April 19, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 1

April 19, 2002

April 19, 2002 Volume 11 t Number 30

Inside Professor presents pope’s message on medical ethics

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Volunteers find new purpose in Belmont

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Woman religious says life is fulfilling through her ministry

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Local News Spanish classes make better ministers

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Help is requested for refugees

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Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

— Psalm 23:1, 3-4

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

Sex abuse spans spectrum of churches

By MARK CLAYTON The Christian Science Monitor Despite headlines focusing on the priest pedophile problem in the Roman Catholic Church, most American churches being hit with child sexual-abuse allegations are Protestant, and most of the alleged abusers are not clergy or staff, but church volunteers.

These are findings from national surveys by Christian Ministry Resources (CMR), a tax and legal-advice publisher serving more than 75,000 congregations and 1,000 denominational agencies nationwide.

CMR’s annual surveys of about 1,000 churches nationwide have asked about sexual abuse since 1993. They’re a remarkable window on a problem that lurked largely in the shadows of public awareness until the Catholic scandals arose.

The surveys suggest that over the past decade, the pace of child-abuse allegations against American churches has averaged 70 a week. The surveys registered a slight downward trend in reported abuse starting in 1997, possibly a result of the introduction of preventive measures by churches.

“I think the CMR numbers are striking, yet quite reasonable,” says Anson Shupe, an Indiana University professor who’s written books about church abuse.

“To me it says Protestants are less reluctant to come forward because they don’t put their clergy on as high a pedestal as Catholics do with their priests.”

At least 70 incidents a week Dr. Shupe suggests the 70 allegations-per-week figure actually could be higher, because underreporting is common. He discovered this in 1998 while going door to door in Dallas-Ft. Worth communities where he asked 1,607 families if they’d experienced abuse from those within their church. Nearly 4 percent said they had been victims of sexual abuse by clergy. Child sexual abuse was part of that, but not broken out, he says.

James Cobble, executive director of CMR, who oversees the survey, says the data show that child sex-abuse happens broadly across all denominations and that clergy aren’t the major offenders.

“The Catholics have gotten all the attention from the media, but this problem is even greater with the Protestant churches simply because of their far larger numbers,” he says.

Of the 350,000 churches in the US, 19,500 — 5 percent — are Roman Catholic. Catholic churches represent a slightly smaller minority of churches in the CMR surveys which

See SPECTRUM, page 8

Photo by Alesha M. Price

Clockwise, Belmont Abbey College students Chris Turner, Anthonia Franks, Lori Woody and Christine Tileston draw pictures for their group resume presentation at the young adult and campus ministry leadership training weekend April 12 and 13 at the Sisters of Mercy campus. The Diocese of Charlotte is the first to finish the national certification program, which took place over four weekends in Belmont.

People gather to focus on young adult community

By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer BELMONT — About 55 people from the Charlotte and Raleigh dioceses gathered for the culmination of four weekends of spiritual guidance, leadership skills and fellowship in young adult and campus ministry April 12 and 13 at the Sisters of Mercy campus. Since November, the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry has given interested people the opportunity to participate in an inaugural national program, and the Diocese of Charlotte is the first to finish this program in the country.

The certification series, entitled “Principles and Practices: Leadership for Ministry with Young Adults,” was created in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 1996 pastoral “Sons and Daughters of the Light,” which addressed the ever-changing and growing needs of the young adult population in the Catholic Church. Since then, young adult ministries have been developing in dioceses across the country with the main goal of service to and for young adults on campuses and in parishes.

The certification program, first prompted by the Center for Ministry Development (CMD), is in its pilot stage, and the Diocese of Charlotte is one of 12 dioceses in the country that received funding from the Raskob Foundation to offer the four-weekend program to those

working in young adult and campus ministry. The CMD is a non-profit, national, Catholic organization, which offers training for young adult, youth and family ministers and religious educators.

“The CMD went to the Raskob Foundation, which funds many Catholic activities, and proposed this concept of taking all of the best practices and offering training programs for young adults and people interested in young adult ministry,” said Matthew F. Manion, executive director of the Catholic Leadership Institute and adjunct faculty for the certification program. “Hopefully, after this pilot program, this will become a part of the regular CMD offerings and a part of what the church offers this generation.”

This two-day gathering, which included those who completed all of the sessions and those who are interested in future leadership positions, used the text and supplemental materials from “Leadership for Life: Discovering Your Gifts for Christian Leadership” from the CMD. The book included chapters dealing with Christian leadership, the tools used to lead and resources for continued learning.

People who completed all of the sessions received certification in young adult and campus ministry.

Colleen McDermott, diocesan director of young adult and campus ministry,

See YOUNG ADULTS, page 15

2 The Catholic News & Herald in public schools if students’ parents ask for it. The bishops also seek permission for religious control of radio and TV stations and the right to carry out religious services within the military. The discussions were carried out in the context of the 10th anniversary of constitutional reforms that marked a major move forward for the church within the aggressively secular Mexican state. Among the reforms were the normalization of Mexico’s relations with the Vatican after a 125-year break, the go-ahead for private religious education, and the formal recognition of the right of priests to celebrate Mass in public.

Postal increase to hit periodicals harder than others WASHINGTON (CNS) — When the cost of a first-class postage stamp goes up to 37 cents this summer, the publishers of nonprofit periodicals, including diocesan newspapers, will have to swallow increases of as much as 15 percent to 20 percent. “This is as big an increase as periodicals have seen in five years,” said Neal Denton, executive director of the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. The Postal Service’s Board of Governors on April 9 announced that standard first-class postage would increase by 3 cents on June 30.

Domestic mail rates will go up across the board, by varying amounts, depending on type of service. For instance, priority mail rates for the first pound will increase from $3.50 to $3.85, while postcards will increase from 21 cents to 23 cents. It’s harder to pinpoint how much rates will increase for other customers because of the complex rate structure for bulk mailers. The new bump comes on the heels of two rate increases in 2001, but Denton said the news isn’t all bad for nonprofit publishers. For one thing, there are many cost-saving measures available, he said, and each extra sorting step, such as dividing pieces into individual ZIP codes, qualifies for a reduction in the rates.

Bush, other cloning opponents rally forces to push for ban WASHINGTON (CNS) — President Bush raised the volume on support for legislation to ban all forms of human cloning research with an April 10 White House event rallying some of the bill’s most prominent backers. “Allowing clon-

CNS photo from Reuters

Smoke billows over Manger Square in Bethlehem Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity steeple towers above smoke from nearby explosions in Manger Square April 15. Some 200 Palestinians remained in the church, while U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell continued his efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians. Pope John Paul II prayed for the success of Powell’s mission and an end to suffering in the Holy Land.

A decade after reforms, Mexican bishops discuss expanding rights MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Mexican bishops discussed expanding religious rights when they met for five days outside Mexico City in early April. The assembly, held in Cuautitlan Izcalli, focused on the bishops’ request for religious education

Episcopal April 19, 2002 Volume 11 • Number 30 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

April 19, 2002

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Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: April 22 — 7 p.m.

Confirmation St. Michael, Gastonia April 24 — 7 p.m.

Confirmation St. Benedict, Greensboro April 26 — 7:30 p.m.

Confirmation St. Therese, Mooresville April 27 — 11 a.m.

Lay ministry graduation St. Gabriel, Charlotte 5:30 p.m.

Confirmation Good Shepherd, King

ing would be taking a significant step toward a society in which human beings are grown for spare body parts and children are engineered to custom specifications,” Bush said, “and that’s not acceptable.” The Senate is expected to take up legislation on human cloning before it recesses for the summer. The House passed a bill last July that would ban all research in human

Diocesan

plan -

will explore God’s love and the recognition of his presence and power. For further details, call the center at (828) 926-3833 or e-mail lwcrc@main.nc.us.

5 CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, formerly known as the Catholic Hispanic Center and now located at 6212 Tuckasseegee Rd., will be celebrating a Mass in English every Sunday at 8 a.m. beginning this morning. For details, call Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty at (704) 391-3732.

5 SALISBURY — Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St., will be celebrating a charismatic and healing Mass today at 4 p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer teams will be available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner will follow the Mass. Father John Putnam, pastor, will be the celebrant. For further information, call Bill Owens at (704) 639-9837 5 CHARLOTTE — The 52nd Semi-

cloning. Bush said he would firmly oppose all types of cloning research involving human embryos. One bill pending action in the Senate would prohibit research in cloning for reproductive purposes, but would permit research on cloned human embryos which are destroyed after stem cells have been extracted. The president said that version is unacceptable.

Vatican calls U.N.’s lack of progress on nuclear disarmament alarming UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — The Vatican told a U.N. committee April 9 that it found the lack of progress on nuclear disarmament alarming. “Even more serious than the lack of progress is the overt determination of some nuclear weapon states to maintain nuclear weapons in a critical role in their military doctrines,” it said in a statement delivered at the United Nations. Declaring nuclear weapons “incompatible with the peace we seek for the 21st century,” the Vatican declared that “there can be no moral acceptance of military doctrines that embody the permanence of nuclear weapons.”

Liturgical music publishers team up for 9-11 benefit album WASHINGTON (CNS) — The three main U.S. liturgical music publishers have joined to co-produce a benefit album to help Catholic Charities USA’s Sept. 11 relief efforts. “With Faith, Hope, & Love: In Support of the Victims of Terrorism” is the name of the album. GIA Publications, Oregon Catholic Press and World Library Publications teamed up for the album. The entire $16 retail cost of the CD-only album is being donated to Catholic Charities USA, which set up a relief fund the day after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The publishers hope to make an $80,000 donation to Catholic Charities in August, representing a sellout of all 5,000 copies of the album manufactured. “(Catholic Charities’) Disaster Response Office connects the church’s social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation,” the publishers said in an introduction to the CD.

Annual International Rosary Day will be held this afternoon at 3 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. with Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, as the speaker. For more details, call Kathleen Potter at (704) 366-5127.

10 HICKORY — Engaged Encounter is for couples planning marriage, who desire a richer, fuller life together.

Although the encounter weekend is Catholic in origin and orientation, it is open to couples of any faith. Couples are encouraged to attend the weekend three to six months prior to their wedding date. Engaged couples may take part in one of several Engaged Encounter weekends, which will take place at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane: today through May 12, Aug. 23-25, Sept. 20-22 and Oct. 25-27. For registration and other information, call Carl Whitesel at (704) 987-9420 or (888) 310-9040 or e-mail eeregistration@yahoo.com.

April 19, 2002

Expert says myths about priests, sex abuse need to be dispelled.

NEW YORK (CNS) — Myths about Catholic priests and child sexual abuse need to be dispelled if the real goal is protecting children, says priest-psychologist Father Stephen J. Rossetti, president of St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md. Writing in the April 25 issue of America magazine, Father Rossetti said that even among priests who have molested minors, a compulsive pedophile like defrocked Boston priest John Geoghan “is the rare exception, thank God.” America is a Jesuit-run national Catholic magazine based in New York. Its April 25 edition, which also had an editorial and two other articles on clergy sexual abuse, was the second in less than a month devoted mainly to the topic. Father Rossetti, whose institute specializes in treatment of priests and religious suffering addictions and psychological problems, said that because of the complexity of issues surrounding child sexual abuse, there are no simple solutions.

Christian groups send convoy of food to West Bank towns BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) — A group of Christian organizations organized six food convoys and sent the first to the West Bank, hoping to alleviate hunger caused by two weeks of Israeli army incursions. The initial convoy went to Bethlehem, Beit Jalla and Beit Sahour April 15 after coordination with the Israeli army. Israeli forces entered the Palestinian areas in late March and early April, when a series of Palestinian suicide bombers left dozens of Israelis dead and hundreds injured. “Today the immediate need is food, but our concern is how to get over this situation which we are in,” said Claudette Habesch, secretary-general of Caritas Jerusalem, one of the organizers of the convoy. “We are farther from peace today than ever before, but we must believe that peace is possible in this land that has to be shared by two peoples.”

Madagascar cardinal urges nations to recognize candidate’s presidency ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (CNS) — As violence plagued the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, AntananaGuilford County Division 1, an IrishCatholic social and charitable interparish group, will be having a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ladies’ Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. in Greensboro.

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

3 HICKORY — All married couples are invited to participate in the next Marriage Encounter this weekend at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane. Marriage Encounter is a 44-hour period when couples can take time off from families, work and other responsibilities to focus on each other to grow spiritually and emotionally as one. For more information or reservations, call Tom and Emilie Sandin at (336) 274-4424.

3 MAGGIE VALLEY — The staff of Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, invite all women to their special 25th Anniversary Retreat for Women this weekend. Paula D’Arcy, spiritual writer and therapist, will lead the retreat, which

The Catholic News & Herald 3

The World in

CNS photo by Agostino Bono

Border town residents cross Santa Fe bridge Residents of sister cities El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, cross the Santa Fe bridge that connects the countries of Mexico and the United States. Families with relatives living in both cities used to have easy access to each other until the U.S. tightened border controls several years ago. rivo Cardinal Armand Razafindratandra called on the international community to recognize the presidency of Marc Ravalomanana. The official results of December’s contested presidential poll were “neither legal nor valid,” said Cardinal Razafindratandra. “We are sure that Ravalomanana should have won.”

Ravalomanana, a popular politician and Christian leader, declared himself president in February after hundreds of thousands of his supporters took to the streets to protest the election results. Church and civic observer groups estimated that Ravalomanana had won enough votes for an outright victory, said Cardinal Razafindratandra.

Pope says Bolivian

Catholics must bring faith to bear on public life VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the Catholic Church in Bolivia relies heavily on faith-filled, educated lay people to lead communities in remote parts of the country, the first vocation of Bolivian Catholic laity is to bring their faith to bear on public life, Pope John Paul II said. “This specific vocation of the laity has a decisive importance in modern society in which, as is happening also in Bolivia, rapid and profound changes are taking place,” the pope told Bolivian bishops April 13. The bishops were in Rome for their “ad limina” visits, which bishops make every five years. Cardinal

April 26 BELMONT — The Abbey Players/ Belmont Community Theatre will be performing “Parade,” opening tonight at 8 p.m. in the Haid Theatre, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd. The play will continue to run April 27-29 and May 2-4. The play centers around the story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-born Jewish man, put on trial for the alleged murder of one of his factory workers in 1913 Georgia. For tickets and other information, call the theatre at (704) 825-6787.

26 CHARLOTTE — The Region VII spring Cursillo meeting will take place this evening from 6-9 p.m. and April 27 from 7:15 a.m.-9 p.m. with 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Masses at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd. The meeting will include breakfast, presentations, lunch, discussions, sub-regional meetings and an Ultreya. For pre-registration and other information, call Alan Brown at (828) 437-1392 or e-mail downtownalanbrown@hotmail.com.

26 CHARLOTTE — The 2nd Annual Crystal Ball and Gold Classic to support the Modafferi Foundation will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Adams Mark Hotel. The dinner-dance includes a silent auction and live music.

The golf tournament will also be held during the day at the Olde Sycamore Golf Club in Mint Hill. For information, call Joan Petruski at (704) 8467408.

27 ASHEVILLE — The diocesan Office of Justice and Peace will be hosting “We Are Called: A Conference of Social Justice Issues” today from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at St. Eugene Church, 1 Culvern St. Workshops and presentations will include: the Afghan refugee crisis, spirituality of justice, global climate justice, death penalty moratorium, legislative advocacy and socioeconomic concerns of Western North Carolina. For April 23 registration and other information, call Linda Franks at (704) 370-3231 or e-mail justicepeace@ charlottediocese.org.

Julio Terrazas Sandoval of Santa Cruz, president of the bishops’ conference, told the pope, “We are worried at the ease with which our laity separate their faith and moral obligations from their political, professional and cultural commitments.”

Man who shot himself at New York cathedral parish house dies NEW YORK (CNS) — The man who shot himself at the parish house of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York April 3 died April 12, a hospital official said. Arem Gazaryan, a native of Armenia who came to the United States seven years ago and was working at a bank in Brooklyn, came to the parish house and asked to talk with a priest. When the man took out a gun, the priest was able to get out of the room, but Gazaryan then shot himself in the face. He was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center and remained there in critical condition until his death.

Half of Orthodox Bulgaria hopes to see pope during May pilgrimage WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — Up to half the inhabitants of Bulgaria hope to see the pope when he makes his first visit to the country in May, while only a small percentage said the pilgrimage could negatively affect the predominant Orthodox Church, said an opinion poll. In the early April survey by Bulgaria’s MBMD agency, 48 percent of Bulgarians said they counted on seeing Pope John Paul II “with their own eyes’’ during the May 23-26 visit, while 4 percent believed that the pope’s presence could “negatively affect’’ the position of Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church. The pilgrimage will include a Mass in Plovdiv and a meeting at the Orthodox Church’s governing synod in the capital, Sofia.

Pope John Paul will begin his visit May 22 in Azerbaijan. Catholics comprise 3 percent of Bulgaria’s 9 million population.

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HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will meet today from 3-5 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West. Visitors and inquirers are welcome, so for more information, call Helen Gillogly, SFO, at (828) 883-9645.

May CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., will be having a meeting with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center. All adults age 55 and older are welcome.

For more information, call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

2 CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church Respect Life Ministry will be sponsoring pro-life educational programs. Father Matthew Kauth will be the speaker for the series, which will discuss the following topics on the following dates from 7-9 p.m.: “Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research” and “The Ethical Aspects of Human Cloning” - tonight and “End of Life Issues” - May 31. For more

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April 19, 2002

Professor presents pope’s message on medical

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor GASTONIA — Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.

Dr. William E. May, professor of moral theology at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C., presented The Gospel of Life: Current Perspectives in Catholic Biomedical Ethics at St. Michael Church April 10. Approximately 100 people attended the lecture on Pope John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical letter, “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), dealing with the value and inviolability of human life.

“I hope they (the audience) take away that they are bodily persons, and their bodies are a gift from God, no matter how burdened they can be,” said May after the lecture. “There are ways to overcome the burdens — you send them to a doctor, you give them medicines. You don’t simply kill them.”

May was referring to abortion and euthanasia, two procedures adopted by many countries in the world, including the United States.

“They (the countries) do not regard unborn persons as humans protected by law,” he told the audience.

“An unborn baby is not a potential person, but a person with potential and that must be allowed to develop.”

May, a renowned author and lecturer in the field of Catholic moral theology, taught the subject at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., for 20 years. Appointed

by Pope John Paul II, May served on the International Theological Commission from 1986 to 1997 and was a consultant on the vocation and mission of the lay faithful in the Catholic Church for the 1987 Synod of Bishops.

The pope also awarded him the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1991.

May has authored more than a dozen books and scholarly articles.

His recent book, “Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life,” was published in 2000.

May began the presentation by summarizing the four chapters of the “Evangelium Vitae” - “Present Day Threats to Human Kind”; “The Christian Message Concerning Life”; “God’s Holy Law”; and “For a New Culture of Human Life.”

May’s presentation, however, focused mainly on the first chapter of the encyclical, which describes our culture as a “culture of death.” The roots of this culture include a perverse idea of human freedom, said May. “People think, ‘Nobody’s going to tell me what I’m going to do. I am the one to determine right and wrong,’” said May. “No, God does this. But he gives us the ability to understand right and wrong through our intelligence.”

Another reason for the culture of death is the mentality that “recognizes as a subject of rights only the one who enjoys full or at least incipient autonomy and who emerges from a state of total dependency of others,” said May. Basically, “a person is aware of itself as a self and capable or relating to others ... but unborn babies, newborns, the demented, the comatose, etc., are not, on this view, persons.”

“Hence, they do not have the rights of persons and are not entitled to protection of the law,” noted May. “To the contrary, Christian faith and sound philosophy maintain that every living human being is a person. This is a central truth of this

encyclical ... .”

Manifestations of the culture of death, said May, are an eclipse of a sense of God and of man, and widespread social acceptance of and legal protection of contraception, abortion and euthanasia.

“People in comas have useless lives.

Euthanasia is doing them a favor by relieving them of their burdensome lives,” said May of the culture of death thinking. “A living human body is a person. If we have a living body, we have a person made in the likeness of God.” The encyclical’s “The Christian Message Concerning Life” chapter confirms that we are made in God’s image. “We are impeccable images of God. God wanted a kind of person who could receive divine life. The divine nature and human nature are united in us after baptism,” said May. In the instance of rape, said May, abortion is not the answer. “The product is still good, not the means,” he said.

May’s lecture also touched upon how the encyclical bears on in vitro fertilization, experimentation on human subjects and stem cell research. “Stem cell research in itself is not immoral,” said May. The church opposes the kind of research that requires killing the embryo to get cells, he said.

In the chapter “For a New Culture for Human Life,” the development of a new human culture rests upon ordinary people and the family is meant to be the sanctuary of life, said May. “Married couples have the vocation to bring into being a new person,”

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

he said. “Parents have the responsibility to educate their children in the truth, and to love them and teach them to love others.”

Father John Allen, pastor of St. Michael Church, was delighted by the lecture and the turnout, which he said included some 30 physicians.

“The quest of all church teachings is to apply the message of Christ to new areas of thought,” said Father Allen. “Some of these concepts (in the encyclical) would have been inconceivable 13 to 15 years ago.”

“Human life requires more than our bodily life,” concluded May. “We need to have respect for a human person in its entirety — both as a bodily person and someone who is more than a body.”

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

April 19, 2002

By ELLEN NEERINCX SIGMON Correspondent BELMONT — They start their classes with a prayer in Spanish. On March 26, it was the Prayer of St. Francis: “Senor, hace instrumento de tu paz....” (Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. ...”)

These classes in conversational Spanish for clergy, women religious and diocesan employees came about when Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., abbot and chancellor of Belmont Abbey College; Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese; and Dean de la Motte, dean of academic affairs at Belmont Abbey College, began to talk about what the college and the monastery could do to work with Hispanics in the area. The Spanish classes are just a start of what is hoped to be a larger effort, said de la Motte.

“The details of that larger effort are not going to be really known until we know what sort of support we will have among our alumni and leaders in the Latino community,” said de la Motte.

A meeting with those groups is being planned for May, he said. Other ideas that have been discussed are to provide ESL (English as a Second Language) courses and providing other resources for Hispanics.

Plans are also in the works to use the college’s distance learning facility to tele-conference the Spanish classes to the Asheville and Greensboro areas.

“We hope to have a course up and running in the fall,” said de la Motte.

Liz Diaz, a Spanish instructor at Belmont Abbey College, is teaching the two Spanish classes this semester — one for the sisters at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse on Monday evenings, and another for clergy and diocesan personnel at Belmont Abbey College on Tuesday evenings.

“It’s such a blessing to work (with these students),” said Diaz. “They have

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Spanish classes make better

Photos by Ellen N. Sigmon

At left, Liz Diaz, a Spanish instructor at Belmont Abbey College, teaches Spanish classes — one for the sisters at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse and another for clergy and diocesan personnel at Belmont Abbey College, which include, at right, Pat Onaindia, secretary for faith formation; Kay Jordan, secretary for youth, young adult and campus ministry; Rev. Mr. Guy Piché, director of diocesan facilities; and his wife, Rachel Piché, a public health nurse. days of the week and types of sports and games. They also practiced useful words, phrases and questions. They practiced terms from the liturgical year and verbs that are useful in religious life, such as “predicar” (“to preach”) and “meditar” (“to meditate”).

They ended the class by saying the Hail Mary in Spanish.

Members of the class are finding that their new Spanish skills are not only useful in their work, but in everyday life as well.

“It’s helping me to read better Spanish,” said Rev. Mr. Guy Piche, director of diocesan facilities. “I’ve gotten some things from the Hispanic community, and I can identify them now.”

Pat Onaindia, secretary of faith formation for the diocese, talked about a recent encounter she had with a Hispanic man and

taken tremendous strides. They put more into it because it really has more impact for them.”

To her Tuesday class, she said, “You guys can speak more Spanish than my (college) class that meets three times a week for an hour and a half.”

Diaz leaves no one out during the classes. She puts her hands on her hips and turns to each student in turn, asking questions such as, “Que te gusta?” (“What do you like?”) and joking with them about their answers. Each student is expected to respond in Spanish.

“I go home wide awake, and I am tired when I get here,” said Franciscan Sister Mona Wingert, assistant superintendent of schools for the diocese and a member of the Tuesday class.

“It’s a great opportunity, and we’re happy to do it.”

“We are getting more and more Hispanic children in school,” said Sister of St. Joseph Helene Nagle, principal of St. Ann School in Charlotte.

“It’s not necessary for them, because they can speak pretty good English.

We need it for their parents.”

Sister Helene added that she could not rely on the children to translate for their parents because “the children can say anything they want to.” She laughed. “That’s why we have to hurry up and learn all of this.”

“Liz helps us to understand the cultures (of the various Hispanic countries), too,” said Sister Mona, who is called Hermana Mona in Spanish class.

“We are getting more cultures in the schools.”

On this particular Tuesday, the class practiced trilling double r’s and saying the names of the months, the

6 The Catholic News & Herald Pope beatifies six people, including Nicaraguan, Argentine VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating examples of priestly and religious holiness in the church, Pope John Paul II beatified six people, including the first Argentine and a Nicaraguan woman.

“These (six) newly beatified were able to recognize the Lord’s living presence in the church and, overcoming difficulties and fears, became his enthusiastic and courageous witnesses to the world,” the pope said April 14 during a solemn liturgy in St. Peter’s Square. As the pope pronounced the Latin formula of beatification under an overcast sky, drapes slipped off large tapestries on the basilica facade that depicted those being declared “blessed.” The group was made up of three priests, two religious sisters and a religious brother.

Los Angeles cardinal cleared of abuse allegation WASHINGTON (CNS) — A police investigation has cleared Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of an allegation that he molested a teen-age girl in 1969 in Fresno, Calif. When the claim surfaced in March, the cardinal asked for an immediate thorough investigation by church and law enforcement authorities and categorically denied that he had ever sexually abused anyone. His accuser, a 51-year-old Fresno woman with a history of mental illness, claimed that when she was a student at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, she was knocked unconscious in a fight at school. She alleged that when she awoke, her bottom garment was gone and then-Msgr.

Mahony was standing over her. She told reporters she was seeking compensation to cover her psychiatric bills.She also has accused fellow students, family members and co-workers of molesting her. Fresno police officer Dwayne Johnson said April 11 that police interviewed former students and staff at the school and found nothing to substantiate the allegation against the cardinal. He said Cardinal Mahony cooperated fully in the investigation.

Pope to skip annual mountain vacation due to full travel schedule VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope

April 19, 2002

People in the

CNS photo from Reuters

Image of Argentine nun hangs at St. Peter’s The image of Sister Maria del Transito de Jesus Sacramentado hangs from St. Peter’s Basilica April 14. The Argentine nun founded the Congregation of the Tertiary Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Argentina. She was one of six people beatified by Pope John Paul II. John Paul II will skip his customary vacation in the Italian mountains this summer because his traveling schedule is already full, Vatican sources said. Normally the pope spends about 10 days in the northern Italian alps in mid-July. He used to spend much of his Italian vacation hiking, but in recent years he has taken drives instead. This year, the pontiff, who turns 82 in May, plans to travel to Toronto for World Youth Day ceremonies, then to Guatemala and Mexico. The July 23Aug. 1 trip is expected to begin with a rest and relaxation stop of three days at a

yet-undisclosed location outside Toronto.

The pope also has been invited to his native Poland this summer, and Vatican sources said he was likely to travel there in mid-August. The trip probably would include a stop in the Tatra mountains, where the pope hiked as a young man.

Queen Mother prepared to die by living Christian life, cardinal says MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Queen Mother Elizabeth prepared for death by living a “good and gener-

ous Christian life,” said Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor of Westminster.

The Queen Mother’s April 9 funeral in Westminster Abbey, London, followed a five-day period of lying in state when an estimated 200,000 people passed her coffin.

The funeral attended by the British royal family and royal families from across Europe, was also attended by British senior political figures.

Byron White remembered for voice against abortion WASHINGTON (CNS) — Retired Supreme Court Justice Byron White, a football hero turned jurist who died April 15, was remembered for dissenting from some of the most controversial court rulings of his time, including the Roe vs.

Wade decision legalizing abortion. White, 84, died of complications of pneumonia at his home in Denver. He had retired from the court in 1993 after serving 31 years, a term stretching from his appointment

by President John F. Kennedy to the first months of the Clinton presidency. One of his more famous dissents at the Supreme Court was in the 1973 Roe case. He wrote that “the court apparently values the convenience of the pregnant mother more than the continued existence and development of the life or potential life which she carries. ... I find no constitutional warrant for imposing such an order of priorities on the people and legislatures of the states.”

White said the majority opinion was “an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial rule.”

Italian archbishop enthusiastic about restoring Baltimore basilica VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Italian Archbishop Francesco Marchisano can wax poetic about the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. The archbishop, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Goods of the Church, visited the basilica 30 years ago and is an enthusiastic supporter of efforts to restore in it time for its 200th anniversary in 2005. “It has immense historical importance,” said the archbishop, whose primary task is to encourage the preservation and appreciation of church art and historic buildings.

April 19, 2002

From the

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Volunteers find new purpose in

By MARY MARSHALL Correspondent BELMONT — Andy and Mary Jane Wisniewski are natives of Chicago.

Jo Renn hails from Albuquerque, N.M. The chances of them even meeting were slim until they decided to join Mercy Volunteer Corps and found themselves sharing a home in Belmont. The Wisniewskis spend their days assisting at Holy Angels. Renn has become a relished fixture at Catherine’s House.

The Wisniewskis had lived in the same home for 40 years, raising six children and participating in church activities. Their family grew to include nine grandchildren, and as Andy Wisniewski’s retirement date drew near, they saw an ad in their church bulletin about Mercy Volunteer Corps and sent for information.

Mercy Volunteer Corps is a program of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas that invites women and men to service with people in the United States and Guyana, South America.

Volunteers commit to compassionate service, a simple lifestyle in the community and spiritual growth for a period of one year in the United States and two years for international programs.

Placement opportunities range from working with: people with HIV/ AIDS; children and adolescents; elderly persons; homeless people; physically and mentally challenged people; teenage mothers; and people in both

urban and rural settings, from large cities to Native American reservations and migrant communities. The Mercy Volunteer Corps staff and the potential volunteers work together to achieve the ideal placement.

“Our goal was to live in community and develop our own spiritual lives as well as be of service,” said Mary Jane Wisniewski. “For years, we kept hearing in the Gospels the idea of being of service. Now we were able to see it as a full-time possibility.”

The Wisniewskis sold their home, stored their furniture and, following a week’s orientation period in Philadelphia, headed to Holy Angels — which provides innovative services and programs for children and adults with mental retardation and other disabilities — in Belmont.

Mercy Volunteers receive a small stipend, orientation and retreat opportunities, transportation to and from the site of service, the opportunity to live within a prayerful community, medical insurance, AmeriCorps Education Awards and school loan forbearance, as well as professional and personal growth.

The Wisniewskis readily adapted to the Belmont community, enjoying the pluses of a small town — walking to Holy Angels and strolling and attending movies in the park. They seized upon the spiritual benefits of Belmont Abbey College and its lovely campus.

Photo by Mary Marshall

Mary Jane Wisniewski, also a member of the Mercy Volunteer Corps, takes care of a young Holy Angels resident named Savannah. She and Andy moved from Chicago to Belmont to work for the Mercy Volunteer Corps, a program of the Sister of Mercy of the Americas that invites women and men to service with people in the United States and Guyana, South America.

Andy Wisniewski’s Holy Angels volunteer job is two-fold. He assists in the greenhouse with horticultural therapist Will Berry, who taught him how to work with the residents. Wisniewski learned who can handle tools and who participates by feeling and smelling. “It’s delightful to see the excitement in their eyes as they arrive at the greenhouse,” said Wisniewski. “I also spend part of my day working with the residents in the classrooms where I have established a special bond with several of them.”

Mary Jane cares for the residents with motherly instincts. She provides daily hygiene needs and works one-onone with several residents within the classroom setting. She works to achieve goals set up by the professional staff, documenting what she has done and the residents’ response to her interaction methods.

About this same time, Renn, who has four children and four grandchildren, wanted a new experience in a different part of the country. A retired nurse, she had traveled and did volunteer work in Central America where she met the Sisters of Mercy — she worked in their soup kitchen and clinic. Returning home, she felt antsy. Turning to the Sisters of Mercy for guidance in her volunteer journey, she became interested in Catherine’s House, a dwelling for homeless women and their children in Belmont.

Soon she was bound for Belmont, staying at the Mercy Corps home with the Wisniewskis and assigned to office help at Catherine’s House. But there was just one hitch — she knew very little about office work. But she loved to organize, clean and pull things together. She soon found her niche, which included accepting and organizing donations, inspecting residents’ housekeeping chores, assisting with empowerment classes and coordinat-

ing volunteers. Renn offers a pleasant greeting to a resident, a shoulder to cry upon and often serves as a good listener. She helps plant flowers, has led a children’s cooking class and is currently busy organizing a picnic for the many student volunteers.

“This is very satisfying for me,” said Renn. “I wondered how I would be able to help. I remembered that God doesn’t ask our ability or inability, just our availability.

“It’s gratifying for me to know that I am offering a part of myself to help a homeless woman or child move on to a better way of life. This has also been a spiritual journey for me,” she said. “I’ve learned to communicate and love my brothers and sisters whose position in life is different than mine.

We pray spontaneously here — perhaps with a woman on her way to a job interview or as one prepares for a test. This experience has brought me internal peace.”

Renn loves the small city atmosphere of Belmont with all its trees.

She enjoys walking home each day and meeting local people. She and the Wisniewskis prepare meals together and share the highlights of their days, culmulating the evening with prayer.

The three Mercy Volunteers have experienced spiritual growth through interacting with residents at Holy Angels and Catherine’s House and at retreats. The volunteers have found they are not the same people as when first they arrived.

For the Wisniewskis, the spirit of the staff who are so faithful and nurturing will stay with them when they leave, as will their motto of “loving, living and learning.”

8 The Catholic News & Herald

SPECTRUM, from page 1 aren’t scientifically random, but “representative” demographic samples of churches, Dr. Cobble explains.

Since 1993, on average about 1 percent of the surveyed churches reported abuse allegations annually. That means on average, about 3,500 allegations annually, or nearly 70 per among the predominantly Protestant group, Cobble says.

The CMR findings also reveal: • Most church child-sexual-abuse cases involve a single victim.

• Law suits or out-of-court settlements were a result in 21 percent of the allegations reported in the 2000 survey.

• Volunteers are more likely than clergy or paid staff to be abusers.

Perhaps more startling, children at churches are accused of sexual abuse as often as are clergy and staff. In 1999, for example, 42 percent of alleged child abusers were volunteers - about 25 percent were paid staff members (including clergy) and 25 percent were other children.

Still, it is the reduction of reported allegations over nine years that seems to indicate that some churches are learning how to slow abuse allegations with tough new prevention measures, say insurance company officials and church officials themselves.

The peak year for allegations was 1994, with 3 percent of churches reporting an allegation of sexual misconduct compared with just 0.1 percent in 2000.

But 2001 data, indicates a swing back to the 1 percent level, still significantly less than the 1993 figures, Cobble says.

Child sexual-abuse insurance claims have slowed, too, industry sources say.

Hugh White, vice president of marketing for Brotherhood Mutual Insurance, in Ft. Wayne, Ind., suggests that the amount of abuse reported in the CMR 2001 data is reasonable though “at the higher end” of the scale.

Mr. White’s company insures 30,000 churches — about 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent of which annually report an

In the “incident” of child sexual abuse. But he says that his churches are more highly educated on child abuse prevention procedures than most, which may account for a lower rate of reported abuse than the CMR surveys.

What all the data show is a settling that followed “a large spike” in the frequency and severity of church sexual misconduct claims from the mid-1980s, White says.

“Church insurance carriers implemented educational programs and policies that have helped decrease and then stabilize the trend,” agrees Jan Beckstrom, chief operating officer for the church insurer GuideOne Insurance in West Des Moines, Iowa.

CMR surveys also show many smaller churches have lagged in starting such programs, while larger churches with more resources and management controls have led the way.

And for good reason: They have more to lose, and a larger abuse problem.

“I don’t know of a church that isn’t doing this,” says Simeon May, of the Richardson, Tex.-based National Association of Church Business Administration, which gives training for large churches with administrators.

At Grace Community Church in Tempe, Ariz., the executive pastor, Gary Maitha, says his church has adopted a tougher sort of love since 2000. That’s when criminal background checks, finger printing, detailed questionnaires, and careful policies — such as never having children and adults “one-onone” — kicked into gear. It’s a necessity with 700 to 800 children showing up for Sunday School and many more for other church activities during the week, he says.

“We have fingerprinting and a criminal background check for anyone over age 18 that works with children,” says the Rev. Maitha. “If it comes back with a blemish, they’re not working with kids.

That’s all there is to it.”

Debby DeBernardi, director of Grace Community’s children’s ministry, says church policies require, for instance, that adults go in pairs when supervising bathroom breaks for chil-

dren and that they check to ensure no adults are in the bathrooms, before children enter.

Fingerprints for Sunday school Men who’ve been screened and fingerprinted may work in the nursery.

But only female staff members — not volunteers — may change diapers.

Only adults wearing an identity badge that indicates they’ve been cleared may work with children — and photo IDs are coming soon. Some long-time volunteers, offended by all the new policies, have bowed out of children’s activities.

But the new procedures have already proven their worth, Ms. DeBernardi says. “We did have someone already apply who had a police file and had been accused of child molestation.

Because of our new procedures, we caught it.... Sometimes you have to bring people in and say, ‘Look, you’re welcome to come to the church, we love you. But you may not minister in the children’s area.’”

That sort of toughness is swiftly becoming a prerequisite for insurance coverage, and to protect against lawsuits and false allegations, which can be nearly as demoralizing to a church organization.

The problem, Cobble says, is that churches are the perfect environment for sexual predators, because they have large numbers of children’s’ programs, a shortage of workers to lead them, and a culture of trust that is the essence of the organization.

Churches have been active since the early 1990s in addressing the problem, Cobble reports. More than 100,000 copies of a book he co-authored, “Reducing

April 19, 2002

the risk of Child Sexual Abuse in Your Church” were sold.

Since January, when Roman Catholic dioceses nationwide began drawing headlines over pedophile priests, some church organizations have focused anew on revamping sexual abuse policies.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, for instance, is reportedly drafting a new sexual-abuse policy.

Ralph Colas, of the American Council of Christian Churches, a Bethlehem, Penn. organization representing fundamentalist denominations, reports fresh activity. “I’ve helped several churches this last week draw up some guideline policies,” he says. “I’ve encouraged churches to secure legal advice, to make sure they are meeting the legal mandatory reporting requirements.”

Fear of lawsuits sparked new rules But the shift to “trust but verify” — impelled to a degree by current headlines — has been ongoing since a conference in Chicago in November 1992 when more than 100 denominational leaders met for the first time to discuss how to deal with child sex abuse.

About that time, insurance companies were dropping coverage of churches without screening policies.

“What drove leaders to begin to respond to this issue was not the welfare of children,” Cobble says. “It was fear of large, costly lawsuits.”

Mark Clayton is a staff writer for The Christian Science Monitor. This article was reprinted with permission by The Christian Science Monitor.

April 19, 2002

In the

More allegations of misconduct reported in

By Joann S. Keane Editor CHARLOTTE — Over the course of six days, the Diocese of Charlotte learned of four cases of misconduct, turning all allegations over to civil authorities.

“Our policy is to completely inform and cooperate with civil authorities,” said Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor. “While we truthfully respond to reasonable inquiries from parishioners and the media, we respect the rights and privacy of those involved.”

In March, Bishop William G. Curlin reiterated and clarified the diocesan policy of zero tolerance for child sex abuse. All allegations of sexual misconduct are turned over to civil authorities.

The policy is applicable to all clergy, religious, and laity who work in any capacity, whether staff or volunteers in the Diocese of Charlotte. “The most recent allegations within our diocese leave me saddened beyond belief,” said Bishop Curlin.

On April 10, the diocese reported two allegations of sexual misconduct to civil authorities. Both allegations concerned events that allegedly occurred more than 25 years ago within the Diocese of Charlotte, one in 1973, the other in 1957.

On April 13, the diocese was notified by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales that an allegation of inappropriate behavior was filed against Father James O’Neill, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro. Father O’Neill was removed of his responsibilities of pastor of the Triad parish. The allegation occurred years ago, before Father O’Neill

came to North Carolina. Father O’Neill has been pastor of St. Paul the Apostle for 11 years.

During weekend masses at St. Paul the Apostle, Oblate Provential Father Joseph Morrissy informed parishioners at the close of each of the weekend masses. “I ask you as members of the parish community to hold all of us in prayer, particularly Father Jim’s accuser and Father Jim himself. Every believer is touched by these most tragic events.”

During the interim, Oblate Father Thomas Morrissy will assume responsibility as temporary administrator for St. Paul the Apostle effective April 19. Father Morrissy served St. Paul the Apostle from 1991 to 1994 as parochial vicar.

Allegations arose on April 15, with an allegation filed against a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, a priest currently serving outside the diocese. The priest was employed by a Catholic organization, not a parish. He has been removed from his position, and his priestly faculties were removed. The allegations against the priest took place more than 15 years ago, in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“Each time I hear of allegations of child sexual abuse anywhere in the country, I am heartsick and turn to God in prayer,” said Bishop Curlin. “I pray for the victims of these horrific crimes that they may begin the healing process and once again learn to trust. I pray for the accusers that the truth will come out and justice prevail. The path to truth is often heartbreaking and painful, but I am confident that the God of justice, truth and mercy will accompany us on the

The Catholic News & Herald 9

U.S. church leadership to meet in Rome on clergy sex abuse

By Jerry Filteau Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The clergy sex abuse crisis in the U.S. Catholic Church took a new turn April 15 as it was revealed that the Vatican scheduled a Rome summit on the issue with U.S. cardinals and top officers of the bishops’ conference.

They were to be in Rome April 22-25 to meet with Pope John Paul II and top Vatican officials.

The summit was called as Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston faced new calls to resign because of a loss of trust over his past reassignment of priests accused of sexual abuse of minors.

In a faxed letter to all his priests April 12, Cardinal Law said he did not intend to resign, but many observers did not take the letter as a final word on the topic. The Boston Globe, the city’s leading daily, issued a second editorial call for the cardinal’s resignation April 14.

Meanwhile, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told Catholic New Service at the end of a week of meetings in Rome that the pope “assured us of his willingness and desire to assist us in any way we find necessary.”

He said that at a working lunch April 9 the pope was especially concerned with the spirit of U.S. Catholics in the face of the scandals, which have rocked the Boston Archdiocese and much of the nation for the past three months.

Interviewed in Rome April 13, Bishop Gregory said one of the key policy issues the U.S. bishops have yet to resolve is the question of reassignment of priests who have committed sexual abuse. The bishops “are not all on the same page” on that issue, he said, but he suspected there was growing sentiment toward permanently removing such priests from all forms of public ministry.

In a brief exchange two days later with CNS in Washington, he confirmed that the then-not-yet-announced summit in Rome was being called to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse.

The steady spread of the scandal beyond the Boston area continued in the first half of April. More bishops removed priests from posts while reassessing past sex abuse allegations against them. More prosecutors began asking dioceses for their records of past allegations. And hundreds of individuals came forward with new allegations that they had been sexually abused by a priest as a child.

In California, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony was cleared by police of an allegation by a woman with a history of mental illness that the cardinal may have molested her more than 30 years ago when she was in high school in Fresno. The claim about an alleged incident at the school was vague and police said interviews with former staff and students produced nothing to substantiate it. Cardinal Mahony denied ever molesting anyone.

New York Cardinal Edward M. Egan, former bishop of Bridgeport, Conn., came under new fire in mid-April over his handling of abuse cases during his time in Bridgeport in the 1990s. As Connecticut newspapers investigated details of those cases, they contended the cardinal protected priests and did not pursue allegations as vigorously as he should have.

In response to one news report, Bridgeport and New York church officials issued a joint statement denying that the cardinal had known that a teen-age girl impregnated by a priest was a still a minor under the state’s statutory rape law when the sexual relationship began. In an April 14 editorial the Connecticut Post, Bridgeport daily, said Cardinal Egan should resign.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Book reviews Buchanan’s migrant

Reviewed by John H. Carroll Catholic News Service Political pundit and former presidential candidate Patrick J. Buchanan once again has entered the booklists to joust in the ongoing cultural struggle for the soul of America. His political theories and beliefs are proclaimed anew in his latest book, “The Death of the West,” along with dire warnings of drastic and unsettling ethnic changes in Western Europe and the United States.

Most readers may agree in principle with the author’s stand against abortion, euthanasia, the decline of traditional JudeoChristian morality and the erosion of family values and traditional patriotism. Of course there are questions about the causes of this malaise. Buchanan contends that it is as a result of a “catechism of revolution” propagated

by European Marxist thinkers in American academic and cultural circles. Still, it is possible that the prosperous middle-class lifestyle now enjoyed by many Americans may have contributed to the decline of traditional standards as well.

Buchanan also is upset about what he describes in two chapters as “The War Against the Past” and “DE-Christianizing America.” He contends that these developments have caused what he believes is the decline of an “intimidated majority” that is making the United States into “a house divided.” The author regrets that America and the rest of the world have changed since “The Greatest Generation” came home after World War II. Still, time marches on and conditions change.

However, Buchanan’s main thrust deals with the declining birthrates in Western Europe and among Euro-Americans. He predicts that the large-scale new immigration by Muslims into Europe from the Near East and Africa may result in more ethnic disruptions such as those that occurred between South Asians and

April 19, 2002

Readlocal whites in the north of England within the past year. The author fears for the future of Europe and its ancient culture.

In a chapter entitled “La Reconquista,” Buchanan expresses similar concern for the future of the United States in view of the large Latino — especially Mexican — immigration into the country. He states that “Mexicans not only come from another culture, but millions are of another race.

History and experience teach us that different races are far more difficult to assimilate.” He fears that the emerging Mexican majority in the Southwest may view their potential political power as the reconquest of the area, perhaps a form of Santa Anna’s revenge.

Still it is possible that if the church is able to maintain the allegiance of the Latino immigrants, it may gradually integrate them into American society as it did with earlier ethnic Catholic groups. Perhaps the author should attend an occasional Spanish Mass.

In the early part of the 20th century, Madison Grant of the New York Zoological Society and American Geographical Society wrote “The Passing of the Great Race.” He expressed concern about the influx of Asians, Eastern Europeans — both Jews and Slavs — Irish, Italians, Mexicans and Negroes into the United States. He concluded that as a result of immigration “the type of native American of colonial descent will become as extinct as the Athenian of the Age of Pericles and the Viking of the days of Rollo.” So, we have heard Buchanan’s lament in the past and yet the nation survived two world wars, the Great Depression and the civil rights struggles despite difficulties. No one denies the author’s devotion to American ideals and aspirations and his efforts to debate national issues, but the future may not be as bleak as he predicts.

Word to Life

Sunday Scripture Readings: April 21, 2002 Cycle A Readings: April 21, Fourth Sunday of Easter 1) Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 23:1-6 2) 1 Peter 2:20b-25 3) Gospel: John 10:1-10

By BEVERLY CORZINR Catholic News Service Not a day goes by without a news story describing the importance of the Internet or condemning its seamy side.

Pitchmen, entrepreneurs and educators urge us to use it for researching everything from automobiles to homework assignments. With the Internet we can find the shortest route to our friend’s new home, take a virtual tour of Canterbury Cathedral in the UK or watch events unfold on the other side of the world. Like it or not, using the information superhighway has become part of daily life for a great many of us.

One evening a few days ago, our daughter Lynn called to share a Web site she had located while doing research for her class in intensive Greek.

“Mom, I’m sending you the most interesting Web site. You can view early Christian art and burial sites in the catacombs in Italy. Go look at it.”

At the click of a mouse, I spent hours visiting the catacombs. I read inscriptions left by ancient Christians and viewed their artwork as well as their final resting places. Reading about the brutality and uncertainty of that world

of long ago, I was reminded that one of the earliest images of Jesus these early Christians held sacred and often illustrated in their art was that of the shepherd, carrying a helpless sheep on his shoulders.

When I finished my virtual tour, I pondered the faith of our ancient sisters and brothers, and sensed the vibrant love they had for Jesus. This love gave them the courage to witness to their belief in the risen Lord, often at the risk of an excruciating death.

In the Gospel reading for this fifth week of the Easter season, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd.

He does not tell his listeners a story about stupid sheep, rather, he tells a story about sheep who recognize their master’s voice and are not deceived, even though strange voices may call them. The shepherd Jesus reveals leads his sheep to a safe, more abundant existence. The artisans of the ancient Christian burial sites testify to us about their faith even though the Roman world they knew vanished long ago.

The sayings of Jesus they held as dear as life itself continue to inspire us to live our faith and to discern the call of the Good Shepherd.

Questions: Does the image of being carried and rescued have special meaning for you as you seek to follow Jesus? Is it an image you can use to communicate his love to someone you know who needs a gentle lift?

Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of April 21 - April 27 Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Easter), Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 Peter 2:20-25, John 10:1-10; Monday, Acts 11:1-8, John 10:11-18; Tuesday, Acts 11:19-26, John 10:22-30; Wednesday, Acts 12:24—13:5, John 12:44-50; Thursday (St. Mark), 1 Peter 5:5-14, Mark 16:15-20; Friday, Acts 13:26-33, John 14:1-6; Saturday, Acts 13:44-52, John 14:7-14 Scripture for the week of April 28 - May 4 Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Easter), Acts 6:1-7, 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12; Monday (St. Catherine of Siena), Acts 14:5-18, John 14:21-26; Tuesday (St. Pius V), Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31; Wednesday (St. Joseph the Worker), Genesis 1:26—2:3, Matthew 13:54-58; Thursday (St. Athanasius), Acts 15:7-21, John 15:9-11; Friday (Sts. Philip and James), 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Saturday, Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21

April 19, 2002

Movie Review

Entertain-

The Catholic News & Herald 11

“Changing Lanes”

By Anne Navarro Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — For the first 15 minutes or so of the tense drama “Changing Lanes” (Paramount), director Roger Michell traps the audience in a claustrophobic, anxiety-ridden situation as a chance encounter between two men sets off a terrifying retaliation game.

And while the pressure eases a bit as the film unfolds and the moviegoer adjusts, the intensity of the vicious tit-for-tat does not.

Michell has constructed an uneasy morality tale that provokes reflection on corporate ethics, individual responsibility and self-destructive behavior. The day starts off pretty well for young hotshot lawyer Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck), a partner at the Wall Street law firm established by his father-in-law, Delano (Sydney Pollack). He has the simple task of handling a probate case involving late millionaire Simon Dunne which is being disputed by Dunne’s granddaughter (Jennifer Dundas Lowe).

Late for court and stuck in traffic, Banek maneuvers his car into another lane just as Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) does the same, causing an accident. Gipson, also rushing to court, is a divorced father and recovering alcoholic whose ex-wife (Kim Staunton) is planning on moving with their two sons to Oregon. Gipson’s right to see his children rests on the decision of a surly judge with a full docket and no patience for tardiness.

Neither man has time to waste, but Gipson wants to “do the right thing” and rejects Banek’s offer of a blank check for any damages. Unwittingly he tips the first domino in a long series of retaliation tactics that each man puts into effect.

In his hurry to make it to court, Banek drops the one crucial file he needs to prove his case. Gipson picks it up, but arrives late for court and the judge refuses to hear his case or consider the fact that he’s about to purchase a home for his exwife and kids to stay in New York.

Matters escalate when, in response to an obnoxious fax from Gipson, Banek, desperate to retrieve his file, hires a computer hacker (Dylan Baker) to fool with Gipson’s credit line and bankrupt him, making it impossible to close on the house. (In the 21st century,

Movie Capsules

By Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — Following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

“Frailty” (Lions Gate) Twisted tale set in 1979 about a widowed father (Bill Paxton) who believes he has been sent by God to destroy demons and enlists the help of his two young sons (Matt O’Leary and Jeremy Sumpter) to murder people he senses are wicked.

Told mainly in flashbacks by the adult older son (Matthew McConaughey), the story of a disturbed father and a family poisoned by the evil it supposedly rejects is deftly woven together by director Paxton, although narrative holes and a jumbled ending diminish the overall

the enforcer uses his brain — not his brawn.) Each time the story turns another corner, the layers of deception, fraud and despicable behavior increases.

But it’s also a trip in self-realization.

Banek discovers his father-in-law and his law firm are not models of decency, and admits to his deceptive part in convincing an ailing Dunne to sign a power of attorney that was never on the up-and-up.

Backed into a corner, the men realize they need something from each other.

Both are flawed individuals, which results in a complex, intriguing drama that refuses to make things easy by choosing an obvious good or bad guy. Alcoholism is not the worst of Gipson’s problems, his self-destructive nature is. In his meteoric rise to the top, Banek has traded in his scruples for power, money and pleasure.

At various points, it seems that one or the other will relent, stop this twisted game and act like a civilized human being.

Instead, the barbaric behavior continues until the story slowly unwinds and stops.

The film’s religious overtones are readily felt — it’s Good Friday; at the end of his rope, Banek, although not a Catholic, finds himself in a confessional searching for the meaning of life; and crucifixes, pictures of Jesus and rosary beads sporadically show up in the background. But their purpose is ambiguous.

Neither man explicitly turns to God, yet each man has a sense that faith, values and a guiding force are missing in their lives.

The ending is a tad too sunny to match the preceding events. But after being put through the wringer, the viewer leaves feeling hopeful that doing the right thing is its own reward.

Compromise and redemption are worth the price, and vengeance belongs to God alone.

Because of brief violence, much menace and intermittent rough language with some profanity, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

Navarro is on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

impact. Intermittent violence including a suicide and some rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“Human Nature” (Fine Line) Bizarre story in which a woman with excess body hair (Patricia Arquette) and her boyfriend, a behavioral scientist (Tim Robbins) who teaches mice table manners, capture a feral man (Rhys Ifans) living in the wild and attempt to civilize him.

With the premise that humans are propelled by their sex drive and society’s role is to control it, first-time director Michel Gondry’s eccentric romantic comedy has a few laughs, but mostly leaves the zany characters spinning their wheels as the film drags on. Several sexual situations, recurring frontal nudity and intermittent

CNS photo from Excel Entertainment

Scene from movie ‘The Other Side of Heaven’ Christopher Gorham stars as Mormon missionary John Groberg in a scene from the film “The Other Side of Heaven.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“New Best Friend” (TriStar) Dreadful drama set on a Southern college campus where the local sheriff (Taye Diggs) investigates whether a shy, bookish student (Mia Kirshner) lying in the hospital accidentally overdosed on drugs or was the victim of attempted murder by her popular new friend (Meredith Monroe). Muddled when it isn’t predictable, director Zoe ClarkeWilliams’ awful film is embarrassing with caricatured characters and an amateurish narrative that plods along interminably.

Several gratuitous sexual situations including same-sex kissing, some nudity, sporadic drug use and intermittent rough language with brief profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“The Other Side of Heaven” (Excel Entertainment) Earnest portrayal of a young Mormon missionary (Christopher Gorham) from Idaho who crosses the ocean to the exotic island of Tonga during the 1950s, leaving behind his family and true love (Anne Hathaway) to preach the word of God. Based on a true story, the film is very likeable with top-notch special effects, but first-time writerdirector Mitch Davis falters with overpowering music and melodramatic moments. A few scenes may be too intense for the very young. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

“The Sweetest Thing” (Columbia) Trashy comedy about a sassy young woman (Cameron Diaz) who can have any guy she wants, but when the

right one (Thomas Jane) gets away, she and her best friend (Christina Applegate) set out to find him. As directed

by Roger Kumble, stale writing doused with vulgar expressions make up the painfully stupid plot, which is simply an excuse for the female leads to parade around in their underwear. Benign view of promiscuity, several explicit sexual situations and many gross references, partial nudity and recurring rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“High Crimes” (20th Century Fox) Disappointing courtroom drama in which an ex-Marine (Jim Caviezel) stands accused of murdering civilians in El Salvador while his attorney wife (Ashley Judd) and a disgraced former Marine (Morgan Freeman) dig to unearth a cover-up that could prove the accused’s innocence. Although sleekly directed by Carl Franklin, the suspense falters amid cliches in the final halfhour. Intermittent violence and a brief sexual situation. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG13 — parents are strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

April 19, 2002

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

In times of trial, trust in God’s consolation B John Norton y

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even when believers face times of trial, they can joyfully trust in God’s consolation, Pope John Paul II said.

Speaking at his weekly general audience April 17, the pope underscored his point with a hymn from the Book of Isaiah, in which the author links a past period of trial to his own sinfulness.

“The person singing is a person who has a bitter experience behind him, felt as an act of divine justice,” the pope told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

“But now the trial has ended. The purification has come to pass. The Lord’s anger is replaced with a smile (and) the availability to save and console,” he said.

The pope said the salvation offered by God was able to produce “joy and trust even in the dark day of trial.”

He noted that God’s salvation often was described in the Bible using the symbolism of water.

“Unfortunately, too often humanity abandons this spring, which quenches the thirst of the person’s whole being,” he said.

At the end of the audience, the pope greeted Vietnamese priests who were about to return to their country after studies in Europe.

“Dear priests, tell your brothers and sisters in the faith that I pray for them every day; I pray for the peace and progress of the whole nation,” said the pope, speaking in English.

Text Audience

By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Here is the Vatican text of Pope John Paul II’s remarks in English at his weekly general audience April 17.

Dear brothers and sisters, From the prophet Isaiah, we have a hymn which first looks back upon a bitter experience which the people saw as God’s judgment. In the end, however, the hymn praises God, whose anger passes and whose love lasts forever. The prophet uses the image of water to describe God’s action: “You will drink joyfully from the springs of salvation.” These are the springs of God’s love, the waters of new life. Yet at times we prefer the waters of death; and then we condemn ourselves to sorrow. The Book of Isaiah speaks of a king through whom salvation comes.

For Christians, Jesus is the royal figure in whom we find the fullness of God’s saving grace. With the words of the prophet, we profess our faith in Christ our king, and we proclaim to the world the salvation which is in him.

I warmly welcome the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially the priests from Vietnam who are returning to their country after studies in Europe.

Dear priests: Tell your brothers and sisters in the faith that I pray for them every day; I pray for the peace and progress of the whole nation. Upon the pilgrims and visitors from England, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and the United States, I invoke the peace of the risen Christ. God bless you all!

Remembering a thinker who so respected religion Years ago, I read William James’ “The Varieties of Religious Experience,” when I was studying science. As a young Catholic at the time, I felt much confusion with the argument some tried to make that science was provable and religion was not because, it was said, religion was only an individual belief based on need. Religion, it was claimed, would soon be dumped into the wastebasket as science took over to answer all life’s questions.

No wonder I took some comfort in reading James, who was a scientist, a psychologist and a philosopher. I pulled out quotes from his writings, and became a fan of his for such statements as: “Our science is a drop, our ignorance a sea. Whatever else be certain, this at least is certain — that the world of our present natural knowledge is enveloped in a larger world of some sort of whose residual properties we at present can frame no positive ideal. Remember that the whole point lies in really believing that through a certain point or part in you, you coalesce and are identical with the Eternal.”

I hadn’t thought of James or his writings for a long time, and then I received a mailing. This year is the 100th anniversary of the appearance of “The Varieties of Religious Experience,” originally delivered as the “Gifford Lectures” at the University of Edinburgh. Commemorating this, a special program on James was to be held at Columbia University in New York, part of the John Templeton Foundation Research Lectures on the Constructive Engagement of Science and Religion.

Still fascinated by the science/religion debate, I registered.

It seemed wise to reread “The Varieties,” and I did, now gaining insights not possible to me in my late teens.

Unquestionably, there was, as the first speaker, Professor David A. Hollinger of the University of California at Berkeley, noted, “great tension at the center of James’ life,” caught between his Protestantism and the demands of modern science. I could feel his struggle in discerning the questions that relied on scientific evidence for answers and those that fell within the sphere of faith.

James’ lectures were full of stories in which people

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR CNS Columnist

to me.... Go away to eternal punishment” (Mt 25:46) I fear for the salvation of those who accept Jesus as Lord, but who refuse him obedience.

Fundamentalists like to jar Catholics with selfserving questions like this one: “Where in the Bible does it say there is a purgatory?” This loaded question implies that Catholics make things up that are not in the Bible. Nonsense!

The concept of purgatory goes back to the Hebrew Bible (2 Macc 12:46): “The just judges begged prayerfully that the sins of those who had fallen might be fully blotted out. For if we had not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas in fact it is ... holy and devout.” Why would it be holy to pray for the dead if they are already in heaven or in hell?

Do not be disarmed by the uncharitable tactics of fundamentalists. They may mean well, but they love to disrupt and dominate. They are misguided zealots.

Catholics who have abandoned the Eucharist for the cold bowl of lumpy porridge they serve up have been sorely deceived.

Pray that one day we will all “come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved.”

The Bottom Line ANTOINNETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist

related extraordinary experiences of how they were literally catapulted into the realm of the Eternal and became believers in God. I wondered why these stories so fascinated him, and I concluded that James must have been engaged in a very personal struggle for belief. I felt he could have been one to say: “I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.”

I went to the lectures, which have been called “dated,” actually wondering what I was looking for. Now I know.

William James exposed what is basic in all of us, the need to believe that there is an unseen eternal order in this word.

In his time people were “worried about the fate of religion in the face of emerging science,” as Columbia Professor Wayne Proudfoot expressed it. James, acknowledging his own struggle with belief, still wanted a better answer to how “human beings get through life without being overwhelmed by despair,” said Stanford Professor Richard Rorty, adding, “We need a vocabulary which gives our life promise.”

I think James was searching for that vocabulary and found it in a word, “God.” This became for him, as Proudfoot put it, “a license for hope.” A century from now, I suspect people still will be reading James, connecting with his belief and unbelief, and his search for the truth of an incredible “promise.”

Biblical fundamentalism Fundamentalists ignore the historical understanding of Scripture and run the risk of appearing to be insincere because of their inconsistency.

By insisting on the literal interpretation of the sacred texts, they put themselves in the position of accepting absurdities. How many actually believe that Herod had a tail and four legs? They know that Jesus wasn’t speaking literally when he called Herod a fox.

How many of them actually believe that Jesus demands self-mutilation of his followers? Jesus tells us it is better to cut off our right hand if it offends, but we all know he wasn’t speaking literally.

Biblical fundamentalists only insist on the literal interpretation of Scripture when it suits them. When it does, however, some come on like gangbusters, making all kinds of false accusations. For instance, some say that Catholics are not saved because they are not “born again.”

Apart from the audacity of presuming to limit the mercy of God, they ignore the fact that all Catholics must be baptized. Later in their teen years, Catholics are also asked to make a formal commitment to Jesus as the Lord of their lives. This is done in the sacrament of confirmation.

Some also falsely accuse Catholics of thinking that they are saved by acts alone. This is pure nonsense! Catholics never have been taught that actions alone will save them. Quite the contrary, they know very well that faith in Jesus saves, but he wants more than lip service from his followers. “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what my Father in heaven wants you to do?” (Mt 7:21) In a world filled with suffering and injustice, Jesus commands us to act on our love. Fundamentalist Christians may strangely turn a deaf ear to the social Gospel; some even scorn it. This is a shame because Jesus was so definite on this point: “Woe to you for when I was hungry you did not give me to eat.... I tell you solemnly, insofar as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it

April 19, 2002

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle MSGR. JIM LISANTE Guest Columnist

To take a friend’s hand for no special reason.

To value the small things but to want to do great things.

To believe what your Son said about becoming like little children.

May I be at home in your Kingdom. Amen.

Little children have the most incredible sense of wonder. Everything is new and fresh. We adults think that “been there, done that” shows our experience, even sophistication. But it’s really a little sad. If we knew so much, wouldn’t we be more overcome in awe of God’s creation, not less?

So, this spring, when the much-needed rains come, look down at the muddy puddles and shining grass, then look up at the sullen sky. Eventually you will see a rainbow. Beautiful and fleeting, it’s something that even the most jaded among us will stop to take notice. Think about God’s words to Noah, “I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ... When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember.”

(Genesis 9:13,16) Surely, there can be nothing boring about God’s universe. Come to think of it, not even beige.

Mass.

In practice, however, most of the time something more is at least helpful, if not practically necessary.

If one has been away for a number of years, for example, much may have happened in the intervening time that could be unfamiliar; they need to catch up.

Particularly, anyone who has not been to Mass for the past 30 years or so will have missed many changes in the liturgies of the Mass and sacraments that will confuse them if they’re not prepared.

Perhaps most obviously, experiencing and trying to participate in the Mass in English will be puzzling unless someone helps them understand reasons for those changes, and how they enhance and enrich our Catholic worship.

Another factor in helping them return could be the reason they stopped living a Catholic life in the first place. A real or perceived injury suffered from a priest or other representative of the church, or just a serious misunderstanding, is the reason a huge number of Catholic people stay away, often for years.

They need help in healing.

Whatever the reason, I believe it is well worthwhile for “former” Catholics to meet with a parish priest or other parish minister to explain what is necessary, and ease their return.

Of course, a priest will also be able to help such individuals deal appropriately with other possible factors — previous marriages, for example - that will necessarily be involved in renewing their practice of the Catholic faith.

The color of wonder Back around the beginning of the year, a couple of astronomers at a well-known university made headlines by announcing that they had determined the color of the universe: a light turquoise.

Maybe because most of us had probably never thought about such a thing, or because the color itself was rather pleasing — bright yet peaceful, combining elements of sea and sky — but the idea intrigued a lot of people. Unfortunately, a couple of months later came the bad news: it wasn’t true. The scientists and their computer program had combined to make a mistake.

The original survey of 200,000 galaxies, or large star systems, was actually designed to learn more about the history of star formation; the color question was just an afterthought based on the average color of all the light in all those galaxies. It was discovered that, in fact, the computer program skewed toward green. And the average color is now believed to be beige.

Beige is a letdown — a perfectly nice neutral color, but boring. Still, the whole incident has made me think about all the colors and textures and smells and all the everyday amazing wonders we tend to take for granted. Looking for some words on the subject, I found this prayer in an old Christopher News Note. It’s worth sharing: God help me to feel wonder — in a leaf in a ray of sun in a snowfall.

To laugh and cry with somebody else or all by myself.

To let gaiety into my life and to show someone else how.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

How to return to the church Q. I have two friends who left the Catholic Church years ago — one because he became disillusioned with a priest, and the other just stopped attending Mass. Now they both want to return, but don’t know how. Someone said they must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process, which doesn’t make sense to me. Another said they must talk with a priest, make a good confession and that is all.

I’m sure other former Catholics would also like to know how to come back. (Maryland) A. You are right. Many Catholics have departed from the practice of their faith and sometime later wish to return, but are discouraged because they envision some complicated process to do so.

Most of us don’t realize how hesitant and afraid Catholics can be who have been away, perhaps feel some guilt and frequently see themselves as somehow unworthy to be active in the church again.

Encouragement and support from people such as you is invaluable. I thank you for being interested in their struggle, and I hope other Catholics who have friends like this will follow your example.

The second person you refer to is basically correct. Theoretically, all one needs to do is return to the sacraments — penance and the Eucharist — and resume a prayer life and regular participation in the

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Coming of Age AMY WELBORN CNS Columnist One more program for teens?

You know all about programs, right? Students tend to be subjected to quite a few of them.

—Programs to discourage smoking, drinking alcohol and doing drugs.

—Programs to raise awareness of how all kinds of different people live: people of various nationalities, ethnicities and handicaps.

—Programs about the importance of the church or school, or about parent-teen understanding.

Here’s the latest program. It’s for girls. It’s a program to teach girls not to be so darn mean to each other.

There are several around the country, as described in a recent issue of the New York Times Magazine, with names like “Owning Up” and “Girls as Friends, Girls as Foes.” In them, girls get together with facilitators, unpack their attitudes and actions toward one another, and try to change.

Maybe not such a bad idea.

After all, ask any girl. Ask any grown woman, in fact. Ask them what their most searing, long-lasting hurtful memory is. It probably involves the cruelty of a girl.

For me, it was eighth grade. It was 1973, and my very old-fashioned mother would not allow me to wear slacks or jeans to school. No way. I had to wear dresses and skirts.

You wouldn’t think this would be a problem, but it was. Thirteen-year-old kids can be incredibly cruel to someone who’s different. And in 1973, when everyone was wearing bell-bottom jeans and halter tops (this was a public school with no dress code), my plaid skirts and Peter Pan collars were definitely a problem for me. I still remember the problem’s name and face: Lynn.

But never mind about all that. You have your own memories.

The question is, Why can girls be so mean to each other? With some research in mind, a lot of people are thinking this is a big enough problem to merit a program. Sounds good. But is it?

Here’s the issue for you think about: There are lots of ways that we hurt each other — boys and girls, teens and parents, adults and kids. But do we really need any programs to tell us that what we’re doing is wrong?

Do you?

I doubt it. I’m pretty sure that your conscience is sufficiently fine-tuned to know what’s right and what’s wrong, and you don’t need discussion groups or roleplaying to instruct you about that.

What you need, though, is maybe a little more strength of will; a bit more openness to God’s grace so you can see the people you’re tempted to hurt through his eyes; a little stronger commitment to Jesus so that it will be just a little easier to resist the crowd and treat others as he, not selfish other kids, would treat them.

When I was a teacher, we had to attend a program designed to help us work together better. See, adults have to endure programs, too! As we were leaving, another teacher said to me under her breath: “Why do we need this to teach us how to get along? I thought that’s what the Gospel was for!”

There you go. We know what’s right. Let’s not be dependent on others to tell us that we need to fix the tensions in our friendships. Let’s just turn to Jesus and let him take over.

Sounds like a good program, don’t you think?

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

April 19, 2002

In the

Tips for parents on preventing, spotting child

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — With the estimated 100,000 reported cases of child sexual abuse each year believed to represent just the tip of the iceberg, parents may wonder how to protect their children and what potential trouble signs to look for.

Experts emphasize that most child sex abuse is perpetrated not by a shadowy stranger but by someone the child knows and often trusts — a relative, family friend, teacher, community leader or even a priest.

“It is important to remember that physical force is often not necessary to engage a child in sexual activity,” says the American Psychological Association on its Web site. “Children are trusting and dependent and will often do what is asked of them to gain approval and love.”

To counteract that too-trusting nature, parents need to give their children some basic sexual education, with the proper names for body parts and a message that no one should touch the “private” parts of their body, unless necessary to treat an illness or injury.

For younger children, the experts say, “private” body parts can be summed up as anything covered by a bathing suit.

Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, or SCAN, a program of the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Ala., recommends teaching children to be wary both of strangers and of unusual behavior in the people they know.

“Teach them to listen to their feelings and that it is OK to say no if any adults (including family members) ask them to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable,” the SCAN program says on its Web site.

Other basic safety rules also apply — like knowing your child’s friends, using a buddy system when children walk home from school or other activities, teaching children to refuse anything from strangers and to not give strangers directions or help; and using secret codes with your children to screen out those who might falsely say they are sent by the parents.

“Teach your children about appropriate and inappropriate secrets and that some secrets have to be told if children and parents are to be kept safe,” SCAN recommends.

But if the unthinkable occurs and a child is victimized by sexual abuse, how can a parent best respond and help the child to heal?

“When a child tells someone about sexual abuse, a supportive, caring response is the first step in getting help for the child and re-establishing their trust in adults,” says a fact sheet from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “The response to the disclosure of sexual abuse is critical to the child’s ability to resolve and heal the trauma of sexual abuse.”

Even when a child has only hinted at sexual abuse, the academy says, par-

ents must show that they “take seriously what the child is saying” and assure the child that he or she has done the right thing in telling and is not to blame for the abuse.

If a child is not able to share his or her experiences, there are many behavioral and physical warning signs that might mean a child has been sexually abused. These include: nightmares, trouble sleeping or fear of the dark; loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing; sudden mood swings; fear of certain people or places; a continuing stomach illness with no identifiable reason; new words for private body parts; references to a new older friend or a “secret” the child has with an adult or older child; or simulated sexual activities with toys or other children.

Stop It Now!, a nonprofit organization in Haydenville, Mass., that works to end child sexual abuse by helping abusers and their victims, said any one of the warning signs does not necessarily mean a child has been abused, “but several of them mean that you should begin asking questions.”

“Some of these behavioral signs can show up at other stressful times in a child’s life such as divorce, the death of a family member, friend or pet, or when there are problems in school, as well as when abuse is involved,” says the organization on its Web site.

Stop It Now! offers further tips and information through its toll-free help line at (888) PREVENT.

ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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The candidate should also demonstrate excellent leadership, organizational, administrative, and computer skills.

Prior Campus Ministry experience is preferred but not required. Letters of Interest and Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled; submit to: NCCU Campus Minister Search, c/o 218 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

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Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 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.

care in their homes. Part time and full time. Top hourly fees. VISITING ANGELS (704) 442-8881.

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Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, located in Fairburn, Georgia, is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the 2002-2003 school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment and well as competitive salary and benefits. Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to: John Cobis, Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, GA 30213.

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April 19, 2002

Around the Di-

Help is requested for

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is asking for your help in relocating refugees to North Carolina.

Approximately 300 of the 905 Montagnard refugees from Vietnam are expected to arrive in Charlotte late April to early May. Bishop William G. Curlin and Catholic Social Services are asking area churches and parishioners for much-needed assistance in relocating these people who are fleeing religious persecution and violence.

“We resettle 350 refugees a year in our diocese. Now we’re being asked to resettle 300 refugees in our diocese in a four- to six-week period,” said Cira Ponce, director of the diocese Refugee Resettlement Office, an affiliate of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Due to cooperative resettlement efforts of the U.S. Special Forces and the Department of State, North Carolina is currently the largest Montagnard resettlement site in the Western hemisphere. The Diocese of Charlotte has helped resettle 614 Montagnards in the diocese since 1986.

The Montagnards (a French word for mountain dwellers and pronounced as “mountainyards” in American English) are Christians who have lived for centuries in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam.

They aided U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War in the 1960s, and many became prisoners in re-education camps after the war ended.

Most of the 300 refugees coming to Charlotte are men who have left their families in Vietnam and fled to Cambodia after the communist Vietnamese government crushed their protests over intrusion on traditional tribal lands and religious prosecution.

“Those that fled to the jungle have survived almost unimaginable hardships, gaining spiritual sustenance from their Christian faith,” according to “A Culture in Crisis: The Montagnards of the Vietnamese Central Highlands,” a teacher’s guide

by Barbara Pierce in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. “The millions of Montagnards still living in the Highlands suffer poverty, malnutrition and disease.”

The Montagnard refugees have been

staying in two United Nations-administered camps in Cambodia for the past year. The 905 people in the two camps had opted to resettle in the United States, rather than being repatriated to their home villages in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. A joint operation of the United States, United Nations and Cambodia worked to bring the refugees to the United States, with national, state and voluntary resettlement agencies coordinating to resettle the refugees in North Carolina.

“Once again, the political upheaval and spiritual unrest of a distant nation cries out to us to put our Catholic faith to action,” said Bishop Curlin.

The Montagnard community in the Diocese of Charlotte has established a mountain Christian church located in their own community.

“Fortunately, we have an established Montagnard community here. That will help, but it’s not enough,” said Ponce. “This will require additional support from churches, volunteers and other community resources — especially financial resources.”

The refugees, who will be arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs, will be divided into approximately 60 households, with five people to a household. For each household, $1,000 in additional funding is needed to cover expenses during the first three months after arrival.

Area parishes are asked to ensure that each refugee is not only welcomed in the spirit of fellowship, but receives the necessary services as well. Organizing donation and fundraising drives are encouraged.

Many volunteers are urgently needed to help set up apartments with donated furniture and household items before the refugees’ expected arrival in two to three weeks. Needed items include kitchenware, toiletries and linens, plus men’s clothing in small and medium sizes. Instead of food, vouchers to area supermarkets are welcomed.

The Refugee Resettlement Office is also hoping to find full-time, entry-level, nonskilled jobs with benefits.

“It’s a huge endeavor, but Charlotte’s always been a receptive community for all of our resettlement efforts,” said Ponce.

For more information or ways to help the Montagnard refugees, please contact the Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office at 704-370-3256.

YOUNG ADULTS, from page 1 said that through support and the donation of meeting spaces from the Sisters of Mercy community, the Benedictines at Belmont Abbey and College and the Raskob Foundation, they were able to offer a successful program to people in the diocese.

“We have had 30 participants to complete all four weekends, and other dioceses across the country have been looking to us to see what the experience has been like. It has been an extremely positive experience,” said McDermott.

“We’ve had students from several local colleges including Belmont Abbey College, Western Carolina University and Wake Forest and several churches including St. Eugene Church in Asheville, Holy Family Church in Clemmons and Our Lady of Assumption Church in Charlotte.

“We have had presenters from around the country come in for each of the four weekends, and this has been an opportunity for participants to reflect on their gifts for leadership in ministry and what they are called to do on their campuses and in parishes,” she said.

Manion and Michelle Miller, direc-

The Catholic News & Herald 15

tor of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association, presented the leadership skills needed for the development and implementation of parish programs.

Weekend topics included Jesus and his role as leader and how his life directly impacts one’s own leadership abilities, oneon-one communication skills, sharing knowledge with others and development of programs and ministries, said Manion.

“During the first weekend, we covered general principles and shared a lot of teaching and general research. For the second weekend, we reviewed the seven elements of ministry and went through the best practices in each of those,” said Manion. “We applied the principles and the best practices on a local level as far as making plans during the third weekend.”

McDermott said that she is interested in developing more leadership opportunities for campus and young adult ministers. “We hope we can continue to work with Matthew and Michelle to develop programs in the future.”

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

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

Living the

Woman religious says life is fulfilling through her lowed my instincts.”

By ALESHA M. PRICE She was able to connect with Staff Writer a group of friends who lived in a GREENSBORO — Sister of St. dorm with a housemother, a woman Joseph Phyllis Tierney “had a sense religious, and found a link into the early on” that she was to become a community. While she became more woman religious. Her father, a vetassured that the sisterhood was to be erinarian, and her mother, a housea major stop on her road, she was nerwife and part-time secretary for her vous at the prospect. husband, taught their two girls the “They (the sisters) were kind of aweimportance of their faith while growsome to me. It was kind of frightening, ing up in Sennatte, N.Y. Her young and I didn’t feel comfortable with them in life revolved around the church, and general,” said Sister Phyllis. “I knew I was she was fascinated with all aspects of interested in religious life but wondered her religion. how I would communicate with them. I “In the atmosphere in which I think that everyone who has a vocation grew up, people were really involved questions if it is the in church and school. right thing to do. You I was quite impressed go in with the intention with the sisters. I of giving your life to suppose there was Christ, but your novia certain mystique tiate is a time of testing about them,” said Siswhether you have a voter Phyllis, who atcation to religious life.” tended summer faith She tackled her test, for mation classes and Sister Phyllis protaught by the Sisters fessed her final vows of St. Joseph while in in 1968. Her nine-year public school. “I had process at the motha desire for religious erhouse in Rochester, life.”

N.Y., included learnHowever, she ing about her commumade time for her nity’s French origins friends, extracurricuSister of St. Joseph and their founder, Jelar activities and dates Phyllis Tierney suit Father John Pierre while in high school. In Medaille; Vatican II 1957, with the thought changes; and the daily routine of her of entering the religious life at the forefront order. “I entered when religious life was of her mind after high school graduation, very structured. Even though it was an she went to Nazareth College in Rochesactive religious community, we had a ter, N.Y., administered by the Sisters of St. lot of religious practices that were moJoseph during that time. nastic. We followed a daily horarium, a “It was a conscious move on my schedule of praying, rising and eating part (because) it was time for me to together,” said Sister Phyllis. find more about religious life,” she said.

Also during those years, she earned “I dated a boy from home and was sort her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in of serious about him, but it was time English and was a witness to Vatican II for me to think about entering. I fol-

in Greensboro, she was interested in continuing in parish ministry but was unsure about moving south. “I had so many misgivings about leaving home, but as soon as I came, I was very welcomed,” said Sister Phyllis who has been working at the Triad parish since 1995.

She works with various ministries under parish life, which include welcoming newcomers, bereavement and sick. She supervises outreach ministries under community life including food collection for the Servant Center and the Food Pantry, similar to her work in New York. She reflects on her journey through life thus far with joy and a love for her sister community, the people she has served and the work she has done.

“I really enjoy interacting with people on any level. I like the variety of what I do and the challenges my work presents. There is always something new on the horizon,” said Sister Phyllis. “I find that religious life has been a very fulfilling experience and opened many doors for me. It is wonderful to experience the faith in the church along with lay leadership and lay involvement. We have come so far.”

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

April 19, 2002

reforms within her community. She was assigned to a treatment facility for emotionally challenged youth. She enjoyed her years working with her sisters and the youth.

“I was reluctant about going because I had heard that the kids were difficult to work with,” she said. “It was probably one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences I could have had. I learned how to teach disabled children by creating individualized activities for reading, math and language arts.”

Parish ministry intrigued her, and she participated in a six-week course that focused on the up and coming ministry. Although she was interested in pursuing parish work, she was offered a newly created position at the facility as director of volunteers and communications. After eight years, she accepted a position as the director of religious education at a rural parish.

She saw abject poverty for the first time and began her crusade of change.

“It was frustrating to see people in that situation. What I saw was devastating,” she said. “I saw people living the way we were in the 50s.”

She earned her master’s in social work in order to better serve the people she wanted to help and worked for the Office for Human Development in Albany, N.Y., Catholic Charities in Oswego, N.Y., and the Council of Churches in Fulton, N.Y. During these years, she opened a drop-in center for low-income families, ran a food pantry and started a food co-op effort, which tried to teach people about socio-economics and food.

When the opportunity to move to the Diocese of Charlotte came up through a possible position as the pastoral associate of St. Pius X Church