insight” TV anthology series and the movies “Romero” and “Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story,” is proud of the work he’s done so far. “I’ve read the first 13 scripts, and I’ve got the next two sitting on my desk,” he said.

In “God, the Devil and Bob,” God (voice of James Garner), is getting a little tired of creation, and lets Satan (voice of Alan Cumming) choose a soul to determine whether the world should be destroyed once and for all. Chosen is Bob Alman (voice of French Stewart), a Detroit autoworker whom God admits is not his best work.

Father Kieser, in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service from Paulist Productions’ office in Pacific Palisades, Calif., said he’s not a big fan

of the show’s animation style, having been raised in the era of the Disney movie classics. But “the most important thing is the script,” he added. “In the beginning was the Word.”

As a consultant, Father Kieser said he reads the scripts, then sends memos with suggestions for rewrites of “problem areas,” such as things “an unconditionally loving God wouldn’t do.”

One script, he said, was so problematic he told the show’s executives, “You’re not putting my name on the credits without making some significant changes.”

The result? The writers are working on those changes, Father Kieser said. Incidentally, he added, “the rabbi had significant problems with that same show.”

But Father Kieser said he has trust in the series’ creator, Matthew Carlson, a onetime seminarian who has won two Humanitas Prizes for his work on “The Wonder Years.”

A handful of NBC affiliates in Utah, Idaho and Mississippi caused a stir by yanking “God, the Devil and Bob” from the prime-time schedule.

“I think they’re uncomfortable with a truly human God, an earthy God, a God who doesn’t confine him-

TV of note — Week of March 26 NEW YORK (CNS) — Here are some television programs of note for the week of March 26: Wednesday, March 29, 8-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Puccini’s Tosca.”

A “Live From Lincoln Center” program in which the New York City Opera stages the three-act opera with soprano Amy Johnson in the title role, which takes Tosca into Fascist Italy.

Thursday, March 30, 10-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “Wonderland.”

Premiere of a gritty ensemble drama series set in a New York hospital’s psychiatric and emergency wards.

Friday, March 31, 9-10 p.m.

EST (PBS) “The Other Immigrants: Importing our Brain Power.” From the “National Desk” public affairs series, the other side of the immigrant issue, dealing with how America imports many of its doctors, lawyers and nurses from abroad.

Friday, March 31, 10-11 p.m.

EST (PBS) “Faith, Hope and Capital.” Program explores grass-roots activists and organizations using loans rather than charity for creating economic success and empowering the impoverished.

CNS photo from NBC

The devil and God are portrayed in the new NBC animated series “God, the Devil and Bob.” A Paulist priest and a rabbi are serving as theological consultants for the show, which has drawn some criticism for content and style. self to the heavens, a God who shows his vulnerability,” Father Kieser said, noting that any resemblance of God to the late Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia is unintentional.

And in Bob, station managers may want their viewers to avert their eyes from his “stupidity, and sometimes sinning,” he added.

Still, Father Kieser can’t get over the fact that one of the stations involved airs NBC’s “Veronica’s Closet,” a sex comedy about a lingerie company, “but they don’t want to run ‘God, the Devil and Bob.”’ The series has also gotten the once-over from some well-known U.S. religious figures.

The priest noted that the Rev. Jerry Falwell “came out and called it blasphemous,” and American Family Association leader Rev. Donald Wildmon in Mississippi “came out and attacked it.”

One hurdle to overcome is ABC’s blockbuster show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” which airs opposite “God, the Devil and Bob.” NBC debuted the show between “Friends” and “Frasier” March 9, and 14.42 million people made it the 18th most watched show of the week, but Father Kieser said it is not known how many viewers will follow the show to

its regular time slot.

Another hurdle is the mixed critical reception. The Washington Post panned the show, The New York Times had a mixed review, the Los Angeles Times was “basically favorable,” Father Kieser said, and the Wall Street Journal “liked it a lot.”

Anne Navarro of the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting faulted the animation style and said “the jokes fail to reach the smart, acerbic style of ‘The Simpsons.”’

“The series gives the tired premise of good vs. evil an interesting twist,” Navarro added, saying there was a good scene in the premier with Bob crying out to God “with a laundry list of complaints: God is vague, unknowable, more like a deadbeat dad than a father.” But “the final product doesn’t really have any bite,” she added.

What if “God, the Devil and Bob” gets nominated for one of the Humanitas Prizes which Father Kieser helped initiate more than 25 years ago?

“That’s an interesting question,” he replied, noting that a selection committee of 20-25 people — of which he is not a member — nominates the finalists.

“It’s certainly eligible,” Father Kieser said. “Whether it would win, I don’t know.” t

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

March 24, 2000

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope says Lenten retreat highlighted power of hope

By Benedicta Cipolla Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Concluding his annual Lenten retreat, Pope John Paul II said the week of prayer highlighted the power of hope.

The pope thanked the retreat master, Archbishop Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, for “deepening our vocation as witnesses of evangelic hope at the beginning of the third millennium.”

Speaking March 18 to Archbishop Nguyen and other Vatican officials who participated in the spiritual exercises, the pope said that today’s world is in urgent need of hope in the risen Christ.

Archbishop Nguyen’s 13 years in Vietnamese prison make him a “witness of the cross,” said the pope, “reinforcing in us the consoling certainty that when everything crumbles around us and perhaps even within us, Christ remains our tireless support.”

The archbishop, who fled Vietnam in 1988, used his personal experiences in prison to illustrate the role suffering can play in realizing the truth of God’s mercy. He chose the theme “Witnesses of Hope” for the March 12-18 retreat.

Archbishop Nguyen said his years in prison taught him the value of searching for God not in any one particular place, but in daily life itself.

He cited three examples of witnesses of hope: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Pope Paul VI and Blessed Faustina Kowalska, who was to be canonized April 30.

The archbishop said they showed the importance of living God in the present moment, “trusting in divine mercy.”

Archbishop Nguyen said that during his years in prison, he found strength from the Eucharist, “the bread of hope.”

He said the Masses he celebrated in prison, with wine relatives sent him as “medicine” for a feigned stomach ache, were the most moving of his life. Today’s Christians, said Archbishop Nguyen, have a duty to be credible witnesses in a world “anesthetized” to the Holy Spirit.

“The church,” he said, “has a perennial need of its Pentecost. It needs fire in the heart, words on the lips, prophecy in the eyes.”

Pope says Iraqi people always present in his thoughts VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Iraqi people, “severely tried” under a U.N. embargo, “never cease to be present in my thoughts,” said Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul has consistently condemned the international embargo imposed after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, saying it hurts primarily the weakest members of Iraqi society. The pope made his remarks during a March 18 audience in the Paul VI Hall, attended by a large contingent of Chaldean Catholic jubilee pilgrims, mostly from Iraq.

Lent 2000: I am thirsty I have celebrated Lent 59 times. I don’t know how many “Lents” you have been through. Which Lent, if any, has made a difference in our lives?

Lent has been around since the year 325 (Council of Nicea), and perhaps it is time to ask at the beginning of the third millennium: “What is Lent, anyway?” For me it comes down to the three thirsts of humanity.

First, a physical thirst. Have we heard yet Jesus saying “I thirst” in the squalid field of South America, amid the tea-pickers of Sri-Lanka, in the unemployed, in the refugees of Kosovo? Yes, there are people in the world who suffer physical deprivation, who are still able to live with $25.00 a month.

Second, an emotional thirst. There is thirst for understanding, for companionship, for forgiveness, for friendship. As Jesus moved about the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea, he experienced first hand the isolation and loneliness of many people. He himself had to go through the dryness of abandonment.

“Will you also go away?” Then came the garden of Gethsemany, “... they all forsook him and fled.” Finally, even God seemed to have gone away, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Loneliness today can be found everywhere in the great cities of the Western World, where millions of people live quietly and lonely. Yes, there are crowded building complexes, but still neighbors don’t know neighbors and some die without the comfort of a human being. Lent 2000 will be meaningful if we are able to make somebody smile and say “I belong.”

Third, thirst for God. Sometimes in our lives, we have experienced that money, sex, alcohol, drugs, have not been enough to satisfy our thirst. Those who have expeirenced some or all of the above can testify to that through their ordeal; there was an inner cry for God, a thirst for something or someone better. Yes, happiness is nothing else than the experience of our conscious relationship with God. The “I thirst” of Jesus is not rooted in wishful thinking. There are two pairs of words which all true believers should stay away from. They are: if only and next time. If only I had prepared my life better, if only I was given an opportunity, if only I had taken the other job. This pair of words makes no sense.

Yesterday is past. Then we go into the next time. Next time I am going to speak up. Next time I am going to apply for that job I heard about last month, next time I will be more forthright in my comments, next time I will step into a given situations. Pretty good idea, isn’t it? The problem is that we are living into the future, forgetting the present.

Letters to the Editor Send your Letters to the Editor to Joann S. Keane, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or e-mail to jskeane@charlottediocese.org. We reserve the right edit all letters.

Opinions expressed in letters or guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its publisher.

“This Land is Home to Me” In your Feb. 11 issue, you ran a front page article from Catholic News Service relative to the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Appalachian Pastoral, “This Land is Home to Me.” Although I realize that you took this story ‘off the wire,’ I would like to correct some impressions left by the article as it was printed in our paper.

Our Bishop Michael J. Begley was the major force in bringing this pastoral into being. It was the first pastoral ever presented by the bishops that was printed on ‘cheap’ newsprint. I was pastor at St. Patrick Cathedral when this pastoral was written. The diocese has just been created and St. Patrick had just become a cathedral. Bishop Begley and his small staff were squeezed into the present rectory and that was also the Chancery office.

In looking back since that time, I have never experienced a driving force (The Holy Spirit) take over the life of a man as it did Bishop Begley. He was in the midst of helping to settle a major coal min-

The Season of Lent FATHER JOHN AURILIA Guest Columnist

The “I thirst” of Jesus is the mother’s love for you. There is a story about Bradley Walker when he was 10 years old and had a bad habit of evaluating everything by its worth of money. He wanted to know the price of everything he saw, and he constantly talked about the money he was going to make in life. One morning when Bradley came down for breakfast, he left on his mother’s plate the following note, nearly folded: Mother owes Bradley For running errands For being good one week For taking music lessons Extras Total

$1.50 $ .50 $ .50 $ .50 $3.00

His mother smiled at the statement, and at lunchtime the bill and three dollars were on Bradley’s plate. Bradley’s eyes fairly danced when he saw the money. Then he saw that beside his plate was another piece of paper on which his mother had written:

Bradley owes Mother For being good to him Nothing For nursing him through his long illness with scarlet fever Nothing For clothes, shoes and toys Nothing For his meals and beautiful room Nothing Total Bradley owes Mother Nothing Happy Lent 2000 and may Jesus’ thirst and your thirst be quenched.

Father John Aurilia is pastor at Immaculate Conception in Hendersonville.

ers strike in the Appalachian Mountains, and shuttling between the mine villages and Duke Power in downtown Charlotte, who owned the mines. He was putting a fledgling diocese together and taking on the leadership role to give birth to one of the most revolutionary pastoral latters since Bishop Vincent Waters pastoral in the mid-50s which pointed out the evils of segregation in our state of North Carolina.

Days and nights of meetings (They really blew our rectory budget on coffee!) turned into a marathon of rewriting. Just try to get twenty-six bishops to agree on every word in that pastoral. But Bishop Begley did that. He brought together an outstanding group of men and women who ‘knew the mountains.’

Priests, sisters, brothers, and laity, the poor and the rich, those who worked the mines, and yes, some of those who owned the mines.

Perhaps this adjustment to your published article will get no further than the pages of The Catholic News & Herald, but on the occasion of this 25th Anniversary, we all need to collectively shout “Thank you!” to Bishop Michael J. Begley for taking the risk.

And, to use an oft quoted saying of Bishop Begley’s, “You did real good, partner!”

With gratitude to Bishop Begley, Msgr. Richard F. Allen Pastor of St. Ann Church, Charlotte

March 24, 2000

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle FATHER THOMAS J. McSWEENEY Guest Columnist In the court of public opinion Lately, I have found myself tuning into NBC’s dramatic series “The West Wing,” a behind-thescenes glimpse into the inner workings of a fictional White House. While obliging the popular demand for subplots that intersect the staff members’ personal lives, the writers frequently allow characters to rise above melodrama to tackle some thorny social issues. The results are often compelling.

A recent episode dealing with capital punishment riveted my attention. Essentially, the story line drew the president, his staff, the Supreme Court, a rabbi and a Catholic priest into a series of conversations about the State’s right to execute criminals — and the exercise of that right. The president’s dilemma: how to bring into line the court of public opinion with the “higher court” — that of God’s judgment seat.

The program’s frequent mention of history and statistics got me to do a little research on my own.

Watt Espy, director of the Capital Punishment Research Project, estimates that over 18,000 executions have taken place from the early 1600s through the 1990s. Official statistics were recorded only since 1930 and indicate 4,646 executions since then. There were none in the 1968-1976 period.

Over the last few decades, the Gallup organization has conducted polls about capital punishment.

In 1966, 42 percent of those polled favored the death onto the list of celebrations for the universal church.

They may well be honored more in their own locality where their lives and virtues are better known.

The pope himself seems to hint at that by often canonizing Koreans in Korea, Poles in Poland and so on.

Another criterion is the authenticity of information about that saint’s life. St. Catherine, for example, has been honored as a saint for hundreds of years, in the East and later on in the West. Churches were named in her honor. Hers was one of the heavenly voices St. Joan of Arc claimed to hear.

Yet, the fact is we know absolutely nothing for sure about her. Descriptions of her exploits and martyrdom are known to be historically unreliable.

This is not to claim she never existed. The widespread devotion and honor given to her by Christians for hundreds of years, and apparent evidences of the influence of her prayers, are always significant for the church in matters like this.

When it comes to saints celebrated each year by the universal church, however, effort is made to focus on those about whom there is sufficient knowledge to make them helpful models and signs of God’s presence to the rest of us.

Because of her purported conversions of many pagan Romans with her learned Christian teachings (about 310 A.D.), St. Catherine is the patron of philosophers, teachers and women students, among others.

As news reports noted at the time of the pope’s visit there, her body is said to repose in the monastery at Mt. Sinai. Her feast is still Nov. 25.

Questions may be sent to Father John Dietzen at Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

penalty, in 1981, 66 percent favored it, and last year, the percentage was 71 percent. Why has 29 percent of the population turned to favoring capital punishment in the last thirty-four years? And why does the same poll report that fully 51 percent of the respondents “would still support capital punishment even if studies showed conclusively it does not deter crime”?

Yet, people often argue that deterrence justifies capital punishment. If not to deter crime, why do people support it? Thirty percent of those who favor capital punishment indicated their reason was simple: Revenge.

One might argue that the cycle of violence has become so intense in our society that it is appropriate and understandable for people to support capital punishment. What alternative is there, some ask, in a violent society other than to meet violence with violence? This is the verdict in the court of public opinion.

But what about the opinion of the “higher court”?

The moral argument depicted by the writers of “The West Wing” is enacted by two religious figures. A rabbi asserts that the Jewish faith has never sanctioned revenge. And a Catholic priest cautions the president that the death penalty might satisfy a vindictive desire, but such a desire cannot be an objective of a Christian approach to punishment.

These characters speak for many real people who oppose the death penalty not just for what it does to those guilty of brutal crimes, but for what it does to the rest of us. As Bishop Joseph Fiorenza of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops put it: “It offers the tragic illusion that we can defend life by taking life.”

We owe a debt to all people — leaders in religions and producers of popular culture, public servants and private citizens — who encourage reflective, informed assessments of civil law. They enhance our capacity for moral criticism within our society and impress the dignity of the human person more deeply on the consciousness of public opinion.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

The removal of a saint’s name from the calendar of Feasts Q. My question stems from our Holy Father’s recent visit to Mount Sinai, at the monastery of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Our religious community formerly observed her feast on Nov. 25, with much celebration. I know the same was true even in other countries.

Since around l970, her feast has been eliminated from the breviary and from the Sacramentary. With the interest newly shown in her life, why is her name still removed?

Such an attractive personality could draw numerous religious elements together, including Greek and African Christians.

A. As has happened at other times in the history of the church, names of some saints, which had accumulated over the years, were eliminated from the annual calendar of feasts in the revision of the missal around 1970.

One criterion used in the process was the general relevance of a particular saint to the whole Christian world. Very few of the numerous saints canonized

by Pope John Paul II, for instance, will find their way

We welcome your letter and comments.

Send your Letter to the Editor to Joann S. Keane, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or e-mail jskeane@charlottediocese.org.

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Family Reflections ANDREW & TERRI LYKE Guest Columnists The story of Eddie Eddie Hannigan came into this world 36 years ago. He was seventh child of Frank and Alice, who were told that Eddie would not live long enough to raise his head. After Eddie beat those odds, his parents were told he would not likely make it to adolescence. He died two weeks ago at the age of 36 after a full life beating the odds.

Born with Down Syndrome, Eddie’s life condition was not received as good news by his family.

It would take extraordinary love from extraordinary people with extraordinary faith to raise such a child. Frank and Alice, though they would balk at the characterization, have turned out to be such people. What a blessing for Eddie!

However, after witnessing the outpour of love and grief from family and friends, and the many “Eddie stories” told, it seems that it was the people Eddie loved who are the blessed ones.

At the funeral Mass, the family’s grief was as evident as their faith. Father Pat Marshall, the celebrant and a longtime family friend, wore his grief, as well. Present also were members of his “other family” from Park Lawn School.

As Eddie’s story unfolded through the homily, the special prayers of the faithful and the eulogy, it became clear to us who didn’t know him, that Eddie was indeed a special person. His brother, Jack, said in the eulogy, “I never knew anyone who wanted to be with his family more than Eddie.” His love was pure and flowed undauntedly.

In the stories, we heard about Eddie’s passion for sports through his participation in the Special Olympics. There was also a very special bond he had with his dad and brothers. He held dear a toolbox and union button that symbolized his being one of the guys. The family told of special sayings and expressions that were Eddie’s. Most clear in the stories were the lessons of love that they had learned for him. He taught them exuberance with life by showing it. He taught them to rejoice in the presence of others by his own rejoicing in their presence. He taught them to bet against the odds when life is at stake by beating the odds himself. He taught them his own special love by loving them.

Through his illness, months before his passing, the Hannigan family showed their love and devotion to Eddie through the diligent care they gave. It was a rare moment when a family member was not at his side.

It has been said that it is difficult for people of affluence to hear the gospel as “Good News.” Perhaps, it is similarly true that those of us who haven’t had a special person like Eddie in our lives would find difficulty in receiving such a person as a blessing. In a world that too often sees persons like Eddie as only tragic, the Hannigan family has witnessed the ironic, countercultural character of the gospel in their life with Eddie. Indeed his life was good news. And the “Eddie stories” that will live on in the Hannigan family will be part of their testament of faith.

Andrew & Terri Lyke are coordinators of marriage ministry in the African-American community for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

In the

Pope in Israel, from page 9

he said. “We must strive always and everywhere to present the true face of the Jews and of Judaism, as likewise of Christians and of Christianity, and this at every level of attitude, teaching and communication.”

Weizman, welcoming the pope, traced the history of the Jewish people and of their return to the Holy Land and proclamation of statehood in 1948.

“During the years of exile, we suffered religious persecution and antiSemitism, and a third of our people were exterminated, incinerated in the terrible Holocaust,” Weizman said.

The president thanked the pope for “condemning anti-Semitism by labeling it as a sin against God and humanity” and for his March 12 request for forgiveness “for deeds carried out in the past by representatives of the church against the Jewish people.”

With the Vatican continuing to insist on the special character of the city of Jerusalem and on the need for

internationally guaranteed access to holy sites by all believers, Weizman encouraged the pope to see for himself how Israel governs the city.

“From its inception, the state of Israel has guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom of access to holy sites to all peoples, and you will certainly see the evidence of this, your Holiness, throughout your visit in Israel,” the president said.

“You are arriving this evening in Jerusalem, the city of peace, the capital of the state of Israel, the heart of the Jewish world, which is also a holy site for Christianity and Islam,” he said.

The president called Jerusalem “the city of eternity, a city that has been reunified” by Israel in its 1967 war with Jordan.

The city, he said, is “the capital and source of pride of the state of Israel.”

Just before the pope arrived, the director of the Anti-Defamation League in Israel told reporters the papal visit

would be an educational opportunity for Israeli Jews.

Pope John Paul II is a “different pope” than Jews are accustomed to historically, said Rabbi David Rosen, the ADL director.

Jews who do not live in predominantly Christian countries might not realize how much has changed in relations between the Vatican and the Jewish people, he said.

“What we need from the Christian world is a lot of tolerance, love and patience so the wounds of our boxed ears can heal,” he said, referring to the historical animosity between Judaism and Christianity.

The pope’s visit, he said, is a “personification, substantiation, witness and recognition of the relationship of the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland.” t Contributing to this story was Judith Sudilovsky.

Irish Books, from page 10 American” is a surprise-filled reference work. About 300 writers contributed entries on every state, dozens of individuals and hundreds of Irish-American related topics. The lengthy entry on emigration from Ireland to the United States contains maps illustrating the numbers and home counties of emigrants since the 1700s, concluding with the 1990s when, for the first time

ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Assistant Principal: Our Lady of Grace School, a K-8 Catholic school in Greensboro, NC, is accepting applications for an Assistant Principal for this school year. Applicants must possess the following qualifications: practicing Catholic; current teaching/administration license for the state of NC; master’s degree in education; and at least five years teaching experience. Please send resume and salary expectations to: Ms. Roberta Hutchcraft, Principal, Our Lady of Grace School, 2205 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403. Deadline for applications: March 31, 2000.

Choir Director, Part-time: St. Barnabas Catholic Parish in beautiful western North Carolina (680+ families) is seeking a practicing Catholic to direct our music program. Applicant to have: experience in liturgical music and a working knowledge of Church documents on liturgy and music; keyboard skills - organ and piano; skills in choir directing.

A college degree in liturgy, music or related field preferred. Responsibilities include: working with pastor, staff and liturgy commission; fostering parishioner participation; coordinating music and volunteer musicians for all liturgical services, primarily for our three Masses each Sunday and Holy Day; directing the adult and youth choirs; working with cantors and musicians; collaborating with an independent folk group. Salary: $10,000 - $12,000 range plus some benefits. Call Mary Ann Demelfy (828)684-6098 or write to the address below for a job description. Send resume and references to: Search Committee, c/o Fr. Roger Arnsparger, St. Barnabas Catholic Parish, P. O. Box 38, Arden, NC 28740.

Director of Faith Formation: St. Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill, South Carolina, a growing Catholic parish of 700 families in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, is seeking someone to direct its parish formation programs. This person would be responsible for directing K-High School, RCIA, and developing an adult education program.

Person should have a master’s in theology, at least three years’ experience, and three written recommendations. Person needs to recruit and train catechists and have good managerial skills. Send

in eight generations, more Irish went home than left the island. There are sections on ethnic relations between the Irish and the German, Polish, Jewish, Italian and African Americans.

The encyclopedia is a good starting place for information on the Irish and the American Revolution, the Civil War, the move West and the labor movement. t Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 PinevilleMatthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Toddler Care Provider: Winston-Salem. Professional couple seeking an experienced, caring adult to care for a toddler part-time. Excellent pay ina warm and comfortable home. Non-smoking and references required. Transportation required. Please call Rhonda at (336) 922-1649.

Tutor: For a special needs child. Winston-Salem.

Tutor needed to join team of people in a home school for 3 1/2-year-old girl. Will train extensively. No experience necessary, but a love of children is a must.

Six-month minimum commitment. Call (336)9222997 and leave message.

Youth/Young Adult Ministry Director: A triparish (including one Hispanic) Catholic community of 1800 families in a university setting is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to implement comprehensive youth ministry as described in “Renewing the Vision.” Candidate should have prior ministry experience, and be able to work collaboratively with staff and members of parish community. Background in Theology, Christian Formation, and/or certification in youth ministry desired. Please contact Rev. Bernard Campbell, CSP, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or (864)654-1757.

Lake Norman Waterfront Lot: Great main channel view but not ON main channel. Clubhouse, pool, tennis court. Great Schools. Located above Highway 150 in less crowded area of lake. Reduced to $130,000.

Call (828)304-0300.

Queen Mattress Set: Brand name. Manufacturer warranty. Never used. New $399. Sell for $195. Call (704) 321-2646 King Mattress Set: Brand name. Manufacturer warranty. Never used. New $599. Sell for $275. Call (704) 321-2646.

Maureen E. Daly is associate editor of Catholic Trends and assistant editor of Origins, publications of Catholic News Service.

March 24, 2000

Catholic paper calls NRA ‘immoral organization’

DALLAS (CNS) — The Texas Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Dallas, called the National Rifle Association an “immoral organization” and urged Catholics not to support it.

Editor Bronson Havard said the March 17 editorial was in response to the NRA’s “newest propaganda campaign against reasonable gun regulation proposed in Congress.”

“Every citizen should raise his or her consideration of the gun issue in America to the level of moral conscientiousness,” said the editorial in the 51,000-circulation newspaper.

The editorial added: “The NRA consistently fights to thwart every social effort made at reducing gun violence through better gun regulation.”

“After that remark,” said the editorial, “there should be a heightened level of concern on the part of every citizen over the NRA. The charge is so vicious, so irrational, that it reveals the deepest, darkest nature of the NRA, whose sole reason to exist is to lobby on behalf of the interest of those who manufacture and own guns.”

“Catholics should not give any support to the NRA. It would be immoral to do so,” the editorial concluded.

The newspaper has been outspoken over several years against gun violence and has called for better gun regulation, such as longer waiting periods for purchases at gun shows and strengthening the federal “Brady Law.” t

Classified ads bring results! Over 104,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes!

Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date How to order: Ads may be faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332. resume plus references to Search Committee, St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

Director of Religious Education: St. Jude Parish, Radford, VA, is seeking a full-time director for its religious education program, involving development of catechetical programs Pre-K through 12, sacramental preparation, adult education, RCIA within both parish and campus, catechist formation, and other related areas. Qualifications include: committed Catholic lifestyle, master’s or certificate in Religious Education or equivalent background, with strong interest in liturgical development. Available July 1.

Application deadline: May 1. Contact: Pastor, St. Jude Church, 1740 Tyler Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073; phone (540)639-5341; e-mail: Rjudgerad@aol.com Faith Formation Office - Diocesan Regional Coordinator: Charlotte Diocese seeks person with Master’s degree in Rel Ed/allied field, five years of demonstrable successful experience in parish/ diocesan work. Well-rounded in catechist formation skills. Collaborative. Sensitive to cultural minorities.

Good written/oral communication skills. Position is located in the Smoky Mountain and Asheville Region.

Please send resume and three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Cris Villapando, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte NC 28203. (704)370-3246. Application deadline April 21, 2000.

ing Stewardship and all of its ramifications. New church (1 year old) with excellent worship space (with adult immersion font). Need help in maximizing the full potential of the abundant gifts present in this community. Secretarial support provided.

Competitive salary and benefits. Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April 30, for position July 1.

Music Ministry Director: Dynamic college town parish. Successful candidate will build on a wellestablished program that includes hand bells, pipe organ, grand piano, tympani, etc. Select music for liturgies; direct/develop traditional and children’s choir; coordinate with contemporary choir. Parish in initial stages of implementing Stewardship and all of its ramifications. New church with excellent worship space. Secretarial support provided.

Competitive salary and benefits. Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April 30; Position available July 1.

In-home or Skilled Nursing Care: Henderson/ Transylvania/Polk Counties. All workers with Personal/Professional Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurances and FBI checks. Licensed through Raleigh, NC. Please call (828) 696-0946 - COMPASSIONATE COMPANIONS, INC.

Music Ministry Director: St. Aloysius Catholic REAL ESTATE Church seeks energetic, motivated individual for full-time position in 1,100-family parish. Successful candidate will build upon a well-established program. Responsibilities include planning and directing music for weekend liturgies, weddings, funerals, etc.; directing adult and children’s choirs; developing cantors. Keyboard skills required; knowledge of other instruments helpful. Competitive salary and benefits. Position available Summer SALE 2000. Send resume FOR and references to: Search Committee, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 Second St. NE, Hickory,NC 28601.

Liturgy/Catechumenate Director/Adult Formation Coordinator: Dynamic college town parish.

Successful candidate will build on a well-established process that seeks further implementation of the ReMembering Church. Parish in initial stages of learn-

Teachers: Charlotte Catholic High School has the following full-time teaching positions open for the 2000-2001 school year: Spanish, English, Social Studies, Drama, and Religion. Must have NC Teaching Certification. Request application from:

March 24, 2000

Around the Di-

The Catholic News & Herald 15

The Poor Clares visit for Irish

Photo by Stephen Uzzell

The Poor Clares perform during the St. Patrick celebration at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill. Band members are, from left, Betsy McGovern, Patrick O’Flaherty, Justin Murphy and Beth Patterson.

Conflict workshop scheduled for April CHARLOTTE — A workshop on healing and dealing with conflict, presented by “The Solo Partner: Repairing Your Relationship on Your Own” author Phil DeLuca, is scheduled for April 8 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Merchandise Mart Hotel, 3024 E. Independence Blvd., in Charlotte. The workshop is designed to instruct participants involved in a variety of relationships. Participants include persons in a troubled relationship whose partner insists there’s no

problem; rational people whose discussions about problems lacks reason; those seeking intimacy with a partner who always seems to retreat; those hoping their partners will admit blame for problems in their relationship; those who have either tried counseling together only to make matters worse or are in a relationship where one party refuses counseling; and dating or engaged couples who want to ensure strong relationships. For more information about the workshop and registration, call (704) 334-2283, ext.

11. The workshop is sponsored by St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. t

By Stephen Uzzell Correspondent CHARLOTTE — Foot stomping, clapping hands, bobbing heads and sing-a-long revelry filled the pastoral center at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill from floor to high rafters recently. The Poor Clares were the music, green was the color and full Irish merriment was the mood of the evening March 10.

Some 200 parishioners and guests crowded the round tables across the church floor. They began their merry making for St. Patrick’s Day early within a homestyle Irish pub atmosphere. Amid lively songs and dancing, not a soul young or old, could sit still.

The Poor Clares’ boot-kicking tempo danced music lovers along high winding meadow traces of the Emerald Isle, and then romped them through low trail bayous of the Cajun country. These talented pilgrims were on a flash tour of the Southeast from their home base: O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Their lightning trek would lead through Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia to the District of Columbia before a dash back south to Lafayette, La., by March 17.

And Irish hearts were on their feet. Some created a fancy “River” steppin’ at stage front and center. Others rocked and sang from wherever they were afflicted with the tonic throb of the beat.

“A very lively party — and well organized,” is how parishioner Griselda Sanders described the event. “And the music really accented the celebration.”

Lead singer Betsy McGovern trilled heavenward, cascaded through

lowlands and hovered soulfully upon the balance in between. With harmonica, button accordion and mandolin, Patrick O’Flaherty measured, marked and quickened the pace. Murphy’s flute, whistle and bodhran wove and twined a mystical theme twixt the four musical wizards. And Beth Patterson banked the fire and flanked the song magicians with a bowl-you-over bouzouki and bass.

“It’s better with four. We get along very well together. That’s half the battle,” spoke O’Flaherty of the group’s balance and success. “This year will be our 8th year in a row playing at the Louisiana Jazz Fest.”

Their music was proof. And their portrait on stage was one of grace and refreshing exhilaration fused in a solid, even blend. Their image was a merry mix that would lean you dizzily forward, then lay you back into a rambunctious roll.

The evening passed all too quickly for some. Parishioners were serenaded with a varied repertoire between 8 and midnight. “The Well Below the Valley,” “Greenwood Laddie” and “In Cannemara” were a few melodies enjoyed. And a crowd favorite was the familiar “Oh Danny Boy.” “I thought the music was very unique — authentic Irish, a great variety of songs,” said parishioner and former musician Dominique Francese.

“Their instrumentals were artistic and original.” t

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

Living the

March 24, 2000

Mountain doctor making a difference in Madison

By Dianne Riggs said. “It keeps me going. It is not a mateCorrespondent rialistic society. People are committed to MARSHALL — While some taking care of the elderly.” people may just “talk the talk” when A member of St. Andrew Church it comes to making a difference, Dr. in Mars Hill, she did not grow up Marianna Daly also “walks the walk.”

Catholic. In college, she found herIn rural Madison County, Daly self drawn to the Church, and at one practices family medicine at the time, was attending Mass three times Marshall-Walnut Health Center. “I’ve a week. always been intrigued, fascinated with The Jesuit Volunteer Corps experural life and culture — how the people rience was also important. are tied to their roots, “It (the Church) was the land, the extended where I found myself “What you do with family,” she said. most comfortable,” she Daly, who grew up said. She stressed the your life is all tied in in Durham, was not universality and the with your faith. It’s always going to be a ritual elements of the about using your God- doctor. She studied to faith. “I was once overwhelmed by Commu- given talents — serving be a forest ranger at Princeton. But long nion — this one action others,” she said. philosophical talks with being done by millions a close friend and the of people in the world,” chance to spend an intern year with she said. “When you walk up there (to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps changed all receive Communion), you’re all one.” of that.

She was confirmed in 1987.

With other volunteers, she served Her faith in Christ permeates the an outreach ministry in southern West medical office as well. “What you do Virginia, living in an old rectory in a with your life is all tied in with your small town, doing home visits, a recrefaith. It’s about using your God-given ation program, an ecumenical Sunday talents — serving others,” she said.

School and nursing home visits. Based “As one office staff member stated, on that pivotal year, she went to gradu‘Every person who walks through this ate school in public health in Chapel door could be Jesus.’” When appropriHill and then on to East Carolina Uniate, when a patient signals, Daly shares versity Medical School in Greenville, her faith and sometimes prays with N.C. patients.

“It was a privilege to go to medical Social justice and development school. And I asked myself, what am I concerns shape her hopes for Madison going to do with it — with this chance County’s health problems. She cites I’ve been given,” said Daly. the need for some form of universal While doing her residency at health care, since the most difficult MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Eduthing about her job is “having to spend cation Center) in Asheville, Daly disso much time trying to find access for covered Madison County to the north. people without insurance for X-rays, For her, it had the same feeling and (diagnostic tests), sub-specialty visits values she had found in West Virginia. and medicines.” Also, transportation

Lent 2000

But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will put my trust in God my Savior; My God will hear me.

— Micah 7:7

Photo by Joann S. Keane

Photo by Dianne Riggs

Dr. Marianna Daly examines Sidney Hensley at Marshall-Walnut Health Clinic. In rural Madison County, she has found the ideal place to practice family medicine.

So now, married and with a house in Asheville, she found the ideal place to practice family medicine that was in concert with her values.

Marshall-Walnut Medical Center is part of the Hot Springs Medical Center: fee-for-service, communityowned, private, non-profit. It comprises four centers, with nurse practitioners and 11 doctors, of which Daly is one. While services are charged, Daly said, “We have never turned anyone away.”

“I feel I’ve built really strong relationships with the patients that might not be possible somewhere else,” she

to and from medical facilities is a problem, she said.

But Daly’s hopes also span across the U.S. She believes Americans must take better care of both the geriatric population and the youngsters. “As a society we must change our attitudes on what priority children take,” she said. “How much do we value our children? There is such a domino effect from that.”

“It is important for people to develop an ethical framework,” said Daly. “They must know what and why they believe and then follow it in their lives.” t