June 22, 2001

The Catholic News & Herald 1

June 22, 2001

June 22, 2001 Volume 10 t Number 38

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

Inside Corpus Christi observance calls for true devotion to Eucharist ... Page 4

Diocesan graduations end one chapter, open another for students

... Page 10-11

Local News Society must respond when working hard is not enough, says speaker

... Page 8 Cover Photos By Joann S. Keane

Sister Mona Wingert praised for dedicated service

... Page 12

Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 14-15

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 16-17

Mercy Sister Jubilarians pictured top to bottom: Mary Jerome Spradley, Anita Sheerin, Mary Robert Williams, Mary John Madden and Maria Goretti Weldon.

In the top left photo, Sister Mary Robert looks over a display of photos with Sister Pa u l e t t e W i l l i a m s, v i c e president of the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of North Carolina.

Jubilation reigns with triumph of love were called forth to renew the vows they embraced decades past. Sister Mary John Madden stepped up, bringing her 70 years of Mercy service into the spotlight. Joining her at the base of the altar, golden jubiliarians Sisters Mary Anita Sheerin, Mary Jerome Spradley, Mary Robert Williams, and Maria Goretti Weldon.

For the Sisters of Mercy, Father Frank Cancro expanded his homily to take Hosea’s espousal message to a higher level, that of professed individuals. The Mass’ first reading from the prophet Hosea said, “I will espouse you to me forever.” Although Hosea is generally interpreted in marital terms, Father Cancro, pastor of St. Eugene in Asheville, told of another element

By Joann S. Keane Editor CHARLOTTE — “In the words of Leviticus, let the trumpet blast,” proclaimed Mercy Sister Michelle Boulus.

The words no more than passed her lips before a trumpet sounded through the sanctuary of St. Gabriel Parish on June 16.

The trumpeter heralded the jubilee celebration for five Sisters of Mercy of the Regional Community of North Carolina. A chamber orchestra and chorus of Mercy sisters, associates and friends rounded out the musical ensemble. The parish filled with friends and families there to celebrate some 270 years of combined ministry.

“This year shall be made sacred,”

said Sister Michelle. “It will be a jubilee for you, Sister Mary John Madden, Sister Mary Robert Williams, Sister Mary Anita Sheerin, Sister Mary Jerome Spradley and Sister Maria Goretti Weldon.”

At the onset of the Mass, Sister Rosalind Picôt, president of the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of North Carolina, said, “Jubilee is a time when those who have committed themselves solely to God and service to God’s people bear public witness to the fact that God calls each of us to acknowledge the primacy of God in our lives.”

One by one, the jubilee sisters

See JUBILATION, page 19

2 The Catholic News & Herald incident.

Pope prays for victims of Bangladesh church bomb blast VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II sent a telegram of support to Catholics in a parish in southwestern Bangladesh, following a bomb attack that killed 10 parishioners during a Mass. In a June 4 telegram signed

by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, the pope assured the parishioners of his “closeness in prayer at this time of tragedy and loss.” He condemned “acts of violence and destruction” and appealed “to all to cooperate in ensuring a climate of peace and respect.” The bomb exploded June 3 inside the parish church at Baniarchar village, 100 miles southwest of Dhaka.

In addition to those killed, 10 people were injured, including one seriously.

Father Hehir to head Catholic Charities USA ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) — Father J. Bryan Hehir, a Boston archdiocesan priest who chairs the executive committee of the Harvard University Divinity School and is on its faculty, has been chosen to be president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. Catholic Charities’ board of trustees elected Father Hehir to succeed Jesuit Father Fred Kammer, who has been head of the Alexandria-based Catholic Charities since 1992. Father Kammer announced a year ago his intention to step down this September, which prompted the yearlong search for his successor. Father Hehir will be designated president in September at the Catholic Charities annual conference in Newark, N.J., and the priest will assume his new post full time Jan. 1, 2002.

Cardinal says Americans must criticize as well as love culture MILWAUKEE (CNS) — Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago characterized American culture as both rocky and fertile ground for proclaiming the Gospel.

Speaking June 8 at the Catholic Theological Society of America’s national convention in Milwaukee, Cardinal George said North American culture’s notions of justice and freedom and its resistance to authority add to the challenges of evangelization in the United States. He said Americans need to be critics as well as lovers of U.S. culture.

“If we’re going to evangelize, obviously we

CNS photo by Liz Quirin, The Messenger

Murder victims’ families call for reconciliation Families of murder victims, including Bud Welch (front), plant a tree in memory of their loved ones at Boston College in early June. Welch, who lost daughter Julie in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, joined more than 350 people gathered to share stories about their loss and their work in opposing the death penalty.

Cardinal calls Jewish group’s ad criticizing pope ‘unjust’ WASHINGTON (CNS) — A highranking Vatican official has criticized the Anti-Defamation League for its ads expressing sadness at Pope John Paul II’s “silence” after an anti-Semitic diatribe by Syrian President Bashar Assad in the pope’s presence. “To defame the Holy Father by attributing ‘silence’ to him is quite unjust and cannot go uncontested,” wrote Cardinal Walter Kasper in a letter May 18 to ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman.

The cardinal is president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Vatican’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. In a separate letter the same day, Cardinal Kasper declined a request by Seymour Reich, chairman of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, for a special IJCIC meeting with the pope to discuss the Assad

Episcopal June 22, 2001 Volume 10 • Number 38

Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick 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.

June 22, 2001

The World in

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Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: July 6 — 9 p.m.

Closing Mass of HEART Work Camp Holy Trinity Middle School, Charlotte July 16-19 Provincial bishops’ meeting Savannah, Ga. July 21 — 6:30 p.m.

Mass for installation of Knights of Columbus state officers St. Paul the Apostle, Greensboro July 24 — 5 p.m.

Charlotte Catholic High School board meeting, Charlotte July 27 — 10:30 a.m.

Opening Mass of National Gathering for Black Catholic Women Adams’ Mark Hotel, Charlotte

have to love first,” the cardinal said. “We love America and we love our culture, therefore we have the possibility of transforming it. The best way to do this is through the witness and practice of holiness.”

Catholic chaplain anointed McVeigh before death WASHINGTON (CNS) — Before Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh was executed in Terre Haute, Ind., a Catholic prison chaplain anointed him. Father Ron Ashmore, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Terre Haute, told Catholic News Service June 12 that shortly after the June 11 execution he spoke with one of McVeigh’s attorneys, Christopher Tritico, “and Chris said he received the anointing of the dying.” The Catholic chaplain at the prison is Father Francis M. Roof, but in response to a query from The Criterion, Indianapolis archdiocesan newspaper, Bureau of Prisons spokesman James N. Cross

Diocesan

plan -

group for the bereaved, will be meeting tonight and July 19 in Conference Room A at 7:30 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. Call Joanne Parcell at (336) 924-9478 or the church office at (336) 724-0561 for details.

8 CHARLOTTE — A charismatic Mass will be held at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, this afternoon at 4 p.m. with prayer teams at 3 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. For further information, contact Josie Backus at (704) 527-4676.

Ongoing ASHEVILLE — The June hours for the Nazareth House Family Ministry and Lending Library, 474 Haywood Rd., are as follows: Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nazareth House is a

said the priest doing the anointing “was not Father Roof.” Cross said, “It was a Bureau of Prisons Catholic chaplain whose name we are not going to release.”

Church lagging on genetic-testing implications, ethicist says ATLANTA (CNS) — Catholic understanding of the ethical issues involved in genetic testing is lagging because it is linked with abortion in the minds of many, a Minnesota ethicist told a workshop at the Catholic Health Association convention in Atlanta June 11. Carol A. Tauer, senior scholar at the Minnesota Center for Health Care Ethics in Minneapolis, said she thought Catholics avoided discussion of genetic issues because of the “bad connotations” raised by the fact that some couples who undergo prenatal genetic testing later decide on an abortion. Noting that 90 percent of prenatal genetic testing shows no genetic problem in the unborn child, Tauer said such testing can “put people’s minds at rest.” And if the testing shows a problem, Catholic hospital personnel can help couples who want to keep the child “find resources” to deal with their decision, she said.

New bill would fund ‘responsible’ adult stem-cell research WASHINGTON (CNS) — As evidence of the effectiveness of adult stem-cell research continues to mount, a Catholic congressman introduced legislation June 5 that would provide at least $30 million annually to conduct and support such research. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., unveiled the Responsible Stem Cell Research Act of 2001 at a Washington press conference three days after Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Mass., introduced the Stem Cell Research Act of 2001, which would change federal law to allow for funding of stem-cell research involving the destruction of human embryos. Meanwhile, a survey commissioned by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops found that 70 percent of Americans oppose federal funding of stem-cell research that requires destroying human embryos, compared to 24 percent who support it.

family ministry dedicated to promoting the blessings of Christian marriage, chastity, natural family planning and postabortion healing. For further details, call Nina D’Arcy at (828) 299-7618 or e-mail ninadarcy@juno.com.

BRYSON CITY — The St. Joseph Church thrift shop is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, call the shop, located at 316 Main St., at (828) 488-2266 or Katherine Kelly at (828) 488-2519.

CLEMMONS — A Spanish Mass is celebrated 4 p.m. every Sunday at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd. For details, call the church office at (336) 7780600, Ext. 200.

CONCORD — The summer hours for the religious gifts and book shop at St. James Church, 251 Union St., are: Sun. after 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses, Wed. from 9 a.m.-noon and Sat. after the 5 p.m.

Mass. For more information, contact Mary Moore at the church office at (704) 720-0600.

June 22, 2001

Irish voters reject Nice Treaty, support capital punishment ban DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) — Irish voters rejected a proposed European Union treaty that could have allowed abortion on demand. In a separate referendum, Irish citizens voted for an absolute ban on capital punishment. Both referendums were June 7. The Treaty of Nice, which 54 percent of Irish voters rejected, would have realigned the European Union. Crtics of the treaty said it would have created a “two-tiered Europe,” with smaller countries having reduced representation and votes. Others saw the creation of a European “rapid reaction force” as a threat to Ireland’s traditional neutrality. In rejecting the treaty, Irish voters blocked its implementation in the European Union. A coalition of pro-life groups, nationalists, neutrality activists and environmentalists led the campaign to defeat the treaty.

Vatican issues new rules on Third World clergy living abroad VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Concerned about the growing number of native clergy emigrating out of missionary dioceses, the Vatican issued stricter rules to govern how long priests may be gone and to make sure they return home. The Vatican said study and training abroad can be useful for priests from mission territories, but their own dioceses should ultimately benefit. Too often, it said, clergy from developing countries spend many years in Europe or North America because of better living conditions and because they are needed to serve in First World dioceses. It called on bishops to set conditions and a time limit for each case of clergy exchange and to take immediate steps for the return of priests in “irregular” situations. The norms were part of a 14-page instruction issued June 12 by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Ethics courses needed to combat AIDS, says Kenyan church official MURANG’A, Kenya (CNS) — An official of the Kenyan bishops’ conference called for the establishment of ethics and morals courses as a way to help young people avoid contracting AIDS. “The hope of the Catholic Church is to see an education

2

CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will be celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celebrated on Aug. 6. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600, Ext. 200 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

2 CHARLOTTE — Because of the holiday, there will be no cancer support group meeting held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy.; however, the cancer support group will be meeting at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. The next meeting at St. Matthew will be held on Aug. 6 and at St. Gabriel on Aug. 7. For more information, call: St. Matthew - Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283 and St. Gabriel - Eileen Correll at (704) 3625047, Ext. 217.

5 WINSTON-SALEM — The Healing Companions, a grief support

The Catholic News & Herald 3

The World in

CNS photo from Reuters

Afghan refugee peers from tent in detention camp An Afghan man peers from a tent in a detention camp for refugees in southern Iran June 19. Afghanistan has been facing a humanitarian crisis with people fleeing drought, civil war and widespread food shortages. system in which moral ethics and spiritual values are emphasized in efforts to change the morality of the society,” said Augusta Muthigani, education secretary for the bishops’ conference. She said that the war against AIDS would not have an impact unless the education system applied effective strategies to help mold the moral character of young people. Muthigani made her remarks while speaking at the Muragana Diocese’s education day, held June 10 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Murang’a town in central Kenya.

In Ukraine, pope hopes gestures succeed where dialogue has not VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Over the strong objections of the Russian Orthodox Church, Pope John Paul II will visit Ukraine in late June, hoping once again that gestures of respect will succeed where dialogue has not. However, unlike his earlier visits to predominantly Orthodox Greece

sibilities for bringing priests and faithful together in cyberspace, the sacrament of reconciliation will never be administered online, said the Vatican’s top communications official. “The Internet offers an opportunity for dialogue, for response to questions, for interactive instruction and even for pastoral counseling,” Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said June 5. “It does not offer the opportunity for online confession — which must always be done in the sacramental context of personal encounter,” he said. The U.S. archbishop made his remarks during a World Communications Day celebration in Vienna, Austria. The text of his speech was released at the Vatican.

June 25 CHARLOTTE — A support group meeting for caregivers of family and friends suffering from Alzheimer’s/ dementia will be held today from 10-11:15 a.m. in room E of the ministry center at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. With advanced notification, activities for the memoryimpaired are also being provided. For more information about the support group or the Shining Stars Adult Day Respite Program for the memoryimpaired, which meets every Monday and Wednesday, call Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135.

26 MAGGIE VALLEY — Augustinian Father Jim McBurney, prior of St. Augustine Friary in Pennsylvania, will be facilitating a retreat entitled “Called to Conversion: Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit” at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, beginning today through July 2. Father McBurney will be discussing how surrender to God’s

word and spirit can lead to a deepening of one’s relationship with God. For further details, call the center at (828) 926-3833 or e-mail lwcrc@main.nc.us.

27 CHARLOTTE — All families who have suffered a loss are invited to attend the monthly memorial Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, that will be taking place tonight at 7:30 p.m. Call the church office at (704) 334-2283 with the name(s) of loved ones so they may be remembered during the Mass.

27 GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division, the oldest and largest order of Irish Catholic men, is looking for more Irish Catholic men to join them for meetings, educational seminars and social events. Contact Michael Slane at (336) 665-9264 for time and location.

July

1 CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of Secular Franciscans will be meeting today from

and Romania, the pope is not scheduled to meet privately with any Orthodox leaders, let alone lead a prayer service with them. Only one ecumenical meeting is scheduled during the June 23-27 trip, and that includes representatives from all of Ukraine’s Christian communities as well as Jewish and Muslim leaders. In Ukraine, Pope John Paul faces the delicate task of balancing his remarks on two subjects he feels very strongly about: ecumenism and martyrdom.

Bosnian religious leaders seek aid to rebuild places of worship ROME (CNS) — Ahead of a summit of the world’s most-industrialized nations, Bosnia’s religious leaders appealed for aid to rebuild hundreds of places of worship destroyed in their country’s war. In a joint statement June 8, the Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish leaders said the reconstruction of churches, mosques and synagogues would “enable us to fulfill the role of education to peace and faith.” The statement was signed during a meeting in Rome hosted by the Sant’Egidio Community, a Catholic lay movement. The appeal was addressed to the heads of the Group of Eight industrialized countries, who were to hold a summit July 20-22 in Genoa, Italy.

South Korean archbishop warns against claims of Marian miracles KWANGJU, South Korea (CNS) — Archbishop Andreas Choi Chang-mou of Kwangju has warned Catholics against helping or joining a group whose claims to Marian miracles have been rejected by the church. The archbishop also asked Julia Youn Hong-sun and her volunteers not to propagate in his archdiocese the alleged miracles concerning her and her statue of Mary, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

In a May 24 letter sent to all archdiocesan parishes, Archbishop Choi asked Catholics to “obey the magisterium.” He indicated that disobedience would be punished. He also asked Youn not to insist that her personal experiences are supernatural and not to propagate them as private revelations.

Internet offers a lot, except sacraments, says Vatican official VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Though the Internet offers the church new pos2-4 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. All visitors and inquirers are welcome.

For more information, call Skyler Mood, SFO, at (704) 573-4299.

1 GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division 1, an Irish-Catholic social and charitable inter-parish group, will be having a meeting today from 3-5 p.m. at the Showfety Activity Center at St. Benedict Church, 109 West Smith St. in Greensboro. For further information, call Alice Schmidt at (336) 288-0983.

2 CHARLOTTE — Christians in Career Transition is a ministry of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., devoted to helping people in career crises. The meeting will take place tonight and July 16 from 7-9 p.m. in the office area of the parish center’s conference room. For more information, call Rev. Mr. Jim Hamrlik at (704) 542-6459

4 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

Corpus Christi celebration calls faithful to honor

By DENISE KASPER Correspondent HIGH POINT — “The Body and Blood of Christ.”

It’s something Catholics hear from the very first time they go to Mass, but Bishop William G. Curlin asked parishioners if they really understood what that means — what that stands to embody.

“What does the Eucharist mean to you?” he asked of those assembled in the chapel at Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point on June 17, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. “Do you come with hungry hearts or is it just religious duty?”

Bishop Curlin presided at the Mass and anointing of the sick at Maryfield.

He explained that the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi, is symbolized by the Eucharist and offers an opportunity to be renewed in Christ. He said that having part of Christ in us is having life itself in us.

Taking holy Communion is a true communion — a joining of you and Christ.

Bishop Curlin spoke to a crowd of more than 200 people at the nursing

home, and as he prayed over the offerings, church bells chimed and incense filled the small chapel. Members of the Knights of Columbus in their formal dress garb, complete with brightly colored plumed hats, kneeled in front of the altar, raised their swords and bowed their heads during the consecration of the Eucharist.

While this day may have no special meaning to some, Bishop Curlin held that sharing the Holy Eucharist is a very special honor.

After Communion, the congregation, members of the Knights of Columbus and children spreading rose petals took the celebration of the Eucharist to the sunny outdoors. The cross-bearer and acolytes were next in line of the procession, which made its way around the budding and fragrant rose garden in the front of the home. Bishop Curlin walked behind the procession carrying the Eucharist in a monstrance, a shiny and ornate silver vessel, which reflected the bright rays from the hot afternoon sun. The moving sequence then made its way back to the chapel after stopping to anoint the sick who were gathered in the community room.

Photo by Denise Kasper

Bishop William G. Curlin leads a procession on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, June 17 at Maryfield Nursing Home.

As he gave his sermon, Bishop Curlin urged people to take this time to reconnect with Christ and to understand that God lives in each one of us.

“The way you look at someone is the way God looks at someone,” he said.

“Is that some nice pious thing the saints mumbled about? Sometimes we tend to separate our lives into two: our pious life and our real life. Until the two meet we must be frightened to die.”

God is there every day through heartache, hopes, dreams and struggles, he said. Our daily life is our altar, and on that altar is where we put our love for Christ, Bishop Curlin said.

Resonating throughout his homily, Bishop Curlin had a clear and simple message: “There is no room for criticism, anger or snide remarks. Either be with it or not with it.”

His message was not lost on his audience. “(Bishop Curlin) always gives a great homily,” said Arline Uhl of Greensboro.

“It’s poignant and one you can really take home with you.”

In closing, Bishop Curlin urged the group to echo Christ’s love.

“Find patience, kindness, forgiveness, hope and peace,” he said. “God walks the earth in you.”

June 22, 2001

Seminarians receive degrees at St. Vincent Seminary LATROBE, Pa. — Two seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte, Rev. Mr. Christopher Roux and John Chapin Engler Jr., were among those who received degrees at St. Vincent Seminary’s 155th annual commencement ceremony May 11 at St. Vincent Archabbey Basilica.

Rev. Mr. Roux and Engler each received the master of divinity degree, with honors.

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago presided at the solemn vespers.

Benedictine Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, chancellor of St. Vincent Seminary, conferred the degrees on the candidates, who were presented by the seminary rector, Benedictine Father Kurt Belsole, and the academic dean, Mercy Sister Cecilia Murphy.

Engler is the son of Peggy and John Engler of Charlotte. Rev. Mr. Roux is the son of Raymond D. and Gail P. Roux of Rock Hill, S.C.

June 22, 2001

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The Catholic News & Herald 5

Hispanic Catholics do not ‘Just do it,’ bishop tells evangelization conference feel welcome in church, says

By John Strange NC Catholic RALEIGH — The time for excuses is over, and the time for evangelization has begun, Bishop F. Joseph Gossman of Raleigh told about 400 people at a national evangelization conference in Raleigh.

“Don’t give me any excuses: ‘I have to wait until I have more time, I have to wait until I take a few more classes, I have to wait until I get my new pastor or a better parish,”’ Bishop Gossman said. “If we wait until the church is well on the way to salvation, with our house perfectly in order and our clergy and laity fully redeemed, we will do nothing.”

Bishop Gossman’s remarks came during the closing Mass of the June 6-9 conference of the National Council for Catholic Evangelization.

“I’m not asking you to go out and get on soapboxes, but I am asking you to take one concrete step: Invite another person to church,” Bishop Gossman said.

“Just ask him or her to come over to your home for a Sunday brunch, and then slip in, ‘Oh, by the way, we always go there and do that right after Sunday Mass. So we’ll pick you up and bring you along.’

“Just invite someone to church, and have a meal and a simple conversation,” he continued. “That’s the humble beginnings of grace, the beginnings of the connection we make to the Trinity, the beginnings of the dance.”

Once the invitation is issued, Bishop Gossman said, it’s not complicated. “Be willing to share some of your story.

Nothing too fancy or difficult about it, but it begins a relationship that enables a conversation that can go deeper and deeper,” he said.

“Inevitably we will tell them why we come to church, why we have found

something that excites our lives in the Catholic Church.”

The work of evangelization, the bishop said, is “not beyond the capability of any person immersed in the waters of baptism.”

But Catholics are too ready to follow the American folk wisdom that one never talks about church or politics, he said. “As Catholics we have been far too timid about this. We have to quit worrying about whether or not we’re doing it right, and just do it.”

Bishop Gossman said it’s like the ancient Chinese proverb: “A man can stand for a long time with his mouth open before a roast duck flies in.”

He explained, “I think for a long time we as Catholics, instead of going out and inviting people to come in, have waited for them to wander in by themselves. But strangely enough, they never fly in.”

But America is the third-largest mission field in the world, he said, third only to China and India in the number of non-Christians, and in desperate need of evangelization.

The strange and foreign culture that must be evangelized is not across the ocean but across the street, he added.

“It’s a culture that can’t say two sentences without referring to a TV show or a pop song, and that can’t remember what it was like to have to get up and change channels,” Bishop Gossman said.

“It’s a culture that is more likely to have a body part pierced than it is to know why Sarah laughed in the Bible.

“It’s a culture that we stopped evangelizing.”

By John Strange NC Catholic RALEIGH — Sometime in the year 2000, a group of Spanish-speaking Catholics at a U.S. parish were told they could no longer celebrate Mass in the church basement on Sunday afternoons because the parish could no longer afford the air conditioning.

Besides, the space was needed for another activity, they were told.

“Does that happen?” asked Sister Tobin Lardie, a Humility of Mary Sister who is outreach project director for the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio.

“It happens every day.”

Speaking at a workshop June 9 during the National Council for Catholic Evangelization conference, Sister Lardie said her story is just one example of how Spanishspeaking Catholics in the United States are often made to feel like unwelcome strangers in an Anglo-dominant American Catholic culture.

And because they do not feel welcome, Sister Lardie said, Spanish-speaking Catholics around the country — as many as 600,000 a year — are leaving the Roman Catholic Church in favor of evangelical Protestant churches that are quickly building new facilities to accommodate them.

Sister Lardie said that a recent Pew Charitable Trusts study illustrates the trend.

According to the study, 70 percent of Hispanics in the United States identify themselves as Catholic; 22 percent, as Protestant.

Those who were born in another country were more likely to identify themselves as Catholics. The survey found that among Latinos born in another country, 74 percent said they were Catholic. That dropped to 66

percent among U.S.-born Latinos with an immigrant parent, and 59 percent among those whose immigrant roots went back two generations or more.

“That’s sad,” said Sister Lardie.

The reasons for the apparent exodus are varied and many, she said.

Language certainly plays a role, she said, as does the lack of “ownership” for Spanish-speaking Catholics in established churches.

Furthermore, not only are Spanishspeaking Catholics not being made to feel welcome, she said, but established American parishes do not tend to understand Hispanic or Latino Catholic culture.

“Our understanding of what it means to be church is very different,” she said.

For example, American Catholic churches expect their new members to register with the parish’s office, especially if they have need of such sacraments as marriage or baptism. But it’s not customary for Catholics from many Latin American and South American countries to register.

“You just don’t want your name on anything,” she said.

Obviously, she said, Hispanic Catholics are attracted to a community that welcomes them, honors and deepens their internal culture of “faith, family and fiesta,” and offers a “powerful preaching style” and liturgies and services in their native language.

“If we’re not doing these things on a level deeper than tacos, then they’re not going to feel at home,” Sister Lardie said,.

“And if we are not talking about God and Jesus, if we’re not talking about faith and family as one, we are not entering the conversation on a level that can be part of Hispanic life on a daily basis.”

6 The Catholic News & Herald Nun killed, two injured in ambush at roadblock in Burundi ROME (CNS) — A Catholic nun died and two men were injured in Burundi when they were ambushed at a makeshift roadblock, according to a Rome-based missionary news agency. Sister Claire Nduwakristu, a member of the Congregation of Disciples of Christ, died June 11 as she sat in a car hit by machine-gun fire near the town of Rumonge, reported MISNA, the news agency. The agency said Burundi authorities blamed members of the rebel-led Forces for the Defense of Democracy for the attack.

Pope canonizes four Italians, first female Lebanese saint VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a ceremony that highlighted holiness as a liberating response to life’s sufferings, Pope John Paul II canonized four Italians and Lebanon’s first female saint. As Lebanese pilgrims cheered and waved their national flag, the pope prayed that their new saint, a 20th-century monastic nun who died blind and paralyzed, would intercede to end the sufferings of the conflict-torn peoples of the Middle East. Tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world crowded St. Peter’s Square June 10 for the canonization Mass.

In addition to the Lebanese nun, the new saints included a 17th-century swordsmanturned-ascetic, a 19th-century priest attributed with the miraculous healing of an African seminarian with AIDS, and two 19th-century founders of female religious orders.

Two nuns among four found guilty in Rwandan genocide trial BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNS) — Two nuns were among four Rwandans found guilty in a Belgian court of helping Hutus slaughter thousands of Tutsis in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. A 12-member jury found Benedictine Sisters Gertrude, 42, and Maria Kisito, 36, both ethnic Hutus, and two men guilty of war crimes June 8. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sister Gertrude, whose legal name is Consolata Mukangango, was charged with collaborating with the attackers during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Among her accusers were fellow nuns, who blamed her for the deaths of more than 30 of their family members who had been safely hidden in the convent until Sister Gertrude summoned police.

Prosecutors also linked Sister Gertrude, the order’s superior, and Sister Maria Kisito, whose legal name is Julienne Mukabutera, to several other incidents of turning in refugees. Sister Maria Kisito had a brother in the local Hutu militia.

Funeral Mass said for philanthropist who made Barney possible PLANO, Texas (CNS) — More than

June 22, 2001

People in the

Courtesy photo

Faith Formation Office helps procure two grants The Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Faith Formation, in collaboration with the leaders of the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, obtained two grants to assist the region in ministering to 3,077 persons in 1,512 registered households. The first grant comes from the diocesan Foundation in the amount of $5,000 to be used for faith formation of ethnic minorities in traditional and non-traditional settings. Pictured above is Father George Kloster, vicar of the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, and Jim Kelley, executive director of the diocesan Foundation. The second grant of $2,000 came from the FSC Foundation to create a portable mini-resource center for the region.

700 people attended the June 1 funeral Mass for Dallas businessman and philanthropist Richard Leach, known for his generous support of Catholic charitable causes but probably best known for helping make Barney the purple dinosaur possible. Leach, who was involved in the entertainment and publishing industries, died May 29 of complications from a heart attack. He was 73. Leach began in his family’s Chicago printing and publishing business, Argus Press. In 1980, he moved the business to Dallas, where he started Color Dynamics, one of the region’s leading commercial printers. He also founded Resources for Christian Living, a Catholic publishing company, through which he helped develop two television series — “Barney and Friends” and “Wishbone” — which became household names and are broadcast worldwide.

Religious community urged to protect children from conflict UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — Protection of children in situations of armed conflict requires the active involvement of

the religious community and other nongovernmental groups, a U.N. official said June 5. Olara Otunnu, special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict, said the problem was “a much greater challenge” than government officials could handle alone. Children “represent the future of every society,” but in conflict situations “they suffer the most,” said Otunnu, a former foreign minister of Uganda. Without special efforts to meet the

needs of these children, the world likely will see that “those abused today will become abusers tomorrow,” the U.N. official said.

‘Hate doesn’t accomplish anything,’ says Holocaust rescuer CHICOPEE, Mass. (CNS) — Irena Gut Opdyke’s life was turned upside-down

by Adolf Hitler. Her quiet life as a nursing student in Poland came crashing down in 1939 when Nazi bombers and tanks descended upon her country. Life would never be the same. And she would be forced to make some serious decisions during the chaotic times of World War II. Each time, though, she chose life and ultimately ended up helping to save the lives of more than a dozen Jews. In May, just days shy of her 79th birthday, Opdyke captivated three audiences in the Chicopee area when she talked about what she did to help others.

She said her message was what she learned from her mother, “that you are not born for yourself ... you are born for others.”

Puerto Ricans welcome remains of Blessed Charlie in his hometown CAGUAS, Puerto Rico (CNS) — Thousands of Puerto Ricans gathered in Caguas to receive the remains of the first Puerto Rican to be beatified, Blessed Carlos Manuel “Charlie” Rodriguez. The remains of Charlie Rodriguez, the second Latin American layman to be proclaimed blessed

by Pope John Paul II, were in the town of Humacao, but in late May they were transported in procession to Caguas. The sevenhour procession ended at the Sola Morales Stadium in Caguas, where local Bishop Ruben Gonzalez Medina received him.

Cardinal Luis Aponte, retired archbishop of San Juan, and his successor, Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez, celebrated a Mass attended by more than 10,000 people.

June 22, 2001

By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer WINSTON-SALEM — Some family members might say that it was evident at an early age that Larretta Rivera-Williams would dedicate herself to religious life. Before going outside to play normal childhood games like hide-and-go-seek and marbles, Larretta would insist that she and her cousins play “church” complete with prayer and “Mass.” Even though her faith was important to her, the call to vocation was probably obvious to everyone except for Larretta.

Born in Winston-Salem, she was baptized Catholic but attended Episcopal services with her mother.

When she began attending Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School, she decided that she wanted to resume practicing her childhood faith again.

High school wasw also the place where she developed relationships with the Sisters of St. Joseph who staffed the school at the time.

“The Sisters of St. Joseph had a powerful and positive influence on my life. They would invite me to dinner, for prayer and Mass, while I was a student,” said Sister Larretta.

In fact, one of the sisters asked her

From the

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Woman religious dedicates life to education, service, church if she had ever thought about religious life. While thinking about the boy she was dating and all of the things she had planned for her life, she responded in a surprised and negative tone. “In high school, I hadn’t thought about being a sister because I hadn’t seen any black sisters. There were Oblate Sisters at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte at the time, but I never got to meet them.”

A visit to Sacred Heart College introduced her to the Mercy Sisters, and she remembers how welcoming and friendly they were. She decided to attend college in Belmont and became friends with young women, most of whom had decided to enter into religious life. From discussions with her friends and soul-searching, the ideas about religious life lingered in the back of her mind. A year before she finished college with a bachelor’s degree in so-

See MERCY SISTER, page 13

Photo by Alesha M. Price

Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams is pictured following the Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School graduation on June 2. Sister Larretta gave the commencement address to her alma mater and was the recipient of the Founders’ Award for service, dedication and for upholding the ideals of the school.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor GREENSBORO — The living wage is an issue that raises many questions as well as challenges people of good will to ponder solutions, said the director of Guilford County’s Department of Social Services to a group at the Franciscan Center June 11.

In the age of a global economy, welfare reform and rising health insurance costs, millions of Americans struggle to ensure the most basic of necessities because they work in low-paying jobs, said Shore.

Basing his presentation on nearly 25 years of county government service, as well as the 2001 report “Working Hard is Not Enough” by the North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center and NC Equity, Shore highlighted several points of the living wage quandary.

“One of the things that I think many people have come to realize is that the federal poverty level does not any longer provide any real indicator of what it takes to support a family,” he said. “What you see is, in most cases, the low-income wage earner is not making enough to live.”

The “Working Hard is Not Enough” report notes that the final yearly income needed to meet basic necessities in Guilford County is actually between $5,116.42 to $21,746.49 higher, depending on family size, than the poverty level guidelines set by the federal government. Those figures compare the poverty level to what the report calls a “living income standard,” which factors the most basic costs of housing, food, childcare, transportation, medical, taxes and miscellaneous necessities.

About 37 percent of families living in Guilford County currently earn below that living wage standard, Shore said. He added that more than one-third of all North Carolinians earn below that amount.

“The question this raises for us as a society — and hopefully we try for a just society — is how do we go about addressing this,” Shore said.

At the heart of the issue is the debate over raising salaries to accommodate low-wage earners while business owners attempt to remain competitive in a freemarket — and global — economy. Shore pointed out that paying workers higher wages in such traditionally low-paying industries such as childcare, construction and food services would force consumers to pay

June 22, 2001

Around the Di-

Society must seek answers when working hard is not enough, says DSS

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

Director of Guilford County’s Department of Social Services John Shore, pictured left, addressed the living wage issue at the Franciscan Center June 11. higher prices.

“If we get everybody up to the living wage, how much will we as middle-class people have to pay for day care?” Shore posed. “Can we afford that? How will our houses get constructed? ... Where are we going to get that work done, and are we willing to pay the price and make the sacrifices in our lives?”

He said education and training are strong possibilities at improving the situation.

Education and training are important factors in how much income people earn, he said, “so the efforts to improve our school system and close the achievement gap between minority students and other students in our schools is something that we as a community can do that will positively impact this over time.”

Raising the minimum wage is another option, he said, though one that is cause

for division. Many advocates of low-wage earners, such as those involved in the “Working Hard is Not Enough” report, support the increase and feel government should lead the way to more just wages.

Opponents say there are better ways to combat poverty than raising the minimum wage, which many feel could negatively impact the free-market economy.

Shore, who said his presentation was designed to ponder these important questions rather than attempt to answer them, urged his audience to discuss the issue in depth with neighbors and in faith communities.

In his experience in county government, and especially as a DSS director, “I get to see the whole range of human experience,” Shore said. “There are stories of people who overcome odds that are just unbelievable. It astounds you, the strength

of the human spirit and what people can accomplish.

“Then there are other stories where people are in despair, where everything has gone wrong.”

Shore emphasized this issue is a community one, adding, “Christ calls us to wrestle with these kinds of problems.”

Franciscan Father Louis Canino agreed that education for everyone is key in the issue, especially for those who do not want to face such an important concern that affects so many. He added that teaching and learning moments abound for those open to change and the possibility of reaching solutions as a community.

“We are so caught up with our lifestyles that even being open to coming to a presentation like today might necessitate a change,” said Father Canino, director of the Franciscan Center. “It’s really a matter of grasping your faith and asking what is the Lord really calling you to do at this time in your life to consider making a change.”

Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org

June 22, 2001

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1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

Graduation

June 22, 2001

Diocesan high scho one chapter, open a

Photos By Alesha m. price

to hold the storms in respect of the occasion.

Graduates, parents and faculty gathered in Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte to witness commencement exercises for the class of 2001. Two-hundred students walked into the auditorium on June 7 and began cheering for the night they had been working toward for 13 years, while their parents and family, many of them in the balcony area, stood to congratulate their children.

After the night’s honorees calmed down, they listened to their fellow graduates reminisce about their four years together at school. Salutatorian Patrick Barrett Honeycutt talked about the family atmosphere at his school and how much he will miss his classmates, friends and teachers at CCHS: “Tonight, we officially graduate. We get our wings, so to speak, that will take us many places. As far as we travel, however, we will always remain a part of Charlotte Catholic. ... Yes, we will love our new lives after high school, but we will always remember those wonderful early years of learning, laughter and preparation for leadership.”

The class valedictorian, Ryan Soer, followed with his thoughts about his time spent in a Catholic high school setting. The theme of acceptance was interweaved throughout his address as he talked about college acceptance letters, being accepted by friends and the importance of accepting one’s self. He told all of his classmates to strive for their dreams and goals and to keep in mind that they are the future.

“What better topic for graduation than acceptance? It would seem that our entire year has been dominated by it... But don’t we also find it in our parents — who unlike our friends are always pushing us to change, to improve and grow,” said Soer to his class. “Our parents who accepted us without ever seeing our (college) application, and who have embraced us ever since ... . Surrounded by it (acceptance) from our friends and family, hopefully, we have grown in our acceptance of ourselves as well.”

Augustinian Father James Cassidy, CCHS principal, Dr. Skube and

been marked by service who is a reflection of the ideals embodied in the school’s sense of mission.” The award will be presented to individuals periodically at various designated times of that year, explained Repass.

Salutatorian William Trey Ketcham kept the audience and his classmates in constant laughter with his humorous address which included descriptions and characteristics of several of the students, faculty and staff in continuous reminiscence of school days not long since past for these new alumni.

“We have been fortunate to have a great environment to learn and to grow under the watchful eyes of many people. From the time we first met each other huddled elbow-to-elbow in the foyer of the school to this moment right now, sitting elbow-to-elbow on the stage, we have constantly been nurtured and guided toward our next step and next decision. But, (we) know it is time to make our own decisions and step forth from the guidance that has taken us thus far,” said Ketcham to his fellow graduates.

Jessica Enos, the class valedictorian, said in her address, “Don’t ever forget the lessons you learned in high school... . Next, along with the lessons, keep the memories you made and the experiences you had at Bishop close to your heart. I guarantee the good ones will bring a smile to your face.

But don’t forget about the bad ones because they have made you stronger.

Also, don’t ever forget your roots. Remember that you are a part of Bishop, and Bishop is a part of you... .”

The BMHS graduates received over $2 million dollars in scholarships.

Thirty-eight of the students will attend in-state colleges, while 13 will venture out into new territory to attend colleges elsewhere in the country.

Charlotte Catholic High School Area meteorologists had predicted rain that evening, but the ominous clouds seemed

June 22, 2001

Graduation

ool graduations end another in students’

By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer At the age of 17 or 18, a person’s life has just begun, even though it is already filled with many events — birth, first steps, the first day of school, prom and now, graduation. It may be the end of high school, but the beginning of the students’ lives in the working world, the military or in college. Seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte and Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School in WinstonSalem said good-bye to their days as high school students and said hello to a new world of opportunities and challenges.

“We congratulate the graduates as they walk down the road to adulthood to work toward obtaining the goals they have set for themselves and as they forge ahead armed the grace and loving care of Jesus,” said Father Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor, who presided at both graduations this year.

Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School Young women checked their makeup and hair in the large dressing room mirror, while the young men checked each other ties and made sure the tassels would not fall off of their mortarboards. They waited patiently backstage at the Stevens Center in the North Carolina School of the Performing Arts in Winston-Salem until it was time for them to make their grand entrance and take their places onstage.

Sister of St. Joseph Anne Thomas Taylor, BMHS dean of students, gave the nervous bunch last-minute cues and instructions. As the familiar sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” were heard, the students entered from behind the crowd of expectant parents and family, some of whom had their cameras and camcorders in hand to catch their son or daughter frozen in their memorymaking moment.

On the second of June, 55 students sat onstage behind George Repass, BMHS principal; Dr. Michael Skube,

superintendent of schools and Father West. Repass remarked that this class of 2001 would be the last to graduate from the school. A new school building has been erected, and its halls await the return of current students and will welcome incoming students.

“The class of 2001, in so many of its activities during the course of the current school year, has demonstrated a unique awareness of its special place in the history of the school,” said Repass in his welcoming address. “They have exhibited a fervent desire to be remembered not only as the evidence of a final chapter in a particular phase of our school’s history but to be, in very real ways, a part of new beginnings.”

As the students sat quietly, they listened a fellow alumna give the commencement address. Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams, from the class of 1972, reminded the students of their education at BMHS and to take the lessons, morals and ideals that they have learned with them to their respective colleges and to remain true to themselves in anything they decide to do.

“Yes, you think you are ready, but I would be willing to bet that the majority of you are not ready... . I could not come here and not talk about the importance of prayer, faith and how you are going to have to keep God as your guiding force and Jesus as a constant companion by your side,” said Sister Larretta during her animated speech to graduates.

“Class of 2001... take the lead. At this priceless moment, you have your whole life in front of you. Remember the strong foundation that has been granted to you by God, family and the community of BMHS. Live in faith, walk with courage, stand tall with integrity. May God be most generous in blessing each of you as you get a grip and take the lead,” she continued.

During the commencement exercises, Sister Larretta received the Founders’ Award for an “alumnus or associate of the school whose life has

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June 22, 2001

Around the Di-

Sister Mona Wingert praised for dedicated of Charlotte, he recognized Sister Mona as “an extraordinary presence — a combination of terrific countenance and steely professional determination,” qualities he said have shaped her as a dedicated educator.

Sister Mona arrived in the Charlotte Diocese after service in a variety of educational roles in the Archdiocese of Dubuque in her native state of Iowa, where she was an educational consultant for 20 schools.

She was also a school principal and teacher in Waterloo, Iowa, and in Chicago.

In the Charlotte Diocese, Sister Mona has worked with teachers in the diocesan schools to earn and keep their teaching licenses. In overseeing the testing program, she ensures that each of the 17 diocesan schools administer standardized tests properly. Her supervision of curriculum has included assisting in the choosing of textbooks for the classrooms and ordering them from publishers.

Though now “retired,” Sister Mona will continue to be periodically involved in teacher certification for the Diocese of Charlotte, and she plans to assist the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., with testing as well.

One of seven children, Sister Mona also looks forward to spending more time with family. She plans to travel to Germany next month.

The gathering with principals and other guests was but one celebration for the retiring assistant superintendent. Sister Mona was honored during a Mass at St. Gabriel Church June 10 and at a reception in the diocesan pastoral center June 15.

At the June 13 gathering, Sister Mona was hailed as a mentor not only to the countless students she has encountered, but also to the teachers and principals in the schools she helps oversee. Janice Ritter, assistant superintendent of schools, called Sister Mona a “living saint” and thanked her for showing Ritter the ropes as a new administrator several years ago.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Sister Mona,” said Sandra McMonagle, principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in High Point.

“She definitely has been a wonderful teacher to all of us, and I am grateful for the time and energy she gives.”

Betsy DesNoyer, principal of All Saints School in Charlotte, said Sister Mona’s model of service is inspiring.

“One of the remarkable things about you, Sister Mona, is that you truly find joy in your ministry, and that is a wonderful example to all of us,” she said.

It is that example by which she lives that illustrates Sister Mona’s Christ-like presence, said Dr. Michael Skube, superintendent of Catholic schools.

“If you look at someone’s life, if you look at how she’s contributed to all of us, if you look at how she not only impacted us but the lives of children before, now and in the future, we really do see God in Mona Wingert,” Skube said.

Bishop William G. Curlin remarked on his most vivid memory of the Franciscan sister, whose office

was in the diocesan pastoral center in Charlotte, as seeing her in the center’s chapel. There, he said, she showed her love for God most especially — both in personal prayer and during daily Mass.

“Of all the wonderful things we do in that building, I always say our celebration of the Eucharist is the most

important thing we do,” said Bishop Curlin. “Sister Mona is certainly part of the heart of that.”

Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org

Continued on NEXT PAGE

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

Sister Mona Wingert reads from a collection of jokes during a reception for her at the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center June 15. Cheering her on is Dr. Michael Skube, superintendent of Catholic schools, who gave her the gift in honor of Sister Mona’s retirement.

June 22, 2001

FROM previous page

By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — Praising her as a dedicated teacher with a cheerful spirit and a love for adventure, peers of Franciscan Sister Mona Wingert honored her for 15 years of service to the Catholic school community of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Sister Mona is retiring this summer as assistant superintendent of Catholic schools. Principals, diocesan officials, school board members, family members and close friends gathered June 13 in the ministry center at St. Gabriel Church to pay tribute to a woman who has overseen the diocesan schools’ curriculum, testing program and teacher certification for a decade and a half.

In addition to her tenacity as an administrator, her colleagues lauded Sister Mona as a caring and enthusiastic woman of God. The evening was a lighthearted affair. Principals from the diocese’s 17 Catholic schools, along with Schools’ Office administrators and school board members, shared memories of Sister Mona’s ministry of education and service.

“I certainly want to thank all of you for all of your kind words tonight, just for being here and making me feel so much a part of you,” said Sister

Around the DiMona at the conclusion of the festivities. “There are so many things about this that I will miss. I do thank all of you so very much.”

Just as she had done through the evening of good-natured “roasting” June 13, those gathered said Sister Mona kept a smile on her face through all the challenges and experiences of her tenure as a leader in Catholic education. With poems and props, prayers and presents, speakers showered Sister Mona with fond tributes.

“Sister Mona, we from the mountains really, really love you,” said Dr. Veronica Bereen, principal of Asheville Catholic School. “We admire so much your spirituality, your intelligence, your great sense of humor, your spirit of forgiveness, your generosity and your tenacity.”

Such traits have come in handy in her role as an administrator, speakers said.

They noted Sister Mona’s love for a good adventure — from seeking the best prices on textbooks to navigating roads leading toward principals’ meetings — all the while seeing the best in everything she encounters.

George Repass, principal of Bishop McGuinness High School, recalled Sister Mona’s sincerity with all people and in all situations, calling her a “uniquely open and cheerful Midwestern spirit” who is always “ready for anything.” He said from his earliest days as a principal in the Diocese

MERCY SISTER, from page 7 cial work, she told her mother.

“I ran away from it (my calling) for eight years after that, but I began to be open to the idea after I spoke with Mercy Sister Jeanne Margaret McNally, who was superior general at the time. She told me that ‘if it is courage you need, come to us, and we’ll give you that courage,’” remembered Sister Larretta, after she had taken part in a Christian Leadership weekend.

With her newfound courage, she began the nine-month-long application process. She entered into candidacy with the Regional Community of North Carolina of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in 1982. “I found the Sisters of Mercy were friendly, hospitable, encouraging and inviting.

Eight years prior to that time, I would not have been ready.”

Sister Larretta professed final vows in 1991 and continued working as an educator for 15 years at Bishop McGuinness High School, her alma mater; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury; the now-defunct Sacred Heart School in Belmont; St. Patrick School in Charlotte and Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte.

“I enjoyed teaching high school students and probably learned more from them as much as I was trying to teach them. I have received notes and letters from kids I’ve taught thanking me for something I’ve said or the rapport I had with them,” she said. Perhaps the most touching article she has ever received was a wedding invitation from a former student with a note which read ‘thank you for teaching with your heart.’

In 1993, she began to feel fatigue, which persisted, and a couple of years later, while at a diocesan teachers’ meeting, she felt shooting pains across her back and neck. Visits to the chiropractor attributed the pain to common back and spine trouble. However, the paralysis and the numbness which followed were not normal. Multiple Sclerosis was the final diagnosis.

Sister Larretta had to give up teaching because of the pain and numbness she experiences to this day.

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Daily injections have been reduced to weekly injections which keep her in remission, but there are some mornings when she cannot rise out of bed. She is frequently tired and has to use a cane when walking great distances, but the disease has not dampened her spirit.

“It is such an unpredictable disease, but I’ve been fortunate. I don’t have to use a walker, and I haven’t lost my eyesight like so many people with this disease. I’ve never felt defeated by it, and I have faith everything will work out all right,” she said in a courageous tone. “I received so much support from the Sisters throughout this process, and I cannot thank them or repay them enough for that.”

Sister Larretta, who has been the director of faith formation at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem, her home parish, plays guitar and accessory percussion instruments in her spare time.

She says that she enjoys church ministry and has been intrigued by the role reversal she has experienced.

“Many of the older parishioners that I once looked up to are now coming to me for advice and help. It is affirming because I know I’m needed and wanted,” said Sister Larretta, who is currently teaching summer adult education programs at her parish. “This is a different lifestyle. It is hectic but also wonderful, beautiful and life-giving. When people ask me why I wanted to enter into religious life, I answer ‘because I was called.’”

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Book offers host of persuasive Reviewed by Sister Camille D’Arienzo, RSM Catholic News Service Springtime 2001 stands as a season of discontent in which our national psyche throbs with passion for vengeance and vindication. The target of its venom is a former Catholic altar boy, Timothy McVeigh, who, in an unfathomable departure from

CHOOSING MERCY: A MOTHER OF MURDER VICTIMS PLEADS TO END THE DEATH PENALTY, by Antoinette Bosco. Orbis (Maryknoll, N.Y., 2001). 239 pp., $17.

his childhood faith, became the despised “Oklahoma bomber,” ending the lives of 168 innocent children, women and men.

Make no mistake about it, the most staunch opponents of capital punishment find their faith severely tested by both the violent act and its unrepentant perpetrator.

W h e n McVeigh was granted a stay of execution, resulting from the undeniably errant behavior of the FBI, the public discourse escalated. With providential timing, Antoinette Bosco’s new book, “Choosing Mercy: A Mother of Murder Victims Pleads to End the Death Penalty,” presents us with a host of persuasive voices opposing the death penalty, including families of murder victims.

Bud Welch, whose daughter Julie was among McVeigh’s victims, is one of the stories. Welch told Bosco that from his reservoir of rage he drew the memory of Julie’s observation after listening to a report of an execution in Texas: “Dad,” she said, “that makes me sick. All those Texans are doing is teaching all the children down there to hate. The murderer did wrong, but now the government has stooped to his level.”

Coaxed away from his own rage by that memory, Welch recognized that no execution would bring his daughter back.

June 22, 2001

ReadHe concluded, “It’s all about revenge and hate. And revenge and hate is why Julie and 167 others are dead today.”

The numerous relatives of murder victims crammed into the pages of Bosco’s book express similar beliefs. As an author of nine books, a columnist for Catholic News Service and the mother of a slain son and daughter-in-law, Bosco is personally and professionally qualified to bring together these voices.

Marie Deans, a founder of Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation in 1976, distilled from the anguish surrounding the murder of her mother-in-law that killing those who kill “only takes us deeper into imitating and becoming what we despise.”

Coretta Scott King, widow of one of America’s most famous murder victims, concluded, “An evil deed is not redeemed by an evil deed of retaliation.

Justice is never advanced in the taking of a human life.

Morality is never upheld by a legalized murder.”

Marietta Jaeger Lane, whose 7-year-old daughter, Susie, was kidnapped, brutally abused and murdered, realized that her desire to destroy her daughter’s torturer was destroying her.

She begged God to transform her fury into forgiveness. She came to define forgiveness as “a letting go of the desire for punishment and, instead, taking up the idea of restoration, of putting things back in some good order, although it may not be the same order.” She added, “Forgiveness means feeling concern, even love, for the offender.”

All who have suffered a death do not concur in the approaches cited here, but from those who have let God transform them, there are lessons to be learned —lessons as old as time and as new as today.

“Choosing Mercy” has edges that cut to the heart and mind, leaving spaces for grace to enter in.

Word to Life

June 24, The Birth of John the Baptis Cycle C Readings: 1) Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15 2) Acts 13:22-26 3) Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service To say that prophets are less than appreciated is an understatement to the max. If they are saying anything at all, it is the thing that makes us uncomfortable, that seeks to move us to repentance, beyond our comfort zones and perhaps off into unknown territory, where our actions become risky.

The Catholic Church, both in its social and moral teachings, is almost always prophetic. It pains a lot of people to hear ancient verities proclaimed in the face of current sinfulness. Even Jesus’ claims to divinity and Sonship, the most basic part of our faith, the part which undergirds all the claims to truth from which the rest of our proclamation of Gospel values flows, is an affront to those who do not believe. Yet we must proclaim. But sometimes we think too narrowly of who it is that proclaims the prophetic message.

There are those who share the

heritage of John the Baptist and make bold proclamations on street corners or from pulpits or from the Sistine Chapel. But not all are crying out in the wilderness or from halls of marble. My now-deceased father-in-law, Royal, was such a one.

He was a simple man of quiet virtue, who spoke little. But when he spoke of his respect for other people, no matter their race or religion, he spoke volumes.

My mother-in-law, Irene, his widow, has always spoken to me of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in ways that no pastoral or learned volume could — but in the flesh. Now, with her weight dropped below 90 pounds, and her eyesight dimmed by macular degeneration, she still stands for me as a sign, a bold sign of the Gospel enfleshed.

She is in no way perfect, as none of us are, but she proclaims the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, come in the flesh, dying to reconcile us to all men and women, just as clearly as if she sang from the rooftop, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

QUESTION: Can you name silent prophets and vocal ones in your own life and experience?

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of June 24-30 Nativity of John the Baptist, Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Monday, Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday, Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 12-14, Wednesday (St. Cyril of Alexandria), Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (St. Irenaeus), Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Matthew 7:2129; Friday (Sts. Peter and Paul), Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Saturday (First Martyrs of the Roman Church), Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-50, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17 Readings for the Week of July 1-7 Sunday, 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-18, Luke 9:51-62; Monday, Genesis 18:16-33, Matthew 8:18-22; Tuesday (St. Thomas), Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Wednesday (St. Elizabeth of Portugal), Genesis 21:5, 8-20, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday (St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria), Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday (St. Maria Goretti), Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday, Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Matthew 9:14-17

June 22, 2001

Video reviews whose World War I exploits in leading the Arabs against the Turks made his literary works popular in the 1920s. Director David Lean focuses on the diverse aspects of the man with an ambiguity suitable to the mystery still surrounding this mythic figure.

Bloody wartime battles and implications of a homosexual incident. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. (Columbia TriStar) “The Lost Command” (1966) French paratroopers retaliate by atrocity and torture against the terrorists whom they are fighting in Algeria. Directed by Mark Robson, the film may have muddled the politics, but the acting is good (Anthony Quinn and Alain Delon) and the action well-staged with realistic violence. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. (Columbia TriStar) “Lust for Life” (1956) Kirk Douglas gives an intense performance as Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) struggling in poverty to learn his craft and perfect his art, then suffering through a mental breakdown to achieve his best works, with his genius unrecognized until after his death.

Directed by Vincente Minnelli from Norman Corwin’s adaptation of the Irving Stone novel, the result does well in re-creating the artist’s times as well as his artistic influences (notably Paul Gauguin in Anthony Quinn’s Oscarwinning performance), but has a more difficult time trying to get inside the artist’s mind and creative vision. Stylized violence and sexual innuendo. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. (MGM/UA) “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (1962) Gritty drama in which a social worker

EntertainBy Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are home videocassette reviews from the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video audience.

The following films feature Anthony Quinn, who died June 3.

“The Guns of Navarone” (1961) Oversized World War II action yarn from Alistair MacLean’s novel about Allied commandos (Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker and Anthony Quayle) sent to destroy a German artillery emplacement atop a Greek island. Director J. Lee Thompson notches the suspense tightly along the way to a bang-up finish but the spectacle’s impact is lessened by scant attention to the tale’s human dimension. Wartime violence. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

(Columbia TriStar) “La Strada” (1956) Two-bit strongman (Anthony Quinn) adds a simple-minded peasant (Giulietta Masina) to his circus act, treating her badly until a tragic encounter with a bantering acrobat (Richard Basehart) who tries to help her. Italian director Federico Fellini’s somber picture of lost souls on the backroads of life has its emotional center in Masina’s Chaplinesque performance as the poor waif struggling to keep her spirit from being crushed by the brute she serves. Subtitles.

Some stylized violence and brutalizing conditions of life. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

(Sultan Entertainment) “Lawrence of Arabia” (1963) Set within the frame of a grand adventure is this interesting study of British heroauthor T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole),

The Catholic News & Herald 15

CNS photo from Columbia Pictures

Scene from movie ‘Evolution’ Actors Orlando Jones, Seann William Scott and David Duchovny, notice that a “dead” alien might not be dead in Columbia Picture’s new comedy “Evolution.” The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 (Julie Harris) tries to help a punched-out prizefighter (Anthony Quinn) find a new line of work until stymied by his manager (Jackie Gleason) who plans to square his debts by turning the boxer into a clownish wrestler. Directed by Ralph Nelson from Rod Serling’s TV script, the result is an emotionally strong picture of a brokendown boxer trying to retain some human dignity after 17 years in the ring. Brutal boxing scenes and corrupt aspects of the fight game. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. (Columbia TriStar) “A Walk in the Clouds” (1995) Stylish but highly contrived romance set at the end of World War II when a married vet (Keanu Reeves) undertakes to help an unwed pregnant woman (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) face the wrath of her Mexican-American father (Giancarlo Giannini) by pretending to be her husband. Lyrically directed by Alfonso Arau, their subsequent romance unfolds on the wealthy vineyard estate of the woman’s loving family (headed by grandfather Anthony Quinn), but the plot contrivances detract from the story’s celebration of traditional values and feelgood ending. Plot hinged on deceit, some violent wartime flashbacks and several

sexual situations. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (20th Century Fox) “Zorba the Greek” (1965) Anthony Quinn embodies the zestful, warmly human title character who helps his withdrawn English employer (Alan Bates) learn to enjoy life in spite of its imperfections, including sad encounters along the way with a lonely widow (Irene Papas) and an elderly courtesan (Lila Kedrova).

Directed by Michael Cacoyannis, the realistic depiction of harsh living conditions on the island of Crete is transformed by the movie’s joyful affirmation of life. Some brutish coarseness and sexual references.

The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. (Fox/Lorber)

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

June 22, 2001

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

God’s true desire is to impart peace, says pope B John Norton y

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite God’s fearsome power over the universe, believers discover through prayer that his true desire is to impart peace, Pope John Paul II said.

“Even faced with the chaos of evil, the tempests of history and the wrath of divine justice, the one who prays feels at peace, wrapped in the mantle of protection that providence offers to those who praise God and follow his ways,” he said June 13 at the weekly general audience.

Addressing some 15,000 pilgrims gathered in blinding sunshine in St. Peter’s Square, the pope continued a series of talks on the Psalms used in the Liturgy of the Hours by focusing on Psalm 29, which likens God’s voice to thunder.

In the psalm’s description of a deafening storm, “terror is replaced by the certainty of divine protection,” he said.

The pope said the storm imagery serves to remind believers that God’s mystery “cannot be captured and dominated” by humans.

“The psalm presents us, however, with another aspect of the face of God, one that is discovered in the intimacy of prayer and the celebration of the liturgy,” which is “the mystery of love poured forth on the faithful, the serene sureness of blessing reserved to the just,” he said.

Christians also see echoes of the psalm, considered by some to be among the oldest, in the New Testament accounts of God speaking from heaven over Jesus, the pope said.

While the thunder in the psalm represents God’s voice in the universe, “the highest expression of this voice is that with which the Father, in his manifestation at Jesus’ baptism, revealed the deepest identity of this ‘beloved son,”’ he said.

Pope says catacombs are privileged place for evangelization VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Welcoming visitors

to the catacombs of Rome where early Christian martyrs were buried can be an opportunity to help them rediscover the importance of faith, Pope John Paul II said. “By following the itinerary of the early Christians and imitating their gestures of devotion, modern pilgrims, who often are disoriented and doubtful, can be led more easily to rediscover their own religious identity and dedicate themselves with renewed enthusiasm to following Christ like the many martyrs of the first centuries did,” the pope said. He met June 9 at the Vatican with members of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology, the office responsible for the operation and preservation of Christian catacombs throughout Italy, but particularly in Rome.

Notes on the Sarcastic Conversation Mode When you’re growing up, there’s a lot of adapting to be done.

You have to adjust to your new size. You can’t just jump up from the dining room table anymore, since chances are you would bash your head on the light fixture, and that might hurt.

You also have the fun trick of figuring out how to make all the parts of your body work together in concert. I once knew a boy who grew a foot in a year. That’s an inch a month. His mother said that not only did the kid experience real “growing pains,” he had a terrible time with coordination.

Besides all of that and a lot more, there’s the matter of conversation: chit-chat; exchanging words and ideas. Your relationship to that part of life requires adaptation too. How do you learn to talk like an adult?

If you’re like most kids I’ve known, the transition from childish speech to conversation fit for adult ears isn’t exactly smooth.

One pitfall in this process for a lot of young people is to resort to sarcasm.

I recently visited with a group of people that included a young teen-ager. The young person sat on the couch next to me, and during the whole gathering she made constant sarcastic comments under her breath about what was going on.

The first couple of times, I chuckled along with her, but after several minutes of this, quite frankly, it got pretty tiresome.

My teen-age sons both have gone through the same stage, with one still firmly entrenched in it. There’s no such thing as a straight answer from this guy, I tell you. It’s not that he’s mean, it’s just that for some reason he feels moved to state the opposite of the truth in answer to every single question he’s asked.

“Do you want some more pizza?”

“No, of course not. You know I hate pizza.”

Or,“I’m really tired. I think I’ll go to bed. Shut out the lights, OK?” “Come on Mom, you can’t be tired. You don’t do anything all day.”

Part of it’s the culture, I know. We live in a culture

On the Light Side Dan Morris CNS Columnist

wrenches levitate off a flat battery and dart to the ground, way faster than if you just dropped it.

When men know one another well, they also confide hearing the tools sing little high-pitched, taunting songs (like, “wee, hee, wee, hee, ding-dingy-ding”) en route to mother earth. Closed-end half-inch wrenches sing a particularly irritating little ditty.

Sophisticated and highly sensitive testing equipment would be developed to measure particular machines’ dislikes for certain individuals. A whole chapter in theomechanics could be based on one 1972 Mercedes 220D’s intense dislike for my wife. It would take me anywhere, no questions asked.

However, it broke down with her driving so many times we claimed the tow-truck driver as a dependent.

One branch of theomechanics could be titled “OooohEieee, Ooooh-Eieeee.” Students would concentrate on questions such as, “How far can prayer make a car go after the gauge reads empty?”

Or, “Under what conditions will God intervene to make the warning light quit flashing ‘HOT!’?”

Or, “What saint’s dashboard statue is the most efficacious in preventing accidents?”

Like the authors of the book on neurotheology wrote: “The realness of Absolute Unitary Being is not conclusive proof that a higher God exists, but it makes a strong case that there is more to human existence than sheer material existence.”

I wonder if they have a 1957 Chevy pickup.

Coming of Age AMY WELBORN CNS Columnist

that’s drenched in sarcasm and irony, or humor that’s rooted in mockery or comments that are obviously untrue.

But there’s something else, and maybe this is what you should watch out for if you find yourself falling into the trap of constant sarcasm. For teens, sarcasm can be an attempt to put yourself above the situation you’re in. In a way, it goes back to the whole growing-up thing.

In order to seem more adult, both to ourselves and others, we try to indicate that we’re beyond the trivialities being discussed, that ordinary life is so very ordinary, so self-evident that it doesn’t even require a serious response from us.

Of course, what we all have to learn is that none of us are above ordinary life and that being sarcastic, while funny once in a while, isn’t the most helpful way to communicate.

It can be demeaning, it can be arrogant, and, worst of all, it can be a means of avoiding other, more honest ways of communicating.

God gave us the gift of speech for a reason: to share the realities of our inner lives with others and to grow in love.

If you’re falling into the trap of sarcasm, it might be worth considering what you might be trying to avoid.

So next time a sarcastic comment crosses your mind, think twice. Because, you know, we really are “so interested” to hear what it might be!

Human Brain and Religious Experience: Finding All the Links Thanks largely to Buddhist monks and Franciscan nuns we have a new area of scientific research studying the link between the human brain and religious experiences: neurotheology.

I am among those who think it should have been called nunmonkology to honor the holy people who allowed their brains to be scanned — the resulting images proving that parts of the brain are stimulated and other parts quieted by meditation and prayer.

Regardless, we should all be grateful. This opens up all kinds of potential spinoff sciences.

“Like what, smarty pants?” you might say.

How about “theogeekology,” the study of the spiritual relationship between humans and computers? Or, “jockeology,” the quest for understanding human spirituality and televised sports?

What about my personal favorite, “theomechanics?”

This would be the study of the spiritual relationship between human beings and machines. Many, many, many men and women have secretly studied this for years and have been waiting for the right time to call it for what it is: goofy.

But, yes, there are times when a man is driving his 1957 Chevy pickup with the engine purring, sun shining, arm resting out the open window and he receives one of those roller-coaster, hoop-dee-doo feelings in his stomach even though the road is flat. Man and machine merge.

It’s a high-five from God. No doubt about it.

And, yes, there are times a woman will be walking out to the car and know the battery is dead before she even unlocks the door. She just knows, that’s all. Mind and machine merge.

Low-five from God. Maybe.

If researchers took a picture of our brains about then, I would wager my Ricky Henderson rookie card they would look a lot like the cranium candids of those monks and nuns in a highly spiritual state, only with roadkill.

Likewise, theomechanics could explore mysteries like how the ground exhorts a supernatural attraction to tools placed under an open hood. When men are alone with other men, they will admit seeing 9/16ths sockets or even torque

June 22, 2001

The Catholic News & Herald 17

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle Msgr. Jim Lisante Guest Columnist

In time, his Dad saw the wisdom of letting Steven go home. And so, with parental consent, the machine was turned off. Steven slipped quietly and gently away.

The challenge faced by Steven’s parents is no longer unique. People face this kind of decision every day. The best way to meet this challenge is through dialogue before we get to that point. Living wills that indicate who we are and what we believe can help. But making our intentions known to family and friends is the best assurance that our hopes for the end of our lives will be respected.

And, importantly, we need to see that life is of value, but not an absolute value. We come from God, and our hoped-for eternity is with God. The end of life shouldn’t been seen as a feared ending, but as transition to a higher life and a higher level of love.

Steven has moved past his body. Turning off a machine that could not give him true earthly life was the release that allowed Steven to experience the fullness of life in God. For me it was a privilege: to share a family’s pain is a grace; to participate in their important discussions about the love it takes to let go and let God; and to witness Steven’s passage from this life to the next.

The situation I’ve just described is something all of us face, one way or another. Don’t read this and think it’s about others. It’s a wise and insightful family fuse to share in Mass and the sacraments should not receive Communion without confession.

One wonders, if their Catholic faith and the sacraments are so important, why the gross neglect of their relationship to God in these ways at other times?

Only God can judge them. I’m just asking whether they feel they still have any Catholic faith. If they do, why is it important only on sad and family occasions and not at other times? It’s a matter of personal honesty with God. Mary’s resting place Q. In a recent column you discussed the possible locations of the Blessed Virgin’s death and tomb. Doesn’t the church teach that Mary was not subject to death as is the rest of humanity?

I was taught Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven, and we celebrate this on Aug. 15. Is your answer consistent with Catholic theology?

A. You are correct. We do believe that the mother of Jesus was taken into heaven, body and soul, when her life on earth ended.

However, the church has never taken an official position on whether she died or not before the assumption. Most generally, it is believed she did die, and if she did she would have been buried somewhere, just as Christ was. The discussions are about where such a burial might have taken place.

When the assumption was proclaimed a dogma of the Catholic faith by Pope Pius XII in 1950, he avoided the question of her death. He said simply that at the end of her earthly life (in Latin, “expleto terrestris vitae cursu”) she was accepted into heaven

by God. A free brochure in English or Spanish outlining marriage regulations in the Catholic Church and explaining the promises in an interfaith marriage is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

Letting Go The telephone message said it all: “Steven has no chance of recovery. The end is coming soon. Please come to bless and anoint our son.” Steven was thirty-years-old and a lifetime parishioner, the youngest of several children in a close-knit family. From birth, Steven has battled cystic fibrosis. His life was in many ways a miracle.

At the time of his diagnosis, in infancy, he was not expected to make it past five years of age. Owing to advances in medicine that was later amended to age 15. Then maybe 20. His survival to see his thirtieth birthday had been a reason to rejoice. To get to that age wasn’t easy, and included a lung transplant along the way.

On this night, the lungs and kidneys had finally given up. All that was left was the droning sound of the respirator, doing the breathing that Steven could no longer do for himself. He was deep in a coma, and there was no chance that he would return. Left to his own devices he would have already left us. His body remained alive because of machines. That’s what I walked into at ten o’clock one recent night. And into the maelstrom of an animated family discussion.

Steven’s mother, convinced that mechanical life was not life at all. His father was equally convinced that he did not want to turn the machine off and end his son’s earthly life. Both are great people who loved the son they had nurtured for so long. Both are people of hope, who saw that for the first time in Steven’s earthly journey, hope was not temporal but heavenly.

Our discussion centered on the proper choice for Steven. The Catholic Church says that we are not morally obligated to use extraordinary means to sustain human life. A respirator fits into that category.

And that view is most forcefully true when the “extraordinary means” will not result in recovery. Instead, we’re encouraged to let nature take its course.

Turning off the respirator is not “causing” him to die. In fact, keeping him on the machine prolongs a bodily life whose time has come. And does it to no advantage for Steven.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

Inactive Catholics Receiving Holy Communion Q. We recently had a death in the family, and there was some discussion as to who should receive Holy Communion.

Some of the family were baptized and confirmed long ago, but had not been to Mass for the last 10 years or so.

Since it was their parent’s funeral, they went to Communion. Someone claimed this was all right, that the church permitted it in situations such as this. Are there such exceptions to the rules about receiving Communion?

A. There are no exceptions to the requirement that people should be in the state of grace, not conscious of any unforgiven mortal sins, to receive Communion.

For Catholics to neglect the obligations of their faith to the point of seldom participating at Mass and not receiving the sacraments is objectively seriously sinful.

By objectively, I mean it is a sin unless they are so ignorant of their faith or so mentally or otherwise handicapped that they do not know what is necessary for a good Communion.

Catholics who are so uneducated in their faith or are seriously out of touch with the meaning of Communion, would be sinning objectively, but perhaps not subjectively or personally.

In other words, Catholics who consistently re-

Planned Giving GINA M. RHODES Guest Columnist How to Help Your Lawyer — and Yourself Before meeting with your attorney about your estate plan, you can do some things to save time and money. Here are four tips: 1. Prepare an inventory of your estate.

Since your estate plan will essentially direct the transfer of your assets at death, you should compile a list of all your holdings and obligations. What do you own? How much is it worth? Where is it located?

How are the various assets owned (jointly, separately, etc.)?

List any memberships (country club, time-shares, etc.). What are the beneficiary designations on your bank, brokerage and retirement accounts and your insurance policies? How much do you owe and to whom?

This will take some time and force you to get all your records in order. But the process will be instructive for you and timesaving when your attorney begins to quiz you about these things. It’s easy to overlook some assets, so be as thorough as possible.

2. Select key people you want to involve.

Who do you want to oversee the probating of your estate (your personal representative)? Who do you want to serve as the trustee of any trusts created by your will? Who do you want to be the guardians of any minor children you might have? And don’t forget about your power-ofattorney and health care documents.

You will need not only primary names, but also back-up names in case your first choices are unable or unwilling to serve. If possible, have two additional names for each position.

Having all of this cared for before visiting your attorney will make things much easier and time-efficient.

3. Decide what to give family members.

This can be one of the most difficult parts of the whole process. Indeed, some people endlessly delay getting a will because this step is either too perplexing or painful.

There are many issues to consider. Too much inheritance may stifle personal initiative and feelings of self-worth. One child may be careless with money, another disciplined. One may have physical needs requiring extra assistance. One may be self-sufficient, another financially strapped. How much is too much?

How little is too little?

You might want to discuss this subject with a trusted friend or personal advisor. And remember, with a will you can always change your mind later. The important thing is to at least get a plan in place for now.

4. Determine your charitable bequests.

Which organization(s) do you want to support with gifts from your estate? Of course, we hope your will includes either your parish, Catholic school, agency, the Diocese or the Foundation in your plans. Your estate gift will make a difference and help us continue this important work into the future.

A charitable giving component to your estate plan can have significant meaning to your survivors and communicate your values in a powerful way. It can also help you establish a legacy that will outlive your children and grandchildren.

To help you organize and plan for the future, I’d like to send you a free copy of the brochure “Personal Financial Affairs Record.” Please contact me at (704) 370-3320, or write to me at 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, N.C., 28203.

1 8 The Catholic News & Herald

N.C. Council of Churches announces new Special to The Catholic News & Herald RALEIGH — The North Carolina Council of Churches recently elected new leadership to serve on its executive board. Members of the council’s House of Delegates chose the officers during a meeting last month.

The Rev. Joseph C. Brown Sr. is the new president. Pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Wilmington, Rev. Brown is a graduate of Shaw University and has been active with the council in a variety of roles for more than a decade.

Bridget B. Johnson of Greensboro becomes immediate past president after serving as president for two years.

Johnson represents the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and works as a parish area coordinator for the Piedmont-Triad office of the diocese’s Catholic Social Services.

The Rev. William H. Tiemann of Davidson is the new first vice president. A longtime pastor and Presbytery administrator in Texas and North Carolina, he represents the Presbytery of Charlotte.

The Rev. Hope Morgan Ward is the new second-vice president. A resident of Raleigh and graduate of Duke University and Duke Divinity School,

ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Bookkeeper: Part-time. Position is open at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Prior accounting experience required. Fax (704-542-7244), or mail letter of interest and resume to Parish Business Manager, St. Matthew CC, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277. No phone calls, please.

Church Photographer, Portrait Sales: 100% employee-owned Lifetouch Church Directories and Portraits is expanding teams in metropolitan Charlotte and surrounding counties to service area churches. Must be able to work independently and as a team member, be creative, embrace new ideas, and be able to work afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays. Paid training, excellent benefits. Send resumes to stacmc@prodigy.net, or call Stacey at 704-596-9265.

Director of Office of Youth Ministry: Fulltime, Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. Responsibilities include: actively coordinating diocesan-wide program; coordinate and serve as resource for parochial youth programs; promote youth ministry awareness among clergy, parents and youth.

Qualifications are: Catholic in good standing; college degree with theological course work (master’s degree in theology or related field preferred); experience in youth ministry as articulated in Renewing the Vision, USCC 1997 programs; working knowledge of Spanish; ability to work and communicate with adolescents and adults; enthusiasm for and loyalty to the Church. Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Full benefits package. Send resume to: Fr. Michael Taylor, Diocese of Arlington, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 519, Arlington, VA 22203. Please send resumes by July 1, 2001.

Director of Religious Education: DRE/Coordinator of Youth Ministry for suburban Charlotte parish of 1400 families. Major responsibilities include:oversight of entire Faith Formation program and coordination, grades six through 12 catechetical and youth program with emphasis on high schoolyouth. Applicant must be practicing Catholic and have certificate in Religious Education or Youth Ministry with at

June 22, 2001

Around the

she serves as executive director of Correctional Ministries for the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist church.

The new third vice president is the Rev. Dr. Conrad Pridgen, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greensboro. He holds degrees from Shaw University, Yale Divinity School and United Theological Seminary, and he has served churches in Raleigh, Kenansville, Kinston, Jackson and Charlotte.

Barbara Volk of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh is fourth vice president. She is president of the North Carolina unit of Church Women United and serves on the community Resource Council for the North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women.

Sandy C. Irving, also of Raleigh, has been re-elected secretary. She is a member of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church and represents the Presbytery of New Hope. She works as a research associate for the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center in the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Remaining as treasurer is the Rev. Dr. James W. Ferree of Winston-

least one year experience. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Contact Rev. William Kelley, SJ., St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville, NC 28117; (704) 664-3992: or email: w_kelley@msn.com Elder Ministry, Regional Coordinator: Diocesan Catholic Social Services position for Morganton/ Hickory area. Team member to develop elder programs, activities; engage in ecumenical cooperation on elder issues; provide on-site assistance to parishes within designated region. Bachelor’s degree desired.

Extensive travel required throughout diocese. 30 hours per week. $21-$24K plus full benefits. Send inquiries/resume to: Sandra Breakfield, Catholic Social Services, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 282034003. Deadline: July 9th.

High School Youth Minister: Vibrant 4,500-family suburban Atlanta parish. Sunday evening mass and program (currently LifeTeen); also teen OCIA, retreats, adult leader formation, confirmation preparation, and cooperation with colleagues to oversee entire parish catechetical effort. Healthy Vatican II spirituality, collaborative skills, a must; degree in religious education or related field or comparable experience required; Spanish-language facility a plus.

Full-time position available immediately. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Send resume and references to Business Manager, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Fax 770-772-0355.

Parish Music Minister: St. Joseph, Kannapolis, seeking dedicated, spiritual leader for music ministry program. Would like to have music teacher/ instructor with church experience and music degree.

Knowledge and familiarity with choral and instrumental programs desirable. Beginning hours, parttime (5-10 hours per week). Send resume and salary requirements to: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Attn: Music Ministry Position, 108 St. Joseph St., Kannapolis, NC 28203. For information, (704)932-4607 or fax:(704)932-0566.

Receptionist/Data Entry Operator: Part-time, 20 hours per week. St. Leo Catholic Church, WinstonSalem. Call Jerry Felten: (336) 724-0561.

Sales/Ventas: Empleo en ventas. Buscamos persona de ventas para atender mercados latinos, restaurantes e individuos. Somos distribuidores de frutas secas, nueces, semillas, especias, dulces y otros productos alimenticios. Los candidatos deben ser bilingues y tener alguna experiencia en ventas al detal, preferiblemente comida. Ofrecemos paquete completo de beneficios y seguro. Envie su hoja de vida en Ingles a Retail Sales,

Salem, representing the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has held various positions at all levels of the church and is a former president of the council.

The North Carolina Council of Churches is the state’s largest organization of its kind, stressing ecumenism and social justice on local, state and national issues ranging from the environment to matters of race and gender. More than 1.5 million North Carolinians are members of congregations under the council’s umbrella.

The council’s members are the governing bodies or judicatories of the following religious groups: African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church. Also among the members are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the General Baptist State Convention, the Moravian Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the Religious Society of Friends, the Roman Catholic Church, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.

In addition, six Baptist congregations, whose judicatory is not a member of the council, are members.

Charlotte to host National Right to Life convention CHARLOTTE — The National Right to Life Committee will host its annual national convention in Charlotte June 28-30 at the Adams Mark Hotel in uptown Charlotte.

Speaking and educational presentations, family fellowship, exhibits, and sessions for teens and college students will highlight the national pro-life convention.

An interfaith organization, NRLC, was ranked eighth among the most influential public policy groups in Washington, D.C., by Fortune magazine in December 1999. In April 2001, NRLC gave its annual Proudly ProLife Award to Father Frank A. Pavone, director of Priests for Life. The late Cardinal John O’Connor of New York was also honored with the award, in 1994.

Last year’s national convention in Arlington, Va., drew about 1,200 participants, many of whom represented the organization’s 3,000 local chapters.

For details on the conference, visit the registration web site at www.nrlc. org/convention.

Classified ads bring results! Over 117,000 readers! Over 47,500 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.

PO Box 7505, Charlotte, NC 28241.

Secretary: The Catholic News & Herald has an opening for a full-time (9-5, Monday through Friday, 35 hours/week) secretary. Candidate will be computer literate with PC experience in a Windows environment using Microsoft Office products. Seeking selfstarter with good organizational skills. Good benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, 403-B program, and liberal holiday, vacation and leave package. Please send resume by July 6 to: Secretary, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Stewardship & Development Officer: Newman Catholic Student Center at Duke University. New position responsible for all aspects of the planning, implementation and management of an effective stewardship and development program to support Catholic Campus Ministry financially. Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s Degree; five years successful experience in higher education or non-profit development; excellent organizational, planning and communication skills. Must be practicing Catholic.

EOE. Send resume to Newman Catholic Student Center, Box 90974, Durham, NC 27708-0974 or email joev@duke.edu Teachers: 4th Grade; MS Language Arts; MS Social Studies/Religion; part-time PE (K-5); part-time Athletic Director beginning August 9, 2001. Applications available: Our Lady of Grace School, 2205 W. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27403. Call (336) 275-1522 or FAX (336) 279-8824.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry Director: Roman Catholic Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 720 Telfair Street, PO Box 2446, Augusta, GA 30903. www. themostholytrinity.org. (706)722-4944. Full-time position to direct and develop Middle/High School and Young Adult Ministries that are relational, holistic, developmental, ministerial, goal-centered with a multi-dimensional approach to youth ministry.

Must work in harmonious collaboration with parish personnel, parents, many volunteers and youth. Must also work closely with DRE (Director of Religious

Education) in areas of administration. Must have computer and office skills. This parish is a traditional, downtown parish with 1200 families and is demographically and ethnically diverse.

Qualifications: Active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Experience in parish youth ministry and/or college campus ministry.

BA in Theology and/or related field or Certificate of Advanced Study in Youth Ministry preferred.

Competitive salary/benefits package offered. Send resume and references to: Fr. Allan J. McDonald at above address.

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June 22, 2001

JUBILATION, from page 1 of espousal. “Along with those deep realities of culture and religious life ... there is this other relationship of respect and commonality that is very much a part of what it means to be espoused.”

“We come here today reaching into the roots of community life and to the roots of individual members’ lives, into the roots of our life in faith together,” said Father Cancro.

“Those elements of espousal become especially important in our celebration, because in a very real way Osee’s [Hosea’s] understanding of what it meant to be joined to the common good, what it meant to be joined to the whole community of faith, is indeed what we celebrate as we gather here.”

Today, we celebrate the espousal of these jubilarians.

Sister Mary John Madden Following graduation from Belmont Abbey College, Sister Mary John received her master’s degree from St. John University, New York. She held certifications as a teacher on both the elementary and secondary levels. She taught in Newton Grove, N.C., St. Mary’s in Wilmington, Charlotte Catholic High School, and Sacred Heart School in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She served as principal at Our Lady of Assumption School in Charlotte and at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Salisbury.

Sister Mary John also spent time serving her local community as director of the novitiate in Belmont, as regional superior in Guam and in her current ministry, visiting the shut-ins of Queen of the Apostles parish in Belmont.

Sister Mary Anita Sheerin Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from Belmont Abbey College, Sister Anita continued her studies to obtain her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in religious studies from Forham University. She served a myriad of educational ministries from teacher to principal, and also served as hospital chap-

Around the Dilain and continues in pastoral ministry at St. Eugene in Asheville.

Sister Mary Jerome Spradley As a nursing student at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Betty Dee Spradley had her first encounter with the Sisters of Mercy. Here, she realized her concurrent calling to the Catholic Church, and to a vocation as a woman religious. She earned her master’s degree at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and graduated from the Executive Graduate Program in Health Care at the University of South Carolina. In her mid-30s, she was named administrator of Mercy Hospital, making her one of the youngest Hospital Administrators in the nation. Currently, Sister Mary Jerome is president of the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, Inc. The foundation is one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the state of North Carolina.

Sister Mary Robert Williams Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from Belmont Abbey College, Sister Mary Robert continued her studies and earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sister taught for many years and now serves as a pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. “I work mostly with the elderly and in doing so I’m learning patience, compassion, understanding and wisdom,” said Sister Mary Robert.

Sister Maria Goretti Weldon With a bachelor’s degree in business from Belmont Abbey College, Sister Maria Goretti studied further at Manhattanville College and later studied Scripture and Spirituality in the ARC Program in Rome.

Over the span of her 50 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Maria Goretti has: served as superior general of the Regional Community of North Carolina, and as vicar for religious, served in Retreat Ministry and has ministered to individuals with AIDS, and served as pastoral associate at St. Raphael’s parish in Raleigh. Today, Sister serves as Mission Effectiveness Liaison for Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care in Asheville.

The Catholic News & Herald 19

Holy Angels administrator receives state award BELMONT — The president and CEO of Holy Angels, Regina Moody, received the Cornerstone Award for Individual Achievement by the NC Association of Community Based ICF/MR Providers at the organization’s annual conference May 23 in Greensboro.

Julie Ewing, president of the NC Association of Community Based ICF/MR Providers, presented the award to Moody during the group’s 2001 state conference and awards banquet.

Ewing said the award is given to an individual for leadership in the field of developmental disabilities and for work to enhance the lives of individuals served, especially in the ICF/MR residential programs.

Ewing noted that Moody, who has served at Holy Angels for more than 19 years, was an exemplary award winner and is deserving of the Cornerstone Award.

The NC Association of Community Based ICF/MR Providers is made up of agencies and organizations that provide residential care for persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

Holy Angels, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, has three group homes classified as Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). Construction on a fourth ICF/MR group home, also to be located on the main campus, should be completed in December 2001.

“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized in such a way by my colleagues in our field of developmental disabilities,” said Moody. “An award such as this truly recognizes the tremendous care and commitment that those who work at Holy Angels exemplify.”

“This award is a shared with all of our employees at Holy Angels who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the very best care, programs and services to the individuals we serve,” she added. “Holy Angels will

continue to be committed to providing the highest quality of care possible, and I am most grateful for the honor of receiving this award.”

Mercy Sister Nancy Nance nominated Moody for the honor.

Sister Nancy, director of the café and candy bouquet shop vocational programs at Holy Angels, noted Moody’s “visionary force in guiding Holy Angels through a 20-year period of growth and development.”

Sister Nancy said that among Moody’s duties are responsibilities for the overall administration and operations of all programs and services, including overseeing the parent organization and two subsidiaries with a budget of $7 million.

“Under Regina’s guidance and direction, Holy Angels has become a leader in providing innovative, cutting- edge programs and services for children and adults with mental retardation,” Sister Nancy said in her nomination letter.

Under Moody’s administration, Holy Angels has added a sensory environment room and programs in the creative arts and horticulture. Additionally, Moody pursued an ICF/ MR certificate of need to provide continued services for medically fragile individuals who were aging out of the main residential center program.

A four-year process with state leaders yielded Moody’s being able to secure the eight ICF/MR beds needed.

Founded in 1956 by the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont, Holy Angels is a private, nonprofit corporation providing residential and other services to children and adults with varying degrees of mental retardation and physical disabilities, some of whom are medically fragile.

In addition to its three ICF/ MR group homes and the vocational programs mentioned earlier, Holy Angels offers a specialized community residential center for children, five community group homes, a supported living arrangement for a married couple, an outreach social club, a handicapped-accessible camp and an on-site integrated daycare center.

2 0 The Catholic News & Herald

Family, faith fufill deacon’s life

June 22, 2001

Living the

felt the call to want to serve the Lord

By Alesha M. Price in a deeper way. In high school, that Staff Writer call was there.”

CHARLOTTE — Rev. Mr. Louis However, life dealt the Pais famPais sometimes misses the old days. ily a difficult hand when his father Like many people, he can recall a simwas killed in a work accident. After pler time when he would gather with nearly three years into seminary, Rev. family and friends to laugh and talk Mr. Pais had to leave to be with his the day away. In his large Italian family family, do some soul-searching and complete with grandparents who emiassess his life’s path. He found himgrated from their homeland, their lives self surrounded centered around with flashbacks faith and food. of times spent The pungent with his father smell of homefishing, walking made spaghetti along the stream sauce and the innear his house toxicating scent and simply being of wine still together. waft through his “Dad’s death memories from affected me deeptime to time. ly and was prob“I grew up ably the reason i n a c l o s e ly why I left. I was knit family, and uncertain as to on Sundays, we what the Lord would go to my was calling me to maternal granddo, and I needed parents’ home for time away,” said dinner and share Rev. Mr. Pais. “I stories about Rev. Mr. Louis Pais knew after that, what life was like God had a differin Italy and when ent plan for my they came to this life, but the call to countr y,” said ministry was still there. I think about Rev. Mr. Pais, reflecting on his childit (his death) even today.” hood in Louis Run, Pa. “This was an That call to ministry remained a important time because it basically enpart of his life as he completed college abled me to hear about our traditions and received his bachelor’s degree in and deepened my knowledge of what history with minors in philosophy and my family went through.” theology from Gannon University in Catholicism was also an important Erie, Pa. While attending college, he aspect of family life. “Faith was a macame home to meet the woman that jor part of our family, and the memwould become his wife. Actually, it bers were involved in various church was their second meeting. He first activities.” met Josie when he was a senior in high The first inklings of ordained school, but the seminary was calling ministry began surfacing while Rev. him. When they met again after he had Mr. Pais was attending Catholic high left seminary, he knew she was the one, school. He decided to attend seminary and so did Josie. to fulfill a long-embedded desire to “From the very first time I met deepen his spirituality. “I had always

him, I knew he was different from anyone else I had ever met. He told me that we were going to be married, and I knew it too,” she remembered. They were married in 1964, and the couple moved to western New York, where Rev. Mr. Pais’s 33-year teaching career began and where they raised their three daughters.

He says his years teaching in the small farming community were very rewarding, and he enjoyed educating young minds. “It was the most wonderful place to be at that time. The kids were very hard-working and wanted to learn.”

Throughout his life, his faith supported him especially during his father’s death and while teaching and raising his family in the Catholic faith.

He says that his wife’s questions about Catholicism also further strengthened his faith. “They (the questions) made him research and find out more about his faith,” said Mrs. Pais, who was raised in the Pentecostal Church.

“The one word that Josie used is ‘why.’ That question forced me to go deeper in finding answers to my faith,” said Rev. Mr. Pais. “My wife enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of who I am as a Catholic.”

He went back to school to earn his master’s degree in education including some post-graduate work in social studies.

Although seriously dedicated to his faith, his desire to serve the church in a more significant capacity never left him, and his prayers about what he should do were answered in an unexpected way. A neighbor gave his wife an article about a permanent deacon and his church ministry, and a spiritual fire rekindled his desire for ministry.

“When I read the article, it became very clear to me that this was the way in which I should go. We weren’t sure where it would draw us, but my wife was very supportive,” said Rev. Mr. Pais of his decision to enter into formation.

“We hadn’t heard of the permanent diaconate, but I was delighted because I knew that he really loved the Lord. I knew he could be a blessing for God’s people,” said Mrs. Pais.

They attended classes and found themselves the recipients of supporters near and far, whether it was money for textbooks, babysitters for their young children, a prepared dinner or words of encouragement.

Rev. Mr. Pais was ordained in 1978 and began his ministry at his parish in Gowanda, N.Y. It was there that he became involved with his first love of teaching in the Diocese of Buffalo’s permanent diaconate program. He was later named director of the permanent diaconate while maintaining a full-time high school teaching schedule.

He says that it was difficult and thoroughly fulfilling at the same time. “I was able to do the work because I had a supportive and willing wife who would never say no primarily because she knew it was where God wanted me to be.”

He decided to retire early in 1996 to focus on his ministry full-time and began looking for another place to go, partly because he had promised his wife, a Virginia native, that they would eventually return to the South. A visit to his daughter who was living in Huntersville, N.C., and a meeting and an interview prompted their decision to move to Charlotte.

He accepted a permanent diaconate position at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte,

Award-winning director plans feature film on Mother Teresa

By Catholic News Service COCHIN, India (CNS) — An award-winning Indian director plans a feature film on Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity congregation.

Rajiv Nath, who won a national award for best director in 1999, said he has short-listed British actress Kate Winslet to play Mother Teresa in the still-untitled film.

Nath told UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, that the “love and charity” of Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, “have always had an impact” on his life.

The director said he wanted to create a full-length feature film focusing on the life of the nun beginning with her arrival in the eastern city of Calcutta in 1929 as an 19-year-old Loreto nun.

Nath said the film would be shot in Calcutta, where Mother Teresa based her life and mission. He expressed hope that the film would become “the biggest ever cinematic project on Mother Teresa for an international audience.”

Nath said the movie would have some real-life characters like Jyoti Basu, former West Bengal chief minister and communist leader. Basu, who was Calcutta councilor when Mother Teresa started her work, will be a central character in the film.

Nath said Basu’s attachment to Mother Teresa was such that she was the only person able to visit him without prior appointment when he was chief minister.

An array of leading writers and filmmakers are helping Nath prepare the film’s script.

Nath said some groups have shown interest in funding the film on the nun.

“I am sure my film on the Mother will fetch me international acclaim, not because of my ability, but because of Mother’s blessings,” the filmmaker said.

In Brief . . .

CCHS student awarded Eagle Scout Award CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School student Michael Stout has completed his Eagle Scout Award.

His service project was building a grotto at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. The grotto is a combination of an architectural and a landscaping project in honor of the Blessed Mother. It was designed to provide a comfortable and reflective place to pray.

Stout is the son of Bob and Janet Stout of Charlotte.