April 23, 2010

April 23, 2010

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

IN BRIEF

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Benedict XVI says abuse scandal is call to penance; Pope expresses sorrow to abuse victims in Malta PAGES 2-3

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI APRIL 23, 2010

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

SueAnn Howell Staff Writer

See CSS WEEK, page 16

no. 22

St. Pius X dedicates new church

CSS celebrates Catholic Charities USA centennial CHARLOTTE ― Catholic Social Services Awareness Week April 24-May 2 will be extra special this year, as 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the creation of Catholic Charities USA. Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte is an affiliate member of Catholic Charities, partnering with them to help reduce poverty, support families and empower communities.

“When people move to the Diocese of Charlotte from other places around the country, they are familiar with Catholic Charities. We are the local affiliate of that agency,” said Ann Kilkelly,

vOLUME 19

Mary B. Worthington Special to The Catholic News & Herald

photo by Patricia Guilfoyle

Parishioners of St. Pius X process Saturday during the dedication of their new 1,100-seat church in Greensboro.

People throughout the parish were involved in the church’s construction over the past year and a half.

ALSO INSIDE, See pages 8-11 n more photos from the Rite of Dedication n Construction details about the altar, crucifix and stained-glass windows

n Points of interest about the church and parish

GREENSBORO ― Smiling joyfully, Bishop Peter J. Jugis knelt in the chapel of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro as an assisting deacon solemnly reposed the Blessed Sacrament for the first time.

“This is the 16th church that I have dedicated since becoming bishop,” he remarked after the April 17 dedication for the new church. “It is a strong sign of how the Catholic Church in North Carolina is growing.”

Using the motto “Make a Place at the Table,” the parish of 1,200 families has been intimately involved with every step of the building project. It has been a journey of faith for them.

See ST. PIUS X, page 11

Affordable green senior apartment building, first in N.C., honors bishop’s love for poor SueAnn Howell Staff Writer MOORESVILLE ― The clouds knew better than to rain on the much-awaited dedication of the new Curlin Commons senior apartment community on Tuesday. So contrary to the forecast, it turned out to be a sunny afternoon as a joyful Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and others celebrated the development’s official opening.

Bishop Curlin, who led the Diocese of Charlotte from 1994 until his retirement in 2002 and was Blessed Mother Teresa’s confessor, spent the past year collaborating

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and Bishop Peter J. Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte cut the ribbon during the grand opening celebration of the new Curlin Commons affordable senior housing apartment community in Mooresville April 20.

FOR MORE To see more pictures of Curlin Commons and T u e s day ’ s d e d i cat i o n , g o t o www.charlottediocese.org.

on the design of the chapel in this first “green” apartment community for low-income seniors in North Carolina. The development was designed around ENERGY STAR criteria – highly energy efficient and built using environmentally responsible materials.

See CURLIN, page 16

AROUND THE DIOCESE Renowned chastity advocate Jason Evert speaks across the diocese PAGE 5

photo by SueAnn

Howell

PERSPECTIVES

CULTURE WATCH

Catholic Social Services Week: The love of Christ impels us to help others

New film biography of Archbishop Sheen released

PAGE 15

PAGE 7

April 23, 2010

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

CNS photo courtesy of L’Osservatore Romano/Catholic Press Photo

Pope Benedict XVI prays inside St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, outside Valletta, Malta, during his pilgrimage April 17-18. It is believed that St. Paul lived at the grotto site during the three months he and his companions were shipwrecked on the island. “Life’s shipwrecks can be part of God’s plan for us and they may also be useful for new beginnings in our lives,” the pope said in a reference to the clergy sex abuse crisis enveloping the Church worldwide. For more about his recent remarks, see page 14.

Pope meets abuse victims in Malta, expresses shame, sorrow to them VALLETTA, Malta (CNS) ― Pope Benedict XVI met with eight victims of clergy sex abuse in Malta and promised them the church would do “all in its power” to bring offenders to justice and protect children.

The pope was “deeply moved by their stories and expressed his shame and sorrow over what victims and their families have suffered,” a Vatican statement said after the private encounter April 18 during the pope’s pilgrimage to Malta.

“He prayed with them and assured them that the church is doing, and will continue to do, all in its power to investigate allegations, to bring to justice those responsible for abuse and to implement effective measures designed to safeguard young people in the future,” the statement said. “In the spirit of his recent letter to the Catholics of Ireland, he prayed that all the victims of abuse would experience healing and reconciliation, enabling them to move forward with renewed hope.”

The private meeting in Rabat came after a group of victims had asked to meet with the pope to tell him of their ordeal and ask for an apology.

Participants said the victims cried as

they told their stories, and that the pope had tears in his eyes as he listened.

“We now have peace in our hearts, even because the pope found time to meet us. We now look forward to the end of the court case, and closure of this chapter,” one unidentified victim told the Times of Malta.

The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, told journalists that the pope, Archbishop Paul Cremona of Malta, Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo and eight male victims of abuse began the encounter kneeling in silent prayer. The pope then stood by the altar and met with each victim one by one to hear his story and to speak with each privately, Father Lombardi said.

The victims were in their 30s and 40s.

One of the victims, Lawrence Grech, told the Maltese paper that the two bishops with them shed tears during their meeting. Another said the pope had tears in his eyes.

“I admire the pope for his courage in meeting us. He was embarrassed by the failings of others,” said Grech.

Grech, one of the victims, has said he and others were abused as boys by four priests at the St. Joseph Orphanage in Santa Venera.

APRIL 23, 2010 Volume 19 • Number 22 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org PHONE: 704-370-3333 FAX: 704-370-3382

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cindi Feerick 704-370-3332, ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org

MAIL: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237

STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org

PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

from the vatican

Pope: Scandal painful, but VAT I C A N C I TY ( CN S ) ― Recognizing the sins of priests who have sexually abused children, performing penance and asking for forgiveness, the Catholic Church trusts that God will purify and transform the Church, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“I must say that we Christians, even in recent times, have often avoided the word ‘penance,’ which seemed too harsh to us. Now, under the attacks of the world that speaks to us of our sins, we see that being able to do penance is a grace,” the pope said April 15 in a homily during a Mass with members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

“We see how it is necessary to do penance, that is, to recognize what is mistaken in our life,” he said.

Audio clips and a transcript of part the homily, delivered without

Diocesan planner

a prepared text, were posted on the Vatican Radio Web site.

The pope said Christians know that “to open oneself to forgiveness, to prepare oneself for forgiveness, to allow oneself to be transformed, the pain of penance – that is to say of purification and of transformation – this pain is grace, because it is renewal, and it is the work of divine mercy.”

In his homily, the pope also spoke about the liberating effect of obeying God, even in a world that likes to pretend that freedom means doing whatever the individual wants to do, but still insists on everyone conforming to what the majority believes and does.

Without a reference to God and to God’s will for his creation, the final arbiter of right and wrong becomes majority rule or the dictates of the most powerful, he said.

— Adult Day Respite Caregivers Support Group, Ministry Center room E, 10 to 11:30 a.m. the last Monday of each month.

For more information, call Suzanne Bach at 704-335-0253.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 Idlewild Road

For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese.org/ calendarofevents-cn.

— The Catholic Mass… Revealed, Parish Hall, 7 to 9 p.m.

April 29 and May 6. A four-session study about the Catholic Mass. For more information, call 704-535-4197.

BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 N. Main St.

— Spiritual Conversations, NLC room 234-235, 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 4 and June 1. A form of group prayer using Scripture, led by Pat Davies.

— Pizza & Prayer! MAK Center, 1 to 4 p.m. April 25. Opportunity for middle school youth to eat, watch movies and pray together. For more information or to RSVP, contact Dennis Teall-Fleming at 704-825-9600 or teallfleming@yahoo.com.

— Stepping into Luke’s Gospel, conference room, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through May 25. Open to middle school youth. For more information, contact Dennis TeallFleming at 704-825-9600 or teallfleming@yahoo.com.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY, 9408 Sandburg Road — Dinner, 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during the semester. Open to college students. For more information, contact Peg Ruble at ccmpeg@aol.com or visit the Campus Ministry Web site at www.sco.uncc.edu/catholic.

— Discussion Group, 8 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays during the semester. Open to college students.

ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 Park Road — Pro-life Mass, 9 a.m. April 24. Immediately after Mass there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information, contact Danielle Mathis at tmathis3@ carolina.rr.com.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 Providence Road — Presentation by Jack Reagan: “The Christ, God or Fraud? Does it Really Matter?” ministry center, 7 p.m.

April 27. For more information, contact Elizabeth Keating at ewkeating4@aol.com or Mary Sample at 704-341-9292 or marysample5@aol.com.

The Catholic News & Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 44 times a year, weekly except Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. For all circulation inquiries and orders, contact Denise Onativia at 704-370-3333.

POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237.

NEWS: The Catholic News & Herald welcomes your news and photographs for publication in our print and online PDF

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

— End of Life Seminar, banquet room, 2 to 4 p.m. April 25.

For more information or to RSVP, call Rita at 704-543-7677 ext. 1007.

— Scripture Studies-Back to Basics, NLC room 203, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays or 7 p.m. Mondays. Bible study led by Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin.

— Welcome Home for Returning Catholics, support and friendship to guide the returning individual to full communion with the Body of Christ, ministry tailored to meet individual needs and schedules. For more information, contact Deacon Jim Hamrlik at 704-543-7677 ext. 1040 or jhmrlik@stmatthewcatholic.org, or Julie Jahn at 704-5609202 or urblessed@carolina.rr.com.

— Support Group: Coping with Economic Stress. If you would be interested in joining with others traveling this difficult journey, sharing experiences, identifying resources and finding healthy ways to weather the storm, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, 1621 Dilworth Road East — Rosary Rally, 3 p.m. May 2. This event will include the Holy Rosary, a Eucharistic procession and Benediction. For more information, or if children ages 7 to 17 would like to participate in the procession, call Tina at 704-846-7361.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 Suther Road — The Rosary According to Pope John Paul II, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in May. Babysitting available. For more information, call Deacon Brian at 704-568-1234.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, 6828 Old Reid Road — Catholics Returning Home, faith formation wing conference room, 7:30 to 9 p.m. April 26, May 3 or 4, 10, and 17. This is a welcoming program for Catholic adults

editions. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. Deadline is 10 days before requested publication date. We do not publish poetry, form letters or petitions. All submitted items become the property of The Catholic News & Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. For inquiries, contact Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at 704-370-3334 or plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

ADVERTISING: For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Cindi Feerick at 704-370-3332 or ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

April 23, 2010

The Catholic News & Herald 3

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

penance leads to healing “…this pain is grace, because it is renewal, and it is the work of divine mercy.”

— Pope Benedict XVI “The Nazi dictatorship, the Marxist dictatorship” in the 1900s were examples of regimes that could not stand the idea of God’s primacy, he said.

F o r t u n a t e l y, h e s a i d , s u c h dictatorships do not exist today, but there are subtle forms of pressure on people to conform to a worldly opinion and not to God’s will.

“A conformism under which it becomes obligatory to think as everyone thinks, to act as everyone acts, and the subtle or not so subtle aggression against the church demonstrate that this conformism really can become a real

who have been away from the Church. To register, call 704-554-7088.

— Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Monthly Reflection, 9:00 a.m. May 3. Speaker Father Timothy Reid of St. Ann Church will speak on “Prudence, the mother of virtues, and a virtue for mothers.” Reconciliation available. For more information, contact Molly Beckert at 704-243-3252 or mvbeckert@carolina.rr.com.

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 West Market St. — Family rules: the power of “we,” 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 24. Talk by Catholic educational consultant Jim Stenson, preceded by a continental breakfast. Pass required for admission. For more information or to obtain a pass, contact Susan Molony at 336-275-9398 or tsmolony@bellsouth.net.

HAYESVILLE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, Highway 64 West — Bereavement Support Group, the Commons, 10 a.m. to noon weekly, April 14 through May 19.

HENDERSONVILLE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 208 Seventh Ave. West — Widows Support Group, room 2, 10 a.m. third Tuesday of each month. For more information, call Jane Lombardo at 828-693-9014. For widowers interested in an informal gathering of men who have suffered the loss of loved ones, call Greg Savold at 828-702-0129 or Bob Grady at 828697-2900.

dictatorship,” he said.

The reason Christians are called to obey God is because they want to enjoy eternal life, the pope said. Unfortunately today, Christians seem embarrassed to talk about the final judgment and eternal life, so instead they focus on the good works and solidarity faith inspires, he said.

The promise of eternal life is also the reason why it is a grace to be able to recognize one’s sins, perform penance, ask pardon and know that God will bring forgiveness and healing, Pope Benedict said.

— Hope of Seeing Everyone Again (HOSEA), 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Opportunity for bonding and discussion.

For more information or to register, call Jan Hitch at 336884-5097 or the parish office at 336-869-7739.

KERNERSVILLE HOLY CROSS CHURCH, 616 South Cherry St. — Anointing of the Sick, 9 a.m. May 1.

— Praise, worship, and Bible study, 8 p.m. every first and second Friday of the month.

MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road — Servant Leadership Team (SLT) Information Night, family life center, 7:30 p.m. April 28. The SLT fills the function of a parish council, with a focus on service and leadership for the parish, pastor and community.

WINSTON-SALEM HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 Kinnamon Road — Charismatic Prayer Group, Chapel, 7:15 p.m. every Monday.

— English/Spanish Conversation Groups, room 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays; room 1, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. For more information contact Enrique Ginocchio at 336-768-1462 or eginocchiob@bellsouth.net or Tom Rucker at 336-7650777 or ruckertom@earthlink.net.

— English as a Second Language, Family Center, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, for ages 18 and older, basic and advanced classes available.

HICKORY ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH, 921 Second St. N.E.

— Eucharistic Adoration, Curlin Center, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday.

— Charismatic Mass, Sebastian Chapel, 7 p.m. May 6. For more information, call Joan Moran at 828-994-0880.

OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH, 1730 Link Road

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 Johnson St. — Young at Heart Meeting, beginning with 9 a.m. Mass April 27, followed by refreshments in meeting room 1.

Seniors are invited to attend. New members are welcome.

Episcopal

calendar

April 25 – 10 a.m.

Mass for Diocesan Youth Conference Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest April 26 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Queen of the Apostles Church, Belmont April 27 – 1:30 p.m.

Diocesan Building Commission Meeting Chancery

— Praise, worship and Bible study, Chapel, 8 p.m. every third through fifth Friday of the month.

Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org or fax to 704-370-3382.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: April 28 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Benedict Church, Greensboro April 30 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Highways Church, Thomasville

CNS photo by Grzegorz Roginski, pool via Reuters

Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz celebrates the funeral Mass for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria in the cathedral crypt at Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, Poland, April 18. The two were among the 96 people killed in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia, April 10.

Mexican bishops’ conference acknowledges priests under threat

MEXICO CITY (CNS) ― The Mexican bishops’ conference acknowledged that priests have suffered threats of violence, kidnapping and extortion from Mexico’s narcoticstrafficking cartels. The conference also confirmed that a growing number of priests – mostly serving in remote and mountainous areas rife with illegal drug trade activities – have been transferred to other parishes, assigned other types of work or even moved elsewhere in the country because of threats. Other priests, meanwhile, have been forced to raise up to $800 to make weekly extortion payments.

The violence overflowing parts of Mexico has claimed at least 22,700 lives – a figure recently revised upward by the federal government – since President Felipe Calderon took office in December 2006 and sent the army and federal police to crack down on the cartels.

Bishops take actions against nuns, CHA over stand on health care legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNS) ― At least two U.S. bishops have taken actions to indicate their disapproval of the support some women’s religious communities and the Catholic Health Association gave to the final version of health care reform legislation. Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt of Greensburg, Pa., has directed diocesan offices, parishes and the diocesan newspaper not to promote the “vocation awareness program of

any religious community” that was a signatory to a letter urging members of the House of Representatives to pass the health reform bill. In Providence, R.I., Bishop Thomas J. Tobin asked the Catholic Health Association to remove the diocesan-sponsored St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island from its membership rolls, saying that CHA leadership had “misled the public and caused serious scandal” by supporting health reform legislation that the bishops opposed.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was against the measure because its provisions on abortion funding and conscience protections were morally unacceptable. When the bill passed, the bishops reiterated their decadeslong support for providing access to health care for all but expressed regret that health care reform came with the possibility of expanded abortion funding and urged vigilance that an executive order by President Barack Obama would, as promised, ensure no federal funds will be spent on abortion.

Vocations Web site launched by USCCB

WA S H I N G T O N , D . C . — T h e U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations is l a u n c h i n g a We b s i t e , w w w.

ForYourVocation.org, as a resource for laity and clergy in promoting vocations.

The launch date is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Good Shepherd Sunday, April 25. It offers resources for people in discernment and includes information for parents, teachers, catechists and vocation directors. A Spanish-language site will be available this fall at www.PorTuVocacion.org.

The new site will be promoted through social media such as Facebook, where users can become “eVangelizers” to connect others to the site’s blog posts.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

April 23, 2010

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Year for Priests

Interviews with priests around the diocese

Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio with his dog “Obispo,” a gift from Bishop Emeritus William Curlin

REVEREND MONSIGNOR ANTHONY J. MARCACCIO Pastor, St. Pius X Church, Greensboro Vicar Forane, Greensboro Vicariate Place of Birth & Home Parish – Born in Detroit, Michigan; Our Lady of Lourdes, Greenwood, S.C. High School – Greenwood High School, Greenwood, S.C. College/University – Francis Marion University (Bachelor of Science in political science), The Theological College at The Catholic University of America (Masters in Divinity) Seminary – Christ the King, Olean, N.Y. Date of Ordination – June 1, 1991

What assignments have you had since ordination?

1991-1994 Parochial Vicar, St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte Catholic Engaged Encounter, Diocese of Charlotte 1994-1995 Pastor, St. Margaret Mary Church, Swannanoa Chaplain, Veteran Administration Hospital, Oteen 1995-2000 Priest Secretary to The Most Reverend William G. Curlin, D.D. 1995-2000 Master of Ceremonies for the diocese and coordinated all diocesan liturgies

Who is a hero to you?

Some of my heroes would include my dad, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sherlock Holmes, Abraham Lincoln, my pastor Father Schiller, Bishop Curlin, Winston Churchill, Moses and St. Paul.

What have been some of the greatest joys for you as a priest?

The greatest joy has been to share the faith, love and hope we have in Christ with parishioners at the most important moments of their lives.

Who influenced you most to consider the vocation to priesthood?

The excellent example of my parish priests growing up, and the family of faith at my home parish What was your background before you entered seminary?

I majored in political science and worked for a large bank during college with the intention to enter law. I was considering a vocation and decided to volunteer for a Peace Corps-type experience with the Jesuits. I was trained and worked as a suicide counselor, living in community in a marginalized neighborhood. The experience crystallized my desire to serve the Church.

1995 Administrator, St. Elizabeth Church, Boone 1997-1998 Administrator, St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte Chaplain to the Missionaries of Charity, Charlotte 2000-present Pastor, St. Pius X Church, Greensboro 2002 Appointed Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte 2004-2005 Administrator, St. Benedict Church, Greensboro 2005 Vicar Forane, Vicariate of Greensboro

What are some of your hobbies?

My parents live in Black Mountain, so whenever I can, I spend time with them working on projects and have been known to drag them and anyone else into used book and antique stores in search of “treasure.”

What are some of your favorite books/spiritual reading/ magazines?

My favorite books are on Gothic or Spanish Colonial art and architecture. I love mysteries – anything by Agatha Christie, the Father Brown stories of Chesterton, and more lately, Rumpole of the Bailey. For spiritual reading, I am preparing for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land by reading the 4th-century travel journal of Egeria, a daily meditation on St. Paul, and the sermons of St. Anthony.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I always wanted to grow up and be a pirate and sail the seas on great adventures; however, I get seasick.

What are some ways that we can help all people/families understand their roles in promoting and supporting vocations?

My family and my family’s friends promoted vocations by the esteem and affection that were the hallmarks of their relationships with our pastors. In my small parish we would get to know our pastors very well, and they were real people to us.

What advice would you give a young man who is contemplating a vocation to the priesthood?

Do not be afraid. Sometimes the demands and sacrifices that the priesthood entails might seem daunting. I suggest that they are no more than the sacrifices of those in the covenanted relationships of spouse and parent. We have to take confidence in the fact that things done in love are rewarded. My advice to foster, strengthen and sustain a vocation is to have an attitude of joy and gratitude. It’s critically important to put yourself in the presence of people and priests who love doing the work of the Lord. I have found living a fulfilling life in Christ is contagious.

DIOCESAN NEWS IN BRIEF

Howell joins CN&H staff SueAnn Howell has joined the staff of The Catholic News & Herald as a staff writer. A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Howell is a graduate of the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. She started her writing career in advertising as a copy writer more than 22 years ago.

“SueAnn has been working with The Catholic News & Herald for the past five months on a temporary basis, and now I am very happy SueAnn Howell to welcome her aboard officially!

She has already done an impressive job covering news around the diocese, including the dedications of St. Ann and Sacred Heart churches, the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey College, and the annual Chrism Mass. I know she’s going to continue doing a great job for our readers,” said Editor Patricia Guilfoyle.

“I have lived in the Diocese of Charlotte since the early ’90s, and have had the privilege of being a registered member of several parishes as I moved about the area. We have such a vibrant diocese, filled with caring parishioners, priests and religious. It is an honor to serve on the staff of The Catholic News & Herald, helping to share the Good News of Jesus Christ,” Howell said.

Howell and her son are members of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, and she is an aspirant in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Third Order of Discalced Carmelites.

She can be reached at sahowell@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3354.

We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

April 23, 2010

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 5

A new sexual revolution proclaimed at high schools Chastity speaker Jason Evert inspires teens Mary B. Worthington Special to The Catholic News & Herald GREENSBORO ― “Tonya and I are going to show you how far is too far!” internationally-known chastity speaker Jason Evert announced to a packed house of high school students at St. Paul the Apostle Church last Monday.

“Tonya” was actually a high school boy named Jesus donning a ragged wig who towered over the five-foot-five Evert.

“Say this is the Grand Canyon, and you’re taking your girl on a date,” Evert said as he hoisted “Tonya” onto his back and began to walk toward the edge of the stage. “So, how far is too far?”

That is the question many high school students have about relationships, Evert said. His answer was a challenge: “None of us guys would take a girl we like to a dangerous place and see how close we can come to killing her.”

Evert also issued this challenge last week to thousands of high school students at Charlotte Catholic High School, Bishop McGuiness High School, Holy Trinity Middle School, St. Mark

Church in Huntersville, and to homeschooled students at Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro. His presentations were high energy and filled with humor while presenting relevant information about sexuality and relationships.

“If you don’t want someone to do that with your future spouse,” Evert continued, “then you have to have the same standards for yourself.”

“Their minds are made for truth, and their hearts are made for love,” Evert said afterwards. After speaking to nearly one million teens in his career, he has never had a disrespectful response.

“He was straightforward and it made a lot of sense. It was definitely a lot different than most talks I’ve heard about ‘not doing it,’” Ana Disney commented.

Disney, 17, a home-schooled student from Our Lady of Grace, attended the talk with her twin sister Nadia.

When he isn’t on the road at guest talks such as these, Evert writes articles and books promoting chastity to young people and runs the Web site www.

Chastity.com, where there is a YouTube link to watch his talk in its entirety.

Evert talks about sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, but scaring teens with statistics is not his approach. Speaking to 100,000 teens

photo by

Mary Beth Worthington

Internationally-known chastity speaker Jason Evert used a reluctant teen and a bit of humor and energy to demonstrate the question, “How far is too far to go with your date?” during talks to thousands of teens that he gave around the diocese last week. He gave presentations at Charlotte Catholic High School, Bishop McGuiness High School, Holy Trinity Middle School, St. Mark Church in Huntersville, and to home-schooled students at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. annually both home and abroad, Evert chooses to share encouraging stories of teens he has met who are turning to a new relationship style. One case he tells: After speaking to freshmen girls in Texas, he was stopped by a senior boy. “Dude, what did you tell my girlfriend?” he demanded of Evert. “She’s happy, and just told me she’s decided to be abstinent!”

Saving sexuality isn’t the only idea Evert is promoting, but also saving souls.

He sees chastity talks to Catholic teens as an opportunity for evangelization.

“If it’s real love, it will bring you closer to family, friends and God,” Evert said. “If it’s not, it will draw you away from all three. It’s called the ‘love test.’ If you really love one another, you can live without sex.”

Evert’s words fell on eager ears.

After the talk, many students stayed for a chance to ask Evert personal questions and find out more about how they could, in Evert’s words, “love your spouse before you even meet this person.”

The power of prayer

Spiritual adoption program seeks to save unborn children

Sharon and Sofia Daniels of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville make bracelets for their “adopted” children in the parish’s newly formed Spiritual Adoption program, in which people agree to spiritually adopt a newly conceived infant, personally unknown to them but known by God, for nine months. During that time, the adoptive “parents” pray for their child, and specifically that he or she will be accepted and welcomed into the world.

Janneke Pieters Special to The Catholic News & Herald

photo by Janneke Pieters

ASHEVILLE ― The power of prayer is stronger than any problems in the world today, and parishioners at the Basilica of St. Lawrence are relying on it to help unborn children and their families.

The parish recently kicked off its Spiritual Adoption program with a brunch that filled Laurentine Hall. Entry to the brunch was any item for a newborn baby, including clothing, diapers and gift bags for expectant mothers. Members of St. Lawrence Youth served food to the parishioners.

The Spiritual Adoption program was created out of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of unborn children and their families. Participants agree to spiritually adopt a newly conceived infant, personally unknown to them but known by God, for nine months. During that time, the adoptive “parents” pray for their child, and specifically that he or she will be accepted and welcomed into the world.

There are 3,500 children aborted each day in the U.S. “Imagine the power of prayer, as we, a Catholic community

devoted to the value of every life, intercede for these children and their families,” according to the program’s brochure. Participants are encouraged to name their spiritually adopted child, thus acknowledging the child’s humanity at conception.

During the brunch, St. Lawrence parishioners could make a bracelet with their adopted child’s name on it. Sofia Daniels, the daughter of Sharon Daniels, named her spiritually adopted baby “Shalom.”

“I think that is a beautiful name for a baby,” Sofia said.

“It makes it very personal to have a bracelet with the baby’s name on it,” noted Pat Glass, a member of the parish’s Respect Life Committee.

It also helps remind participants to pray each day for their children. “Prayers can be a morning offering, a rosary or a Mass offered for the child,” Glass suggested.

Each month, participants can learn about their children’s development through information provided in the bulletin and on posters in the church vestibule.

“Everything comes from prayer,” Glass said. “We hope this is the start of a whole lot of prayer from our parish” for unborn children and their families.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Poor Clares tour new home

April 23, 2010

Youth group on Lenten mission of fasting, prayer, service

photo provided by Ruben Tamayo

photo by SueAnn

Howell

Four of the five Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration of St. Joseph Monastery, who recently relocated to Charlotte, took a tour of their new city on April 10. For more information, go to their Web site at www. stjosephmonastery.com.

Youths from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte fasted, prayed and assisted with service projects at the Missionaries of the Poor Guardian Angels Monastery during Lent. Besides observing the Liturgy of the Hours and praying the Stations of the Cross during one recent weekend, the students listened to a talk about the importance of prayer in the MOP’s daily life given by Peter Tonon, a supporter of the MOP from St. Matthew Church, and another talk by Missionaries of the Poor Brother Rodel on their need to be open to whatever vocation God calls them. Above, the youths help the MOP prepare their gardens. They all wore T-shirts featuring the number 52, symbolizing Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of five loaves and two fish.

Honoring their founding sisters

Knights receive District Award of Merit

photo provided by Edward Cordick

photo provided by Pat

O’Doherty

Stan Gordon (left), a member of Bishop Greco Council 9499, and Pat O’Doherty, Grand Knight of Santa Maria Council 2829, have been recognized for their efforts in the Boy Scouts of America with the District Award of Merit by the Piedmont District, Old Hickory Council, Boy Scouts of America. Gordon, a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, was recognized for his efforts with Crew and Troop 919, the Councils National Youth Leader Training Course, Wood Badge, and as Council Venture Training chairman in addition to his activities at St. Leo the Great parish in Winston-Salem. O’Doherty, who has received the Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, was recognized for his efforts as an assistant district commissioner, district awards committee chairman, and his past efforts as a cubmaster, assistant scoutmaster, Boy Scout Roundtable staff member, unit committee chairman and Institutional Organization Representative in scouting. His leadership activities in the Santa Maria Council, including his efforts as Grand Knight, webmaster and degree team captain, were recognized. The District Award of merit is the highest recognition given by a Boy Scout District for volunteer involvement with the scouting movement and in their community.

Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point dedicated a plaque honoring the five sisters from the Poor Servants of the Mother of God who founded Maryfield in 1947, during a special event March 25. Pictured above are Father Jim Solari, Pennybyrn resident; Sister Mona Comaskey, SMG; Sister Loretta O’Connor, SMG; Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG , chairwoman of the board and mission leader; and Paul Nixon, sculptor.

“Patience is needed with everyone, but first of all with ourselves.”

St. Francis de Sales

Susan G. King, MA, MFTA

Individual, Couples & Family Counseling Across from St. Matthew Church 7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway • Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 319-2255

The Catholic News & Herald 7

April 23, 2010

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Papal biographer: Battle over dignity of life part of U.S. culture war NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) ― The U.S. is engaged in a “great culture war” that involves “a battle over the nature and dignity of the human person,” author and scholar George Weigel told participants at a pro-life conference organized by University of Notre Dame students.

On one side are those who say everything in the human condition is “plastic, malleable, changeable, improvable,” he said.

On the other side are those who say moral truths are built into the world and into human beings that they can know by reason and which teach them how to live as individuals and citizens, he said.

Weigel, who is the biographer of Pope John Paul II, delivered an address titled “Pro-life Catholics in President Obama’s America” on the second day of the annual Notre Dame Right to Life Collegiate Conference April 9-10.

Other speakers were Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. bishops; Joan Lewis, Rome bureau chief for the Eternal Word Television Network; and Maureen Condic, associate professor of neurobiology and anatomy at the University of Utah’s medical school and senior fellow at the Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person.

It was in the context of the culture war he described that Weigel talked about President Barack Obama’s graduation address at Notre Dame last year.

He said there have been “passionate debates” within various religious communities over doctrine, identity and boundaries for centuries.

“Yet never in 350 years of these arguments, never has a president of the United States, in the exercise of his public office, and speaking as president, intervened in any such a dispute in order to secure political advantage, until that is, May 2009 here at Notre Dame,” Weigel said.

Obama’s appearance on campus ignited a national debate on the university’s status as a Catholic institution. Critics said his support of legal abortion and embryonic stem-cell research made him an inappropriate choice to be commencement speaker at

a Catholic university.

Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, stood by his decision to invite Obama. Afterward he said he hoped the president’s visit would “lead to broader engagement on issues of importance to the country and of deep significance to Catholics.”

In his speech Obama urged those bitterly divided over abortion and other issues to adopt an approach of mutual respect and dialogue.

Weigel said Obama had suggested in his speech that good Catholics were those who agreed with a so-called common-ground approach to life issues and implied that those who questioned that approach were bad Catholics.

Inserting Obama and his office into any Christian community’s debate over the definition of its identity and boundaries, Weigel said, is a serious breach of constitutional proprieties and a genuine threat to everyone’s religious freedom.

Weigel called for building a compelling Catholic public pro-life presence in “Obama’s America.”

He urged his listeners to do that by among other things, calling for a new appreciation of the dignity of human life; building alliances with people of various faiths who share Catholics’ pro-life views; and acknowledging the shameful behavior of some priests and bishops regarding child sexual abuse but also promoting the fact that the Church is now the country’s safest environment for children and young people.

In a dinner address April 9, Cardinal George said Pope Benedict XVI did not use the term “right to life” in his social encyclical, but the document reflects the gift of human life and the protection of life both in good law and in a good economy.

To achieve that good law and good economy, he said, the pope ties justice to love.

“That’s what the pope was trying to do in his letter ‘Caritas in Veritate’ (‘Charity in Truth’), to say that a complete separation of love and justice means that we’ll have a society that not only doesn’t support life, but in fact kills it,” Cardinal George said.

CNS file photo

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the famed radio and television host and author, is pictured in an undated file photo.

New film biography of Archbishop Sheen released PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) ― His teaching inspired millions in the 20th century, and now producers of the documentary “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All” are hopeful their film will introduce the famed media pioneer and his message to new generations.

The newly released film biography of Archbishop Sheen had its broadcast debut on Easter Sunday on public television station WTTW in Chicago.

After airings later in April in Peoria and Washington, the documentary will be marketed nationally through public screenings at the parish and regional levels.

“Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is one of the most influential voices of

the 20th century,” said Monsignor Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation who also served as the film’s executive producer. In remarks opening the documentary, Msgr. Deptula added that “today few seem to understand or remember the tremendous impact he made on our nation and in our world.”

The film seeks to remedy that through a fast-paced retelling of the life story of Archbishop Sheen. A priest of the Diocese of Peoria, Archbishop Sheen became known around the world through his radio and television programs – including “Life is Worth Living” – as well as numerous books, and promotion of Catholic efforts in mission lands.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

April 23, 2010

SAINT PIUS X

photos by Patricia Guilfoyle

(Clockwise from above) Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and pastor Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio process to the entrance of the new St. Pius X on Saturday with members of the Knights of Columbus leading the way. At the threshold, the church’s building committee ceremoniously hands over the building to the bishop, who then asks Monsignor Marcaccio, as the pastoral leader, to have the doors opened. Bishop Jugis celebrates the first Mass at the newly-consecrated altar. Deacon Ronald Steinkamp reposes the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle in the chapel for the first time, surrounded by the bishop and visiting priests.

Members of the Giaimo family, who donated and helped to install the colorful Italian marble for the altar, ambo and baptismal font, pause to smile during the dedication.

The Catholic News & Herald 9

April 23, 2010

Making a Place at the Table Rite of Dedication – April 17, 2010

“For everyone born, a place at the table / for everyone born, clean water and bread / a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing / for everyone born, a star overhead” goes the hymn “A Place at the Table,” which was the parish’s theme for the capital project.

(Clockwise from above) Parishioners including parish secretary Liz Pendergrass dress the altar with flowers, linens and candles during the dedication. Deacons Phil Cooper and Ronald Steinkamp light the Paschal candle next to the marble ambo. Bishop Jugis anoints the altar with sacred chrism, and he incenses the altar and the entire church in a striking part of the ceremony. Wafting up through the 55-foot high sanctuary, the incense was caught in the beams of light streaming through skylights designed to inspire worshipers to lift up their hearts to God.

MORE ONLINE

More photos from Saturday’s Rite of Dedication at St. Pius X are posted online at www.charlottediocese.org.

10 The Catholic News & Herald

April 23, 2010

FROM THE COVER

Making a Place at the Table The stainedglass windows

Points of interest

The church’s 21 windows, including 10 windows in the Day Chapel, were made by Dr. H. Oidtmann of Germany more than 100 years ago, and were salvaged from a closed church in Indiana.

They were restored and installed by Statesville Stained Glass, which also designed three new circular windows: a fleur de lis, positioned above a marble statue of the Blessed Virgin Mother; the symbol of St. Joseph over a statue of him; and the papal crest of St. Pius X over a statue of the church’s patron saint (see detail, page 11).

The three windows behind the main altar tell the story of the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Presentation.

n The church cost $6.6 million to build and took a year and a half to complete construction. n This year mark’s the parish’s 50th anniversary. n The parish was created in 1954 as a mission of St. Benedict Church in Greensboro and featured a school, a student chapel, a convent and a rectory. Monsignor Hugh A. Dolan was the first pastor. In 1960, the parish became independent, but its 330 families continued to worship in the 225-seat student chapel until a church was built in 1981. n Father George M. Kloster, who served as pastor from 1979 to 1988, oversaw the building of the former church, which seated 350-375 worshipers. That church was torn down in December 2008 to make room for the new church dedicated Saturday. n Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio has been pastor since 2000.

all photos courtesy of Tom

Martin

n The new church features a large cloister area to be used as a courtyard and gathering place. It connects the church with a nearby bell tower and columbarium built in 2006. n The custom brick cross inset over the main entrance replicates the cross that once stood in front of the old church, and which now stands in front of the school next door. The church architect John Lewandowski helped design it and a parishioner’s company installed it.

The crucifix

The crucifix, suspended 33 feet above the altar in the sanctuary (representing the number of years Jesus walked on this earth), was fashioned by a parishioner from a large oak tree that had been removed and milled on site to make room for the new church (see detail photo, page 11). Another cross was fashioned from the tree for the chapel. The corpus on the main crucifix, hand carved of chestnut in the Romanesque style, is six feet tall.

The altar

The altar, ambo and baptismal font are made from Sicilian marble – cream-colored Perlatino marble and red Rosso Siciliano marble. A gift from the Giaimo family of the parish, much of the marble was personally installed by Sal Giaimo. The altar’s mensa weighs more than 1,200 pounds and was lifted into place by a group of strong parishioners.

n The church entrance is through the baptistery, which has eight walls reminiscent of ancient baptisteries and is symbolic of our entry into new life with Christ through baptism. n The chapel features many items from the former church, including the altar, the ambo and the tabernacle. n St. Pius X School also got a facelift last summer in a separate project with a new entryway, energy-efficient windows and exterior stone work and paint to match the new church’s design. n The parish’s capital campaign to “Make a Place at the Table” won recognition at the International Catholic Stewardship Council.

Watch the dedication slide show

Church leaders emphasize need for more priests While Bishop Peter Jugis sought out young men to give vocations holy cards to after the ceremony, both Bishop Emeritus William Curlin and Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio urged the parish of St. Pius X in Greensboro to pray for vocations during the dedication ceremony of their new church on April 17.

“Do we pray for our priests?” Bishop Curlin asked emphatically during the

homily. “A family has fathers and mothers. The Church has fathers…. Priests give new hope in Christ.”

“We have to get serious about praying for priests, we really do,” Monsignor Marcaccio said, adding that more diocesan priests wanted to attend the dedication but couldn’t leave their busy parishes for the afternoon. “This is an apostolic age, and we need to continue to pass the faith to others.”

April 23, 2010

ST. PIUS X, from page 1

Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio, who has served as pastor since 2000, said, “Our endeavor to make a place at the table was not just to create more space, more seating, but to create an environment for the encounter with Christ so that more and more people would come to hear His saving Word, be able to give thanks for that saving mystery in their own lives through the Eucharist, and then be able to bring that Good News to others through their service and their living the mission.”

Begun in 1954 as a mission of St. Benedict Church nearby, St. Pius X became an independent parish in 1960, making the dedication of this new church concurrent with the 50th anniversary of the parish.

The campaign to build the 20,000-square-foot church kicked off in 2007, with the aim to “Make a Place at the Table” for the growing congregation in this Triad community. The goal: to raise $6.6 million to build a new church that could seat 1,100 worshipers – replacing the 1980s-era triangular church that seated only 350 to 375 people.

In the campaign, which won an award from the International Catholic Stewardship Council, a team of 180 volunteers made personal visits to the homes of each family in the parish. To date the parish, even with these difficult economic times, has had only 1 percent default on pledges, which came from 875 families. Gary Fly, campaign committee chair, attributes the unique campaigning to the development of the teamwork mentality throughout the project.

The new church In December 2008, the parish took a leap of faith and demolished its old church to make way for the new church at 2210 North Elm Street, next door to St. Pius X School that was the starting point for the parish 55 years ago. For the past year and a half, parishioners worshipped in the school gym, sitting on bleachers and folding chairs.

The new church is in the shape of a square, with a cloister connecting it to a columbarium and bell tower built in 2006. The entrance has three doors that lead into the narthex, which also serves as the baptistery. The central focus of the baptistery, which has eight sides reminiscent of ancient European baptisteries, is an Italian red marble baptismal font bathed in natural light from skylights above. Worshipers entering the nave then catch sight of three large stained-glass windows in the main sanctuary, and in front of the windows, a six-foot crucifix suspended above the main altar.

The stained-glass windows – 21 of them – are more than 100 years old, created in 1908 by the oldest continuous manufacturer of stained glass in Germany and rescued from a closed parish in Indiana. The design of the church was partly planned around the windows.

“Most of the time, stained glass is commissioned according to the dimensions of the church,” architect John Lewandowski said. “This was very different this time; it was the reverse of normal. It was worth it because they were

The Catholic News & Herald 11

FROM THE COVER Nehemiah 8:1very beautiful SPX plans open house 4a, 5-6, 8-10 windows.”

St. Pius X will have a community open house and Ephesians The main 2:19-22, and altar is made of at its new church at 2210 North Elm St. from the Gospel was cream- and red2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25. Monsignor Anthony from Luke, colored Italian Marcaccio invites everyone to tour the new 19:1-10. marble, donated church and learn about the parish.

Following by parishioners a homily by Sal and Frances Bishop Curlin, Bishop Jugis inserted the Giaimo in honor of their children. The relics of St. Pius X into the altar while the ambo, tabernacle stand and baptismal font choir sang the Litany of the Saints. all are made from the same marble, which Bishop Jugis then removed his outer Sal Giaimo personally helped to install. vestments and donned a linen apron to Frances Giaimo said, “The legacy we pour sacred chrism on the four corners leave to our children, you will always have of the altar. Smiling, he rubbed the oil a place at the table. Never did we think into the altar, consecrating it forever. of having part in such a beautiful act of He walked over to four small wooden helping build a church and being able to crosses on the four pillars of the church, contribute in this way. This has been a labor also anointing them with chrism. of love to our church and children.”

Then the altar, the presidential chair Noted Tom Martin, chairman of the and the congregation were incensed, and building committee, “One goal was to the fragrant smoke from a large bowl on salvage and rescue as much as possible – the altar filled the sanctuary. for example, the wood for the crucifix.”

“May our prayers rise up to you Suspended from a steel cable 33 as incense,” the bishop prayed as he feet above the altar, the crucifix is made prepared three thuribles that the deacons from an oak tree that had to be removed to make room for the new church. A parishioner helped to fashion the crucifix from the oak, which was also used to make a second crucifix for the chapel to the right of the main altar.

The chapel is itself a bit of old and new. The tabernacle, altar and ambo all were saved from the former church, while more 100-year-old stained-glass windows shed light into the intimate worship space.

The links between old and new don’t end with the architecture and furnishings. St. Pius X’s parishioners have strong connections to the parish dating back to 1954, when it was just a tiny mission with only a school chapel for its worship space. Building chairman Tom Martin and his wife Mary were married in that school chapel in 1971, and Mary’s mother was one of the first to suggest to founding Monsignor Hugh Dolan a new parish where a school with eight grades was already fully functional on the corner of North Elm Street and Cornwallis Drive.

“It’s nice to have connections,” Mary Martin said. “I go to daily Mass and see people that I’ve known for 50 years.”

“The church is built upon a very rich tradition of Catholic churches,” architect John Lewandowski noted, “but also shows it was designed in the 21st century.”

“You have built a beautiful house of God,” Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin said during his homily Saturday, emphasizing that “the purpose of the Church is that you may become holy, that we may be saints.”

A ceremonious dedication A procession and three loud knocks at the closed wooden doors of the new church marked the beginning of the Rite of Dedication Saturday, as Bishop Jugis asked Monsignor Marcaccio to have the doors opened. Parishioners poured in for a first look at their new church as a string quartet, hand bell choir, voice choir, organ and brass quintet filled the church with music.

Though the lights remained off, the Mass began. Bishop Jugis sprinkled the people, the walls and the altar with holy water as a reminder of our baptism. Liturgy readings were from

then carried through the church to cense the congregation.

The altar was dressed with linen and flowers, and the candles were all lit.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed, with added elements of solemnity such as the use of Monsignor Marcaccio’s ordination chalice.

As the Eucharist was consecrated, many parishioners wept – including the Giaimo family. It was an emotional culmination to everyone’s hard work – to see the sacrifice of the Mass being celebrated on the altar which they helped to create.

Monsignor Marcaccio concluded the dedication with brief remarks, peppered with a few jokes, to thank everyone. As he looked over at his parents and his parishioners filling the new pews, tears also filled his eyes.

“As things were coming together, I started to get this feeling that something was missing, something was wrong. After seeing those pews that were yet to be filled, I said, ‘No, the Church hasn’t arrived.

Something’s missing.’ It was you!” he said.

(Left) Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio stand in the church following the dedication Saturday. photos by

Mary Beth Worthington and Patricia Guilfoyle

12 The Catholic News & Herald

April 23, 2010

in our schools SPX student competes in geography bee

SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF

Kawecki earns Eagle Scout

St. Leo races

GREENSBORO ― St. Pius X seventhgrader Ryan Michael represented his school April 9 to compete in the state finals for the National Geography Bee in L e n o i r.  M i c h a e l qualified with 102 other students from across the state to participate in this level of competition.

CHARLOTTE ― Bobby Kawecki, a member of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and the son of Jack and Brenda Kawecki, has earned his Eagle Scout rank. A member of Boy Scout Troop 80, he completed his Eagle Scout project at Jackson Park Ministries, where he repaired the main front entrance sign, redid the surrounding flower bed and installed lights to light the two flag poles. He is a 10thBobby Kawecki grader at METS at Olympic High School where he is on the varsity swim team, in the Olympic High School marching band, and part of the indoor percussion drum line. He has earned all four of the Boy Scout Catholic religious medals.

Ryan Michael

Shamrock Run is a hit

ASHEVILLE ― The annual Shamrock Run to benefit Asheville Catholic School attracted more than 300 competitive runners and raised more than $6,100 March 13. The fourth annual race, sponsored by Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care, was the first to start and end at the school, and it included a 10k, 5k and fun run this year. Overall winners were: 10k – Tyler Michael, with a time of 36:48.9; and 5k – Teddy Park, with a time of 20:04.1.

CCHS foundation gala raises $218,000

photo provided by

Giving thanks to teachers, staff at OLM

CHARLOTTE ― The 2010 Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation’s gala “A Time to Shine� was a tremendous success, raising more than $218,000 recently to benefit the school.

The annual Fund-a-Tuition program alone raised more than $70,000, which will be used to assist CCHS families in need of tuition assistance.

Sister Paulette Williams, former principal, was named the 2010 gala honoree for her contributions to the school. The CCHS Foundation will sponsor a full year’s tuition in her name for a student in need for the 2010-’11 school year. ― Submitted by Jennifer B. Johnson

WINSTON-SALEM ― Our Lady of Mercy School parents donned aprons and cooked a five-star appreciation luncheon for teachers and staff, while others took over the school workload so they could enjoy the respite, in an annual tradition March 22 to celebrate all that the teachers and staff do to ensure the best education possible for the children attending OLM. ― Submitted by Margaret Dickson

Shred your documents, benefit CCHS

BMHS student earns medal

CHARLOTTE ― Charlotte Catholic High School is sponsoring a day for community residents to shred and recycle their personal or confidential business documents, courtesy of ProShred Security, to raise money for the school’s scholarship fund. Shredding services will be offered on site at CCHS from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 15.

The service is free, but a $10 donation per container is suggested.

KERNERSVILLE ― Hyun-Uk Noh, a junior at Bishop McGuinness High School, recently earned a Silver Medal in the category of “Mixed Media� from the national office of The Scholastic Art Awards. Noh, whose work was titled “Inside My Creation,� is one of only 13 awardees from his region. In the process of winning national recognition, he also received a Gold Key Award for the Southeast Region. Noh has been invited to join the other awardees being honored in a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York in June.

We welcome your school’s news.

E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

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Donna Birkel

On March 20, St. Leo School in Winston-Salem held its 15th annual 5K and Fun Run fund raiser, plus added a 10K race this year. Organizers were Pam Seach and Kathy Dissosway.

THE ORATORY 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 2973-1586

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.com

Visions in Faith Sunday, June 13 through Wednesday, June 16 Richard Gaillardetz The schedule includes presentations from 7-9 pm Sunday, and Monday-Wednesday from 4-5:30 pm and 7-9 pm, with a supper break.

For more information, contact The Oratory.

Classifieds Classified ads bring results! Over 160,000 readers! More than 56,000 homes!

Rates: $.80/word per issue ($16 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.

April 23, 2010

IN OUR SCHOOLS

The Catholic News & Herald 13

PJs for people in need

St. Patrick fifth-graders refurbish school foyer

photo provided by Allana

R. Ramkissoon

Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte ended their photo provided by Amy Lowder

Fifth-graders at St. Patrick School in Charlotte traditionally leave behind a gift to the school. In years past it has been landscaping, lighting, trophy cases and such. The 2010 class raised about $3,500 to redo the foyer entrance of the school. Randall Kane, a local artist and 1990 University of Notre Dame graduate, spent spring break painting the walls and ceiling of the foyer and painting two murals on the entrance walls. One mural is of St. Patrick and the other is of Jesus with children. In addition to the murals, the artist custom designed two wood plaques to hang below the murals: the Prayer of St. Patrick and a quote from the Gospel of Matthew 18:4-5. Also, the money raised was used to install a custom-made pendant light and other lights to illuminate the murals, replacing the old fluorescent lights. Finally, the fifth-graders purchased two oak pews to flank the entrance and sit under the murals and plaques.

Lenten Gifts campaign with a Pajama Day March 31. Students wore pajamas to school to highlight the need to always think of others and show kindness and compassion through giving. In all, 101 sets of new children’s pajamas and pillow cases were donated to the Catholic Social Services Family Life Office. Students also donated $800 to Catholic Social Services to assist earthquake victims in Haiti, and non-perishable food donations to the charitable organization Loaves and Fishes. Pictured above are Melissa Ocejo, kindergarten teacher and coordinator of the pajama drive, with students Benjy Sanvee, Kennedy Wooten, Nicholas Ala, Sebastian Ala and Grace Bilodeau, whose family brought the idea to OLA.

Were you there?

Photo by SueAnn Howell

Students at St. Ann School in Charlotte prayed the Stations of the Cross and performed a dramatization of events surrounding the Passion called “Were you there?” at St. Ann Church March 31. The actors are pictured with Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann.

April 23, 2010

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

God’s loving plan is greater than life’s tragedies VATICAN CITY (CNS) ― Do not fear life’s storms and disasters because God’s loving plan is greater than any tragedy, Pope Benedict XVI said.

In speaking about his recent trip to Malta, the pope also recalled his emotional meeting April 18 with eight men who suffered abuse as minors by clergy.

“I wanted to meet with some people – victims of abuse by some members of clergy,” the pope told approximately 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his general audience Wednesday.

“I shared in their suffering and, with emotion, I prayed with them, assuring action on behalf of the Church,” he said.

The pope traveled to Malta April 17-18 to commemorate the 1,950th anniversary of St. Paul’s shipwreck on the island, which heralded in the beginnings of Christianity in Malta. (Editor’s note: see related stories on pages 2-3.)

Ever since St. Paul’s arrival, Malta has held fast to its Catholic roots, and the pope praised the Mediterranean nation for being faithful to the Gospel for the past two millennia.

It is not always easy for a country to draw inspiration from the Gospel that will help them address complicated, modern-day challenges, he said.

However, the people of Malta have “a Christian vision of life” when they respond to new challenges – for example, he said, the country has staunchly maintained its respect for the unborn and the sanctity of marriage by not allowing the legalization of abortion or divorce.

He recalled his meeting with young people April 18, which was “a moment of deep and intense dialogue.”

After the youths presented their hopes, doubts and worries, the pope offered St. Paul as an example of a youth who experienced “a radical transformation after his encounter with the risen Christ,” he said.

Young people around the world are called to discover the beauty of God’s love and the mystery of Christ’s cross, and to be victorious over the trials and tribulations in their own lives, the pope said.

He said the message he brought to Malta was that people should “not be afraid of the storms of life, even less its shipwrecks, because God’s loving plan is even greater than storms and shipwrecks.”

He also reminded people of the problem of immigration in Malta, which must deal with large numbers of people who often are fleeing poverty, violence and persecution.

The humanitarian, political and legal problems caused by a large influx of immigrants on a tiny island “do not have

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

easy solutions,” he said. But solutions must be “sought with perseverance and tenacity” while working together with international organizations and initiatives, he said.

At the end of the audience a Canadian artist presented the pope with a 28-inchhigh bronze monstrance. Achim Klaas, whose company is located in Ontario, handed the pope the monstrance, which was created with the traditional “ray design” of 14th-century art.

Also present at the audience were more than 400 priests from the Diocese of Rome, who came to the square at the invitation of Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the papal vicar of Rome, to express their “most cordial and affectionate greetings” for the pope’s birthday April 16 and the fifth anniversary of his pontificate April 19.

Following is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks in English: Dear Brothers and Sisters, This past weekend I had the joy of visiting Malta for the 1,950th anniversary of St. Paul’s shipwreck and his threemonth sojourn there. I am deeply grateful to the civil and church authorities, and to all who received me so warmly. At the Grotto of Saint Paul I thanked God for the abundant fruits of faith, holiness and missionary zeal which the preaching of the apostle has brought forth on those islands. The Christian vision, so deeply rooted in Maltese life and culture, continues to provide inspiration for meeting the great social and moral challenges of the present time. The vitality of the faith in Malta was evident in the joyful celebration of Mass before the Church of St. Publius. As a natural crossroads, Malta has never been isolated or self-enclosed, nor has the Maltese cross, which I saw waving everywhere, ever lost its authentic meaning as a sign of love and reconciliation. The challenge of passing on the perennial wisdom and truth of the Gospel belongs in a particular way to the younger generation. At the port of Valletta, I challenged Malta’s young people to look to St. Paul’s spiritual journey as a model for their own, to let their lives be changed by an encounter with the Risen Christ, and to trust that God’s loving plan is more powerful than any storm or shipwreck along the way.

The Church and the sex abuse scandal: here are facts to remember Recent media coverage of the Church may leave the faithful wondering how to respond to questions about the problem of sex abuse of children as it relates to the universal Church, the Holy Father and the Diocese of Charlotte. Here are some points and Internet resources that will help you understand the problem and the response of the Church: n The Church has had regrettable situations in which the sinful crime of sex abuse at the hands of clergy and church workers took place. n In the Church there are people who are capable of grave mistakes. We believe in Jesus Christ and his promise of forgiveness and we know that the path to salvation is only through Him. n Since the early 1990s the Church has repeatedly expressed sorrow over these incidents and taken steps to correct the problems. n The Church has conducted a comprehensive study on the causes of sex abuse. A copy of the report conducted by John Jay College of Criminal Justice can be found at www. usccb.org/nrb/johnjaystudy/. n The Church has taken steps to prevent incidents of sex abuse by adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward offenders in cases of abuse, providing training for all church workers and church volunteers to identify and report incidents of sexual abuse, and conducting background checks on church workers and volunteers. n The diocese has provided training to more than 23,000 individuals. n The diocese has conducted more than 24,700 background checks on church workers and volunteers. n Audits of the diocese have found it to be in full compliance with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the policy adopted by the U.S. Catholic bishops to prevent incidents of sexual abuse. n The diocese collaborates with civil authorities in the investigation of allegations of sexual abuse.

Guest Column David Hains Diocesan Director of Communication

n The diocese is required, through the Charter, to report incidences of sex abuse to civil authorities. n The diocese encourages all victims of sex abuse to contact the proper authorities. n News articles accusing Pope Benedict XVI of wrongdoing in response to matters related to sexual abuse are based on information supplied originally to the New York Times by an attorney who has earned $100 million suing the Church. This attorney, Jeffrey Anderson, is currently suing the Vatican itself. For more information, read The Wall Street Journal article “The Pope and the New York Times.” n Since 2001, before he was elected Pope, Benedict XVI has been a leading voice within the Church to address the problem of sex abuse and to remove offending priests. n There are 65 million Catholics and more than 40,000 priests in the U.S. In 2009, six children under the age of 18 made allegations of abuse at the hands of a priest. CARA, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, gathered this and other statistics. Read the report at www.nccbuscc.org/ocyp/ annual_report/9_CH4.pdf.

Unfortunately, the problem of sexual abuse has never been confined only to the Church. We pray for an end to this sin wherever it occurs.

Do you have a point on this subject? We’d love to hear from you.

Write to dwhains@charlottediocese. org. Look for reader-submitted points in future editions of The Catholic News & Herald.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 2 – MAY 8 Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Easter), Acts 14:21-27, Revelation 21:1-5, John 13:31-35; Monday (Sts. Philip and James), 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Tuesday, Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31; Wednesday, Acts 15:1-6, John 15:1-8; Thursday, Acts 15:7-21, John 15:9-11; Friday, Acts 15:22-31, John 15:12-17, Saturday, Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 9 – MAY 15 Sunday (Sixth Sunday of Easter), Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29; Monday (St. Damien of Molokai), Acts 16:11-15, John 15:26-16:4; Tuesday, Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11; Wednesday (Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, St. Pancras), Acts 17:15, 22-18:1, John 16:12-15; Thursday (The Ascension of the Lord), Acts 1:1-11, Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23, Luke 24:46-53; Friday (St. Matthias), Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, John 15:9-17; Saturday (St. Isidore), Acts 18:23-28, John 16:23-28

April 23, 2010

The Catholic News & Herald 15

CSS Week: Love of Christ impels us to help others I encourage the faithful of the to our neighbors in need and help improve diocese to take advantage of Catholic their lives. I encourage our pastors and Social Services Week to learn more Pastoral Council commissions to look about services available through CSS, to CSS as a resource for the parish – for our Catholic Charities agency here in presentations on issues and to assist in the diocese. Fortunately many of our addressing local needs.

The love of Christ impels us! Lives people have been accessing CSS for additional assistance during these difficult are changed daily through adoptions, economic times. The CSS food pantries in birth option counseling, respect life advocacy, counseling, Asheville, Charlotte and elder ministry advocacy the Triad have expanded and activities, refugee to help meet the growing COMING NEXT WEEK assistance, Hispanic needs of families in our Catholic Social Services Week communities. A number 2010 will be celebrated April 24- ministry, special programs of you are supporting May 2. Look for special coverage for under-served youth, elder ministry, marriage these efforts through food in next week’s edition. preparation, natural drives and contributions. family planning, and I am deeply grateful.

This year CSS has chosen to use the programs to strengthen families and theme “The love of Christ impels us.” The provide greater economic stability.

I am truly grateful to our parishioners love of Christ indeed impels us to respond

Our voices need to be heard

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I was finally happy to see other Catholics speak out on the issue of health care legislation, in letters published last week in The Catholic News & Herald.

All Catholics were not for this health care bill. I find it disturbing that this newspaper did not give voice to or inform Catholics about the pros and cons of this bill before its passage. I for one called both our U.S. senators daily on this issue. I totally agree with last week’s letter by Don Mulligan in High Point: “Where is the real Catholic today?” Once again, our voices are being marginalized or ignored – not to mention the voices of the unborn and the elderly.

Steve Gassel Charlotte, N.C.

led to my next quote in the article about “stealing a gift from God.” I was not advocating the use of contraception under any circumstance, as it is a clear teaching of our Catholic faith that artificial contraception is absolutely prohibited and has planted the seeds of a culture of death, among which are promiscuity, infidelity, divorce and abortion.

Toni Buckler, coordinator Winston-Salem 40 Days for Life Clemmons, N.C.

All contraception promotes culture of death

Values of celibacy and marriage are both in decline

Dear Editor, In “40 Days for Life Winston-Salem campaign sees successes” published April 16 in The Catholic News & Herald, I was quoted from a conversation held with a college student who arrived for an appointment at Planned Parenthood for contraception, that “if you’re not married, you don’t need any (contraception).”

I feel I have an obligation to correct the impression this may have given that I was advocating the use of contraception within marriage. The quote was only a small portion of the conversation, which was one of witnessing to the young lady that sex outside of marriage and contraception are harmful physically, spiritually and morally for several reasons, one being that chemical contraceptives also act as abortifacients.

I made the same case to her regarding the use of artificial contraception within marriage, explaining that it robs the marital act of its procreative and unitive purposes, rendering it no longer a free, total, unconditional gift of self by the spouses to each other, thereby making spouses objects of use. It was in this entire context of our conversation, which included my personal testimony, that

Dear Editor, Given the press coverage in recent months of the now worldwide uncovering of sexual scandals in the priesthood, it might help Catholics to read from Pope John Paul’s encyclical “Familiaris Consortio” (the role of the Christian family in the modern world), published in November 1981.

Many non-Catholics and even Catholics express the view that this problem is a result of the Church’s tradition of priestly celibacy. With that opinion in mind, John Paul’s exhortation seems prescient: “Virginity or celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God not only does not contradict the dignity of marriage but presupposes it and confirms it. Marriage and virginity or celibacy are two ways of expressing and living the one mystery of the covenant of God with His people.”

Given the reality that marriage is no longer esteemed, that the divorce rate among Catholic couples is not much different than the divorce rate in the rest of society, and that human sexuality is no longer regarded as a great value given by the Creator, is it any wonder that even those who have been called to the

From the Publisher Bishop Peter J. Jugis

across the diocese who provide 20 to 24 percent of CSS’ budget through the Diocesan Support Appeal and to the many who directly support the agency with time, talent and treasure. Catholic Social Services could not do the great good that it does without you! May God bless you!

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D., is the Bishop of Charlotte.

priestly vocation sometimes succumb to the weakness of the flesh?

As brothers and sisters in Christ, let us continue to pray not only for their repentance, conversion and growth in holiness, but also for our own!

Estelle Wisneski Charlotte, N.C.

Debate coverage needs to be more equitable Dear Editor, I was disheartened to read the March 19 and March 26 articles about the debate and passage of the health care legislation. The main thrust of the coverage was “opposition.” In neither of these articles was there any compassion expressed for the many people who don’t have health care insurance.

Sadly, both articles denigrated the voices of the leaders of the 59,000 nuns and the 600 Catholic hospitals who supported the current legislation. These people work every day with people who are suffering because they don’t have health care insurance, and they cannot turn their backs on them. Thank God for these people who do the heavy lifting, but are derided for their efforts!

Cardinal Francis E. George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which resisted the health-care reform bill, said in the March 26 article that “we applaud much of the increased care that will be available.” A good and positive reaction, although a bit late.

The cardinal also says that he will watch and continue to enter into the conversations, but “never as a political voice.” Wow! When you take an official position and urge House members to vote against a particular bill before Congress, as the USCCB did, you are definitely in the political arena.

As readers of The Catholic News & Herald, we deserve more depth of coverage and equitable presentation of major issues such as health care legislation.

Kenneth Schammel Cornelius, N.C.

View from the Back Pew Rico De Silva Guest columnist

Lead by example to help young Catholics return to the faith I made a Lenten resolution to attend daily Mass for every one of the 40 days.

Besides giving something up, I wanted to give something back to God – not that God needs anything from us, but that our worship to Him truly benefits us.

As a typical Catholic, I always try to sit in the back of the church. I’ve always been drawn to the view from the back pew. As I embraced my new resolution, I immediately noticed an over-abundance of gray-haired folks devoutly participating in the sacred mysteries of our faith. I asked myself: “Where are the rest of the young people?” Then I realized that at 45, I am more a part of the graying armada sitting in front of me than I’d thought.

I remembered what went through my head when I was in my early 20s. As soon as I graduated from high school, I forgot about Catholicism. The faith was not “relevant,” I thought. Then I reflected on what brought me back to the faith at age 31: the encouragement of my 40-something sibling, Fred. My brother had just had a near-death experience, complete with a proverbial “I-sawmy-whole-life-flash-before-my-eyes” moment. He became a changed man, and was determined for me to change as well.

I’m convinced that middle-aged church-goers like myself – old enough to be parents, aunts or uncles to this new generation of Catholics – offer youths a more immediate and direct influence than anyone else. I propose that just as Fred told me 15 years ago, there are three habits that could help entice our young Catholics to get back in the pews.

First, encourage them to spend just 15 minutes daily alone with God at church in front of the tabernacle. There is something about sitting quietly in the presence of God that makes us keep coming back for more.

The second habit builds on the first.

Invite young people to go to confession and avail themselves of God’s mercy.

The third way to inject life into Catholic youths’ spirituality is devotion to Mary. There is no better way to show devotion to Mary than to pray the Rosary.

Ultimately, the best way to make Catholicism appealing to young adults is to lead by example. And, it is precisely the example of the folks who are faithful to God that we must imitate to influence the lives of our peers. I’m sure the “old-timers” who crowd our parishes for daily Mass are responsible for praying a lot of people like me and my brother Fred back to the faith.

Let’s not forget that one can never be too old or too young to pursue holiness.

Rico De Silva is a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

April 23, 2010 Watch the slide show on the Diocese of Charlotte Vimeo channel

The Catholic News & Herald 16

from the cover

New housing a labor of love CURLIN, from page 1

Bishop Curlin poured his heart and soul into the project, personally selecting the design of the chapel – most notably, the stained glass windows in the bright worship space.

“Everything in here was carefully chosen to make it very warm and very much of a welcome place of worship,” Bishop Curlin said.

Speaking of the 40-unit low income apartment community he added, “It certainly shows the Church’s outreach to people in the community at large, not just the Catholic community. It is a visible sign of the Church’s compassion and love for people.”

Monsignor Mauricio West, the diocese’s chancellor and vicar general, presented Bishop Curlin with a stately copper plaque bearing the bishop’s likeness that will be displayed in the foyer of the apartment community next to the chapel doors.

“In thanksgiving to you, Bishop Curlin, for many years of dedicated service and ministry to the people of God, we wish to dedicate this building to you,” Monsignor West said.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis then conducted the blessing ceremony at the entrance of the new apartment community and

ABOUT CURLIN COMMONS

Curlin Commons, which opened its doors in March, is a 40-unit apartment community in Mooresville dedicated to serving seniors with low incomes. These apartment units are available to seniors, regardless of religious affiliation, who qualify for low-income housing assistance. For more information, call 704-664-1761 or e-mail curlincommons@yahoo.com.

concluded with a ribbon-cutting by both Bishop Jugis and Bishop Curlin.

“Our ceremony of blessing this afternoon and the spirit of our prayer today is that of joyful thanksgiving for this blessing of the Bishop Curlin Commons,” said Bishop Jugis in his welcoming remarks.

Diocesan personnel, priests, religious, lay persons and representatives from the banks and companies who helped build the community were present for the blessing. Representatives from the Affordable Housing Group, which partnered with the Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp. on the building project, were also there.

Paul Wollard, executive director of the Affordable Housing Group, said, “It has been great working with the diocese. It has truly been a labor of love. It’s a beautiful building, affordable to seniors. It will be the first certified Earthcraft green apartment building in North Carolina.”

The true test of the building’s success can be seen in the residents who have already moved in.

Pat Damico moved in April 5. “I just love it. I moved here from New York. My children are here. I am so happy to be here… it is a wonderful place,” Damico said.

During the open house following the ceremony, Margaret McClellan, who also moved in April 5, opened her apartment home for visitors to tour.

“This is a place where people can live in comfort, peace and fellowship with one another and fellowship with God,” McClellan said. “I thank God for the Catholic Church and everyone who helped build this. It’s a great place.”

Reflecting on this opportunity to help the poor, Bishop Curlin said, “It’s always been a passion in my life. I can’t think of a better way to be remembered than a home like this that reaches out to offer others hope and love. To me it is a wonderful day. I can’t think of a better memorial.”

Good works by CSS highlighted CSS WEEK, from page 1

director of CSS development.

This year’s theme for CSS Awareness Week is “The love of Christ impels us,” which highlights our baptismal call as Catholics to protect life and work to reduce poverty. CSS Awareness Week will also feature the good works that are being accomplished around the diocese because of donations made to Catholic Social Services.

To illustrate how integral CSS is and how important the programs are to the people of our diocese, one only has to look at the fact that 96 percent of parishes/missions had parishioners participate in CSS-sponsored activities and programs.

“We are the professional social service arm of the Church in the diocese, caring for those most in need and most vulnerable in our communities,” added Kilkelly.

Catholic Social Services offers programs and outreach services to people of all faiths, of all ages and of all nationalities in the 46 counties of western North Carolina. For more information, go to www.cssnc.org.

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Curlin Commons resident Margaret McClellan moved into her new apartment home April 5. She graciously opened her home to visitors touring the community after the dedication ceremony April 20.

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CROATIA

with a visit to Medjugorje

October 18-28, 2010

Bring family and friends to join with the Diocese of Charlotte as we experience Croatia – lying just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy! We’ll see breathtaking natural beauty, significant places of European history and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites! Plus, a visit to Medjugorje -- making this trip a definite favorite for all!

Highlights of these 11 days include: • Zagreb, the capital city with rich cultural and governmental history, and Roman settlements from the 1st century • beautiful, old-world Bled, Slovenia – a “pletna boat” will glide us across glacial Lake Bled with the majestic, snow-tipped Julian Alps as the backdrop • a tour of the world-famous Lipizzaner horse farm where we’ll witness an actual training session of these magnificent Slovenian treasures!

• charming seaside Opatija, nestled in beautiful woods with elegant villas and a seaside promenade to bring the Adriatic right up to your feet!

• the spectacular, breathtaking phenomenon of Plitvice Lakes national park – 16 terraced lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls and free-flowing cascades. A lake cruise reveals the underwater life thriving in this natural wonderland!

• the ancient seaside city of Split (once the most important Mediterranean port in then-Yugoslavia) where we’ll explore the Old City, the markets, Diocletian’s Roman Palace and much more of its charm and fascinating history • Medjugorje, the small village where we’ll have personal time for prayer, reflection and Mass at beautiful St. James Church • exciting Dubrovnik offers us its fascinating Old City, world-famous Franciscan Monastery, exceptional architecture, seaside promenade and more!

• unforgettable home visit and culinary feast with a Croatian countryside family sharing their culture and customs to enrich our total experience!

Unparalleled beauty, fascinating history and more await you on this trip!

Check out these highlights on the Internet and you’ll see why Croatia is becoming a must-see destination, still unspoiled by “too many tourists.”

Price per person (double occupancy) is only $3,379 and includes: roundtrip airfare from Charlotte; all hotels and transfers; most meals; fulltime professional Tour Manager; local guides. Not included are cancellation waiver/insurance ($200 per person) and air taxes/surcharges ($150).

For a brochure or questions, call Cindi Feerick at the diocese (704) 370-3332 or e-mail ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org.