May 26, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 1

May 26, 2000

May 26, 2000 Volume 9 t Number 37

Inside Seven to be ordained at history-making Mass ...Page 5

From the Cover

Pope blends 80th birthday celebrations with Jubilee for Priests

...Page 7

Raleigh Diocese receives, disperses almost $2 million in disaster aid ...Page 15

Local News Evangelism & catechesis Guest speaker discusses link between them

Regional vicar dies unexpectedly at age 66 ...Page 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

Catholics join for Renewal Conference 2000

By Angela Chance Correspondent GREENSBORO — In a spirit of praise and worship, Catholics from across the state joined May 19 and 20 to celebrate and experience the joy of the Jubilee Year 2000.

Greensboro College was the site of this year’s Catholic Renewal Conference, an annual event made possible by the Catholic Renewal Service Team of the Diocese of Charlotte. The theme, befitting the year 2000, was “Living the Jubilee Year: Experiencing the Release and Fulfillment.”

The conference proved to be a jubilant weekend designed to awaken and reaffirm a love for Jesus, and personified the message of this Jubilee Year, “Open Wide the Doors to Christ.” Participants from all over North Carolina gathered to celebrate Mass and listen to the teachings of featured speakers, conduct prayer groups, enjoy live Christian music and pray together.

“When you come to one of these conferences, you’ll leave with a spirit that is re-energized,” said Father Ray Berg of Brevard, spiritual director of this year’s Renewal Team and a retired diocesan priest. “They really help to get people more enthusiastic about our faith.”

Father Berg presided at the Mass and Benediction on Saturday and delivered an inspiring homily that focused on the importance of being present in mind and heart while attending Mass, as well as in everyday life.

Featured conference speakers included Brent Heiser, president of

See RENEWAL, page 5

Photo by Angela Chance

Frank Dressel of Winston-Salem, pictured center, lifts his hands in worship and prayer during the Catholic Renewal Conference May 20 in Greensboro. The conference brought Catholics together to celebrate the joy of the jubilee year.

Opening up to Christ

E v e r y W e e k Diocesan Support Appeal funds highest ever

Entertainment

...Pages 10-11

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13

Pastoral Assignments Announced ...Page 16

three main factors: “Informal evaluations from some parishes indicate that this year’s video spoke to more people about the mission of the DSA, and the growth of the diocese also had much to do with the higher numbers. Also, more people embracing stewardship as a part of their spiritual lives,” e xplained Rohr man.

“We are still experiencing a great deal of growth, and as a result, the appeal itself has more donors and churches going over assessed target goals.”

Churches that surpass their origi-

By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — Parishioners across the diocese opened their hearts and spirits to offer their support of this year’s Diocesan Support Appeal. This year’s jubilee theme, “Open Wide the Doors to Christ,” was, in part, a reminder to people to commit to stewardship. Because of that generosity, the goal has been surpassed by the highest margin of the last 13 years of the appeal.

As of May 1, the target goal of $3,140,000 was exceeded by over 25

percent with 66 parishes or missions over their own goals. The total as of May 23 was $3,938,450. Five parishes were within 5 percent of their goals, and overall, a total of 19,842 donors thus far have given to help fund the 35 ministries that are supported by the DSA. The main areas of focus include Catholic Social Services, Multicultural Ministries, Educational Ministries and Vocations. The goal is based on the yearly budgets of these ministries, not on the goal from the year before.

Barbara Rohrman, associate director of development and director of the DSA, attributes the high numbers to

See DSA FUNDS, page 5

2 The Catholic News & Herald Army School of the Americas failed May 18, organizers planned new demonstrations and rallies over a Pentagon plan to rename and reorganize the training program for Latin American militaries. Maryknoll Father Roy Bourgeois, who began the campaign to close the school a decade ago, said even if Congress approves the reorganization plan, SOA Watch would continue to go after the new program because he said the change is only a cosmetic one.

Bill to end Cuban food, medicine embargo advances WASHINGTON (CNS) — An effort to lift the 40-year-old U.S. embargo prohibiting sales of food and medicine to Cuba has picked up strength and bipartisan support, say its congressional sponsors. The House and Senate appropriations committees have approved language in the agriculture budget bills that would require a congressional vote before restrictions could be imposed on the sales of food or medicine to other countries. Church leaders from Pope John Paul II to the bishops of the United States and Cuba have pressed to end the embargo, saying it only makes life worse for the poor people and has no apparent weakening effect on its communist government.

Church leaders back forum on immigrant workers’ rights LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles was among dozens of community leaders and labor union representatives gathered May 10 to support an upcoming AFL-CIO Immigrant Workers’ Rights Forum. In February, the AFL-CIO Executive Council unanimously passed an initiative calling for reforms to strengthen workplace rights of immigrants through a repeal of employer sanctions, a new blanket amnesty program to legalize the immigration status of undocumented workers already in this country, and other similar modifications.

Freeze in U.S. aid to Haiti suspends funds for CRS, other agencies WASHINGTON (CNS) — Suspension of millions of dollars in U.S. government aid to Haiti has frozen funding for some Catholic Relief Services work

CNS photo from Reuters

Images of Mexican saints hang from St. Peter’s Tapestries depicting 27 new Mexican saints hang from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica May 21 during their canonization ceremony. The tapestries in the center show 25 martyrs who died in Mexico’s antiCatholic persecution at the start of the 20th century. On the sides are images of Father Jose Maria de Yermo Parres and Sister Maria de Jesus Sacramentado Venegas, founders of religious orders.

Purgatory’s pain is separation from God, says Jesuit magazine ROME (CNS) — Most Christians can expect to suffer in purgatory, but the pain will be more from separation than fiery flames, a Jesuit magazine said. In contrast with centuries of “grotesque” tales describing purgatory as a fetid underworld populated by demons, purgatory is not a place but a condition or state of being, the article said.

And despite the recent attention on indulgences during the Holy Year, few Christians can expect to go straight to heaven without a period of purification in purgatory, it said. The article was published May 20 by La Civilta Cattolica (Catholic Civilization), a magazine whose contents are reviewed in advance by the Vatican.

SOA foes organize new efforts to fight plan to reorganize school WASHINGTON (CNS) — After a narrow House vote to close the U.S.

Episcopal May 26, 2000 Volume 9 • Number 37

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

May 26, 2000

The World in

c a l e n-

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: May 30 — 7:30 pm Baccalaureate Mass for Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School Holy Family, Clemmons May 31 — 7 pm Confirmation Holy Infant, Reidsville June 1— 7:30 pm Mass Ascension Thursday St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte June 3 — 11 am Ordination St. Matthew, Charlotte June 4 — 2 pm Confirmation St. Gabriel, Charlotte June 6 — 7 pm Confirmation Queen of the Apostles, Belmont June 7 — 7 pm Confirmation St. Joseph, Asheboro June 8 — 7:30 pm CCHS Baccalaureate Mass and graduation St. Matthew, Charlotte June 9 — 7 pm Confirmation

in schools and has forced other U.S. aid agencies to close down projects, said the CRS country representative to Haiti.

The money frozen is “part of about $4.75 million frozen for education,” said Chris Hennemeyer, country representative for CRS, in a May 15 interview in Washington. In mid-March, Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, ordered more than $30 million in U.S. aid to Haiti suspended after the Haitian government fined the U.S.-owned Rice Corp. of Haiti $1.4 million for allegedly evading customs duties and smuggling rice into the country.

Catholic-Polish National Catholic dialogue held WASHINGTON (CNS) — At their spring meeting members of the Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue discussed sacramental sharing and Petrine ministry and primacy. They also talked about reconcili-

Diocesan

plan -

Kingsley at (828) 274-0318.

11 CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, is having a charismatic Mass at 4 p.m. with prayer teams available at 3 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. For more information, call Josie at (704) 527-4676.

Upcoming CHARLOTTE — A volleyball camp is being held for rising sixth- through ninth-graders July 17-20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The coaches are going to be Tim Leary from CCHS and Bettie Berry, a former CCHS coach. For more information, call Bettie Berry at (704) 521-8721.

MAGGIE VALLEY — Rev. Mr. Keith Kolodziej and the Diocese of Charlotte Renewal Team is sponsoring a weekend retreat July 7-9, entitled “You Will Receive Power.” The goal and purpose of the weekend is to renew God’s people

ation among divided Christians, developments in the Old Catholic churches regarding the ordination of women, and a recent German Catholic-Old Catholic agreement on the reception of clergy from one church into the service of the other. The meeting, hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, Pa., was held at the diocesan chancery May 10-11.

Encuentro to explore ‘new vision’ for multicultural church LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala, national chairman of Encuentro 2000, said part of the focus of the national jubilee event is to “create a new vision” for the future of the Catholic Church. Encuentro 2000 is set for July 6-9 in Los Angeles. “How do we, as a church, acknowledge the diversity and gifts offered by an increasingly diverse church?” Bishop Zavala said in an interview with The Tidings, Los Angeles archdiocesan newspaper. “One goal of Encuentro 2000 is to have different ethnic groups dialogue with one another and share stories, so each can get to know who the other is, otherwise we can never come together.”

Church in western Timor reports ongoing refugee intimidation WASHINGTON (CNS) — Priests assisting people in western Timor’s refugee camps say the “vast majority” want to return to East Timor, but intimidation by pro-Indonesia militias is keeping them there, said a U.S. human rights activist. Karen Orenstein of the Washington-based East Timor Action Network was co-leader of a delegation of congressional staffers, human rights activists, journalists and filmmaker John Sayles that made a weeklong fact-finding visit to Indonesia, western Timor and East Timor in late April. “In some areas, the refugee population outnumbers the indigenous community,” said Orenstein. “The best solution to the refugee crisis, repeatedly voiced by humanitarian aid workers, is repatriation. The only way to increase the rate of repatriation is to remove militia intimidation and control of the camps.”

by studying sacred scripture, sacraments and the teaching of the church with great emphasis on personal prayer and worship devoted to the Holy Spirit and the metanoia and spiritual fruits which flow from it. Space is limited, so for registration and further details, contact Augustinian Father Terry Hyland at (828) 926-3833 or e-mail: lwcrc@ main.nc.us.

Ongoing CLEMMONS — The time for the Spanish Mass, held at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., is being changed to 7 p.m. for the duration of the summer, starting in June and continuing through most of August. For details, call the church office at (336) 778-0600.

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

May 26, 2000

Around the Di-

The Catholic News & Herald 3

Speaker discusses link between evangelization and

By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer HICKORY — Diocesan faith formation and religion teachers spent the day at the Catholic Conference Center May 18 listening to a discussion of the impact of evangelization on catechesis in the past few years. With the “General Directory for Catechesis” as a guide, Norbertine Father Alfred McBride, like a performer, interweaved song, prayer and humor into his presentation, “Evangelizing Catechesis.”

The main idea of the meeting was for teachers to receive a better understanding of how they can spread the message of Jesus to their students and enable the children to share that knowledge with others through catechesis, said Dr. Cris Villapando, director of programs for the Office of Faith Formation.

“This is important because it brings us back to our roots,” said Villapando. “The reason for our being here is to share the Good News, and presentations such as Father McBride’s can allow us to recover the full meaning of catechesis.”

Father McBride, professor of theology and homiletics at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass., and author of more than 30 books, introduced his seven “essential points of evangelizing” to the participants and explained that evangelization and

June 4 June 11

June 18 June 18-25

catechesis are interrelated.

Father McBride defined “evangelization” as a “proclamation of the creative and providential work of the Father, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the saving work of the Holy Spirit through the Church and the sacraments.”

“Evangelizing is always an interpersonal relationship and involves saying ‘yes’ to Jesus Christ, his salvation, his kingdom, while catechesis is saying ‘yes’ to the meaning of Christ’s deeds, message and the Church,” explained Father McBride.

Father McBride used the “General Directory for Catechesis” as one of the reference documents for his presentation. The GDC comes from Rome and serves as a guide for pastors and bishops for catechetical ministry.

The focus of the new directory is evangelization because in order to catechize, evangelization has to take place at every stage of development and should be the framework for the passing on of faith to students, explained Marylin Kravatz, Southern Region coordinator for faith formation.

“Catechesis isn’t just a process of memorizing and learning. The person being catechized must also be evangelized and guided toward a relationship with Jesus, which is a two-way street between head and heart,” said Kravatz.

Father McBride said, “I would like

Jubilee Days for June Jubilee of Journalists/Media/Communications Pentecost Sunday Day of Prayer for Collaboration Among Religions Jubilee of Fathers International Eucharistic Congress — Rome

mation, call the church office at (336) 778-0600.

6 CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., is having its cancer support group meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the office building. All cancer survivors, families and friends are invited to attend. For more information or registration, call Bob Poffenbarger Sr. at (704) 553-7000.

7 CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel Church’s support group for those living with cancer and their families and friends is meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the ministry center on the 3rd floor at 3016 Providence Rd. For further details, call Bob Poffenberger at (704) 553-7000 or Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 217.

8 ARDEN — Spring Cursillo is an ongoing movement in the church for building a better Christian community.

The women’s weekend is taking place beginning today through June 11 at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. For details, call Rosemary and Art

June 2 ASHEVILLE — Catholic Association of Family Educators (C.A.F.E), Western North Carolina’s Catholic homeschool support group, is having an “end of the year” picnic and potluck at CP&L Park this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Denise Vish at (828) 645-6990 or Sheryl Oligny at (828) 298-0336.

3 CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., is sponsoring a “Grand Garage Sale” today from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Family Center. The proceeds of the sale are being donated to the Cristo Rey Building Fund. To donate or to find out more about the sale, call Anne Harrison, chairperson, at (336) 712-4445 from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or e-mail A2harrison@aol.com.

GREENSBORO — The Annual Right to Life Yard Sale, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Councils 939 and 11101, is being held at St. Pius X School at the corner of Cornwallis

Photo by Alesha M. Price

Norbertine Father Alfred McBride speaks with Paul Kotlowski, diocesan director of youth ministry, at a gathering of parish catechetical leaders at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory on May 18. for today’s participants to gain a sense of hope that this is an exciting and beautiful new way to advance our faith to others. This serves as an example of how to combine evangelization with their work in religious education as catechists.”

Elizabeth Girton, director of religious education at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, said that she and the other faith formation staff members at the basilica have already implemented some of Father McBride’s methods into their program and that she gained further insight from the presenter.

“Father McBride helped me to see how I can incorporate some of his ideas into my ministry. Instead of trying to get people to understand my viewpoint, I have to see where they are first, and together we can have a dialogue about living out Christ’s message to the fullest,” said Girton.

Joanna Jackson is going to look into developing family catechesis at her parish using the seven essential points of evangelization as a guide.

“Father McBride was very specific and had good applications. I liked the way he went from evangelization to catechesis and his stress on the building of community,” said Jackson, director of religious education at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

“I also liked his sense of humor,” she added with a smile.

“I’m so grateful to Father McBride for having been with us today,” said Father James Hawker, vicar for education. “He is recognized nationally not only as a scholar but as a devoted disciple and witness of the Lord. The vision of the bond between catechesis and evangelization he shared with the parish catechetical leaders is a lived experience in his life.” t

and Elm Streets. The sale begins at 8 p.m., and the proceeds are being used to fund Right to Life programs. For large item pick-ups, other information or to donate goods, call Marshal Perry at (336) 288-6091.

4 CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel Church’s Respect for Life rosary is being said in front of Our Lady’s Grotto at 3016 Providence Rd. at 3 p.m. If rain should occur, then the rosary will be prayed in the daily chapel. For more information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431.

CHARLOTTE — In recognition of National Cancer Survivors’ Day, St. Gabriel Church, St. Matthew Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church members invite all cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends to attend Mass and to participate in anointing of the sick at 5:30 p.m. today at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy. For more information, call Bob Poffenbarger Sr. with the National Cancer Day Foundation at (704) 5537000 or e-mail Rjpoffsr@aol.com.

CHARLOTTE — A special reception, sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization, is being held for Mercy Sister Paulette Williams who is leaving her job as principal of Charlotte Catholic High School (CCHS) to begin a new ministry with the Sisters of Mercy. The reception takes place from 1-3 p.m. at CCHS, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Rd. For more information, call Vicki Britton at (704) 365-0312.

5 CHARLOTTE — St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., is having its cancer support group meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the reception room of the activity center.

All cancer survivors, families and friends are invited to attend. For more information or registration, call Bob Poffenbarger Sr. at (704) 553-7000.

CLEMMONS — There is a charismatic Mass being held at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., tonight at 7:30 p.m. For more infor-

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

4 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

World Wide Web brings world closer, just a click Assisi, Florence and Siena as well as the Eternal City. In Rome, visits to the four major basilicas will take on special significance during this holy year.

Paris-London On Oct. 19, 2000, Father Mauricio West, chancellor and vicar general will lead a group from Paris to London on another eight day tour that will focus on these two key cities. In Paris, Father West’s group will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chappelle and the Church of the Miraculous Medal, where Mary’s appearance to a young novice led to the striking of the Miraculous Medal as it is known today.

In London, Westminister Abbey is among the sites scheduled.

It is the Internet that will bring depth to the pilgrimage plans via links to international websites with details, photographs and drawings. Mother Josephine Bakhita’s story takes on more meaning via the web, as does Blessed Katherine Drexel. Various parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte are direct recipients of the benevolence of Katherine Drexel, who took a special interest in Native and African Americans in the South.

Italy, Paris-London and Israel pilgrimages are now showing at www. charlottediocese.org/travel. t Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling (704) 370-3336 or e-mail jskeane@ charlottediocese.org.

By Joann S. Keane Editor CHARLOTTE — Thanks to the World Wide Web, international pilgrimage travel for the Diocese of Charlotte now has a worldly connection.

For three upcoming pilgrimages, the Internet is the first step for disseminating information. This gives the opportunity to reach out to every corner of the diocese — and the world — with greater detail of each of the upcoming destinations.

Holy Land The long-awaited Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop William G. Curlin is planned for March 2001.

This will be a Lenten journey, giving pilgrims a special time for reflection.

This will be a return visit for Bishop Curlin, following a personal pilgrimage several years ago. His experience will add other dimensions to the trip as he shares reflections.

Italy Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor and vicar for African American Affairs Ministry, will lead a pilgrimage to Italy Sept. 28 - Oct. 3, 2000.

One of the highlights of this Italian experience will be the opportunity to be present when Pope John Paul II canonizes Blessed Katherine Drexel and Mother Josephine Bakhita on Oct. 1 in Saint Peter Square. Pilgrims will visit

May 26, 2000

Asheville deacon dies unexpectedly at age 66 ASHEVILLE — Rev. Mr. Jozef A. “Jos” Vandermeer, 66, of 15 Roberts Street, Weaverville, died unexpectedly Friday, May 19 at his home.

Rev. Mr. Vandermeer was born in Belgium and was a son of the late Henk and Barbara Peters Vandermeer.

His family moved to Holland when he was five years old where he stayed until moving to Weaverville in 1960.

He was an art teacher at the Asheville School and retired as Professor Emeritus from UNC-A where he taught Fine Ar ts for 25 years.

In 1984, he was ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of Charlotte and Reverend Mr. served as deaJozef A. “Jos” con at St. EuVandermeer gene Church in Asheville. He also served as regional vicar in the diocese’s permanent diaconate.

He also served as volunteer chaplain for Mountain Area Hospice for 14 years and at Mission/St. Joseph Hospital System and in prison ministry at Craggy. Jos had a very special gift in being able to minister to and comfort the ill and dying who received his gift of peace during their difficult times.

Along with his wife, he was a recipient of the Jefferson Award, which is presented annually by WYFF Television Station, Greenville, S.C., and they also received the Great American Family Award presented to them at the White House by Mrs. Nancy Reagan.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Hoogma Vandermeer; eleven children, Miriam Harwood and her husband Larry of Leicester, Lydia Chiles and her husband Richard of Asheville, Magda O’Dell and her husband Michael of Greenville, S.C., Marie Myatt of Raleigh, Theresa Vandermeer of Barnardsville, Tevenia Vandermeer of Beaufort, S.C., and Sarah Williams, Chris Vandermeer, Scott Vandermeer, Kendra Vandermeer, and Latasha Vandermeer, all of Asheville; numerous foster children; eight grandchildren, Natasha Clabern, Anna Chiles, Jos O’Dell, Ariel Ramsey, Samantha Young, Michael Young, Jay Myatt and Tyquice Coddington; one sister, Magda Ficarra of Teaneck, NJ; and two brothers, Ad Vandermeer and Wim Vandermeer of the Netherlands.

A prayer service was held at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 22 at St. Eugene Church after which his family received friends in the fellowship hall.

A celebration of Christian funeral memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at St. Eugene Church with Father Frank Cancro officiating.

Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 16, Asheville, NC 28802, or to St. Eugene’s Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 8160, Asheville, NC 28814. t

May 26, 2000

Around the Di-

Seven to be ordained during history-making Archdiocese of Atlanta has more — 12 men are to be ordained there, according to the report.

The ordinations come during the church’s worldwide celebration of the jubilee year. Specially designated days earlier this month celebrated religious life, on May 14 with World Day of Prayer for Vocations and on May 18 with the Jubilee Day for Clergy.

This milestone is significant in a region where Catholics, though composing just three percent of the general population, are rapidly growing in number, Bishop Curlin said.

“The South is continuing to experience remarkable growth, and in order to serve the increasing population, we need an increasing number of priests,” he said.

The diocesan class of ordinands reflects the ethnic variety found in the nationwide class of 2000.

The survey reported that 27 percent of the nation’s class of 2000 identify themselves as members of racial or ethnic minorities. Two of Charlotte’s seven men are immigrants to this country: Rev. Mr. Osorio, a native of Colombia, and Rev. Mr. Dinh, who hails from Vietnam.

“Our diocese is a mosaic of many cultures, and in order to properly serve our people, we must have priests who not only speak the languages, but understand the cultures and traditions,”

By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — Less than a month after the Catholic Church’s celebration of World Day of Prayer for Vocations and a jubilee day for clergy, Bishop William G. Curlin will ordain one of the single-largest groups of priests ever to serve the Diocese of Charlotte.

The June 3 ordination Mass, scheduled for 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, closes one chapter — and opens another — in the lives of the seminarians, who have completed their studies at three seminaries along the East Coast.

This year’s class — Rev. Messrs.

David Brzoska, Joseph Long Dinh, Christopher Gober, Matthew Kauth, Shawn O’Neal, Luis Osorio and Frank Seabo — is the among largest classes to be ordained at one liturgy for service in this diocese.

“This is a time for the whole diocese to come together and celebrate,” Bishop Curlin said. “This is a great blessing for our church and a joyful moment for our diocese. We are truly thankful that the Lord has blessed us with this group of men.”

This class is also among the largest of ordinands in the South this year, according to a recent survey by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Vocations. Only the

DSA Funds, from page 1

to the diocese for the summer and have congregations made up of many summer visitors, their Appeal Sunday will be conducted when the majority of these travelers have settled in for the season.

According to Rohrman, the numbers will go up, and a final count will be determined at the end of August after these

nal goal, assigned by the diocese, will receive that extra amount back from the diocese after all donations are sent in and tallied.

The official appeal was conducted from the first weekend in February through Appeal Sunday weekend March 18 and 19. For some churches, where many parishioners come back

Bishop Curlin said. “Our diversity enhances and enriches our experience of being a universal church.”

Nationwide, the average age of this year’s newly ordained is 36. That holds true in this diocese, as the median age of this year’s class — whose members range from 26 to 43 years old — is 35.

The seven men come from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, and each comes with a unique and profound experience of faith leading them to priestly life, Bishop Curlin said.

“The ultimate relationship, whether you are a priest, religious or lay person, is the same: that deep relationship with God and the belief that God is with you,” he added. “When one has faith in the presence of God in their life and truly understands this, they experience the peace and joy of the Spirit.” t Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org.

churches receive all of their donations.

“I firmly believe that as more parishes promote stewardship as a way of living out discipleship, people will continue to see the DSA as a way of truly living the corporal works of mercy — the key to the appeal,” she continued.

However, the appeal is not only about dollars and cents. “During this great jubilee year, I am pleased to see so many opening wide the doors to Christ by serving Him in others through the appeal,” said Bishop Curlin. t Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

The Most Reverend William G. Curlin cordially invites you to the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, the third of June, Two Thousand at eleven o’clock at

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Renewal, from page 1

Good News Ministries of North Carolina and co-founder of the Good News North Carolina School of Evangelization, and Hannah Hammer, parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

Tracks were also offered on youth ministry, Spirit-filled prayer life and a variety of discussions on the experience of Jesus in the lives of the faithful. Presenters included Rev. Mr. Keith Kolodziej of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte; Paul Kotlowski, diocesan director of youth ministry; and Catholic Renewal Service Team members Rev. Mr. Ron Steinkamp, Joyce Brown, Barbara Gardner, Joan Moran and Greg Smith.

Hammer, veteran teacher of Catholicism in the evangelical tradition, stepped in to speak in the place of an ailing Bill Wegner, president and founder of Good News International. She began by ecstatically proclaiming, “We’ve heard a lot of talk about Jubilee. Let me tell you something, I’ve been on a Jubilee all my life!” She went on to stress the value of forgiveness, humility and wonder in the face of God. This and other inspirational messages were enhanced by the sound and presence of Redeemed, the Charlottebased Christian music group which facilitated praise and worship sessions throughout the conference. Participants lifted their voices to songs like “Amazing Grace,” “Let the Fire Fall” and “He Shall Reign.” Redeemed is led by musicians Kathy Piontek and David Shoff.

With a thematic emphasis on the Jubilee Year, its meaning and significance, the Catholic Renewal Conference 2000 united evangelical Catholics from across the state to retreat in the revelry of worship, reflection and celebration.

In his speech, “Jesus, Leading us Back to the Father,” Heiser ardently invited his audience to publicly share the Gospel, indicating that one may teach the Word by virtue of his or her baptism. He invoked a Vatican II document which states, “By our baptism, we are all called to be apostles.”

“Every day, we have opportunities to enter into the message that Jesus came to bring us,” he said. “He wants us to be more aware of God’s presence on our lives, and more aware of where

6 The Catholic News & Herald Eritrean bishops appeal for help to end conflict with Ethiopia VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bishops of Eritrea have appealed to the international community to take urgent steps to halt the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict, warning that the lives of innocent people were at stake. “A single day of delay could mean the extermination of an entire population and the devastation of its territory,” the bishops said in a statement made public at the Vatican May 20. The escalation of the conflict came when Ethiopia launched a major offensive against Eritrea May 12, following two years of border skirmishes.

Cardinal Ratzinger says third Fatima secret ‘not essential’ ROME (CNS) — The Vatican’s top doctrinal official, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, said the third secret of Fatima contains no dogma of faith and, as other private revelations, is “not essential” for Christians. While praising Pope John Paul II’s courage in announcing the secret May 13 and ordering its publication, Cardinal Ratzinger said Fatima needs to be kept in perspective to avoid “sensationalism.” The cardinal commented in an interview in the May 19 Rome newspaper La Repubblica. He said his doctrinal congregation was working on a commentary on the Fatima messages and expected to publish it and the full text of the third secret by mid-June.

Retired general among 3 sentenced in Acteal massacre MEXICO CITY (CNS) — A retired Mexican army general and two other security officials accused regarding the 1997 massacre of 45 indigenous people in Chiapas received prisons sentences of eight years, the federal attorney general’s department

May 26, 2000

People in the

CNS photo from Reuters

Passion Play in Oberammergau Actors rehearse a scene from the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, prior to its May 21 opening. Based on the life of Jesus Christ, the play has been staged there every 10 years in a 350-year-old tradition.

About a half million people are expected at performances, which run for five months. said May 17. While the three men did not participate directly in the massacre, federal prosecutors charged them with “homicide by omission.” The attorney general’s office said they led a Chiapas state police detail posted on a highway near the hamlet of Acteal. It said the men admitted hearing shooting, but did not investigate the shots, calls from local leaders or from the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Anglican, Catholic bishops meet in Canada to review dialogue MISSISSAUGA, Ontario (CNS) — Thousands of miles from London or Rome, 35 bishops from the Roman

Catholic and Anglican churches met May 15-19 to discuss how to get past a 466-year-old split started by a king of England who could not get an annulment. Anglican Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, England, head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and Cardinal Edward Cassidy, head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, led the meeting, which included bishops from around the English-speaking world. The bishops were to review 30 years of dialogue.

Close observers said they were unlikely to focus on areas of contention such

as women’s ordination: Instead, they would explore how to get their previously released documents down to the grass roots of parish life.

Chinese bishops in communion with Rome ordain two more bishops HONG KONG (CNS) — For the second time within two weeks, Chinese bishops in communion with Rome ordained new bishops in eastern China. A China-watcher at the Vatican said the ordinations were significant because they indicated a diminished influence of the government-approved Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. The two new prelates of Ningbo Diocese were elected bishops by the diocese in December, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Bishop Michael He Jinmin, 83, and Auxiliary Bishop Matthew Hu Xiande, 65, were ordained at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. UCA News reported that a story on the ordinations appeared May 15 in the Ningbo Daily.

Christians in Pakistan sentenced to prison for blasphemy LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) — A judge sentenced two Christians to 35 years in prison and fined them $1,400 for insulting the prophet Mohammed, founder of Islam, and the Koran. Judge Rana Mohammad Yousaf, a sessions court judge in Pasroor, about 60 miles north of Lahore, sentenced Rashid Masih and his brother, Saleem Masih, to 35 years at hard labor May 12, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Police arrested Rashid and Saleem twice after Maqsood Ahmed, a street vendor with whom the brothers had a scuffle, filed charges against them in May last year.

May 26, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 7

From the

Pope blends 80th birthday celebrations with Jubilee for

By John Norton Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II blended celebrations of his 80th birthday with the Vatican’s Jubilee for Priests, emphasizing the primacy of his priestly vocation in his life.

Though showered with greetings from political leaders and cultural icons from around the world, treated to a special London Philharmonia musical performance and feted with a sumptuous lunch, the pope seemed most pleased concelebrating a birthday Mass May 18 with some 8,000 priests.

During the liturgy in St. Peter’s Square, which Vatican officials called the largest concelebrated Mass in history, the pope said that God “desired to link my existence to the grace of the priestly ministry, as bishop and successor of Peter, to be a witness of God’s love for all humanity in these, our times, which are so fascinating.”

He returned to his reflections on the priesthood at a birthday lunch with cardinals after the Mass, saying, “I am particularly happy to remember my birthday in this priestly dimension, which is the fundamental one of my life.”

In his Mass homily, the pope praised God for the gift of priesthood, which he called a gift of love for all mankind. But he also acknowledged the struggles and weaknesses of ordinary priests and the growing threat of a priest shortage.

Pope John Paul II is silhouetted against a sunny background in St. Peter’s Square as he arrives for Mass on his 80th birthday May 18. The Mass was attended by some 8,000 priests from around the world.

He asked for prayers for priests who have left the ministry and encouraged fallen-away priests to seek laicization, a Vatican dispensation officially releasing them from priestly duties.

“I think also of those priests who, for different circumstances, no longer exercise the sacred ministry, though they continue to hold in themselves a special configuration to Christ through the indelible character of holy orders,” the pope said.

Interrupted by applause, he said, “I also pray a great deal for them, and I invite everyone to remember them in prayer, so that, thanks also to a procedurally obtained dispensation,” they remain committed Christians in communion with the church.

The pope said that priests must guide the church “not with force but with cheerfulness, not with the attitude of masters but by offering an exemplary witness.”

Greeting priests during an evening prayer service May 17 in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said the church in the 20th century was rich with the witness of saintly priests, some of whom even shed their blood exercising

CNS photo from Reuters

their ministry.

“Let us follow their footsteps, because the efficacy of our ministry depends on (saintliness),” he said.

During the May 14-18 Jubilee for Priests, two female saints were proposed as inspirations for priests seeking to faithfully live their vocations amid the challenges of the modern world.

In two different turbulent eras in the church, Sts. Catherine of Siena and Therese of Lisieux “knew how to speak to priests to stimulate them to live their vocations to the highest,” said Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, at a Mass

May 17 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The liturgy was followed by a two-hour meditation on the saints’ interaction with priests.

Maria Antonietta Falchi Pellegrini, a professor at the University of Genoa, said St. Catherine’s numerous letters to popes, cardinals, monks and priests manifest a deep love and reverence for the dignity of the sacrament administered by priests, “matched only by the strength of her reprimands for those who disfigured the face of the church.”

She said St. Catherine’s examples teaches that “God always requires respect and reverence for priests, his ‘christs,’ whatever their human weakness might be, because any offense against them is an offense against God himself.”

Discalced Carmelite Father Antonio Sicari said St. Therese became a Carmelite nun specifically to pray for the holiness of priests.

The saint lamented primarily “the fact that they might forget the exclusive love promised in their consecration, and that their purity not be that owed to the Eucharist which they hold between their hands.”

The pope, ordaining 26 priests for the Diocese of Rome May 15, said the Eucharist was the mystery of divine love.

“Incessantly draw upon this mystery, above all in the celebration of the Mass, the spiritual energy to faithfully fulfill your mission,” he told the new

8 The Catholic News & Herald

2000

May 26, 2000

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL AND BISHOP McGUINNESS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL proudly present their graduating seniors and intended colleges

•CongratulaUniversity of the South Thomas Manshack Villanova University Colleen Hogan Zack Smith Brian Vernarsky Virginia Tech Jason Borthen Wake Forest U. Michelle Bettin Washington & Lee Baxter Webb Western Carolina U. Justin Berlak Jason Collins Stephan Janawsky Beth Keber Patrick Kesler UNC-Chapel Hill Catherine An Mitch Brigulio John Bui Dustin DeLuca Moira Downey Ashley Duncan Victoria Elliot Michael Forszen Kerry Killoren Courtney Kueser Angie Machovec Brian May Robert Messing Claire Miller Mollie Ohlhaut Annie Poskozim Anne Sexton Mollie Songco Jonathan Yeomons UNC-Charlotte Priscilla Barbato Lisa Berthiaume Patricia Bristow Meghan Faulkner Jake Humphries Martha Islas Phillip Kobylanski Paulina Loyo Ashley Sain Sarah Turza UNC-Greensboro Ned Parnell Keith Ritter UNC-Wilmington Cristin Dunne Erin Lail Lisa Pasqualone Undecided Danielle Bingham Robert Kaminski Thomas Weber

CCHS

Appalachian State U. Matt Ausman Katharine Bender Alex Congdon Luke Correll Adrienne Crompton Andrea Dries Jeremy Engbretson Chris Gipe Michael Glankler Laura Groover Andrew Haden Jeffrey Hansen Beth Jarrell Amy Mahedy Michael Mowry Christina Peralta Andrea Rebhan Liz Roberts John Rummage Lee Runey Jason Sanfilippo Amy Sleowsky Patrick Soffera Dominic Totman Jenny Ulrich Alabama U. Juliana Littrell Averett College, VA Rachel Blank Belmont Abbey College Erin Brannon Matthew Newey Elizabeth Sweeney Boston College Brent Mathews Thuvan Nguyen Caldwell CC Chris Carey CPCC David Besana Jacqueline Dashner Richard Jones Thomas Popieniek Julian Posse Ashley Smith Katrina Swartout Amanda White Clemson U. Emilie Burke Bobby Conrad College of Charleston Paula Garofalo Courtney Harris Columbia College (SC) Kim Floyd Heather Sherrod Duke U. Sarah Bratton East Carolina U. Emily Claiborne

Blake Gonzales Matt Groomes Benjamin Latterell Heather Lynch Kim Mullens Angela Onofrietti Chris Vandercook Lark Williams Elon College Jeff Amann Zach Hull Morgan Kelso Katrina Johnson Mena Nickolopoulos Diane Stephens Embry-Riddle, AZ Chris Andrews Steve Garin Embry-Riddle, FL William Heybrook Florida State Moria Sheehan Franciscan University Mary Worthington Furman U. Joseph Rossi Georgia Tech Michael Chastain Akash Shah Ryan Smith Georgetown U. Kristine Johanson Georgia, U. Cullen Conly Meredith Muse Jonathon Weathers LaSalle U. Kristen Hall Lehigh U. Mary Kate Menze Lenoir-Rhyne Chris Matsui Maryland Institute of Art Elizabeth Merchant Marymount College (NY) Katherine Fee University of Miami, Ohio Marie Andresen North Carolina State U. Adam Amar Anthony Belcastro Nicole Campbell Amanda Champagne Ray Ciafardini Alenna Clements Annika Dollander Emily Eichorn Aleisa Gentle Brian Gibson Crystal Heaton John Hugo Shannon Kelly

Daniel Lentz Alexa Loomis Adam McGarity Brian McMahon Sara McMillan Nicole Menninger Sean Morrissey Aisling O’Suilleabhain Walter Penilla Viktoria Peterson Daniel Pydynowski Liza Runey Meg Ryan Blake Short Chris Simms Karolina Sztyber Brent Warnement Rebecca Wayer Jackie Willse Maya Wozniak North Country CC (NY) Lauren Geraghty Notre Dame Elizabeth Zwickert Oberlin (OH) Logan Hegg Ohio State Kelly Street Penn State Stephanie Moser Taylor Rhodes Princeton Joe Falencki Queens College Clint Chatman Radford U. (VA) Tara Santella Rhodes College (TN) Megan Jessee Sarah Lawrence College (NY) Bryan Ford Savannah College of Art & Design Brett Bainbridge Alex Stegall South Carolina, U David Costello Julie Emery Lauren Green Jimmy Tran Stonehill College (MA) Alicia Delamere Tennessee, U. Natalie Pernotto Tulane Majorie Britton Brian Hitselberger United States Naval Academy Michael Bernard United States Naval Nuclear Training Center Michael Whitehead

BMHS

Appalachian State U. Kristin Dickson Sarah Fahey Ryan Franck Elizabeth Harrison Joseph Hellinger Brian Monteforte Shannon Nitz Molly Peterson Lindsay Shepherd Auburn U. Amelia Knight Barton College Megan Johnson Catawba College Taylor Hege College of Charleston Matthew Ceneviva Joseph Poston Duquesne U. Michelle Pavelka East Carolina U. Leilani Arias Phillip Aylor Timothy Geraghty Kristie Petterson Timothy Riley Michael Speciale Zachary Stein Erin Wagner Adam Zakaria Elon College Julia Whicker Forsyth Technical CC Zach Gibbons George Washington U. Daniel Riesser Georgia Tech Jesse Short High Point U. Jill Hennie Dan Kalbaugh Jared Kirby Justin LeBlanc Jorge Camilo Moreno Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute Michael Jacobs Kettering U. William Heckman Lees-McRae College Jesse Marion Lenoir-Rhyne College Ashley Lawless Lynchburg College Meredith Fievet Meredith College Meredith Burdock Concetta Hinson Michigan State U. Christopher Kronner Mount Mercy Patrick Fleming

Mount St. Mary’s College Kristine Galiger North Carolina State U. Joseph Carley Christine Davis Chris DeVillers Robert Fithian Donna Nalevanko Christina Nelson Laura Smith Krista Szafranski Lauren Tryon Patrick Henry CC Carl Nathan Quate Peace College Pamela DePaulis Amie Gauthier Purdue U. Jonathan Thompson Randolph Technical CC Jennifer Yuson Rockingham Technical CC Allison Lay St. Louis U. Travis Kindl University of Dayton Sarah Simmons UNC - Asheville Emily Day UNC - Chapel Hill Beth Adamski Dene Davis Justin Gach Katie Gramling Emilie Hendee Laura Hoeing Nico Pandi Keri Prybylo Meredith Roche Stephanie Sherman UNC - Charlotte Kimberly Dedo Kristen Keku UNC - Wilmington Christopher Fuhrmann University of North Dakota Brian Stevens University of the Sciences in Philadelphia John “Kenny” Schoolmeester Virginia Tech Vanessa Capobianco Thomas Foreman Wake Forest U. Philip Albrecht Michael Dedo Mary Katherine Hurley Lan Chi Tran Western Carolina U. Ryan Davis James Haas, Jr. Undecided Jonathan Crover Kevin Delury

Charlotte Catholic High School • 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road • Charlotte, NC • (704) 543-1127 Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School • 1730 Link Road • Winston-Salem, NC • (336) 725-6669

May 26, 2000

In the

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Fiorenza: Campaign against Vatican’s U.N. status antiWASHINGTON (CNS) — The campaign by Catholics for a Free Choice to end the Vatican’s permanent observer status at the United Nations is reminiscent of “other episodes of anti-Catholic bigotry,” the head of the U.S. bishops said May 10.

Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston said Catholics for a Free Choice, which supports legal abortion, claims to be an authentic Catholic voice. He said “that claim is false.”

The bishop, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement criticizing the group for “its rejection and distortion of Catholic teaching about the respect and protection due to defenseless unborn human life.”

Frances Kissling, president of Catholics for a Free Choice, announced last year that her organization was launching a “See Change” campaign calling on the United Nations to end the Vatican’s permanent observer status and put it on the same level as a nongovernmental organization — or NGO — such as the World Council of Churches.

In its current status, the Vatican

does not have a vote at the United Nations but, after securing permission, it makes statements on issues the world body deals with, and uses other opportunities to influence delegates.

Kissling’s group has a consultative status at the United Nations as an NGO and she has been an active lobbyist at U.N. meetings.

In mid-March a spokeswoman for the United Nations told Catholic News Service that the U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan cannot conduct the review of the Vatican’s U.N. observer status called for by Catholics for a Free Choice.

Myriam Dessables, a staff member in the office of the spokesman for the secretary-general, said such a review could be conducted only if it was formally requested by the General Assembly and that, so far, no government has taken or proposed any action that could lead to a vote on such a request.

Bishop Fiorenza in his May 10 statement called the Catholics for a Free Choice campaign an effort to “silence the moral voice of the Holy See at the United Nations.”

He pointed out that the NCCB

position in the United Nations is a “flahas stated publicly a number of times grant anti-Catholic attempt by radical that Catholics for Free Choice “is not a fringe groups to clear the way for their Catholic organization, does not speak pro-abortion, anti-family agenda at the for the Catholic Church, and in fact United Nations.” promotes positions contrary to the In his May 11 statement, Smith, teaching of the church.” who is Catholic, also said the Vatican is He said the group is primarily “under assault by those who desire to “an arm of the abortion lobby in the see the disintegration of the Catholic United States and throughout the world view world” funded in our global by a number of gover ning powerful and “The use of the name Catholic as a body.” wealthy private platform for promoting the taking of “We canfoundations to innocent human life and ridiculing the not allow this “promote abortion as a meth- church is offensive not only to Catholics, to happen,” he said. od of populabut to all who expect honesty and Kissling, tion control.” r e s p onding “The use forthrightness in public discourse.” in a May 12 of the name — Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza statement to Catholic as a Bishop Fioplatfor m for renza’s comments, said Catholics for promoting the taking of innocent hua Free Choice is not “motivated by man life and ridiculing the church is ofanti-Catholicism” but by a “love of the fensive not only to Catholics,” he said, church and a commitment to a vision “but to all who expect honesty and of church that represents the conforthrightness in public discourse.” science of every individual.”

The Vatican released Bishop FioShe described her group as “the renza’s statement in its daily press voice of Catholics who disagree with bulletin May 16. the church on sexual and reproductive Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who has health and rights.” introduced legislation in the House She also said she takes “small comto protect the Vatican’s U.N. observer fort” in the belief that her organization status, agreed in a separate statement is criticized because it is “effective in with Bishop Fiorenza’s remarks representing the views of many of the garding Catholics for a Free Choice. world’s Catholics.” t Smith said the group’s current attempt to remove the Vatican from its

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Book offers look at the conclave which will elect the pope’s Reviewed by James C. O’Neill Catholic News Service “The Next Pope” is a handy guide to the players at the next conclave which will elect the successor to the present Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. This revised edition contains information and observations about most all of the cardinals who will be eligible to elect a new pope. Of course, if Pope John Paul names any new cardinals, as he is expected to do sometime this year, the book will need “The Next Pope”

By Peter Hebblethwaite, revised and updated by Margaret Hebblethwaite Harper SanFrancisco (San Francisco, 2000) 198 pp., $19.95.

yet another update.

Since most Catholics and others interested in Vatican/church affairs know little of these princes of the church who are spread around the world, there is a need for an informative volume such as this.

Its author, Peter Hebblethwaite, an English Catholic journalist who specialized on the Vatican, died in 1994, shortly after the book was first published. This revised edition was brought together by his widow, Margaret, the assistant editor of the British Catholic journal The Tablet.

Probably the most significant difference between the two editions is that in 1994 Peter Hebblethwaite was able to draw up a short list of “papabili.” These are cardinals seen as having a strong chance of being elected because of their leadership qualities, such as Cardinal Carlo Martini of Milan. In 2000, these short-list candidates are six years older, and therefore less likely to attract the support they might have had in the past.

May 26, 2000

Read-

The result, according to Margaret Hebblethwaite, opens the election to a wider but less focused field of candidates. To handicap them, to use a racing metaphor, she applies criteria of age, nationality, and outlook.

In terms of age she all but rules out any cardinal over 75, although Pope John XXIII was elected at 76. Nationality brings up the often-debated question of an Italian or non-Italian successor to the Polish pope. The greatly diminished presence of Italian cardinals in the Sacred College of Cardinals makes the election of a “foreign pope” very possible.

As for cardinals from the United States, she thinks they are dead in their tracks.

“Unfortunately, the country suffers from the stigma of being a superpower” and is suspect of being “tainted with dangerous cultural values.” The current cardinals from Poland are also out of luck simply because “as Poles (they) can be more decisively ruled out than anyone else.”

The book claims that there are no great “liberals” of the past to be found in today’s College of Cardinals, only what the book calls “moderate conservatives,” “conservatives” and “ultraconservatives.”

While obviously a liberal herself, the editor/reviser lists the good qualities, leadership abilities, charm and spiritual strengths of each candidate.

Included in this volume is a history of past conclaves, a review of Pope John Paul’s reform of the conclave rules, and an analysis of the current pope’s legacy to the electors who will come together after his death. t O’Neill covered the conclaves which elected Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI for CNS, formerly National Catholic News Service.

Summer Publishing Schedule

The Catholic News & Herald begins its summer schedule with this issue. The next issue will be June 9, 2000.

Word to Life

May 28, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B Readings: 1) Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 Psalm 98:1-4 2) 1 John 4:7-10 3) Gospel: John 15:9-17

By Jeff Hensley Catholic News Service When Jesus speaks to his disciples about the new commandment to love one another here in John 15, it is the evening before his darkest hour. Judas has just left to betray him. He will soon go out to the Garden of Gethsemane where the three with him will fall asleep, while Jesus sweats blood as he anticipates doing the Father’s will.

Jesus will be arrested, beaten about and ridiculed by the Roman authorities, and his disciples will turn away from him in fear.

“Love one another as I have loved you,” he tells them. “There is no greater love than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

It’s all a pretty tall order. And if Jesus had focused on the short-term results of his admonition as we so often do, he would have been sorely disappointed.

But he was not.

What sin have you or I committed that right at this moment is

keeping us from appreciating God’s love for us, and passing it along to our sisters and brothers, our friends, our families, our co-workers? Is it greater than Peter’s denial? Is it worse than those who ran away at the time of Jesus’ arrest?

Ditch your sin. Toss it onto Jesus. Let him carry the load.

All of those who failed Jesus miserably now carry the title of “Saint” before their names, except for the one who could not believe that God could forgive him.

It’s the season of Easter, the season of hope. Without the resurrection, those men would have died defeated by the power of evil, but the power of Jesus overcoming death is the victory that brings both them and us to freedom.

Celebrate the victory. Jesus is Lord! He will redeem us as he redeemed them. It’s what Easter is all about.

Question: If you haven’t already done it, won’t you confess any sins that are currently blocking your access to God’s love so he can pour his grace of forgiveness onto you, preparing you to serve him and others in love?

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of May 28 - June 3, 2000 Sixth Sunday of Easter, Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48, 1 John 4:7-10, John 15:9-17; Monday, Acts 16:11-15, John 15:26-16:4; Tuesday, Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11; Wednesday (Visitation of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth), Zephaniah 3:14-18, Luke 1:39-56; Thursday (Ascension of Our Lord), Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Mark 16:15-20; Friday (St. Marcellinus, St. Peter), Acts 18:9-18, John 16:20-23; Saturday (St. Charles Lwanga and Companions), Acts 18:23-28, John 16:23-28 Readings for the week of June 4 - 10, 2000 Seventh Sunday of Easter, Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, 1 John 4:11-16, John 17:1119; Monday (St. Boniface), Acts 19:1-8, John 16:29-33; Tuesday (St. Norbert), Acts 20:17-27, John 17:1-11; Wednesday, Acts 20:28-38, John 17:11-19; Thursday, Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, John 17:20-26; Friday (St. Ephrem of Syria), Acts 25:13-21, John 21:15-19; Saturday, Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, John 21:20-25

May 26, 2000

Entertain-

The Catholic News & Herald 11

‘Seventh Heaven’ actress says New Age spirituality of Hollywood holds no

(The series) promotes discussion and were real role models. “They were

By Steve Vivona stimulates community.” intellectual women who had careers Catholic News Service Hicks is married to Kevin Yagher, and they encouraged us to develop our HOLLYWOOD (CNS) — As a a special-effects artist in Hollywood minds and our souls.” lifelong Catholic, actress Catherine and they have an 8-year-old daughter, Hicks stressed that Catholics are Hicks says she has never been tempted Catie. not judgmental. “I don’t like the feelto explore the New Age spirituality An only child herself, Hicks tries ing of fundamentalist (Christians) saythat seems to pervade Hollywood. to spend quality time with her mother ing, ‘We are better. We are saved. Jews “I don’t think people realize how as well as her daughter as often as posare going to hell. (Catholics) aren’t spiritual the Catholic faith is,” said sible. “I really care for my mother and raised to say, ‘We’re saved and other Hicks, who plays Annie Camden, worry and think about her as much as people aren’t.”’ the wife of a Protestant minister, on my daughter, although I don’t shortWorrying about who is saved and the WB television series “Seventh change my daughter.”

Heaven.”

Hicks said she makes She was interviewed in breakfast for her daughter evHollywood before taping an “It’s hard enough to work on just being good. ery morning “even if I have to appearance for “Personally Speaking,” the Catholic Com- Worry about charity to the homeless and hungry. Give make the batter at 5 o’clock.”

Raising a child with the munication Campaign’s intersome of your money away. Be their friend first and values her parents imparted view program that airs on the heal their wounds.” Hicks said the Catholic Church is to her is important, Hicks Odyssey cable network. said. “If the parents stay topresent wherever there is real poverty.

Outsiders may perceive the gether that’s half the battle, Mass as boring, she observed, that there is security in the “but it’s deeply contemplative if home. She knows she’s loved ... and we who isn’t is not the issue, Hicks said. you’re paying attention. Then there’s the teach her along the way.”

“It’s hard enough to work on just bemiracle of what happens on the altar.”

Sending her child to Catholic ing good.

Worry about charity to the Hicks inherited her powerful faith school was always a priority, Hicks homeless and hungry. Give some of from her parents, who took the family said. “They pray at snack time. There’s your money away. Be their friend first to Mass regularly. She said today some an awareness of something higher and heal their wounds.” Hicks said the Catholics claim they’re too busy to go than video games.”

Catholic Church is present wherever to Mass. “I think it’s real important to Hicks started taking acting lesthere is real poverty. go to God’s house and get away from it sons while at St. Mary’s College in Of her role in “Seventh Heaven,” all.” Prayer, especially praying the roNotre Dame, Ind., where she majored which premiered in 1996, Hicks said sary, was an integral part of her family in both English and theology. After she constantly hears from parents who life, Hicks said. winning an acting scholarship to Cortell her that “for one hour a week they A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., nell University, she began her career can sit down as a family on the sofa Hicks attended Catholic grade school, on the New York stage acting in plays together and watch something and not “and I didn’t have any horror stories.” based on the work of Arthur Miller worry about what they’re going to see.

She said the sisters who taught her

CNS photo by Danny Field from Catholic Communications Campaign

“Seventh Heaven” actress Catherine Hicks, a lifelong Catholic, plays the wife of a Protestant minister on the WB television series. and Tennessee Williams. Her first role on Broadway was opposite Jack Lemmon in the play “Tribute.”

Her first TV role came in 1976 on the daytime series “Ryan’s Hope.”

She portrayed Marilyn Monroe in the 1980 TV movie “Marilyn: The Untold Story.” She was in the motion picture “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” in 1986 and has starred in films opposite Kathleen Turner, Dudley Moore and Ray Liotta.

During the lean years when acting jobs were sparse, Hicks said her faith and a confidence in her training helped keep hope alive that she would eventually succeed in the business. “It’s a lonely path out there,” she said.

“One thing that’s great about being Catholic” is there is usually a church nearby, Hicks observed. “It’s such a universal church and a global family. I really feel like I belong.” t

Got news?

Send your story ideas to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org or fax The Catholic News & Herald at (704) 370-3382

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

May 26, 2000

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope says time is right to reveal third secret of Fatima

By Benedicta Cipolla Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II said the time was right to reveal the so-called third secret of Fatima, which can help illuminate the many tribulations of the 20th century.

“In light of the Fatima apparitions, the events of this rather troubled historical period take on a singular eloquence,” the pope said at his weekly general audience May 17.

The audience marked the first time the pope commented publicly on the third part of the message, revealed to three shepherd children in 1917.

“Seeming that the time was ripe, I felt it opportune to make public the content of the socalled third part of the secret,” he said.

During a May 12-13 papal trip to Fatima, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, announced that the pope had ordered the publication of the third secret.

Cardinal Sodano said it included a reference to a bishop clothed in white, who “falls to the ground, apparently dead under a burst of gunfire.” The pope believes the reference applies directly to the 1981 attempt on his life, the cardinal said in his announcement May 13.

Speaking to 40,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square May 17, the pope said his pilgrimage to Fatima represented an “opportunity to thank the Blessed Virgin for the protection she has given me throughout my pontificate.”

He said the ring he placed at the foot of Mary’s statue in Fatima symbolized his thanksgiving. The late Polish Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski of Warsaw gave Pope John Paul the ring shortly after his election as pope. The cardinal had told the pope that he would lead the church into the third millennium.

During his trip to Portugal, the pope beatified two of the children who witnessed the Marian apparitions.

Though Francisco and Jacinta Marto were not martyrs, the pope said at the audience, “they demonstrated a life of Christian virtues to a heroic degree, despite their tender age ... the heroism of children, but true heroism.”

The pope emphasized that their beatification did not depend on their visions of Our Lady of Fatima, but on the “faithfulness and commitment with which they met the singular gift received from the Lord and from holiest Mary.”

“They deserve not only to be recognized as credible witnesses of apparitions, but to become examples of life lived according to the Gospel,” he said.

The third child visionary, Carmelite Sister Lucia Dos Santos, now 93, met with the pope during his trip. Sister Lucia placed the third part of the message in a sealed envelope in 1943 and delivered it to her bishop, who then sent it to the Vatican, where it remained secret except to the popes and a few close aides.

The third secret was expected to be published soon, along with commentary by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Jubilee — Year of forgiveness Traditionally, a jubilee year is a time to make a fresh start, to throw off those chains that block one from God, to become free. It is a time of forgiveness for people carrying debts and burdens, resentments and hatreds. In a jubilee year the church offers an invitation to all to come, to ask for healing, and to be made whole and joyful.

Looking back over the past six months, I am inspired by the efforts to communicate this message of reconciliation, beginning with the marvelous example of Pope John Paul II in his writings, words and actions.

Could we ever forget the photo of this pope, kneeling at the cross at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and his words: “Before Christ, who for love bore our sins, we are all invited to a deep examination of conscience. One of the characteristic elements of the great jubilee lies in what I have described as purification of memory. I ask that in this year of mercy, the church, strengthened by the holiness that she receives from her Lord, kneel before God and beg for forgiveness for past and present sins of her sons. We forgive, and we ask forgiveness.”

In the spirit of this great jubilee year, a remarkable action took place in the Diocese of Rockville Center on Long Island, N.Y., during Holy Week. On that Monday, priests of all the diocese’s 134 parishes were asked to be in the confessional from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. so that everyone could have the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of penance. That may sound strange, considering the declining numbers of Catholics going to confession in recent years.

The diocese did a radio and newspaper publicity blitz, emphasizing that the sacrament is “not about judgment, let alone condemnation. It’s about forgiveness.” A handbook for the public emphasized that examining one’s conscience does not mean coming up with “a grocery list of sins,” but rather “a reflection on the rhythms of one’s daily life and the relationship that one has with oneself, with others and with God.” The diocese offered this invitation, and it was a

Parish Diary Father Peter Daly CNS Columnist

hordes of guests departed. So they hailed a cab. The cab driver, amused, played a tape of Irving Berlin’s “I’ll be loving you always.”

It is the cab ride they’ll remember.

Sometimes the embarrassment becomes the show. Last year when our parish had a talent show, our preschoolers entertained us with a rendition of some song having to do with a frog and a lily pad.

One little girl, unaccustomed as she was to standing on a stage facing an auditorium full of clapping adults armed with cameras, decided that if she couldn’t see us, we couldn’t see her. In the middle of the song, she gabbed the hem of her party dress and lifted it over her head.

The other preschoolers, unfamiliar with these motions, paused momentarily in their gesturing to watch this little “cancan.” Some thought it part of the play and joined in. Meanwhile their teachers, “Miss Karen” and “Miss Dot,” tried bravely to get them to resume their aquatic fable. Some adults were gasping for breath between guffaws. No doubt about it, this was the showstopper.

That’s life. The best memories are the things we do not plan. It’s a lesson worth remembering as we go through this season of confirmations, first Communions, weddings, graduations, ordinations and anniversaries, when people are trying to get every detail just so.

It is the laughter we remember.

The Bottom Line ANTOINNETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist

gamble. No one could predict how it would turn out.

The response? All the parishes reported that streams of people came into the confessionals, hundreds of them responding to this first-time-ever massive invitation.

A priest I spoke to said the turnout was absolutely remarkable, that people had long hungered for such a call, anxious and ready to free themselves of what had kept them from God, some because of mere indifference, some for past serious sins.

In the weeks before this unusual day, The Long Island Catholic, the diocesan paper, invited people to send in their comments about confession. Most of the responses were negative, with comments like, “I never received advice nor consolation in confession — just a feeling of being very uncomfortable.” If the jubilee year continues as it has begun, such comments may be filed away forever.

I like the beautiful words of one of the diocese’s pastors, Msgr. Frank Gaeta. He said that in the sacrament of reconciliation the challenge of the church is to get away from legalism and go to the heart and mind of Jesus. The life of the church, he said, is about “table fellowship,” a concept that stresses that everybody is welcome in God’s house — which sometimes looks like a confessional.

The unscripted moments of parish life Often the unscripted moments in parish life are truly memorable. For instance, we’ve just had the annual confirmation of our young people. Some 36 teens were ushered into adulthood in the church by the abbot of the local Benedictine monastery.

All was suitably solemn until the photo session afterward. The photographer struggled to get everyone lined up on the auditorium risers as the abbot and I looked on. Just in front us was one of our senior high students, who helps with our confirmation class — a lad of irrepressible joy.

Unaware that his pastor and the abbot were at his elbows, he called out to the confirmation class, “All right now girls, show us a little more cleavage.”

For a second everything went into slow motion. The photographer looked at him, open-mouthed, like a fish. Without due reflection, I batted the offending teen over the head with my program.

Suddenly aware of his inopportune instruction, the young man turned liturgical red, appropriate to a confirmation ceremony. The abbot, who has taught high school boys for more than 40 years, was more sanguine than I. He grabbed our young director by the nape of the neck.

One mother, who helps teach our confirmation class, flew across the stage of the auditorium and breathed in the young man’s ear, “The abbot has just saved your life, since I was coming across this stage to kill you.”

Perhaps the only thing I will remember about that confirmation is the photo shoot. Sometimes it is the mistakes that make for the nice memories.

Like the fancy, society wedding I had for two doctors at a big parish in Washington. All was super elegant. They had photographers, flowers and limos for days. After the post-wedding photos were taken, the bridal party ran out of the church, jumped in the limos and drove off in a shower of rice. Assuming everyone was gone, I locked up the church and left.

But the bride and groom were still around the side of the church in the garden, with the photographer. They emerged to find all the limos and their

May 26, 2000

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle FATHER THOMAS J. McSWEENEY Guest Columnist Marriage: Can we talk?

Until recently, my only image of Abigail Adams, the wife of this nation’s second president, John Adams, came from the Broadway musical “1776” in which she appears as the only female character. She is the only person who could draw out the loving side of her husband’s otherwise acerbic personality.

From time to time, the couple are seated at opposite ends of the stage writing letters that try to erase the distance forced upon them by the exigencies of the American Revolution. It’s an evocative portrayal of marriage under extraordinary pressure in extraordinary times.

At the time I thought how enlightening the Adams correspondence would be for anyone interested in the institution’s changes over time, even as it remains fundamentally the same.

So when I picked up Steve and Cokie Roberts’ best-selling book “From This Day Forward” I was delighted to find not only the story of John and Abigail but also an assortment of other stories that illustrate the persistent issues of love and marriage, work and family, parents and children. What is particularly remarkable about the Roberts’ treatment is their shared view that — despite all the hand-wringing and cynicism about the institution of marriage — there is every reason for hope.

For the Roberts, the Adams’ letters reinforce by counting the years between the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8) and the restoration of Jerusalem in 457 B.C. When that and other predicted days passed uneventfully, he lost a large segment of his clergy and lay followers, who had begun calling themselves Adventists (“coming”).

Some maintained, however, that Christ truly did arrive in 1844, but invisibly; and they devoted themselves to spreading the word, transferring their day of worship to Saturday instead of Sunday.

Seventh Day Adventists now have grown into the millions, but the theme of their mission remains that the Second Coming is imminent. They do not forecast a specific time.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are another offshoot of the Millerites and Adventists. Among other distinctive beliefs, they hold that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914, and Satan is preparing for the great battle with Jesus, which could occur any day now.

Additional millions of fundamentalist Christians are convinced that the “end” will first bring the rapture (the “great snatch”) when God will take up the good people to reign with him. Then, after seven years of earthquake, famine and other tragedies, the battle of Armageddon will destroy multitudes of lives. A millennium of peace will follow, and finally, sometime, the conclusive total victory over Satan.

Generally, the millenarianists base their theories on a complexity of highly unconventional interpretations of apocalyptic passages in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation, and, in the case of the rapture, First Thessalonians 4 and 5.

A common scenario lists three conditions before all this can happen. A new Jewish state will be founded (already fulfilled). Jews will repossess the old city of Jerusalem (also supposedly accomplished in the l967 Arab-Israeli war). And the Jewish temple will be rebuilt on its ancient site.

These conditions explain much of the fundamentalist opposition to such associations as the United Nations and the European Union, and the militant

a simple point: “Communication is to a marriage what sunlight is to a plant: a basic necessity.” When the Adamses celebrated their golden anniversary, Abigail told the gathering that her only unhappiness with John came from that long separation during the Revolutionary years.

For instance, John and Abigail differed, sometimes heatedly, about the education of their daughters. Determined that girls not be deprived of an education, Abigail used every opening to argue the issue. In time John seems to acquiesce: “The education of our children is never out of my mind. Train them to virtue, habituate them to industry, activity and spirit... It is time, my dear, for you to teach them French.”

But Abigail’s concerns were not only domestic ones. Thinking ahead to the new laws of an Independent United States, Abigail wrote: “I desire you would remember the ladies, and be more favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion.”

John’s response was less than tactful: “I cannot but laugh... in practice you know we [men] are the subjects. We have only the name of masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely subject us to the despotism of the petticoat, I hope General Washington... would fight.”

Still, reading their letters, you get a sense of their ability to disagree without overstepping each other’s bounds. You also learn that their love endured all things.

Abigail wrote: “The age of romance has long ago past, but the affection of almost infant years has matured and strengthened.” John signed off: “Yours, with more ardor than ever — The Happiest Man on Earth.”

When a couple experiences the inevitable trials that come with decades of marriage, yet feel happiness and ardor, they are not lucky — they are committed. And that will be just as true in another two hundred years.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

Why some Christians believe the end is near Q. All those predictions we heard about the end of the world as the new millennium was starting are amusing, but also confusing. Television preachers still talk as if the time — they call it the rapture — will come any day now.

Where did this religion come from? Two of our friends are totally taken up with the idea and tell us we are in for a great and terrible surprise.

A. The belief that the final coming of Christ is near does have a curious, if brief, history.

The idea is not totally new, of course. We know from the New Testament that believers in the first decades of Christianity seriously anticipated Christ’s return in glory before the death of people then alive.

It didn’t take long, however, for the realization to sink in that Christianity was in for the long haul. As Jesus said, no one knows the day or the hour.

During the following centuries a variety of sects appeared, each claiming that the final time was at hand, but they all died away.

The modern, and longest lasting, millenarianist movements began in the 1830s. William Miller, a New York farmer and preacher, predicted the world would end on March 21, 1843, a year he decided upon

See DIETZEN, page 14

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Coming of Age Amy Welborn CNS Columnist Growing on the outside — and the inside It’s always fascinating to watch kids grow.

When I was a high school theology teacher, I was always amazed by the sight of boys returning from summer break, especially between their freshman and sophomore years.

Most of the boys, it seemed, had grown a foot over the summer. They’d left the classroom, most of them just a little taller than I, but when they returned, their heads seemed almost to scrape the ceiling. Girls grow too, of course, but their spurts come earlier, usually in late middle school.

So yes, everyone wants to grow. If you’re a boy, you want to grow taller and to fill out. You want your chest and your shoulders to broaden, and you want to start shaving. If you’re a girl, you want to start looking like a woman and not like a little girl.

It’s funny, too, because you can tell that everyone is always quite relieved at starting to really shoot up and develop. Adulthood is on the way. Because, you know, no one wants to stay a kid forever.

The question is, are you as anxious to grow in other ways as you are to grow physically? Being adult is about a lot more than how you look.

There are lots of overgrown kids walking around in adult bodies. They grew physically, which is effortless, but they forgot that they have to grow internally as well in order to be taken seriously as adults. But that’s not effortless, so sometimes we forget to take care of it.

Good for you! You’re growing physically.

And during this summer filled with sunshine and exercise, you’ll grow a lot more, and you, too, will shock your teachers next fall. But what about the other parts of you?

— Are you growing emotionally? Are you leaving childhood selfishness behind and beginning to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around you and your needs?

— Are you growing intellectually? Are you reaching beyond the child’s tendency to unquestioningly absorb what she’s told and really trying to analyze, critique and understand the world around you?

— Are you growing in terms of responsibility?

Are you taking more responsibility for your own life and your own choices, realizing that it’s time to stop expecting your parents to run along behind you picking up the messes that you make?

— Are you growing spiritually? Are you taking the time in your life to relate to God in a more intimate way? Are you continuing to grow in faith, or do you not know much more about your faith than you did when you were 10?

I once had an acquaintance who told me that her son had grown a foot in a year. Imagine that — growing an inch a month. She said it was a very difficult time, because her son’s body was getting beyond him. It was a year filled with awkwardness and even accidents. And, as you might imagine, growing that fast actually does cause real growing pains.

So yes, growing can hurt. Growing can be confusing and frightening. But if you want to be an adult, you’ve got to grow. And not just on the outside, either.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

House approves gold medal for pope WASHINGTON (CNS) — The House on May 23 voted 416-1 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II. In statements on the House floor supporting the bill, several members of Congress cited the pope’s battle against communism, his worldwide travels and ecumenical outreach as factors in the action.

“He is truly a world leader and an unparalleled champion of those who cannot speak for themselves: the poor, the unborn, those condemned to death and those whose basic rights as children of God are trampled upon by oppressive regimes,” said Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J. The Senate has yet to vote on its bill, which was introduced in April with 66 co-sponsors. The Senate Banking Committee was scheduled to take up the measure May 24.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor Congress

can bestow. Earlier this year, Congress approved and President Clinton signed into law a bill granting the medal to New York Cardinal John J. O’Connor.

He was given a copy of the legislation at an informal ceremony shortly before his May 3 death. It typically takes about six months to design and cast the medals.

Mother Teresa also received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997.

Rep. James A. Leach, R-Iowa, chairman of the house Banking and Financial Services Committee, cited the pope’s dedication to “the freedom and integrity if every individual human being, his use of moral authority to hasten the fall of totalitarian regimes, his effort to reconcile Christendom and reach out with respect to people of all faiths, and most of all, his commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ(as) a model of grace to all peoples of the world.”

Leach said that although the pope

Dietzen, from page 13 alliance of Christian evangelical bodies with Israel in the Middle East peace initiatives, all of which are thought to delay the final battle with Satan and thus the final coming of Christ.

The third condition is particularly frightening. Previous Jewish temples occupied the site on which now stands the Dome of the Rock, the Mosque of Omar, an impressive structure which dominates the skyline of old Jeru-

ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Assistant Secretary: Asheville Catholic School.

Attendance/First Aid Office. M-F, full time. CPR and First Aid certification required. Call (828)2527896 for information. EOE. Computer Teacher: K-8, for 2000-2001 at St. Leo Catholic School, 333 Springdale, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. NC certification required (or in process). Call (336) 748-8252 for application and information. Submit resume to Georgette Schraeder, principal.

Cosmetologists/Barbers: Full-time and parttime. Charlotte area upscale salon seeking warmhearted, skilled stylists and barbers. Convenient south Charlotte location. $12 per hour + tips.

Please call (704) 341-4260.

Custodian, Full-time: Begin work June 1, 2000.

Asheville Catholic School. Call Randy Penland, Maintenance Supervisor at (828)252-7896. EOE. Director: Retreat Center, rural southwest Virginia.

Ecumenical spirit, experience in retreat ministry, administration. Bachelor’s or master’s. Catholic in good standing. Living on site. Richmond Diocese, full-time. Application, job description: (540)6235285, e-mail jomart@naxs.com or Search Committee, 19188 Jonesboro Road, Abingdon, VA, 24211.

Applications June 27, postion opens August 15th.

Director of Adult Catholic Enrichment/Order of Christian Initiation: Holy Family Catholic Church of Marietta seeks a full-time salaried Director for Adult Catholic Enrichment (ACE) and the Order of Christian Initiation (OCI) programs.

Applicants should have leadership experience in ACE/OCI areas and/or have religious education degreed background suitable to develop high quality programs and volunteer assistance in the community. Must be practicing Catholic. If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Theresa Johnson, Director of Religious Education at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Rd.,

May 26, 2000

In the

salem. It has been a sacred place for Muslims for more than 1,300 years and is the second most hallowed shrine of the world of Islam.

Obviously, the temple could not be rebuilt without destruction of this holy place, which from any perspective today would be cataclysmic for world peace. The fundamentalist groups we’re speaking of, however, believe it can, in fact must, happen to fulfill the

Marietta, GA 30068. Fax (770) 578-0475. Inquire at (770) 973-7400, ext. 21 with questions.

Director of Religious Education: Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta seeks a full-time salaried Director for its Religious Education programs.

Practical leadership experience in the continuing development of a full range of primary, secondary, young adult and adult based Religious Education programs is essential. The ability to encourage a spirit of volunteerism to meet broad community needs is a must. Should be competent in managing all educational levels and administrative staff functions.

Must have bachelors and/or advanced degree in education and/or religious training. Must be practicing Catholic. Holy Family’s Religious Education programs serve a multi-cultural community. Fluency in Spanish or equivalent background experience would be a useful asset. If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Theresa Johnson, Director of Religious Education, Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068. Fax (770) 578-0475. Inquire at (770)973-7400, ext. 21 with questions.

Elementary and Middle School Positions: Immaculate Heart of Mary School has openings for the following positions for the 2000-2001 school year: Assistant Principal/Teacher (Master’s in Administration, practicing Catholic): Middle School teachers of Social Studies, Language Arts, Science and Math; Grades 4 and 5 teachers. Interested certified teachers may contact Margene Wilkins, principal, 605 Barbee Avenue, High Point, NC 27262; or call (336)8872613; or fax (336)884-1849.

Guidance Counselor: Part-time. Asheville Catholic School. Must be NC certified. Call (828)252-7896 for information. EOE. Music Ministry Director: St. Aloysius Catholic Church is seeking a Director of Music Ministry for a well-established music program. Send resume and references to: Search Committee, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 Second St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Music Ministry Director: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is seeking an organist/music director.

Must be familiar with Catholic liturgy. Salary negotiable. Benefits available. Send resume and references to Immaculate Conception Church, 208 - 7 Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28791-3602.

has “begun to show the burdens of age” he has not lost the vigor that leads him to participate in lengthy liturgical celebrations and continue his global travels.

“In times singularly bereft of leaders of high moral stature, John Paul II stands out, a pontiff whose presence fills the great basilica of St. Peter and radiates out beyond,” Leach said.

Rep. John LaFalce, D-N.Y., noted that when the pope speaks, people all over the world listen.

The single no vote by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, has become typical.

Paul has said he opposes spending the $30,000 it takes to commission and create the gold medal, no matter who the recipient. When the House voted on Cardinal O’Connor’s gold medal, Paul instead invited his colleagues to each match his offer of a $100 personal donation to cover the cost. t

plan of God. Catholics and most other mainstream Christians believe, as we say in the acclamation at Mass, that Christ will come again. But we don’t get heated up about when, and we don’t organize our entire spiritual life around supposedly frightening implications of that event.

As bizarre as they may appear to most of us, these ideas persist for a significant part of Christianity. Of the countless books on the topic, “The Late

SPLUNGE 2000 registrations underway

CHARLOTTE — Registrations are being accepted for the Diocese of Charlotte Office for Youth Ministry’s annual innercity service project for youth ages 15 and up, which will take place in Charlotte July 21-26.

SPLUNGE — Special People Living Uniquely Growthful Nourishing Experiences — offers spiritual reflection and learning opportunities to enhance the experience of service to the poor, hungry and those with special needs. The host site and lodging will be at St. Luke Church in Charlotte. For more details and to register, contact your parish youth minister or the diocesan Office for Youth Ministry, (704)

Great Planet Earth,” by Hal Lindsey, former activist of the Campus Crusade for Christ, is an unofficial “bible” of the movement. Published in 1970, tens of millions of copies have been purchased, and it’s still selling.

Classified ads bring results! Over 110,000 readers! Over 43,000 homes!

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

Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.

Teacher: Asheville Catholic School seeks dynamic grade 5 teacher. Must hold or be eligible for NC license; teach religion and all academic subjects. Call (828) 252-7896. EOE. Teacher and Librarian: Our Lady of Mercy has the following positions available: 8th grade homeroom to teach Language Arts, Social Studies, and Religion (if Catholic); Librarian for K-8th. Please call (910)7227204.

Teachers, Campus Minister, Library/Media Director: Charlotte Catholic High School has the following full-time teaching positions open for the 2000-2001 school year: Math, Chemistry, English, Religion, Social Studies, Spanish, and Drama. Must have NC Teaching Certification. Also, full-time Library/Media Director and part-time Campus Minister are needed. Call (704)543-1127.

Teachers: Sacred Heart School (PreK-8) in Salisbury has the following teacher openings beginning in August: Computer, Music, PE, Spanish, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, and Middle School Language Arts.

NC certification required. Call Kathleen Miller at (704)633-2841.

Youth Minister: Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, NC is seeking a full-time Youth Minister to coordinate all youth activities and programs. Applicants should have a degree in Religious Education or related field and three years’ experience in Youth Ministry. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Send resume to Tom Johnson, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403.

Youth/Young Adult Ministry Director: A triparish (including one Hispanic) Catholic community of 1800 families in a university setting is seeking a

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

Queen Mattress Set: New, in plastic. Full warrantee. Retail $400; sell for $195. Call (704)556-9674.

FOR SALEMyrtle Beach: July 8, Beach Condo: 3 Bedroom, August 12, August 19, and August 26. Also Sept. and October. (336)924-2842.

FOR RENT Home Care: In-home care for your loved one.

Thorough background checks on all caregivers.

Serving Henderson, Transylvania, Polk counties. COMPASSIONATE COMPANIONS, INC., (828)696-0946.

FOR RENT

May 26, 2000

Around the

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Raleigh Diocese receives, disperses almost $2 million in

By John Strange NC Catholic RALEIGH, N.C. (CNS) — After Hurricane Floyd faded into the northern Atlantic last fall, Russ Elmayan and Kathleen Walsh of the Raleigh Diocese were faced with a task that would make most people break out in a cold sweat.

Almost $2 million in disaster relief funds had poured into the diocese from all corners of the country.

The diocese and its Catholic Social Ministries office had to find a way to wisely and responsibly spend the $1,965,470 that parishes and individuals in the state and around the country, other dioceses, foundations, religious orders, and Catholic Charities USA had entrusted to them.

“It’s a huge ethical responsibility,” said Elmayan, chancellor of the Raleigh Diocese. “To some extent it was uncharted territory for us. We had to think on our feet.”

By the beginning of May, the diocese had already dispersed just under $1.1 million in disaster relief and had committed the balance to other disaster relief initiatives.

“We generally know where it’s going to be spent,” Elmayan told the NC Catholic, Raleigh’s diocesan newspaper.

What helped was a set of operating principles that he drew up and the bishop and his staff approved. The document basically set up a protocol

for distributing disaster relief.

For example, the document sets forth that the diocese would “seek to provide disaster relief aid that government and other secular nonprofit agencies do not or cannot provide.”

Thus, funds would be used primarily to “address unmet needs, both immediately and over the longer haul.”

At the same time, the document states, “we will err on the side of helping people now, as needs are identified, rather than purposefully saving resources until later. We will err on the side of being expeditious and liberal rather than conservative in how funds are disbursed for those in need.”

Walsh, director of the Catholic Social Ministries office, said the operating principles gave them some guidelines to hold onto, especially in the early days of the relief efforts.

“The money came in quickly. And the needs came in quickly,” she said. “It was our job to analyze whether the immediate needs and our responsibility for those needs were greater than our responsibility to be in it for the long haul. Because the church must always be there.”

Even though the needs are initially overwhelming, she said, “we know from practical experience that the needs will be greater over a long time.... We want to help where we can, and where no one else is.”

Elmayan said the diocese distributed much of the $1,084,000 in disaster relief through three major categories. Some

$365,000 was sent to Hurricane Floyd Rebuilding Ministries, sponsored by Immaculate Conception in Durham.

In the second category, $471,000 was dispersed in grants to other parishes, deaneries and interfaith groups.

Walsh said that initially much of that money was spent on food and temporary shelter for hurricane victims. “It moved into some rebuilding efforts. And we’ve had some special grants, such as restoring contaminated wells in Tarboro,” she told NC Catholic.

Most of the balance, Elmayan said, went to support disaster relief at the regional sites for Catholic Social Ministries.

Walsh said the distributions are a reflection of the diocese’s operating principles, which state that parishes, local social ministries offices, and interfaith relief efforts are where most of the “action” will take place.

“There have been multiple examples of how parishes can reach out to other parishes,” she said. “And we’ve learned from that. When parishes pre-

pare for disasters now, it shouldn’t be ‘What if it hits us?’ Now it should be, ‘What if it hits anywhere in the diocese?

How will we be prepared?”’

The diocese has also committed some $881,000 to another three or four major categories, Elmayan said. For example, $400,000 will be used for four separate community development projects.

Elmayan said the balance has been set aside for Catholic Social Ministries local offices to use in their work on unmet needs committees of the 26 counties most affected by the hurricane, disaster relief staff in three deaneries, and parish grants.

Walsh stressed that despite the fact that the disaster relief funds have been dispersed, the disaster relief work continues for the diocese and Catholic Social Ministries.

“We’ll keep on developing new resources and working with what we have,” she said. “And that’s a message of hope. We don’t necessarily know where the money for next December’s

N.C. dioceses sponsor leadership experience

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Catholic Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh co-sponsor “Faithful Servant: A Christ-Centered Leadership Experience” June 18-23 at the Short Journey Center in Smithfield. The goal of the program is to actualize the leadership potential of participants while heightening awareness of the dynamics and responsibilities of leadership roles in high school, parishes, youth ministry and beyond. It is designed for youth ages 15 and up. For further in-

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

May 26, 2000

Priest Assign-

New Priest Assignments Bishop William G. Curlin announces the following pastoral assignments: Effective July 6, 2000: Rev. John Allen From: Administrator, Saint Michael, Gastonia

To: Pastor, Saint Michael, Gastonia Rev. Msgr. Richard Allen From:Pastor, Saint Ann, Charlotte

To: Retirement at his request.

Rev. Joseph Ayathupadam From: Administrator, Holy Spirit, Denver

To: Pastor, Holy Spirit, Denver Rev. Herbert Burke From: Parochial Vicar, Saint Matthew, Charlotte

To: Parochial Vicar, Saint Leo, Winston-Salem Very Rev. Francis Cintula, VF From: Pastor, Saint John, North Wilkesboro

Saint Stephen, Elkin

To: Retirement at his request Very Rev. Thomas Clements, VF From: Pastor, Sacred Heart, Salisbury

To: Retirement at his request Rev. James Collins From: Administrator, Saint Joseph, Newton

To: Pastor, Saint Joseph, Newton Rev. Francis Connolly From: Pastor, Saint Pius X, Greensboro

To: Retirement at his request Rev. Christopher Davis From: Parochial Vicar, Saint Lawrence, Asheville

To: Administrator, Holy Infant, Reidsville,

Sacramental Minister, Saint Joseph, Eden Rev. Andrew Draper, T.O.R. From: Administrator, Saint Francis, Mocksville

To: Pastor, Saint Francis, Mocksville Rev. Thomas Field, Glenmary From: Pastor, Saint Joseph, Bryson City

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cherokee

To: Retirement at his request Rev. John Hanic From: Parochial Vicar, Saint Ann, Charlotte

To: Parochial Vicar, Saint Gabriel, Charlotte Rev. Conrad Hoover From: Pastor, Saint Elizabeth, Boone

Church of the Epiphany, Blowing Rock

To: Pastor, Saint Ann, Charlotte Rev. Peter Jugis, JV From: In residence at Saint Mark, Huntersville

To: In residence at the Bishop’s house Rev. Michael Kottar From: Parochial Vicar, Saint Matthew, Charlotte

To: Administrator, Saint John, North Wilkesboro

Saint Stephen, Elkin Rev. Mark Lawlor

From: Administrator, Saint Francis, Jefferson

To: Pastor, Saint Francis, Jefferson Rev. Anthony Marcaccio From: Priest Secretary to Bishop Curlin

To: Pastor, Saint Pius X, Greensboro Rev. John Putnam From: Pastor, Holy Infant, Reidsville

Sacramental Minister, Eden

To: Pastor, Sacred Heart, Salisbury Rev. John Schneider From: Sabbatical

To: Pastor, Saint Elizabeth, Boone

Church of the Epiphany, Blowing Rock Very Rev. James Solari, VF From: Pastor, Saint Leo, Winston-Salem

To: Retirement at his request Rev. Wilbur Thomas From: Full time Vicar for Priests

To: Pastor/Rector, Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Asheville

and Vicar for Priests Very Rev. Cecil Tice, VF From: Pastor/Rector, Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Asheville

To: Pastor, Saint Leo, Winston-Salem Rev. John Tuller From: Administrator, Our Lady of the Angels, Marion

To: Retirement at his request Rev. Ray Williams From: Parochial Vicar, Saint Leo, Winston-Salem

To: Administrator, Saint Joseph, Bryson City

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cherokee

Effective August 31, 2000:

Rev. Robert Graves, C.S.Sp. From: Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe To: Assignment by his Religious Community

outside of the diocese Rev. Carlo Tarasi

From: Ministry outside of the Diocese

To: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe Rev. Edward Vilkauskas, C.S.Sp. From: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe

Come & bring your neighbors to an

Old Fashion Tent Revival!

“Revival of the Spirit 2000:

From Everlasting to Everlasting, God is still God” with Rev. Jim Goode, O.F.M., Revivalist

Friday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 25th Corner of Statesville Avenue and Oaklawn Avenue, Charlotte

F E A T U R I N G

Performances by The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC Pinn Memorial Baptist Church Gospel Choir Philadelphia, PA

S C H E D U L E

Friday, June 23rd

7:00 pm Preaching by Fr. Jim Goode, O.F.M. Music by The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir

Saturday, June 24th

10:00 am - 5:00 pm Special events all day!

African Storyteller, Kabaka Drummers and Dancers Special for Youth: Gospel Rapper Plus... vendors with food, clothing, books, artifacts and more!

5:00 p.m.

Concert by Pinn Memorial Baptist Church Gospel Choir 7:00 p.m.

Preaching by Fr. Jim Goode, O.F.M. Music by Pinn Memorial Baptist Church Gospel Choir

Sunday, June 25th

11:00 a.m.

Liturgy and Closing Mass with Fr. Jim Goode, O.F.M.

For information, call Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd

(704) 370-3339

For accomodations, mention “Tent Revival” for special group rates at: McDonald’s Travel Lodge and Suites: (704) 887-2900 OR Four Points Sheraton Hotel (uptown): (704) 372-7550 Sponsored by the African American Affairs Ministry, Diocese of Charlotte