June 27, 2008

June 27, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives How to prepare for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress; dangers of same-sex marriages

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI June 27, 2008

Labor of love Jubilarian priests reflect on years of service in diocese by

| Pages 14-15 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Trip to Africa provides spiritual renewal for local doctor

staff writer

by

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Matthew Harrison of Concord examines the throat of a young patient at a medical clinic in Ghana, Africa. Harrison was part of a team who went on a Helping Hands Medical Mission April 24–May 5.

Pioneers of the permanent diaconate

See MISSION, page 5

Bishop Curlin discusses healing power of Lourdes, faith by

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

See DEACONS, page 6

CHARLOTTE — This spring, family practice physician Dr. Matthew Harrison was a man on a mission.

When he set off on a 12-day trip to Ghana in West Africa he knew he would be providing medical aid for countless locals in rural parts of the country.

What he didn’t know was how profoundly his faith would be deepened by the experience.

Harrison was part of a team who went on a Helping Hands Medical Mission April 24–May 5.

The Helping Hands Medical Mission is a Catholic nonprofit organization providing medical aid in rural areas of developing countries, according to its Web site.

This was the second

Mary and the miracles

First deacons in diocese celebrate 25 years of service CHARLOTTE — A quarter of a century ago, a group of men paved the way for all those to follow in their footsteps of faith.

In May, the first group

KATIE MOORE staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Eleven priests celebrating jubilee anniversaries were recognized, along with Bishop Peter J. Jugis, during a Mass at the biannual priests’ convocation in Asheville June 10.

The jubilees, or special anniversaries, mark 25-, 50-, 55- and 60-year milestones of service to the priesthood.

Celebrating 60 years is Jesuit Father William Lynch; 55 years are Father Joseph Kelleher, Msgr. Thomas Walsh and Benedictine Father Kenneth Geyer; 50 years are Father Richard McCue, Jesuit Father Vincent de Paul Alagia, Benedictine Father David Kissinger, Redemptorist Father Edward Gray and Franciscan Capuchin Father Jude Duffy;

by

no. 32

A man on a mission of mercy

KATIE MOORE

See PRIESTS, page 9

vOLUME 17

CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec

A woman refreshes herself Feb. 12 with water that comes from the spring uncovered by St. Bernadette Soubirous at the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

HENDERSONVILLE — Two men recently spoke about their personal miracles from Our Lady of Lourdes.

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin was the guest speaker at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville June 8.

Invited by Capuchin Father John Aurelia, pastor,

Bishop Curlin’s talk was in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, France.

Joining the presentation was Ron Garcia, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and a former member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America. Garcia attributes the healing of his See LOURDES, page 4

Grace-filled lives

Culture Watch

Not just for kicks

Education vicar retires; priests celebrate 10-year anniversaries

Vatican musical on Mary; music of mission churches

Teens build camaraderie through soccer camp

| Pages 7,8

| Pages 10-11

| Page 16

June 27, 2008

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The presidents of bishops’ conferences associated with the Group of Eight industrialized nations have urged government leaders to honor their commitments to reduce global poverty and address climate change.

In a letter released less than three weeks before the July 7-9 summit of the Group of Eight leaders in Toyako, Japan, the bishops called upon the presidents of the convening countries to “reaffirm and build upon the substantial commitments” made at summits in 2005 and 2007.

The G-8 includes Russia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was joined by the presidents of bishops’ conferences in other G-8 countries in reminding the leaders of their promise to spend $50 billion annually on development

Man of the cloth

CNS photo courtesy of Goods of Conscience

A model displays a selection from an organic clothing line designed by Father Andrew O’Connor, assistant pastor at Holy Family Church in New York. His new organic clothing line, Goods of Conscience, promotes his church’s social teachings by providing healthy labor opportunities for poor workers in Guatemala and the East Bronx section of New York.

Priest’s new fashion line helps Guatemalan village NEW YORK (CNS) — At first glance, the scene seemed typical. In one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, models strutted down the aisle amid flashing bulbs, pulsating music and a Chardonnay-sipping crowd. The designer promoting this fashion line was clad in New York-requisite black.

But his collar was square and white.

Father Andrew O’Connor is a Catholic priest. His new organic clothing line, Goods of Conscience, promotes the church’s social teachings by providing healthy labor opportunities for poor workers in Guatemala and the East Bronx section of New York.

Hand-woven, technicolor and ruggedly formal, Father O’Connor’s creations are made from naturally grown cotton. He uses raw dyes such as yellow wood and black walnut.

“It’s really great fabric,” said model Camilla Barungi, a finalist in the third season of the hit cable TV series “Project Runway,” as she showed off her fulllength indigo skirt and short-sleeved beige top. “It may not be silk charmeuse,” she added, but the ecofriendly style “is the future of clothes.”

Father O’Connor sells the garments from his Bronx workshop by appointment. They aren’t cheap; shirts are priced in the $300 range, and a silk-batted ski jacket goes for $1,200.

“The construction of the cloth is superb,” said David Rose, owner and chief designer of the wholesale clothing company Ascari.

And unlike other fancy duds, these products come packaged with a

Bishops urge G-8 nations to recommit to fight poverty, climate change

heartwarming story.

It starts in the southwestern mountains of Guatemala, in the small Mayan village of Chicacao, where members of the Tzutujil tribe live with no electricity.

While on retreat there in 2005, Father O’Connor discovered villagers were struggling to preserve an ancient practice of making cloth from local ingredients from the nearby volcanic lake.

Moved by the craftsmanship that went into weaving — the material for one shirt takes up to 15 days to create — and disheartened by the villagers’ meager wages, Father O’Connor hatched a plan to pay the workers to ship some of the fabric to New York.

Using a vacant convent attached to Holy Family Church near the Cross Bronx Expressway, where he is assistant pastor, the priest began employing immigrant seamstresses to make clothes based on his designs.

Soon after, with the help of donations, the Goods of Conscience brand was born.

The clothes “look good, feel good and do good,” said Father O’Connor, noting that money shipped back to Guatemala has already helped build portions of a church, school and roadway.

“It’s a clothing line with a mission.”

Father O’Connor said wearers of his clothes become part of a “cultural narrative” by helping preserve an indigenous Mayan craft threatened by mass-produced imports. “ I t ’s a w i n - w i n , w i n - w i n win situation,” said the Ascari company’s Rose.

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

ALBEMARLE VICARIATE

MONROE — A holy hour is held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 725 Deese St., until December 2008 in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes. The holy hour consists of evening prayer, recitation of the rosary and Benediction. The celebration is open to all. For more information, contact the parish office at (704) 289-2773.

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

ASHEVILLE — A presentation on “The Catholic Church’s Case for Comprehensive Immigration Reform” will take place Wednesday, July 9, at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall of St. Eugene Church. Antonio Cube, national director of the U.S. bishops’ Justice for Immigrants campaign, will present. For directions, visit www.steugene. org and click on “Getting Here.” The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office, the Asheville Vicariate and Catholic Social Services’ Western Regional Office. For more information on this topic, visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

BOONE VICARIATE

SPRUCE PINE — A rosary of intercession for

assistance — with half going to Africa — by 2010.

“This commitment must be met and additional commitments should be made in the areas of health care, education and humanitarian aid,” the bishops wrote.

Citing the current world food crisis, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and a growing concern about malaria and other diseases, the bishops called upon the leaders to consider proposals that would ease access to food in poor communities, increase health and education spending, and “move toward just world trade policies that respect the dignity of the human person in their working life.”

Promoting self-help and the empowerment of poor people to be “drivers of their own development” are key to such efforts, the bishops said.

They also urged action to ease the impact of climate change on the world’s poor in developed and developing countries. priests is recited each Friday at St. Lucien Church, 695 Summit St., before the 9 a.m. Mass. Prayers are offered for bishops, priests and deacons, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. For more information, call the church office at (828) 765-2224.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate a Mass for U.S. military personnel on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East. The Mass and rosary (to be recited at 2:30 p.m.) will be offered for all military personnel who have died and for those who are now serving. All military personnel are invited to come in uniform. Photos of those who have died or who are now serving in the military will be displayed in the cathedral vestibule prior to the Mass. To include your loved one, please mail a photocopy of them with their name and military rank on the back of the picture to Nancy Weber, Office of the Bishop, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 to be received no later than July 2, 2008. (Photocopies of pictures will not be returned) CHARLOTTE — A presentation on “The Catholic Church’s Case for Comprehensive Immigration Reform” will take place Tuesday, July 8, at 1 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room of the diocesan Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.). Antonio Cube, national director of the U.S. bishops’ Justice for Immigrants campaign, will present. Cold drinks and light refreshments will be provided. For directions, visit www.charlottediocese.org/contactus.html. This event is sponsored by diocesan Hispanic Ministry and Catholic Social Services; it is free and open to the public. For more information on this topic, please visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

CHARLOTTE — The Special Religious Development Program of St. Matthew Church and the ARC of Mecklenburg County will present a

June 27, 2 008 Volume 17 • Number 32

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray STAFF WRITER: Katie Moore Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

June 27, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope appeals for stability, religious freedom in Middle East

Vatican official says ‘Humanae Vitae’ defends freedom of women

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI appealed to world leaders to help bring peace, stability and true religious freedom to the Middle East.

“Peace is the only path that will also address the serious problem of the displaced and refugees and stop emigration, especially of Christians, which deeply hurts the Eastern churches,” he said in a June 19 speech to representatives of Catholic communities in the Middle East and to Catholic aid agencies that assist them.

During a private audience with some 80 participants of a Vatican meeting of funding agencies for Eastern churches, the pope thanked the representatives for their dedication to offering desperately needed aid and support to Christian communities, especially in the Holy Land, which are “vital for the whole church.”

The pope said he shared the pain of Christians in the Holy Land and said he was praying “fervently to be able to visit

in person” and for lasting peace.

The pope urged the church funding agencies, whose umbrella organization is known by its acronym, ROACO, to continue with their support of Iraqi Christians, including the internally displaced and those living in difficult conditions as refugees.

Pope Benedict highlighted the recent developments promoting “dialogue and mutual understanding” in Lebanon and said he hoped this nation would fulfill its “vocation to be for the Middle East and the world a sign of the real possibility for peaceful and constructive coexistence between peoples.”

He also said he hoped the June 22 beatification in Lebanon of Capuchin Father Jacques Haddad would “touch the hearts of young Lebanese Christians today” so that they, too, can lead “an evangelical life at the service of the poor” and be faithful witnesses of the Catholic faith in the Arab world.

seminar titled “Transitions: What Happens After High School?” on Saturday June 28, 9 a.m.– 12 p.m. in the Banquet Room at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. The program will cover topics of interest to parents of children with developmental disabilities, including job coaching, counseling services and estate planning. For more information, call (704) 341-8978.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

Gathered for God

GASTONIA VICARIATE

DENVER — The Blanketeers of Holy Spirit Church hold periodic workshops to make security blankets for seriously ill and traumatized children through Project Linus, a nonprofit organization.

The next workshop will be July 19, 9:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. For more information, call the church office at (704) 483-6448 or visit www.projectlinus.org.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE

GREENSBORO —Area Catholics meet each Saturday at 8 a.m. for prayer at the abortion clinic, A Woman’s Choice, 201 Pomona Dr. A rosary and a divine mercy chaplet are prayed. If you are interested in participating, contact Carolyn Dominick at (336) 292-3612.

HICKORY — A charismatic Mass is celebrated the first Thursday of each month in Sebastian Chapel of St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. NE, at 7 p.m. For further information, contact Joan Moran (828)-327-0487.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

SALISBURY — Our Lady Rosary Makers of Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St., are making cord rosaries for the missions and the military. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month in the church office conference room, 10-11 a.m. For more information, call Cathy Yochim at (704) 636-6857 or Joan Kaczmarezyk at (704) 797-8405.

calendar

MURPHY — Scripture study of the Gospel of John and the Johannine Letters is being offered now through the first week in August at St. William Church, 765 Andrews Rd. The classes are held on Mondays,10-11:30 a.m. and on Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Each session includes reflection on Scripture, commentary, daily questions and a brief synopsis. For more information, contact Michelle Calascione at (828) 837-2000.

CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., has eucharistic adoration each Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. For more details, call Donna at (336) 940-2558 or Carole at (336) 766-4530.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public?

Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to kmmoore@charlottediocese. org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

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

July 2 (9:30 a.m.)

Inauguration of Catholic Voices Web site Raleigh July 6 (3 p.m.)

Mass for military personnel St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

might degrade her greatness as a person, wife and mother, reducing her to an object of pleasure,” he said.

Cardinal Re made his remarks in a keynote address at the Rome meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals, which had as its theme this year’s 40th anniversary of “Humanae Vitae.”

The cardinal said a careful reading of the encyclical today shows that its teaching tries to persuade rather than coerce. The pope’s aim was not to force consciences but to enlighten them, he said.

The encyclical’s teaching against contraceptives, Cardinal Re said, is framed in the context of a very positive discourse on human love, highlighting the deep connection between human sexuality and the possibility of life.

“The text of the encyclical proposes a sure path that Catholics ought to follow with confidence: a path that is a ‘yes’ to life, a ‘yes’ to the Creator,” he said.

Its pronouncement on the intrinsically evil character of contraception, the cardinal added, is “a teaching to be held as irreformable.”

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

HICKORY VICARIATE

Episcopal

MAGGIE VALLEY — A presentation on “The Catholic Church’s Case for Comprehensive Immigration Reform” will take place Thursday, July 10, at 10 a.m. in the Tiffin Room at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane. Antonio Cube, national director of the U.S. bishops’ Justice for Immigrants campaign, will present. For directions, go to www.catholicretreat.org.

This event is sponsored by the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office, the Smoky Mountain Vicariate and Catholic Social Services.

For more information on this topic, visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although bitterly criticized as burdensome on Catholic couples when it was published in 1968, the encyclical “Humanae Vitae” has ended up defending the freedom of women and the fullness of married love, a top Vatican official said.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said in mid-June that the encyclical on married love and procreation, which held that artificial birth control is morally wrong, has defended the value and sacred character of human love against a strictly technological approach.

Cardinal Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, said doctrinal analysis and pastoral experience over the last 40 years have shown that “the encyclical, which at first appeared to be restrictive, in reality has actually safeguarded the unity and fullness of conjugal love.”

It has also “defended the freedom of women, the responsibility of married couples and the autonomy of people in developing countries,” he said.

“The encyclical is not simply a ‘no’ to contraception but also a defense of the dignity of woman against whatever

July 7 (6 p.m.)

Installation of Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar to ministry of acolyte St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte July 12 (5:30 p.m.)

Installation of Father Christopher Roux as rector and pastor St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

CNS photo by Robert J. Galbraith

Catholics gather at Quebec City’s Agora amphitheater, the final destination of a eucharistic procession June 19. The procession was part of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress.

ATTENTION READERS The Catholic News & Herald is currently on its bi-monthly printing schedule. Our next issue will be Friday, July 11.

Have a news event or story idea to share? Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore at (704) 370-3354 or kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

For photos of recent diocesan events, visit www.charlottediocese.org.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Bishop Curlin discusses healing power of Lourdes LOURDES, from page 1

illnesses to Lourdes water.

Lourdes attracts more than 6 million pilgrims annually and will host a visit

by Pope Benedict XVI in September for its jubilee year, marking the anniversary of the apparitions. The jubilee began last Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and ends this Dec. 8. The apparitions were officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1862.

Bishop Curlin’s dedication to Our Lady of Lourdes began as a child in his grandmother’s home.

“She had a plastic shrine of Lourdes, with a blue vigil light,” said Bishop Curlin. “We would kneel in front of it and say the rosary.”

St. Bernadette was a poor, illiterate 14-year-old when Mary appeared to her in the grotto at Lourdes.

Over the course of five months, St. Bernadette saw Mary 18 times. During one of the apparitions, she instructed St. Bernadette to dig in dirt at the grotto and told her to drink of the water, though no water was there. Once St. Bernadette began to dig, the Lourdes water was revealed, and its healing properties have become renowned over the last 150 years.

Since 1883, the Lourdes Medical Bureau — which gathers medical information for a French doctor appointed by the bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes — has examined the records of more than 7,000 people claiming they were cured after visiting the Lourdes sanctuaries. Of these, 67 cures have been considered miracles.

Garcia believes he has been cured by Lourdes water.

He suffered immensely for 30 years from both asthma and allergies, and despite various medications and treatments, nothing helped. “The doctor said there was something wrong with my immune system,” he said.

Then, 14 years ago, Garcia received Lourdes water from a Franciscan in New York and immediately saw a difference in his condition. Garcia was tested by his doctor, who found him to have the lung capacity of a man almost half his age.

“I am a living example of what happened at Lourdes 150 years ago,” said Garcia.

Through 16 pilgrimages to Lourdes, Bishop Curlin has witnessed many miracles, but he said the greatest miracles are of the spirit, not the flesh.

“Our Lady told Bernadette, ‘I cannot promise you happiness in this world, only in the next,’” said Bishop Curlin.

“So many sick go there and they leave there sick,” he said. “What is changed is in their hearts. God moves you where he wants you, if your heart is ready for it. You go where God wants you to go; you say what God wants you to say.”

Of the millions who visit Lourdes each year and the thousands who are sick, many are not asking to be cured, said

June 27, 2008

Photo by Kathleen Healy Schmieder

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin speaks about Our Lady of Lourdes at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville June 8.

Bishop Curlin.

“They are asking, ‘Give me the faith to bear this,’” he said. “The message of Lourdes is to take your faith seriously.

Lourdes makes you see things through the eyes of Jesus,” said Bishop Curlin.

Bishop Curlin recounted his visits with Mother Teresa — both in Washington, D.C. and in the streets of Calcutta, India. Her faith walked through a deep darkness, he said, but her work as Jesus’ hands persevered despite that — a characteristic she shared with St. Bernadette.

“In your life, there are moments when you feel momentarily forgotten by God,” Bishop Curlin told the audience.

“Then there is the dark night, total darkness where you are praying ‘Oh, God!’ and nothing comes back to you.

We have all heard of Mother Teresa’s dark night. She said to God, ‘I give you my emptiness, my darkness.’”

Witnessing the struggles of those who went to Lourdes on crutches, in wheelchairs, with incurable disease and despair, Bishop Curlin said he found himself moving into the darkness of others to be the hands of Jesus in that holy place.

“Lourdes says, ‘Take him off the cross.’ Bernadette found Christ when scrubbing floors or pots and pans,” said Bishop Curlin. “‘Jesus captured my heart,’ she said.”

Bishop Curlin was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago and treated successfully. He currently faces a diagnosis of blindness within the next few years due to a hereditary condition.

Looking to the miracles of Lourdes, Bishop Curlin said he faces this diagnosis with a calm acceptance.

“The greatest miracle [of Lourdes] is what happens inside you. I’d rather see with my heart than my eyes,” he said. “I pray if I lose my sight, don’t let me lose the sight of my heart.”

“Once you meet Jesus, you see your life more clearly,” he said.

Contributing to this article was Catholic News Service.

Review shows parish funds missing

Pastor declines to press charges in matter CHARLOTTE — Parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte recently learned of alleged embezzlement at the parish.

Capuchin Franciscan Father Jude Duffy, pastor, read a statement regarding the situation at each Mass June 7-8.

According to the statement, a review of parish finances was conducted by the finance office of the Diocese of Charlotte.

The review showed $8,500 had been removed, without proper authorization, from parish finances.

As a result of the findings, a member of the parish staff, Glain Lewis, is no longer in the employ of Our Lady of Consolation Church.

The investigation did not implicate

any member of the clergy or other staff members of Our Lady of Consolation Church.

Diocesan officials reported the findings of their review to the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department.

However, no arrest has been made in the case because Father Duffy declined to press charges.

“As Christians we believe in forgiveness. It is important that we embrace what Christ would do if he were placed in such a situation,” said Father Duffy.

His announcement regarding the dropping of charges was met with applause by the congregation during Mass.

June 27, 2008

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

FOCUSing on mission work Missionary training underway at Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — Nearly 200 young adults are training to be Catholic missionaries at Belmont Abbey College this summer.

FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is training its fulltime staff members at the college for five weeks, which started May 31.

Colorado-based FOCUS, a national student outreach organization, has a presence of more than 150 missionaries ministering to thousands of students on 38 college campuses in 18 states.

“FOCUS could have chosen from any number of outstanding colleges to host their summer training this year.

The fact that they selected the Abbey represents quite a coup for the college and the whole community,” said Rhonda Eason, Belmont Abbey College events coordinator, who headed up a campuswide team effort to bring FOCUS to Belmont.

The college typically hosts several camps, retreats and other kinds of events during the summer, but the FOCUS

training session will be one of the largest summer events in college history.

“Under the leadership of Abbot Placid Solari and president Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Belmont Abbey College is providing a strong and faithful Catholic presence in the south,” said Curtis Martin, FOCUS founder and president.

“We are honored to host our staff training at Belmont Abbey. The Abbey’s staff has rolled out the red carpet to welcome us, and the campus will be an excellent setting to encourage prayer, community-building and the formation of our staff,” he said.

FOCUS summer training is one part graduate school, one part boot camp and one part retreat. Participants take courses in Scripture, apologetics, discipleship, church teaching and fundraising. Noted Catholic speakers and teachers are involved.

In addition to coursework, the participants take part in daily prayer, daily Mass, reconciliation, practical workshops and team building.

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Matthew Harrison of Concord talks to the chief of the Bibiani tribe while on a medical mission in Ghana, Africa April 24-May 5. Harrison, along with several other doctors and volunteers, treated a total of 1,500 patients during the trip.

Mission trip to Africa provides spiritual renewal for local doctor MISSION, from page 1

medical mission trip for Harrison, a parishioner of St. James the Greater Church in Concord. He went on his first to Mexico last year.

“One of the reasons I am getting involved in missions is in the hopes that my kids will be able to join me on missions to experience helping others and see how people of other cultures worship,” said Harrison.

Harrison and his wife have six children with one on the way.

“My main mission is to my family,” he said, “and bringing my children closer to God.” He said he wants his children to realize how blessed they are and to get a glimpse of the poverty-stricken conditions in other parts of the world.

In Ghana, “people live in houses that are basically slabs of concrete on a dirt floor with a tin roof,” said Harrison.

“People walk two to five miles to come sit in the sun all day to see a doctor,” he said.

“Here (in the United States) people get frustrated when they have to wait 10 minutes,” he added.

All Helping Hands Medical Missions are set up to follow a retreat-like format.

There is a mission priest on every trip.

A typical day includes morning prayers and meditation, Mass, work at the clinic, night prayers, spiritual counseling and confession.

For the first day or two of the mission, the focus is on evangelization; the missionaries go door-to-door in the community asking for prayers. Next, they make home visits to care for sick people who can’t make it to the clinic.

Finally they spend about five days working at the clinic sites.

Harrison’s mission took place in Bibiani, a town about 250 miles northwest of Accra, the capital of Ghana.

“I was blessed to be able to run the medical clinics and even got to pitch in on pulling teeth with our dentist,” he said.

Other volunteers included an orthopedic surgeon, urologist, pharmacist

and several non-medical professionals.

They treated a total of 1,500 patients during the week.

“We get much more out of it than the people we help,” he said. “It really is a spiritual renewal.”

“I think it helps the missionaries themselves to know how they can give out what God has given them to share with other people,” said Father Simon Assamoah, the mission priest in Bibiani.

When asked how the local people responded to the missionaries, Father Assamoah said, “it was fantastic.”

“For them to see a group of about 21 Americans come into the community — into their homes, praying with them, giving out rosaries — it gave a real hope to the people,” he said.

Harrison said he was impressed with the vibrant faith of the local people.

“The Sunday Mass is about three hours long,” he said.

During the week, local Catholics get up early to go to Mass at 5:30 a.m., before they start work on the farms and in the mines.

The Catholic community in Bibiani is “very dynamic,” said Father Assamoah.

“It is a growing church and the people are very enthusiastic about their faith.”

“They love to spend time with God,” he added.

Both Harrison and his medical partner Dr. Daniel Holland, a Catholic, are committed to doing one international medical mission a year.

But even when they’re not crossing borders, they strive to maintain that mission objective in their own family clinic by providing medical care with a Christian focus.

Father Assamoah is currently visiting the United States and will be in Charlotte July 31–Aug. 6.

“Dr. Matt (Harrison) has become a contact person” for the Bibiani mission, he said. “He has seen the needs of the people.”

“I am coming to thank his community for giving him the opportunity to come to Bibiani,” said Father Assamoah.

“The mission was really worthwhile,” said Father Assamoah. “It really inspired the faith of the people and I’m sure it also inspired the faith of the missionaries.”

6 The Catholic News & Herald

vocations

June 27, 2008

First deacons in diocese celebrate 25 years of service DEACONS, from page 1

of permanent deacons ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte celebrated their 25th anniversaries of ordination.

The 19 deacons were ordained to the permanent diaconate by then-Bishop Michael J. Begley before more than 2,000 people at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte May 29, 1983.

“We couldn’t believe 19 of us drew all those people. It was quite an event,” said Deacon Harold Markle, permanent deacon at St. John Baptiste de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro.

The diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry. As ordained ministers, permanent deacons may perform baptisms, witness marriages and assist in various liturgies of the church.

The permanent deacon is the only ordained man allowed to be married.

However, if a deacon’s wife passes away, he is not allowed to remarry. If a man is single, he is not allowed to marry after ordination.

Enter the trendsetters In January 1980, Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of Charlotte, announced the formation of the permanent diaconate program in the diocese.

“The more I read (about it), the more excited and interested I became,” said Deacon Markle. “My wife said she would support me all the way ….”

Deacon Andy Cilone had been active in the church all his life. “I saw the permanent diaconate as another step in my work in the church … to learn and educate others about my faith,” said Deacon Cilone, permanent deacon at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. “I talked it over with my wife and kids. We decided that I would apply. If it was meant to be, I’d be chosen.”

By September 1980, Deacons Cilone and Markel were among the 21 candidates, under the direction of thenFather (now Msgr.) Anthony Kovacic, to attend the opening weekend program at Sacred Heart College in Belmont.

There, Msgr. Marvin LeFrois, permanent diaconate program director in the Diocese of Savannah, Ga., explained how the program and how deacons were serving in his diocese.

“It was a learning process — we had no role models,” said Deacon Markle.

“The priests we’d be assisting didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t know what to expect.”

“It was scary at first,” said Deacon Cilone. “We referred to ourselves as the guinea pigs.”

The three-year program covered four main topics: church history and mission; the sacraments; Scripture; and the liturgy and the deacons’ participation at Mass, baptisms, wakes and weddings.

“Going in, we didn’t know how awesome the program was going to be,” said Deacon Markle.

Of the 21 candidates, 19 proudly processed into Ovens Auditorium to

Archive Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Deacon Andy Cilone launches into a ballad during his concert at the Hodges Visitor Center in Forest City May 24, 2002. Deacon Cilone believes his music and diaconate ministry enhance each other.

“My ministry is in the church, but so is my singing,” he said. “I expand my ministry by singing, and I bring my music outside the church.” be ordained in 1983. Two men were ordained later and went on to become priests for the diocese.

Not all of those first deacons are still alive; in addition, some have retired and some have moved out of the diocese. But a strong camaraderie existed between them then, and still does today.

“It was a special group. We were like a fraternity. We looked out for one another,” said Deacon Markle.

“We grew as a family — the 19 men and the wives,” said Deacon Cilone.

Over the years The first permanent deacons were ordained to serve in their parishes. But then-Bishop William G. Curlin later told them, said Deacon Markle, that “we were ordained not for our parishes, but for where we were needed.”

Deacon Markle said being transferred to another parish was a “good experience.”

“You go there not as a parishioner but as a deacon. You get to know the people and how you can help,” he said.

Deacon Markle’s desire to help led him to prison, hospice and AIDS ministries, and most recently to volunteer work at a local hospital — “I keep them in stitches,” he said — and in Hispanic ministry. Deacon Markle, who turns 80 in August, is learning Spanish to better assist Hispanic parishioners.

“Our diocese is becoming diversified with many nationalities, primarily Hispanics. We must rise to the occasion and plan for that. We have an obligation to bring the communities together as one.”

“The church is growing and the outreach is greater,” said Deacon Cilone.

Regarding the growing number of cultures in the diocese, Deacon Cilone said, “Variety is the spice of life. They’ve added to the flavor of the diocese.”

In July 2003, the permanent diaconate expanded its duties considerably by taking over the diocesan prison ministry program.

Many deacons visit prisons on a regular basis to offer Communion services, Bible studies and counseling to prisoners.

Deacon Andy Cilone, who has been involved with prison ministry for almost

Archive photo by Deacon Gerald Potkay

Deacon Harold Markle (left) and Father John Hanic are pictured during the Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. John Baptiste de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro Sept. 21, 2002. As ordained ministers, permanent deacons may perform baptisms, witness marriages and assist in various church liturgies.

20 years and has won two volunteer of the year awards for his work, said the inmates’ sincere desire for change is what makes prison ministry so attractive to him.

These are “men who, once they are in prison, start leaning towards religion and spirituality. They start reading the Bible,” he said.

Deacon Cilone said prison ministry is not designed to convert prisoners to Catholicism, but rather to help them develop their spiritual lives and “let it take them wherever it takes them.”

Deacons today Candidates now go through approximately six years of diaconate training, including two years in the diocesan lay ministry training program.

The application process is extensive, involving interviewing and collection of credentials and recommendations. After the application process is complete, candidates enter aspirancy, the initial step in the diaconate process.

For about six months, each aspirant prayerfully reflects on his call to the ministry. The academic phase of the training begins soon after for those who are selected to continue. Current minimum requirements for aspirants include being a Catholic for at least five years, being at least 35 years old but not having reached age 65 by 2014.

Candidates must posses a spirit of openness and prayer, humility, faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus and a willingness to spread the Gospel through word and actions, according to Deacon Louis Pais, director of the permanent diaconate for the diocese.

“That is what the concept of the diaconate is all about,” he said.

Deacon Markle said he would do it all over again today.

“After a while, it (the permanent diaconate) becomes a part of your life.

God has been good to me … everything that has happened in my life has been with God’s help.”

Deacon Cilone had similar sentiments. “When I look back, I see God’s hand leading me in different directions as needed — everything

seemed to flow together,” he said.

For those considering the permanent diaconate, he recommended being “ready to give and apply yourself. Being a deacon is demanding but very rewarding at the same time.”

FIRST DEACONS FOR THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE Deacon Andrew Cilone Deacon Charles Desautels Deacon James Dixon Deacon John Doyle Deacon John Gallen Deacon Joseph Garavaglia Deacon Gerald Hickey Deacon Charles Knight Deacon Joseph Mack Jr. Deacon Franklin Manning Sr. Deacon Harold Markle Deacon Hugo May Deacon Dennis O’Madigan Deacon Joseph Schumacher Deacon Joseph Smith Deacon Rudolph Triana Deacon Patrick Vallandingham Deacon Josef Vandermeer Deacon Paul Watson

June 27, 2008

Completing a chapter in the ‘book of life’

vocations

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Father Hawker retires from leading, educating the faithful in the Diocese of Charlotte by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

MINT HILL — Hundreds of people flooded the room to celebrate the retirement of their pastor, and their friend.

The retirement party for Father James Hawker, pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill, was held at the church June 7.

Father Hawker, who turned 70 this year, is retiring after 45 years of priestly ministry. He has served St. Luke Church as pastor since 2001, and the Diocese of Charlotte as vicar of education since 1995.

“My assignment in the Diocese of Charlotte has been a grace-filled experience,” said Father Hawker.

“During the past 13 years, I’ve been enriched greatly by the quality of faith exemplified by the priests, religious and laity of the diocese,” he said. “It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to serve in this area of the Lord’s vineyard.”

Ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in February 1963, his first parish assignment was at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church in Waltham, Mass.

“My pastor said, ‘Father, you’re in

charge of the CCD,’” he recalled.

T h e p a r i s h ’s C o n f r a t e r n i t y of Christian Doctrine, or religious education, classes consisted of 1,800 elementary school and 500 high school students at the time.

“That was a baptism of fire,” said Father Hawker. “But my love for catechetics has grown since then.”

Father Hawker received master’s degrees in psychology and religious education, and a master of divinity degree in theology. He served in the Archdiocese of Boston in a variety of ministries, including parish work, assistant headmaster of Cardinal Cushing Academy in West Newbury and director of religious education for the archdiocese.

He also held memberships on the archdiocese’s liturgical commission, justice and peace commission, lay ministry commission and the CatholicJewish Committee. He was a lecturer of catechetics and homiletics at St. John’s Seminary and catechetics at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Boston.

His studies and experience with religious education led him to foster

Archive photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Father James Hawker speaks at a parish catechetical leaders’ retreat at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory Jan. 13, 2005.

Catholicism beyond the archdiocese.

In the 1980s, he served as president of the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) National Conference of Directors of Religious Education and Chief Administrators of Catholic Education committees.

He also served as a member of the board of directors for the NCEA. From 1990 to 1995, he served as a consultant to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy in the area of catechetics.

“Every continent and many countries were represented there, and I was privileged to represent the United States during the congregation’s annual gatherings,” said Father Hawker.

“Two areas that we considered were the forthcoming catechism of the Catholic Church and adult catechetics,” he said. “It was during that time that then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger met with and addressed us.”

Father Hawker next put his gift for catechetics to use when he transferred at then-Bishop William G. Curlin’s request to the Diocese of Charlotte to become the vicar for education in 1995.

“A vicar for education is delegated by the bishop to oversee the educational mission of the diocese, its parishes and schools,” said Father Hawker. “He is responsible for ensuring that the educational vision of the bishop is implemented.”

In addition to his vicar duties, Father Hawker returned to parish work. He said it has been a joy to serve as pastor of St. Luke Church for the last seven years.

“I’ve been impressed deeply by the generosity of spirit of the parishioners,” he said. “They’ve been and are extremely attentive and responsive to the social Gospel whereby they, like all Christians, are called to manifest the care and compassion of Jesus himself toward the poor, needy and outcast.”

Upon his retirement in July, Father Hawker will return to the Archdiocese of Boston, where he actively served for 32 years.

“I am looking forward to being of service to the incarcerated and those who are victims of addiction,” he said.

“Naturally, I shall serve in whatever manner that is helpful to parishes in need of assistance.”

Father Hawker said he is grateful for the time he spent in North Carolina.

“To Bishop Curlin who invited me here to assist in the educational mission of the diocese, and to the priests of the diocese for their exemplary spirit of welcome and fraternity, I express deep gratitude,” he said.

“In my view, the book of life is a compilation of chapters. As I return to Boston, the chapter related to the Diocese of Charlotte and the parish of St. Luke will be closed,” he said. “However, its influence will live on in my life — for that, I am very grateful, as I continue to be bound to this community in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334, or e-mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

June 27, 2008

vocations

With the grace of God

Four priests celebrate 10 years of service by

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent

HENDERSONVILLE — “I pray every day: Lord, if you choose me, let me be a good, holy, simple, humble priest,” said Father Peter Pham, priest in residence at St. Joseph Church in Charlotte.

“Let me reflect the image of God, the image of Christ. Let me be a good priest,” he said.

Father Pham is one of four priests in the Diocese of Charlotte who celebrated the 10th anniversary of their priestly ordinations June 6.

The 1998 ordination of Father Pham, Father Dean Cesa, Father Christopher Davis and Father Matthew Leonard marked their vows to undertake journeys of service to God through the vocation of the priesthood.

“It has gone so fast,” noted Father Davis, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro.

Reflecting on the last 10 years, the priests shared a sense of humility and commitment to follow God’s call to serve his people.

“At the beginning, it is like a marriage, a beautiful honeymoon,” said Father Pham.

The reality of a priest’s daily work within a parish also reflects a marriage, requiring the support of both the priest and the parish to establish a solid foundation and life.

As with any vocation, there are often frustrations that require daily recommitment to their vows. With prayer and dedication, they continue to serve, facing challenges and overcoming hurdles with a willingness to give of themselves every day.

“It is a beautiful and scary thing,” said Father Leonard, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir, regarding the dual nature of the priesthood. “At one point you give yourself over to the providence of God and say, ‘Do with me what you will,’ and you trust.”

Heading the call to serve requires prayer and also a love of serving. For some the gifts of being a priest come through what they give to others.

“As a priest, I have the ability to reach out to different cultures ... but there is much more to it,” said Father Davis.

“My hope is to get closer to God, to bring people into the love and knowledge of God,” he said. “In that is the salvation

of souls — mine and those of the people I serve.”

“The greatest gift is to be able to know Christ better by serving people,” said Father Leonard. “Do ministry, do what’s right in front of you right now.

If you think about being a priest, do whatever you can find in the church to serve others, because that’s what a priest does, whatever needs to be done.”

“Always make primary what God wants you to do,” said Father Cesa, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, in regard to following a priestly vocation.

“We should focus on the two sacraments we repeat — Eucharist and reconciliation. The Eucharist is the center of all we do,” he said.

“Pope Benedict XVI tells us it’s not the love you receive, but the love you give that matters,” said Father Pham.

“We need to be ready to die for the love of Christ.”

In his vocation, Father Pham, a native of Vietnam, said he receives support from his flock and his pastor, Father Peter Tan Van Le, who recently celebrated his 35th anniversary to the priesthood.

“The grace of God is always with me, in good and bad times,” said Father Pham. “In 10 years, you go through this and that. It’s not an easy path, but God loves me so much.”

“He walks with me and he carries me through. If you think you are called, just do it! Go with great confidence,” he said.

The priests aspire to continue walking with God and ministering to their people.

“I hope to continue serving the people, serving God,” said Father Cesa.

“I am glad I’m a priest,” said Father Leonard. In reflecting on the last 10 years, he added, “It makes me look forward to the next 20 and 30 years.”

“I recently returned from a retreat and at the end of it I found myself thinking, ‘I want to go home. I want to go home to my parish and my parishioners,’” said Father Davis.

“If God had given me the chance to do it all over again,” he said, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Archive Photo by Mary Marshall

Father Dean Cesa (center) is joined by Father Manuel Sundaram and prayer group members on the altar for the consecration during the 35th anniversary celebration of the charismatic renewal at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte June 9, 2002.

The Diocese of Charlotte

invites you, your family and friends to escape winter and join with Fr. Mo West to

June 27, 2008

vocations

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Jubilarian priests reflect on years of service PRIESTS, from page 1

and 25 years are Father John Hanic and Father John Schneider.

Over the years, these men have served as witnesses to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte through the example of their lives and their faith. The Catholic News & Herald spoke with a few of the priests and asked them to reflect on their tenures and share some of their insights on the priesthood, the diocese and living the faith. Here is what they had to say.

What have you enjoyed most about being a priest?

“I always enjoyed the experience of going to a new part of North Carolina.

And then of course working with the people. Because of our nature and being spread over a large area, we got to meet a lot of people from all parts of the state.”

—Msgr. Thomas Walsh, a 55-year jubilarian “I think the most enriching ministry of the priesthood is the ministry to the sick and suffering — working with the people especially

when suffering by (approaching) death.”

—Father Joseph Kelleher, a 55-year jubilarian “The Mass and the sacramental ministry.”

—Father Richard McCue, a 50-year jubilarian “I’ve always liked people and I thank God because it means a lot to make people feel welcome.”

—Jesuit Father Vincent de Paul Alagia, a 50-year jubilarian “Working with God’s people.”

—Father John Schneider, 25-year jubilarian and pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville How has the diocese changed?

“My very first parish was in Wadesboro. At that point when I went there in 1957, there were just 40 children and 28 adults, and of course that has changed so much. North Carolina has become much more urban than it was.

(Back then) they told me to be careful driving on the highway because there might be a mule on the road. I actually missed a hog once.”

—Msgr.Walsh

Archive Photo

Father John Hanic and Father John Schneider are pictured as transitional deacons during a gathering in Maggie Valley July 20, 1982. The two men were ordained as priests in 1983.

“Well there were a lot of the liturgical changes as a result of the Second Vatican Council, (particularly) increased participation of lay men and women in the work of the church.”

—Father McCue What are you doing now?

“I love the work and I love the kids.

I think the ministry to the high school is just the presence to be there for them.

It’s a terrific ministry. I tell them now, ‘Even after I’m gone I’ll still be looking out for you. So be careful, if you’re up to something I may come back and haunt you, and boy would I scare you.’”

—Father Joseph Kelleher, chaplain to Bishop McGuiness High School in Kernersville “I’m a senior priest — which means that I help. I promised Bishop (William G.) Curlin, I said, ‘Bishop, I know they need help.’ So that’s what I do.”

—Msg. Walsh, on returning to his hometown of Allegany, N.Y. to be closer to his siblings and help out in the diocese there “I’m doing like so many other retired priests — assisting other priests in various areas and helping with the weekend Masses. Last weekend I said four Masses at one of the local parishes.

I’m glad to do it.”

—Father McCue, currently resides in Exeter, N.H.

“Father Joe (Sobierajski) wanted me to come here because he was interested in having the parish involved in retreat ministry. So we developed a team to give retreats and spiritual direction.”

—Father Alagia, in residence at St. Peter Church in Charlotte What advice would you give to new priests or seminarians who are just starting out in their ministries?

“I would say never neglect your prayer life. That’s the thing that keeps us going.

Prayer is the most important thing.”

—Father Kelleher “Listen to God’s people. Be of service to God’s people.”

—Father Schneider “I’d say first of all to thank God for the gift of the priesthood and for being chosen from others to carry out the ministry of Christ in this unique way.”

—Father McCue “He (a seminarian) has to be able to doubt and accept doubt, and to question and be willing to search.”

—Father Alagia “I would say just be open to new experiences.”

—Msgr. Walsh Contributing to this article was Thom Callahan.

June 27, 2008

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Vatican hosts world premiere of musical about life of Mary

Show reminds people Mary is ‘woman of our times,’ says archbishop VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has thrown its support behind an Italian musical highlighting the life of Mary.

The Vatican also hosted the show’s world premiere in the Paul VI audience hall June 17.

“Mary of Nazareth: A Story That Continues” was sponsored by the pontifical councils for Culture and for Social Communications; the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone; the Italian Senate; and Rome’s city and regional governments.

Some 40 actors, 12 dancers and a 60-piece orchestra brought the story of “the most important woman in the history of humanity” to the stage.

At a June 10 press conference at the Vatican, Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said he was pleased the council was sponsoring a musical dedicated to Mary.

He said while the council does not see its role as a promoter of musicals, this project stood out.

In a world that has lost so many values, people are still “nostalgic” and looking for sense and meaning in their lives, he said.

This show reminds people that Mary “is a woman of our times” who once again “presents (and) communicates Christ the lord to mankind today,” he said.

“And that is why with pleasure the pontifical council was pleased to see this show and with pleasure gives its sponsorship,” he said.

No commitments have been made about where the show will play now that it has premiered at the Vatican.

“We have made contacts with people in South America, Europe, Italy and the Middle East,” said Sergio Pellerey, head of the show’s promotional agency, AIRAM.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: July 6, 2008

July 6, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A Readings: 1) Zechariah 9:9-10 Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 2) Romans 8:9, 11-13 Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

Burdens, humility can help reveal God’s call

by JEAN DENTON catholic news service

I was discussing God’s attitude toward sin and forgiveness with two teenagers preparing for the sacraments.

Kim struggled with the idea that God could forgive someone who had committed a sin such as a crime that caused enormous pain to the victim.

It was a normal human response. But Jack thought otherwise.

“I’ve found out that it’s not as hard to forgive as you might think,” he said. “I’ve had people do some bad things to me that have really hurt me. But I saw that the bad stuff is really about them, not me, and not forgiving only makes it worse.

“That was what Jesus showed in the resurrection, right? That what happens here that hurts you goes away, and what’s important is loving people and forgiving them like he did, so you can go to heaven with him.”

I was amazed at the depth of Jack’s

understanding — and the certainty of his faith. Although I’d worked with Kim and Jack for a year, I thought their growth in formation was meager because we’d met infrequently. Besides, Jack was very restless, and it was difficult to tell if he actually was comprehending the fundamentals of Catholic faith I’d been trying to teach him.

I knew that Jack had never been taught even the basics of any faith. Also, he has had a strikingly difficult life in his 17 years. So I was astounded in this session to hear him speaking about the faith with great knowledge and conviction.

Jack had been faithfully attending Mass with his teenage friend who first invited him to church. He’d told me about conversations he’d had with her parents about Catholicism.

But I realized the depth of spirituality and understanding in this young man was more than what had been placed there by any of us.

No, while some of us, though given faith at an early age, struggle to understand and trust God, Jack is one of the “little ones” to whom God will reveal himself, as Jesus says in this week’s Gospel. And for Jack, suffering much in his young life, faith wasn’t hard. In Jesus he has found the yoke easy and the burden light.

Questions: What burdens and difficulties in your own life can help you see some ease in the life to which Jesus calls you? What “hidden things” have God revealed to you in your moments of humility?

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of June 29-July 5 Sunday (Sts. Peter and Paul), Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Monday (Holy Martyrs of Rome), Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Matthew 8:18-22; Tuesday (Bl. Junipero Serra), Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday, Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday (St. Thomas), Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Friday (St. Elizabeth of Portugal), Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday (St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria), Amos 9:11-15, Matthew 9:14-17.

Scripture for the week of July 6-12 Sunday (Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Zechariah 9:9-10, Romans 8:9, 11-13, Matthew 11:25-30; Monday, Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22, Matthew 9:18-26; Tuesday, Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:32-38; Wednesday (St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions), Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12, Matthew 10:1-7; Thursday, Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9, Matthew 10:7-15; Friday (St. Benedict), Hosea 14:2-10, Matthew 10:16-23; Saturday, Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 10:24-33.

Scripture for the week of July 13-19 Sunday (Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 55:10-11, Romans 8:18-23, Matthew 13:1-23; Monday (Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha), Isaiah 1:10-17, Matthew 10:34-11:1; Tuesday (St. Bonaventure), Isaiah 7:1-9, Matthew 11:20-24; Wednesday (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16, Matthew 11:25-27; Thursday, Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19, Matthew 11:28-30; Friday (St. Camillus de Lellis), Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8, Isaiah 38:10-12,16, Matthew 12:1-8; Saturday, Micah 2:1-5, Matthew 12:14-21.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

June 27, 2008

‘Mark on the world’

Musicologists find gems in scores found in Bolivian mission churches

by BARBARA J. FRASER catholic news service

CONCEPCION, Bolivia — While the painstakingly restored churches in eastern Bolivia may be the crown jewels of South America’s colonial Jesuit missions, the real gems were found in several decrepit boxes after nearly two centuries of neglect.

In 1972, while he was beginning restoration of the early missions, Swiss architect Hans Roth found boxes and piles of music in the churches in San Rafael and Santa Ana de Velasco. Some were fragments, while others were nearly complete scores.

The music was found “in an

unfortunate state,” said Javier Mendoza, director of the museum and music archive in Concepcion. Nevertheless, he said, “the interesting thing is that the people kept it.”

The scores connected singers in the communities with the Jesuit missionaries who brought classical music to this region of Bolivia, called the Chiquitania, in the late 1600s.

Photographs from the 1950s show members of choirs in the churches holding the scores, even though they did not know how to read music, Mendoza said.

Roth salvaged about 5,000 sheets of music and took them to the larger town of

Concepcion, where musicologists could study and catalog them. Experts then began the painstaking task of preserving the manuscripts.

The collection “is the repository of colonial music in the Americas and the only one containing music by Dominico Zipoli, by far the most important European composer to emigrate to the Americas before the 19th century,” said Julieta Alvarado, a Panamanian-born harpsichordist and music professor at Southwest Minnesota State University.

The more than 200 pieces of keyboard music found in San Rafael comprise “the largest colonial keyboard music collection to date in the entire continent,”

said Alvarado, who spent several years studying the music.

Because the pages were dirty and wrinkled, before restoration work could start they had to be dampened and flattened, then dried and cleaned.

The actual restoration began last year with funding provided by the Spanish government.

In some cases, the sheets must be washed using a special technique, Mendoza said. In others, holes must be filled.

“We do not fill in missing parts” of the music, he said. “We are not reinterpreting” the pieces. “That is the job of musicologists.”

The restorers’ task is to stabilize and preserve the music so that musicologists can study it and musicians can perform it. The scores have been photocopied so that researchers do not handle the originals. The restoration techniques were chosen carefully.

Mendoza estimates that the restoration will cost about $200,000 in all. A special, climate-controlled room has been designed for the archive, and plans include better security and firesuppression systems.

Future plans also include capitalizing on the experience the restorers have gained and offering restoration services as a way of generating revenue to support the archive and museum, he said.

Mendoza’s dream is to publish a book of the musical scores “so they reach more people.”

With the restoration of the archive, the music that flourished in the Jesuit missions in the late 1600s and early 1700s and remained hidden for nearly two centuries after the Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish colonies has come to light again.

The baroque music festival held every two years in the Chiquitania is a showcase for the missions, the music that was played and composed there, and young local musicians who have forged a link with their ancestors through the ancient melodies.

“With music,” Mendoza said, the Chiquitania “has left its mark on the world.”

12 The Catholic News & Herald

June 27, 2008

around the diocese

Archival Anecdota For the month of June, here are some historical facts about St. Peter Church, the first Catholic church in Charlotte.

SNAP holds press conference at Pastoral Center CHARLOTTE — Three members of SNAP, the Survivors’ Network of those Abused by Priests, recently held a press conference on the lawn of the diocesan Pastoral Center.

David Clohessy, SNAP national director, organized the June 11 press conference to announce his group’s intentions to deliver a letter to Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

Neither the bishop nor any other diocesan official was made aware of the press conference prior to its taking place.

Bishop Jugis was out of town and en route to the U.S. bishops’ spring general assembly in Orlando, Fla., June 12-14.

The letter, which was hand-delivered to a diocesan representative, asked

Bishop Jugis to visit parishes where alleged or proven child sexual abusers worked and urge anyone who may have experienced sexual abuse crimes to contact law enforcement.

The diocesan policy on sexual misconduct by church personnel requires the contacting of civil authorities whenever a credible allegation of misconduct has been made.

Three independent audits have found the Diocese of Charlotte in full compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

A copy of the diocesan sexual misconduct policy is available online at www.charlottediocese.org.

Archive Photo

Pictured is the interior of St. Peter Church in Charlotte prior to 1950.

Important Early Dates • March 17, 1851: Father Jeremiah O’Connell laid the cornerstone of the original St. Peter Church.

• June 29, 1852: On the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, Bishop Ignatius Reynolds, the second bishop of Charleston, S.C., dedicated the first St. Peter Church.

It was described as “a brick church of a very neat style of architecture, 50 feet long and 30 feet wide with arched ceilings.” Also, it had “a picket fence and a pot-belly stove that glowed in winter.”

It was located on the same lot as the present-day St. Peter Church, on Tryon Street at First Street.

• July 5, 1873: The first resident priest in Charlotte, Father J. B. Hands, arrived at St. Peter Church.

• July 2, 1882: Bishop H.P. Northrop of Charleston ordained Benedictine Father Daniel Hefti to priesthood in St. Peter Church — this was the first time a priest was ordained in Charlotte and perhaps the first occurrence in all of North Carolina.

• Sept. 3. 1893: Abbott-Bishop Leo Haid of Belmont laid the cornerstone for the new (present-day) St. Peter Church.

Benedictine Father Francis Meyer, pastor, assisted Abbott-Bishop Haid.

• Dec. 24, 1893: Abbott-Bishop Haid dedicated the newly-built St. Peter Church.

Historical Facts — The need for a larger church and damage to the original church from two munitions explosions necessitated the construction of a new building.

— St. Katherine Drexel contributed money to build the

present St. Peter Church.

— A typical Sunday schedule in 1880 at St. Peter Church: Sunday School, 9 a.m.; Mass, 10:30 a.m.; catechism, 4:30 p.m.; vespers, 5 p.m.

Quotes Missionary priest and author Father Jeremiah O’Connell (18211894) served many of the early missions of western North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The following excerpts are quoted from his book, “Catholicity in the Carolinas and Georgia.”

— The first St. Peter Church: “The church lot is located at this time almost in the heart of the city; [in 1852] it lay at the extreme [southern] limits of the town. It comprises two acres. I was offered the entire vacant square, a bare old field, for the sum of five hundred dollars. …The enterprise [land and construction of the original St. Peter] cost about one thousand dollars.”

— Dedication of the original St. Peter Church: “The ceremony was performed by Bishop Reynolds, in presence of a large congregation, chiefly non-Catholics. He delivered an able discourse on the ‘Real Presence.’ I said the Mass, the first of many thousands offered in the church; it was served by the bishop. On the same occasion he administered confirmation ….”

— Catholics in the Charlotte area: “At that time [1852] there were scarcely one hundred adult Catholics in Charlotte and the adjoining missions. They were poor people, but virtuous, and full of zeal for religion. They all contributed according to their ability.”

Classifieds

WANTED TO BUY Cash paid for WWI and WWII US, Japanese, German clothes, guns, swords, helmets, patches.

(800) 337-4571.

SERVICES

FOR RENT

FAITHFUL HANDS CLEANING SERVICES: Committed to clean homes, offices, apartments, churches and condos. FREE estimate. Call Faith at (704) 891-6264.

OCEANFRONT CONDO: Carolina Beach near Wilmington. 2BD/2BA. Only $1150/wk plus free lunch on the beach! 703-450-8480 or wfkelle@ aol.com

Classified ads bring results! Over 140,000 readers! Over 53,000 homes!

Rates: $.80/word per issue ($16 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

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

June 27, 2008

advertisement

The Catholic News & Herald 13

June 27, 2008

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

The Eucharistic Congress: The Eucharist helps us proclaim Christ In a little more than three months from now, we will celebrate our diocesan Eucharistic Congress.

The Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity for the entire diocese to come together each year to celebrate our faith and our love for the Eucharistic Lord. The Eucharist brings us together as one body in Christ. It is the source and the summit of our Christian life, as well as the heart of our Christian life.

Our first Eucharistic Congress was held in 2005 to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist. Since then, we have come together in joy each year to celebrate a Eucharistic Congress.

The Eucharistic Congress to be held in Charlotte this fall — on Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4 — is our fourth annual congress. Everyone is invited to attend!

I hope you have already reserved these dates on your calendar, and that you are planning to be present for this celebration of faith.

The theme for the congress This year’s congress occurs during the special holy year announced by Pope Benedict XVI to honor the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul. The theme for the Eucharistic Congress is taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (1:28): “It is Christ Whom We Proclaim.”

St. Paul’s sole passion was to proclaim Christ. In our Eucharistic Congress, it is Christ whom we proclaim in our eucharistic procession through the streets of Charlotte, in our holy hour of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, in the celebration of the Mass, in the talks by our speakers and in our sacred music concert.

The entire Eucharistic Congress from beginning to end is a proclamation of Christ. The theme we have chosen, therefore, not only honors St. Paul and his apostolic mission, but also appropriately expresses the spirit of the Eucharistic Congress — to proclaim Christ.

The Eucharist helps us proclaim Christ How? In his apostolic exhortation, “Sacramentum Caritatis,” Pope Benedict wrote that the Eucharist is not only a mystery to be believed and celebrated, but also a mystery to be lived and proclaimed in our daily lives (nn. 70-93).

The Eucharist transforms us.

We are changed more and more into the image and likeness of Christ by our participation in the eucharistic celebration, and especially by receiving holy Communion.

Through our participation in the Mass, the life of Christ matures in us, so that our entire life becomes a proclamation of Christ.

The Holy Father wrote of how the

From the Bishop BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS bishop of charlotte

Eucharist transforms us to become a living proclamation of Christ and his love: “By sharing in the sacrifice of the Cross, the Christian partakes of Christ’s self-giving love and is equipped and committed to live this same charity in all his thoughts and deeds” (n. 82).

“The love that we celebrate in the sacrament is not something we can keep to ourselves. By its very nature it demands to be shared with all. What the world needs is God’s love; it needs to encounter Christ and to believe in him ….

We too must be able to tell our brothers and sisters with conviction: ‘That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us’” (1 Jn 1: 3).

“Truly, nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and to make him known to others” (n. 84).

Christ, whose life is constantly nourished in us by the Eucharist, is proclaimed and made known to others by our Christian love.

Cardinal Christian Tumi of Cameroon spoke at the recent International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec about the radical love that the Eucharist makes us capable of living.

The cardinal reminded us that the Eucharist must lead us to a greater love for our brothers and sisters, to give our lives along with all the risks that that entails.

In this way, the Eucharist is terribly dangerous: to have a passion for love is always dangerous. The eucharistic man is a dangerous man, burning with the fire of the Spirit, whose only concern is to spread the fire.

He is a man of daring and confrontation, a man of radicalism and the absolute. There is no question of compromise. He must commit himself to act for God and for man.

Many ways to proclaim Christ Christ, whose presence is nourished in us through the Eucharist, can be made present to others in many different ways through our Christian living.

Pope Benedict wrote that “the first and fundamental mission that we receive from the sacred mysteries we celebrate is that of bearing witness by our lives ….

Perserverance: The will to bear discomfort God becomes our strength, joy in a hidden but powerful way A woman from Western Canada wrote to me about hitting bottom, feeling overwhelmed with life’s burdens.

Her demanding husband was becoming more and more abusive and her children more and more disrespectful.

She lost her joy and didn’t know how to cope. But as weary as she was, she somehow managed to persevere.

People like her are among the greatest saints, and they don’t even know it.

There are times when we are at our lowest, and yet we have the stamina to carry on. It isn’t easy, but by the grace of God it is possible.

The will to bear discomfort is at the basis of sound mental health. It’s called perseverance, and it stems from the power of God — and the joy of God. It’s all very mysterious, I admit, but then the world of the supernatural is always baffling.

B l e s s e d M o t h e r Te r e s a o f Calcutta would have understood this woman’s problem.

According to recent revelations, Mother Teresa managed to keep on caring for the poorest of the poor in spite of her emotional emptiness. She fought through the darkness, trusting in God’s strength. How did she do this?

I am convinced she asked the Lord to be her strength and her joy. She asked the Lord living in her to do for her what she was not able to do for herself.

She learned to live by faith, not by feelings.

As a result, her life never stopped producing good fruit. By depending on God’s power and not her own, she suffered through the drudgery.

Once when Mother Teresa was seriously ill, she wrote the following: “Joy is prayer, joy is strength. Joy is love.

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. God loves a cheerful giver.

One gives most who gives joy.

“The best way to show gratitude to God and people is to accept everything with joy. Never let anything so fill you

We become witnesses when, through our actions, words and way of being, another makes himself present” (n. 85).

It is Christ the Lord who makes himself present through our daily witness. St. Anthony of Padua wrote of the diverse ways of proclaiming Christ by living the Christian virtues: “The man who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks in different languages.

These different languages are different ways of witnessing to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience and obedience; we speak in those languages when we reveal in ourselves these virtues to others.

“Actions speak louder than words;

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of the risen Christ. I tell this to my sisters, and I tell this to you.”

What an amazing insight for someone so caught up in emotional emptiness!

Obviously she willed herself to be joyful in spite of her feelings.

Joy is not in the feelings; it resides just beneath the surface.

The famous author C.S. Lewis was a strong defender of the faith. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that Clive Staples Lewis was, for most of his early life, a skeptic. He said it was God’s grace that brought him from non-belief to Christianity.

Lewis always admired how God’s love manifested itself in the lives of holy people.

He saw them risking everything to relieve the world’s suffering by caring for plague victims, defending the rights of children, running soup kitchens and caring for the homeless.

Lewis saw all these activities as God’s power issuing forth from their lives.

In troubled times we can still keep on keeping on. In spite of injustices, trials and sorrows, we can try to turn the other cheek and return good for evil.

The Lord becomes our strength and our joy in a hidden but powerful way.

Pray for the grace to be a saint, and never be discouraged. The Lord is with you.

Pray, “Lord, I beg you to be my strength and joy, protect me from the folly of believing that I can do it all on my own.”

let your words teach and your actions speak” (Sermon I, 226).

For us, everything we do is to be a proclamation of Christ.

To prepare for the Eucharistic Congress We can prepare for the Eucharistic Congress by opening our hearts to Christ and by asking him to change us to become more like him.

By our words and our actions, and by living Christ’s love and all the virtues, may we proclaim Christ to our brothers and sisters, so that they also may come to a greater love for the Lord.

June 27, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Saints in cyberspace

New technology and religion combine online When I first heard the term “blog tour,” I felt like a grandma wondering what in the world the kids of today were up to.

I was confused about how a person could squeeze into a computer and then, via the cyber highway, find all of these “blog” destinations, where the author would pop out (of the computer) and start talking to all the readers of that blog.

It took me a while to revise my thinking on the technology of book tours that could actually be done online. No more wasted hours in an airport waiting for a delayed connecting flight.

Your little fingers do all the walking, and voila! You have visited several different markets (readers) in no time at all. But I had an even harder time applying this knowledge to the Catholic book industry. Let’s face it, we aren’t the most forward-thinking bunch out there.

We religious folk like tradition, and tradition isn’t typically fond of, well, change, and therefore hates technology. Right?

Wrong! Jesuit Father James Martin, the Tim Russert of the Catholic publishing world — because he’s the keynote speaker at most major conferences — is

on TV almost as much as Katie Couric.

He appears in print every time I pick up a newspaper or magazine. Just recently he finished a blog tour for his bestselling book, “My Life with the Saints.”

He didn’t have to squeeze into a computer in order to find the blogs. He merely “visited,” or wrote, for a series of Catholic blogs, one per day for one week. He even promised to “visit” (that means “write”) me at my Beliefnet blog, “Beyond Blue.”

I like what Father Jim says about this new way of spreading the good news, because sometimes I get so caught up in the language of technology for my blog — making sure I score a certain number of page-views (hits) — that I forget my mission: to be an instrument of God. Says Father Jim: “Saints have long used creative ways to evangelize. From the earliest days of Christianity, the saints understood it was important to use any means possible to tell people about Jesus Christ.

“St. Paul, for example, travels by land and by sea, writes long letters and does whatever it takes to bring the word — or rather the Word — to a world that

American bishops and the danger of same-sex marriage

New laws may lead to depopulation, genetic manipulation American bishops, led by New York’s Cardinal Edward Egan, have drawn an important distinction in the wake of the imprudent and likely unauthorized effort

by New York Gov. David Paterson to unilaterally promote so-called same-sex marriage by piggybacking on California.

Specifically, the bishops remind states to avoid invidious discrimination (e.g., discrimination against homosexuals in health designations, property ownership) without affirming a practice (same-sex marriage) which denies God’s creative plan. The first rectifies man’s prejudice; the second has the implied temerity of ascribing bias to God himself.

Gay and lesbian people are within the humanity acknowledged to be created equal in the Declaration of Independence, but this does not deprive the community through law of making necessary and reasoned distinction for its own survival.

While some public officials like Gov. Paterson carelessly deploy their same-sex ideological agenda, the Catholic prelates of New York more prudently urged “the state [to] review whatever benefits or privileges that it has through the years conferred on married couples and, in cases where true discrimination may be at play, fashion legislative remedies.”

Oddly, the California Supreme Court wrote a 170-plus page opinion without discussing among other things single-gender effects on childrearing and the innumerable difficulties of accommodating religious freedom that

arise from the legal acceptance of samesex marriage.

The proponents of same-sex marriage insist that inventing gay and lesbian marriage harms no one. This, however, overlooks the national and global decline in fertility, which threatens the economies of Europe and the U.S. To say that the availability of samesex marriage is not the principal cause of this decline in terms of absolute numbers is a fair point, but giving state approval to nonprocreative marriage cannot logically be denied as a contributing cause to the decline of families with natural children.

Several European countries, most notably France, have responded to delayed traditional marriage and dramatically reduced fertility with generous child subsidies and legal arrangements making it far easier for women to reconcile work and family.

Our French brothers and sisters, who Americans in the recent past have parodied, turn out to be far more sensitive to the importance of families than, say, a glib U.S. law and economics professor who spurned the suggestion that America follow the French example.

It is shortsighted in the extreme for the keepers of supply-and-demand curves to portray traditional, procreative families as “a stodgy bourgeois construct designed to channel the revolutionary energy of sexuality into diaper changing and carpooling.”

Catholic teaching responds differently. Same-sex marriage rests upon

Our Turn THERESE J. BORCHARD cns columnist

had never heard of Jesus.”

Father Jim goes on to explain the ways saints are now finding their way into cyberspace. For example, an article I had written for Beliefnet.com is on how I owe my life to my patron saint, St. Therese of Lisieux.

I received roses or a visible sign at every critical point in my life; this is the first item you see when you Google the words “shower of roses.”

The second item is a blog named “Shower of Roses,” written by a woman named Jessica, devoted entirely to the Little Flower. Google the term “saints” and you get over 75 million entries!

“Given the history of Christianity,” says Father Jim, “the notion of a ‘blog tour’ to talk about the saints isn’t so surprising. And I’ll bet that if St. Paul were still around, rather than visiting Ephesus and Corinth, even he might be tempted to send them an e-mail or two!”

Faith & Precedent DOUGLAS W. KMIEC cns columnist

separating marriage from procreation.

This will have ill consequence.

As a defender of life in its natural form, the Catholic Church understands that even the benign could mask a diabolical push for artificial wombs and the genetic manipulation of intelligence — a push that will no doubt grow now to accommodate even the minimal same-sex desire for simulating natural childbirth claimed to be of interest for the 20 percent to 30 percent of same-sex couples.

When carefully assessed, the acquisition of unnatural reproductive means often advances the interests of the very affluent through a libertarian exercise that would destroy all hope of democratic equality.

In a depopulating world, the claim that there is a universal right to marry regardless of the genders of those involved becomes a frightening ally of a claimed universal right to genetically engineered children.

Yes, endorse claims of created equality when the distinctions of the past have been shown to lack reason. But do not pretend to make equal that which is not (procreative and nonprocreative relationships) or find a universal right to contradict human nature itself.

As contraception opened the door for abortion, same-sex marriage invites genetic manipulation that not only allows homosexuals to pretend to be parents, but also lends legitimacy to the fashioning of a new superman by genetic manipulation.

Pope says values must focus on Jesus to avoid chaos, anarchy

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If values such as tolerance, freedom and dialogue do not have Jesus as their point of reference, they lose their true meaning and can lead to chaos, anarchy and empty chatter, Pope Benedict XVI said.

It is from Jesus that “we learn the truth about ourselves” and how to understand all the values that are upheld rightfully in the world, he said during his June 25 general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

“Tolerance that doesn’t know how to distinguish between good and evil would become chaotic and self-destructive” while absolute freedom that ignores the rights of others “becomes anarchy and destroys authority,” he said.

“Dialogue that no longer knows what it should talk about becomes empty chatter” unless it and all the other great values in the world have a point of reference in the truth which is Christ — “the one absolute value, to whom all worldly values are directed,” he said.

The pope’s remarks were part of his catechesis highlighting the life and teachings of St. Maximus of Constantinople, a monk and doctor of the church who lived in the sixth and seventh centuries.

The pope said this Palestinian-born saint was “a heroic defender” of the church’s teaching in the true humanity of Christ during a time of bitter controversy over Christ’s humanity and divinity.

But the saint knew the negation of Christ’s human will “destroys the mystery of salvation,” the pope said.

He said St. Maximus understood that the salvation of humanity depends on Christ becoming completely and fully human, which includes the freedom to choose to cooperate with divine will.

“Adam — and this Adam includes us — thought that saying ‘no’ would be the greatest freedom; only he who can say ‘no’ would be truly free,” the pope said. Adam believed saying “no” to God would mean he would finally be free to be himself and could realize his full potential, the pope said.

This temptation in human nature was present even in Jesus but he overcame it, said Pope Benedict.

Jesus saw it was not by denying God’s will, but by saying “yes” to God’s plan that brought about “the greatest freedom,” the pope said.

People become their true selves only when they unite with the will of the divine, he said.

“Only by leaving ourselves behind, by being outside ourselves and in God do we find ourselves and our totality and completeness,” he said.

June 27, 2008

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 16

Not just for kicks

Teens build camaraderie through Montagnard soccer camp Lessons, friendships go beyond the field by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

Photo by Katie Moore

Campers hone their skills during a scrimmage at the Montagnard soccer camp at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte June 13. Teen parishioners Jordan Archer, Will O’Brien and Robey Spratt started the camp three years ago in an effort to reach out to the Montagnard community at the cathedral.

Only 6 spaces left!

Call today!

CHARLOTTE — It all started about four years ago after their team won the state championship for Charlotte Junior Soccer.

With the end of the soccer season, the three 12-year-old boys were looking for an excuse to hang out off the field. Each would be attending a different school in the fall and they needed something that would keep them connected.

Jordan Archer, Will O’Brien and Robey Spratt, parishioners at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, came up with an idea that would combine their love for soccer with their Catholic faith.

The next summer they started a free soccer camp for Montagnard children at the cathedral.

Montagnards are refugees from the central highlands of Vietnam, many of whom fought alongside U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Known for their anti-communist resistance, Montagnards continue to be persecuted for their Christian faith in Vietnam. Since 1975 several thousand Montagnards have resettled in Charlotte.

“We always saw them at church, but there was never really any interaction,” said Robey. “We wanted to connect our church as well as give them (the Montagnard children) a good (summer) activity.”

“Now, when we see them at church, they know who we are,” he added.

The success of the camp has been overwhelming.

“The first year we thought it would fail,” said Jordan, who was in charge of sign-ups.

Each boy took on a different role in preparing for the camp.

Jordan handled sign-ups and recruitment, Will was in charge of donations, and Robey made arrangements for food and refreshments.

The boys ran announcements in the church bulletin and talked with parishioners after the weekend Masses.

The first year,about 15 children showed up on the first day of camp. Word

“It’s truly heartwarming.”

— Debbie O’Brien spread fast and by the second day the attendance had doubled.

One of the things they have learned from the camp is that, “all kids are the same,” said Will.

“They all want to have fun,” he said.

This year more than 60 campers ages of 3-16 came out for the third annual installment of the camp.

Each camper was given a jersey, shorts, shin-guards, soccer socks, cleats and a drawstring athletic bag.

The boys acquired the uniforms and equipment through the Passback Program.

The program is a joint effort between the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Eurosport and Major League Soccer to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities, regardless of income, gender or location.

The program helps provide used apparel and equipment to athletes who can’t afford to purchase their own.

“It’s truly heartwarming,” said Debbie O’Brien, Will’s mother.

She talked about the leadership roles the boys have taken on in running the camp.

“They’re all a little shy,” she said.

But when they get out there, “somebody has to step up to the plate.”

Each of the boys is the eldest of four children. Over the past few years, they have encouraged their younger siblings to help out at the camp.

In terms of keeping the camp going, the boys said they expect their siblings to carry on the tradition and they plan to come back and help, even after they go away to college.

“It will definitely be passed on,” said Robey. “And hopefully carried out for a long time.”

Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.