Aug. 6 2004

August 6, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Catholic Daughters

Thirty-nine women join new court in Sylva | Page 5

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI aUGUST 6, 2004

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Charlotte, This week, I and two other bishops of the South are jointly issuing a statement entitled, “Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion.” In this statement, we are addressing the question of pro-abortion Catholic politicians and the reception of Holy Communion.

The consistent support of abortion legislation by some Catholic public officials is a gravely sinful act. This public stance precludes the politicians from being admitted to Holy Communion as long as they persist in their pro-abortion stance. The reception of Holy Communion by pro-abortion Catholic public officials is a scandal to the Catholic faithful, which risks leading them into error regarding the true teaching of the Church on the intrinsic evil of procured abortion.

At our Special Assembly in June, the bishops of the United States discussed the topic of “Catholics in Political Life.” In that statement, we reminded Catholic politicians of the moral teaching of our church in regard to abortion: “... The killing of an unborn child is always intrinsically evil and can never be justified.”

We also appealed to pro-abortion Catholic politicians to have a change of heart and stop supporting abortion legislation: “It is with pastoral solicitude for everyone involved in the political process that we will also counsel Catholic public officials that their acting consistently to support abortion on demand risks making them cooperators in evil in a public manner. We will persist in this duty to counsel, in the hope that the scandal of their cooperating in evil can be resolved by the proper formation of their consciences.”

I ask that you pray, as I do, for all those involved in the political process, and that you pray also for a greater respect in our country for the dignity of the life of the unborn child.

Wishing God’s blessings upon each of you, I promise you a remembrance in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte “Worthy to Receive the Lamb” To read the statement, “Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion,” please see page 8.

vOLUME 13

no. 39

Bishops offer ‘Faithful Citizenship’

Document to serve as guide for party platforms Statement prompts how basic values should shape political choices by

NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN

catholic news service

CNS photo from Reuters

A Miami man casts his vote in the 2000 elections. To summarize the Catholic Church’s teachings on public policy issues that have moral and ethical dimensions, the U.S. bishops released the document, “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility.”

Finding Christ

See JAMAICA, page 6

See FAITHFUL, page 9

Vatican says battle of sexes not part of God’s design

Salisbury youths work with Jamaica’s poor SALISBURY — Members of Sacred Heart Church’s youth group and their chaperones worked to help change people’s lives in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of an annual mission trip June 24-July 1.

“Some of us, not fully understanding what we were

WASHINGTON — The U.S. bishops offered guidance to the committees drafting election-year platforms for the Democratic and Republican parties in the form of their 2003 document, “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility.”

The document, approved by the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “summarizes the Catholic Church’s teaching on public policy issues that have important moral and ethical dimensions,” said Msgr. William P. Fay, USCCB general secretary, in nearly identical letters

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

Courtesy Photo

Sacred Heart Church’s youth group made their annual mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica, June 24-July 1. Members pictured are (clockwise from top) Michael Vaeth, Gregory Hicks, Brynne Beal and Erin Dinse.

VATICAN CITY — The battle of the sexes and, particularly, the subjugation of women are the result of original sin and not of God’s original design for creation, said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Attempts to advance the cause of women by seeing men See BATTLE, page 12

Many ministries

Rachel’s Vineyard

Up to the challenge

Sister Schmidt leaves N.C. after 40 years

Leadership conference inspires masses

Youth ministers receive training resource

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2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

August 6, 2004

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

New program provides Catholic priests on two cruise lines

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new program under the Apostleship of the Sea’s direction is providing approved and certified Catholic priests on board two cruise lines operating in the United States — Celebrity and Holland America.

An announcement of the program said the two companies “can now promise their guests and crews that they will have an approved Roman Catholic priest on every one of their cruises.”

Other cruise lines are being encouraged to join the priest program for cruise ships “so that they too can provide the best quality of Catholic pastoral care and ministry to guests and crews,” the announcement said.

Processing for peace

Priesthood Sunday set for Oct. 31 this year Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Misael Vacca Ramirez of Yopal, Colombia, and Father Jose Juya, Hispanic ministry coordinator for the Gaston Vicariate, lead a procession at St. Michael Church in Gastonia Sept. 13, 2003. Bishop Vacca was recently kidnapped but freed unharmed July 27 by a leftist group in Colombia.

Kidnapped Colombian bishop released unharmed by Bishop Vacca attempted to foster unity in Colombia and Diocese of Charlotte VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Colombian bishop, who visited the Diocese of Charlotte last year, was kidnapped by armed rebels in Colombia but freed unharmed by his captors the same day Pope John Paul II appealed for his release.

Bishop Misael Vacca Ramirez of Yopal was set free July 27 after he was taken prisoner three days earlier by members of the leftist rebel group, the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish initials of ELN. “I was treated well and there was never any lack of respect,” said the bishop, according to a July 28 report.

Bishop Vacca walked for three hours after he was released to reach the Diocese of Trinidad. Bishop Vacca was then flown by helicopter to his residence in Yopal and, after a medical examination, was found to be tired but in good health.

The bishop thanked all those who worked for his release, including Colombia’s church leaders and Pope John Paul, who had urgently appealed for his immediate liberation.

In September 2003, Bishop Vacca visited St. Michael Church in Gastonia to help promote unity among Colombians and other Hispanic parishioners and to encourage prayers for Colombia, which has struggled with civil war for decades.

The Vatican had called the bishop’s capture “an unjustifiable criminal act.”

In a July 27 written statement, the Vatican said it was “extremely distressing and objectionable” for a bishop to be “impeded from freely exercising his pastoral ministry in such a

despicable manner.”

Bishop Vacca and two other priests were kidnapped by ELN members July 24 while on a pastoral visit in the town of Morcote, northeast of Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

The mayor of Nunchia also was kidnapped by the same group of armed abductors.

After the two priests and the city official were released the next day, the priests said the rebels planned to release the bishop after giving him a message for the government.

The National Liberation Army is Colombia’s second-largest rebel group with at least 3,500 guerrillas. They and the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia have been locked in a 40-year armed struggle against the government and right-wing death squads.

In June the government offered to stop operations against the ELN and restart stalled negotiations if the groups called a cease-fire. The Catholic Church has long acted as a channel for dialogue between left- and rightwing groups and the government. It has helped negotiate previous peace deals and guarantee the release of civilian hostages.

Bishop Vacca had been involved in peace efforts among rebels, paramilitary groups and the government that are vying for control of the petroleum-rich regions of Casanare and Boyaca.

Editor Kevin E. Murray contributed to this story.

CHICAGO (CNS) — Priesthood Sunday, a celebration of the American

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE HENDERSONVILLE — Everyone is invited to attend a Conference for Catholic Laity “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: Living as Eucharistic People” Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Immaculata School, 711 Buncombe St. Father Frank Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret Church in Maggie Valley will give the keynote address. Workshops will be offered on using the lectionary; prayer and skills and theory for catechists. For more information or to register contact Elizabeth Girton at (828) 252-8816 or faithformation@bellsouth.net.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., will host a Christian Coffeehouse Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Single and married adults are invited for an evening of contemporary Christian music, food and fellowship. For more information, call Kathy Bartlett at (704) 400-2213.

CHARLOTTE — Just Second Fridays (JSF) will take place Aug. 13, 1-2 p.m., in the Atrium Room of the Annex Building of St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Rev. Dr. Ben Bushyhead, director of community and recreation services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will speak on “Myths, Misconceptions and Stereotypes of Native Americans.” JSF is a monthly lunchtime speaker series sponsored by the Office of Justice and Peace, Catholic Social Services, in partnership with St. Peter Church. Parking is available in the underground garage next to the church. Bring your lunch; cold drinks are provided. Call (704) 370-3225 for further information.

priesthood set for Oct. 31 this year, will be marked in Catholic parishes throughout the United States with prayer, dialogue and social events.

Father Robert J. Silva, president of the Chicago-based National Federation of Priests’ Councils, said the purpose of the day is to engage “a national conversation about the priesthood.”

Priesthood Sunday was first observed in October 2003 as a reaction to the shadows cast over all priests by the sex abuse crisis.

Ten percent of U.S. parishes took part in the event last year, but as many as 25 percent are expected to be involved this year.

Lay people at each parish and school are asked to develop their own way of marking the day and honoring both the priesthood and their own priests. A Web site — www.priestsunday.org — offers ideas.

There are about 44,000 priests in the United States, and only 4,000 of the 19,000 U.S. parishes currently have more than one priest.

HUNTERSVILLE — Women’s Catholic Scripture Study will have an informational meeting Sept. 1 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. The class will focus on the book of Exodus and will meet Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 8 through May 2005. For details, call the church office at (704) 948-0231.

HUNTERSVILLE — The Newcomers Women’s Ministry of St. Mark Church invites women who are new or still feel new to the area to a 10-week course, “Moving On,” based on Susan Miller’s book “After the Boxes are Unpacked.” We will talk about the spiritual, emotional and practical needs associated with moving. Classes begin Sept. 15 in Room 200 of St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd., 10:15 -11:30 a.m. Call Gigi at (704) 895-3310 or Merry at (704) 947-9547 for more information.

CHARLOTTE — All couples married 25 or 50 years this year will be honored at an Anniversary Mass Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Please call your church office if you wish to be included.

CHARLOTTE — A support group for caregivers of a family member with memory loss meet the last Monday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — Notre Dame Catholic High School is planning an alumni reunion for Aug. 14, 2004. For more information, call Nicholas Schnyder at (336) 333-3456 or e-mail nicholas. schnyder@bellsouth.net.

HICKORY VICARIATE LENOIR — Summer Faith Formation Catechesis will be offered each Sunday, 10:20-10:50 in

aUGUST 6, 2 0 0 4 Volume 13 • Number 39 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

The Catholic News & Herald 3

August 6, 2004

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope calls on Muslims, Christians to unite after Iraqi

Emmanuel-Karim Delly.

The pope renewed his “heartfelt solidarity with priests and the faithful,” assuring them of his prayers and “constant commitment to a climate of peace and reconciliation being established in this beloved country, as a soon as possible.”

He called on Muslims and Christians, “all believers in the one compassionate and merciful God, to unite and deplore every form of violence and to cooperate for the return of harmony on Iraq’s tormented soil.”

Vatican and Iraqi church leaders condemned the latest attacks. A top Iraqi church official in Rome said those responsible for the blasts were intent on “demolishing the new Iraq and its new freedoms.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II will make an Aug. 14-15 pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, not to

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Deploring a string of deadly car bomb attacks on five Catholic churches in Iraq, Pope John Paul II called on Muslims and Christians to unite against “all forms of violence” and to work together to bring peace and stability to the country.

The pope said Aug. 2 he was saddened and “deeply struck” upon hearing the news of the Aug. 1 attacks that left at least 11 people dead and 50 others wounded.

A wave of explosions ripped through churches in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul early Aug. 1 just when parishioners were attending or leaving their places of worship. Iraq accused a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida with the attacks.

“At this time of trial, I am spiritually close to the church and the Iraqi people,” read the pope’s message, which was sent to the head of the Assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Iraq, Chaldean Patriarch

the school building of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328-B Woodsway Ln. NW. There will be an opportunity for discussion of the day’s gospel. All are invited to share their thoughts.

For more Information, call the church office at (828) 754-5281.

HICKORY — A Grief Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the parlor of St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. NE. For more information, call the church office at (828) 327-2341.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

journey and to grow spiritually. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2-4 p.m.

Please call Shelley at (828) 684-4330 or (828) 230-4940 for details MAGGIE VALLEY — If you are struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion, there is help. Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats for healing after abortion are a beautiful opportunity to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. The weekend will help your soul find a voice and transform the pain of the past into love and hope. The next retreat is scheduled for Sept. 17-19. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Please call Shelley at (828) 684-4330 or (828) 230-4940 to register.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

CONCORD — Discover how beautiful God’s plan for marriage really is! Natural Family Planning classes are being offered at St. James Church, 251 Union St., Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Learn a natural method that is just as effective as the Pill and is in accord with Catholic teaching. Contact Susan Chaney at (704) 720-0772 for more information or email questions to sujo94@aol.com.

MOORESVILLE — Seniors ages 55 and up are invited to St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., the second Saturday of each month following the 5:30 Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring games and a potluck dinner. Call Barbara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE MAGGIE VALLEY — Rachel’s Vineyard aftercare/follow-up meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month. These meetings are for anyone who has attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for post-abortion healing, and are designed to help us continue on our healing

Episcopal

calendar

WINSTON-SALEM — Do you want to follow the Church’s teaching on contraception?

Learn Natural Family Planning with The Couple to Couple League. Its philosophy is in full accord with Catholic teaching and the method is as effective as the Pill with none of the side effects of unnatural methods. A four-part series of classes will start Aug. 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Bishop Begley Parish Center of Saint Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For more information and registration, call Todd and Stephanie Brown at (336) 765-2909.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to the event date in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax

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

Aug. 7 — 5:30 p.m. Mass Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Aug. 14 — Lighting the Fires of Faith Conference Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville

Aug. 9 — Priests’ Continuing Education Day St. Barnabas Church, Arden

Aug. 15 — 11 a.m. Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Aug. 10 — Priests’ Continuing Education Day Holy Family Church, Clemmons

Aug. 21 — 6 p.m. Mass Dedication of new church Divine Redeemer Church, Boonville

Aug. 11 — Priests’ Continuing Education Day St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte

Bishop says pope to visit Lourdes to praise God, not seek healing seek physical healing but to praise God for his great gifts, including the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Lourdes is not just a place to seek healing, it is a place where people demonstrate their faith in God and their devotion to Mary,” said Bishop Renato Boccardo, the papal trip organizer.

The 84-year-old Pope John Paul has billed his trip to the shrine in the French Pyrenees as part of his commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

“The Holy Father is not going to Lourdes because he is sick,” Bishop Boccardo said. “He is going because he is the pope, and he will carry the whole church with him to offer adoration to Mary and to God.” In 1858, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous claimed she had seen Mary 18 times in a grotto near Lourdes. When Bernadette asked her name, Mary replied, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

In the Lourdes apparitions, Mary called for prayer and penance, and she

told Bernadette to drink the water of the small spring in the grotto. Five days later, a friend of Bernadette’s bathed her injured arm in the spring and was healed.

The pope will drink water from the Lourdes spring upon his arrival at the grotto Aug. 14.

“The water is a sign of reconciliation and of baptism,” the bishop said.

Bishop Boccardo said that Pope John Paul will not bathe in the waters of the spring, which is a ritual of faith and hope carried out by more than 300,000 ailing people each year.

“I can exclude that the pope is going to ask for healing” while at Lourdes, the bishop said. “Rather, he will praise God for his great works, one of which was Mary.”

According to the shrine’s official Lourdes Magazine, 66 healings have been recognized as miraculous since the time of the apparitions.

Ride of a lifetime

CNS photo by Jeff Roach/DeFab is Photograph

Franciscan Sister Rita Vukovic prepares to take a ride in an Indy car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The venture was made possible when supporters of Cardinal Ritter High School had the winning $2,000 bid for the ride, donated by Sinden Racing, during a school benefit. The fund-raiser brought in money for scholarships and financial aid for the Indianapolis interparochial high school.

Sister Rita has taught English and religion classes at Cardinal Ritter for 35 years.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

August 6, 2004

around the diocese

Many ministries

Sister Schmidt leaves North Carolina after four decades of service by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

BELMONT — After nearly 40 years in North Carolina, Mercy Sister Antonette Schmidt is moving on.

Sister Schmidt, director of diocesan young adult ministry, is beginning a new ministry as vice president for mission and values at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, Pa. “The Catholic Church has a specific mission in health care — caring for the poor and those who can afford to pay,” said Sister Schmidt. “It’s a constant balancing act, and attention between caring for the poor and making sure the mission endures.”

Sister Schmidt, who will be chairing the ethics and bio-ethics committee at the hospital, looks forward to ensuring a respect for life from conception to death.

Her new duties in Pennsylvania are similar to those she had at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville in the 1990s.

“You have ethical directives that must be applied to sometimes very difficult medical decisions,” she said. She will also be responsible for ensuring the “respect for the dignity of each person — staff and patients. You treat everyone with dignity.”

Sister Schmidt said she would miss the sense of community among Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“The interconnectedness has been a wonderful gift,” she said. “You get to know people who are as committed to the Kingdom of God as you are.”

Moving up North will be “very exciting. It will be different working in a diocese that’s old and established,” said Sister Schmidt. “But it is my home — it’s where I came from.”

A “great deal” of her family still resides in Pennsylvania.

“It (the transition) is not as unsettling as going somewhere where there is no family present,” she said. “But I will miss my sisters in community. I’ll miss the proximity to the sisters I have literally become an adult with.”

Growing up in Berwyn, Pa., Sister

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Mercy Sister Antonette Schmidt chats with diocesan personnel during her farewell party at the Pastoral Center July 27.

Schmidt heard her calling to the life of a woman religious in the form of a whisper in her head at the age of 10 or 11. She was at Benediction and looking at the monstrance when she heard the words, “I want you.”

As a child, she was aware of the meaning of the words, but did not understand their significance for her life. She heard the call again in high school.

“I was sitting there, and the thought came, uninvited and intrusive,” she said.

“I said, ‘go knock on someone else’s door.’

I was clear about wanting to be married and wanting to have children.”

She became a Catholic schoolteacher but could not ignore her calling. After serious soul-searching, she spoke with a sister in a local community.

“She told me to look for a community that had teaching as a ministry, and I happened to be working with the Sisters of Mercy at the time,” said Sister Schmidt.

In 1965, Sister Schmidt entered the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Regional Community in North Carolina when she was 21.

“I remember being homesick only once. I had the feeling that I was home; it was where I was meant to be,” said Sister Schmidt, who professed her final vows in 1971 at her childhood parish.

Living and working in the Diocese of Charlotte has been a great experience, she said.

“Service in a mission diocese is filled with possibilities for spreading the Word and ministry,” she said. “I’ve been blessed in being able to serve in many ministries.”

She continued with her first love of teaching for more than 22 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education

from Sacred Heart College in Belmont in 1973 and a master’s degree in religious studies from LaSalle University in Philadelphia in 1980.

She studied for a year in Rome and received an advanced certificate in Scripture and theology and had diocesan training for spiritual direction.

She worked as a retreat director at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley during the summers from 1986 to 1991, and as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville from 1990 until 1998 after receiving certification in clinical pastoral services from Carolinas Medical Center.

In 2000, she became a member of the American Red Cross’ Spiritual Response Team for national incidents involving mass casualties.

In addition to her work in young adult ministry, she served as co-director of McArthur Spirituality Center for youth and young adults and House of Hospitality for young adults, both in Belmont.

She said that she can see a continuous thread throughout her work and ministry.

“I have always tried to communicate the wonder of God’s love through my ministry. I really believe that’s my mission,” she said.

The diocesan Education Vicariate gave a farewell party for her at the Pastoral Center July 27.

“The Diocese of Charlotte has been blessed greatly by her spiritual leadership in relation to the young adults of the diocese,” said Father James Hawker, vicar for education and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

“As she leaves for new areas of ministry, we are so deeply grateful for her unique contribution here in the diocese by her generous, gracious, competent and consistent service to the young adults,” he said.

“I hope I leave behind the impression that one can be a woman who thirsts for God and enjoys life,” said Sister Schmidt.

“No matter what I did, I hope that would be what I leave behind.”

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

August 6, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 5

around the diocese

Catholic Daughters add new Thirty-nine women from three parishes join national organization by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

SYLVA — The North Carolina Catholic Daughters of the Americas recently added to its roster with the institution of a new court at St. Mary Church.

Thirty-eight women from three churches — St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee and St. Mary Church — have joined the new court since its inception June 27.

During the June 27 ceremony, 30 women were received by Joyce Rachid, state regent, into the national organization of Catholic Daughters. Father Ray Williams, pastor of St. Mary Church, became the court’s first chaplain.

Additionally, two women were inducted July 4 and seven women were inducted July 11.

“There was a very generous response from the women in the parishes,” said Father Williams. “It shows there is a real need for women in a cooperative role. They’ve launched something that is going to take off.”

Many benefits The new court, Court St. Mary, Mother of God, joins a dozen other Catholic Daughters courts (chapters) in North Carolina; there are now six courts in the Diocese of Raleigh, seven in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“We meet to see what is needed at the three parishes,” said Sandy Beauchemin, court regent. “Many ladies were already helping with their church’s needs, but now we have an umbrella under which to operate.”

“We have a group of women who are organized,” she said. “With an organized group, you can do so much more.”

Courtesy Photo

Thirty women from three parishes were inducted into the newly established Court St. Mary, Mother of God during a June 27 ceremony at St. Mary Church in Sylva. Father Williams, center, is the court chaplain.

Both Beauchemin and Father Williams said that the court, in addition to assisting the parishes, offers socialization for women.

“It’s something we did for the churches and something we did for ourselves,” she said. “Since the court’s inception, the women are so motivated.”

Beauchemin credits Rita Goffinet, the court’s recording secretary, for Court St. Mary’s existence. After attending the funeral of a local Knight of Columbus, Goffinet, whose mother was a Catholic Daughter, thought it would be ideal to have a local court to support grieving widows.

“She decided it needed to be done and she did it, with my blessing,” said Father Williams. “She’s done a marvelous job.”

“She was instrumental in getting the

38 women together,” said Beauchemin.

A court needs 15 members before it can be founded, but Goffinet didn’t stop there.

“She was always shooting for more,” said Beauchemin.

Recruiting and retaining members were topics discussed during the North Carolina Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ leadership seminar at the Catholic Conference Center in August 2003. The seminar was not part of their biennial convention — since 1956, the state’s Catholic Daughters have met every other year for a conference that is part business meeting, part spiritual retreat. “(The) seminar was something new to try and get new members,” said Ruth Carlisle, a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and Catholic Daughters state treasurer.

Helping others From its inception in 1903, Catholic Daughters of the Americas has grown and developed into the largest

organization of Catholic women in the Americas. Headquartered in New York with 100,000 members in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and Mexico, Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ purpose is to help the church in its religious, charitable and educational works.

The organization, open to Catholic lay and religious women 18 years of age or older, supports Covenant House, which provides shelter and services to homeless and runaway youths; Support Our Aging Religious, a national agency that helps religious orders meet retirement needs; Holy Cross Family Ministries; the U.S. bishops’ Apostleship of the Seas; Teachers of Exceptional Children in conjunction with the National Catholic Educational Association; Morality in Media; Catholic Relief Services; and Habitat for Humanity.

It also provides scholarships and support for seminarians.

The Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the national program for girls ages 6-18, was founded in 1925.

Court St. Mary, Mother of God will be having a luau and auction as a fundraiser in late August, but Beauchemin was looking forward to the court’s first official charitable work, a local Habitat for Humanity project that was held uHJune 31.

“We’re providing lunch for the workers and homeowners,” she said.

“We got the call and we responded. It’s all falling into place.”

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

6 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Youth help Jamaican

YOUTH REVOLUTION

JAMAICA, from page 1

Courtesy Photo

Teens from St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem ride on the bus to the “Rise Up: A Catholic Revolution” high school youth conference in Steubenville, Ohio, June 25-27.

Teens ‘rise up’ at conference WINSTON-SALEM — The Life Teen youth ministry from St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem recently participated in “Rise Up: A Catholic Revolution,” the high school youth conference held June 25-27 on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

Fifty teens and adults from St. Leo the Great Church were among 2,300 participants from the United States and

August 6, 2004

Canada who experienced speakers, music and skits. Their weekend was highlighted with a procession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

A growing number of participants from St. Leo the Great Church have been attending the Steubenville conferences for six consecutive years. The teens say they come back home on fire for their love of God and ready to live their faith every day.

going to do, had yet to experience this wonderful opportunity to reach out to others in need,” said Brynne Beal, youth group member. “However, many of the boys that went in years past have continued to attend this trip every year, fund raising and saving their money in order to go.”

The group spent the week living at a Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny convent while working during the day with the Missionaries of the Poor, an international monastic order of brothers started in 1981 by Father Richard Ho Lung.

The group worked in teams at four of the five centers run by the brothers; the shelters were mainly for homeless men, women and children, while one was for the homeless and AIDS patients and children.

“We had a chance to see them all, and spend time where we felt most called,” said Brynne.

The days began with a Mass celebrated by Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church.

“For me, the highlight of the day was Mass and receiving the grace necessary to fulfill what was asked of us throughout the day,” said Chris Beal, parish youth minister.

Brynne said her first day at Bethlehem House was overwhelming.

“As we walked in the door children

surrounded us. They were longing for attention and glowing from ear to ear, extremely happy to see us,” she said. “...

Seeing the children brought a tear to my eye. They embraced us and even called some of us women ‘mommy.’”

Teams reported similar experiences at all the shelters.

“Everyone wanted to play a game with you, hold your hand and talk to you,” said Brynne. “... You wanted to be there with all of the people doing whatever they needed.”

Needed tasks at the centers included bathing, clothing, diapering, feeding, applying lotion, clipping nails and dressing wounds.

“You end up doing things you never imagined you could or would do,” said Brynne. “It is a lot of hard work that cannot be accomplished without prayer.”

“One of the brothers told me, ‘In whatever you do, remember that you are doing it for Jesus, and do it to the best of your ability,’” said Brynne. “This stuck with me and it was in the back of my mind the whole trip.”

Each night, group members would share the day’s events and how they saw Christ in the people and each other.

“I found out many things about myself. I went to Jamaica on a mission trip to help others, but in reality I was the one that was helped,” said Brynne.

“I was humbled by my experience,” she said.

August 6, 2004

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Fighting for Life

Rachel’s Vineyard leaders attend conference Post-abortion ministry help healing process by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

GREENSBORO — Helping women who have had abortions receive forgiveness and healing is an important ministry in the fight for life.

Approximately 100 people from the United States, including the Diocese of Charlotte; Ireland; and Canada spent five days in June receiving in-depth training, learning how to minister to women and men who have been affected by abortion and how to continue the fight for the unborn.

The Rachel’s Vineyard-Rachel Network Leaders in Ministry Conference was co-sponsored by the diocesan Respect Life Office and Rachel Network and took place at Greensboro College June 20-25. The event provided training sessions for pastors, lay ministers, Christian counselors, pregnancy care center volunteers and peer counselors involved in respect life ministries.

“The conference was primarily designed to help leaders of post-abortion ministries be better leaders,” said Dr. Martha Shuping, a volunteer with

Rachel’s Vineyard and a member of its board of directors. “It also helped postabortive women be better equipped to speak publicly about their abortion if they want to.”

Five simultaneous tracks offered specialized training for various ministries: those new to post-abortion ministry or to Rachel’s Vineyard; therapists and other clinicians; those wanting training in team development; those wanting to learn how to speak to groups, write a press release or conduct a press conference; and childbirth educators, doulas and nurses.

Key topics discussed at the conference included abortion and posttraumatic stress disorder; men and abortion; the effects of trauma; the “disenfranchised grief ” of abortion; forgiveness; after-care resources; “telling your story”; and managing the media.

“There are so many, both men and women, suffering from the emotional, spiritual and physical damage caused by abortion,” said Maggi Nadol, diocesan Respect Life director. “Rachel’s Vineyard is a beginning in the journey

DON’T PROCRASTINATE! CALL NOW!!

Courtesy Photo

Par ticipants use sign language to sing during a wor ship and pr aise session at the International Rachel’s Vineyard Leadership Conference at Greensboro College in June. to forgiveness and healing.”

“People often do not realize that men are affected by abortion as well as women,” Shuping said. For that reason, a workshop was presented by two men who shared their stories about their involvement in abortion.

Rachel Network is a ministry set up to provide a range of post-abortion services. Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are centered around Scriptural medita-

tions, called “Living Scriptures,” during which people listen to a passage of Scripture, imagine themselves in that story and then are directed to the healing it represents.

“As people of faith, we are fortunate to be able to turn to a loving God, who calls us to healing,” said Nadol.

Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Bishops warn politicians who consistently back legal

by JERRY FILTEAU catholic news service

WASHINGTON — Politicians who act “consistently to support abortion on demand” risk “cooperating in evil and sinning against the common good,” the U.S. Catholic bishops said in a June statement released in Washington.

“Those who formulate the law” are obliged in conscience “to work toward correcting morally defective laws,” they said in a 1,000-word statement titled “Catholics in Political Life.”

“The killing of an unborn child is always intrinsically evil. ... To make such intrinsically evil actions legal is itself wrong,” they said.

Noting that “the question has been raised” whether it is necessary to deny Communion to Catholics in public life who support abortion on demand, the bishops said that “all must examine their consciences” about their worthiness to receive Communion, including with regard to “fidelity to the moral teaching of the church in personal and public life.”

They added that “given the wide range of circumstances involved in arriving at a prudential judgment” in that matter, the bishops “recognize that such decisions rest with the individual bishop in accord with established canonical and pastoral principles.”

“Bishops can legitimately make different judgments on the most prudent course of pastoral action” in confronting individual cases, they said, but the bishops share an “unequivocal commitment to protect human life and dignity.”

They urged Catholics in public life to oppose legal abortion “lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil” — which in Catholic teaching is itself sinful.

The statement said respect for the Eucharist “demands that it be received worthily and that it be seen as the source for our common mission in the world.”

They cited the First Letter to the Corinthians, in which St. Paul warns that “whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.”

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August 6, 2004

fAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

‘Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion’ As bishops, we have the obligation to teach and guide the Catholic Faithful whom we shepherd in the Body of Christ. A fundamental teaching of our Church is respect for the sacred gift of life. This teaching flows from the Natural Law and from Divine Revelation.

Life is a gift bestowed upon us by God, a truth underscored by the commandment: “You shall not kill” (Deut 5: 17). The Old Testament also teaches us that human life in the womb is precious to God: “...I formed you in the womb...” (Jer 1: 5). The right to life is a value “which no individual, no majority and no State can ever create, modify or destroy, but must only acknowledge, respect and promote” (Pope John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, 71a).

A law, therefore, which legitimizes the direct killing of innocent human beings through abortion is intrinsically unjust, since it is directly opposed to the natural law, to God’s revealed commandments, and to the consequent right of every individual to possess life, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

Catholics in political life have the responsibility to exemplify in their public service this teaching of the Church, and to work for the protection of all innocent life. There can be no contradiction between the values bestowed by Baptism and the Catholic Faith, and the public expression of those values. Catholic public officials who consistently support abortion on demand are cooperating with evil in a public manner. By supporting pro-abortion legislation they participate in manifest grave sin, a condition which excludes them from admission to Holy Communion as long as they persist in the pro-abortion stance (cf. Canon 915).

Holy Communion is where Catholics meet as a family in Christ, united by a common faith. Every Catholic is responsible for being properly prepared for this profound union with Christ. Participation in Holy Communion requires certain dispositions on the part of the communicant, namely, perseverance in the life of grace, and communion in the faith of the Church, in the sacraments, and in the hierarchical order of the Church (Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 35-38).

The Church also recognizes that there is a manifest lack of a proper disposition for Holy Communion in those whose outward conduct is “seriously, clearly, and steadfastly contrary” to the Church’s moral teaching (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 37b). A manifest lack of proper disposition for Holy Communion is found to be present in those who consistently support pro-abortion legislation. Because support for pro-abortion legislation is gravely sinful, such persons should not be admitted to Holy Communion.

We also take this opportunity to address all Catholics whose beliefs and conduct do not correspond to the Gospel and to Church teaching. To receive the great gift of God — the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ — we must approach Holy Communion free from mortal sin. Those who are conscious of being in a state of grave sin should avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Holy Communion. To partake of the Eucharist is to partake of Christ Himself, and to enter into sacramental communion with our Lord we must all be properly disposed.

Because of the influence that Catholics in public life have on the conduct of our daily lives and on the formation of our nation’s future, we declare that Catholics serving in public life espousing positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, especially those running for or elected to public office, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions: the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Dioceses of Charleston and Charlotte. Only after reconciliation with the Church has occurred, with the knowledge and consent of the local bishop, and public disavowal of former support for procured abortion, will the individual be permitted to approach the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

We undertake this action to safeguard the sacred dignity of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, to reassure the faithful, and to save sinners.

Most Reverend John F. Donoghue Archbishop of Atlanta

Most Reverend Robert J. Baker Bishop of Charleston

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

August 6, 2004

fAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

‘Faithful Citizenship to guide Statement prompts how basic values should shape political FAITHFUL, from page 1

to party leaders.

The letters were addressed to Bill Harris, convention chairman and CEO for the Republican National Committee, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who chairs the platform drafting committee for the Democratic National Committee.

Msgr. Fay said the church teachings summarized in “Faithful Citizenship” are “rooted in a commitment to defend the life and dignity of every human being and to further the common good.”

“We believe they can inform the choices of all people who share our commitment to justice and peace in our nation and world,” he added. “We ask that you review the statement, including the final

section which focuses on specific issues, and take these ideas into consideration as you carry out your work.”

The 8,500-word document, designed to offer a blueprint for electoral decisions based on Catholic social teaching, calls on American Catholics to “participate now and in the future in the debates and choices over the values, vision and leaders that will guide our nation.”

A similar document has been issued before every presidential election for the last 28 years.

In his letter, Msgr. Fay said “hundreds of thousands of copies” of “Faithful Citizenship” have been distributed in Catholic parishes and organizations and downloaded from the USCCB Web site since last fall.

“Through the introduction of ‘Faithful Citizenship’ in classrooms, workshops

and other events across the country, we are prompting Catholics and non-Catholics alike to contemplate how basic values should shape political choices,” he added.

Reflecting values In the document, approved unanimously by the 47-member Administrative Committee, the bishops said the U.S. Catholic Church must be “engaged but not used.”

“We welcome dialogue with political leaders and candidates, seeking to engage and persuade public officials,” they said. “But we must be sure that events and ‘photo ops’ are not substitutes for work on policies that reflect our values.”

The Administrative Committee — made up of the executive officers of the USCCB, elected committee chairmen and elected regional representatives — is the highest policy- and decision-making body of the bishops apart from the entire body when it meets twice a year in general assembly.

Much of the document is devoted to a discussion of issues that church leaders would like to see taken up in the presidential campaigns.

“As bishops, we do not wish to instruct persons on how they should vote by endorsing or opposing candidates,” it said. “We hope that voters will examine the position of candidates on a full range of issues, as well as on their personal integrity, philosophy and performance.”

The document described “a consistent ethic of life” as the “moral framework” from which Catholic voters should address all issues in the political arena. It quoted extensively from the “Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life,” issued in January 2003 by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“For Catholics, the defense of human

The Catholic News & Herald 9

life and dignity is not a narrow cause, but a way of life and a framework for action,” the bishops said. “As Catholics, we need to share our values, raise our voices and use our votes to shape a society that protects human life, promotes family life, pursues social justice and practices solidarity.

These efforts can strengthen our nation and renew our church.”

Table of life The bishops asked Catholics to look at the political arena in light of the question: “Who has a place at the table of life?”

“Where is the place at the table for a million of our nation’s children who are destroyed every year before they are born?” they asked. “How can we secure a place at the table for the hungry and those who lack health care in our own land and around the world? Where is the place at the table for those in our world who lack the freedom to practice their faith or stand up for what they believe?”

The document reviewed Catholic social teaching on a wide range of topics — abortion and assisted suicide, same-sex marriages and school vouchers, affordable housing and foreign aid, workers’ rights and the Middle East.

The bishops said some Catholics, looking at the array of issues, “may feel politically homeless, sensing that no political party and too few candidates share a consistent concern for human life and dignity.”

“However, this is not a time for retreat or discouragement,” they said.

“We need more, not less, engagement in political life. We urge Catholics to become more involved — by running for office; by working within political parties; by contributing money or time to campaigns; and by joining diocesan legislative networks, community organizations and other efforts to apply Catholic principles in the public square.”

Want More Info?

To read the entire statement, and for more information on “Faithful Citizenship,” visit the USCCB Web site at http://www.usccb.org/ faithfulcitizenship/index.htm.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

August 6, 2004

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Poetry as a way to prayer reviewed by

JEFF JOHNSON catholic news service

Contemporary poetry is a form of prayer in these two recent books from St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Poetry offers “a way to hope in violent times,” writes Peggy Rosenthal in “Praying Through Poetry: Hope for Violent Times.”

Rosenthal, a Catholic convert who holds a doctorate in English literature, offers a method of poetry-based prayer developed in response to the violent terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Her four-step method is modeled on “lectio divina,” an ancient method for reading and meditating on Scripture.

Rosenthal’s prayer method consists

of four movements.

Upon first reading the poem, she asks, “How does the poem lead me to hope?” Next, she enters into a more reflective mode by suggesting “And so I might pray —.” Third, she moves to the invitation: “And, finally, I might ponder —.” The fourth step brings Rosenthal back to the original poem as she looks for images or phrases that offer themselves up for contemplative reflection.

By way of 10 example poems, Rosenthal demonstrates her prayer method.

Rosenthal provides the full text of poems

by Daniel Berrigan, Scott Cairns, Denise Levertov, Jane Hirshfield, Yehuda Amichai and others. She gives an account of her own interior, spiritual reactions to each poem, followed by explanations of where these poems “took” her spiritually

and literarily.

Rosenthal’s method for meditation on poetry could be very useful for individuals or groups who seek new ways of praying. While I know that response to poetry is highly subjective, I felt that her examples were not as helpful as they could have been.

Her choice of poems is also disappointing. Rather than selecting poetry for quality, she opted to let content and subject take precedence.

Meanwhile, Franciscan Father Murray Bodo’s collection, “The Earth Moves at Midnight and Other Poems,” provides a generous sampling of accomplished poetry in the tradition of some of America’s best confessional poets. The poems, written over the past 20 years, are dedicated to Denise Levertov and show her influence in both style and subject.

The poems are chiefly about loss and the experiences of faith, change and growth. Father Bodo primarily uses free verse as he directly engages nature and his childhood home of New Mexico. The strongest poems in the collection are those speaking of loss — deeply interior, lyrical elegies.

Combined with Rosenthal’s prayer method, Father Bodo’s poems would serve well those who grieve loss and are looking for a way to develop their prayer. Father Bodo’s treatment of his deeply personal experiences of faith and loss, although at times a bit wordy, are never sugarcoated.

There are plenty of good poems out there that would work well with Rosenthal’s method. Poems that ably offer transformative visions stand ready to clear or, better yet, till the interior ground, leaving it open for prayer.

Begin with Seamus Heaney’s “Glanmore Sonnets,” whose opening line best explains how poetry can lead to prayer: “Vowels ploughed into other: opened ground.”

Johnson is a Jesuit scholastic and a graduate student in English at Fordham University in New York.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: Aug. 15, 2004

Aug. 15, The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Cycle C Readings: 1) Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab Psalm 45:10bc, 11-12ab, 16 2) 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 3) Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary’s assumption gives hope in Christ’s victory over death

by DAN LUBY catholic news service

When picking a girl for the coveted role of Mary in my childhood parish’s annual re-enactment of the Christmas story, the director instinctively ruled out talkers, the brash girls, the challengers of the status quo. She wanted a placid girl who knew how to be silent.

The incompleteness of this image of Mary, reinforced through centuries of artistic representations, is evident in Sunday’s Gospel for the Feast of the Assumption.

The feast honors Mary’s unique role in human salvation, and it glorifies the fidelity and saving power of God which freed her “from the corruption of the tomb” so that “when the course of her earthly life was finished, [she] was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven” (Pius XII, “Munificentissimus Deus,” 1950).

The doctrine of Mary’s assumption gives us hope in Christ’s absolute victory over death through resurrection and the promise of an entirely transformed way of living, not only in the spiritual dimension of our lives, but in our totality — “body and soul.”

It is noteworthy that the church chooses for this feast a passage stressing not only Mary’s humble receptivity, but her triumph and victory over injustice as well: the mighty cast down, the lowly lifted up; the rich sent away empty, the poor gathered in and fed.

Some might call such language an example of “class warfare.” Catholic tradition recognizes it as the truth, the “good news” about God’s priorities, about faithfulness to his promises of mercy.

It is a topsy-turvy world Mary proclaims here, and it reflects powerfully the revolutionary hope of Christ’s Gospel and the kingdom of God which his coming inaugurates.

There, not only do the blind see and the deaf hear and the imprisoned walk free, but death itself becomes a pathway to life for the whole person, body and soul.

Questions: In which aspects of your life do you relate to the poor, the humble, the downtrodden? In which do you relate to the rich, the privileged, the proud?

Scripture to Illustrate: “He has deposed the mighty from

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of August 8 - August 14 Sunday (Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Luke 12:32-48; Monday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Matthew 17:22-27; Tuesday (St. Lawrence), 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Wednesday (St. Clare), Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Matthew 18:15-20; Thursday, Ezekiel 12:1-2, Matthew 18:21—19:1; Friday (Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus), Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63, Matthew 19:3-12; Saturday (St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe), Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Matthew 19:13-15 Scripture for the week of August 15 - August 21 Sunday (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Monday (St. Stephen of Hungary), Ezekiel 24:15-24, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday, Ezekiel 28:1-10, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (St. Jane Frances de Chantal), Ezekiel 34:1-11, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (St. John Eudes), Ezekiel 36:23-28, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. Bernard), Ezekiel 37:1-14, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday (St. Pius X), Ezekiel 43:1-7, Matthew 23:1-12

The Catholic News & Herald 11

August 6, 2004

A near-perfect ‘Candidate’

Film industry chief’s legacy will be movie Valenti, a Catholic, to step down in September

by MARK PATTISON catholic news service

CNS photo from Paramount Pictures

Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep star in “The Manchurian Candidate,” a pulse-pounding political thriller involving a conspiracy about a soldier running for U.S. vice president. The film is a tautly paced tapestry of spine-tingling suspense that falls short of the 1962 original film’s masterpiece status. Several scenes of graphic violence and torture, as well as some crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

WASHINGTON — If anything, Jack Valenti will be remembered as the man behind movie ratings.

Valenti, a Catholic, is stepping down Sept. 1 as head of the Motion Picture Association of America after spending 38 years at the helm of a fractious industry that has survived not only occasional congressional and consumer revolts over content and regulation, but plenty of infighting from its member studios.

The ratings took shape in 1968.

The concept of ratings, Valenti said, was “to put the authority of which kid goes to which movie in the hands of parents, and not anyone else, because parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, not the government. I think the school and the church have a lot to do with that, but in the end parents make that decision.”

Valenti, 82, managed to get virtually all Hollywood studios to voluntarily submit their films for ratings, and to get the National Association of Theater Owners to enforce the system’s guidelines and keep children from seeing certain movies unaccompanied by adults or from seeing them at all.

One of the people Valenti consulted in constructing the ratings system was Father Patrick J. Sullivan, head of the old National Catholic Film Office (now known as the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops). The film office, like its successor, evaluated movies in terms of their moral suitability, a role first taken on by the Legion of Decency.

The Legion of Decency may best be known by its “C” rating, which stood for “condemned.”

“When I was a small boy growing up Catholic and going to Mass in Houston,” Valenti said, “I have to tell you that when the priest said a certain picture was condemned, that made me want to see it.”

Valenti said the indispensable need of the rating system is to have integrity.

“I have no problem with a misjudgment where people think we gave a film the wrong rating,” he said. “But I want no mistakes to come from malfeasance or pressure or something that has a nefarious ring to it.”

A recent study by the Harvard University School of Public Health, which examined 1,906 movies between 1992 and 2003, criticized “ratings creep,” the phenomenon whereby more violent and sexual content and racier dialogue are getting into more leniently rated films.

Valenti said he hadn’t seen the methodology behind the study.

“Has the society changed in the past 15 to 20 years? I think it has,” he said. “I think that you’re seeing things on television today that 15 or 20 years ago you didn’t see. I don’t know whether that’s good or bad. All I know is that it’s change, and I don’t fight change. I try to live with it and adjust to it.”

The USCCB has been joined by several other organizations in issuing their own ratings based on a movie’s content and quality.

“I have no problem with that,” Valenti said. “I always say find out all you can about a movie from anybody else. Expand your knowledge of movies.”

Valenti, who got a job at age 15 at a theater in Houston doing a little bit of everything, noted that at movies, “I eat popcorn. I’m like Pavlov’s dog.

I salivate every time I go into a movie theater. I need popcorn.”

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

in the news

Vatican: Battle of sexes not part of God’s design BATTLE, from page 1

sexuality and heterosexuality virtually equivalent in a new model of polymorphous sexuality,” it said.

The doctrinal congregation also said that although potential motherhood is a key part of a woman’s identity “this does not mean that women should be considered from the sole perspective of physical

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procreation,” an attitude which often is “accompanied by dangerous disrespect for women.”

By upholding the vocation of virginity, it said, Christianity “refutes any attempt to enclose women in mere biological destiny.”

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The document can be found on the Vatican’s Web site at: http://www. vatican.va

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as enemies to be defeated or by claiming that no real difference exists between male and female have had “lethal effects,” particularly on the family, the congregation said.

The congregation’s “Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World” was released July 31.

Rather than compete for power or ignore the God-given differences between men and women, “the church, enlightened by faith in Jesus Christ, speaks instead of active collaboration between the sexes,” said the document, approved

by Pope John Paul II. In the United States the same day, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the letter “a timely reminder of both the equality of men and women and also of the distinctive difference between them with which God endowed them in creation.”

Washington Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, who heads the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Policy, said that “too often in our contemporary society the differences between men and women are minimized in the apparent belief the sexes must be the same to be equal.”

He said an “us versus them” attitude and an emphasis on the individual and individual rights above all else also are addressed by the letter.

Cardinal McCarrick said the letter reminds the world that “God created men and women as equals, not to oppose each other, but to collaborate and work together in mutual respect for

August 6, 2004

the good of each other and of society.”

Only by embracing, valuing and respecting the differences between men and women “do we have the humanity that is in the ‘image of God,’” he said.

“It is through respect for and collaboration with each other that we can best develop social policies to eliminate sexual discrimination, support the gifts of all people and, in particular, support women who, as the givers of life, are so often caught trying to successfully balance family and work,” the cardinal said.

Collaboration is needed in the world, particularly in formulating political and social policies to help the poor and advance the cause of peace, the document said.

The church, too, needs collaboration in order to bring “feminine values” of listening, faithfulness, humility, understanding and caring more to the forefront, it said.

While reaffirming church teaching that only men can be ordained priests, the doctrinal congregation said the role of women in the church is not “a passivity inspired by an outdated conception of femininity.”

The Blessed Virgin Mary, held up in the document as an example of discipleship for all Christians, is a model of the proper power of femininity, it said.

The document said attempts to convince people that differences between men and women are simply cultural have inspired ideologies “which, for example, call into question the family in its natural two-parent structure of mother and father.”

The affirmation that differences are only social constructs also “make homo-

August 6, 2004

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Breaking new ground

Courtesy Photo

Father Michael J. Buttner, pastor (center right), and Father Adrian Porras, former parochial vicar (center left), break ground for the new Holy Family Church in Clemmons June 5. Joining the priests in manning the shovels were Rev. Mr. Jerry Schumacher; Rev. Mr. Guy Piche, diocesan property manager; Bill Lawler and Ray Miller representing the Capital Campaign committee; and Jerry Long, chairman of the Building Committee.

Father Buttner and Father Porras concelebrated a Mass of thanksgiving to celebrate the progress towards the new church prior to the groundbreaking. The Knights of Columbus led a procession at the beginning of the Mass; escorted the offertory gifts to the altar, including a gold shovel and a hardhat; and led the procession out to the site of the new building for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Parishioners of Holy Family Church brought small, decorated stones that will become the part of the building’s foundation under the altar in the completed church.

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August 6, 2004

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

A call to prison ministry? tant thing I did was just be present for him. The person I was when visiting the young man was not me but Jesus ministering through me.

I have learned things through the years at the prison. I have learned that each inmate is a unique person; all are on faith journeys, are at different points in their lives and have different needs.

Some are satisfied having a visit once a month; some would like a Bible and a rosary and know that if they wanted a visit, someone would come. Some would like to be baptized and/or confirmed, while others would like a visit from a priest.

In some inmates, I have planted seeds; in others, I have watered and nourished seeds that were planted by others; and in some, I have been there for the harvest. I think it is not so important, although it is very satisfying, to be a harvester. I think that more of us are seed planters and waterers.

In our work, many young inmates, 14-18 years of age, seem to just want someone to give them some attention and show some concern. This is something that many of the young men have never had in their lives.

In this ministry, I have been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of Father Ken Whittington, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton. There are several volunteers from the parish who teach Bible studies and share their faith with prisoners. In addition, Hispanic volunteers minister to the Spanish-speaking inmates by offering a weekly Bible study for them.

The chaplain at the prison has become a good friend and is very cooperative and supportive in our Catholic ministry at the prison. And last, but not least, we have the blessing, support and prayers of our bishop.

Rev. Mr. Johnson is the permanent deacon at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton.

Guest Column REV. MR. JIM JOHNSON Guest Columnist Why would we go to visit someone in jail or prison — a criminal, a person who broke the law and deserves whatever punishment the court gives them?

What if we caught something from one of them? What if they tried to hurt us, hold us hostage or, heaven forbid, tried to rob us? You know how “they” are.

We are too busy doing God’s work to be bothered with “them.” Let someone else do it. After all, they have chaplains that are paid to take care of them. We don’t know what to say to one of them.

We hear that some of them cannot speak English.

Do any of these thoughts come into your mind when you are asked to visit or minister to someone in prison? Matthew tells us what Jesus expects from us: “I was in prison and you visited me.

Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

We cannot all be actively involved in prison ministry. For many, our schedules do not allow us to take on additional ministries. Many people have indicated that they would go to a prison if needed but not regularly. This would definitely fill a need that occurs from time to time and can make a difference in someone’s life.

My prison ministry began more than 16 years ago at the request of a brother deacon, Rev. Mr. Tim Rohan.

He asked me to visit the son of a fellow parishioner who was in the youth prison in Morganton. This young man was a joy to visit each week. Both of us looked forward to the visit.

I did not catch anything from him and he did not rob me. I did not solve any of his problems, but I did a lot of listening. I think that the most impor-

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Pope, at audience, adapts to relaxed pace of August in

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope John Paul II welcomed an estimated 3,500 visitors to the courtyard of his summer residence, hosting a shortened, almost intimate version of his weekly general audience.

For the Aug. 4 audience, the courtyard of the villa at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, was packed. While the pope continued his series of talks about psalms and canticles used in the church’s evening prayer, the Vatican decided to shorten the gathering by skipping the usual summaries of the pope’s talk in French, English, German, Spanish and Polish.

In his audience talk, Pope John Paul offered a meditation on a canticle from the Letter to the Philippians about Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness.”

The pope told his guests that the canticle shines a light on the Chris-

The Pope Speaks POPE JOHN PAUL II

tian understanding of who Jesus is: He is “recognized and proclaimed our brother in humanity, but also Lord of the universe.”

While he truly was God, the pope said, Jesus “stripped himself and almost emptied himself of that glory,” becoming “similar to human beings and going so far as to assume that sign of limitedness and finiteness which is death.”

But through his cross and resurrection, Jesus ascended “from humiliation to exaltation,” offering all human beings a chance to be saved, the pope said.

Letters to the Hardball would better benefit harvesters Regarding the “Harvesters of sorrow” story (July 23), rather than telling about what a great ministry the church has for the migrants, would it not have been more productive to expose those responsible for the “horrid” conditions?

— John O’Malley Pisgah Forest Editor’s note: We shared the details of “Harvesters of sorrow” with other newspapers in the region and encouraged them to pursue this worthy story.

History won’t be kind David Hains’ guest column (“Church scrutiny leads fight against abuse,” July 23) seeks to compare the February release of the John Jay study detailing sexual abuse in the Catholic Church with a June study on sexual misconduct by educators.

Hains says the church’s acknowledgement of this “serious social problem” will be remembered more than that of subsequent institutions because the church was “first to be so forthcoming about this problem.” And he says, “As Catholics, we can be proud of the fact that our church led the way in identifying and removing a serious problem that affects defenseless children.”

Indeed, the church will be remembered more — not because it was first, but because it was supposed to be better.

In this sorry scandal, Mr. Hains, there is absolutely nothing of which our church can be proud.

— Joan Lail Hickory

War in Iraq not justified In regard to Father Frank Pavone’s column (“Abortion vs. War,” July 9), I do agree that every abortion does in fact target innocent life and is always morally unacceptable. However, I cannot agree with him on the point that it is “OK for someone else to come to the conclusion that the war (in Iraq) is justified.”

Faithful Catholics need to look no farther than the Catholic Church’s teachings on just war to see “the Church has raised serious moral concerns and questions about preemptive or preventative use of force” (pg. 19 of “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility,” by the USCCB).

I would urge every person in our community to read No. 2309 in our Catholic Catechism to plainly see that the rigorous conditions for moral legitimacy have not been met.

— Linda Flynn Charlotte

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August 6, 2004

The vineyard of the

Rachel’s Vineyard offers Christ’s healing power for “I cannot think of another work of this kind so well done,” Father Benedict Groeschel has written of Rachel’s Vineyard. “A most difficult and painful human problem is engaged with faith, psychological insight and trust.”

Having been involved for years in these retreats for people wounded by abortion, I could not agree more with the above assessment. That is why I was so pleased when Theresa and Kevin Burke, the founders of Rachel’s Vineyard, approached me at the end of last year with the request that this retreat program become a ministry of Priests for Life.

As such, it is now becoming even better known by the priests of the nation and provides yet another way for them to extend the healing power of Christ through the sacrament of reconciliation, through counseling and through preaching. Moreover, the Rachel’s Vineyard retreat can also be conducted in an ecumenical format, allowing Christians of all denominations to take part in a way that is consistent with their own background.

Rachel’s’ Vineyard is a weekend retreat experience for women and men who have lost children through abortion.

With the assistance of counselors and clergy, they explore the emotional and spiritual pain of their abortion in the presence of the Lord and in a confidential and supportive atmosphere.

Guest Column FATHER FRANK PAVONE Guest Columnist Because the wound of abortion is compounded by its secrecy and in fact consists of a destructive isolation of the individual, the person on the retreat finds a new freedom by sharing his or her pain with the others on the retreat, who have all had similar experiences, and benefits from their understanding, acceptance and additional insight.

One of the most powerful and unique aspects of the retreat is the use of “Living Scriptures.” This is essentially a group reflection on various Scriptural events, utilizing a traditional method of meditation on Scripture by which a person imagines him- or herself present at the event and involved in it.

But instead of having this reflection within oneself and only in thought, the group dramatizes it together, again utilizing a very traditional Catholic ap-

proach; namely, using signs, symbols and gestures to make spiritual realities more tangible.

A simple example of this is the healing of Bartimaeus in chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel. At Rachel’s Vineyard, this passage is read in the presence of all; the priest then goes to each person, along with a team member, who says, “Have courage, he is calling you.” The person says, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” The priest then says Jesus’ words: “What do you want me to do for you?”

The person then makes her request, in his or her own words. The priest bestows an individual blessing.

Thousands of Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are taking place around the United States and around the world. Many dioceses have officially adopted this program for their abortion healing ministry. As more and more people come forward, breaking out of their guilt and shamefilled isolation, let us welcome them together to the Vineyard of the Church!

See related story on page 7.

For more information, visit www. rachelsvineyard.org.

Father Pavone is the national director of Priests for Life.

Communities of joy Jesus challenges us to accept his gift Since joy is the infallible sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit, creating a community of joy should be the goal of every parish. Every pastor should do his best to foster this atmosphere of joy and emotional comfort, so that his people can worship God joyfully. In the Holy Spirit, we pray with one voice.

Joyful worship is the best way to participate in the life of the Trinity. By sharing in God’s Trinitarian life, we become an “Easter people, and Alleluia becomes our song” (St. Augustine).

Second Vatican Council documents teach us that the church is the people of God. It is not primarily an institution or a group of buildings.

The church is essentially a community of joy, a community different from all other human groupings because the joy of the Holy Spirit informs and inspires it.

The mystery of the church transcends human life. Two of the three branches of the church are already living joyfully. The members of the church who are in heaven and purgatory lift us up to greater heights.

The church triumphant consists of those who have attained the bliss of heaven, namely, the beatific vision.

The church suffering consists of

FATHER JOHN CATOIR CNS Guest Columnist those in purgatory. This title is a misnomer because those in purgatory have the deep joy of knowing that they are exceedingly close to the beatific vision. They experience God’s presence as never before, and are confirmed in grace.

Though they still await the fullness of joy, they know a happiness that they have never known before. St. Thomas Aquinas said that the worst day in purgatory is better than the best day anyone could spend on earth.

We on earth are called the church militant. We know we are saved by the sacrificial death of Jesus, but we are not yet free of the woes of this world.

We are still capable of sin. The tensions we experience in trying to combat evil is a constant source of pain, emotional and physical.

Jesus said, “I am the Way.” When

we follow him, we receive in us a joy that this world cannot give.

The people of joy consist of those in heaven, in purgatory, as well as those on earth who participate in God’s life.

The church militant must live in a sea of human hatred and violence. Jesus predicted it, “In this world you will have many troubles but cheer up, take heart, for I have overcome the world.”

All three parts of the church share in the life of the blessed Trinity, which is a life of intense love and joy. As members of the church militant we do not as yet have the fullness of joy, but by faith we can claim a greater share of it.

Jesus told us that he wants our joy to be full. We must rise to his challenge and accept his gift. And we can do a better job by not trying to go it alone — by forming little cells of joy we can make progress. Prayer groups can find prayers and readings, which lift the spirits.

By forming little communities of joy, we can become carriers of Divine Joy. This is our goal: to choose joy over sorrow because joy is our vocation and our destiny.

Openly discussing another’s wrongdoing Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

Destroying a person”s good name is sinful Q. I’m an old senior, still typing on my manual typewriter, but I am concerned about some “forgivers” who insist on telling others about the persons and deeds that need forgiveness. Twice this has happened recently that the one doing the forgiving tells friends about it, and the offender’s reputation is destroyed.

Even if you’re willing to forgive, isn’t it wrong to expose someone’s faults? Perhaps the person who has been hurt “feels better” emotionally after talking about the problem, but it still sounds like pure gossip to me. (Illinois) A. Your instincts are correct.

There is something wrong with a person who feels that willingness to forgive bestows the right to discuss what happened with everyone else.

It is true that forgiving and forgetting are not the same. If someone deliberately injures us or someone we love, it is possibly beyond our power to totally forget. Despite our best intentions, the memory may resurface often, especially if later circumstances create the opportunity for a repeat of the injury.

An essential element of authentic forgiveness, however, is willingness to give up resentment and ill will, to let go of the desire to “get even” and take revenge on the person who has done us wrong. To willfully destroy another’s good name is a serious injury and sinful. The fact that the other person has done harm to us doesn’t change that.

A free brochure describing basic Catholic prayers, beliefs and moral precepts 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.

April 30, 2004

around the diocese

Up to the challenge Youth ministers to receive training resource by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Diocesan youth ministers now have a concise resource to aid them in their ministries.

Promulgated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis in April 2004, “The main purpose of the new ‘Youth Ministry Handbook’ is to have a resource for every youth minister, whether they are experienced or new to the job,” said Peg Ruble, associate director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry.

More than three years ago, realizing that the need for such a resource was far-reaching in the diocese, Paul Kotlowski, director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, and Ruble set about forming a team of volunteers to compile the resource for all youth ministers in the Diocese of Charlotte.

A team of youth ministers consisting of Marilyn Kravitz, Mary Herr, Steve Bernardi, Marie Martino, Debbie Kovachik, Connie Cupello and Maryann Poli set about to develop the handbook.

Although each volunteer took charge of one section of the book, Ruble said it was a collaborative effort as they critiqued the work-in-progress, everyone adding their own input.

According to Ruble, Sister Mary Timothy Warren, vicar for women religious in the Diocese of Charlotte, also provided valuable editorial support.

After countless hours of writing, discussion and editing by the team of volunteers, the “Youth Ministry Handbook” was completed in Spring 2004.

“What Bishop Jugis promulgated for the Diocese of Charlotte is a ministry formation process which adopts the recently published ‘National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers,’” said Kotlowski.

The national standards were set forth by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, which advocates and supports Catholic youth ministry on the national, diocesan and local levels.

The National Federation has developed a code of ethics for youth ministry leaders that outlines the obligations of youth ministers, including their ministerial role, liability, accountability and conduct.

Each parish within the diocese will receive a handbook for use by their youth minister. The book will also be available online on the diocesan Web site and the learning platform Blackboard.com.

The handbook will serve as a learning tool to help youth ministers meet the national standards, Kotlowski said. The handbook may be the first of its kind, in that it contains the competency-based formation.

Kotlowski said the basis of youth ministry training and formation is derived from the Code of Canon Law 231, which states, “Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the church are obliged to acquire the appropriate forma-

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Paul Kotlowski, director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, and Peg Ruble, associate director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, examine the new “Youth Ministry Handbook.”

The handbook is designed to serve as a concise training resource for all youth ministers in the Diocese of Charlotte. tion which is required to fulfill their function properly and to carry it out conscientiously, zealously and diligently.”

“What’s exciting about competency-based formation and certification based on nationally approved standards is that it introduces accountability born through evidence as people demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge,” said Kotlowski.

“This is the dawn of a brand-new era in the area of ministry formation for the Diocese of Charlotte and the United States,” he said. “We’re happy to be a part of this emerging formation process.”

“Heretofore, having a degree (in ministry) has been good enough, without demonstrating the ability to assimilate that degree into ministerial practice,” said Kotlowski.

What these competency standards call for is a demonstration of skills, not just a diploma, said Ruble.

“Youth ministry is challenging,” said Kotlowski. “All too often people are asked to take part in youth ministry with little or no training.”

“This is a learner-driven practice that calls people to national standards,” said Kotlowski. “Ministers will be able to set their own pace as they work toward achieving the standards.”

“I welcomed the opportunity to promulgate the ‘Youth Ministry Handbook,’” said Bishop Jugis. “It is a rich resource that addresses three vital areas of ministry to youth: the call to and promotion of holiness; the creation of a safe and secure environment; and the formation of the ministers as persons commissioned to teach the truth in love.”

Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Ev-

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