Sept. 1, 2006

September 1, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Father Buettner discusses prayer and service; David Hains looks at news prejudices

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI September 1, 2006

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

Books, backpacks and buses

vOLUME 15

no. 39

A mission of faith and salvation

CATHOLIC STUDENTS RETURN TO ENHANCED, UPGRADED SCHOOLS

by KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

Third-grader Vanessa Silvera looks over her stack of new books at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE — For students across the Diocese of Charlotte, it’s that time of year again.

More than 7,400 students donned uniforms and backpacks for the start of another year at the 18 diocesan Catholic schools by Aug. 28.

Overall enrollment is up by 2.7 percent over the 2005-06 school year.

Because the Diocese of Charlotte is committed to consistent improvement of the quality of education students receive in their schools, new academic programs are in place at several schools, and a variety of upgrades and renovations were completed at schools.

“We rejoice with the many manifestations of new See SCHOOLS, page 7

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, assisted by Father Christopher Roux, receives bread and wine from Natalie Dillard (left) and Jordan Dillard, parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cherokee, while David Trigg waits to offer the collection Aug. 15.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church celebrates 40 years JOANITA M. NELLENBACH

by

correspondent

CHEROKEE — Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

The account from Luke’s Gospel, read at that feast day Mass Aug. 15, tells of Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth,

Celebrating the past, embracing the future

Upcoming collection to benefit priests’ retirements

Benefits of believing

Studies show faith has positive effect on people in stressful events

CHARLOTTE — When Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin was first ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington in 1957, he See PRIESTS, page 13

See FAITH, page 12

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

Photos by Karen A. Evans

See GUADALUPE, page 5

WASHINGTON (CNS) — People who had any religious belief coped better with the stresses associated with Sept.

11, 2001, than nonbelievers did, according to the principal author of two studies on that topic.

Amy L. Ai, an associate professor of psychology in the University of Washington’s health sciences department

by

Erin Brady, a sixth-grader at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School in Charlotte, practices working the combination lock on her locker on the first day of school for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, Aug. 23.

who cried out, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

As Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, proclaimed the Gospel, a steady, quiet rain began to fall.

Around the Diocese

Moms helping moms

Culture Watch

Adoration chapel planned; chivalry order’s scroll Mass

Peer ministry shares faith, experiences

‘Da Vinci Code’ author sued again; new faith books

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| Pages 10-11

September 1, 2006

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

FDA permission to sell Plan B over the counter called unacceptable WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Food and DrugAdministration’sAug. 24 decision, with the apparent support of President George W. Bush, to allow over-the-counter sales of Plan B, the “morning-after pill,” to women 18 and older defies common sense and is “completely unacceptable,” according to a pro-life official of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Deirdre McQuade, director of planning and information for the bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, urged pharmacists “not to confuse FDA approval with a right to access” and said they should “refuse to stock this potent drug for distribution on demand.”

Plan B uses large doses of birthcontrol pills to prevent conception up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Over-thecounter sales of the drug were expected to begin before the end of the year.

In its Aug. 24 announcement the FDA said that, “when used as directed, Plan B effectively and safely prevents

Sharing the light of faith

CNS photo by Bob Roller

Volunteers Jessica Hensle (left) and Laura Cartagena of A Simple House show Hakeem Alston, 14, how to light a prayer candle following Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Aug. 15. A Simple House is an outreach program in Washington whose volunteers serve the poor by proclaiming the Gospel through acts of faith, love and charity.

Diocesan planner

A Simple House is a spiritual, material outreach to poor

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Relying on divine providence and the charisms of Sts. Francis of Assisi and Alphonsus Liguori, volunteers with A Simple House adhere to a lifestyle of Christian poverty and practice what they call “friendship evangelization” among the poor in Washington.

According to the mission statement of the Catholic lay missionary apostolate, its volunteers “wonderfully and radically fall upon the cross of Christ for grace and support” and serve the poor by “proclaiming the Gospel through acts of faith, love and charity.”

They observe Franciscan poverty “with an Alphonsian love for the poorest of the poor.”

Clark Massey, director, said there is a “wonderful living in the moment” aspect of the ministry.

“I’ve quit worrying about the whole course of my life and now focus more on the last five minutes,” he said.

A Simple House — which has two locations in the District of Columbia — serves adults living in subsidized housing. Most are single mothers with a number of children. Others, including drug abusers, prostitutes and homeless people, come to the door for help.

According to the apostolate, it is different from most charities because volunteers focus on people’s spiritual needs, not just their material needs.

Through friendship evangelization, they create personal relationships with those they serve.

They bring groceries to people, take them to church and to medical appointments, and visit their homes, where they counsel them, pray with them and

invite them to participate in Bible studies.

Massey said some people don’t leave their houses because they are depressed, so volunteers go to them.

Out of the visits, relationships grow, according to Laura Cartagena, a full-time volunteer. Some families have the volunteers over for dinner or invite them to family reunions, graduations and birthday parties.

She said little things happen every day that are “constant reminders that what we’re doing is important,” whether it be taking a group of youths to the movies or to Mass, or seeing a mother of 10 children get a job and move out of a dumpy apartment into a real house.

Full-time volunteers make a 10month commitment, receive missionary training, participate in morning and evening prayer and attend daily Mass.

Part-time volunteers make weekly or monthly commitments, and others volunteer occasionally.

Four times a year A Simple House delivers items to houses: school supplies in the fall and food baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Founded in 2003, A Simple House is funded by donations.

“We want to continue begging and relying on God’s providence,” said Massey.

Cartagena said the outreach A Simple House does would seem “pretty silly” if prayer was not involved.

“My spiritual life has definitely improved,” she said. “It’s helped me to focus on praying and relying on God’s providence all the time, not just some of the time.”

HENDERSONVILLE — The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West, Sept. 14, 2-4 p.m. The custodians of the statue will show an audiovisual presentation on the Fatima message and recite the rosary. For more information and to reserve a seat, call Carmen Caprio at (828) 890-0415.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — A Rosary and Benediction will follow the 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Sept. 7. The rosary will be offered for an end to abortion and all the culture of death.

CHARLOTTE — Blood Give-In Sunday will be held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and will be honored. Walk-ins are welcome, but will be taken as time permits. Donors will be required to provide identification, such as a driver license or Red Cross blood donor card. For more information, call Ed Nenninger at (704) 366-6637.

CHARLOTTE — TGIF on Wednesday is a support group for separated or divorced women and men.

All are welcome to join us for encouragement and discussion with others making similar journeys at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the New Life Center, Room 114. If you have any questions, call Bonnie Motuz at (704) 543-8998.

CHARLOTTE — Healing Hearts, a support group for people coping with the death of a

pregnancy.” But McQuade said that ignores the “potentially abortifacient” effects of the drug.

“While Plan B can prevent fertilization, the manufacturer admits it may also prevent a newly conceived embryo from implanting and surviving in the womb,” she said. “This is properly understood as causing an early abortion.

“Without the benefit of a doctor’s supervision, many women will be unaware of this abortifacient action and the other risks posed by Plan B,” McQuade added.

McQuade said Plan B “is a powerful dose of the artificial hormone levonorgestrel — 40 times the amount found in comparable prescription-only birth-control pills.”

“Making the more potent dosage available to women upon request simply offends common sense, especially when the drug is not designed to treat a disease or pathological condition,” she said. spouse, meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Rd. For more information, contact Sister Therese Galligan, facilitator, at (704) 362-5047, ext. 216.

CHARLOTTE — The Vietnamese Cursillo of Charlotte School of Leaders meets the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd. For more information, contact Nam Le at (704) 549-1525.

CHARLOTTE — The Young Widowed Group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Hall of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact facilitator Sister Therese Galligan at (704) 3625047, ext. 216.

CHARLOTTE — The 50+ Club of St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. with a program and lunch in the parish hall. For reservations and more information, call Elaine at (704) 847-2835.

CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church meet the first Wednesday of each month with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the Msgr. Allen Center, 3635 Park Rd. All adults age 55 and older are welcome. For more information, call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., will begin the third series of the Hope of Seeing Everyone Again program. HOSEA is a program to invite Catholics who have distanced themselves from the Catholic Church, for whatever reason, to return. This small group will meet beginning Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. and will meet weekly for six weeks to discuss various issues and concerns and to receive pastoral referrals and guidance. For more information, contact Larry

Sept. 1, 2006 Volume 15 • Number 39

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans 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.

September 1, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Vox Clara reviews U.S. bishops’ proposals for wording in Mass prayers VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican-appointed committee of Englishspeaking bishops has reviewed the amendments and adaptations approved by the U.S. bishops in a new translation of the main prayers for Mass.

Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans, a member of the Vox Clara Committee, said members reviewed each of the U.S.-proposed changes to the text prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy.

The Vox Clara Committee, which met July 17-21 at the Vatican, advises the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on English-language translations. The congregation must approve translations adopted by a national bishops’ conference before they can be used in parishes.

Archbishop Hughes said Vox Clara spent a significant amount of time on the translation approved in June by the

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops because it was the only conference to have approved the text with amendments and adaptations.

The Order of the Mass contains the main, constant parts of the Mass, including the penitential rite, Gloria, creed, eucharistic prayers, eucharistic acclamations, Our Father and other prayers and responses used daily.

Currently, the United States is the only English-speaking country that does not use the phrase “consubstantial with the Father” in describing Jesus in the creed, Archbishop Hughes said. The U.S. bishops proposed to continue using the phrase “one in being with the Father.”

The Vatican has encouraged Englishspeaking bishops’ conferences to work closely with ICEL to perfect an exact translation of Mass texts from Latin into an English text that could be used everywhere in the world.

Kwan at (336) 688-1220.

about the Saturday afternoon events please call the Office of Justice and Peace at (704) 370-3234 or (704) 370-3225, or e-mail justicepeace@ charlottediocese.org.

GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church and School, 2210 N. Elm St., are sponsoring a series of workshops for women called Wisdom of Women. Sessions will be held on the first Thursday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m. in the parish center. The group will be facilitated by parishioner and life coach Lucy Wellmaker. The purpose of the group is to create a time and a space for women to better connect with their inner wisdom and move forward on their journey in life. For more information or to register call Lucy (336) 632-1940 or email CoachW@LucyWellmaker.com HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart or Mary Church 4145 Johnson St. will offer a free Spanish course on Thursdays 7-8:30 pm beginning Sept.

7. For more information or to register call Nancy Skee at (336) 884-0522 or e-mail Larry Kwan at hlkwan@lexcominc.net.

GREENSBORO — Catholic Daughters of the Americas will meet Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in Our Ladies Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. Any questions can be directed to Lawrene Kirwan at (336) 292-2776.

GREENSBORO — The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women will open its 2006-2007 fiscal year with a luncheon Sept. 27 at Cardinal Country Club. The speaker will be Lorraine Ahearn, Metro Columnist for the News & Record. For more information, please contact JoAnn Stevens-Church (336) 540-0786.

MORGANTON — The Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a diocesanwide Grand Ultreya at Steel Creek Park Sept.

30, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Events include Mass, guitar music, group reunion, witness/spiritual talks, and hiking/nature trails for children. Please bring covered dish and a 2-liter drink. For more information, call Kathy Hack at (704) 548-1834 or e-mail hackhouse@bellsouth.net.

Exorcist says demonic influence is strong in today’s world VATICAN CITY (CNS) — An Italian exorcist said demonic influence is strong in today’s world, affecting individuals and sometimes entire societies.

While it is very rare for a person to be possessed by a demon, history reveals some likely examples — including Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, said Pauline Father Gabriele Amorth.

Father Amorth, who works as an exorcist in the Diocese of Rome, made the comments on Vatican Radio Aug. 27.

Father Amorth said every culture in history has shown an awareness of the existence of evil spirits. With the Bible, he said, these spirits were identified as rebellious angels who “tempt man to evil out of hatred for God.” “The devil can possess not only individuals but also entire groups and populations. If one thinks of what was committed by people like Stalin or Hitler, certainly they were possessed by the devil. This is seen in their actions, in their behavior and in the horrors they committed,” he said.

“Therefore, society also needs to be defended against the devil,” he said.

Father Amorth said he thought one reason why the devil’s influence was high today is that Christian faith has weakened, replaced in many cases by superstition and an interest in the occult, which he said “open the way to demonic influences.”

He said the church teaches that the devil is a pure spirit; he is not seen, but his effects can be seen, he said.

Exorcism, he said, is a prayer made in the name of the church to liberate people stricken by the devil or by his evil influences.

Father Amorth gained notoriety in 2000 when he revealed that Pope John Paul II had performed an impromptu exorcism on a young woman who flew into an apparent rage at the end of a general audience at the Vatican.

In 1999, the Vatican issued a revised Rite of Exorcism, cautioning that cases of actual possession by devils were probably very rare. The church also has emphasized that before an exorcism is performed, it is important to make certain one is dealing with the devil and not a psychological or other illness.

Birthday kisses

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

WINSTON-SALEM — The Spirit of Assisi hosts a Wednesday Lunch & Speaker Series each Wednesday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., at the Fatima Chapel, 211 W. Third St. Conventual Franciscan Father Conall McHugh will speak on “Meditating with the Bible” at the Sept. 6 program. Laura Graban– will speak on “Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Healing” at the Sept. 13 program.

For more information and to RSVP, call Sister Kathy Ganiel at (336) 624-1971 or e-mail kganiel@triad.rr.com.

HICKORY VICARIATE NEWTON — Fostering Justice Worldwide, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, will share Catholic Relief Services (CRS) stories. This free event will take place at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., St., Sept. 9, 1:30-5 p.m.

The program will provide an overview of Catholic social teaching, CRS-related work in the Diocese of Charlotte, CRS work in Africa, presentations on effective advocacy and more. This event will be repeated in Stoneville Nov. 4. For specific details

Episcopal

calendar

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 7 days prior to desired publication date (Fridays) in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@ charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

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

Sept. 9 — 1:30 p.m.

“Fostering Justice Worldwide” St. Joseph Church, Newton

Sept. 16 — 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville

Sept. 12 — 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Sept. 19 — 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte

CNS photo by Jayanta Shaw, Reuters

Missionaries of Charity nuns kiss the tomb of Blessed Mother Teresa, after praying for their foundress on what would have been her 96th birthday in Calcutta, India, Aug. 26. Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

Make better health care coverage election priority, says nun WASHINGTON (CNS) — Improving health care insurance coverage should be a major campaign priority in November’s elections, said the head of the Catholic Health Association, noting that 46.6 million people in the U.S. are uninsured.

“We hope that as the midterm election approaches, people across the country will demand that their candidates

for office explain how they will work to expand coverage and access,” said Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity.

Sister Keehan was commenting on 2005 figures released Aug. 29 by the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau reported that 46.6 million people in the U.S. are uninsured. This includes 8.3 million children.

Pastoral Assignment

Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following pastoral assignment, effective Aug. 24, 2006: Father José Enrique Gonzalez Gaytán as chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School in Charlotte.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

September 1, 2006

Belmont Abbey breaks Continuing the mission ground for adoration chapel Order of chivalry brings new members, service to diocese

Courtesy Photo

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Abbot Placid Solari and Bill Thierfelder are pictured during the groundbreaking for a new eucharistic adoration chapel at Belmont Abbey College Aug. 22.

Structure will be first new building on campus in nearly 20 years BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College recently broke ground for a new eucharistic adoration chapel.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the adoration chapel was led by Abbot Placid Solari and college president Bill Thierfelder Aug. 22. Bishop Peter J. Jugis, as well as other clergy from the Diocese of Charlotte and monastery, were in attendance.

By unanimous vote of the monks, the chapel was named for St. Joseph.

Belmont Abbey’s first new building since 1989 and part of its overall strategic plan, the adoration chapel will replace the current one on the campus located behind the monastery and will provide a larger place for the college and community to pray.

“How appropriate that our first

groundbreaking in so many years is for an adoration chapel,” said Thierfelder.

“We’re locating this chapel in the middle of the dormitories with the hope students will stop by daily to give thanks for what we have here.”

Completion of the wood-and-glass chapel is scheduled for 2007.

“The building shows the progress of the college,” said Abbot Placid. “It’s one of the tangible signs of the advances the college has made.”

Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College was named one of the best comprehensive colleges in the Southeast

by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. The College welcomes anyone, from any religious background, who wishes to pursue academic excellence through a liberal arts curriculum.

CHARLOTTE — The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is growing in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, a member of the order, celebrated the order’s annual scroll Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte Aug. 13.

During the Mass, two new members were recognized and others, including Bishop Jugis, received promotions.

The order, which dates back to the 11th century, is dedicated to preserving Christ’s tomb in Jerusalem as well as supporting Catholic schools, hospitals, orphanages and churches in the Holy Land.

It is the only order of chivalry under the patronage of the Holy See. Members, also known as Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre, are leaders in their parishes and communities.

Membership is considered one of the highest papal awards conferred upon clergy and laity alike, according to Alice Cella, the order’s regional representative for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Members are invested during a centuriesold ceremony and each receives a scroll imprinted with the seals of the Vatican secretary of state and the cardinal grand master.

Bishop Jugis and John Piunno of the order’s Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy (which includes the Diocese of Charlotte) presented scrolls to new members, Peter Asmer Jr. and Rita Maria Jiminez Witt,

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre gather with Bishop Peter J. Jugis (center), Father Paul Gary (left of bishop) and Father John Putnam (right of bishop) after the scroll Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral Aug. 13. who were invested in 2005.

Promoted to the rank of Knight Commander with Star were Bishop Jugis and Cleatus Tate.

Promoted to Knight Commander were Father Paul Gary, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral; Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; James Beckert and Robert Potter.

Promoted to Lady Commander were Alice Cella and Mary Potter.

On the local level, members lend their presence in support of their bishop by participating in ceremonies of the diocese.

The goal of each knight and lady is to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, for which they are awarded the prized Pilgrim’s Shell by the Patriarch of Jerusalem.

September 1, 2006

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church celebrates 40 years GUADALUPE, from page 1

“Mary carried within herself the sweet, gentle gift of God,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis said in his homily. “How appropriate that just as the Gospel was read we have the sweet, gentle gift of God from above to renew the earth.”

Parishioners and visitors at the Mass celebrated not just the feast day but also Our Lady of Guadalupe Church’s 40th anniversary.

“Our celebration today allows us to rededicate ourselves to Jesus’ mission — salvation — the reason Jesus was sent into the world,” Bishop Jugis said.

“In order for us to be effective in bringing Jesus’ message, we have to remain rooted in Jesus,” the bishop continued. “That’s the goal of all our sacraments, to become one with him. He is the God-man, who came into the world to show us what it is to live a full life.”

A 40-year mission On Aug. 15, 1966, Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh dedicated the church, with its seven-sided construction to honor the seven Cherokee clans. Cherokee artist Watty Chiltoskie designed the mosaics, inlaid in the church floor, to represent those seven clans: Deer, Long

Hair, Paint, Wolf, Bird, Wild Potato and Blue Panther.

Goingback Chiltoskie, another Cherokee artist, carved symbols of the seven sacraments into the altar railing.

Later, Cherokee carpenter T.J. Dupree moved the altar-railing panels to stand in front of the 5,000-piece stained-glass window, which is the first thing most visitors see when entering the church.

The window depicts Our Lady of Guadalupe, “patroness of captive nations.”

Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee alphabet and written language, kneels on the left in front of a Cherokee village.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is on the right, along with a rose bush, which bloomed in winter on nearby Tepayac Hill to indicate that Mary wanted a church built there.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, also built on a hill, has always been a mission church — first of St. John Church in Waynesville, then St. Margaret of Scotland in Maggie Valley.

When Bishop Michael J. Begley became the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1971, he established St. Joseph Church in Bryson City in 1972; Our Lady of Guadalupe Church then became its mission.

At first, Glenmary Home Missioners — Father Donald Levernier, Father Frank Gardner, Father Tom Field — pastored the churches. In 2000, the Glenmarys returned

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Father Shawn O’Neal (left), Bishop Peter J. Jugis, and altar servers Harmmer Weichel (foreground) and Jim Fogarty pray during Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee Aug. 15. administration of the two parishes to the diocese.

Fathers Ray Williams and Frank Seabo preceded Father O’Neal as diocesan pastors.

Franciscan Sisters of Tiffin, Ohio, including Sisters Roberta McKinnon, Jane Schmenk, Marcella Keefe and Virginia Gase, provided a pastoral presence over the years.

“There was no limit to the sisters’ diverse involvement in religious, cultural, and social activities,” according to the church’s historical notes. “They took part in interfaith studies with local ministers, ecumenical gatherings and promoting cooperation among denominations. ...

They initiated various social programs and served on numerous boards.

“Spiritual lives were enriched by incorporating Indian rituals into Mass and prayer services at Our Lady of Guadalupe,” the history states.

The continuing mission Bishop Jugis reminded attendees that the mission continues: to tell others about Jesus, to work for social justice, to welcome newcomers from other countries.

“The Second Vatican Council talked about lay people being a leaven in the

world,” he said. “If you’re united with Christ, you’re going to make a difference.

“It is a grand mission, a beautiful vocation. If we’re not doing that, we’re not fulfilling Bishop Waters’ purpose for which this mission was established,” he said.

At the end of Mass, Father O’Neal presented an eagle feather, given by Eastern Band of Cherokee member Maxine Studer, to Mary Herr for her many years of involvement with the church.

Herr recently retired as faith formation consultant and Native American multicultural worker for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate. It is legal to own an eagle feather, Herr said, as long as it is given by a Native American.

Father O’Neal asked that “we never forget the Franciscan Sisters of Tiffin, the Glenmarys, and other pastors who have served the church. He also thanked the bishop and everyone who attended Mass, many of whom were visitors.

“We will always welcome you as we would welcome Jesus,” he said.

A reception followed in the parish hall, the Kateri Center, named in honor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, a member of the Mohawk tribe, who died in 1680 at the age of 24. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1980.

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September 1, 2006

Mothers helping mothers Sharing in the spirit Peer ministry shares faith, experience CLEMMONS — Women wading through the demands of motherhood often could benefit from the experience and faith of other mothers.

A group of mothers at Holy Family Church in Clemmons are hoping to help mothers in their parish and beyond by sharing the knowledge, support and faith they’ve gained through the Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS).

“Becoming a mother after many years of wanting children has been a life-altering experience, and I longed to understand how this change called for adjustments in my spiritual life,” said Gretchen Solomon, a MOMS facilitator at Holy Family Church.

The women in MOMS look to Mary and Elizabeth as the first role models of mothers supporting mothers.

“I wanted to relate to other mothers of faith and to exchange stories of triumphs and trials in daily life as well as in our spiritual journeys,” said Solomon.

Through MOMS, Solomon found a strong connection with the other mothers in the group.

“I also gained a renewed appreciation for making my spiritual life a priority,” she said.

MOMS is an eight-week parish-based peer ministry founded by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery in St. Paul, Minn. Since 1992, MOMS has reached more than 500,000 women and their families in more than 100 dioceses, according to the monastery’s Web site.

The weekly MOMS sessions begin and end with a prayer ritual designed to enhance the Christian perspective on a number of topics, including selfesteem and self-acceptance, anxiety, spirituality, setting goals, friendships and spiritual gifts.

Women taking the course keep journals and share their thoughts and experiences. Mothers of all ages and stages of life are encouraged to participate.

Solomon met her MOMS cofacilitators, Michelle Goldy and Kelly Hines, through Holy Family Church’s mothers’ support and play group. They realized that their daily busyness had disconnected their religious lives from the many tasks that filled their time — working, cooking, doing laundry and

caring for young children.

The women shared a desire to make a stronger connection between their daily routines of caring for children and their faith, and they launched the MOMS program.

Going through the program has helped Goldy reflect on many aspects of her life.

“Recognizing that being a mother is my calling at this point in my life has been such a gift,” she said. “It has changed my perspective on all the dayto-day dealings I have with my husband and children, as well as how I approach maintaining the household.”

“I am able to recognize those gracefilled moments that before seemed to go unappreciated, and that inspires me to be the best mother and wife I can be,” said Goldy.

Hines said MOMS has helped her appreciate “moments of ordinary holiness.”

“There is an element of spirituality in even the simplest tasks as a mother, wife and friend,” she said. “It has also helped me take time to nourish my spirituality, which is something I think gets overlooked when we’re so busy with everyday life.”

MOMS courses were offered at Holy Family Church to coincide with Advent and Lent in the last year. Now, with the support of Father Brian Cook, parochial vicar, the facilitators are planning a MOMS retreat in September themed “Mary, Our Sister and Spiritual Model,” led by Benedictine Sister Paula Hagen, co-founder and director of MOMS. During the retreat, participants will take time to recognize and celebrate the sacredness of Mary as mother/sister/ friend and see her come alive in her relationship with the Holy Spirit, Joseph, Elizabeth and her son, Jesus, from a mother’s perspective.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on MOMS at Holy Family Church in Clemmons, contact Michelle Goldy at (336) 712-2442 or mgoldy@triad.rr.com, or Kelly Hines at (336) 940-6053 or khines72@hotmail.com.

Courtesy Photo

Grand Knight Lance Cancro (center) and members of Knights of Columbus Council 8509 enjoy food and camaraderie during a spiritual retreat at Holy Family Church in Clemmons Aug. 19. Forty-one knights attended the retreat led by Father Joseph Kelleher, a retired priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, who also celebrated Mass for the knights and their families.

September 1, 2006

Students return to Catholic schools

The Catholic News & Herald 7

back to school

“Therefore, all who are involved will witness to the presence of Jesus in that graced environment and in their lives.”

IMPROVED SCHOOLS Students, teachers and staff returned to upgraded facilities at most schools, as 59 capital improvement projects were completed over the summer months.

Among the projects: The administration building at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School in Charlotte now has a new central air conditioning system and roof, and a new water pipeline now serves the entire school.

SCHOOLS, from page 1

opportunities for education and growth within the Catholic schools,” said Father James Hawker, vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

“At the same time we never cease to realize that this graced environment is founded upon the person and message of Jesus Christ,” he said.

At Immaculata School in Hendersonville, new math programs have been adopted, as well as a new writing program for grades one through eight and the Handwriting Without Tears program for pre-kindergartners.

At St. Matthew School in Charlotte,

St. Mark School in Huntersville has a new walking track and improved athletic fields.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Dominique Tan and Javier Cruz, first-graders at St. Ann School in Charlotte, look through their workbooks Aug. 23. the LEAP (Learning EnrichmentActivities Program) will offer more to students, as the teacher is employed full-time.

Beginning this year, the 132 students at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte can join the choir, dance, drama and Spanish clubs.

St. Ann School in Charlotte has instituted a Gifted and Talented program and introduced an outside classroom, where vegetables and flowers are grown for Samaritan House, a local ministry that provides a recuperative care home for the homeless when they have been discharged from the hospital.

Dominican Sister of St. Catherine of Siena Mary Seldita Tiorosio, the new principal at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, welcomed 190 students — an increase of 20 since 2005-06 — as well as fellow Dominican Sisters Enriqueta Arnaiz and Elizabeth Arnaiz.

Sister Tiorosio and Sister of St. Joseph Helene Nagle, principal of St. Ann School, are the only two women religious serving as school principals in the diocese.

Graduates of diocesan schools seem to remain loyal to their Catholic educations: seven the teachers at St. Matthew School are graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School, including a graduate of All Saints School (now St. Matthew School). At St. Ann School, many of the current students’ parents also attended the school, according to Sister Nagle.

“It is necessary that the vision, values and virtues lived and proclaimed by the Lord himself are cultivated and exemplified within the Catholic school community,” said Father Hawker.

At St. Ann School in Charlotte, central air conditioning was installed, the parking lot was resurfaced and new ceiling tiles and lighting were installed in the multipurpose room.

Asheville Catholic School also benefited from capital improvement, including a new roof for the gym, a resurfaced playground and air conditioning in the first- and second-grade classrooms.

Classrooms in most schools were re-painted.

GOING HI-TECH Technological improvements were made at several schools as well.

Voice and data carriers were changed from ALLTEL to Bellsouth’s Metro-E product, increasing Internet and bandwidth at each of the MACS schools to 10 mb bandwidth.

St. Gabriel School received a new wireless computer lab setup and a newly designed server room.

St. Ann School received a new computer lab, a newly designed server room and new cabling and wiring infrastructure throughout the entire school, including wireless.

St. Patrick School received a new computer lab.

St. Matthew School is in the implementation stage for a wireless network for the entire school.

Charlotte Catholic High School is in the implementation stage for new cabling and wiring infrastructure throughout the entire school including wireless. A new IP address scheme to accommodate more computer equipment on the system for students was implemented.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

back to school

September 1, 2006

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Will Sleeper and Campbell Shepherd, first-graders in Mary Beth Smith’s classroom at St. Gabriel School, find hooks for their backpacks Aug. 23.

“Jesus is the reason for the existence of Catholic school within the pastoral educational mission of the church.”

— Father James Hawker, vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte

Photos by Karen A. Evans

Above: Fourth-grader Lavette Parker raises his hand to answer a question at St. Ann School in Charlotte.

Left: Dominique Tan looks through a new workbook on the first day of school at St. Ann School in Charlotte.

“It is good to see our Catholic families putting a priority on their children’s faith development.”

— Kevin O’Herron, principal of St. Matthew School, Charlotte

Courtesy Photo

Ross Minor, a blind third-grader at St. Matthew School in Charlotte, teaches his classmates how to read Braille Aug. 24.

September 1, 2006

back to school

The Catholic News & Herald 9

“The students at Our Lady of Grace School truly live the Gospel message in their actions toward one another each day and through their community involvement.”

— Gary

Gelo, principal of Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro

Courtesy Photo

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Above: Emily Ann the Clown, portrayed by Barbara Kenley, physical education and music teacher, visits with the pre-kindergarten class at St. Michael School in Gastonia during their annual pizza party Aug. 23. She brought a camping bag and luggage stuffed with toys and a giant quilt for rest time.

Bradley Tatterson (left) and Adam Charlton (right) dance as they learn about personal space in their transitional kindergarten class at St. Ann School Aug. 23.

Right: Mary Polking reviews capital and lowercase letters on her first day as a first-grader at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Courtesy Photo

The school board at St. Leo the Great Catholic School was among 10 governing or advisory Catholic school boards honored for outstanding achievement from the National Association of Boards, Commissions and Councils of Catholic Education (NABCCCE) at the National Catholic Education Association’s 103rd annual convention in Atlanta, Ga., in April.

According to Dr. Regina Haney, NABCCCE executive director, the “2006 winners represent qualities of effective boards that set the example for others.”

Pictured are OGeorgette Schraeder, principal; Kent Nastasi; Susan Doran, athletic director, Maureen Patti, teacher rep; Scott Semke, chairman; Tracy Valladares; Michelle Hanson; Father Thomas Kessler, pastor of St. Leo the Great Church.

The Catholic News & Herald

September 1, 2006

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

‘Da Vinci Code’ author sued for plagiarism

by STEPHEN KILTONIC catholic news service

HOLYOKE, Mass. — Claiming that Dan Brown, author of the phenomenally successful fictional thriller “The Da Vinci Code,” plagiarized his book, “The Vatican Boys,” Catholic author Jack Dunn filed a $400 million lawsuit Aug. 16 in the U.S. District Court in Springfield.

Dunn, a Holyoke native, named Brown; Random House, Brown’s publisher; Columbia Pictures; Imagine Entertainment; Sony Releasing; and Sony Pictures, producer of the screen version of the book, in the lawsuit.

Dunn said extensive portions of his book appear in Brown’s book and that there are many similarities in the text, the characters and plot points of “The Da Vinci Code” that closely parallel the characters and plot points in “The Vatican Boys.”

Dunn’s historical novel was written and copyrighted in 1997, while “The Da Vinci Code” was released in 2003.

In a press release, Dunn said he had alerted Random House and Sony Pictures April 26 that he “felt there were problems with the content of both books and possible copyright infringement.”

He received a letter from Random House saying it had received his complaint, but did not get a response from Sony.

In the last five months, Dunn has received “several oral and written credible preliminary reports from literary and/or linguistic experts confirming that substantial similarities in many constituent elements” between the two books are present “and would be readily apparent to reasonable lay readers of both books,” according to the lawsuit.

“The Vatican Boys” is about church corruption and delves into the world of international money, the Opus Dei personal prelature, and the Shroud of Turin.

Dunn said he spent four years researching and writing the novel, traveling to Europe and Jerusalem.

Dunn told The Catholic Observer, newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield, that the similarities between “The Vatican Boys” and “The Da Vinci Code” were first brought to his attention at book

signings by readers who noticed that the story in Brown’s book looked “an awful lot” like the story in his book.

Intrigued, he finally sat down last January to read “The Da Vinci Code” and immediately saw the connection.

“I was shocked that someone would so closely copy a book and then try and disguise it by putting in what I call all the fluff around the book, by creating scenes, by just moving characters around a little bit, or changing the scene,” said Dunn, who claims there are “virtually hundreds” of similarities between both books.

Dunn, working with scholars and other experts, has nearly 40 pages of flow charts to identify specific instances of the copying of terms and phrases as well as the introduction of the characters in the plots and the scenes in the book.

Earlier this year the writers of the 1982 nonfiction book “Holy Blood, Holy Grail” sued Brown in London for plagiarizing their “bloodline” theory, which claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, fathered a child and produced a royal bloodline and that evil forces within the Catholic Church protected these secrets for centuries.

The London lawsuit ultimately failed because of lack of sufficient evidence.

“If you (take) out everything that he took from my story to get to the bloodline theory, there’s nothing left of his book.

He needs everything that he took from ‘The Vatican Boys’ in order to get to the bloodline,” including the historical information and characters, Dunn said.

Like many Catholics who call “The Da Vinci Code” blasphemous, Dunn feels Brown must be challenged and ultimately discredited because fiction passed off as history undermines Christianity.

“As a Catholic, as a Christian, I’m very offended by what Dan Brown has done. I’m twice as offended since he used my story to do it,” he said.

“I think all of us have the responsibility right now to take very serious(ly) what Dan Brown is doing in promoting this bloodline theory and work together to show other information which refutes his allegations,” he said.

Contributing to this article was Rebecca Drake.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: Sept. 10, 2006

Sept. 10, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146:7-10 2) James 2:1-5 3) Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Streams of faith, friendship

by JEFF HENSLEY catholic news service

Crossing Terlingua Creek in Big Bend National Park to get to the trail that leads up the side of Santa Elena Canyon can be a harrowing experience.

It was late-July a couple of years ago when I was making my way across the cobblestone streambed. Contrary to weather patterns in our part of Texas, this was at the end of the rainy season in the Big Bend, and the creek was running quite strong.

With the current lapping a few inches above my knees, I found it necessary to keep my eyes fixed on the far shore to which I was headed. Eyes on the goal, I inched my way across.

It wasn’t lost to me that this was a

spiritual lesson about dealing with trying circumstances. Eyes on the problem: panic. Eyes on the goal: calm resolve. I got the message.

And that seems to be the lesson in the Isaiah reading today: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication.”

I had followed in the footsteps, almost literally, of a young man with a walking staff who had gone before me, taking off up the trail on the other side about 20 minutes earlier.

After I’d made my way across the stream and up the side of the canyon, following the trail in the 110-degree heat a couple of miles and back, I found the fellow still on the far side of Terlingua Creek. He said he’d been swimming, but his clothes were dry.

I suspected he’d kept an eye out for my welfare, and once across the creek again I invited him to share some lunch with me. Unsought protection like that should not go unrewarded, I thought.

He turned out to be a Danish architecture instructor, teaching at a Virginia university. He brought forth a bottle of blueberry juice to share along with the sandwiches and grapes I provided.

We had a nice meal and visited over a broad range of topics here where a stream of friendship had indeed burst forth in the desert.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Sept. 3-9 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 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 4:16-30; Tuesday, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday, 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Luke 5:1-11; Friday (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Micah 5:1-4, Matthew 1:18-23; Saturday (St. Peter Claver), 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, Luke 6:1-5.

Scripture for the week of Sept. 10-16 Sunday (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:31-37, Mark 7:31-37; Monday, 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday (Holy Name of Mary), 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday (St. John Chrysostom), 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (The Exaltation of the Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Friday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27, Luke 2:33-35; Saturday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Luke 6:43-49.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 1, 2006

‘Lassie’ a fine family film

CNS photo by Roadside/Samuel Goldwyn

Jonathan Mason and a collie star in “Lassie,” a handsome adaptation of Eric Knight’s original novel, “Lassie Come Home,” about an impoverished Yorkshire mining family in World War II that reluctantly sells its beloved dog to a rich nobleman (Peter O’Toole) who takes the dog to Scotland where the collie escapes and attempts the impossibly long trek back home.

Writer-director Charles Sturridge has assembled a fine, mostly English cast. The scenic vistas are breathtaking and the story appealing, making this fine family viewing, though discerning adults may be bothered by a disjointed narrative, some plot turns that defy credulity, and an awkwardness in both script and direction that places it several notches below the classic 1943 MGM version.

A brief sequence of Lassie being beaten with a belt, a non-graphic scene where the miners urinate to throw some hunting dogs off the scent of an escaping fox, some mildly crass language, some mild violence and the death of a dog. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

New book series aims to educate adult Catholics in the faith SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University have co-published a parish-level adult faith formation series designed to help Catholics learn more about their faith or relearn aspects they do not understand well.

The series, Catholic Faith Explorers, currently covers seven topics and there are plans to add others. Each topic — the

Mass, Scripture, baptism, confession, Mary, the role of laity in the church, and church authority — is developed in participant workbooks presenting church teaching in everyday language and explaining how it applies to modern life.

The workbooks contain references for more in-depth study and lists of recommended resources and Web sites for further information. The leaders’ guides contain suggestions for presentations and PowerPoint materials that can be reproduced.

Books can be used individually or in a parish group setting or as part of the parish’s RCIA program.

Diane Eriksen, the series editor, said that in most Catholic parishes in the United States, adult faith formation has often focused on specific sacramental formation.

“But adult Catholics, many for the first time, also want clearer understanding on other aspects of their faith,” she said.

“This program is not like a class at all. It’s more a primer on knowing the faith and being better able to explain and discuss it with others,” she added.

The series is a response to the U.S. bishops’ call for active adult faith formation at the parish level.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

Studies shows faith is positive FAITH, from page 1

and a researcher for the University of Michigan Health System, also has tested her theory to include such stressful situations as Hurricane Katrina and the Kosovo war in the Balkans as examples of communal stress, and open-heart surgery as an example of individual stress.

Because about 90 percent of the people interviewed for an earlier study professed belief in some strain of Christianity or Judaism, there was no basis for comparison as to whether adherents to one faith fared better than members of another religion, Ai said.

September 1, 2006

in the news

“The 9/11 and Kosovar studies suggest the similar effect of different faiths,” she added.

Ai’s reports on post-Sept. 11 trauma were titled “Prayers, Spiritual Support and Positive Attitudes in Coping With the Sept. 11 National Crisis” and “Hope, Meaning and Growth Following the Sept. 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks.”

The former study, published in 2005, found “a linkage of spiritual support and positive attitudes mediated the effect of faith-based and secular factors on postSept. 11 distress,” and that “higher levels of initial negative emotional response were associated with the use of prayer for coping, which was, in turn, related to less distress.”

The study surveyed 453 graduate and undergraduate students three months after the attacks.

In “Hope, Meaning and Growth,” also published last year, a survey of 457 students three months after the attacks “found the increase of seven character strengths that encompass the so-called theological virtues, including hope and spirituality, in Americans,” and cited “lower levels of symptoms,” presumably negative, that could have

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“These findings offer further credence to the study of positive aspects resulting from violence-related trauma and highlight the needs of addressing the nature of traumatic events and” posttraumatic growth, it added, cautioning that “little is known about how they may affect post-Sept. 11, 2001, mental health.”

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Rates: $.70/word per issue ($14 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

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

September 1, 2006

from the cover

Upcoming collection to benefit priests’ retirements PRIESTS, from page 1

received a salary of $50 a month, with no health insurance or retirement benefits.

Fortunately for the young man and his fellow diocesan priests, Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle of Washington instituted a priests’ retirement collection several years later.

Thirty-seven years later, when Bishop Curlin came to shepherd the Catholics of western North Carolina, he found a similar situation in the thriving mission territory.

One of his first orders of business was to work with Msgr. Mauricio W. West, diocesan vicar general and chancellor, to establish the annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection, to be taken up in the parishes.

Now enjoying his fourth year of retirement, Bishop Curlin lives a quiet yet active life, continuing to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte and enjoying the leisure time afforded any retiree, thanks in large part to this collection.

Much of his time is spent leading priests’ retreats and parish missions throughout the United States. He is also in demand to celebrate weddings, baptisms and funerals, and visits the hospitalized almost daily.

Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte soon will have the opportunity to show their support for the 26 retired diocesan priests, including Bishop Curlin, who have faithfully served the Diocese of Charlotte for 1,086 years collectively.

The annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection, this year themed “Celebrate Our Past ... Embrace Our

currently involved in active ministry, as well as the retirement funds of the 49 religious order priests serving in the diocese.

“This program is in place so that when our recently ordained priests retire, there will be funds available to help support them,” said Gaddy.

The campaign’s goal is to collect $1,247,822 — $863,615 to fund the diocesan priests’ retirement and benefits plans; $356,507 to support the retirement funds of religious order priests currently serving in our diocese; and $27,700 to cover campaign expenses.

Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise funds needed to support the Priests’

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Retirement and Benefits Collection. In most parishes, that amount is slightly less than two times the regular Sunday offertory.

Proportionate contributions on the weekend of Sept. 9-10 will help parishes pay the assessment.

“I would hope that the people of God of the diocese would recognize that these men have been serving faithfully for so many years,” said Bishop Curlin. “Now is an opportunity for the faithful to provide loving care and service for them.”

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

“I would hope that the people of God of the diocese would recognize that these men have been serving faithfully for so many years.”

— Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

Diocese of Charlotte retired priests Above is the poster for the annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection in the Diocese of Charlotte, this year themed “Celebrate Our Past ... Embrace Our Future.” The poster was designed

by Tim Faragher, graphic designer for The Catholic News & Herald.

Future,” will be taken up in every parish the weekend of Sept. 9-10.

“Contributing to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection is a tangible way for Catholics to show their gratitude for the faithful service of our retired diocesan priests,” said Barbara Gaddy, associate director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Contributions also help provide for the future retirements of the 79 diocesan priests

Father Joseph Ayathupadam Father James Cahill Father Francis Cintula Father Thomas Clements Father Francis Connolly Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Father William Evans Father Patrick Gavigan Father Conrad Hoover Father Raymond Hourihan Father Joseph Kelleher Msgr. Joseph Kerin Father Conrad Kimbrough

Msgr. Anthony Kovacic Father Andrew Latsko Father Bernard Manley Father Richard McCue Father Gabriel Meehan Msgr. William Pharr Father Charles Reese Msgr. Joseph Showfety Father James Solari Father Edward Sullivan Father John Tuller Msgr. Thomas Walsh Father Joseph Waters

September 1, 2006

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Catholicism in color Changes to enhance look, feel of newspaper By now, you may have noticed something different about this issue of The Catholic News & Herald.

Perhaps it arrived in your mailbox a bit quicker this week. If so, that was intentional and not a result of the winds drummed up by Ernesto.

And perhaps it seems a bit more colorful and, dare I say, even a bit more vibrant and cheery.

This is because we now are harnessing all the technology at our disposal. In other words, while playing online mah jong, we accidentally pressed a button on the computer we didn’t notice before.

As such, we are able to bring you The Catholic News & Herald with more color — like, a whole bunch of it!

Actually, we have contracted with a new printing house and mailing service, in the hopes of enhancing the newspaper’s appearance and delivery.

The process to brighten the diocesan newspaper with more color came about during an in-depth analysis of the newspaper by some of the diocese’s most noted scholars — specifically, my mother’s card-playing group.

It went exactly like this: “Did you notice what a fine job my son, the editor, is doing at The Catholic News & Herald?” asked my mother.

“Janet, give me your eights.”

“Indeed. But the newspaper is so gray. Couldn’t that editor son of yours jazz it up a bit?” replied Mary, reviewing her cards. “And go fish.”

“Of course he can!” proclaimed my mother, drawing a card from the deck.

“My son, the editor, can do anything!

You’ll see! And, Martha, do you really need to smoke that thing in here?”

Actually, I have no idea if the conversation went that way, as no man is allowed — for his own good — within 30 yards of the ladies’ card games.

But allegedly Mary’s daughter, Becky, who’s best friends with Claire, said she overheard her sister Annette talking to Cadence — who’s dating that dreamy football player at Charlotte Catholic — who, while sneaking a Dr. Pepper from the fridge, overheard her mom say during the card game that it would have been nice to see a color photo of their parish picnic in the last issue while also telling Janet to “go fish.”

Clearly, we take suggestions such as this very seriously at The Catholic News & Herald.

And so do many other newspapers, many of which are offering more color within their pages.

The reason? There are quite a few, excellently summarized on Wikipedia.com: “Newspapers have been mostly

Murray’s Musings KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

printed on off-white paper known as newsprint. Since the 1980s, the newspaper industry has largely moved away from lower-quality letterpress printing to higher-quality, four-color process, offset printing.

“In addition, desktop computers, word-processing software, graphics software, digital cameras and digital prepress and typesetting technologies have revolutionized the newspaper production process.

“These technologies have enabled newspapers to publish color photographs and graphics, as well as innovative layouts and better design.”

My staff and I have puzzled over the above information for weeks and we still don’t have a clue as to what any of it means. But the importance of color is evident in other aspects of our lives.

Color is one of the first things you notice when you walk into a room, according to painting giant SherwinWilliams, and the use of color is one of the most important decorating decisions.

So it would reason that color should be important in newspaper design, as it would be one of the first things you notice when you flip through the pages.

Like a moth to the flame, color will draw your eyes to the photos and ads, keeping you suspended as you oooh and aaah over the reds, the blues, the greens.

We’re so color-happy around here that we’ve begun wearing colors that are completely no good for our skin tones or body types, just because we can.

Tom, for example, is wearing orange argyle socks. You should see them.

And this exuberance is spreading throughout the diocese. Catholic school uniforms are going pastel. The diocesan Pastoral Center will be adorned with a giant mural. The chancery is experimenting with polka dots.

We’re very excited about these changes and we hope you are, too.

We at The Catholic News & Herald will continue to harness all that is available while bringing you inspiring and informative news about your diocese and the Catholic Church, only now in more color — like, a whole bunch of it.

That is, at least, until my mother’s card playing buddies suggest otherwise.

The preconceived notion Facts, prejudices and clichés abound in news stories The other day I was a “wallpaper quote.”

A wallpaper quote comes from an otherwise anonymous member of the public. Wallpaper quotes appear in print and broadcast stories where they usually give legitimacy to the central theme of a story.

You see wallpaper quotes in TV stories when a person speaking, the “man on the street,” isn’t named with an on-screen identifier. To qualify as a wallpaper quote, all you need is a warm body and a voice.

Out of the blue, a reporter called me the other day. As I am spokesman for the Diocese of Charlotte, I field a lot of calls from reporters. But this call came because recently I had written a note to a columnist who answers questions about traffic and road conditions.

My phone number was on the e-mail and the enterprising reporter on the other end of the line apparently looks over the shoulder of the columnist.

She was very professional and polite. Her story was about a recent press conference in which the State of North Carolina announced it was starting a program called “Swat-a-Litterbug.”

Basically, the state is encouraging people to report litterbugs who dump trash from their cars by e-mailing the license plate number of the offending driver.

The reporter explained that offenders would be sent a letter by the State gently reminding them not to litter. Along with the letter comes a plastic bag for garbage or an ashtray. What, she wondered, did I think about that?

I thought this was my chance to give a gem of a quote that would lift her story to Pulitzer Prize level.

“Do you mean the state is giving out ash trays to people who flick their cigarette butts from a moving car? Wow, decorating my home is never going to be easier.”

No response, but I could tell that she hadn’t clicked with my attempt at humor. She went on to explain some other aspects of the program. This was a clear signal that I hadn’t registered on her quote-meter.

I tried again: “Now let me see if I

Catholics & the Media DAVID HAINS director of communications

got this right. If I’m caught littering, the State is going to encourage me to take on the smelly, and perhaps deadly, habit of smoking by offering me, free of charge, a keepsake ashtray?”

Once again, I could hear that she wasn’t tapping on her keyboard — the print reporter’s equivalent of the silent treatment.

By now my quote bank was just about empty. But I gave it one last try.

And before you could type “jackrabbit,” she was gone.

This is what appeared in the newspaper the next day.

“Residents say they like the idea.

‘It gives you the opportunity to do something about it,’ said David Hains, who lives in Huntersville. ‘Now, you can say, hey, I can report these people.’”

Pretty boring, eh?

Wallpaper quotes are usually bland and predictable. But the bigger picture is that reporters, even well meaning reporters like the one I spoke with, often have preconceived ideas of what they want in a news story — it is true when they report on something as innocuous as the Swat-a-Litterbug campaign, or as earth-shattering as a hurricane.

We need to remember when we read and watch the news that, in addition to seeing the verifiable facts of a story, we are dealing with the preconceived notions, prejudices and clichés of the individual who gathered the information.

D a v i d H a i n s i s d i re c t o r of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte. Contact him at dwhains@ c h a r l o t t e d i o c e s e . o rg . P o d c a s t s of these columns are available at www. charlottediocese.org.

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September 1, 2006

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Ora et Labora

Part 3 of a 7-part series on the second annual Eucharistic Congress So far, we have recalled the memorable and monumental events of our first Eucharistic Congress, followed by an introduction to the theme of this year’s Eucharistic Congress, “The Love of Christ Impels Us.” The love of Christ motivates and inspires every zealous missionary effort in the life of the Catholic Church. But what about the missionary effort of the Congress itself?

There are two basic avenues in which all of us can get involved in the preparation and the execution of our second Eucharistic Congress, which will be held Oct. 6-7 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The first and most fundamental avenue is that of prayer. Prayer fuels and inspires all the charitable works of the church; increases our faith, hope and charity; and directs us to greater love of God and our neighbor. Therefore, the first and most important ongoing work of the Congress is to pray for its fruitful completion.

To accomplish this task, we are encouraged to pray the Prayer for the Success of the Eucharistic Congress, listed at right, also found in the Raccolta.

Our prayer enkindles our hearts and impels us toward charitable works, leading us to the second avenue in which

we can get involved in the Congress: service.

Innumerable volunteers and workers gave of themselves to bring our first Eucharistic Congress to a successful completion. Likewise, this year we need the assistance of hundreds of volunteers who are willing to donate their time and energy, their talents and gifts, to serve Christ and his church during this gracefilled two-day event.

Prayer and service, “ora et labora,” are the two avenues traveled most by those who are impelled by the love of Christ. If you are willing to help in these two areas, please visit our Eucharistic Congress Web site (www.goeucharist. com) and fill out a volunteer form, either for work during these two days or to commit yourself to keeping watch with our Lord by signing up online for an hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Buettner is pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

Prayer for the Success of the Eucharistic Congress O Jesus, who art really, truly and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament to be the food of our souls, deign to bless

Guest Column FATHER MATTHEW BUETTNER guest columnist

and bring to a successful issue all Eucharistic Congresses and gatherings, and especially the coming congress of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Be thou the inspiration of their labors, resolutions and vows; accept graciously the solemn homage there rendered to thee; and kindle the hearts of priests and faithful, parents and children, so that frequent and daily Communion, as well as the early Communion of little children, may be held in honor in all the countries of the world; and grant that the Kingship of the Sacred Heart over human society may everywhere be acknowledged.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, bless the Congress.

St. Paschal Baylon, pray for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, patroness of our diocese, pray for us.

St. Patrick, pray for us.

A sacrament for single people? Question Q. I am an older woman, baptized at birth, always a practicing Catholic. I’ve had huge personal responsibilities, but have never married.

The focus of the Catholic Church is mostly on marriage and families. I understand that; they form the majority of the congregations. Recently a priest in his homily referred to the sacraments of marriage and holy orders, but said there is no sacrament for single people. I don’t know how to interpret that statement.

Fortunately, I believe God’s love extends to every human being. That keeps me coming to Mass. But did I miss something? Do I belong in a Catholic church? (Iowa) A. I’m somewhat surprised at the priest’s remark. There is a sacrament for single people, the first and most important sacrament for any Christian.

It is baptism.

Married people, priests, men and women in religious communities receive sacraments or vocations that are particular ways of living out their baptism. But single people have the same vocation to follow Christ, and extend his love, and the love of our heavenly Father, into the world.

Through the sacraments of initiation -- baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist -- every Catholic, of whatever rank or calling, is invited ultimately

by our Lord to the same responsibility of responding to God’s love by loving service to others.

St. Augustine put it well in one of his sermons, “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop”. The basic Christian call is the same for all of us, whether married, ordained, religious or single.

By far most of the single people I know are inspiring examples of this kind of self-giving. I hope, and have the feeling, you are trying to live this Christian vocation in your life. It’s the main one we have.

‘Hell’ in Apostles Creed Q. I have a question about “hell” in

the Apostles Creed. A clergyman recently gave a different answer than the one I was taught.

The creed says Jesus “descended into hell.” According to the minister, his time in hell was part of the suffering Jesus endured for our sins. What does this part of the creed mean? (Arkansas) A. The belief of Catholics and most other Christians is that the redemptive suffering of Jesus ended at the moment of his death. There was no extension of his passion in whatever happened after

Jesus excludes no one from his loving embrace, pope says

Corner

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN cns columnist

he died.

The word “hell” in the creed does not stand for the “hell of the damned,” its usual meaning in current English. It comes from an old Teutonic word “hela,” which meant a hidden or dark place. In early English literature it was used to describe any kind of dungeon or pit.

Our word is an English translation of a Latin (and Greek and Hebrew) term for the lower, or infernal, regions, a place people went after death, with no necessary connotation of reward or punishment.

The presence of “hell” in the creed is misleading but has been traditional for so long it hardly will be changed now.

A free brochure on ecumenism, including questions on intercommunion and other ways of sharing worship, is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 5515, Peoria, IL 61612.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY -- Jesus excludes no one from his loving embrace because he came especially to save sinners and social outcasts, Pope Benedict XVI said.

The good news of the Gospels consists precisely in Jesus’ message that God offers his grace above all to those who seem furthest from being holy, the pope said Aug. 30 at his weekly general audience, continuing his series of audience talks about the apostles with a reflection on the life and Gospel of St. Matthew.

Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman occupiers in Israel and, therefore, like all the tax collectors at the time, was much hated by his fellow Jews, who considered him to be a public sinner.

But Jesus invited Matthew and other marginalized people to “follow me” and even invited them to eat with him.

To those who were scandalized by Jesus associating with the community’s outcasts, the pope quoted Jesus as saying: “Those who are well don’t need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

“Jesus excludes no one from his friendship,” said the pope. Rather, he makes a special invitation to those who have humbly acknowledged their sins and are willing to leave their old ways of life behind for a new life with Christ, Pope Benedict said.

St. Matthew, the pope said, shows that the person who seems furthest from being holy can become the first to enter the kingdom of heaven and act as an example of God’s welcoming mercy.

Matthew did not hesitate to answer Jesus’ call even though it meant leaving everything behind, especially his job — an occupation that had been his one sure source of income, but which was also often unjust and dishonest work, said the pope.

“Matthew understood that knowing Jesus would not allow him to continue an activity God disapproved of,” he said.

“Even today it is not admissible to be attached to things that are incompatible with following Jesus, such as is the case with dishonest wealth,” he said.

Just as Matthew decided to leave behind an immoral livelihood in order to follow Christ, the pope said all people are called to remove themselves from “a situation of sin” so as to embark on a new way of life and “follow Jesus completely.”

September 1, 2006

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