Aug. 14, 2009

August 14, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Principal force behind human development; looking to a higher law

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI august 14, 2009

Changing times call for ministerial modifications

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

Making a scientific case for the Shroud of Turin

KATIE MOORE staff writer

by

HICKORY — A new pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry was promulgated

by Bishop Peter J. Jugis during a celebration at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory Aug. 8.

The plan, which will become the guide for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte from 2009-2012, is the fourth plan of its kind in the dioceses’ history. It was derived from previous plans as well as a national plan established by the U.S. bishops.

“The presence of the Hispanic population greatly

Dioceses of Charlotte’s CFO earns top honor by

KATIE MOORE

CHARLOTTE — John Iannone, a Catholic writer, lecturer and filmmaker, has studied the Shroud of Turin for 30 years. He refers to it as the “greatest CSI case in history.”

In his presentation “The Three Cloths of Christ: The Emerging Treasures of Christianity” at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte July 29, Iannone presented a case for the authenticity of the shroud.

“I love telling people about it because it really makes them think,” said Iannone, who is passionate about shedding light CNS photo by Catholic Press

Pope Benedict XVI receives a gift of an image of the Shroud of Turin during an audience with pilgrims from Turin, Italy, at the Vatican June 2, 2008. The pope announced at the audience that the Shroud of Turin will be displayed to the public in 2010.

Young men gather with bishop, priests, seminarians to discern vocations by

See WELDON, page 12

See SHROUD, page 13

A day for discerning

staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s chief financial officer was recognized recently as a top performer among his peers in the Charlotte financial community.

William Weldon was a finalist for Charlotte Business

KATIE MOORE staff writer

See PLAN, page 9

Commitment to fiscal integrity

no. 35

Unshrouding the mystery

Bishop promulgates new pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry by

vOLUME 18

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

GASTONIA — Some were simply curious to learn more.

Some already knew they have a calling to serve.

“I wanted to come and meet the priests, to see how they work, what they do,” said 15-year-old Billy Stocker, a parishioner of Queen of the

Apostles in Belmont.

Billy was among the 60 male high school and college students who gathered with the bishop, priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte for a Day of Discernment at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia Aug. 5.

See DISCERN, page 5

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Father Matthew Buettner (left), pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, eats lunch with young men participating in the diocesan Day of Discernment at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia Aug. 5.

To lead, to grow

Working for justice

Culture Watch

Pastor looks forward to serving, guiding parish

Parish team works to bring justice for immigrants

Book on animals in Christianity; new CDs

| Page 7

| Page 8

| Pages 10-11

August 14, 2009

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

Sotomayor sworn in; becomes first Latina, sixth Catholic on court WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sworn in Aug. 8 to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic member of the high court.

In a ceremony at the court building, Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office while the newest justice’s mother, Celina, held the Bible on which her daughter placed her hand.

Sotomayor will be formally invested in the court Sept. 8, the afternoon before the court convenes to hear a campaign finance case in an unusual session being held prior to the beginning of the court term Oct. 3.

Sotomayor, 55, was confirmed by the Senate Aug. 6 by a 68-31 vote. She is the sixth Catholic on the nine-member court, the most ever at one time.

A New York native and daughter of Puerto Ricans who struggled to be sure their two children were well-educated, Sotomayor is President Barack Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee. She will

Religious repair

take the place of Justice David Souter, who retired at the end of the term in June.

During several days of formal debate on her nomination, a chorus of Senate Democrats and a handful of Republicans recited her inspiring story of being raised in a housing project in the Bronx borough of New York and going on to win scholarships and honors at a rigorous Catholic high school and Ivy League universities.

Senators who voted against Sotomayor ’s confirmation — all Republicans — took to the floor to complain that they thought she was a “judicial activist,” based largely upon comments she has made in speeches, rather than upon anything they could point to in her legal writings.

The other Catholics on the court are Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

CNS photo by Amanda Hudson, The Observer

Gloria Visel works on a damaged statue of Our Lady of Fatima at her workshop in Winnebago, Ill., June 26. The artist’s reputation for repairing damaged religious statues dates back 20 years when her pastor asked if she could fix a broken Marian statue.

Repairing religious statues can be opportunity to pray, says artist ROCKFORD, Ill. (CNS) — Her first job was a decapitation.

The statue of Mary, mother of God, had fallen hard enough to crack off her head, Gloria Visel said as she recalled just how she got started many years ago in her work of repairing religious statues.

Parishioners at old St. Mary Church in Rockford had put the statue back together the best they could, using ribbons to try to hide the scar. But it just didn’t look right.

Visel, of Winnebago, had studied art and painting before she began raising her family. With most of her children in school at that point, she volunteered her artistic services. Augustinian Father Edward Kersten, pastor, accepted her offer immediately.

His confidence in her abilities gave her the needed boost to attempt the repairs. That first statue turned out well, and Visel continued volunteering to restore the many other statues in the church. She said some of the church candles were emitting styrene, a substance that was coating the statues and making them dull and gray.

The Infant of Prague was her second patient. He and most of the others at St. Mary Church just needed a good cleaning and a few paint touch-ups. Word of her work on the statues began to spread.

“People started bringing me little statues,” she said, “and then some began bringing outdoor statues, which need outdoor paints and finishes.”

Visel appreciated that “people brought things that meant a lot to them.”

She discovered she “could kind of pray, in a way, with my paintbrush. It was hard work (at times), but different from

housework. It was meditative.”

The needs of each statue have ranged from a complete overhaul to touch-ups, she said, and some of the repair efforts have been “trial and error.” Her tools include toothbrushes, Q-tips and dental instruments for hardto-reach places.

“Some statues are really old and very fragile, and others come to me in (sturdy) condition,” she noted.

Some statues were made of plaster; others were concrete, stone or marble.

Most of her work has been with religious statues for parishes and individuals, along with an occasional bust or outdoor rooster statue.

She noted that the images of Mary have changed through the decades, with the older statues filled with many delicate details. At the request of one customer, Visel contacted an antique dealer about a statue, which was traced back to Germany and was likely part of a Stations of the Cross scene.

Visel now charges a “small amount” for her work, and considers many of her hours of work as “part of my time and talent,” she said.

“I like images,” she said. “They help me focus (my prayer), and statues can trigger a lot of thoughts and meditation.”

Her next big project is at St. Anthony of Padua Church. She and a parish staff member will be working on the backdrop at the parish’s shrine. Although Visel sees her endeavors as a “solitary work,” she thinks having a co-worker for the project will be fun.

As it has over these past 20-some years, her labor of love for the saints and for people continues to evolve.

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

BOONE VICARIATE SPRUCE PINE — A rosary of intercession for priests is recited each Friday at St. Lucien Church, 695 Summit St., before the 9 a.m. Mass. Prayers are offered for bishops, priests and deacons, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. For more information, call the church office at (828) 765-2224.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel in Transition (SGIT) is a ministry for those who are, or may soon be, facing job layoffs or transitions during these trying economic times. The program goal is to support job seekers in their search for rewarding employment.

Learn how we can open ourselves to new points of view and find opportunity in the face of adversity. The next meeting will be Aug. 20 in the St. Gabriel Church Ministry Center from, 7-9 p.m. Keynote speaker is Mauro Calcano, a successful and experienced human resources leader who has worked with some of the world’s most successful companies, who will lead a session on preparation and interviewing tactics. To register, contact Bill Conwell at SGIT@bellsouth.net.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Young Adult Life presents Theology on Tap, a speaker series for Catholics in their 20s and 30s. The next series will begin in August and continue once a month through November. The series will take place at Big View Diner, 16637 Lancaster Hwy. Come and mingle at 6:30 p.m., speaker will start around 7 p.m. The next session will be Aug. 20 on the topic “Christian Love – Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves.” For event details, visit w w w. m e e t u p . c o m / y o u n g a d u l t l i f e o r e-mail st.matthews.yal@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE — A monthly respect life Mass will be celebrated Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd. Following Mass there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to pray a rosary at a local abortion facility. The morning will conclude with Benediction. For more information, contact Danielle Mathis at tmathis3@carolina.rr.com.

CHARLOTTE — A solemn prayer service including a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine for those suffering from cancer or other incurable diseases will take place at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

St. Peregrine has been called the “wonder worker” for his intercession on behalf of those living with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He is the patron saint of all who are afflicted by cancer, leg ailments, or any incurable diseases, as well as the patron saint of youth at risk. A healing prayer service is offered on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. For more information, call the church office at (704) 543-7677.

CHARLOTTE — There will be an inquiry meeting for those interested in joining a Dominican Laity Group (third Order of

august 14, 2009 Volume 18 • Number 35

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

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

August 14, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 3

Vatican official: Iraq’s Christian Traditional family vital for modern community at risk of disappearing FROM THE VATICAN

society, Vatican official says

Marriage promotes responsibility, says cardinal VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican official sharply criticized a sentence by Italy’s highest court that said there was no substantial legal difference between a family founded on marriage and a family resulting from a cohabiting couple.

The sentence by the Court of Cassation cited an “evolution” in thinking about the forms that a family takes in modern society.

The ruling, which concerned a case of theft between an ex-cohabiting couple, was described as “a serious attack on the family” by Giuseppe Dalla Torre, a Catholic legal expert interviewed by Vatican Radio Aug. 8.

Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, told Vatican Radio that the traditional

family was needed more than ever today — for family members and for society as a whole.

“I view with concern this progressive slide toward a further privatization of the family, as if the family were irrelevant for society,” Cardinal Antonelli said.

“Recent sociological research in various countries has highlighted a series of benefits that the so-called traditional family brings to society, and the numerous damages which the supposed new forms of family — like the single-parent family and cohabitation — bring to society,” he said.

The cardinal added that because marriage is a public commitment, not only before the church but also before society, it promotes a more serious sense of responsibility among those involved.

St. Dominic) Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. in room 132 of the New Life Center at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. The group is open to all who are in conformity with the teaching of the Magisterium and who are seeking the Dominican spiritual life. For more information, call Mary Snow at (704) 847-4405 or e-mail info@charlottelaydominicans.org. Or visit the Web site at www.charlottelaydominicans.org.

477 Grogan Rd. Aug. 23 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Franciscan way of life for Catholic men and women, this session is for you. For more information, call Frank Massey at (336)299-5038.

MINT HILL — The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be offered during a special Mass at St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical or mental illness or someone who will be under going surgery. Refreshments will be served after Mass. If anyone is in need of transportation, call Mary Adams at (704) 5451224. For more information, contact Virginia Horne at (704) 823-0846.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — The Flames of Fire charismatic prayer group meets every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s House at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2201 West Market St. All those interested in the charismatic way of life are invited to attend. For more information, contact Ben D’Apollo at (336) 812-3730 or Lorraine Brown (336) 292-5186.

GREENSBORO — Elizabeth Ministry is available to support parents carrying to term following the diagnosis of a fetal defect. The primary focus is to connect parents with others who have continued a pregnancy following a poor prenatal diagnosis. Specialized resource materials and assistance are provided including referrals to community services. Parents of all religions are served. For more information, contact Sandy Buck at (704) 948-4587 or email elizabethministry@roadrunner.com GREENSBORO —The Franciscan family of Greensboro invites you to an informational session at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center,

Episcopal

calendar

SALISBURY VICARIATE SALISBURY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an organization comprised of Catholic men of Irish birth or descent, will be forming a new division in the Salisbury area. If you are 16 years or older and are proud of you Irish heritage and are interested in your Catholic faith and Irish culture, contact Joe Dougherty, NC State AOH organizer, at (704) 9426345 or e-mail uniteire@yahoo.com.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A leading Vatican official called for greater protection of Iraq’s beleaguered Christian minority, saying the disappearance of Christianity from the country would be an enormous religious and cultural loss for everyone.

Archbishop Fernando Filoni, who served as the Vatican’s nuncio to Iraq from 2001 to 2006, said it was important that Iraqi Christians stem the widespread emigration of their community. That can only happen if they are given a sound basis for hope in the future, he said.

“The authorities must do everything they can so that Christians are a respected and integral part of the life of the country, even if they are a minority,” Archbishop Filoni said in an interview Aug. 11 with the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

The Iraqi government meets regularly with church leaders and in theory is committed to protecting Christians, but “this also has to be translated into concrete facts,” he said.

The archbishop pointed to the recent restitution of three church-run schools as an important step in the right direction.

The schools, two in Baghdad and one in Kirkuk, will be run by Chaldean Catholic nuns, who managed them

before they were nationalized under Saddam Hussein.

“This seems to be an important signal that offers hope and indicates appreciation for the contribution Christians can give to the future of the Iraqi nation,” he said.

“Even today, many Muslims remain grateful for the education they received in the Christian schools,” he said.

Archbishop Filoni said that despite continuing hardships Christians in Iraq should seize on these opportunities and make the most of them.

If Iraqi Christians continue to emigrate, it won’t take long before they’ll lose their language, culture and identity — and it will be lost forever, he said.

The archbishop was realistic about the challenging day-to-day situation in Iraq today. He pointed to repeated bombings and other attacks, water and electrical shortages, high unemployment and a struggling educational system.

Under these circumstances, it’s normal for Christian parents to wonder what kind of life Iraq will offer their children, he said. At the same time, he added, Christians also need to ask themselves whether they want their religious community to survive in Iraq.

Curbside confessions

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will host a one day retreat entitled “St. Francis Challenges the Modern World” by Franciscan Father Jack McDowell. Join us as we learn the Franciscan approach to today’s pressing issues and reignite the fires of our faith. The retreat will be held at Holy Family Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Melinda Chiou at melindachiou@ gmail.com.

CLEMMONS — A Charismatic Prayer Group meets Mondays at 7:15 p.m. in the eucharistic chapel of Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd. Join us for praise music, witness, teaching, prayers and petition. For more details, call Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

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

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

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

Aug. 20 (12:10 p.m.)

Rite of Candidace for Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar St.Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Aug. 23 (11 a.m.)

Dedication of St. Mark Church Huntersville

Aug. 21 (10 a.m.)

Finance Council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Aug. 24-26 Annual assembly of bishops and priests Diocese of Charleston, S.C.

CNS photo by Marcos Brindicci, Reuters

A priest listens to confession during the annual gathering and pilgrimage to the church dedicated to St. Cayetano, the patron of work and food, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug. 7. Pilgrims have been camping outside the parish for weeks, waiting to join t he thousands that gathered at the church to pray for work.

Taiwanese Catholic Church rushes relief aid to typhoon victims KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (CNS) — Catholic officials in Taiwan have rushed relief aid to typhoon victims in the south of the island, including Catholics in a village badly hit by a similar storm four years ago.

The Taiwan Catholic Mission Foundation and Caritas Taiwan distributed relief aid and collected donations from local Catholics to aid victims. Bishop Peter Liu Cheng-chung of Kaohsiung set up a relief command center in Pingtung County, where at least four townships were affected.

NOTICE TO READERS

“We never know what God’s plan is and why Taiwan has to suffer miserably.

We can only pray for Christ’s mercy,” he said in his appeal for aid Aug. 11.

“This is the moment for the church to show the spirit of the Gospel,” not only by assisting victims, but also by “showing we are the instrument of God by bringing them the love of Christ,” the bishop said.

Typhoon Morakot, the most powerful storm to hit Taiwan in the past 50 years, slammed into the island’s eastern and southern regions Aug. 8.

The Catholic News & Herald is currently on its fortnightly publishing schedule through August. The next issue will be Aug. 28.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

August 14, 2009

around the diocese

New Knightly officers

Music with a mission

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Father Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, greet those attending a concert at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte Aug. 1. Hundreds of people attended the two-day performances

Oblate Father Albert Gondek (back row, third from right), pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington and chaplain of Knights of Columbus Council 12481, stands with the council’s newly elected officers after an installation

of “Isaiah: A Caribbean Musical” by Father Lung and musicians and singers

ceremony after Mass at the church Aug. 1.

from Jamaica that raised funds for a crisis pregnancy center on the island.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization.

The Missionaries of the Poor is an international monastic order of brothers

Council 12481 provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities

dedicated to serving the poor. Their main home is in Kingston, Jamaica, but

in service to the Catholic Church and the community.

Charlotte Convention Center their missions span the globe.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

You're Invited to Room At The Inn's Fifteenth Annual Fundraising Banquet

Father Lung established a mission in Charlotte in 2008.

Featured Speaker

David Bereit

Giving care Founder of “40 Days for Life”

“Fifteen Years of Life-Giving Hope” Featured Speaker

David Bereit

Founder of “40 Days for Life” David Bereit is founder of “40 Days for Life,” a pro-life campaign with unprecedented results.

Since 2007, more than 200,000 people have joined his peaceful campaign, saving over 1,500 babies from abortion.These results include the greater Charlotte area, with 1,000 participants, saving the lives of 150 babies. David is the Executive Director of Coalition for Life and is a popular pro-life speaker who will inspire you with his message of hope.

Charlotte Convention Center Thursday, October 22, 2009

Courtesy Photo

Members of the Filipino American Youth Group take part in a panel discussion with parents and other adults at the Asian Library in Charlotte Aug. 7 about their recent experiences working with the poor in the Philippines.

The youths, mostly Catholic, took part in June in the Gawad Kalinga (“to give care”) Project, a Catholic organization founded by Couples for Christ to build homes for the poor and homeless in the Philippines.

They helped build homes and organize entertainment and games for children of the region.

Charlotte Convention Center

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Registration/Reception, 5:30 pm — Seating for Dinner, 6:30 pm

** Reservations are FREE, but required.

To make a reservation or to host a table of 8, contact Banquet Reservations at (704) 525-4673, ext. 10 or iroomattheinn@rati.org by September 21st.

Room At The Inn, Inc., a maternity and after-care program for pregnant mothers, is located in Charlotte, N.C. Please visit our website, www.rati.org, for more information on our pro-life programs.

August 14, 2009

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

“Discernment day ... makes them think about the priesthood more seriously.”

Young men discern possible vocations to priesthood DISCERN, from page 1

The daylong event allowed the young men to interact and ask questions of the clergy and seminarians to discern what God is asking of their lives and to explore their possible callings to the priesthood.

In addition to attending Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, the young men spent the day in prayer, eucharistic adoration and talks with the priests and seminarians.

The day also included sports, games and a panel discussion with a questionand-answer session about life in the priesthood and seminary.

Billy said he has always had a calling toward the priesthood.

“I want to help people and help them get closer to God,” he said.

“Discernment day allows young Catholic men to realize that the call to the priesthood is a real possibility for them,” said Father Christopher Gober, pastor of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville and vocations director for the Diocese of Charlotte.

“The day gives them a context to see other men are thinking about it as well,” he said.

“They realize they aren’t the only ones thinking about a calling to the priesthood,” said Father Benjamin Roberts, parochial vicar of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro.

Father Roberts, who was ordained in June, has attended every discernment day since 2005 and was on hand to talk to the participants about life as a newly ordained priest. “It’s been wonderful … more amazing than I thought it would be,” he said.

Discernment day, said Father Gober, allows young men to see “that the

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Seminarians Lucas Rossi (right) and Paul Buchanan (center) share laughs and lunch with Zachary Carter (right), a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, and other young men attending the diocesan Day of Discernment at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia Aug. 5. priesthood is a joyful life.”

“I’ve been thinking about the priesthood for a year,” said 19-yearold Josh Herman, a parishioner of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

“I wanted to come and get a better understanding of what I may be getting myself into,” he said with a smile.

“The joy,” said Father Roberts, “is seeing young men come to discernment day and then enter the seminary a few years later.”

Wendell Sawyer was one of those young men. The 20-year-old attended last year’s discernment day and is now attending St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania.

“All the signs pointed to the priesthood,” he said. “Discernment day jolts people out of their comfortable

surroundings and makes them think about the priesthood more seriously.”

Bishop Jugis said he believed there were some future priests in the recent group.

“I was happy to spend the day with these young people who are exploring the idea of a call to the priesthood,” said the bishop.

“Every day I pray a rosary specifically for our seminarians, and for

all the young people of our diocese who are exploring the idea of priesthood or religious life,” he said.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information about vocations to the priesthood, contact the diocesan vocations office at (704) 370-3353 or v i s i t w w w. c h a r l o t t e d i o c e s e . o r g / vocations.html.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Transitional Deacon John Eckert talks with young men participating in the diocesan Day of Discernment at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia Aug. 5.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

August 14, 2009

around the diocese

Belmont Abbey College rejects Summer fun and faith EEOC discrimination claims Catholic college stands by church teaching BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College has rejected a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determination that it discriminated against women and retaliated against faculty members who filed an employment discrimination charge.

In a statement released Aug. 10, college officials refuted the claim that the college discriminated based on gender in its decision to remove contraceptive benefits from its faculty health coverage plan in accordance with Catholic teaching.

“Belmont Abbey College rejects the notion that by following the moral teachings of the Catholic Church we are discriminating against anyone,” said the statement. “We are simply and honestly exercising the freedom of religion that is protected by the Constitution.”

After a faculty member discovered that contraception, abortion and voluntary sterilization were covered by the college’s health care policy, the drugs and procedures were removed from the plan in December 2007. Though North Carolina requires this coverage, it offers an exemption for religious institutions.

“The teaching of the Catholic Church on this moral issue is clear. The responsibility of the college as a Catholic college sponsored by the monks of Belmont Abbey to follow church teaching is equally clear,” wrote college president Dr. William Thierfelder in a 2008 letter to faculty defending the decision.

“There was no other course of action possible if we were to operate in fidelity to our mission and to our identity as a Catholic college,” he wrote.

“The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College,” published by the Catholic higher education organization

the Cardinal Newman Society, has listed Belmont Abbey College as an example of a faithful Catholic college.

The case was thought closed when in March 2009 the college received a “Dismissal and Notice of Rights” determination letter from the EEOC, saying the commission was closing its file on the discrimination charge.

According to the college, the file was closed because the commission was unable to conclude that the college’s decision to change the employee health plan violated the statutes.

“We were surprised to learn that the EEOC has now reversed itself,” the college’s recent statement said.

By denying prescription contraception drugs, the college “is discriminating based on gender because only females take oral prescription contraceptives,” wrote Reuben Daniels Jr., the EEOC Charlotte District Office director, in the Aug. 5 determination.

“By denying coverage, men are not affected, only women,” wrote Daniels.

The EEOC also determined the college retaliated against eight faculty members who filed charges with the EEOC by identifying them by name in a letter to faculty and staff.

“We have not — and will not — ‘retaliate’ against the faculty members who complained to the EEOC,” said the college statement.

The EEOC asked both the faculty and the college to work with it to reach a resolution. If the college declines to discuss the settlement or an acceptable settlement is not reached, the director would inform the two sides and advise them of the court enforcement alternatives available.

“We are disappointed that this matter

Courtesy Photo

Teenagers perform a gospel rendition of “In the Name of Jesus” during the closing ceremony of the vacation Bible school at St. Mark Church in Huntersville June 23. More than 300 children and more than 180 parent and teen volunteers took part in the June 20-23 program, this year themed “SonRock Kids Camp” and involving crafts, games, skits, music and faith.

Pictured are (first row, from left) Laura Espitia, Camile Gaillard, Sydney Antonlini, Kendall Smith, Maddie Fink and Katie Reilly; and (second row, from left) Megan Taylor, Jackie Campo, Kaitlyn Sawicki, Allie Fisher and Devyn Ziegler.

has taken this very unusual twist, but we remain committed to ensuring that all of the college’s policies and practices follow the teachings of the Catholic Church, which includes valuing all life and treating individuals with dignity and respect, and providing equal opportunities for all,” said the college’s statement.

The statement said the college was confident its actions would be found in compliance with all federal and state laws and with the U.S. Constitution.

“Accordingly, the college will be asking the EEOC to reconsider each of the current determinations it has made in connection with the charges filed against the college,” it said.

Come to Celebrate and Learn 10th Anniversary Celebration Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Friday Evening, October 23, 6 – 9 pm &

4th Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia Saturday, October 24, 9 am – 3:30 pm A combined event, sponsored by the Office of Justice and Peace, CSS, on the theme:

Partnering Ecumenically for Social Action and Justice Site for Friday evening’s activities - St. William Church in Murphy, NC Site for Saturday’s activities - Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC The Friday evening and Saturday event features four Plenary Speakers presented below in order of appearance in weekend schedule: Rev. Msgr. Mauricio W. West, Vicar General and Chancellor, Diocese of Charlotte W. Joseph Mann, Director, Rural Church Division, The Duke Endowment Rev. Larry Snyder, President, Catholic Charities USA Rev. George M. Kloster, Pastor, St. William and IHM Catholic Churches Go to www.cssnc.org/justicepeace for registration procedures and additional information, including Hinton Rural Life Center (HLRC) lodging opportunities. Since event meeting space is limited to 100 people, and lodging options at HLRC and area hotels during the autumn season are also limited, early registration is recommended.

Questions? Call 704-370-3225 or E-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org.

Office of Justice and Peace, CSS, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

August 14, 2009

YEAR FOR PRIESTS

To lead, to grow, to love

Pastor looks forward to serving, guiding parish in Hendersonville by

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent

HENDERSONVILE — “Many things happen in a spiritual conversion” says Capuchin Franciscan Father Nick Mormando.

Father Mormando arrived from New York to assume the role of pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville Feb. 25, 2009. The date coincided with Ash Wednesday, a fitting beginning for the priest who assumes the pastorate with a reflective spirit and measured thoughtfulness regarding his new position.

During his first several months,

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Father Mormando met his parishioners, considered the programs in place at the church and at Immaculata School, and listened to what was wanted and needed for both.

The listening session led to the discovery that many within the parish were filled with an eagerness to grow and extend the faith and outreach of the church.

“There is a willingness to make the (church) community grow,” said Father Mormando. “They come forth to share themselves with one another, to offer themselves.”

“Too often people don’t realize the talent they bring. There are many who think they only have a little, but like the boy with the loaves and fishes, look what

happens when a little is turned over to the Lord.”

During ecumenical interactions with other church leaders in Hendersonville, Father Mormando has felt warmly welcomed to his new home in the community.

“There is always room to grow in mutual understanding and knowledge of others’ faith,” he said.

“I’ve been asked by so many how I was doing here. They want to know how I am adjusting to the difference between the large city and a small town, but I’ve been so welcomed that I haven’t had a difficult adjustment.”

What is meant to be Father Mormando’s faith journey began in Catholic elementary school, and while attending a public high school he continued to regularly attend Mass — a defining decision in his commitment to his Catholic faith.

After high school he resumed his education at St. Francis College in

Photo by Kathleen Healy Schmieder

Capuchin Franciscan Father Nick Mormando, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, greets parishioners after Mass Aug. 9.

Brooklyn, N.Y. Seeking to join the Capuchin Franciscans, he furthered his studies with two years at St. Joseph’s Seminary in the Archdiocese of New York, where he professed perpetual vows in 1987. But he was not ordained as a priest until 13 years later.

“When I left seminary after two years I thought to myself, I’ve made a mistake,” recalled Father Mormando, “but one of my spiritual mentors advised me to ‘put it on the back burner and if it comes back, then you will know it was meant to be.’”

“I was slow in coming. I gave God a struggle,” Father Mormando said with a smile.

During the intervening years after profession of vows and ordination, he spent most of the time in parish work, but also was involved in vocations and even cooked at the novitiate.

“I came from an Italian Catholic family and I like to eat, so I learned to cook,” he said.

Toward the future Arriving at Immaculate Conception Church, Father Mormando had his own ideas for the parish, but decided he would wait and listen to the people to hear what they wanted and had to offer.

“God is letting me know through them. My vision may not be God’s; you have to be willing to let go of your own to find the strength and grace to implement what God wants,” he said.

“Many are spiritually hungry and I am here to feed them,” said Father Mormando. “People are sensing something good is about to happen.

Here in the church is a core group of intercessors. Their prayers are bringing blessings down on this place and they are not even aware they are doing it.”

Seeing great openness to what God is doing among the parishioners, Father Mormando has noted the great work being done within the existing parish groups, including two that are particularly active — the youth group and the Hispanic community.

Additional parish programs being considered include the establishment of a Cursillo group, a new Bible study and eucharistic adoration.

“I need to know they want to deepen their faith and are willing to go the next step,” said Father Mormando.

Particularly, he feels the institution of eucharistic adoration must be considered when the community is ready for the fullness of the experience.

“Adoration is part of a big spiritual awakening in the hearts of people and within the parish as a whole,” he said.

“There are already great things in place here,” said Father Mormando. “For the future there is much hope as we work toward growth and, through the presence of God, open up to a willingness to offer our works and faith throughout the community.”

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

704-449-4279

ON THE WAGON Charlotte Airport: $35 TOTAL, depending on distance Parishioner, St. James The Greater

8 The Catholic News & Herald

August 14, 2009

hispanic ministry

Joint operation for justice

* the breathtaking countryside * the traditions of our Catholic faith * the legends of her people

Group hopes to affect immigration reform, assist community

will attend one such conference in Asheville Sept. 3.

“The effort is fragmented,” said Grace Poli, a team member, about the HENDERSONVILLE — In variety of challenges the effort faces. “We cooperation with the U.S. bishops, a have had major problems with getting small but dedicated group at Immaculate people to change from using the terms Conception in Hendersonville has begun ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ to ‘documented’ and working for immigration reform. ‘undocumented.’”

Working from a position based on “The most important thing we can do Scripture and Catholic social teaching, is to write letters,” said Catherine Lynch, the parish Justice for Immigrants team coordinator, who distributes sample Team is hoping to foster change and letters to send to the congressional uncover avenues that will restructure representatives. current immigration policies in order to To help put a face on the immigration ease situations faced by communities reform issue, on Sept. 19-20 Immaculate throughout the country.

Conception Church will be among the Justice forwith Immigrants a campaign Fr. MoisWest, Chancellor and Vicar General area churches to hold a “Welcome the of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishs of her people Immigrant” weekend. Immigrants have ops with the goals of educating the public been invited to share their personal stories. and Catholic community about migraThe U.S. bishops have stated they tion and immigrants; creating political do not support anyone defying the law, will for positive immigration reform; but instead they seek to amend laws enacting legislative and administrative currently in place. reforms based on the bishops’ principles; As such, the team plans to continue and organizing Catholic networks to help fighting for policy reformation, qualified immigrants obtain the benefits encouraging others to show hospitality of reform. and to welcome immigrants in their The parish Justice for Immigrants communities, and bringing a faith team, which meets monthly, is uniting perspective to an issue with no easy with other religious and community answers. groups to create a coalition to help usher Father Salvas said he has faced in change and reform. criticism for addressing immigration in About 25 people from the team and his homilies. other area groups gathered at the historic “For me this is not about politics. courthouse in downtown Hendersonville This is about the Gospel,” he said.

July 31 for a 45-minute vigil in support of changes to current laws to allow opportunities for permanent residency for the millions of undocumented people currently residing in the United States.

“There was no negative response, but some positive response from people who were there” said Capuchin Franciscan Father John Salvas, parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church.

Father Salvas works extensively with the Hispanic community at Immaculate Conception Church.

A second vigil is planned for Aug. 28, and vigils are expected to continue on the last Friday of every month.

The Justice for Immigrants Team hopes to continue networking with other local efforts to affect the changes they seek. Mini-conferences held throughout the state work to bring the ecumenical efforts together, and team members by

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent

and Fr. Mo West, Vicar General and Chancellor, for the

ALASKA CRUISE and RETREAT with a day in Seattle!

August 17-25, 2007

Photo by Kathleen Healy Schmieder

Capuchin Franciscan Father John Salvas (right), parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church, takes part in a Justice for Immigrants Team meeting at the church Aug. 10. Also pictured (from left) are Patricia Paton and Sue Poli.

The diocese of Charlotte invites you, your family and friends to discover

The Charm, Colors and Treasures of MEXICO

including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe February 6-13, 2010

Highlights of your trip include: * Mexico City - an exciting mix of colonial, European and modern influences at the Zocalo, the Basilica, La Reforma Blvd., and so much more! * Aztecan ruins and Pyramids of the Sun and Moon tell the archaeological history * Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine – special Mass, free time to reflect, explore and purchase spiritual keepsakes * Famous Xochimilco market experienced by a gondola ride through its canals * Historic Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a magnificent converted monastery is our hotel for 2 nights as we explore this picturesque valley in the mountains * Day trips to both architecturally-important Taxco (known also for beautiful silver creations) and Cuernavaca, with its history and beautiful gardens * Free time for relaxation, reflection and shopping! * Colorful Ballet Folklorico – optional evening of world-renown national music and dance celebration * Local arts and craft demonstrations to see famous Talavera pottery, the maguey plant, etc., and Diego Rivera’s famous storytelling murals * San Miguel de Milagro, site of St. Michael’s miraculous apparitions and well of curative waters * Mass celebrated each day in special historical holy sites

PRICE: only $1,869 (register before Oct. 29) from Charlotte INCLUDES AIRFARE, full-time professional tour manager, most meals, first class hotels and all tour fees. Airport taxes/fees, tips and insurance are extra.

Travel with the diocese – we take care of the details!

Call Cindi Feerick at 704/370-3332 for a brochure with complete details or Pentecost Tours 800/713-9800 for registration.

August 14, 2009

HISPANIC MINISTRY

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Bishop promulgates new Hispanic ministry pastoral plan PLAN, from page 1

enriches our local church,” said Bishop Jugis in a letter included at the front of the new pastoral plan.

“I am happy to present this pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry, which will help guide our growth in Christ as a diocesan family for the next three years,” the bishop said.

According to the plan’s introduction, the diocese looked to the 1987 “National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry” as a model.

The first pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte was approved in 1992 after adapting the national plan to fit the needs of Catholics in Western North Carolina. A second plan was promulgated in 1998 and a third in 2002.

According to Franciscan Sister Andrea Inkott, director of diocesan Hispanic ministry, there is a need every few years to re-evaluate the goals of Hispanic ministry in the diocese.

With this new plan, there were two primary concerns that were taken into consideration.

The first is an accommodation for changing circumstances within the Hispanic community, according to Sister Inkott, and the second is a call for refocusing based on societal changes she refers to as the “signs of the times.”

One thing Sister Inkott wants

people to realize is that “the principles (of the plan) apply to all immigrant communities.”

“Our whole country, our whole word is experiencing a mixing of cultures coming together,” said Sister Inkott.

“The church is going to be multicultural also.”

“This plan is for the whole diocese,” she said. “The goal is to bring all people to the table as one family of God in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

Inspiration for the plan came from Pope John Paul II’s call for new evangelization as detailed in the document “Encuentro & Mission, A renewed Pastoral Framework for Hispanic Ministry.”

The plan has four specific dimensions: formation, missionary option, pastoral de conjunto or “communion in mission,” and liturgy and prayer.

According to Sister Inkott, each dimension has goals and offers actions and suggestions for carrying them out.

She said her hope is “that more people will know what the plan is, understand it and be willing and able to put it into practice.”

“In order for the pastoral plan to work, everyone has got to work with it,” she said.

To date the diocese has 60 parishes and missions working with Hispanic communities. Each of its 10 vicariates has a Hispanic ministry coordinator. In addition there is a diocesan coordinator for Hispanic youth ministry.

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

Courtesy Photo

Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrates Mass at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory Aug. 8. The Mass culminated the celebration of the bishop’s promulgation of the new Hispanic ministry pastoral plan for the diocese. Also pictured (from left) are Father Jose Antonio Juya, Hispanic ministry coordinator for the Gastonia Vicariate; Deacon Dario Garcia, Hispanic ministry coordinator for the Hickory Vicariate; and Carmelite Father Hugo Canavan, a Colombian missionary.

Seeking healing and forgiveness after an abortion?

Experience God’s love and compassion once again –

Upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats - (open to both men and women) Charlotte: Sept. 18-20 Savannah: Oct. 16-18 Asheville: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 704-370-3229 or mnadol@charlottediocese.org You may also want to visit Rachel’s Vineyard Web site at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Respect Life Program Family Life Office Catholic Social Services Diocese of Charlotte

Courtesy Photo

Enedino Aquino (left), Hispanic ministry coordinator for the Greensboro Vicariate, serves as emcee of the celebration of the bishop’s promulgation of the new Hispanic ministry pastoral plan for the diocese at the Catholic Conference Center Aug. 8.

Thinking about a will?

Request a free Wills Kit from CRS. Learn what you need to know before you see an attorney.

1-800-235-2772 ext. 7262 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Serving the poorest of the poor overseas.

August 14, 2009

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Authors explore place of animals in Christianity Books discuss if God’s plan for salvation includes creatures

by TRISTA TURLEY catholic news service

WASHINGTON — Two new books

by Christian authors Father Jack Wintz and Leila Harris explore the place of animals in Christianity.

In his book “Will I See My Dog in Heaven?” Father Wintz, a Franciscan friar, explores whether or not God’s plan for salvation includes creatures other than humans.

Harris’ “All of the Animals in the Bible” is a topical index of all animals that appear in Scripture.

The question in the title of his book “sounds like a naive kid’s question,” Father Wintz said in an interview with Catholic News Service June 13, “but I think it fits in this broader context (of the question of salvation for all creation.)”

Father Wintz said his motivation to write the book stemmed largely from his experience as a Franciscan.

“I have a great fascination for St. Francis of Assisi, especially his great love and respect for animals as well as for trees, rivers, wild flowers and creation as a whole,” he stated.

Throughout the book’s 10 chapters, Father Wintz utilizes evidence from Scripture, the works of St. Francis of Assisi and Judeo-Christian tradition to make the case that God intends to save all of creation, including beloved pets.

The evidence includes some familiar stories such as that of Noah, as well as less familiar works like St. Francis’ “Canticle of Brother Sun,” a song of praise in which St. Francis refers to all of creation as brothers and sisters of man.

While Father Wintz believes that there is strong evidence to indicate that all of creation is included in God’s plan for salvation, he acknowledges that Christians are divided on the issue.

“It’s true that we know little detail about (heaven) or how animals and other creatures will be included in the picture,” he stated.

While “Will I See My Dog in Heaven?” includes a substantial amount of theological analysis, Father Wintz said the book also includes several stories and is “for a wide, popular audience.”

“A lot of (the theology) is very simple,” said the priest, who was in Washington for a book signing at the Franciscan monastery.

Father Wintz is a longtime writer

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: AUG. 14, 2009

Aug. 23, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21 2) Ephesians 5:21-32 Gospel: John 6:60-69

Decisions, trust should be placed in God’s hands

by JEFF HENSLEY catholic news service

and editor for St. Anthony Messenger magazine, based in Cincinnati.

Harris’ book provides the original Greek or Hebrew term and the English translation for each animal, followed by a synopsis and analysis of their natural and symbolic roles in the Bible. A knowledge quiz also is included to keep readers entertained.

Harris told CNS in a June 11 telephone interview that the comfort she found in God’s symbolic use of animals in Scripture inspired her to write the book.

A self-described animal lover, she believes her work on the book reinforced her love for animals.

Harris said that there is a wealth of scriptural evidence to demonstrate that God, too, cares about animals. “(God) created animals before he created humans,” she said, adding that “man’s first job was to name and take care of animals.”

Like Father Wintz, Harris said she believes there will be animals in heaven. “(There are) animals in the Book of Revelations -- the beasts around the throne of God,” she noted.

However, Harris also stated that, because Jesus died exclusively for the souls of men, she cannot be sure that specific, individual animals from our lives on earth will be present in the afterlife.

Harris believes her book will appeal largely to Christians who enjoy studying the Bible. She also hopes that the book can help introduce other animal lovers to Christ. “(I want) to bring Christians closer to the Lord,” she said.

“All of the Animals in the Bible” is the first in a series of books by Harris, who holds a degree in religious studies from Regent University.

Her second book, “All of the Trees in the Bible,” is scheduled for release later in June.

G o d ’s f a i t h f u l n e s s a n d trustworthiness seems to be a theme throughout this week’s readings.

Joshua challenges the tribes of Israel to decide whom they will follow: strange gods or the Lord, the God of their fathers.

After Joshua makes his own firm declaration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” the people respond likewise, recalling that it was the Lord who brought them out of slavery, performed miracles and protected them on their entire journey.

The passage from John comes after Jesus’ bread of life discourse. Jesus asks his disciples, “Do you also want to leave?”

Simon Peter answers, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Moments of challenge and decision.

We all have them, though not often as dramatic as these. They become turning points in our lives.

We resist a fatal temptation. We choose a path for our lives with such determination that it forms us in ways we hadn’t expected. We remain faithful to our principles and our commitments and in so doing form a solid foundation not only for our own lives, but for the lives of our spouses and children.

At a wedding near Houston recently, my wife and daughter and I gathered with old friends from our prayer community in Fort Worth. Though we haven’t met formally in years, these friendships of 20-30 years and more endure.

We still love and pray for one another, and we still love and pray for each other’s children as though they were our own.

As we visited over coffee or a meal, we recounted stories of God’s miraculous interventions in our lives and the lives of our children. We rejoiced together over the goodness of God, of his faithfulness in answering our prayers and in continuing his work of redemption in us and our children.

Decades ago, we had each answered for ourselves, sometimes in the very words of Joshua, the eternal question of how we would live our lives, and despite our frailties and failings, the joy that came from attempting to live out that affirmation was palpable.

If we had it to do over again, all of us would say once more, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Questions: Have you considered placing major life decisions in God’s hands? How have you experienced God’s redemptive grace in your own life?

Scripture to be Illustrated: “It was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. ...

Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God” (Joshua 24:17-18).

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Aug. 16-22 Sunday (Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:5158; Monday, Judges 2:11-19, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday, Judges 6:11-24, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (St. John Eudes), Judges 9:6-15, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (St. Bernard), Judges 11:29-39, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. Pius X), Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday (The Queenship of Mary), Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17, Matthew 23:1-12.

Scripture for the week of Aug. 23-29 Sunday (Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time), Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18, Ephesians 5:21-32, John 6:60-69; Monday (St. Bartholomew), Revelation 21:9-14, John 1:45-51; Tuesday (St. Louis of France, St. Joseph Calasanz), 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 23:23-26; Wednesday, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:27-32; Thursday (St. Monica), 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Matthew 24:42-51; Friday (St. Augustine), 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Matthew 25:1-13; Saturday (Martyrdom of John the Baptist), 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11, Mark 6:17-29.

Scripture for the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5 Sunday (Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time), Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; Monday, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Luke 4:16-30; Tuesday, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday, Colossians 1:1-8, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday (St. Gregory the Great), Colossians 1:9-14, Luke 5:1-11; Friday, Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday (Bl. Teresa of Calcutta), Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

August 14, 2009

Pope Benedict to be featured singing on CD of Marian prayers VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The music-loving Pope Benedict XVI will be featured on a new CD singing and reciting Marian hymns and prayers.

“Alma Mater,” Latin for “nourishing mother,” will be released worldwide Nov. 30 by Geffen Records.

Using material recorded by Vatican Radio, the album will feature Pope Benedict singing the “Regina Coeli” hymn to Mary as well as prayers and snippets of talks in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, Geffen announced July 31.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman and director of Vatican Radio, said the radio authorized use of about 10 minutes of the pope’s voice for the project, which was developed by Geffen and by the multimedia production company of the Pauline Fathers.

Geffen said proceeds from the sale of the CD would be used to provide music education to underprivileged children around the world.

The CD will include the Litany of Loreto and other popular Marian prayers along with eight original classical compositions commissioned for the project.

The pieces featuring the pope will

be accompanied by the choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome singing in St. Peter’s Basilica. The new classical pieces will be recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Geffen said.

In 1994, Vatican Radio authorized the publication of a CD featuring Pope John Paul II reciting the rosary in Latin; sold with a commentary in a variety of languages, the CD was an instant hit.

Pope Benedict has not commented on the CD project, but he spoke about music as a universal language after a concert Aug. 2 in the courtyard of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo.

The pope apologized to Italians in the audience for speaking in German, but said he did so because the orchestra and many of the guests were German.

“Unfortunately, after the events of the tower of Babel, languages separate us, creating barriers,” the pope said.

But, he said, peoples of all tongues can understand the language of music “because it touches our hearts. For us, this is not only a guarantee that the goodness and beauty of God’s creation has not been destroyed, but it also reminds us that we are called to and capable of working together for what is good and beautiful.”

Marian melody

CNS photo by Andrew Junker, Catholic Sun

International recording artist Filippa Giordano sings a hymn next to a display that contains a piece of St. Juan Diego’s “tilma,” or cloak, during the Knights of Columbus first International Marian Congress in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 8. When Mary appeared to the saint as Our Lady of Guadalupe, she left her image on his cloak, which today is in Mexico City’s basilica. The small piece of his cloak, or relic, was brought to Arizona by the Knights.

CNS photo courtesy of Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict

Benedictine Sister Margaret Mandernach plays her harmonica in this undated photo. Sister Mandernach, who also plays the electric bass, and Benedictine Sister Ellen Cotone, who plays both the piano and the accordion, produced a CD titled “Sisters in Sync.”

Benedictine sisters’ love of music results in CD recording

by MARK PATTISON catholic news service

WASHINGTON — A pair of Benedictine sisters in Minnesota, both in their 70s, aren’t afraid of trying new things: They learned how to record a CD — and are using a blog to promote it.

The CD is “Sisters in Sync,” performed by Sister Ellen Cotone, who played both the piano and the accordion on the recording, and Sister Margaret Mandernach, who played the electric bass and the harmonica.

Both live in retirement at the Benedictines’ St. Scholastica retirement home in St. Cloud, Minn., six miles away from their monastery in St. Joseph., Minn.

Sister Cotone and Sister Mandernach played at social gatherings organized at either the monastery or retirement home, and people started asking, “Where can we get a tape of your music?”

“When we decided to make a tape, it was, of course, a CD,” Sister Mandernach said. “Tapes are obsolete.”

Sister Mandernach went to a recording studio that had recorded the Benedictine monastery’s schola, or choir, some time earlier.

The studio owner said he would do the recording project at no charge.

Sister Cotone and Sister Mandernach, neither of whom had stepped into a recording studio before, recorded the CD’s 30 songs in just two days, with each session lasting about two hours.

They used a third day to do overdubs with Sister Cotone on the accordion and Sister Mandernach on the harmonica, “just for variety’s sake,” Sister Mandernach said.

“We had never done recording before, so the overdubs were very interesting,” she said. After the CD was recorded, “our monastery blog wrote about it,” she added.

The CD, which features tunes in a variety of styles — including polka, calypso, sacred songs and popular

standards (“by popular we mean the 1930s and ‘40s,” Sister Mandernach said) — zips by fairly quickly, as the 30 selections take but 52 minutes or so to play.

“We chose songs that were spirited and uplifting and kind of peppy — easy to listen to,” according to Sister Mandernach. “We wanted to bring joy and peace to people by doing this, as well as taking care of our own passion for music.”

The CD, while available at the monastery’s gift shop, was never meant to be a fundraiser for the Benedictines.

The sisters accept only donations for the CD, since so much effort on the CD was donated to them.

Even so, the sisters have had to order a second batch of “Sisters in Sync” to keep up with demand, especially after the nuns were profiled in the St. Cloud Daily Times newspaper.

Sister Mandernach and Sister Cotone have been making music together for seven years, after they both joined the retirement community.

“We clicked,” Sister Mandernach said.

They play outside the monastery or retirement home infrequently, but they do take part in a monthly jam session in St. Cloud.

“We just say the name of the tune, and what key we’re going to play it in, and everybody joins along,” Sister Mandernach added.

They also have performed occasionally with an outfit known as the Central Minnesota Musicians Unorganized Organization.

“We get together once in a while, just for fun, when there’s an occasion to play at,” Sister Mandernach said.

She said she once asked Sister Cotone, “Wouldn’t it be great to play more with the Central Minnesota Musicians Unorganized?”

“Well, that’s the way it goes,” was Sister Cotone’s reply. “We’re in a convent.

We have other responsibilities.”

12 The Catholic News & Herald

August 14, 2009

around the diocese

Archival Anecdota For the month of August, here is a look at the 140-year history of St. James the Greater Church in Concord

Archives Photo

St. James the Greater Church in Concord as it appeared in 1927.

On Jan. 1, 1869, Bishop (and future cardinal) James Gibbons acquired land on Gold Hill Road in Cabarrus County. The hilltop property became the first location of St. James the Greater Church and the second Catholic cemetery established in western North Carolina.

The fruition of a church in Concord began with the conversion of Joseph Barnhardt and his family, who entered into the Catholic Church in 1842.

Barnhardt zealously shared the Catholic faith with his neighbors. Over time, a community of Catholics formed in the area.

Barnhardt died in 1860, and nine years later his son-in-law, George Goodman, deeded the land for the original church and cemetery. This original cemetery remains the oldest active Catholic cemetery in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father J.J. O’Connell served the mission for many years before the construction of an actual church building. In his book “Catholicity in the Carolinas and Georgia,” Father O’Connell wrote of both the town of Concord and the Barnhardts. In the following passage, he recounted one of his more miraculous episodes and highlighted the dangers of being Catholic in Cabarrus County during the 1800s.

“During one of my visits [to Concord] in 1854, after my retirement at night to the priest’s apartment, which was a genteel shed-room, Mr. B[arnhardt] approached and directed me to make the fastening secure on the inside. He manifested equal industry in barring the entrance from the outside.

“On enquiring the cause of this unusual precaution, he assured me that my life was in danger, and that he expected a mob would attack the house some night and kill me; that I was deemed by the neighborhood an envoy or emissary of the pope, and had come for the sole purpose of upsetting the government; that it was resolved that I should not escape with my life.

“He also assured me that a certain man known to him lay in ambush in the woods, and kept snapping his hitherto unerring rifle at me until I was out of sight, and that it hung fire every time, a circumstance which never before occurred” (pg. 491).

Father O’Connell also told of the eventual acceptance and growth of the Catholic faith in and around Concord due to the witness of the Barnhardt family.

“It was through this family that Catholicity made its way into Cabarrus County. ... Within the space of 25 years nearly all the settlement have embraced the faith” (pg. 489).

These historical accounts of the St. James community reflected the typical

struggles and peril facing North Carolinia Catholics during the 19th century, as well as the strength, determination and character of those who came before us in the faith.

— Aug. 1, 1869: Bishop James Gibbons dedicated St. James the Greater Church.

— 1876: St. James became the first mission of Belmont Abbey when Benedictine Father Herman Wolfe was assigned to serve the community.

— Aug. 26, 1925: A letter from Benedictine Father Herman Grones spoke of the mission at Concord as “consoling” due to the fact that 25-30 parishioners received Communion at Mass. At this time, this number was remarkable because Mass took place once every third Sunday of the month.

Father Grones stated “there should have been a priest stationed here the past 10 years, [and] Concord should have Mass more than once a month.”

— November 1928: The Sisters of Mercy begun visits to St. James Church for catechetical instruction.

— 1936: Belmont Abbey relinquished St. James Church and it became a mission of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle.

— 1945: Father Thomas Curran became the first resident pastor of the church.

— 1947: St. James Church was designated a parish.

— February 1954: The original church building on Gold Hill Road burned down.

— July 31, 1954: St. James Church recorded 221 parishioners.

— May 22, 1955: Raleigh Bishop Vincent S. Waters dedicated the second St. James Church at its new location on Union Street in Concord.

— Fall 1964: St. James Church installed air conditioning. Concerning this event, Msgr. Richard Allen, pastor, wrote: “We are beginning to ‘lose’ some of our parishioners on Sunday morning during the summer to St. Peter’s in Charlotte.”

— Aug. 2, 1967: St. James Church took over custodial care of the St. Joseph Mission in Kannapolis.

— July 31, 1971: St. James Church grew to 500 parishioners.

— Aug. 29, 1974: Redemptorist Father George Kelly became the first Redemptorist to serve as pastor. The Redemptorists have continuously staffed the parish to the present.

— July 31, 1994: Bishop William G. Curlin dedicated the parish center.

— Dec. 5, 2004: Bishop Peter J. Jugis dedicated the latest St. James Church constructed on Manor Avenue in Concord.

— July 1, 2007: St. Joseph Mission ceased to be a mission of St. James Church as it was designated a parish.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

William Weldon, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Charlotte, was a recent finalist for Charlotte Business Journal’s 2009 CFO of the Year Award. He is pictured at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte Aug. 13.

Diocesan CFO earns top honor among peers WELDON, from page 1

Journal’s 2009 CFO of the Year Award.

The award recognizes financial management skills, strategic thinking and a demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity and accountability.

Weldon was nominated for the category of large nonprofit organization.

As CFO for the Diocese of Charlotte, Weldon oversees all of the financial aspects of the diocese including the 92 churches, 18 schools, three foundations, social service offices, news publishing, real estate development and affordable housing — totaling a combined 2008 budget of $130 million.

“Serving as CFO for the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is both rewarding a n d c h a l l e n g i n g , ” s a i d We l d o n during an interview with Charlotte Business Journal.

“The position allows me to serve my church through my chosen profession, for which I am very grateful,” he said.

Weldon has been with the diocese for the past 16 years. During his tenure he has strived to increase the transparency of financial reporting within the 46-

county diocese.

“The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fiscal integrity and accountability,” Weldone said.

“My goal is to support the work of the many dedicated clergy and other professionals by strengthening the financial base of the organization,” he said. “This is accomplished by building the trust and confidence of our constituents through proper stewardship of our fiscal resources and complete financial accountability.”

In 2006, Weldon was appointed chairperson of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Accounting Practices Committee, a position for which he was nominated by his peers. He is currently serving a three-year term.

“I am very honored to have been nominated for this award. I am also very thankful to Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Msgr. Mauricio West (diocesan vicar general and chancellor) for the opportunity to serve as diocesan CFO, and to my colleagues in the finance office for their dedication and support,” said Weldon.

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

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August 14, 2009

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Recent findings make scientific case for shroud SHROUD, from page 1

on the mystery behind the shroud.

Why is it important for Catholics to be aware of the science behind this mysterious cloth?

“Because contained within the shroud is the compelling story of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection,” Iannone said. “It tells a story in the science.”

According to tradition, the 14-footby-4-foot linen cloth is the burial shroud of Jesus.

The shroud has a full-length photonegative image of a man, front and back, bearing signs of wounds that correspond to the Gospel accounts of the torture Jesus endured in his passion and death.

The church has never officially ruled on the shroud’s authenticity, saying judgments about its age and origin belonged to scientific investigation.

Scientists have debated its authenticity for decades, and studies have led to conflicting results.

Crafting a case Iannone began studying the shroud in 1978.

In 1998 he was invited by Cardinal Giovanni Saldarini, then papal custodian of the shroud, to attend a 3-day shroud scientific and historical congress in Turin, Italy.

During the conference he had the opportunity to observe the shroud firsthand for several hours, an experience Iannone called “a defining moment” in his life.

In his presentation in Charlotte, Iannone offered detailed scientific evidence to support his case for the shroud’s authenticity.

Forensics and faith He began with the physical element of the cloth itself, which is consistent in size and composition with ancient Jewish burial customs.

He talked about the image on the shroud and how it was most likely created.

It is clearly not a painting, according to Iannone, as there are no signs of paint in the fabric. The images are scorch-like, yet not created by heat.

Iannone said that some physicists have indicated the image was likely formed from light — that is, light radiating from the body.

Iannone also talked about the consistency between the words of the New Testament regarding the passion and the wounds depicted on the shroud — wounds that are consistent with the weapons used by ancient Roman soldiers in crucifixion.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the Shroud of Turin, visit Iannone’s Web site at w w w. n o r t h s t a r p r o d u c t i o n s . o r g / Shroud_Info.html

Photo by Katie Moore

John Iannone presents a case for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin during a talk at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte July 29.

He mentioned the blood on the shroud, which has been tested and determined to be human male of the type AB — the rarest blood type with the highest percentage being found in northern Palestine.

He described the study of pollen grains and imprints on the shroud, as being representative of plants that are indigenous to the Holy Land.

Discrediting doubt Even with such compelling evidence there is still uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the shroud, much of which stems from the results of a 1988 carbon-14 dating test.

“The 1988 headlines made my stomach churn,” said Iannone, recalling the day that the results came out debunking the authenticity of the shroud.

Results of the test dated the composition of the cloth to the medieval period.

Recent studies, however, have refuted the results of the carbon-14 test on the basis that the sample cut from the shroud in 1988 was taken from an area of the cloth that was re-woven during the Middle Ages.

The sample was taken from a patch that was sewn into the shroud to repair a hole caused by a fire in 1532.

Today’s take Pope Benedict XVI confirmed his intention to visit the Shroud of Turin when it goes on public display in Turin’s cathedral April 10-May 23, 2010.

The last time the Shroud of Turin was displayed to the public was in 2000 for the jubilee year.

The shroud is removed from a specially designed protective case only

CNS photo by Claudio Papi, Reuters

The Shroud of Turin is shown in this positive (left) and negative combo undated file photo. Pope Benedict XVI announced June 2, 2008 that the shroud will be displayed to the public for the first time in a decade in 2010. for very special spiritual occasions — typically once every 25 years — and its removal for study or display to the public must be approved by the pope.

So why is the shroud going on display now?

“I think it’s because all of the new studies have demonstrated that the carbon-14 tests of 1988 were not

accurate,” Iannone said. “We’ve got to restore the credibility that was destroyed” back then.

“If you accept the fact that it is authentic, then it tells a story,” he said.

“It is a compelling re-examination of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.”

Contributing to this story was Catholic News Service.

August 14, 2009

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

An example for us all St. John Vianney and the Year for Priests

The patron saint of my parish is St. John Vianney.

This year the whole Catholic world is becoming familiar with him because Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a Year for Priests under the patronage of FATHER PETER St. John Vianney.

DALY Jean-Marie Vianney is the patron cns columnist saint of parish priests.

He was the pastor of the little town of Ars, France (near Lyon), in the turbulent era following the French Revolution.

He is known as the Cure of Ars since He was sent to Ars, a town of only as a pastor he had the “cure” or “care” 230 souls. Few of them went to church. of souls.

The bishop is reported to have said He died 150 years ago. Aug. 4, 1859, that at least John Vianney could do no is his “dies natalis,” the day of his birth damage in Ars. into everlasting life.

He stayed in that little parish for 42 Before I came to my parish, I didn’t years, the rest of his life. There he fell know much about St. John Vianney. in love with the people of his parish.

And what I did know did not seem Eventually they fell in love with him. very appealing. He They could see seemed like one of that he cared about those plastic saints, them. He also cared a little unreal, even a about being a priest. little ditzy.

He had reverence for I never liked what he was and what the stories about he did. him eating rotten His greatest love potatoes or spending was celebrating the 18 hours a day in liturgy. “All good the confessional. I works taken together,” just didn’t believe it he wrote, “do not or think it sounded equal the sacrifice of healthy, spiritually or the Mass.” physically.

He loved hearing Pope Benedict confessions, because has noted that he loved the people sometimes the who came to him. He biographers of the cared about their souls saint were given to and their happiness. “pious excess.”

He wanted them to I never heard St. be free of the burden John Vianney even of sin. mentioned in my Near the end seminary years in of his life, John Rome, even though Vianney’s reputation we were supposed to as a confessor was be training to be like so great that people him, parish priests. came from all over It was not until France just to confess CNS photo by Crosiers I came to this parish their sins to him. He named for him that I St. John Vianney, pictured in a stained-glass was famous as a holy began to learn about window, is widely known to Catholics as the Cure man. The French his life. People gave d’Ars who won over the hearts of his villagers government awarded me books about him in France by visiting with them, teaching them him its highest honor, and collections of about God and reconciling people to the Lord the Legion of Honor. his sermons.

His most eloin the confessional. His feast day is Aug. 1.

His sermons quent sermon was struck me as severe, his life. Pope Benemostly admonishing dict has said of him, the sinner and condemning sin. John “St. John Vianney taught his parishioners Vianney did not approve of dancing or primarily by the witness of his life.” playing cards.

In that sense he is a very real and But gradually, I have come to admire modern saint. Today we put more faith in St. John Vianney. lived example than in words of holiness.

Ironically, the man who is now the St. John Vianney was a saint who model and measure of parish priests “walked the walk” more than “talked almost did not get ordained himself. He the talk.” was, to be blunt, not the brightest bulb in In that regard, he is an example the chandelier. for us all.

Parish Diary

The principal force behind human development A short summary of ‘Caritas in Veritate’ When I read that Pope Benedict XVI presented President Barack Obama with a personal copy of his latest encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate,” I said to myself, “Good luck, Mr. President, you’ve got some heavy reading ahead.”

Then I wondered whether a onepage summary would help. This is what I offer here.

“Charity in truth” means truthfilled love. This is the “principal driving force” behind human development, says the pope.

Love is the force that leads people “to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace.”

Truth, according to this encyclical, is conformity with “God’s plan.” In God’s plan, humans find truth. Charity “is at the heart of the church’s social doctrine.”

Charity in truth “is the principle around which the church’s social doctrine turns.”

The church’s social doctrine has a lot to say about justice and the common good; these are the criteria that govern moral action in an increasingly globalized society. Justice “is inseparable from charity.”

On this point Pope Benedict reaffirms Pope Paul VI’s conviction that “justice is love’s absolute minimum.”

The common good, says Benedict, is “a good that is linked to living in society.” It is the good of all of us.

He writes: “The church does not have technical solutions to offer” and does not want “to interfere in any way with the politics of states,” but does have a mission to proclaim the truth, an important dimension of which is its social doctrine.

It would be a major mistake “to entrust the entire process of development to technology.” All of us are “called” by God to work for human development.

“The truth of development consists in its completeness: If it does not involve the whole man and every man, it is not true development.”

“The church had good reason to be concerned about the capacity of a purely technological society to set realistic goals” in the context of today’s worldwide economic crisis.

Our world “needs to rediscover fundamental values on which to build a better future.” Worthy of rediscovery

Looking Around JESUIT FATHER WILLIAM J. BYRON cns columnist

are the fundamental values of justice and truth-filled love.

In economic matters, “once profit becomes the exclusive goal, if it is produced by improper means and without the common good as its ultimate end, it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty.”

Workers’ rights are in need of protection. Food insecurity needs to be addressed. The goal of “access to steady employment for everyone” is a major priority.

“One of the most striking aspects of development in the present day is the important question of respect for life. ...

Openness to life is at the center of true development. ... Violence puts the brakes on authentic development.”

“The economy needs ethics in order to function correctly — not any ethics whatsoever but an ethics which is people-centered. ... Efforts are needed — and it is essential to say this — not only to create ‘ethical’ sectors or segments of the economy or the world of finance, but to ensure that the whole economy — the whole of finance — is ethical, not merely by virtue of an external label but by its respect for requirements intrinsic to its very nature. The church’s social teaching is quite clear on the subject.”

“Caritas in Veritate” is the latest in a long line of papal social encyclicals dating back to Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum” in 1891. They tend to be lengthy and dense, which is another way of saying difficult to read.

But they are worth reading because they convey the principles, which, if implemented, go a long way toward preparing the way for the coming of the promised kingdom of justice, love and peace.

“Now, was that at all helpful, Mr. President?”

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August 14, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 15

One mystical body

Sacrifice of the Mass is act of love more intimate than any human union In the liturgy of the church, only one person prays; namely, Jesus Christ.

At every Mass, he and the members of his mystical body are able to enter the inner chamber of divine love. United to him, we become the adopted children of the Father.

Understood properly, the sacrifice of the Mass is an act of love more intimate than human intercourse. Gaining access to God the Father in this way is only possible through the mediation of Jesus Christ.

St. Augustine articulated the mystery of our longing for God when he wrote: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.”

Nostalgia for paradise resides in the heart of every human being, saints and sinners alike.

As we try to reach out to our maker, we usually experience frustration and disappointment. We do not feel God’s embrace, and this is upsetting.

But our longing for God is an essential part of the human condition.

Did you ever stop to think that this yearning is a gift? God wants you to feel empty, and he gives you his Son to help you find your way home.

Jesus announces himself as the

privileged channel of communication for everyone who is searching for union with the Father: “No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6).

He also said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

The church teaches us that the sacrifice of the Mass is an event involving intimate union with God. The doctrine of the Trinity tells us God is a furnace of love made up of three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — eternally loving one another.

To enter the love that passes between the three requires a supernatural passport.

You become one with the second person, Jesus Christ, and become covered with his holiness.

The relationship between Jesus and his Father is unique and personal.

As the second person of the Trinity, Jesus is always offering himself to the Father. The marvel of it is that he allows us to participate in this supernatural act of love: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn 15:5).

United to his self-offering, we are no longer isolated human beings. With him we have become one mystical body. This is why Jesus taught us to address God as

Looking to a higher law Focus should be to convince society to recognize laws in heart, not on books The International Theological Commission, a prestigious Vatican group, released a document earlier this month on the natural law and ethical values common to all people.

The commission members are appointed by the pope and serve in an advisory role to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“In Search of a Universal Ethics: A New Look at Natural Law” received slight attention in this country, perhaps due to the fact the Vatican has so far published it only in French and Italian.

Cindy Wooden of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau wrote an extensive article reporting that the commission said ethical concerns are increasingly important in a global world, with terrorism, the environment and biotechnology being international concerns with international repercussions.

Traditional church teaching is that the natural law is impressed on the consciences of all by God and can be discovered by the use of human reason.

Both emphasis on personal freedom and perceiving ethics to be cultural or religiously specific has worked against the belief that the natural law is natural and accessible to all, the commission said.

The document touched on one point

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

“our Father,” not “my Father.”

The Mass is more than a church ritual; it is an act of love in the fullest sense. Our faith enables us to rise above our petty fears of inadequacy and unworthiness.

No one is worthy. We have been chosen in spite of our unworthiness. We are no longer poor, helpless creatures.

Miraculously we have become lovers of our Father in heaven.

As we enter this profound mystery, we are humbly grateful. We no longer see the sacrifice of the Mass as an irksome obligation. Our feelings of unworthiness dissolve.

The charisma of the priest, or the lack of it, becomes irrelevant. All that matters is that we are one with Jesus in an act of love.

Jesus alone has access to the sacred presence of the Father. In him, with him and through him we enjoy the mystery of divine love.

Even if you feel nothing, be assured that you are a privileged guest in God’s home. Learn to live by faith, not feelings.

Rejoice and be glad.

Consider This STEPHEN KENT cns columnist

that resonates particularly at this time in the United States.

The commission said that relying on legislated laws, rather than the natural law, “opens the way to the arbitrariness of power, the dictatorship of the numerical majority and to ideological manipulation to the detriment of the common good.”

That which the majority can vote in it can vote out.

Consider this: What are we seeking in terms of abortion in this country?

If the goal is to have abortions not happen, then is civil law the best tactic?

If the Supreme Court should totally overturn Roe v. Wade and similar decisions, states once again would be able to legislate the legality of abortion.

Some states would ban it, others would not. Legislation would be challenged in the courts interminably.

Chances are slim that Congress will ban abortion, even if so permitted by the courts.

But instead, what if Congress passed a formal statement strongly approving the right to life as a policy of the United States and stating equally strong disapproval of abortion, euthanasia and other attacks on life?

It would be a strongly worded statement, one that would not deal with

illegality or penalty.

The commission said the case for universal moral values has been weakened by the view that the natural law is do’s and don’ts rather than principles for the protection of human dignity and promotion of the common good.

Natural law is not a Catholic thing, although the church has been among its strongest proponents through the centuries.

Given a statement of national policy, then should we not direct our efforts to advocacy and defense of the natural law and all that it means?

The goal would be to make it so obvious that violations of the right to life wouldn’t be attempted.

The ultimate goal is not to pass a law.

We already have a law — the natural law.

The dignity and protection it provides is far above that which can be affected by legislation.

The focus should be to model proper behavior and convince society at the higher level of principle to recognize laws in the heart, not on the books.

God awaits people willing to bring Christ into the world, pope says The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — Respecting human freedom, God waits for Christians, especially priests, to say “yes” to his desire to bring Christ to the world, Pope Benedict XVI said.

During his weekly general audience Aug. 12, the pope continued his new series of talks about the Year for Priests and connected the topic to the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Aug. 15. Some 4,000 people gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo and in the square outside the villa to participate in the audience.

Pope Benedict said there is a special connection between priests and Mary that comes from the mystery of the Incarnation.

Pope Benedict also said that before dying Jesus saw his mother and his “beloved disciple” at the foot of the cross.

Mary’s special relationship with priests is based on the fact that they are similar to Jesus in giving their lives for the salvation of others and because, like Mary, “they are committed to the mission of proclaiming, witnessing to and giving Christ to the world,” Pope Benedict said.

Entrusting his mother to his disciples, Jesus gave all of them — but especially priests — the person who was most precious to him, the pope said.

Here is the text of the pope’s audience remarks in English.

I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors present at today’s audience, including the Sisters of St. Anne, the altar servers from Malta and the pilgrims from Australia and the United States of America.

As the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin draws near in this year of the priest, my catechesis today is centered on Mary the mother of priests.

She looks upon them with special affection as her sons.

Indeed, their mission is similar to hers; priests are called to bring forth Christ’s saving love into the world.

On the cross, Jesus invites all believers, especially his closest disciples, to love and venerate Mary as their mother.

Let us pray that all priests will make a special place for the Blessed Virgin in their lives, and seek her assistance daily as they bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus.

Upon you and your families I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace.

August 14, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 16

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