April 2, 2004

April 2, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Conversion to Christ

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Author discusses whole community catechesis | Page 5

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI April 2, 2004

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Bishop Jugis visits with Holy Father Bishop tells pope of ecumenical issues and growth in diocese

his daughter to be exposed to the words “under God.” Arguing his own case against the Elk Grove Unified School District, California physician and lawyer Dr. Michael Newdow told the court that even though he does not have primary custody of his daughter he has a right not to have his atheist beliefs demeaned in her eyes

WASHINGTON — Passage of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act by the U. S. Senate drew praise from prolife groups and criticism from advocates of keeping abortion legal.

“We applaud the Senate for voting for justice for women and their children,” said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, director of planning and information for the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.

“No woman should ever be told she lost nothing when she loses her child to a brutal attacker,” Ruse added.

The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 61-38 March 25. It had passed in the House Feb. 26 by a vote of 254-163.

President Bush said he looked forward to signing it into law. “Pregnant women who have been harmed by violence, and their families, know that there are two victims — the mother and the unbom child — and both victims should be protected by federal law,” he said.

The Unborn Victims of Violence Act is also known as “Laci and Conner’s Law” after Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, whose disappearance and deaths drew national attention. The California woman was nearly eight months pregnant when she disappeared in December

See PLEDGE, page 8

See VICTIMS, page 13

VATICAN CITY — Bishop Peter J. Jugis awoke at 1 a.m. Monday, March 29. He was in Rome for his weeklong “ad limina” visit.

See VISITS, page 8

U.S. Senate passes Unborn Victims of Violence Act

by JERRY FILTEAU catholic news service

& herald

The time difference between Rome and Charlotte is seven hours and he had arrived only the day before. But it wasn’t jet lag that kept him from sleeping; it was an appointment scheduled for 11 a.m. with Pope John Paul II. “I couldn’t sleep anymore and so I was praying and preparing to meet the Holy Father,” said Bishop Jugis.

Bishop Jugis and 23 other bishops from the southeastern United States were the first group of American bishops to make their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. The highlight of the visit was a 15-minute, one-on-one meeting with the pope during which each bishop discussed his diocese and

no. 27

Pro-life activists commend ‘Laci and Conner’s Law’

By DAVID HAINS special to the catholic news

vOLUME 13

Discussing a diocese

Courtesy Photo by L’Osservatore Romana

Bishop Peter J. Jugis meets with Pope John Paul II as part of the bishop’s “ad limina” visit to the Vatican March 29.

Court weighs ‘under God’ in pledge, whether parent can sue

by PATRICIA ZAPOR catholic news service

CNS photo by Paul Haring

Judy Baylor of Columbia, Md., prays with those in support of keeping ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance outside the Supreme Court building in Washington March 24.

WASHINGTON —The crowds outside the Supreme Court March 24 waged shouting matches over whether the Pledge of Allegiance should mention God. But inside the courtroom, the justices seemed most concerned with whether a California man even has the legal right to seek the change on the grounds that it harms

In Our Schools

Perspectives

St. Ann School, Our Lady of Grace School

Columns, Letters to the Editor

| Pages 6-7

| Pages 14-15

Parish Profile Sacred Heart Church in Burnsville | Page 16

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

April 2, 2004

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

Heavenly body

Holy Saturday ceremonies to bring 150,000 new Catholics into church WASHINGTON (CNS) — More than 150,000 people will join the Catholic Church in the United States on Holy Saturday, April 10, according to figures compiled by the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Evangelization.

Nearly 64,000 will join with their bishops in diocesewide celebrations, usually held at the cathedral, while another estimated 90,000 men and women will formally become members of the church in ceremonies at their new parishes.

Of the 63,891 participating in diocesan ceremonies, more than 26,000 will be completing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and will be baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time on Holy Saturday. More than 37,000 others, already baptized as Christians, will become full members of

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE CNS photo courtesy NASA

The planet-like object Sedna is depicted in a conceptualized illustration. The bottom three panels show the first detection of the faint distant object on Nov. 14, 2003. Sedna was identified by the slight shift in position noted in the three pictures taken at different times. All that is known about its appearance is that it has a reddish hue.

Vatican scientist named to panel to define new object in solar system VATICAN CITY (CNS) — One of the Vatican’s top planetary scientists has been chosen to be part of a five-man team of international astronomers to decide if Sedna — the most distant object yet seen orbiting the sun — is really a planet.

The new body currently lies some 8 billion miles away from the sun, “almost twice as far away as anything else in the solar system,” said U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory.

But, because it is such a recent discovery and because it is so far away, scientists are not yet sure how to classify the new world.

“There was no working group on planets because no new planet has been discovered for the past 70 years, and there is no working definition of what a planet is, either,” Brother Consolmagno told Catholic News Service.

The International Astronomical Union — a world body made up of about 100 member nations, including the Vatican — set up the working group to decide on an official definition of a planet. The union also will decide whether Sedna — named after the Inuit goddess of the Arctic Sea — can join the solar system’s

planetary club.

Sedna is three times farther away from the sun than the farthest planet, Pluto, and it takes 10,000 earth years for it to make one trip around the sun; its days last about 40 hours. Surface temperatures on Sedna are thought to hover around minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit, Brother Consolmagno said.

If the International Astronomical Union decides Sedna is a planet, it will get the name of a Roman god, as is the tradition; otherwise, it will retain the name its discoverers gave it, Sedna.

Planet or not, many scientists still consider Sedna an exciting find because it is expanding notions of how the solar system was formed and what can be found in its outer reaches.

This ever-expanding universe can have two kinds of effects on someone’s personal relationship with God, said Brother Consolmagno.

“A pessimist can say ‘Oh the world is so big and I’m so small, how can God ever see me?’ But an optimist can say ‘The world is so big and God still notices me, that just shows how big God really is,’” he said.

SWANNANOA — St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Pl., will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday April 18. Reconciliation will be offered at 2:30 p.m. and the chaplet will be recited at 3 p.m., followed by Mass.

Everyone is invited to pray the chaplet beginning on Good Friday and ending on Divine Mercy Sunday. For more information, contact the church office at (828) 686-8833.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church meet the first Wednesday of each month with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center, 3635 Park Rd. All adults age 55 and older are welcome. For more information, call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

CHARLOTTE — Theology on Tap is a speaker series for young adults providing a casual forum for “straight talk, hard facts, and real answers” on the Catholic faith and how it applies to daily life. The theme April will be “Exploring the Passion.” ToT will meet April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pepperoni’s at Park Road Shopping Center.

CHARLOTTE — Just Second Fridays is a luncheon speaker series on social justice topics that meets the second Friday of each month in the Annex Building of St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Attendees are welcome to attend the good Friday service at St. Peter Church following the JSF presentation. The featured speaker for April 9, James P. Cooney III,

the Catholic Church at those ceremonies.

Those who participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are called catechumens, while Christians who are already baptized are called candidates.

The 2004 numbers from the dioceses are slightly higher than the 62,261 who joined the church on Holy Saturday in 2003.

At least 17 U.S. dioceses will bring in groups larger than 1,000 people, with the largest groups of candidates and catechumens in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (3,070) and the Diocese of Galveston-Houston (1,797).

In the Diocese of Charlotte, more than 600 people are expected to join the Catholic Church.

will address “Reflections on Death in a Civilized Society: The Death Penalty in America.” Parking is available in the underground garage next to the church. For details call (704) 370-3225.

CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday April 18, with a Holy Hour at 3 p.m. including benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Reconciliation will not be offered. For more information call Gail Abraham (704) 786-0709.

HUNTERSVILLE — The Newcomers Women’s Ministry of St. Mark Church invites women who are new or still feel new to the area to a 10-week course entitled, “After the Boxes are Unpacked” based on the book by Susan Miller. We will talk about the spiritual, emotional and practical needs associated with moving. Classes begin April 21 in Room 200 of St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd., 10:15 -11:45 a.m. followed by lunch. Call Gerry Phillips at (704) 895-2388 or Colleen Siadak at (704) 987-7920 for more information.

CHARLOTTE — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Brigid Division 1, an IrishCatholic group of women dedicated to their faith, country and Irish heritage, will meet at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in membership, call Jeanmarie Schuler at (704) 554 0720.

CHARLOTTE — Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF), a weekly support group for separated and divorced women, meets every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the New Life Center building, room 114, of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., including a potluck dinner. Divorced men are invited every third Wednesday of the month. TGIF is a healing

APRIL 2, 2 0 0 4 Volume 13 • Number 27 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

The Catholic News & Herald 3

April 2, 2004

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope meets members of American Jewish aid agency The pope told the members that the duty to assist and serve others flows from the fact that Jews and Christians believe they were created in God’s image and endowed with an ability to love.

“It is through love that we fulfill our destiny to act in the likeness of God,” he said.

The commandment in the Book of Leviticus to “love your neighbor as yourself,” is a call “to serve those who need our help to live in security, justice and freedom,” the pope said.

The Jewish distribution committee is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The

ministry sponsored by Catholic Social Services, Charlotte Regional Office and St. Matthew Church. For details, call Karen Wepasnick at (704) 541-1891 after 3 p.m.

CHARLOTTE — The Charismatic Prayer Group of St. Matthew Church will host a Prayer Service for the Sick at St. Matthew Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — Knights of Columbus Piedmont Council 939 is sponsoring a Divine Mercy holy hour at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Smith and N. Elm St., April 18 at 3 p.m. A traveling icon depicting Christ’s divine mercy, commissioned by Pope John Paul II, will be on display. There will be no reconciliation service or Mass. The prayer service is spreading word about divine mercy, one of the church’s newest devotions, which is embraced by Pope John Paul II. HIGH POINT— A special Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated April 18 at 3 p.m. at Maryfield Chapel, 1315 Greensboro Rd. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 2:45 p.m. and the sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at 2 p.m. preceding the Mass. For more information call (336) 8862444.

GREENSBORO — Burke Balch, director of medical ethics at National Right to Life, will speak at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., April 23 at 7 p.m. He will be speaking on assisted suicide and euthanasia. Mr. Balch has served as chief counsel for the National Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled and worked at the U.S. Commission of

Episcopal

calendar

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — By loving and assisting others, Christians and Jews act on the knowledge that they are created in the image and likeness of God, Pope John Paul II said.

The pope met March 29 with members of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, an international organization providing aid to Jewish communities in need, as well as emergency disaster relief around the world.

Pope John Paul told committee members, “Your visit is yet another sign of the bonds of friendship between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church, bonds which we hope will grow ever stronger.”

Civil Rights on the federal Protection of Handicapped Infants project. This event is free and open to the public. For further information, contact the parish office at (336) 272-4681.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

Pope says path to holiness passes through confessional path to holiness passes through the confessional, Pope John Paul II said.

Addressing participants of a Vatican-sponsored study seminar March 27, the pope said the sacrament of penance deserves rediscovery as a moment of purification and spiritual enlightenment. It’s not something Catholics can do without, he said.

“It would be an illusion to want to become holy, which is the vocation everyone receives from God, without approaching with frequency and fervor this sacrament of conversion and sanctification,” he said.

The pope said going to confession by its very nature brings purification, as the penitent bares his conscience and feels the deep need for forgiveness and spiritual regeneration.

“We will never be holy enough not to need this sacramental purification.

A humble confession, carried out with

love, induces an increasingly delicate purity in the service of God,” he said.

He said confessors should act as spiritual guides to penitents, helping them to recognize their sins and commit themselves to avoiding sin in the future.

Penance is also necessary for priests, he said.

“Even if we are called to exercise the sacramental ministry, we have our own faults in need of remittance,” he said.

The study seminar was sponsored by the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican office that deals with matters of conscience involving the sacrament of penance and procedural issues concerning indulgences. It is headed by U.S. Cardinal J. Francis Stafford.

Waxing faith

MOORESVILLE — Seniors ages 55 and up are invited to St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., the second Saturday of each month following the 5:30 p.m.

Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring games and a potluck dinner. Call Barbara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.

CONCORD — Discover how beautiful God’s plan for marriage really is! Natural Family Planning classes are being offered at St. James Church, 251 Union St., beginning April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Learn a natural method that is just as effective as the Pill and is in accord with Catholic teaching.

Contact Susan Chaney at (704) 720-0772 for more information or email questions to sujo94@aol.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE WAYNESVILLE — St. John the Evangelist Church, 234 Church St., will celebrate a Seder meal April 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the church hall. For more information, call the church office at (828) 456-6707.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE MT. AIRY — Holy Angels Church, 1208 N. Main St., offers Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., and every Thursday, 10-11 a.m. Adoration concludes with Benediction.

Is your parish or school having a free event open to the public? Please submit

CNS photo from Reuters

A visitor passes wax figures of Jesus Christ and his Apostles at the Last Supper in a display at the Curtea Veche museum in Bucharest, Romania, March 31. It is part of a traveling show titled “Religion and Mystery” from the Historical Museum of Wax Figures in St. Petersburg, Russia.

THIS MONTH IN —1998

Ancient order in Charlotte

April 8 — 7:30 p.m.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 11 — 11 a.m.

Easter Sunday St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 9 — 7:30 p.m.

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 17 — 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Mass St. Joan of Arc, Asheville

Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy, were among the congregation that celebrated Palm Sunday Mass with then-Bishop William G. Curlin at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte April 5. The order dates back to the first Crusades and the Knights established by Godfrey de Bouillon to guard the Sepulchre of our Lord immediately after the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099. The group’s presence in Charlotte was growing in 1998, with four new members recently invested at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

April 10 — 8:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 18 — 11 a.m.

New church dedication Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe

Correction

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

Msgr. Richard Allen was not identified as a monsignor in the March 19 issue’s parish profile.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

April 2, 2004

Fists of faith

Following the faith

Courtesy Photo

Students participate in the joust, one of the activities during the Extreme Faith retreat for middle school students held at St. Barnabas Church in Arden March 20. Approximately 120 youths spent the day engaged in prayer and workshops on how to live out in love the 10 Commandments, and other fun activities.

Courtesy Photo by Joseph Mattera

From left: Seminarian Justin Grosnick; Auxiliary Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Philadelphia, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; Bishop Robert P. Maginnis, auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia; and Father Christopher Schreck, vice rector of the seminary, after Grosnick’s rite of ministry of Acolyte March 20.

Seminarian received into rite of Ministry of Acolyte OVERBROOK, Pa. — Justin Grosnick, a seminarian studying to be a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte, was accepted into the rite of Ministry of Acolyte at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary March 20.

Grosnick was one of 16 seminarians from 11 archdioceses, dioceses and religious communities received by Auxiliary Bishop Robert P. Maginnis of Philadelphia into the rite, which is celebrated during the seminarians’ second year of graduate theological studies at the seminary and is required as part of the formation process.

“Although Justin is one of our

many outstanding seminarians for the Diocese of Charlotte, we rejoice that his journey to the altar is being marked by the reception of this special ministry in which he will share more deeply the celebration of Mass,” said Father John Allen, director of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte.

April 2, 2004

around the diocese

Conversion to Christ

by

correspondent

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bill Huebsch makes a point during his talks on “Whole Community Catechesis” at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton March 27.

Catholic author discusses whole community in the world,” he said. “It’s a movement within our own hearts. ... To become a Christian, in short, is to join a movement, not a club. It’s an unending process of announcing the Good News and assisting folks to live by it.”

Whole community catechesis can radically change a parish, Huebsch said.

For the parishes that adopt a program of conversion and evangelization, Huebsch said, “there’s a fire in those parishes and that fire is what the Holy Father

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH

is trying to light in the whole church.”

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

MORGANTON — Conversion: falling in love — with Jesus. Imagine your parish so on fire with the love of Christ that it permeates everything everyone does.

Catholic author and catechist Bill Huebsch talked about conversion as the goal of “Whole Community Catechesis” at St. Charles Borromeo Church March 27. Some 84 people from 26 parishes attended the daylong program.

The 1997 edition of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” defines catechesis as, “education of children, young people, and adults in the faith of the Church through the teaching of Christian doctrine in an organic and systematic way to make them disciples of Jesus Christ.”

“Oh, yes, we talk about Christ in our classes and pray in our prayer corners, and try to help our students understand how Christ is in the church,” Huebsch said, “but knowing about Christ and actually meeting Christ are two very different things, according to the GDC.” Evangelization, he said, means falling in love with Christ and turning your heart to him.

Heubsch’s books include, “The General Directory for Catechesis in Plain English: A Summary and Commentary” (2001), “Whole Community Catechesis in Plain English” (2002) and “Handbook for Success in Whole Family Catechesis” (2004).

The term “whole community catechesis” comes from GDC paragraph 254: “The Christian community is the origin, locus and goal of catechesis. Proclamation of the Gospel always begins with the Christian community and invites man to conversion and the following of Christ.

It is the same community that welcomes those who wish to know the Lord better and permeate themselves with a new life.”

“Conversion precedes catechesis, “ Huebsch said.

What is conversion?

“It’s an encounter with Christ that leads to a deeper life in the Church,” Huebsch said. “Being a Catholic is not joining a club. It’s an ongoing process of being initiated into a community of Christ. Eucharist is a sacrament of initia-

The Catholic News & Herald 5

tion. You’re initiated every week. Every time you receive Eucharist it’s another conversion.”

When you have that encounter with Christ, Huebsch said, “you have a supple sense of self: you let the Spirit take you a little more, you reach out more spontaneously to people, without embarrassment.

You have flexibility with others. Love, rather than principles, is what matters.

You have greater generosity toward others and endless patience with others as they sort out their lives.”

He pointed out that, often, conversion doesn’t happen, because American Catholic religious education frequently takes place in a “schoolhouse framework” in which attendees learn about Christ, but never become immersed in Christ. Confirmation is often seen as “graduation” from religious education.

“Confirmation becomes not a sacrament of initiation but a sacrament of termination,” Huebsch said.

Whole community catechesis, however, is built on four “planks.”

“The first plank ... is that, in whole community catechesis, the total parish is involved in learning and sharing the faith,” Huebsch said. “Every Christian of every age in the parish is involved, not just children. ... Whole community catechesis provides a framework within which such parishwide faith sharing happens every week, year in and year out.”

One way to do this, he said, is to have a weekly question based on the Sunday readings. For instance, “When you heard the beatitudes today, which one really touched you?”

Huebsch said the most profound way to “help yourself remain in a process of turning your heart to Christ over and over” and to “help others experience lasting Christian conversion” is through faith sharing “within our programs and throughout our parishes.”

The second plank is the building of households of faith — 50 percent of catechetical activity should involve building such households.

“The household is the context in which whatever we teach in religious education class becomes the stuff of real, everyday life,” Huebsch said.

Thus, Plank No. 3 — education — is for everyone.

Parents don’t drop off their children for “CCD,” they participate with them in “catechetical assemblies.” Each child (first to eighth grade) has a sponsor, usually one or both parents, who attends religious education with the child. The sponsor does not have to be Catholic.

High school students have sponsors who are not their parents.

“The fourth plank of whole community catechesis is that it is more like a movement within the parish than a program,” Huebsch said.

“It’s a movement of the Spirit of Jesus

6 The Catholic News & Herald

in our schoools

Spark of knowledge

In addition, if a student said that a true-or-false statement was false, they had to explain what would make the statement true.

The competitors had studied about 400 questions incorporating chemistry, math and history, said Sister Nagle. They even devoted two Sunday afternoons to prepare for the bowl, practicing their response time and grammar.

“How they presented themselves was an important part of the bowl,” she said.

“This is our main academic competition.”

When the team from St. Ann School reached the final round, they called the school to ask for prayers.

St. Ann School’s first place win awarded them with $500 and the John W. Knowles Award, a silver bowl en-

Courtesy Photo

Members of the 2004 Fire Bowl team from St. Ann School show off their first-place trophies. The fifth-graders competed in a seven-round, single-elimination quiz bowl answering questions about fire and life safety March 17.

St. Ann School students win Fire and Life Safety Bowl

by KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — What is the best way to put out an electrical fire? What three elements are needed to ignite a fire?

These are the types of questions St. Ann School students answered to win the first place prize in the 26th Annual Fire & Life Safety Bowl. The quiz contest is designed to educate students across Mecklenburg County about fire and life safety.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students from 32 public and private schools in Mecklenburg County took part in the competition at the Oasis Shrine Temple in Charlotte March 17. St. Ann School has competed for the past five years. In three of the previous competitions, they won second place.

The team from St. Ann School consisted of Gina Federal, Nicole Eagle, Grace Cahill, Sloane Phillips and Tim Wahl, coached by Diane Troy. Cahill was named most valuable player.

April 2, 2004

Students had to buzz in, Jeopardystyle, to answer questions, said Sister Helene Nagle, a Sister of St. Joseph and principal of St. Ann School. This aspect made the competition more difficult than if they had taken a written test.

graved with the school’s name, along with individual trophies for each team member. The award is named in honor of Mecklenburg County’s longtime fire marshal, who retired in 1998.

The 2004 Fire & Life Safety Bowl was presented by the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other sponsors. In addition to teaching students about fire and life safety, the Fire Marshal’s Office hopes they will share their knowledge with their friends, family and community and help make Mecklenburg County a safer place.

Lunch and love First-graders at St. Ann School in Charlotte continued their Lenten good works by making lunches for homeless persons at the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte March 16. The students made a total of 200 lunches, each containing two sandwiches, cookies, carrots and an apple. The firstgraders are also collecting gently used books for the Thompson Child Development Center.

Courtesy Photo by Lisa Horton

April 2, 2004

in our schools

Skipping to a different beat

The Catholic News & Herald 7

There and back again

OLG students go multicultural Courtesy Photo

Jeff Kinlaw (left), physical education teacher at Our Lady of Grace School, and representatives from each class present a $3,000 check to Jeff McPherson of the American Red Cross Feb. 25.

OLG students jump rope for healthy hearts GREENSBORO — Through their physical education classes, students at Our Lady of Grace School helped raise money for the American Heart Association by joining in with children from across the country in the annual Jump Rope for the Heart.

Jeff Kinlaw, physical education teacher at Our Lady of Grace School, coordinated the jump-roping fund-

GREENSBORO — Kindergarten through eighth-grade students at Our Lady of Grace School “traveled” to many countries during the annual Multicultural Day March 11.

Each grade studied a specific country and its culture and prepared its classroom by making crafts and food native to the particular country of study.

Then the students packed brown paper bag “suitcases” and wore “passports” around their necks to visit each country. As they entered the doorway of a particular country, their passports were stamped to log their travels.

This year, kindergarten students learned about China and crafted

Chinese dragons for their visitors.

First-graders learned about Egypt, studying hieroglyphics, the Sphinx and camels. Visitors to Egypt sampled various fruits, two types of puddings and hummus on pita bread.

Second-graders focused on England, making kingly crowns for their heads and enjoying a British tea party, complete with special teacups and scones, as well as Beatles music.

Third-grades learned about Argentina, and many students came dressed as Argentine cowboys and cowgirls. They made gaucho belts and sampled an Argentinean peach drink.

raiser with a representative of the American Heart Association that was held during all gym classes the week of Feb. 16.

The students raised more than $3,000. A check was presented to Jeff McPherson of the American Red Cross Feb. 25.

Courtesy Photo

Kindergarteners at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro travel from “China” to “Egypt” during the school’s annual Multicultural Day March 11.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE! CALL NOW!!

8 The Catholic News & Herald

FROM THE COVER

Bishop meets pope VISITS, from page 1

answered any questions the pope may have.

Bishop Jugis met with the pope in a library of the apostolic palace in the Vatican. Bishop Jugis said the room was very close to the familiar balcony room from which the pope often addresses crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The first thing the pope wanted to know about was the status of vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated religious life of sisterhood.

“I was really proud to tell him that we have 16 seminarians studying for the priesthood and that we are getting ready to ordain three men from the transitional deaconate,” said Bishop Jugis. “He was also very interested in vocations to the religious life including the sisterhood. I mentioned to him that our largest foundation is the Sisters of Mercy. He was nodding his head and smiling as I mentioned the Sisters of Mercy.”

The pope then asked the bishop about the status of ecumenism in the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Jugis described his October ordination at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, which was attended by religious leaders from several denominations. In addition, the bishop cited the many interfaith meetings and prayer services that routinely take place in the diocese.

One topic of special interest to Bishop Jugis, which he had planned to talk about with the pope, was the warm reception Catholics in the diocese have given to the Hispanics now living in western North Carolina.

When describing the situation, the pope expressed surprise that so many Mexicans had come to the diocese.

“I told him that there are many people moving into our area because of the job opportunities and the quality of life,” said Bishop Jugis. “I also told him of the efforts of diocesan priests to minister to the Latino population.”

During the conversation about Hispanic ministry, Pope John Paul and Bishop Jugis spoke in Spanish, in which both men are fluent. The other parts of their conversation were in

April 2, 2004

English.

“Ad limina” visits are held once every five years. During 2004, all of the U.S. bishops will make the trip to Rome to visit with the pope and to deliver quinquennial reports — documents that describe the status of Catholic life in a diocese. The bishops also visit various offices of the Roman Curia for discussions about the different needs their dioceses may have.

In addition to the meeting with the pope, another highlight of the pilgrimage is a visit to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul.

According to Bishop Jugis, the frail physical condition of the 83-year-old pontiff — who suffers from a neurological disorder, believed to be Parkinson’s disease — did not affect their conversation.

“He struck me as doing very well and was very attentive, following very carefully everything I was saying,” said the bishop. “His physical weakness was not a hindrance to the conversation and his desire to know what was happening in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

“I came away from the meeting awed and humbled. It was a very holy moment,” said Bishop Jugis. “I spent the afternoon reflecting on our meeting.”

Bishop Jugis also felt that the visit would have a long-term impact on his ministry.

“The thing that will affect me most is the continued realization of the mystery of the Church,” said Bishop Jugis. “Christ established this church — it is a divine institution. The mystery of the church is the presence of Christ, alive in mere mortal instruments. The pope is human, yet his office, his election and vocation are willed by Christ, the head of the church.”

At press time, Bishop Jugis and the other bishops were scheduled to meet with the pope as a group April 2. The Catholic News & Herald will carry an account of the meeting it its next issue.

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

Want More Information?

Hear Bishop Peter Jugis’ reflections on his meeting with Pope John Paul II by visiting the Diocese of Charlotte

Court weighs ‘under PLEDGE, from page 1

by a school exercise that refers positively to the existence of God. Justice Anthony Kennedy in particular seemed to struggle with why Newdow thinks he has the right to bring the claim that the pledge violates the Constitution.

He asked Newdow if he had considered the common sense conclusion that his daughter would be the subject of a public outcry if “God” was removed from the pledge. And, he said, it is a dispute with which she “probably doesn’t agree.”

Newdow said he had addressed that by keeping his daughter’s name off the case when he filed it and by subsequently rephrasing it as an infringement of his own civil rights. But, as Kennedy pointed out several times, Newdow’s argument supporting his claim that he has legal standing to bring the case always began with a description of his daughter putting her hand on her heart and reciting the pledge.

Newdow said the words “under God” are tantamount to the kind of school-led prayer the court has ruled unconstitutional in previous cases. “‘Under God’ is as religious as you can get,” he said.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said “under God” is much less like a prayer than the first words of the patriotic song, “God Bless America,” which children sometimes sing in school.

By comparison, the phrase in the pledge comes in the middle of something recited by rote “and the child doesn’t have to say them,” Ginsburg said.

“The issue is whether the government can put those words in her mouth” over her father’s objections, Newdow said.

But, as the noncustodial parent, “you don’t have the right” to make that claim, Ginsburg reminded him.

The girl’s mother, Sandra Banning, said in a brief to the court that she and

her daughter are practicing Christians who have no objection to the phrase “one nation under God” in the pledge.

“On the first day of third grade, she was the first in her class to volunteer to lead the pledge,” Banning told reporters outside the court later.

Attorney Terence Cassidy, arguing on behalf of the school district, told the court that district policy requires the pledge to be recited daily in elementary school classrooms as a patriotic exercise. And neither Newdow’s daughter nor any other student is required to say it. A 1948 Supreme Court ruling in a case brought by Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose beliefs preclude taking oaths, said students nationwide may opt out of participating in the pledge.

Solicitor General Theodore Olson, arguing in support of the school district, said Newdow has no legal right to make the claim of damage on his daughter’s behalf and that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals erred in saying he had legal standing to make the case.

If the justices do consider the merits of the claim about the pledge itself, Olson said, he has found opinions by 14 different Supreme Court justices saying there is a significant difference between the pledge and other governmentsponsored religious acts.

“The Pledge of Allegiance is not a religious exercise,” he said.

Justice Stephen Breyer told Newdow that while the pledge is not perfect it does a fair job of providing a unifying patriotic statement that encompasses the beliefs of a broad segment of the populace. “It seems the purpose of unification at the price of offending a small number of people like you” is a valid civic exercise, he said.

Only eight of the court’s nine justices heard the case, which could complicate efforts to issue a decisive ruling.

A decision in the case is expected before the court adjourns for the summer.

April 2, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 9

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

April 2, 2004

Culture Watch

In new book, pope describes confrontations with communist

by JOHN THAVIS catholic news service

ROME — In a soon-to-be-published book about his 20 years as a bishop in Poland, Pope John Paul II tells of almost daily confrontations with communist authorities and describes his efforts to adopt a new and more open style of pastoral ministry.

The book, a 200-page personal reflection written last year, will be published in Italian May 18, the pope’s 84th birthday. Its probable English title will be, “Get Up, Let Us Go,” a phrase taken from the Gospel account

CNS file photo

As bishop of Krakow in the 1960s, Karol Wojtyla, the future Pope John Paul II, was a prolific writer.

In a soon-to-be-published book about his years as bishop, the pontiff describes his confrontations with Poland’s communist government and his efforts to create a new style of ministry. of Christ’s last encounter with his Apostles.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Vatican spokesman, said the pope, in an introduction, describes the work as a collection of “memories and reflections” rather than a chronological account. It begins in 1958, when he learned about his episcopal appointment during a canoe trip in the Polish mountains, and covers the period up to his election as pope in 1978.

Navarro-Valls said the new book is sprinkled with personal details and humor. The revelations are sometimes simple: “I’ve always like to sing,” the pontiff mentions at one point.

“I think the pope made a special effort to write in a way that could be understood by the greatest number of people,” the papal spokesman said.

Gian Arturo Ferrari, directorgeneral of Mondadori publishing house’s book division, said the pope offers an inside look at some of his many conflicts with officials of the Polish regime.

“It’s not an analysis of com-

WORD TO LIFE

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

munism, but a description of a daily confrontation with the communist authorities. It was a very combative situation,” Ferrari said.

The pope also describes his efforts to evangelize among Polish intellectuals, his friendships during those years, and his attempt to adopt an “opendoor” policy at his episcopal residence, so that he would be accessible to people from all walks of life.

The pope completed the work in Polish between March and August of last year, dictating to an aide. The Italian version is completed; the Vatican is finishing the work on translations in English, French, German and Spanish.

Ferrari said it was uncertain whether the English edition would be ready by the May 18 Italian publication date. He said Mondadori had engaged an agent to find a U.S. publisher, and similar efforts were being made in other countries.

A portion of the earnings from the book was to go to a special fund to be used for charitable causes at the pope’s discretion.

Navarro-Valls said he doubted this would be the pope’s last big literary work.

He said that for years the pope had been thinking of a new autobiographical volume on his career as a bishop, but did not have time to write it until 2003. He also was prompted by two anniversaries that year — the 45th anniversary of his ordination as a bishop and the 25th anniversary of his election as pope.

Sunday Scripture Readings: april 11, 2004

April 11, Easter Sunday Cycle C Readings: 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23 2) Colossians 3:1-4 3) Gospel: John 20:1-9 by

SHARON K. PERKINS catholic news service

Some of the best family vacations we’ve ever taken have been the van trips that started in the dark at 5 a.m. — the children still foggy with sleep, curled up on the back seats under their blankets while my husband and I greeted a clean windshield and the open road.

While the early departure time ostensibly gave us a jump-start on the many miles we needed to travel before nightfall, I always liked beginning the journey with a quiet van and the promise of sunrise. It always came — the misty gray horizon giving way, little by little, to purples, pinks and finally a sliver of pale yellow light — heralding the dawn of long-awaited relaxation and family adventures around the next bend of the road.

I think of Mary of Magdala rising from sleep on that first Easter morning, physically and emotionally drained from the events of the previous days, stumbling through dewy grass and dusty gravel to fulfill a practical mission. Setting out while it

was still dark, she expected to find a dead body and was shocked to find an empty tomb.

In John’s Gospel, she and the disciples were greeted by a resurrection sunrise that at first brought a mixture of dismay, puzzlement and, only gradually, the dawn of faith.

There is something about the slow, steady progress of daybreak that offers a wonderful metaphor for the discovery of the risen Lord in our lives. Many times we set out stumbling in the darkness, intent upon our goals and tasks, drained of hope, expecting to find something predictable and coming up empty.

Nevertheless, resurrection always comes — not in blinding flashes of light, but more often as a gradual unfolding of radiance that illuminates dark corners and creates hope.

Those sunrise experiences sustain us, but they also compel us to tell others about the life just around the bend that, as St. Paul writes, is “hidden with Christ in God.” Questions: How has your observance of Lent prepared you for a “sunrise experience” at Easter? In what aspect of your life do you expect to find the resurrection light of Jesus unfolding?

Scripture to Illustrate:

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of April 4 - April 10 Sunday (Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion), Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Luke 22:14-23:56; Monday (Monday of Holy Week), Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11; Tuesday (Tuesday of Holy Week), Isaiah 49:1-6, John 13:21-33, 36-38; Wednesday (Wednesday of Holy Week), Isaiah 50:4-9, Matthew 26:14-25; Thursday (Holy Thursday), Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15; Friday (Good Friday), Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42; Saturday (Easter Vigil), Exodus 14:15-15:1, Psalm 118:1-2, 16-23, Luke 24:1-12 Scripture for the week of April 11 - April 17 Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord), Acts 10:34, 37-43, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, John 20:1-9; Monday (Easter Monday), Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday (Easter Tuesday), Acts 2:36-41, John 20:11-18; Wednesday (Easter Wednesday), Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday (Easter Thursday), Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday (Easter Friday), Acts 4:1-12, John 21:114; Saturday (Easter Saturday), Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

The Catholic News & Herald 11

April 2, 2004

College students invited to The cows are enter video contest coming ‘Home’

$6,500 in prizes and airtime on television series NEW YORK — Attention all college campuses!

The Christophers have announced their 17th Annual Video Contest for College Students. The contest includes cash awards of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 for the top three entries and five honorable mention prizes of $100 each.

The top winners also will have their work featured on the syndicated television program, “Christopher Closeup,” which is broadcast on more than 100 outlets throughout the United States and in more than 150 foreign countries via the Armed Forces Network.

To enter, students should interpret the theme, “One Person Can Make a Difference.” Past winners have used a variety of styles and genres including drama, comedy, documentary, news format, music video and animation.

“In these troubled times, it’s important to listen to and encourage the idealism and enthusiasm of these students,” said Dennis Heaney, president

of The Christophers. “More than ever, the world will be shaped by their positive and creative vision.”

Entries must be created using film or video; must be submitted only in NTSC format on standard, full-sized VHS tape; and must be five minutes or less in length. The contest is open to all currently enrolled college students, on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students may enter more than once, but an official entry form must accompany each video.

The deadline for entries is June 11, 2004.

Want an Entry Form?

Official entry forms are available by writing to College Video Contest, The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017; by calling (212) 7594050; or by visiting www.christophers. org/contest.htm.

CNS photo from Buena Vista Pictures

Cows Maggie, Mrs. Caloway and Grace star in the animated feature “Home on the Range,” a family-friendly adventure in which the cows decide to capture a notorious desperado for the reward money to save their beloved dairy farm from the auction block. The film turns the traditional Western on its horns in telling a rip-roaring cowboy yarn about teamwork and camaraderie, resulting in a barnyard full of fun for moo-viegoers of all ages. Some brief mild rude humor and innuendo, as well as some cartoon violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

April 2, 2004

Culture watch

Exemplifying the hands of Christ

The Passion

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Former North Carolina Governor James Martin watches as Msgr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, accepts his humanitarian award during the 33rd Annual National Conference for Community and Justice Humanitarian Awards dinner at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte March 30. Other honorees included Leon and Sandra Levine, founders of Family Dollar Stores, and Kike Aluko, a junior at Charlotte Latin School.

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Rates: $.60/word per issue ($12 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: For information, call (704) 370-3332.

ACROSS 1 Concise 6 Hudson’s Day 11 Seaport capital 12 Begin surgery 14 Shade tree 15 Rap artist 17 Simpson’s character 18 Sunshine st.

19 Betrayer 20 ___ Barnum 21 Shakespearean villain 24 ___ of roses 25 Orchestra header term 27 Useless information 29 First attempt 31 Papal name 32 Mimic 33 Athens’ last king 36 French province 39 Israel seaport 40 When he said to them, “___,” they turned away and fell to the ground. (John 18:6)

42 43 44 46 47 49 50 51 53 55 56

Poem Charles’ ex Son of Mary Sun god Latin greeting Lively Vietnamese New Year Live Flammable gas Pittsburgh metal “To ___ own self be true.”

DOWN 1 Column 2 Belief 3 ___ Eliot 4 Muslim pilgrimage (var) 5 African ethnic group 6 Poe poem “El ___” 7 Unshuts (arch.)

8 A drop of golden sun?

9 “___ Gada Davida” (Iron Butterfly)

10 11 13 16 22 23 25 26 28 30 33 34 35 36 37 38 41 44 45 48 50 52 54

It may be Last Belong Silly ___ HST successor Comedienne Radner In the open Cola company Lieu Promissory note Loki’s mother Biblical tree Mount of ___ “Dirty Harry” director Talisman Cross helper’s nationality Exalt “___ Lay Dying” (Faulkner) Green gem Cain’s brother Great ending Bronze That is (abbr.)

Greeting

April 2, 2004

Senate passes Unborn Victims of Violence Act VICTIMS, from page 1

2002; Laci and Conner’s bodies were found the following April.

Under the law, anyone who harms a woman’s unborn child while committing a federal crime, such as assaulting the woman on federal property, commits a distinct crime against the child in addition to the crime against the woman.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., lost by a 50-49 vote on her attempt to replace the measure with a “single victim” substitute bill which would have eliminated language defining an unborn child as “a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb.”

Her substitute proposal would have increased penalties for an attack on a pregnant woman by adding a second charge of harm to the pregnancy, avoiding any mention of a second victim.

Although the legislation adopted specifically excludes any application to voluntary abortion, Feinstein called it “the first strike against all abortion in the United States.”

“It is encouraging that our federal legislators moved in a positive direction regarding the sanctity of life,” said Maggi Nadol, director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Respect Life Office. “With the passage of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, unborn children are given a small voice that has been silenced for so long.”

“I encourage all Catholics and all people of good will to continue to pray for even more legal safeguards for the protection of life of the unbom,” said

The Catholic News & Herald 13

FIGHTING FOR LIFE

Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte.

The week before the Senate vote, Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, urged passage of the bill.

“This bill simply ensures that both mother and child are protected from violent assault and murder,” he said.

Ruse, responding to attacks on the legislation by supporters of legal abortion, said, “We are grateful to the Senate for ignoring the offensive claims of the abortion lobby and its allies in Congress. Abortion activists may recoil from the acknowledgment of a child’s existence before birth, but their efforts to erase the child as a second victim in a violent crime are an insult to all women and families who have lost a loved one to violence.”

Maggie Gray, president of the National Council of Catholic Women, said passage of the new legislation “closes a ‘justice gap’ for unborn children by recognizing their injuries and providing legal redress.”

Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, said the Senate vote “is another sign that our legal system is experiencing a new moment of awareness in regard to the unborn child.”

The American Life League said it was encouraged that 61 senators were “willing to publicly state that a preborn baby is a human being.” But the league said it could not support the language of the new legislation because “this law has a clearly stated exception for abortion,” perpetuating “the lie that some preborn babies’ rights are worth defending and others are not.”

Editor Kevin E. Murray contributed

Pledges and prayers

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Grensboro, explains the adoption pledge certificate that the St. Pius X School students signed as a reminder to pray over the next nine months for unborn children in danger of abortion.

Prayer cards let students spiritually adopt unborn children

By REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY correspondent

GREENSBORO — The day was very special, said sixth-grader Matthew Bednar.

“Because this is the day (the angel) Gabriel came to Mary and said she would have a son,” said Bednar, a student at St. Pius X School. “Yesterday, I adopted an unborn child named Joseph. Someday I hope to meet him on earth or in heaven.”

That special day to which Bednar referred was celebration of the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, celebrated March 25 this year. Msgr. Anthony J. Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church, incorporated the feast with the celebration of life.

Msgr. Marcaccio wrote out a prayer pledge for the spiritual adoption of an unborn baby who is in danger of being aborted. Students wrote the names of unborn children they spiritually adopted on the card. They then signed a pledge saying that they would pray for that baby for the next nine months, in the hope that abortion would not be an option for the mothers.

The pledges were gathered and presented to Msgr. Marcaccio during the offertory at Mass March 25.

“The pledges will now be embossed with the church seal and will then be redistributed to the children to be placed (possibly in a frame) ... in a prominent location in their homes to remind them of their pledges to pray for the unborn children they had just agreed to adopt and pray for,” said Mark Akerman, principal of Pius X school.

Akerman said many of the students used their own middle names in choosing the names of unborn children, which made the pledges more personal.

“I liked being able to choose a name for the baby. I think this was a good experience,” said sixth-grader Tommy Flannery. “Yesterday, I adopted an unborn child. I named him Frank. I will be praying for him every night.”

During his homily Msgr. Marcaccio reminded the students that nine months from that day would be Christmas Day, and that they pledged to pray for little babies to be born and see the light of day.

“Some people don’t believe this,” said Msgr. Marcaccio. “We know that the spirit of God is with that child. God loves that child.”

During his March 24 weekly general audience, Pope John Paul II spoke of the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, and told several thousand pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that Mary’s acceptance to take part in the Incarnation “opened the doors to the fulfillment of God’s salvific plan for the redemption of all men and women.”

At St. Pius X Church, sixth-grader Melissa Medina said the Annunciation was special because “if Mary hadn’t accepted the baby, Jesus would never have been born and we wouldn’t have freedom today.”

“That’s kind of like me accepting the baby that I adopted just today,” she said.

“I will try to keep this unborn baby in all of my prayers.”

At the end of Mass, Jennifer Spillane, a junior at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, told of her participation in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, where thousands of youth gathered to celebrate life and protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that legalized abortion 31 years ago.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

April 2, 2004

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Organizing for justice and social change “The ‘why’ question is important to the professional organizer, who needs a nagging curiosity about how it is that people, events and politics are this way or that way. They are generally feared and misunderstood for standing against the status quo. They are public people who seek collective power to act for justice.

“Being an organizer is not about being liked, but ... about being respected.

Organizers march to a different drummer.”

The title for this book, “Roots for Radicals,” is the suggestion of the late Msgr. Jack Egan, who, as a young Chicago priest, worked with Alinsky to secure and protect the housing interests of otherwise powerless people on Chicago’s South Side.

Before his death in 1972, Alinsky had written “Reveille for Radicals” and “Rules for Radicals.” Msgr. Egan subsequently saw the need to complete the trilogy with a reflection on the roots — spiritual, historical, practical and strategic — needed to pit persistence against resistance in the struggle for justice.

Big Ed Chambers, Alinsky’s faithful disciple, stepped up to the challenge.

This short book probably will have to be read twice by anyone considering a personal investment of time and energy in the struggle for community improvement in a context of just relationships.

This is not to say that it is dull or difficult reading, not at all, but simply to make the point that it takes time to assimilate the strategic thinking that reflects the genius of Alinsky and his pragmatic, sometimes counterintuitive approach.

“There are all kinds of organizers,” says Chambers, “mothers of families, labor agents, ministers, teachers, CEOs, managers, politicians and others.” And he adds, “This profession is for the few, not the many.”

Age is important. “It’s best to begin a career in organizing from ages 24 to 26,” says this veteran, who started organizing for Alinsky at age 26.

His book belongs in the hands of young people today who may be “turned off” by politics but could be “turned on” to the challenge of grass-roots organizing for social justice.

E-mail: wbyron@loyno.edu.

Looking Around FATHER WILLIAM J. BYRON, SJ CNS Columnist

“Never, never do for others what they can do for themselves.” This is the “Iron Rule” of the Industrial Areas Foundation.

The what foundation?

OK, it is not the greatest label that might have been chosen back in 1940 by Saul Alinsky to name his new Chicagobased organization working for change in neighborhoods affected by industrial growth.

Saul Alinsky?

Although his is no longer a household name, Alinsky earned a place in history as a famous agent of change and master community organizer.

A community organizer?

This is a practical, street-smart professional who believes and puts into action Alinsky’s conviction that “change means movement; movement means friction; friction means heat; heat means controversy.”

A community organizer’s idea of a community organization is one that brings people together around an issue that calls for change and then mobilizes the power resident in those people to achieve the desired change.

“Organizing for Power, Action and Justice” is the subtitle of a new book, “Roots for Radicals” (Continuum), written with the assistance of Michael Cowan

by Edward T. Chambers, Alinsky’s successor as head of IAF. It is a memoir and a playbook meant to inform and inspire anyone willing to work, not just hope, for change.

“Organizers are agitators, catalysts and public-life coaches,” says Chambers.

“They make things happen. They are rooted in the holy books, democracy’s founding documents, and the lives of public heroines and heroes. They are radicals in the best sense of the word.

In the Diocese of Charlotte The diocesan Office of Justice and Peace seeks to assist Catholics and other people of good will to put their faith into action on behalf of justice. With so many threats to human dignity present in society, the Office of Justice and Peace offers educational resources that empower people to overcome such threats and actively address unjust social conditions.

Contact Office Director: Joseph T. Purello (704) 370-3225; Program Director, Parish Social Ministry: Terri Jarina (704)370-3234; or e-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org.

Pope says Christ’s suffering calls people to work for justice The Pope

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Christ’s suffering and death not only frees individuals from sin, but calls them to bring justice and healing to the world, Pope John Paul II said.

Through baptism into Christ’s passion, Christians are given a share in his kingship and priesthood in order “to build up and sanctify all creation,” the pope said March 31 at his weekly general audience.

At the audience, the last before Holy Week, Pope John Paul focused his talk on a canticle from the Book of Revelation telling of a heavenly host singing hymns of praise to “the Lamb who was slain.”

The canticle, used in the church’s evening prayer, also speaks of a scroll with seven seals that could be opened only by Christ.

“That book contained the whole series of divine decrees that must be put into action in human history so that perfect justice will reign,” the pope said.

Letters to the I just finished reading Antoinette Bosco’s March 19 Bottom Line column (“Message for Mel Gibson: A sequel to ‘The Passion’?”). I can’t quite figure out what this column is doing in a Catholic paper.

She writes of the need to “revive resurrection celebrations.” One day is not enough, she writes, to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and so she encourages us to celebrate “Bright Sunday” one week after Easter. As an example of this “very old Christian tradition,” she holds up the First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, Fla., where it is duly celebrated with butterflies and fiber optic lighting.

I would assume Mrs. Bosco is a Catholic, but how could she miss the fact that, for the Catholic Church, Easter (the principal celebration of Christ’s resurrection) is not a day, but an entire season of the Church year, lasting a full six weeks?

While those Presbyterians in Florida are hanging butterflies from the ceiling, we Catholics will be celebrating the Octave of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday.

Catholics wanting a fuller celebration of the resurrection need only look into their own Catholic tradition and participate in what the Church has given us in her calendar — not to mainstream Protestantism and its reinterpretation of some supposed “ancient Church tradition.”

Don’t try to fix what is not broken.

Don’t try to find what’s not been lost.

— Matthew Newsome Sylva

Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

“The basis of Christ’s power over history,” and, therefore, of his authority to open the scroll, “is nothing other than his paschal mystery,” the pope said.

“Christ was slain, and with his blood he ransomed all humanity from the power of evil,” he said.

“The redemption he offers does not have only the function of rescuing us from our evil past, healing our wounds and relieving our misery; Christ gives us a new interior being which makes us priests and kings, participants in his own dignity,” the pope said.

Bosco advice is unadvisable Pill perspective appreciated We thank Father Matthew Buettner for giving us a glimpse into the beautiful depths of the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage (“A pastoral perspective on the pill,” March 26).

We have studied contraception’s damaging effects upon women’s health, family life and society, and we are convinced that if couples were aware of the many dire consequences of this practice, they would never engage in it. Dr. Janet E. Smith’s work on this issue (available at www.ccli.org) has helped hundreds of thousands of families choose a better way.

Since moving to Charlotte, we have met many young couples who have discovered the joy and freedom of God’s plan for married life. The contentment that characterizes these families is remarkable.

Natural Family Planning has been called “marriage insurance,” because there is a near-zero divorce rate among those who use it.

Remaining open to the blessing of children is an invitation to the Lord to dwell in the very heart of the family.

Where God dwells, love remains. And love is the source of all joy in this life.

How good to know that the Church has always proclaimed this truth, and that she always will.

—John and Elizabeth Buerkert Charlotte l

The Catholic News & Herald 15

April 2, 2004

Inquiring minds want to know and daughters of the good Lord above.

Or, next time they come around, you can poke them with a stick until they go away.

Q. I often see you at various church events around the diocese, and you seem to be in fantastic shape. Your body is well toned, you always have a radiant tan and not one hair on your head is ever out of place. What’s your secret? (Monica Allen, Charlotte) A. I floss. A lot.

Q. OK, Mr. Smartypants, answer me this: Before Prohibition, who owned the most property in Chicago other than the Catholic Church? (Bonnie Wiechec, Highlands) A. P’shaw, that’s easy! Schlitz Brewery actually owned more property, believe it or not. And, for what it’s worth, Columbia University is the second largest landowner in New York City after the Catholic Church. How do ya like me now?

Q. Are you a ninja? (Tom Pattison, Huntersville) A. Yes. Yes, I am.

Q. 666 is the number of the Beast.

As April Fool’s Day was Thursday, April 1, I considered writing a humorous column in honor of the day.

But instead of taking the easy way out, I decided to use this space to answer some of the letters and questions I’ve received from readers over the last few months.

I dug deep into the mailbag and sorted through the stacks and stacks of envelopes to unearth your most pressing inquiries. I hope you find the questions and answers insightful and useful. Enjoy!

Q. My wife and I are Catholic, but our relatives here in North Carolina are radical Protestants. They don’t want to spend any time with us because of our Catholic faith, and when they do, it is only to try and convert us away from what they call a “sinful religion.”

How can I make them accept us, without driving them away? (Nancy Steele, Sylva) A. Unfortunately, you’re not alone, as I know of many Catholics who are being “persecuted” — often by loved ones — because of their faith. But, remain strong. Remember, Jesus died for all of us sinners, and you must pray for your Christian relatives that their eyes and hearts will be opened, and they will come to see that we are all sons

The feast of the Annunciation’s importance in Nazareth to commemorate the Annunciation, which would seem to indicate some liturgical celebration of that feast already.

Probably the feast of the Annunciation would have developed into a more solemn celebration except for one fact. For centuries, in both Eastern and Western parts of Christianity, the widely accepted practice was that no eucharistic liturgy could be celebrated during Lent except on Sunday. In fact, no feast at all was to be observed during what then was called the “great fast.”

Since March 25 usually occurs during Lent, often on the days of the Sunday “scrutinies” for catechumens, and even during the solemn celebrations of Holy Week, this would bar the celebration of any feast in March, even the Annunciation.

To avoid the problem, some Christian churches tried to move the feast to the week before Christmas, Dec. 18, or during January, but these alternatives never became popular. Eventually, about the year 700, despite Lent, the feast finally was established on March 25.

Even today, of course, March 25 often falls in the final days of Lent or during Holy Week, in which case the feast may be observed later, during the Easter season.

The pro-life implications of this feast

Q. I’m puzzled by the relative lack of importance attached the feast of the Annunciation (March 25) by the church. Dec. 8, the feast of Our Lady’s conception, is a day of obligation, but the feast of Our Lord’s conception is not.

The church teaches that life begins at conception, and the Annunciation marks the event when the Word became flesh.

It would seem that promoting this feast would both honor our Lord and emphasize our commitment to the church’s teaching about the origin of life.

Our Catholic paper not long ago had an article about a Catholic English martyr, Margaret Clitherow. Her feast, they said, is on the feast of the Annunciation.

Can another saint be commemorated on that day? (Pennsylvania) A. Your question is a good and interesting one, particularly since the Annunciation is apparently the first event in Mary’s life to be honored liturgically by Christian people.

In addition, it was widely believed in the early centuries of Christianity that March 25 was the day of Christ’s death.

St. Augustine (died 430) echoed a long tradition when he declared that Jesus was put to death March 25, the same day of the year on which he was conceived (“De Trinitate,” Book 4).

By that time, a church had been built

Murray’s Musings KEVIN E. MURRAY Editor

What else can you tell me about him?

(Jolene Nichols, Mooresville) A. Not much, really. Except that 660 is the approximate number of the Beast, DCLXVI is the Roman numeral of the Beast, 1010011010 is the binary of the Beast, $665.95 is the retail price of the Beast, $699.25 is the price of the Beast plus sales tax, $769.95 is the price of the Beast with accessories and replacement soul, $656.99 is the Target price of the Beast, Route 666 is the way of the Beast, 666F is the oven temperature of the Beast, 666I is the BMW of the Beast and 668 is the next-door neighbor of the Beast.

Q. When I grow up, can I be just like you? (Peter Asher, Forest City) A. The life of a ninja is complex and full of peril. You will have to train rigorously, undergo a battery of physical and psychological difficulties, and often endure many hardships and sacrifices.

Plus, you will need to floss. A lot.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist are not overlooked. Increasingly today, parishes and dioceses give special attention, liturgically and in other ways, to the fact that since we honor the presence of the Word in the womb of his mother from the beginning of her pregnancy, so we should respect the sacredness of other human beings from the moment of their conception.

Finally, as with March 25, feasts of several saints are observed every day of the year, though most of them are not on the calendar for celebration by the universal church. Even Dec. 25 has at least half a dozen saints whose feast day occurs along with the birth of Christ.

A free brochure in English or Spanish answering questions Catholics ask about baptism practices and sponsors is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

More unsung heroes than The Human Side FATHER

EUGENE HEMRICK CNS Columnist Recently, I wrote a column on caregivers as unsung heroes who sacrifice daily helping those unable to help themselves.

Several weeks after that column, I received a letter with a generous check from a woman who asked that I distribute the money to caregivers I knew. I did as she requested. Afterward, I received a beautiful letter from a caregiver who said she had enlisted a lawyer to help her save the little her parents had left and that the money I’d sent was the exact sum she needed to pay the lawyer.

As I read her letter, it occurred to me that when I wrote about caregivers I had focused solely on them and their sacrifices. It hadn’t occurred to me that many of these caregivers are supported by people such as the caring woman who wrote to me. They, too, are unsung heroes we seldom — or never — hear about. In fact, if we counted them as caregivers, the number of caregivers we would find in one parish alone would be staggering.

Care-giving requires all the strength one has to perform it day after day. When people become disabled through physical illness or old age, they need constant care. Some must be fed, cleaned, moved and constantly reaffirmed.

You don’t get used to these types of tasks, especially when the one you are caring for is your own flesh and blood. And too, when we love someone dearly, we hurt all the more in seeing them fail. This, more than taking care of their physical needs, leaves caregivers drained.

Equally wrenching is a dark cloud that forever hovers — the fear of losing a loved one. No matter how strong caregivers may be, they cannot go it alone for long. Sooner or later, the pressure may start to win out — unless, that is, there is someone to support them.

Without a doubt, prayer is a powerful support. But unless caregivers border on sainthood, they can use all the help they can get from those who personify the corporal works of mercy.

These people may be neighbors who bring meals or who take turns in helping caregivers so that they can have a break.

These people may be parishioners who constantly check in to see if everything is OK, or lawyers and doctors lending their services pro bono.

In the eyes of society, this is not glamorous work, but it is a corporal work of mercy, and blessed is he or she who

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

April 2, 2004

PARISH PROFILE

Sacred Heart Church serves spiritual needs of Burnsville Sacred Heart Church 20 Summit Street Burnsville, N.C. 28714 (828) 689-3719 A mission of St. Andrew Church, Mars Hill Vicariate: Asheville Pastor: Father David Brzoska Pastoral Assistant: Ann Stowe Number of Households: 81

Father David Brzoska

Photo by George K. Cobb

Sacred Heart Church in Burnsville, dedicated by Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh in June 1962, is now home to more than 80 families.

BURNSVILLE — The history of Sacred Heart Church in Burnsville is intertwined with that of Catholic churches in neighboring Mitchell and Madison counties, including St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill.

Jesuit Father Andrew Graves came to Madison County in 1937 to serve as pastor of the now-defunct Chapel of the Little Flower in Revere. Barely a handful of Catholics lived in the mountain region at the time, but the small mountain chapel would prove to serve a missionary role in decades to come.

Father Graves eventually relocated to Hot Springs, where a Catholic mission had existed since the 1880s. The Jesuit priest was instrumental in establishing the Chapel of the Redeemer in Hot Springs, where he also acquired a home that his later successors would model into the Jesuit House of Prayer, a retreat center.

By the early 1980s, the majority of Madison County Catholics had centered in and around Mars Hill, and the community there became a mission of Revere. In November 1985, the mission attained parish status and was placed under the patronage of St. Andrew the Apostle. The Chapel of the Redeemer, for a time, became a mission of St. Andrew the Apostle Church.

Meanwhile, in the Yancey County town of Burnsville, a small Catholic population was slowly growing.

In the early 1930s, Jesuit Father Louis Toups, Father Graves’ predecessor who had also served the Catholic populations in Revere and other towns in Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties, occasionally visited Burnsville from Hot Springs to celebrate Mass. The celebration of Mass in Burnsville continued intermittently in private homes, an American Legion hall and a building

on the town square until the mid-1950s.

At that point, Glenmary Missioners were appointed to the Mitchell County pastorate of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and its mission, St. Patricia Church in Linville, which is no longer in diocesan use. Father Francis Schenk served as the first Glenmary pastor of the three churches.

In August 1959, then-Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh acquired two acres on Summit Street in Burnsville, and Father Schenk began directing the construction of a multipurpose church facility, complete with a rectory and parish hall.

Bishop Waters dedicated the new building, called Sacred Heart Church, in June 1962. The local Catholic population numbered 28.

Diocesan priests began serving St. Lucien Church and its mission in 1968, the first being Father (now Msgr.) Felix Kelaher.

By the early 1980s, about 50 families were worshipping at Sacred Heart Church, and Father John M. Pagel, pastor, oversaw an expansion. By removing a rectory living room wall,

seating capacity in the church was increased from 110 to 140. Adult education and CCD (faith formation) programs were introduced and cultivated at that time.

Sacred Heart Church was placed under the ministerial care of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill in 1986. With the addition of the Yancey County church to its parish region, St. Andrew the Apostle Church’s territory expanded to more than 1,000 square miles over Madison, Yancey and north Buncombe counties.

Jesuit Father Edward Ifkovitz served as pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Church and Sacred Heart Church from September 1996 until July 2002, when diocesan priest Father David Brzoska became pastor.

In recent years, the ministerial outreach of Sacred Heart Church has expanded further to include Mexican migrants working in Yancey County’s tobacco and lumber industries. With more than 200 members, the Hispanic community gathered in December 1997 for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. The festival at the church continues to remain a popular celebration for Hispanic parishioners.

Jesuit Father Francis Reese, pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle in the early 1990s and now retired, and Mercy Sister Peggy Verstage, who runs the Jesuit retreat house in Hot Springs, both assist with Hispanic ministry at Sacred Heart Church and St. Andrew the Apostle Church.

Each year in October, the parish’s St. Francis of Assisi celebration draws more than 300 local Hispanics to the event.

Summertime visitors increase attendance at both churches, and construction is beginning at Sacred Heart Church to expand and remodel the worship space to increase seating capacity from 110 to 160 people.

Ministries and outreach are an important aspect of parish life at Sacred Heart Church, with a number of parishioners actively involved in the local hospice, Reconciliation House for needy persons, the local animal shelter, as well as the Knights of Columbus and the Women’s Guild, which is starting an Angel program to visit people who are homebound or in hospitals or nursing homes.