The Catholic News & Herald 1
July 21, 2000
July 21, 2000 Volume 9 t Number 41
S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Inside
Mountain church celebrates 50 years
Teens find joy in summer service
By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor
...Page 3
Prison ministry leads to six confirmations in Raleigh
Local News Prayer experience centers the faithful ...Page 3
Mooresville parish center becomes reality ...Page
9
Background helps volunteer
Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11
Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13
Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind. — Leonardo da Vinci
Photos by Jimmy Rostar
Above, Father C. Morris Boyd reads the text of a commemorative plaque honoring the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands July 16, as Bishop William G. Curlin prepares to bless it. Bishop Curlin also confirmed this year’s confirmation class.
HIGHLANDS — During a gathering to celebrate a faith community’s golden anniversary, the diocese’s spiritual leader told the congregation that the true reason for celebration is the bringing of Christ’s presence into the world. Bishop William G. Curlin presided at a Mass honoring the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of the Mountains Church July 16. The congregation packed into the mountain church for the anniversary liturgy, during which five youth were confirmed and the spirit of Catholic life was pondered. “What does it mean to be a Catholic?” Bishop Curlin posed to the congregation. “It means that Christ walks the earth in us. It is through our words, our deeds, our lifestyle that people begin to realize that God is alive in us.” For 50 years, the Catholic community of Highlands has brought Christ to this corner of the world. A half-century after the building of its church, the community of
See Highlands, page 4
“Encuentro 2000” celebrates diversity By AGOSTINO BONO LOS ANGELES (CNS) — “Encuentro 2000” opened with Native American drums calling the participants from across the nation to gather in assembly. At the end of its final liturgy, 5,000 worshippers tied ribbons to one another’s wrists, a traditional Hmong sign of sending forth. In between, the different languages and styles of dress, music, art and worship celebrated the many-textured, many-hued richness of Catholic life in the United States. The Eucharist brings unity to that diversity, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles said at the final Mass. “It is here that we take up the gift and task of being a people whose lives are committed to reconciliation, peace and unity,” he said. Five-thousand Catholics from 150 dioceses converged on the Los Angeles Convention Center July 6-9 for “Encuentro 2000: Many Faces in
God’s House,” the only national event of the jubilee year sponsored by the U.S. bishops. More than 150 countries of origin were represented. “The idea of Encuentro is after seeing all of the beauty, pageantry and traditions that make up the American Church, that the participants would take those ideas back to their individual dioceses and make that diocese a reflection of all cultures and traditions,” said Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor and vicar for African American Affairs Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte, in attendance at the conference. “The key was having many different cultures represented in order to enact active, open and willing acceptance of the presence of many traditions and contributions of various groups of people.” “‘Encuentro 2000’ marks the first national gathering to lift up the riches of the church’s racial, ethnic and cultural diversity in the United States,” Cardinal Mahony said. Encuentro is the Spanish word for encounter or
meeting. Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles, chairman of the Encuentro organizing committee, told reporters, “We will see that the music of the Latinos makes the Anglos’ feet move, the incense of the Asians reminds Europeans of the transcendence of God and the drumbeat of the Native Americans pulsates in the hearts of all.” Sprinkled through the meeting were liturgical ceremonies indigenous to various groups of U.S. Catholics. Among participants at the fourday meeting were 82 U.S. bishops and several from Latin America. “It was truly a God-experience of being in the presence of the bishops and thousands of members of the church from different nations and races,” said Mercy Sister Maureen Meehan, director of religious formation of schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. “We became unified and truly walked the bridge to the new millennium
See ENCUENTRO, page 4
2 The Catholic News & Herald campaign he would meet as soon as possible with leaders of a rebel group in Mexico’s southern Chiapas state, a local bishop said more time is needed. Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of San Cristobal de las Casas said trust must be rebuilt between the federal government and leaders of the mostly indigenous Zapatista National Liberation Army before they can meet. “We all understand that we are in a hurry to resolve this problem, but we cannot march against history. We have to go bit by bit and, above all, recovering trust that was lost, that was so fundamental,” he said in an impromptu news conference after Mass July 9 in San Cristobal’s Cathedral of Peace. Berlin Archdiocese to investigate WWII slave labor COLOGNE, Germany (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Berlin plans to set up a commission to investigate the extent to which the church employed slave labor under the Nazi regime. A spokesman for the archdiocese said the new commission would ask to see the papers discovered by the Protestant Church. Catholic documentation was probably not available because the archives were destroyed by bombing during World War II. The archdiocesan commission also will examine the files of the Nazi state security service, the SS, which criticized Catholic priests for standing up for slave laborers. Debt relief funding vote in House called ‘amazing victory’ WASHINGTON (CNS) — A House vote to more than triple the amount of debt relief for poor countries that had been recommended by its appropriations committee was “an amazing victory,” said the head of the U.S. bishops’ Department of Social Justice and World Peace. The official, John Carr, said the 216-211 vote July 13 to increase debt relief funding in the Foreign Operations bill for fiscal 2001 from $69 million to $225 million “surprised the House leadership” and others who considered efforts to boost the funding “a fool’s errand.” Catholics in Laos struggle to keep faith alive, bishop says MILWAUKEE (CNS) — Bishop
CNS photo from Reuters
Israelites Demonstrate in Tel Aviv Rally Tens of thousands of Israelis take part in a demonstration against Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s participation in the Camp David summit July 16. The rally in Tel Aviv was held under the slogan, “Uprooting settlements tears the people apart.” African leaders urge churches to welcome HIV/AIDS patients DURBAN, South Africa (CNS) — Church leaders in Kwazulu-Natal province urged churches to become a “welcoming home” for those infected with HIV/AIDS. The statement on the role churches should be playing in response to the pandemic was issued to coincide with the international AIDS conference in Durban July 9-14. Kwazulu-Natal province includes Durban and is the South African province with the highest rate of HIV/AIDS. Paddy Kearney, who heads the ecumenical organization Diakonia in Durban, said the statement was drawn up partly in response to the problem that many people infected with HIV/AIDS experience churches as hostile. Chiapas bishop says trust must be rebuilt with government MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Although Mexican President-elect Vicente Fox Quezada said during his
Episcopal July 21, 2000 Volume 9 • Number 41
Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Jane Glodowski 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.
July 21, 2000
The World in
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Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: July 23 — 11:30 a.m. Mass and picnic St. John, Waynesville July 29 — 12:30 p.m. Confirmation Mass Cristo Rey, Yadkinville July 30 — 11:30 a.m. Mass / Installation of Fa t h e r A n t h o n y M a r c a c cio as pastor St. Pius X, Greensboro July 31- Aug. 3 National Knights of Columbus Convention Boston Aug. 5 Permanent diaconate ministry of acolyte installation St. Joseph, Newton
Jean Khamse Vithavong of Vientiane, Laos, feels the grip of the communist regimes that have held his country since 1973. “We cannot run (Catholic) schools anymore. No social work, no hospitals, nothing,” he said in an interview with the Catholic Herald, Milwaukee archdiocesan newspaper. “Just pastoral work with our people.” Besides himself, there are only four other priests to minister to about 12,000 Catholics in Laos, many of them living in remote rural areas. Foreign missionaries are sometimes let into the country on tourist visas, but the bishop said they would be deported if their identities as priests were discovered by the government. During a July visit to Milwaukee, Bishop Vithavong was at St. Michael Parish to participate in a national gathering of four cultures — Laotian, Hmong, Lahu, and Khmu — hosted by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. New U.S. Book of the Gospels
Diocesan
plan -
Coral Springs, Fla., 33067 or e-mail deserttraveler@aol.com. Ongoing ASHEVILLE — The Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., hosts daily adoration from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call Jane Sorrells at (828) 298-0334. BELMONT — Belmont Abbey, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd., hosts perpetual adoration in a chapel located on the grounds. For volunteer and other information, call Marie Siebers at (704) 827-6734. CHARLOTTE — All are invited to St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., for perpetual adoration. For volunteer and other information, call Kathleen Potter at (704) 366-5127. HIGH POINT — Maryfield Nursing Home, 1315 Greensboro Rd., hosts perpetual adoration in the chapel. For volunteer and other information, call
approved WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new Book of the Gospels can be used liturgically in U.S. dioceses beginning Sept. 30, according to a decree by Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. When the Book of the Gospels is used at Mass, it is carried in the opening procession and placed on the altar. In a decree dated June 29 and made public in July, Bishop Fiorenza said the new book can be used as of Sept. 30 and must replace any other version as of Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent. The bishops approved an original introduction to the Book of the Gospels at their meeting last November and sent it to the Holy See for confirmation, as is required for all liturgical texts. The Vatican confirmation was dated May 23. Belfast bishop says Northern Ireland risks sliding into anarchy BELFAST, Norther n Ireland (CNS) — Northern Ireland is in danger of sliding into anarchy, a Belfast bishop warned as protests about the banned Protestant march in Drumcree continued. “What is happening across the whole of Northern Ireland is intolerable,” said Bishop Patrick Walsh, whose Down and Connor Diocese includes Belfast. “We are in danger of sliding into anarchy. Entire communities are being harassed and intimidated, and many families are living in dread. Once more, dark clouds envelop our streets.” In a comment directed at Portadown district Orangemen who called for loyalist protests against the banned march, Bishop Walsh said: “Those who are orchestrating violence and fomenting passions and hatred by bitter speeches bear an awesome responsibility. What they are doing cannot be justified. What they are doing is morally wrong.”
Theresa Hansen at (336) 273-1507. SYLVA — Eucharistic adoration takes place every first Saturday at St. Mary Church, 22 Bartlett St., following 9 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. Upcoming dates are as follows: Aug. 5 and Sept. 2. For more information, call Annette Leporis at (828) 497-7464. Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to publication date.
July 21, 2000
Around the Di-
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Summer in the city
Teens find inner joy in spirit of service to those in By Joann S. Keane Editor
CHARLOTTE — Picture this: A couple hundred teens working in soup kitchens, doing yardwork, sorting clothes at a shelter, and helping a group of nuns with a neighborhood summer camp. Think about this: These teens are giving up part of their precious summer vacation to sleep on the floor of Holy Trinity Middle School. Rising at the crack of dawn, the teens work through the mid-afternoon, returning to the concrete-and-tile flooring of classrooms-turned-dorms. The clincher: They all paid to take part in this servitude for those in need. And, they’re loving every minute of the seven-day experience. The National Catholic HEART [Helping Everyone Attain Relief Today] Workcamp came to Charlotte July 9-15, bringing nearly 300 teens from across the country together for a week of community service under a sweltering Carolina sun. Mark Disney’s mother signed him up for the Catholic HEART experience. “I didn’t really know what I was getting into,” says Mark. The 15-yearold from St. Paul the Apostle parish in Greensboro spent his days trimming
trees, mowing lawns, painting and assisting with various odd jobs to help elderly in need. “Our group worked pretty hard, and we got the job done.” In return, Mark says it was good to know “we were giving back to the community and helping out.” Community service is nothing new to 16-year-old Marlies Kruetzberger. She’s lent a helping hand to the mission trips to Jamaica and Kentucky her
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
Italy Sept. 25-Oct. 3, 2000
with Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd For registration package, call Joann Keane, (704) 370-3336 or visit www.charlottediocese.org/travel
Father Joseph McGovern. For more information, call Sister Margaret at (828) 622-7366. The House of Prayer, 289 NW Hwy. 25/70, is open most of the year and offers private and Ignatian-directed retreats. 7 CONYERS, Ga. — A Cistercian (Trappist) vocation awareness retreat for prayerful single men of all ages takes place today through Aug. 11 at Holy Spirit Monastery. The retreat is free, but space is limited. For reservations and details, call Natalie Smith at (954) 752-1332, write to 6311 NW 47 Ct., Coral Springs, Fla., 33067 or email deserttraveler@aol.com. Upcoming CROZET, Va. — A Cistercian (Trappist) vocation awareness retreat for prayerful single women of all ages is taking place Sept. 1-5 over Labor Day Weekend at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. The retreat is free, but space is limited. For reservations and details, call Natalie Smith at (954) 752-1332, write to 6311 NW 47 Ct.,
July 23 HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets today from 4-7 p.m. in the Immaculata School Gym, 711 Buncombe St., with a covered dish dinner following the meeting. Next month’s meeting on Aug. 27 will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West, in the office wing, at the regularly scheduled time from 3-5 p.m. Visitors and inquirers are welcome, so for more information, call Pat Cowan at (828) 884-4246. 26 CHARLOTTE — The 5th Annual St. Ignatius Day Welcome Mass for Gays and Lesbians is taking place tonight at 7 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., with Monsignor Richard Allen as homilist. For more information, call Jesuit Father Gene McCreesh at (704) 332-5342. GREENSBORO — St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., is hosting Michael O’Brien as he presents the “Sounds of Medjugorje,”
mother coordinates for St. Ann parish in Charlotte for a number of years. However, she found a new perspective as she spent her days working side by side with her peers. For a week, Marlies helped out at a local boys and girls club. She was probably less than half an hour away from the comforts of her own home, but a world away as she discovered community needs — not on impoverished Caribbean Islands, but right in her own backyard. Emily Schaeffer came prepared to expend energy outside. “I brought all my tools,” she says. Instead, Emily and her group were assigned to a food bank. Not exactly what the 15-year-old from St. Vincent de Paul parish in Charlotte had in mind, but she found it to be a rewarding experience. Perhaps most inspiring was her time with the other teens coming from the likes of Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Michigan and Louisiana, and the evening festivities that permeate each and every participant. Evenings are the heart of the workcamp. Following a day of community sersongs inspired by his pilgrimages to the city and his faith journey, tonight at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Jean Berry at (336) 282-1853. 28 BELMONT — The Royal School of Church Music is presenting a concert at 7 p.m. at the Basilica at Belmont Abbey, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call Beth Bargar at (704) 825-6890. 30 ROCK HILL, S.C. — Dominican Sister Mary Margaret Pazdan, professor of biblical studies at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Mo., and Jesuit Father Antony Campbell from the Jesuit Theological College in Parkville, Australia, are the guest faculty for the 19th Summer Bible Institute at the Oratory beginning tonight through Aug. 4. The summer course serves as a way for people to learn more about scripture study and enrichment, an introduction for newcomers to scripture and a spiritual renewal for all participants. For reservations and other information, call
vice, evenings bring up the volume before slowing to a prayerful mode that ends each day. “After serving people, then you serve yourself,” says Emily. As the sun goes down, multi-media interactive adolescent fun takes over, and seems to be right on target. “These are year 2000 kids,” says Lisa Walker, co-founder of the Catholic HEART workcamp. They are used to an entertainment culture. Not that HEART sets out to appease the senses; it does set a tone conducive to reach this savvy generation. Lisa and her husband Steve established the workcamp in 1993 with one underlying goal in mind: Never bore a kid. As an outreach to their then-parish youth ministry in Florida, the Walkers regularly took teens to summer workcamps. “Our parish is very social justice oriented, and we were challenged to serve the poor in everything we did,” says Lisa. What the Walkers found was fulfilling yet frustrating. “We went to help others, but there was that element of not being able to receive Eucharist, to celebrate together, as Catholics, as the body of Christ.” Quite simply, there were no Catholic camps. What started with 100 teens in its first year has grown to 16 camps nationwide with close to 5,000 participants giving of themselves to help others. “When we give teens something that is worth their while, it builds their self esteem and they literally see what it means to be Jesus to people, and their faith sticks,” says Lisa. “They leave with an unbelievable feeling of God’s love for them.” “We plant seeds and challenge them,” says Lisa. “Then we hope and pray they go to the next level and learn about Catholic social teachings.” Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling (704) 370-3336 or e-mail jskeane@ charlottediocese.org
(803) 327-2097 or write The Oratory: Center for Spirituality, P.O. Box 11586, Rock Hill, S.C., 29731-1586. August 2 CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., is offering free classes for the public on various topics throughout the summer. Father Matthew Leonard, parochial vicar, is facilitating the following classes in Aug., all held from 7:30-8:45 p.m. in the parish ministry center: “The Spirit of Luke,” being held tonight, “The Gifts of the Spirit” - Aug. 9 and “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit” - Aug. 23. For more information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431. 4 HOT SPRINGS — Mercy Sister Margaret Verstege, director of the Jesuit House of Prayer, and Jenni Violi, campus minister from the University of Ohio at Dayton, are leading an overnight retreat entitled “Jonah: An Unlikely Candidate for Reconciliation.” Also, there is a six-day Ignatian-directed retreat scheduled from Aug. 6-12 with Jesuit Father George Hohman and Jesuit
4 The Catholic News & Herald
Encuentro, from page 1
Around the Di-
bers were robbed of their cultural identity,” he said. Oblate of Providence Sister Mary through liturgy, prayer and song.” Paul Lee, granddaughter of a slave Numerous workshops and breakowned by Jesuits, told of having to out sessions each day gave particileave her native Philadelphia to bepants a chance to interact in smaller come a nun because at that time no groups and focus on areas of special women’s order in the archdiocese interest to them. would accept an African-American. Father James Moroney, executive K. LaVerne Redden, an AfricanAmerican and president of the National Council of Catholic Women, sobbed as she described the embarrassment of knowing she could not drink from the Communion cup in many parishes because if she did “nobody else would touch it.” Sister of St. Francis Linda Scheckelhoff, coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in the Boone Vicariate in the Diocese of Charlotte, CNS photo by Neil Jacobs Young people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles attended the gatherjoin the Los Campos de Nati Mariachi Band during ing along with several the opening service of ``Encuentro 2000’’ in Los others involved with Hispanic Ministry from Angeles June 6. across the diocese. She cited the reconciliation service as being one of director of the U.S. bishops’ Secrethe most powerful for her. tariat for the Liturgy, said there is a “It made me aware of how I someconstant wrestling between unity and times participate in injustices and how diversity as people seek to incorporate there is a need for reconciliation. We different cultural and ethnic traditions are not aware of how we sometimes in the liturgy while respecting univertake part in racism and sexism, and we sal church norms. need to ask forgiveness,” said Sister At a reconciliation service ending Linda. “This makes me want to work the second day of the meeting, several further with Hispanics, Anglos and representatives of minority groups those of other races in the areas of spoke movingly of their faith despite common worship and learning to aptheir experiences of discrimination in preciate diversity.” the church. Bishop Donald E. Pelotte of GalStaff Writer Alesha M. Price conlup, N.M., the country’s first Native tributed to this story. American bishop, spoke of growing up in “dire poverty, dilapidated housing. ...” “Many of our native people were baptized, but in the process vast num-
Highlands, from page 1 Our Lady of the Mountains paused to think back and celebrate the present. “A 50th anniversary is a very special event in the life of a faith community,” said Father C. Morris Boyd, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church. That parish, located in nearby Franklin, has had a fruitful relationship with the Highlands church for years. “In this great year of Jubilee, it is a special (time) for us here in the mountains,” said Father Boyd, who concelebrated the Mass with Father William Evans, sacramental minister at Our Lady of the Mountains. In 1950, the few Catholics who formed the Our Lady of the Mountains community opened the doors to its new church for the first time, adding a new chapter in the life of that mission, established five years earlier. Over the decades, a slow but steady influx of new parishioners — especially those who settled in North Carolina’s southwestern mountains during summers — boosted the congregation size into the hundreds during the hotter months of the year. About 100 parishioners now make up the church community year-round. In summer, the number can quadruple. George and Marie Schmitt came from Long Island, N.Y., to Highlands in 1965 to help start a family homebuilding company. They quickly found a parish home at Our Lady of the Mountains. George said to be a part of this vibrant faith family has been “quite an experience.” “When we came here in April of 1965, we doubled the parish,” he recalled with a smile. “It’s always been a wonderful thing here. It is a very,
July 21, 2000
very beautiful family atmosphere, both with the church members and with the priests here.” Diane Small, pastoral associate for the past five years, agreed the church community is special. “The people are wonderful,” she said after the Mass. “It’s family, and through the years we’ve built more family.” Today, she said, Our Lady of the Mountains blossoms with both young families and those who have been here for several of the five decades the church has stood here. Nearby on the church grounds, families lined up under a massive tent for a reception organized by the church’s St. Elizabeth’s Guild. At the entrance of the church, a commemorative plaque just blessed by Bishop Curlin glistened in the summer sun. And the community continued its celebration. The church’s presence has been appreciated in ecumenical circles as well, as testified to in statements from local faith communities read at the closing of the Mass. “May God grant you his richest blessings as you face the wonderful future of another 50 years of spreading, in word and deed, the good news of God’s redeeming love,” went one statement, from the First Presbyterian Church in town. “We ... are blessed to be part of the fellowship of believers that truly exhibits a spirit of unity.” Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or E-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
July 21, 2000
The Catholic News & Herald 5
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Prayer experience centers the faithful, says visiting By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor MARS HILL — The path to God through prayer is an intimate and varied experience, a Trappist priest explained to an ecumenical group gathered at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church July 14. Father Thomas Keating, cofounder of the practice called centering prayer, told those gathered at the church that contemplating God’s presence in their lives involves a deeply personal relationship with him. “Prayer is not a ‘single’ thing,” said Father Keating. “There are myriad expressions of prayer, and the essence of prayer is not the particular method that you use but the relationship with God that you express.” Centering prayer is a modern form of contemplative prayer, an ages-old tradition practiced across the world and by some of religious history’s best-known visionaries. Rather than a replacement for certain kinds of prayer, centering prayer is designed to add new perspective on how people pray. It involves a process toward divine union, say its practitioners — an internalizing of the mystery of God’s presence. Father Keating explained the practice of centering prayer to his audience, noting the importance of
becoming aware of God in a way that defies explanation and consciousness. The steps involved, he explained, are: — Choose a “sacred word” — for example, God, Jesus, Mary, mercy, faith or trust — as the symbol of intention to accept God’s internal presence and action. — In silence and sitting comfortably with eyes shut, introduce the sacred word internally as a symbol of consent to God’s presence. — Once aware of thoughts or sensory perceptions, gently go back to the sacred word. — At the end of the prayer period, which should last at least 20 minutes, remain in silence with eyes closed for several more minutes. Father Keating suggests trying centering prayer twice a day — once in the morning after waking up, and again later in the day or evening. “It appeals to what is common and perhaps most profound in everybody’s tradition, which is the experience of God — not just the concept of God,” Father Keating said in an interview. “It expresses the values of the Christian contemplative heritage, which is common to all of the traditions. It belongs to everybody.” Father Keating said that periods of contemplative prayer focus on the move from conversation with God to communion with him. A Trappist monk who entered monastic life more than a half-century
Photo by Jimmy Rostar
Father Thomas Keating, seen here chatting with an audience member July 14, was in Mars Hill and Asheville for two speaking engagments.
ago, Father Keating developed an interest in approaching contemplative prayer from a simple, Christian perspective. With two brother priests, Father Keating thus co-developed a way to present the teaching of an earlier form and apply to it a certain order and regularity. “Contemplative prayer is not new, in monasteries especially,” said a smiling Father Keating, who served as abbot at St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, Mass., and now resides at St. Benedict Monastery in Snowmass, Colo. “I was
brought up on it. We just put it into a form to make it accessible to lay people. “We saw how the Eastern religions were successful in making their wisdom available, and we saw people going to the East in great numbers. Many didn’t know that the contemplative vision was right at home.” The ecumenical gathering at St. Andrew the Apostle was one of two speaking engagements by Father Keating in the North Carolina mountains July 14-15. His visit was sponsored by St. Eugene Catholic Church and First Baptist Church in Asheville, Grace Episcopal Church in Mars Hill and the Advent Center for Spirituality at Mars Hill College. Popular in ecumenical circles across the nation, Father Keating has spoken to diverse audiences about centering prayer in locales ranging from parishes to prisons. “Contemplative prayer happens to be the most fundamental and most accessible (form) to everyone,” he said. “Different forms of method may have a certain appeal to one temperament more than another, or because of inculturation. “But what is common to everybody is the place of silence, which is totally receptive to the divine presence. We become capable of extraordinary development and growth.” Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or E-mail jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
6 The Catholic News & Herald Man who attacked Buffalo, N.Y., priest sentenced to 42 months BUFFALO, N.Y. (CNS) — A man who severely beat and stabbed a Buffalo priest last February pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and was given a 42-month sentence. By entering the plea, Frank Ciamarra, 27, avoided prosecution on a charge of attempted murder in the second degree and on other assault and weapons charges for attacking Father Arthur J. Mattulke, 30, of St. Margaret’s Church. Msgr. David Lee, director of communications for the Buffalo Diocese, said that since the Feb. 14 attack, church officials have been concerned about justice and mercy. “The diocese feels the plea bargain meets all of those concerns,” he said. Pro-life spokeswoman resigning, heads to CUA WASHINGTON (CNS) — If the fight against abortion were seen as a war, many would consider Helen Alvare a war hero. But her own admiration goes to the foot soldiers in the pro-life movement. Alvare, director of planning and information for the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities since 1990, is preparing to hand over the role of chief Catholic pro-life spokeswoman to someone else. The Philadelphia-born attorney recently announced that she will become a law professor at The Catholic University of America in the fall. Vatican confirms pope intervened for Agca’s release LES COMBES, Italy (CNS) — One month after the extradition to Turkey of Pope John Paul II’s wouldbe assassin, the Vatican confirmed that the pope personally intervened in the gunman’s release from Italian prison. Speaking to reporters July 16 at the pope’s vacation spot in the Italian Alps, Vatican spokesman Joaquin NavarroValls said the pontiff had written a letter in May to Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. Ciampi signed a clemency order for Mehmet Ali Agca June 13, immediately after which Italian justice ministry officials issued the extradition decree. Agca flew to Turkey that evening and entered a prison there in the early hours of June 14. Father Hesburgh awarded Congressional Gold Medal
July 21, 2000
People in the
Bolivia Procession
CNS photo from Reuters
Women carry statues of the Virgin of Carmen following Mass at the San Francisco Cathedral in La Paz, Bolivia, July 16. The Mass was marked by a special observance of the 193rd anniversary of the country’s first bid for freedom from Spanish colonizers. WASHINGTON (CNS) — Honored for 35 years as president of the University of Notre Dame and a career of public service, Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh accepted the Congressional Gold Medal July 13 with the comment, “I have much to be humble about.” In a ceremony in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Father Hesburgh, 83, was showered with praise for public service that has included serving as a charter member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, involvement in the Middle East peace process and participating in a United Nations fact-finding mission on refugees in Kosovo. San Diego nun to direct Catholic evangelization council SAN DIEGO (CNS) — San Diego bids goodbye to Sister Priscilla Lemire at the end of July as she ends 23 years of service to the diocese. Sister Lemire, a Religious of Jesus and Mary, is relocating to Washington to be executive director of the National Council for Catholic Evangelization. While she is excited by her new post, Sister Lemire said it will be difficult to leave behind the diocese
as well as friends and acquaintances. During her time in the diocese, she spent 16 years as a parish director of catechetical ministry. She was a pioneer in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program in the diocese, working with it for 22 years. She also worked at the pastoral center as director for evangelization. End Cuba embargo, Cardinal Law says WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. embargo against Cuba should be ended now, said Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ International Policy Committee. In a statement released July 13 he called the 40-year-old economic embargo “outmoded and unjustified” and said it has “long exhausted the moral legitimacy it may once have had.” “At present, the only significant beneficiaries of this embargo are the
leaders of the Cuban government for whom it provides an endlessly invoked excuse for the devastating failure of its economic system,” he said. He added that the embargo “harms mostly the poorest.” Armed checkpoints, desperate people fill border pastor’s days WASHINGTON (CNS) — Like missionaries in war-torn parts of the world, Father Robert Carney’s day-to-day life includes celebrating Mass, stopping at checkpoints staffed by armed men, hearing parishioners’ confessions, and trying to help needy people on the run. But Father Carney faces those circumstances in Douglas, Ariz., not in some far-off mission territory. With his parishioners at St. Luke’s Catholic Church feeling like their town on the Mexican border is “under occupation,” Father Carney joined a delegation to Washington in late June, seeking changes in federal immigration and economic policies that have effectively squeezed three states’ worth of illegal border crossing into their area. Senate committee approves gold medal for pope WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Senate Banking Committee on July 13 approved a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II. The bill, which has 66 co-sponsors, now goes to the full Senate. As of July 14, a parallel bill had not been introduced in the House. The Senate legislation cites the pope for “having transcended the bounds of religion, race and political thought” as a champion, “uniter” and defender in the world’s struggle for peace and basic human rights.
July 21, 2000
From the
The Catholic News & Herald 7
Prison ministry leads to six confirmations by Raleigh By Matt Doyle NC Catholic RALEIGH — North Carolina’s death row was the scene of a joyful celebration this summer. Raleigh Bishop F. Joseph Gossman confirmed six death-row inmates in late June in a celebration that has reached beyond the walls of Raleigh’s Central Prison. Franciscan Fath e r Dan Kenna said celebrating the sacrament “affirmed (the inmates) as human beings.” Father Kenna, along with Fathers Ja m e s N e r o and Mark Reamer, all friars at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, visit the prisoners once a week for Mass and catechesis. Some of the 228 men on North Carolina’s death row have established a faith community that Father Kenna said includes the friars. The friars say that sense of community is important, because the men have little or no contact with the outside world, except for the priests. Nevertheless, the men have established an identity as church. “What we share with them is an opportunity to reflect on our faith together,” Father Reamer told the NC Catholic, newspaper of the Raleigh Diocese. He compared their existence to a monastic setting, where the men, their own choosing, have unlimited time for prayer, reflection and introspection.
needs.” The six candidates for confirmation — May, Terry Bell, Angel Guiverra, Henry Lee Hunt, Eric Murillo and Elias Syriani — were presented by Franciscan Sister Claudia Bronsing, Bell’s sponsor and a parish pastoral administrator, and Jeff Meyer, another death-row inmate, who served as sponsor for the other five. death row, he said. “Their life story is important and cannot be banished into anonymity,” said Father Kenna. Father Reamer said the confirmation liturgy w a s u p l i f t i n g, with the men practicing their songs for several weeks. “It was a source of hope and faith for me,” he said. “Music really does lift the heart.” The men also thanked Bishop Gossman for his strong stand against the death penalty, in public statements, pastoral letters and requests for clemency for death-row inmates. “We are so very grateful for your opposition to capital punishment,” May told the bishop. “It means a lot to all of the death-row inmates to know that the Catholic Church and your diocese turn away from and denounce such killing.” After his visit to death row, Bishop Gossman embraced a recent call by retired South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the United States to reject capital punishment, as his country has. Bishop Gossman said he agreed with Archbishop Tutu that
After his visit to death row, Bishop Gossman embraced a recent call by retired South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the United States to reject capital punishment, as his country has.
That often results in a profound understanding of Scripture, according to the priests. From that context, six of the inmates sought confirmation in the Catholic Church. After eight months of catechesis, Bishop Gossman came to celebrate that sacrament with them. One inmate, Lyle May, became unofficial spokesman for the group. He thanked the bishop “for reaching out to us with open arms, so that we too may have open arms and open hearts to fully receive the Holy Spirit.” May went on to tell the bishop, “it is not common for us to (have) fellowship with men of your stature, though we understand that God knows our
a country that has stood firmly for human rights around the world should abandon the death penalty. Father Reamer said he finds it discouraging that Catholics differ little from the general public in their majority support for capital punishment. That means they have not been greatly influenced by the church’s social teaching, he said. But for now, church leaders continue to seek a change on the death penalty and the inmates at the confirmation service sang words of optimism: “The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures.”
Bishops thank Clinton for execution WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops thanked President Clinton for postponing the first scheduled federal execution in 37 years and encouraged him to “take the next step” by commuting the sentence to life imprisonment. Clinton on July 7 agreed to postpone the Aug. 5 execution of Juan Raul Garza pending a Justice Department update of clemency guidelines in the federal sentencing system. “We hope that this action will lead to a further reconsideration of the use of the death penalty in our modern society,” read a letter to Clinton from Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. “In our view, the next appropriate action would be to impose a moratorium on the use of the death penalty at the federal level,” he continued. The last execution by the federal government was in 1963. Garza is one of 21 prisoners who have been sentenced to death under federal statutes
since the Supreme Court ruled in the late 1970s that some death penalty statutes could be constitutional. “We want Mr. Garza to have an opportunity to submit a request for clemency,” White House spokesman Jake Siewert told reporters. “We want to make sure that there are firm guidelines in place.” Clinton has long supported the death penalty, although he said at a recent press conference that he is concerned about the “disturbing racial composition of those who’ve been convicted ... and the fact that almost all of the convictions are coming out of just a handful of states.” The letter encouraged the president to impose a moratorium on federal executions “not only because it will spare the lives of the condemned, but because of what it will symbolize to everyone in our nation and beyond — that all human life is of inestimable value.”
8 The Catholic News & Herald
July 21, 2000
In the
At age 100, priest has witnessed dramatic changes By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE LINCOLN, Neb. (CNS) — In his 65 years as a priest of the Lincoln Diocese, Msgr. Denis Barry has witnessed some dramatic changes in the church and in society. He is the first priest in the diocese’s 113-year history to reach his 100th birthday, which he celebrated July 12 at Lincoln’s Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, where he lives. The event was marked with a Mass celebrated by Lincoln Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz. Family and friends gathered later for cake and ice cream and to hear the memories of a priest who has known all eight bishops of the diocese. Msgr. Barry grew up in Agnew, one of six children. From an early age, young Denis had firsthand experience with hard work. He inherited the job of running the family farm when he was only 13, five years after his father died. In those years, he points out, “everything was done by horses or by hand.” When he was 18, he was eligible for the draft for World War I. “I was called to the local draft board four days after the armistice was signed,” he told the Southern Nebraska Register, Lincoln’s diocesan newspaper. With the war over and the United States withdrawing its troops, he was not called up for service. After he finished school, he was undecided about what to do with his life. He credits his mother’s influence for him eventually recognizing his calling to the priesthood. “My mother was always encouraging me to consider the vocation to the priesthood,” Msgr. Barry said. “She prayed for me a lot.” He studied for the priesthood at Kenrick Seminary near St. Louis and was ordained for the Diocese of Lin-
CNS photo from Southern Nebraska Register
Msgr. Denis Barry of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb., catches up on some letter-writing in this photo from 1996. The priest was the first in the diocese’s history to celebrate his centennial year, turning 100 on July 12. coln in 1935. In 58 years of active ministry, Msgr. Barry has served the people of southern Nebraska in a variety of ways, including as a pastor and head of a deanery. But there were a “couple of times I almost didn’t make it,” he said, referring to a fall from a 12-foot-high ladder and to his bout with abdominal cancer. He has met every one of Lincoln’s eight bishops, beginning with Bishop Thomas Bonacum, who headed the diocese from 1887-1911. “Bishop Bonacum came to Agnew for the sacrament of confirmation in 1910, and he came to our house for dinner,” Msgr. Barry said. “It was something to have the bishop come to our house.” Msgr. Barry met Bishops J. Henry Tihen and Charles O’Reilly during parish activities and Bishop
Francis Beckman while he was studying for the priesthood. He would later work closely with Bishops Louis Kucera, James Casey and Glennon Flavin during his years as a parish priest. Bishop Bruskewitz, the current
head of the diocese, was installed in Lincoln in March 1992. Msgr. Barry said perhaps the two biggest changes in his lifetime in the church and in the world was the Second Vatican Council and the automobile. “Vatican II was a milestone in the church — for priests and the laity,” Msgr. Barry said. “Many of the laws, which governed different practices, were modified and the laity assumed a larger role in the participation of the church.” The automobile, because of the mobility it provided, Msgr. Barry said, might have had the greatest impact on society in the 20th century. “When I was taking care of our farm I walked behind a single row plow and a single row cultivator,” Msgr. Barry said. “We never traveled far from home. His home town of Agnew had only 60 residents, “but it had a general store, two grain elevators, a blacksmith shop and a doctor,” he recalled.
July 21, 2000
The Catholic News & Herald 9
In the
Mooresville parish center becomes a By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer MOORESVILLE — The afternoon sun greeted St. Therese Church parishioners as they gathered to recognize their growth as a parish. Members filled their church to capacit,y while the overflow sat in the narthex for their parish life center groundbreaking Mass, ceremony and picnic on June 8. Lewis Mack, a founding member of the church, has grown along with his church and remembered the parish in its various stages. From its beginnings in a parishioner’s home to the cement stone building dedicated in 1950 on the main thoroughfare in the expanding town of Mooresville to the present day structure dedicated in 1988, St. Therese has gone through many changes. The parish’s newest endeavor is the life center, expected to be completed next summer. Bishop Curlin and others were on hand to cast the symbolic gold and silver shovels into the ground to start the construction process on its way. “We are not simply blessing a building,” said the bishop. “We are here to continue to build our relationships with Jesus. ... Remember that you are gathered here to build a place where you can be strengthened in the presence of Christ.” Bishop William G. Curlin served as celebrant with Jesuit Father James
Photo by Alesha M. Price
Bishop William G. Curlin, center, Jesuit Father James McAndrews, right center, church members and others cast shovels at the St. Therese Church family life center groundbreaking on July 8 in Mooresville. McAndrews, pastor, concelebrating, and Rev. Mr. John Sims serving at the Mass. “The parish is very vibrant, and I am especially gratified that we have so many young people interacting with the older members, which gives a sense of continuity to the ideas about how we should build into the future,” said Father McAndrews. The two-story, 25,000 square feet life center will consist of 14 faith formation classrooms; offices for the faith
formation director, youth minister and secretary; a library; break room; choir room and kitchen. The large gathering area is designed for multi-purpose functions such as liturgies, dances, meals and meetings, described Greg Pollak, current chair of the parish building committee and church member since 1988. Marlene Stowe, chair of the capital campaign committee, Father McAndrews, members of the capital campaign committee and 180 volunteers joined for a group effort in raising thus far two-thirds of the $3.2 million needed for completion of the building through personal visits with the parishioners. “As a parish, we like to gather and have community functions,” said Stowe. “I am enthused and excited about the upcoming center. Many of our activities have been hampered because of a lack of space. We have planning this for many years, and it has been a long time coming.” Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottedioces.org.
Archbishop Flores’ secretary called ‘hero for all of us’ By MAURA CIARROCCHI Catholic News Service SAN ANTONIO (CNS) — Myrtle Sanchez, secretary to San Antonio Archbishop Patrick F. Flores, is “a hero for all of us,” says Msgr. Lawrence Stuebben, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the San Antonio Archdiocese. Usually, words like “quiet,” “loyal,” “unassuming,” and “cheerful” would be used to describe Sanchez, but her composure during a hostage situation involving her and her boss has earned her the title “angel.” Sanchez was held hostage for about two hours of a nine-hour hostage ordeal involving Archbishop Flores June 28 at the archdiocesan chancery. Today’s Catholic, newspaper of the San Antonio Archdiocese, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were to give Sanchez a Guardian Angel Award July 19 in a ceremony airing on the archdiocesan-run TV station. Nelson Escolero, a 40-year-old Salvadoran immigrant, was charged with aggravated kidnapping for holding Archbishop Flores and Sanchez. Escolero, a native of El Salvador who is a legal resident of the United States, apparently had approached the archbishop June 27 outside the chancery for help with a passport problem. The next day, he retunred to the archbishop’s office. Once inside the archbishop’s office, he demanded the archbishop and later Sanchez make calls on his behalf. During the nine-hour ordeal, much of the tension centered on Escolero’s claim that he had a grenade. The device was later determined to be a fake. Throughout the two-hour ordeal, Sanchez said, she prayed to St. Anthonyand also quietly diverted the captor’s attention at times. Archbishop Flores has remarked that by putting up with him all these years, Sanchez is on her way to being a saint.
1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review
Priest explores morality and spirituality in new book
What is the good life? In “The Good Life: Where Morality and Spirituality Converge,” Sulpician Father Richard M. Gula defines it as “a life of friendship with God.” Father Gula says that we “become friends with God and with one another to the extent that we develop character and virtues.” He writes this book to discuss biblical themes that offer guidance in becoming more moral and spiritual. The author, a moral theology The Good Life: Where Morality and Spirtuality Converge, By Father Richard M. Gula SS. Paulist Press (Mahwah, N.J., 1999). 132 pp.$9.95
professor at the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., begins by saying that morality and spirituality are related and must be practiced. “The greatest predictor of how we will behave when moments of special choice come along is to be found in how we behave every day because daily behav-
July 21, 2000
Read-
ior shapes character,” he says. Father Gula first addresses the biblical theme of being created in God’s image, which he calls “not only a gift but also a responsibility.” Referring to the parable of the talents, he says, “Living the good life involves taking a risk on the gifts that have been entrusted to us.” Then he addresses the biblical theme of being called to a covenant with God. He focuses on the worth of our relationship with God, the unconditional love of God, and the value of self-esteem. The author emphasizes, too, the importance of solidarity in a covenant relationship. He identifies three principles of Catholic justice: the dignity of individuals, concern for the common good, and concern for the poor. He suggests we imitate God in his love for “the lost, the least, and the last.” Faithfulness to the covenant also remains essential, Father Gula says. He cites God’s call to “faithfulness, not sacrifice.” When we are not faithful, he says, we not only do something that is not good but we become people who are not good.
GOOD LIFE, Page 14
Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of July 23 - 29, 2000 Sunday, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ephesians 2:13-18, Mark 6:30-34; Monday, Micah 6:1-4, 6-8, Matthew 12:38-42; Tuesday (St. James), 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Matthew 20:20-28; Wednesday (St. Joachim and Anne), Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10, Matthew 13:16-17; Thursday, Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13, Matthew 13:10-17; Friday, Jeremiah 3:14-17, Matthew 13:18-23; Saturday (St. Martha), Jeremiah 7:1-11, Luke 10:38-42 Readings for the week of July 30 - Aug. 5, 2000 Sunday, 2 Kings 4:42-44, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 6:1-15; Monday (St. Ignatius of Loyola), Jeremiah 13:1-11, Matthew 13:31-35; Tuesday (St. Alphonsus Liguori), Jeremiah 14:17-22, Matthew 13:36-43; Wednesday, Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21, Matthew 13:44-46; Thursday, Jeremiah 18:1-6, Matthew 13:47-53; Friday (St. John Mary Vianney), Jeremiah 26:1-9, Matthew 13:54-58; Saturday (Dedication of St. Mary Basilica in Rome), Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24, Matthew 14:1-12
Word to Life
July 23, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B Readings: 1) Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23:1-6 2) Ephesians 2:13-18 3) Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service “Word to Life” is listed on the CNS Web site according to the date of the Sunday to which it is geared. This week’s “Word to Life” is geared to the readings for Sunday, July 23. This column is offered, in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas, as a bonus to CNS subscribers during the Jubilee of the Year 2000. This material is located on the CNS Web site under “Columns.” Three files are found for each week under “Word to Life”: an image file, containing the art; a PDF file, showing the complete layout; and the text file. In addition, the “Word to Life” logo can be downloaded by clicking on the logo in the CNS Web site. Scattering and gathering, scattering and gathering — but what God is spreading broadly and pulling into sheaves in this week’s readings is people, not seeds and grain. The readings speak of good shepherds who gather their sheep to care for them and, at least in the Jeremiah reading, of evil shepherds who scatter God’s sheep and drive them away. But the image that is repeated is of the shepherd who gathers and tends his own. Jesus teaches the 5,000 on the shore of the lake because “he pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them at great
length.” The familiar and always comforting Psalm 23 gives us an image of the shepherd continuing his care, even as the sheep face danger from their enemies, need oil to heal them, and must rely on his rod and staff to deliver them from fear. A friend in Birmingham, Ala., recently sent an e-mail describing a Pentecost event in her area in a large arena that brought Catholics and Protestants together to worship and celebrate their unity in Christ. Patsy’s message brimmed with joy as she told about this celebration. Jubilee 2000, she wrote, had been organized by the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham and was coordinated by a Benedictine nun. Protestant churches, she said, had responded to the Catholic invitation to plan it, participate in it and worship together. Although she doesn’t close her account with the feeding of the many thousands gathered, I have to believe that the Father in heaven, who sends forth shepherds to gather his people into one, was fed a heavenly meal of unity on the birthday of his church. QUESTIONS: When you have contact with Protestants, are you able to focus on the things that unite us without fear? Are you able to pray with those who will pray with you and for those who resist being joined by our mutual faith in Christ?
SCRIPTURE TO ILLUSTRATE: “It is [Jesus] who is our peace, and who made the two of us one by breaking down the barrier of
July 21, 2000
Entertain-
The Catholic News & Herald 11
X-Men surprisingly absorbing, entertaining sci-fi By ANNE NAVARRO Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — Outcast human beings whose genetic mutations give them superpowers are pitted against evil mutants intent on ruling over humanity in the entertaining sci-fi thriller “X-Men” (20th Century Fox). Director Bryan Singer’s longawaited live-action film is surprisingly absorbing. Based on the comic book series published by Marvel Comics, “XMen” sets up the premise that in the not-too-distant future, human beings will genetically mutate to form a new race with superpowers, which will coexist with the other “normal” humans. Early on, the viewer understands that humans already fear and hate the race of mutants. U.S. Sen. Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) has introduced legislation designed to expose the possible “dangers” these scientific oddities can cause. And it is this legislation — and the prevailing prejudicial attitude — that forces Magneto (Ian McKellen), one of the world’s most powerful mutants and master of magnetism, to turn his back on society. Together with his evil brotherhood, he seeks to rule over all of humanity before they wipe out the mutant race. On the other end of the spectrum of these superhuman creatures is Magneto’s one-time friend, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who has unparalleled telepathic abilities. Under his tutelage are a group of students whom he calls his X-Men. Unlike Magneto and his rebel mutants, the X-Men use their powers to serve humanity. When Magneto attempts
world domination, the two opposing groups square off in a battle of good vs. evil. Several issues run through the film’s multilayered narrative, including prejudice, intolerance and fear. The film also leans heavily on the outcasts-of-society theme, trying to establish common ground between the viewer and the mutants by asking, “Hasn’t everyone felt like an outcast at one point or another?” It is interesting to note that there is also a Christian message of compassion and mercy in the film. Xavier has established a school to teach mutants how to control and direct their powers for the greater good of mankind. The school is a safe haven for those the world considers deviants and misfits. And he and his X-Men fight to protect a world that ridicules and even hates them. The film largely concentrates on the characters of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a loner with regenerative powers whose retractable steel claws come out whenever his short, mean fuse is lit, and Rogue (Anna Paquin), who is able to absorb the powers and memories of anyone she touches. Both actors acquit themselves well, especially Jackman. The other X-Men characters are weakly developed, particularly Storm (Halle Berry), and even less attention is given to members of Magneto’s evil brotherhood such as Toad (Ray Park) and Mystique (Rebecca RomijnStamos) who together only have a few scant lines. Stewart and McKellen are formidable. As a survivor of World War II, Magneto believes he is preventing
CNS photo from 20th Century Fox
Halle Berry stars in the science-fiction thriller “X-Men.” The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rate is PG-13. another Holocaust. McKellen gives the character the depth to be both malicious and childlike. Stewart’s commanding presence on screen, not to mention his bald head which makes him look like the comic book character, brings to Xavier a sophistication and worldliness. Although the film treats its subject quite seriously, it also manages to laugh at itself with some self-deprecating humor. Fans of the comic book will chuckle at a joke about Wolverine’s yellow tights. And while the ending is predictable, getting there is certainly fun. The last scenes also leave the door wide open for one or more sequels. While sci-fi violence is part of the package, sharp editing and imaginative special effects and stunts suggest that it should not be taken literally. In
fact, the action is well-paced and therefore does not overcome the story but complements it. Compelling enough to intrigue newcomers as well as fans of the Marvel comic book series, “X-Men” is a diverting outing to the movies. olescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Navarro is on the staff of the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.
TV programs of note NEW YORK (CNS) — Here are some television programs of note for the week of July 30: Thursday, Aug. 3, 10-11 p.m. EDT (A&E) “Danger — Fallout.” An “Investigative Reports” examines the threat from radioactive fallout from the Cold War years of nuclear testing in the Nevada desert that went into the atmosphere and drifted across the country. Friday, Aug. 4, 9-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Vaudeville.” A rebroadcast of an “American Masters” special exploring the popular entertainment form that preceded movies, TV and even radio, and dominated American culture for four decades, crossing racial and class boundaries in the process.
1 2 The Catholic News & Herald
July 21, 2000
Editorials & Col-
The Pope Speaks
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Pope says immigrants need welcome from people like Cabrini
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like the poor who immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s, many of today’s immigrants arrive in a new country looking for a better life but find only poverty and discrimination, Pope John Paul II said. New immigrants need people like St. Frances Cabrini to welcome them, educate them and help them spiritually, the pope said in a letter to the religious order Mother Cabrini founded. The letter, released at the Vatican July 15, marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mother Cabrini and the 50th anniversary of her being proclaimed patron of immigrants. Mother Cabrini, an Italian who became a U.S. citizen, ministered to Italians and other European immigrants all over the United States, as well as in Nicaragua, Brazil and Argentina. Canonized in 1946, just 21 years after her death, she was the first U.S. citizen to be proclaimed a saint. The pope’s letter to the Sacred Heart missionaries said today’s immigrants have needs similar to those of immigrants 100 years ago: assistance getting residence permits, language lessons, help fitting into a new society and special care for illegal immigrants being held in detention centers. Modern migration patterns have led the sisters to adapt “with creativity and generosity the spirit of Mother Cabrini,” the pope said. “Armed with unique boldness she started schools, hospitals and orphanages from nothing for the masses of poor who set off for the new world in search of work, lacking knowledge of the language and the means to insert themselves in a dignified way into American society, often becoming the victims of people without scruples,” Pope John Paul said. Mother Cabrini was not afraid, he said, and because of her courage and “maternal heart” she is still the object of “a surprisingly lively devotion” in the United States. The pope asked the Missionaries Sisters of the Sacred Heart and the lay people who work with them “to learn to listen to the cry of the poor in order to give adequate responses to their material and spiritual problems.” Listening the way Mother Cabrini did, he said, will help them “at the beginning of a new millennium rich in expectations and hopes, but also marked by wounds which have stained the living body of humanity with blood, especially in the poorest countries of the world.”
A New Dimension of Mother Love Some stories hit you right in the heart. That was my reaction when I met Ann Stone, who told of the tragedy that struck her family when Ralph, one of her five sons, was murdered in his condominium in Washington, D.C. But then she went on to talk of what she did in his memory. Ralph Stone, 37, was the director of training for the Center for Development and Population Activities in Washington and had been working on his doctorate at Georgetown University. He had finished all his academic requirements and completed most of the interviews needed for his dissertation on the important and unusual subject of “Women Leaders in Kenya: A Description of Women in Practical Leadership in Non-Government Organizations.” “When I realized that his dissertation wasn’t going to be finished, I said to his director that maybe I could finish it,” his mother told me. She wanted her son to have his degree, even though it would be posthumous. A grandmother of four, who holds a master’s degree in Hospital Administration, Stone was willing to take on this heavy task, explaining, “I had some experience in analyzing and writing because I work for the state of Connecticut reviewing certificates of need for hospitals when they want to expand.” He often went overseas to do pioneering work to “establish the empowerment of women” in Third World countries. In his research he looked for common backgrounds of successful women, identified barriers to women’s advancement and determined what further research was needed to help women achieve professional goals. Ann Stone’s task was enormous. Her son had left a microtape with interviews he had done with women in Kenya in nongovernmental jobs, “but they all had to be transcribed,” she said. Ann Stone found a woman who had done some transcribing for her son, but on many of the tapes the African accents were heavy and she couldn’t understand them.
Coming of Age Christopher Carstens CNS Columnist Smile. You can’t imagine how many teens simply scowl at grown-ups or act as if the grownups weren’t even there. Studies show that smiling makes you much more socially attractive. People like people who smile at them. Ask at least one question during each brief conversation. You aren’t conducting an interview here, but are showing your interest in the adult as a person. The questions can be as simple as, “How’s your back yard coming?” or “Did you see the baseball game last night?” Pay attention to the answers because they’ll contain clues for your next conversation. For example, if you learn that your friend’s father is restoring an old car, asking about progress on the project now and then makes you golden. Finally, don’t ever swear around an adult. That’s verbal poison. When you use poor language, you are seen as less intelligent, less sophisticated and less reliable. Good manners are the lubricant that makes social wheels turn. Your goal isn’t making friends with these grown-ups, but you want them to like and respect you.
The Bottom Line ANTOINETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist
But, coincidentally, this woman had an acquaintance from Ghana. “It turned out she grew up in Kenya and knew all the tribal accents,” Stone said. With the tapes transcribed, she was able to complete the manuscript. She then had to meet with the Georgetown faculty to defend it. “They said it should be published,” she said, adding that the Center for Development and Population Activities will use her son’s research to further their work. Stone and her husband Fred also felt honored that the university established the Ralph Upson Stone Achievement Award in their son’s honor to recognize people who work selflessly for human resources development.The Stones say that witnessing the honor given to their son brings them some joy. Their son’s killer still is unidentified, though the police have a strong suspect. Ralph Stone’s brothers, his twin Dave, along with Doug, Brad and Rick, are a great support to their parents. I’ve seen mother love, but Ann Stone truly took this to a new dimension in the honor she gave her son by completing the work he had begun.
Teens and Their Friends’ Parents As a teen-ager, your freedom often depends on adults — and not just your mother or father. Can you spend the night at a friend’s? Sure you need your parent’s permission, but it also depends on whether or not your friend’s folks are comfortable having you around. You’re attracted to a “certain someone” at school, and you meet each other at the mall once or twice. Will you become a long-term item? Even if you like each other, much will depend on how your potential partner’s parents feel about you. It’s in your best interest for your friend’s parents to like you. Good relationships increase your freedom to do what you want. Maybe it seems like a no-brainer, but lots of teens somehow miss this basic point. There are some things in your life that you simply can’t control. This isn’t one of them. Surprisingly, you’re almost completely in charge of whether or not adults like you. What’s the key? Your attitude! It may seem amazing, but simply maintaining a positive attitude toward adults and treating them with courtesy virtually guarantees that grown-ups will like you. As a child and adolescent psychologist, I also have talked with literally thousands of parents about their teens, and their teens’ friends. Their comments reflect my own impressions. The key is having short conversations on a regular basis. For example, you might spend two or three minutes talking with a friend’s mother whenever you hang out at their house. If you’re dating somebody, have a brief conversation whenever you run into his or her parents. Stand up when you’re talking to an adult. The identical conversation while slouching on the couch doesn’t communicate the same air of respect. Shake hands when you first meet an adult. That’s a very important action. Grown-ups associate it with maturity and trustworthiness. It shows respect, and it accentuates your adult side.
July 21, 2000
Editorials & Col-
Light One Candle FATHER THOMAS J. McSWEENEY Guest Columnist Indeed, having spiritual faith appears to be the singular, vital factor in the way many people successfully navigate old age. Much of what I have learned about my faith derives from my own grandparents when I was young and from older friends now. For me they have been a point of stability, a steadfast example of faith deepened by the joys and heartaches of life. It is not decline that their age reveals to me, but rather the first days of immortality. Or as St. Simon puts it: “The Golden Age is not behind us, but before us.” What younger person, fortunate to witness the grace-filled final days of a parent or grandparent, cannot be attracted to that same faith? Today one person in eight — a total of 33.2 million Americans — is at least 65. A person who reaches 65 can expect to live for seventeen more years, and many live well beyond that. Some will have good health and financial comfort. Some will not. There is no denying their importance, though we can never completely control them. Still, each one of us does get to choose our beliefs and attitudes. My friend was right. It’s never too early to consider: “Just what kind of person do I want to be when I turn 65?” Father Thomas J. McSweeney is director of The Christophers. the male organ of procreation, proclaimed that the whole nation, the whole clan, present and future, was consecrated to the god it worshipped. In this context, it is easier to see why the descendants of Abraham came to view circumcision as a fitting and necessary expression of their covenant with the God of Israel. Q. Someone in our parish has been distributing a leaflet that tells us receiving Communion in our hands is wrong and against God’s will. Most of the ideas I have no trouble dealing with, but one statement puzzles me. She claims Mother Teresa once stated that one of the greatest harms to the church was the start of Communion in the hand, and that she believed it is wrong and should never be done. When did Mother Teresa say that? A. That rumor has been in circulation for at least 15 years that I know of. I have no idea how it started, but as with all such rumors, the people who spread it do not hesitate to keep it going. For years I was deluged with letters urging me to tell people how Mother Teresa felt. I had strong suspicions about the claim. But at last, not long before her death, I contacted the officials of her community in India about it, describing what she was quoted as saying. Their response informed me that Mother Teresa never said anything like that. In fact, they added, receiving Communion in the hand is not forbidden even for her own sisters. As I indicated, it isn’t likely, from my experience, that this fact will hinder those who are determined to keep the rumor circulating. A free brochure in English or Spanish answering questions Catholics ask about baptism practices and sponsors is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.
When I’m 65... A well-meaning friend sent me a copy of John Jerome’s new book about aging, “On Turning Sixty-Five,” with the “Sixty” crossed out and replaced by a “Fifty.” A taunting note was attached: “Monsignor, it’s never too early to start respecting gray hairs, especially your own! Happy Fifty-Fifth!” My first impulse was to phone and disinvite my friend from my birthday party, but instead I peeked inside and spotted Jerome’s incentive for writing his book. He explains that during a slow recovery from neck surgery he began to see his 65th year as “a kind of forced matriculation in Old Man’s School.” He goes on: “Sixty-five happens to be, in society’s definition, the moment when geezerhood kicks in. A certain amount of despair, even panic, can be expected to follow — not to mention hair transplants, convertibles, trophy wives. We don’t deal well with 65 in this culture.” Old Man’s School?! Geezerhood? Despair?! Wait a minute, I thought, this doesn’t square with my personal experience of my older relatives and friends who may complain of an occasional stiffness or sleepless night but generally seem in high spirits and are unquestionably happy and productive. I think of Pope John Paul II who, despite his own age-related limitations, proclaimed recently, “I continue to enjoy life!” He said: “Arriving at an older age is to be considered a privilege: not simply because not everyone has the good fortune to reach this stage of life, but also, and above all, because this period provides real possibilities for better evaluating the past, for knowing and living more deeply the Paschal Mystery, for becoming an example for the whole people of God.” What an example this Pope has been. He lives his old age with the greatest openness. Far from concealing it, he places it before everyone’s eyes. With extreme simplicity, he says of himself, “I’m an elderly priest.” He lives his old age in faith, as he has his whole life, acknowledging changes but not letting himself be overwhelmed by them.
Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist
The Custom of Circumcision Q. Why is circumcision mentioned so often in the Bible, and why was it so important for the Jews? Jewish men had to be circumcised, and the Gospels say that even Jesus was. How did this practice get started? A. Not long ago I would have had to say no one knows the answer. Perhaps this is still true, but some archeological discoveries in recent decades point to a possible explanation. Circumcision, it seems, may be closely related to human sacrifice, which was widespread in some ancient Mideast cultures (including, at certain periods, the Jews) as a way of placating and supplicating the gods. Several years ago archeologists in the Near East discovered an interesting document apparently written by a Phoenician priest. The text tells how a god named El, to prevent destruction of his city, sacrificed his son to his father, a god named Heaven. El then circumcised himself, and commanded all his followers to be circumcised, thus saving their home. In this tradition, at least, circumcision seems to take the place of human sacrifice. A part of the body is substituted for the whole. Since an intimate relationship was seen between individuals and the entire community or tribe, circumcision, involving part of
The Catholic News & Herald 13
Family Reflections ANDREW & TERRI LYKE Guest Columnists Covenant-Like Marriages Earlier this week I (Andrew) spoke before a group of inner-city youths at a summer education program. I was asked to speak about relationships and sexuality. However, I chose to make the central theme of my presentation the “‘M’ Word”-marriage. My reasoning for making marriage the center of discussion is that too often marriage education begins at engagement. By then the individuals’ concepts of marriage have been formed. This was an opportunity to plant some seeds in their minds that may harvest a different crop of married persons years from now. I began my presentation to the group of seventeen male high school sophomores by explaining the difference between a contractual relationship and a covenant relationship. Most of them saw marriage as contractual. A young man explained it this way, “When the marriage isn’t happy, you don’t have to stay in it. You should get a divorce.” I described for them the covenant relationship we have with God, and suggested that when a marriage strives for that kind of relationship, it becomes a manifestation of God’s love. Sex was described as a gift from God that makes promises that only marriage can keep. I told the young men that the greatest gift parents give their children is their love for each other. I asked them to think about the people they knew who had covenant-like marriages. When I asked them to tell me about those people, no one responded. From all indications, it seemed that these young men had no reasons in their lives to believe anything I had said to them. For them covenant marriage was all fantasy and not applicable to the real world or real relationships. In the deafening silence I saw in my right periphery a young man hesitantly raising his hand. I asked him if he had a question. He said in a very soft voice, “My parent-my mother and father have that kind of relationship.” His assertion was almost sheepish, as though he was at risk for saying it. I insisted he stand up and repeat what he said clearly and boldly. He stood and repeated, “My mother and father have a covenant marriage.” That evening the two of us discussed this after dinner. We both surmised that the young man’s hesitance to identify his family as a “matrimonial family” is the very same reason so many covenant marriages are so quiet. Covenant marriage is countercultural in a society that is hostile to it. Not only is God-centered marriage under siege, the children of such relationships are, as well. I thanked the young man for standing in the face of disbelief to bear witness to a truth that was evident in his life. I encouraged him to continue to challenge others with the truth. We offer the same challenge to all members of matrimonial families. When our young people seek out covenant marriages, those marriages must be visible. So, stand up! A whole generation needs you.
1 4 The Catholic News & Herald
Good Life, from page 10
The author next addresses the call to discipleship. He says, “The question that ought to guide authentic discipleship today, then, is not ‘What would Jesus do?’ but ‘How can I be as faithful to God in my life as Jesus was in his?”’ He advises renouncing “surrogate loves” — conformity, fear, materialism, money, position, power, prestige, and pride. Finally, he focuses on the call to community. He says that “to become good we need to be surrounded by goodness, to witness it, and then to imitate it.” We do this through friends who “sustain us by their example, wisdom, encouragement, support, and challenge.” He reflects on the beatitudes and on love, forgiveness and hospitality. “The Good Life: Where Morality and Spirituality Converge” is a practical guidebook for individuals and groups. The author offers sound advice and includes interesting anecdotes and allusions to the Bible, theology, literature, and film. His end-of-chapter questions can help readers apply what they have learned.
ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Accounting Assistant, Part-time: Catholic High School seeks person with accounting experience who works well with others to work part-time in the Business Office. Responsibilities include processing tuition receivables and vendor payables. Provides assistance to Business Manager in reconciling and managing monthly accounts. Good organizational and analytical skills required. Mon-Fri, 8 am - 12 pm. Send letter of application and resume by 7/28 to: BMHS Employee Search, 1730 Link Road, WinstonSalem, NC 27103. EOE. Accounting Clerk: Payroll/General Ledger. The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting applications for a full-time accounting clerk. Responsibilities primarily include processing and entering payroll and general ledger transactions for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system. Applicants must be proficient with Excel and have two years of relevant experience. EOE. Please forward resume and salary history by July 28, 2000 to: Controller, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003. Administrative Assistant: Part-time. Approximately 12-20 hours per week. Non-smoker with good communications, phone, computer skills. Prefer financial background. Resume and references to Hook Financial Group, 4801 E. Independence Blvd., Box 601, Charlotte NC 28212. Administrative Support Person: The Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace has an opening for a parttime administrative support person (4 hours, 3 days/ week). Functions include: clerical, database management, excel spreadsheets; internet research and related skills; coordinating meeting arrangements; and bulk mailing. Must be proficient in Windows 98 and Office 97 and possess organizational and communications skills. Submit a one-page resume by July 26th to: Office of Justice and Peace, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte NC 28203. Assistant Secretary: Asheville Catholic School. Attendance/First Aid Office. M-F, full time. CPR and First Aid certification required. Call (828)252-7896 for information. EOE. Cosmetologists/Barbers: Full-time and part-time. Charlotte area upscale salon seeking warm-hearted, skilled stylists and barbers. Convenient south Charlotte location. $12 per hour + tips. Please call (704) 341-4260. Custodian, Full-time: Begin work immediately. Asheville Catholic School. Call Randy Penland, Maintenance Supervisor at (828)252-7896. EOE. Director of Adult Catholic Enrichment/Order of Christian Initiation: Holy Family Catholic Church of Marietta seeks a full-time salaried Director for Adult Catholic Enrichment (ACE) and the Order of Christian Initiation (OCI) programs. Applicants should have leadership experience in ACE/OCI areas and/or have religious education degreed background suitable to develop high quality programs and volunteer assistance in the community. Must be practicing Catholic. If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Ret Siefferman, Director of Religious Education at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068. Fax (770) 578-0475. Inquire at (770) 973-7400, ext. 21 with questions. Director of Planned Giving: The Diocesan Of-
July 21, 2000
In the
fice of Development has an opening for a part-time director of planned giving. Candidate must be a college graduate with a degree in marketing, business administration, or related field; and 3 years specific experience in planned giving or related experience. Applicants should have strong interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to interact well with diverse groups. Responsibilities include organizing and directing efforts to assist parishioners in developing and implementing long-range financial plans for their benefit, the benefit of their family, their parish and/or the diocese. Part-time position for 21 hours per week; beginning August. Please submit resume to: Jim Kelley, Office of Development, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003. Director of Religious Education: Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta seeks a full-time salaried Director for its Religious Education programs. Practical leadership experience in the continuing development of a full range of primary, secondary, young adult and adult based Religious Education programs is essential. The ability to encourage a spirit of volunteerism to meet broad community needs is a must. Should be competent in managing all educational levels and administrative staff functions. Must have bachelors and/or advanced degree in education and/or religious training. Must be practicing Catholic. Holy Family’s Religious Education programs serve a multi-cultural community. Fluency in Spanish or equivalent background experience would be a useful asset. If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Ret Siefferman, Director of Religious Education, Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068. Fax (770) 578-0475. Inquire at (770)973-7400, ext. 21 with questions. Director, Office of Justice and Peace, Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Charlotte: Director to supervise staff and administer program areas including: CCHD, CRS/ORB, Office of Economic Opportunity, social justice formation and education, and public policy activities. The director serves on the CSS management team while maintaining working relationships with other diocesan offices and with parishes. Knowledge of Catholic social teaching, as well as the ability to articulate and apply it, is essential. Experience at diocesan level as well as a graduate degree in related field preferred. Send resumes by July 26th to: Office of Justice and Peace, CSS, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Junior Accountant: The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting applications for a junior accountant. This position is primarily responsible for the monthly general journal entries, cash receipts, and month-end reporting for Catholic Social Services. Applicants must be proficient with Excel and have an associate’s degree with a concentration in Accounting or 5 years of relevant experience. EOE. Please forward resume and salary history by July 28, 2000 to: Controller, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte NC 28203-4003. Music Ministry Director: Full-time position for a growing 1100-family parish near Charlotte. Responsible for 4 weekend liturgies plus holy days, weddings and funerals. Adult and children’s choirs, cantors, instrumentalists, new contemporary choir, and handbell choir. Rogers electronic organ, Yamaha upright piano, two-octave set of Malmark handbells. Ideal candidate is practicing Catholic with music degree, experience, music performance skills (organ/ piano/voice), choral and cantor skills, knowledge of Catholic liturgical music. Salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits. Send/fax resume to Music Search, Saint Therese Parish, 217 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville, NC 28117. Phone (704)664-3992; Fax: (704)660-6321. Music Ministry Director: Holy Infant Catholic Church is in search of a full-time Director of Music. Located in Durham, North Carolina, a dynamic and growing area of the country near Research Triangle Park, this Vatican II parish consists of 900 households that are committed to ongoing liturgical renewal. Holy Infant Parish embraces its call to be hospitable, inclusive and Christ-centered. This position
Diocesan faith formation official named to the United States Catholic Conference Committee on Catechesis CHARLOTTE — Dr. Cris V. Villapando, director of faith formation programs for the Charlotte Diocese, recently was appointed to the United States Catholic Conference Committee on Catechesis. Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, the Chairman on the Committee on Education, asked Villapando to serve for three years, citing his “background, experi-
ence, and expertise.” The purpose of this committee is “to review and make recommendations on the objectives, plans, programs and policies” for the Department of Education for final approval by the Administrative Board of the Conference. The Committee is composed of an episcopal chair, three bishops, and other experts in the field of catechesis.
Classified ads bring results! Over 115,000 readers! Over 45,000 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date How to order: Ads may be faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332. works closely with the Pastor and a collaborative and supportive staff. Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field although a master’s degree is preferred. Must have music performance skill (e.g. piano, voice); choral directing; cantor training; knowledge of Catholic rites and rituals. Available no later than November 1, 2000. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits package included. Send resume to: DOMM Search Committee, Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Dr., Durham, NC 27713. Fax 919/544-1799. References required at time of application for consideration for this position. Parish Secretary/Receptionist: St. John Neumann. 9am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Secretarial skills and experience, computer-literate, personable. Salary negotiable. Benefits. Contact Fr. Thom Meehan, (704)536-6520 or send resume and references: St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. Fax: (704)536-3147. Principal, Elementary: Blessed Sacrament School, located in historic Savannah, Georgia and nearby Atlantic Ocean beaches, is seeking a principal beginning as soon as possible. Candidates must be Catholic and be able to enhance this family-oriented school with strong communication, leadership and financial management skills. Candidates must have a master’s degree in education and be certifiable by the state of Georgia. Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials. Request application, and mail or fax resume to: Blessed Sacrament Search Committee, Diocese of Savannah, 601 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31404. Phone (912)238-2344 or Fax(912)238-2339. Regional Consultant: The Diocese Office of Faith Formation seeks an interim part-time Regional Consultant for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate for FY 2000-2001. We seek an individual with 3-5 years’ experience of coordinating parish programs and great ability to work with people. The part-time salary for this person is $12,000-$14,000. Preference will be given to persons with some background in the field of Catechetics and Adult Faith Formation. Please send two letters of recommendation to: Dr. Cris Villapando, Office of Faith Formation, 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003. For more information call (704) 370-3246.
part-time Art teacher. NC Certification required. Please call Joseph Puceta at (704)865-4382 for more information. Teachers and Guidance Counselor: Immaculate Heart of Mary School has openings for the following positions for the 2000-2001 school year: Part-time Guidance Counselor; Middle School Science Teacher; and Grade 5 Teacher. Interested certified teachers may contact Margene Wilkins, principal, at 605 Barbee Avenue, High Point, NC 27262; call 336-887-2613; or fax 336-884-1849. Youth Coordinator: St. John Neumann Church seeks part-time Coordinator of Youth Programs to work with parent/youth teams to plan, implement, oversee youth programs; grades 9-12. Call (704)535-4197. Send resume to St. John Neumann Church, Connie Milligan, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 or fax(704)536-3147. Youth Minister: Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, NC is seeking a full-time Youth Minister to coordinate all youth activities and programs. Applicants should have a degree in Religious Education or related field and three years’ experience in Youth Ministry. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Send resume to Tom Johnson, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403. Youth Minister: 25 hours per week; salaried. Located 45 minutes north of Charlotte. Practicing Catholic, experienced with youth. Responsible for 9th-12th graders; coordinate social and service activities, and recruit and train other young adults to work with teens. Must be willing to accommodate flexible week including nights and weekends. Submit resume by July 31st: Martha Drennan, 217 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville NC 28117. Information: (704)664-7762. Youth Minister, Part-time: St. Patrick Cathedral is in great need of a part-time Youth Minister to plan, implement, and oversee weekly activities for parish youth. Undergraduate degree in a youth related field and experience preferred. Please send resume and cover letter to St. Patrick Cathedral, Attn: Joanna Catabui, 1621 Dilworth Road E., Charlotte NC 28203 or Fax: (704) 377-6403.
Teacher: Asheville Catholic School seeks dynamic pre-K teacher. Must hold or be eligible for NC license. Call (828) 252-7896. EOE. Teachers, Library/Media Specialist: Charlotte Catholic High School has the following openings beginning August 2000: full-time teaching positions for Religion, Drama, English, Math, Spanish, and full-time Library/Media Specialist. Must have NC Certification. Also, part-time Guidance Secretary is needed. Call (704)543-1127 for application.
Personalized Candy Bars. For ALL Occasions. CHERUBS-N-CHOCOLATE. To request a catalog, please visit web site at www.Cherubs-NChocolatebyDeb.com or call (919)689-9925.
Teachers: Sacred Heart School (PreK-8) in Salisbury has the following teacher openings beginning in August: PE, Spanish, 5th Grade, and Middle School Language Arts. NC certification required. Call Kathleen Miller at (704)633-2841. Teachers: St. Patrick’s School in Charlotte is accepting applications for part-time Music teacher and part-time Spanish teacher. Please contact school principal, Mrs. Angela Montague, (704) 333-3174 for interview. NC certification required. Teachers: St. Michael’s School in Gastonia, NC is currently seeking dynamic teachers for the following positions: Full-time Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies; Full-time Kindergarten; and
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July 21, 2000
The Catholic News & Herald 15
Around the dio-
In Brief ...
Courtesy photo
A learning group from the Diocese of Charlotte was among this year’s graduates of the Loyola Institute for Ministry program, a graduate distance learning program offered by Loyola University in New Orleans, La., that awards master’s degrees in pastoral studies and religious education. Pictured in front from left are Carl Ross, Peg Ruble, Monica Friedman, Ann Rowe and Julie Platte; second row, from left, are Don Allen, Elena Ziegler, Gretchen Gantzer, Stephanie Nealy, Jan Blodgett and Clarence Fox. Not pictured are Brother John Kummer and group facilitators Joanna Case and Connie Milligan. Knights help fund LIMEX The North Carolina State Council of the Knights of Columbus recently presented a check to Bishop William G. Curlin for $2,000 to help the Diocese of Charlotte fund scholarships for participants in the LIMEX program.
Charlotte student ambassador visits Great Britain CHARLOTTE — Timothy M. Ellis, a student at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, was selected by the People to People Student Ambassador Program to visit Great Britain this summer for two weeks, learning about the government, economy and culture of England, Wales and Scotland. The delegation of 11 middle school students from North Carolina was to participate in briefings at embassies and ministries, discussions with industry and trade officials, visits to the headquarters of international organizations and meetings with youth clubs. The Student Ambassador Program is operated under People to People International, a nonpolitical, private-sector organization founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to further international goodwill and understanding. Participants are chosen based on recommendations, including school references and personal interviews. Ellis is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Ellis, parishioners of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. Holy Angels official receives community spirit award BELMONT — Regina Moody, president and chief executive officer of Holy Angels, recently received the Myrtle School Community Spirit Distinguished Woman of the Year Award. Vicky Clinton, president and founder of the grassroots community-based program, presented the award to Moody and two other recipients. The program, which focuses on youths and targets drug prevention and crime, has been in existence for 11 years in a northwest Gastonia neighborhood. Moody, a former school principal, has served in her current position at Holy Angels since 1998. Her history with the private, nonprofit corporation began 17 years ago, when she came aboard as executive director. In addition to her work at Holy Angels on behalf of children and adults with mental retardation and physical disabilities, Moody serves on several boards of directors and committees in Gaston County which make decisions or recommend policies that affect the services and programs available to children and families. Group to discuss Life Chain plans CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Area Right to Life chapter is holding its monthly meeting today at 7 p.m. at the University City Regional Library, 301 East W.T. Harris Blvd. Today’s meeting will focus on the organization of this year’s Life Chain. For details, call Irene Manning at (704) 598-8877.
Photo by Jimmy Rostar
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1 6 The Catholic News & Herald
July 21, 2000
Living the
Legal background helps volunteer with social By Alesha M. Price Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — Imagine yourself as a child who has been placed into a maze of lawyers, police, social workers and judges because of a less than desirable home environment, marred by drug, sexual or physical abuse or neglect. Then, place yourself into those small shoes, and think of the relief you would feel if someone would be on your side. That is the sole purpose of the volunteers of the Guardian ad Litem or GAL program — to serve as a voice for the represented children. One of those voices is John Pastryk, a GAL for nearly a decade. Pastryk has an inside track on his duties as a GAL. He is senior counsel for a commercial and private equipment production company, and his knowledge of the law helps him with his cases. “I have worked with 11 cases consisting of about 14 boys, who have been either abandoned or neglected by alcoholic parents. Many have suffered physical abuse, and a small number of my cases have involved sexual abuse,” explained Pastryk. “Regrettably, because most of my cases involve pre-teens and teens, few of the children are eventually adopted. I try to assist the boys until they reach the age of 18.”
Because of his dedication, Pastryk was recognized as the 2000 GAL Volunteer of the Year for Mecklenburg County. “The one overriding ingredient for a volunteer is to have some degree of caring for the children,” said Pastryk. T h e term “ad litem” means “this litigation or for this case,” and in othe r s t at e s, the GAL is known as a “Court Appointed Special Advo c at e o r CASA.” The GAL accompanies the young clients into court and has access to all accompanying files and reports. They conduct interviews with the child, family members and others to derive a better understanding of the child’s life. Although prior legal or
social work experience is not a prerequisite, the volunteers must go through approximately 30 hours of training to help them with speaking in court on the child’s behalf and writing reports. “John is extremely level-headed and can go into any situation and be very objective,” said Lisa Hughes, Charlotte GAL program supervisor, who n o m i n at e d Pastryk for his honor. “He thoroughly follows his cases until they close.” J u d i Strause, corporate resource development specialist for the GAL program, said, “John has the ability to work e f f e c t i ve ly with teenage boys, a hard group to work with, and he has been very capable of advocating what is best for these young
Working for the GAL program is only part of Pastryk’s volunteer efforts. He and his wife Linda work with marriage preparation through their parish, St. Gabriel Church. “There are times as a (guardian ad litem) when you see some ugly things,” he admitted, “but my Catholic faith helps me to find God in other people,” said Pastryk....
people. He is a committed and effective volunteer who has been willing to take cases.” Pastryk said that spending time with the kids provides insight into lives that are vastly different from one’s own experience. “You get to know them very well, and this program gives them someone who will listen. At least I can be a common denominator in their lives,” he said. Working for the GAL program is only part of Pastryk’s volunteer efforts. He and his wife Linda work with marriage preparation through their parish, St. Gabriel Church. “There are times as a GAL when you see some ugly things,” he admitted, “but my Catholic faith helps me to find God in other people,” said Pastryk, a recent convert to Catholicism. Pastryk said that intervention is the key. “If we can get to the children early in their lives, then a whole manifest group of problems can be prevented. They are the most innocent of our society, and early involvement can affect their lives profoundly.” Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.