September 3, 2004
The Catholic News & Herald 1
www.charlottediocese.org
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
‘Faithful Service ... Grateful Hearts’ Upcoming collection to benefit priests’ retirements | Page 5
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI SEPTEMBER 3, 2004
American nurse sees other side of Abu Ghraib prison Time in Iraq shows hope, compassion on both sides of war
Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Divino Redentor provides spiritual, cultural homecoming for Mexican immigrants by
KAREN A. EVANS staff writer
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — While world headlines have blared the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. guards at the Abu Ghraib See NURSE, page 17
See DEDICATION, page 12
Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of war wounds.
no. 41
Home away from home BOONVILLE — A late afternoon rain shower soaked the new church just minutes before its dedication, but the rain clouds soon parted, revealing a rainbow in the distant sky. Following two decades of Masses celebrated in a former hardware store and a former restaurant, and 18 months after the church’s completion, Divino Redentor Church was
by MONTE MACE catholic news service
vOLUME 13
Santore’s shoes
Photo by Karen A. Evans
Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrates the dedication Mass for Divino Redentor Church, the only Catholic church in Yadkin County, Aug. 28.
Back to School
Students return to new, expanded Catholic schools by
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
Courtesy photo by Debbie Santore
Kelly Santore and a young parishioner of Our Lady of the Americas Church show off a new pair of athletic shoes July 29. Santore collected 142 pairs of new shoes for the members of the Biscoe church. For story see page 7
CHARLOTTE — For students across the Diocese of Charlotte, it’s that time of year again. More than 7,000 students donned uniforms and backpacks for the start of an-
other year at the 18 diocesan Catholic schools by Aug. 16. “As I visit the schools, I realize more and more the importance of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte,” said Linda Cherry, superinSee SCHOOLS, page 8
Courtesy Photo
Students retur n to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
Setting faith ablaze
Summer’s over
Labors of faith
Catholics explore faith at conferences
More back-to-school coverage from around the diocese
Scout earns award for work at bishop emeritus’ house
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2 The Catholic News & Herald
InBrief
September 3, 2004
Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard
Alternative altar bread
Respect Life program kits ready for dioceses, parishes WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities has published the 2004-05 Respect Life Program kit materials in English and Spanish for use in Catholic dioceses, parishes and organizations. The theme for this year’s observances is “Made in His Image,” or, in Spanish, “A imagen de Dios los creo.” Most U.S. Catholic parishes observe the first Sunday of October — Oct. 3 this year — as Respect Life Sunday. The 2004-05 kit includes a poster in English and Spanish, fliers on the theme in English and Spanish, six educational essays on life issues, clip art for church bulletins or newsletters, a liturgy guide and a catalog of pro-life publications and resources. The fliers, essays and liturgy guide are also available online at www.usccb. org/prolife, along with electronic ver-
Diocesan planner CNS photo by Joe Cory, Catholic Key
Benedictine novice Kathy Becker prepares low-gluten hosts at the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration convent in Clyde, Mo., in March. The U.S. bishops’ liturgy secretariat said the convent provides the only “true, low-gluten altar bread ... approved for use at Mass in the United States.”
Gluten-Free Living endorses nuns’ low-gluten Communion WASHINGTON (CNS) — A magazine devoted to people with celiac disease has endorsed a low-gluten Communion host made by Catholic nuns in Missouri as “perfectly safe” for celiac sufferers. Gluten-Free Living came out shortly before a public controversy emerged over a New Jersey mother’s fight this summer to change the Catholic rules for such hosts. The church requires bread made from wheat, containing at least some gluten, for the celebration of the Eucharist. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, barley and oats that binds the baked bread. In people who have the genetic disorder known as celiac disease or celiac sprue, gluten causes an immune reaction that can lead to severe damage of the intestinal lining and a number of other health problems. In the magazine, a nun-pharmacist wrote that she analyzed the low-gluten hosts produced by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Mo. Her conclusion: “On average, a whole host could contain no more than 37 micrograms of gluten.” Two experts from the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research told the magazine that a celiac sufferer could consume that much gluten daily with no ill effects. The article’s author, Sister Jeanne Patricia Crowe, is a member of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and professor at Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. She is a doctor of clinical
pharmacy and is on Gluten-Free Living’s editorial advisory board. In an editorial on Sister Crowe’s article, Gluten-Free Living editor Ann Whelan said she easily understands the concern of Catholics with the disease, and especially parents of children who have it, about the church’s insistence on at least some gluten in hosts. “To help Catholic celiacs keep their concern in perspective, I went to the experts to ask them if it would be safe to consume a host that might contain up to 37 micrograms of gluten,” Whelan wrote. “It’s the daily exposure to gluten that counts” for those with celiac disease, the editorial said. “The best current information shows that 10 milligrams a day should be safe.” Since 10 milligrams is 10,000 micrograms, someone consuming no other gluten would have to eat 270 of the lowgluten wafers a day to reach that threshold, it said. Sister Crowe described the lowgluten hosts as “very, very light” wafers, about an inch in diameter, yellowish and weighing a little more than one-quarter gram each. “They remind you of a bubbly potato chip,” she said. The Benedictine convent’s hosts are the only ones the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Liturgy has approved as a true lowgluten wheat bread suitable for liturgical use.
CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — Pathfinders, a peer support group for separation and divorce, will host an open house at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since 1992, Pathfinders has offered support, education and fellowship for anyone experiencing separation and divorce. Please call Nancy Cardo at (704) 752-0318 for more information. HUNTERSVILLE — The Newcomers Women’s Ministry of St. Mark Church invites women who are new or still feel new to the area to a 10-week course, “Moving On,” based on Susan Miller’s book “After the Boxes are Unpacked.” We will talk about the spiritual, emotional and practical needs associated with moving. Classes begin Sept. 15 in Room 200 of St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd., 10:15 -11:30 a.m. Call Gigi at (704) 895-3310 or Merry at (704) 947-9547 for more information. CHARLOTTE — A Women’s Talk will be held Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. Father John Starczewski will be the guest speaker. For more information, call Peggy at (704) 588-7311.
sions of essays and other resources from past programs going back to 1996. Essay topics are suicidal behavior by youth, advances in surgery for unborn patients, a critique of assisted reproductive technologies, effective strategies for prolife advocacy, the human dignity of those in a “vegetative” state and a discussion of sex and marriage from sociological and theological perspectives. The printed kit includes the essays only in English, but they are available online in English and Spanish. In addition to homily tips and sample intercessions for life for use at Mass, this year’s liturgy guide includes a novena to Sts. Anne and Joachim and offers rosary meditations on the five “mysteries of light,” based on events in Christ’s public life, that Pope John Paul II introduced in 2002.
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 parish activity center, 3635 Park Rd. All adults age 55 and older are welcome. For more information, call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879. GASTONIA VICARIATE BELMONT — Faithful Citizenship Sessions will be held at Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St., Oct. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 16, 6-7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 17, 12:30-2 p.m. in the Parish Family Center. Each session will cover politics, elections, candidates and issues. No pre-registration or fees, just bring yourself, and a friend, too! For details, contact Dennis Teall-Fleming, director of faith formation, at teallfleming@yahoo.com or (704) 825-9600, x 26 GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women announces the start of its 20042005 fiscal year with a luncheon on Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Cardinal Country Club. The speaker will be Jan Laughinghouse, clinical director at Mary’s House. All ladies are welcome. For more information, please contact Marie VanKleef at (336) 644-1142.
HUNTERSVILLE — Women’s Catholic Scripture Study meets Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. The class will focus on the book of Exodus and will meet through May 2005. For details, call the church office at (704) 948-0231.
HIGH POINT — The Evangelization Commission at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., will offer free Spanish classes Sept. 9 - Nov. 11. Classes meet Thursday evenings 7-8 p.m. All materials will be provided. To register, call Nancy Skee at (336) 884-0522 or Larry Kwan at (336) 882-7204.
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 Walt (704) 535-7723.
GREENSBORO — Jim McCullough, director of faith formation of Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., will present “Key to the Scriptures,” a new way to read the Bible with understanding. Classes meet Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. in the library. To register, leave your name, address and
SEPTEMBER 3, 2 0 0 4 Volume 13 • Number 41 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: 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.
The Catholic News & Herald 3
September 3, 2004
FROM THE VATICAN
Vatican refuses to comment on reports it won’t be terrorist target
posting, translated from the Arabic by a French news agency. It was impossible to verify if the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades really posted the message. While it is Vatican practice not to comment on security matters, Vatican officials have said the Italian government keeps the Vatican informed when threats are received. The Vatican increased security during the 2000 Holy Year celebrations, making visitors who attended large ceremonies with Pope John Paul pass through airport-style metal detectors. The scanning became a fixture for public events after Sept. 11, 2001. Since late 2003, all visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica have had to pass through the metal detectors whether the pope was present or not.
phone number with Mary-Ann DiPaola at (336) 274-6520, ext. 33.
HICKORY VICARIATE HICKORY — St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. NE, is offering a weekly Catholic Scripture Study beginning Sept. 15. Catholic Scripture Study is a program whose members not only learn the Scriptures, but come to a deeper understanding of their faith in a setting that builds Christian fellowship. Evening and daytime classes will be held each at the church, Wednesdays, 6:45-8:30 p.m., and Thursdays 9:30-11:15 a.m. For more information, call Ann Miller at (828) 441-2205, or email stalscss@charter.net. HENDERSONVILLE — The Widows Lunch Bunch, sponsored by Immaculate Conception Church, meets at a different restaurant on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are necessary. For more information and reservations, call Joan Keagle at (828) 693-4733. SALISBURY VICARIATE MOORESVILLE — St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., will offer a program designed to provide encouragement for women who have relocated. This is an opportunity to meet others and exchange insights. The 10-week session, containing biblical advice and clear-headed counsel, is based on the book “After the Boxes are Unpacked” by Susan Miller beginning Sept 8. Both morning and evening sessions will be offered with baby-sitting provided at the morning sessions. For further information, contact, contact Lois Yaniero at (704) 892-4326 for morning sessions and Connie Evans at (704) 658-0521 or Tori Springate at (704) 6629122 for evening sessions. MOORESVILLE — Seniors ages 55 and up are invited to St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., the second Saturday of each month following the 5:30 Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring games and a potluck dinner. Call Bar-
Episcopal
calendar
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican press office would not comment on reports that a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida allegedly said the Vatican would not be a target when it attacks Italy. The Vatican, while declining comment Aug. 30, pointed to an Aug. 28 statement by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, saying that he hoped everyone would recognize that Pope John Paul II has been an untiring supporter of peace and of human rights for all peoples. In a statement posted on an Islamic Web site Aug. 29, the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades-European Battalion — the same group that claimed responsibility for the March train bombings in Madrid — repeated its earlier threats to turn Italy “into hell” unless the government withdraws its troops from Iraq. “We declare that the Vatican will never be one of our targets,” said the bara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details. SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE MAGGIE VALLEY — If you are struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion, there is help. Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats for healing after abortion are a beautiful opportunity to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. The weekend will help your soul find a voice and transform the pain of the past into love and hope. The next retreat is scheduled for Sept. 17-19. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Please call Shelley at (828) 684-4330 or (828) 230-4940 to register.
Pope condemns wave of terrorism, says violence unworthy of any cause VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II condemned a wave of terrorist actions in Iraq, Russia and Israel, saying recourse to violence was “unworthy” of any cause. The papal appeal was read at a general audience Sept. 1 as another hostage drama was unfolding in southern Russia, where armed attackers seized a school full of children and teachers. The pope said he was pained at the recent bombings in Russia and Israel, which left many “defenseless and innocent” victims. Russian authorities suspected Chechen rebels were behind the explosion of two passenger jets in late August and a suicide bombing outside a Moscow subway stop Aug. 31. Officials said the attack on the school in the southern Russian republic of North Ossetia also bore the hallmarks of Chechen rebel actions. More than 15 attackers, some strapped with explosives, were believed to have mined the school and threatened to kill those inside. The Itar-Tass news agency said the militants were demanding the release of impris-
oned Chechen fighters. In Israel, two suicide bus bombings in Beersheba Aug. 31 left 18 people dead. The Palestinian militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for the blasts. The pope said that in Iraq there has been no end to the “chain of blind violence that prevents the return to civil harmony.” He condemned the “barbarous execution” of 12 Nepalese workers kidnapped in late August in Iraq and expressed worry for the fate of two French journalists seized by militants there. “I make a pressing appeal that everywhere there be an end to the recourse to violence, which is always unworthy of any good cause, and that the two French journalists be treated with humanity and returned unharmed to their loved ones as soon as possible,” he said. The executed Nepalese were reportedly were working for a Jordanian services company; Nepal does not have armed forces in Iraq.
Pope blesses Salisbury
WAYNESVILLE — The Catholic Women’s Circle of St. John’s Catholic Community meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the church hall. For more information, call the church office at (828) 456-6707. WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE WINSTON-SALEM — In celebration of the World Day of Peace, Sister Kathy Ganiel and David Harold, director of Catholic Social Services, will lead prayer and reflection on the Assisi Decalogue. The Decalogue is a 10-point commitment made to work together for peace. The 10 statements read by the leaders in 10 different languages are a moving framework for prayer, reflection and discussion. Come join us at 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, 211 W. 3rd St., for a light meal, prayer and reflection. For more information, call Joanne Jacovec at (336) 765-8892 or e-mail sfojmj@aol.com. Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to the event date in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.
Courtesy Photo
Chris and Brynne Beal, parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, receive a blessing from Pope John Paul II during his weekly audience at the Vatican June 16. Chris, director of religious education at Sacred Heart Church, and Brynne, a fifth-grade teacher at Sacred Heart School, were married at Belmont Abbey College June 12. The couple had recently returned from a parish youth group mission where they worked with the poor in Kingston, Jamaica, June 24-July 1.
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:
Sept. 8-19 — Colloquium for newly appointed bishops Rome, Italy Sept. 23 — 9 a.m. Mass Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte
Sept. 25 — 5 p.m. Mass Sacrament of Confirmation St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville
DID YOU KNOW? Angels are spirits without bodies who are sometimes sent as messengers from God. The feast of the Archangels is Sept. 29, which honors the three archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Michael is revered as the leader of the angelic army. He has always been the warrior angel, fighting first Satan and his demons and then in the course of time all enemies of God’s people. Gabriel is the messenger angel who appears in the Old and New Testaments; he announced the birth of John the Baptist and later told Mary she would become the mother of Jesus. Raphael cured the Old Testament hero Tobit of his blindness. Raphael
4 The Catholic News & Herald
around the diocese
N.C. Catholic Daughter visits convention, memorial
TACOMA, Wash. — A local Catholic Daughter recently ventured across the country on a trip of exploration and affirmation. Marjorie Thomas, N.C. state secretary and past regent of Court St. Joan of Arc, attended the 50th Biennial National Convention of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Nearly 1,000 members, speakers and guests from 40 U.S. states, Guam and Puerto Rico attended the organization’s convention July 18-23 in Tacoma. Resolutions adopted by delegates to the convention expressed support for keeping the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance; affirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman only; agreed to promote breast cancer awareness during October; backed the U.S. bishops’ “Faithful Citizenship” program for political action by Catholics; and supported the National Safe Kids Campaign to prevent accidental deaths and injuries among children under 15. Invoking the words of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Alex J. Brunett told the Catholic Daughters July 22 that every woman’s mission “is to recognize and live her vocation of feminine genius.” The Seattle archbishop spoke at a Mass at St. Anne Church in Tacoma marking the installation of new officers for the Catholic Daughters, which de-
September 3, 2004
Officers installed
scribes itself as the oldest and largest organization of Catholic women in the Americas. In his homily at the convention’s opening Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma, Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York, the organization’s national chaplain, urged the Catholic Daughters to be like Martha and Mary in the New Testament. “Today’s Gospel reading of Martha and Mary is right on target with the CDA,” he said. “Mary is often remembered as a sinner, which troubles some people. Martha is not as controversial, but we all know Marthas — upset, complainers, pointing fingers, but they get things done.” Reminding the congregation that “if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves,” the cardinal added. “The greatest heroes in the church are sinners who repent.” During a post-convention trip to Hawaii, Thomas, a World War II veteran and charter and lifetime member of the Catholic War Veterans Post in Asheville, visited the USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Arizona was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Catholic News Service contributed to this story.
Courtesy Photo
Marjorie Thomas (right), N.C. state secretary for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, visits the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii after attending the Catholic Daughters biennial convention in Tacoma, Wash., in July. Pictured with Thomas are (from left) Joan McKenna, national regent from Boston, and Claudia Busch, national first regent from Dickinson, N.D.
Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay
Father Francis O’Rourke, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, and Ruth Carlisle (right), N.C. state treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, stand with newly inducted officers of local Court 1199 after Mass Aug. 29. Officers pictured are (back row from left) Mary Jane Wheaton, secretary; Alice Schmidt, vice regent; Alice Gottschalk, treasurer; (front row from left) Maryann Grabosky, regent; and Laurene Kerivan, financial secretary. The court also inducted two new members, Carmella Scutti and Martha Stepkowski (not pictured).
September 3, 2004
The Catholic News & Herald 5
around the diocese
‘Faithful Service ... Grateful Hearts’ Upcoming collection to benefit priests’ retirements by
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte soon will have the opportunity to show they care about the priests who have faithfully served the Diocese of Charlotte. The annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection will be taken up in every parish the weekend of Sept. 11-12. The collection helps provide monthly benefits for the 26 retired diocesan priests, including Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin. “These men have served us for years, they’ve given their lives to us, so it’s important for us to support them, now and in their retirement,” said Father Tim Reid, who was ordained by Bishop Peter J. Jugis at Our Lady of Assumption Church in June this year. Father Reid appears with Msgr. William Pharr on this year’s poster and brochure promoting the collection. “The collection is a tremendous help,” said Msgr. Pharr, who was ordained in May 1960 and retired in July 2001. “It’s important for retired priests so they can take care of their needs in retirement,” he said. “It gives us a sense of independence and ability to do things we were unable to do in the past due to lack of time or finances.” Since retiring, Msgr. Pharr has been
involved in chaplaincy work and assisting parishes, as well as a travel study program. “It also helps us be charitable to parishes and institutions that we’d like to help out,” he said. Contributions also help provide for the future retirements of the 82 diocesan priests currently involved in active ministry, as well as the retirement funds of the 53 religious order priests serving in the diocese. “I have been privileged to serve as parochial vicar, deacon or seminarian under many of our retired priests,” said Bishop Jugis. “Others have served as pastor in my own home parish during my childhood and youth. They are all very dear to me.” The campaign’s goal is to collect $1,120,000 — $782,500 to fund the diocesan priests’ retirement and benefits plans; $320,000 to support the retirement funds of religious order priests currently serving in our diocese; and $17,500 to cover campaign expenses. Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise funds needed to support the Priests’ 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. 11-12 will help parishes pay the assessment. “The people of the diocese have been very generous,” said Msgr. Pharr. “We do feel that we’ve been appreciated.”
Photo by Tim Faragher
Msgr. William Pharr, retired diocesan priest, and Father Timothy Reid, parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, are seen here in the photo used for the poster and brochure promoting the annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection. The collection will be taken up in every parish this year the weekend of Sept. 11-12.
Capturing clergy
Priests become models for photo shoot by
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
CHARLOTTE — Two men in black suits walked back and forth, back and forth outside the diocesan Pastoral Center in early July. The men were priests, but they were posing for a camera. “Okay, that’s great, but can we try it
Diocese of Charlotte retired priests Msgr. Richard Allen Father James Cahill Father Francis M. Cintula Father Thomas Clements Father Francis Connolly Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Father Aloysius D’Silva Father Vincent Erb Father Patrick Gavigan 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
a little slower this time?” asked the photographer. Despite the sweltering heat July 8, the two priests nodded and got back into position for another take. “I’m thinking, ‘It’s hot out here. Can’t we do this inside?’” joked Father Timothy Reid, parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Father Reid, ordained in June 2004, and Msgr. William Pharr, who retired in July 2001, were modeling for a poster and brochure to promote the annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection. The collection will be taken up in every parish this year the weekend of Sept. 11-12. The poster, depicting a new priest passing a retired priest, was sent to parishes across the 46-county Diocese of Charlotte. “I had some people mention they saw it and that it came out nicely,” said Msgr. Pharr, who mused about his new “modeling career.” “They took so many pictures, I figured one or two would have to come out decent,” he said. “My parishioners are having a good time with it, and I’m getting calls from other priests in the diocese,” said Father Reid of the feedback. “But as a newly ordained priest, it’s nice to help out our retired priests any way that I can.” Contributions also help provide for the future retirements of the 82 diocesan priests currently involved in active ministry, as well as the retirement funds of the 53 religious order priests serving in the diocese. Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.
6 The Catholic News & Herald
September 3, 2004
around the diocese
Setting faith ablaze
In Jesus’ footsteps
Workshop educates, enriches diocesan catechists
Catholics explore strengths of Eucharist, liturgy at annual conference by
CAROLE McGROTTY
by
correspondent
HENDERSONVILLE — Catholics in western North Carolina were encouraged recently to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Approximately 60 people attended the “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: Living as Eucharistic People Conference” held at Immaculata School Aug. 21. The Asheville Vicariate Faith Formation Leadership Team sponsored the annual conference. “We hoped everyone could find in their daily lives a way to live as Jesus did,” said Elizabeth Girton, a team member and faith formation director at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville. “We looked at ways to become like Christ and gather our strength from the Eucharist,” she said. Augustinian Father Francis Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church and a staff member of Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley, gave the keynote address on walking in Jesus’ footsteps. “In living our daily lives, we are living sacred lives that play a roll in fulfillment of God’s promise that all would be one,” said Father Doyle. The Eucharist is the “source and summit of Christian life,” said Father Doyle, and a “sense of fullness and completion is achieved” when a person heads toward this summit. Workshops were also held for the conference participants. Ann Stowe, an Asheville Vicariate Faith Formation Leadership Team member and parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill, led a workshop on prayer. Prayer has “a healing effect because we cannot meet the living God and not
KAREN A. EVANS staff writer
Photo by Carole McGrotty
Elizabeth Girton, an Asheville Vicariate Faith Formation Leadership Team member, speaks during the “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus” conference at Immaculata School Aug. 21. be affected,” she said. Elaborating on the types of prayer — praise, petition, intercession and contrition — Stowe said the most important aspect of prayer is to remember that “we are on a journey to God.” Girton offered a session on the liturgy. “I spoke about how the Catholic liturgy is framed and the history of how it developed into its present form,” she said. Through proclamation of the Word, Christ is encountered in the liturgy of the Word, one of four signs of God’s presence, said Girton. “The other signs are creation, the
liturgy of the Eucharist and the ecclesiastical community,” she said. Girton said it is Christ who speaks when Scriptures are read, and he is always present, especially at liturgical celebrations. For example, she said, when someone is baptized, it is Christ who is baptizing. “We get grace even when we are not aware of it. If you open up your heart, you get more grace,” said Girton. “We can choose to just get by or fill up the whole room with grace. Christ is there whether we put anything in or not.” In addition to the conference, Asheville Vicariate Faith Formation Leadership Team also sponsors an annual catechist reflection day in January and a catechist appreciation Mass and dinner in May. Editor Kevin E. Murray contributed to this story.
CHARLOTTE — More than 400 catechists in the southern region of the Diocese of Charlotte attended the “Hearts on Fire” workshop at St. Matthew Church Aug. 28. Sponsored by the southern region of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, the workshop provided catechists and other ministers with enrichment and education for adult education, youth ministry and RCIA ministries. “The workshop provided spiritual enrichment, creative approaches and sound methods for enriching our faith formation programs in our parishes,” said Franciscan Sister Ann Lyons, southern region coordinator of faith formation. Breakout sessions addressed topics including teaching religion and the Bible; fostering a Catholic identity in young people; helping adults learn about and live out their faith; multiculturalism; and prayer labyrinths. Norbertine Father Alfred McBride presented the keynote address, “A Season of New Beginnings: Bringing Faith and Love to Your Faith Formation Programs.” Father McBride teaches homiletics at Pope John XXIII Seminary and is the author of several books. Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the closing liturgy. “The day served as an energizing force and gave catechists information
Photo by Karen A. Evans
Cathy Rusin speaks to par ticipants at the “Hearts on Fire” workshop held at St Matthew Church Aug 28.
September 3, 2004
The Catholic News & Herald 7
Youth in action
How she spent her summer
Teen-ager collects shoes for Biscoe parishioners by
KAREN A. EVANS staff writer
MATTHEWS — While her classmates worked at fast food restaurants or sunned themselves on Myrtle Beach, Kelly Santore spent her summer collecting 142 pairs of shoes. Most didn’t fit her feet. Many weren’t her style. And none of them were added to the 20 pairs already in her closet. Instead, Kelly and her family sorted each pair by size and style, packed them in the family car and drove to Our Lady of the Americas Church in Biscoe Aug. 8. Kelly, a sophomore at Piedmont High School and a parishioner of St. John
Neumann Church, decided in mid-June to collect shoes for the children of Our Lady of the Americas Church, most of whom are Hispanic. “They don’t have what we have — many of them can’t go back-to-school shopping,” Kelly said. When she first considered the idea for a shoe drive, she asked Father Thomas Meehan, pastor of St. John Neumann Church, if she could ask the parishioners for donations of new shoes. Father Meehan encouraged Kelly to “go for it” said Debbie Santore, Kelly’s mom.
“He was proud that a teen-ager would want to do something like that,” Kelly said. Initially, she made 60 shoe-shaped tags and posted them on a bulletin board in the church. Within a week, all the tags were gone and Kelly made 50 more. When those disappeared as well, her aunt made a sign for the church saying that although the tags were all taken, Kelly was still taking donations. Connie Milligan, director of religious education at St. John Neumann Church, was impressed that Kelly took the initiative to start the shoe-drive project.
“I hope that other teen-agers will be inspired to follow Kelly’s example and take steps toward helping others.” -- Connie Milligan “I hope that other teen-agers will be inspired to follow Kelly’s example and take steps toward helping others,” said Milligan. Kelly is planning on collecting shoes again next summer, and hopes to accumulate even more pairs by including her neighbors as well as the parishioners of St. John Neumann Church. “I’d like to get 150 or even 200 pairs next year,” she said. “They were so grateful,” said Kelly of the approximately 200 parishioners who came to Mass early to select a pair of shoes. “A bunch of the kids thanked me for them and their parents were so happy.” Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.
Courtesy photo by Debbie Santore
Kelly Santore sits among the 142 pairs of new shoes she collected Our Lady of the Americas Church during the summer. “I knew they needed shoes when they went back to school,” she said of the school-age parishioners of the Biscoe church.
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back to school
Back to school in diocese SCHOOLS, from page 1
Numerous staff meetings were held over the summer for new principals, new teachers and all teachers’ assistants. Additionally, all new teachers attended a religious in-service day with Mercy Sister Maureen Meehan, director of religious education in schools. “When meeting so many of the new teachers in the diocese in early August, you can’t help but be re-energized by their enthusiasm,” said Cherry. “Overall enrollment is up in the diocese again, and we expect this trend to continue,” she added. Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools saw its highest enrollment in its 14-year history, with Charlotte Catholic High School at more than double its enrollment when the MACS system began in 1992. Other Catholic schools in the diocese are growing also. A pre-kindergarten class has been added to Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte and a seventh-grade class has been added at St. Mark School in Huntersville. “What a privilege it is for our community to ensure that Catholic schools continue to flourish as centers of faith, hope and love within the Diocese of Charlotte,” said Father James Hawker, vicar of education and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill. “Our Lady of Mercy School has gotten off to a wonderful start,” said Sandra McMonagle, principal. “Open houses were well-attended, orientation of new parents eased the transition into their new school community and a second second-grade class was opened.” The new school year also features three new principals to the diocesan school system. Asheville Catholic School has Donna Gilson, formerly a teacher at Asheville Catholic; Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point has Wanda Garrett, formerly a music teacher at the school; and St. Mark School has Debbie Butler, who was previously assistant principal at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte. Broadening horizons The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) reports 34 new
Catholic schools opened during the last school year, while 123 were closed or consolidated for a net loss of 45 schools. Although the national Catholic enrollment declined by 2.7 percent during last year, 2,801 Catholic schools — more than onethird of the total — have waiting lists. Michael Guerra, NCEA president, said that the closings come at a crossroads in the history of Catholic schools. “This past year, NCEA marks its centennial celebration and is observing 100 years of U.S. Catholic education,” he said. “For more than a century, Catholic schools have been a force in the nation, providing a strong academic and Christian education for students. The loss of these schools is a significant loss for our country.” “The Charlotte Diocese is proud of our increase in enrollment and no school closings on the horizon,” said Cherry. “The Catholic community continues to grow in the diocese and that is reflected in a growing interest in our Catholic schools.” Catholic education Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte “propose to create an environment in which the teachings of Jesus are promoted and proclaimed as the basis of values they teach and uphold,” as stated on the diocesan Web site. “It is important in today’s society for students to have a safe haven to practice their religious beliefs,” said Roberta Hutchcraft, principal of Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro. “A Catholic school offers such an opportunity within an environment of excellent academic education.” “The Catholic school is a graced environment in which the participants are invited and enabled to grow in their knowledge and love of God,” said Father Hawker. “At the same time, students are assisted to cultivate their talents and gifts even as they are challenged to respond to the needs of others,” he said. “There is no doubt, then, that the Catholic school contributes uniquely to the educational mission of the Catholic Church.” Contact Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemur-
September 3, 2004
School smiles
Courtesy Photo
Sully Alvis and Anita Parker, first-graders at St. Ann School in Charlotte, pose for a photo during their first day back to school Aug. 16.
September 3, 2004
back to school
Preparing for class
New teachers learn Scripture, Catholic identity at in-service days by
SUSAN deGUZMAN correspondent
WINSTON-SALEM — Preparations for the 2004-05 Catholic school year recently brought new teachers in the diocese together. In-service workshops for teachers on Scripture and Catholic identity were held at St. Leo the Great School in WinstonSalem Aug. 5 and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Aug. 6. Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools, joined the gathering of 17 teachers at St. Leo the Great School. “Mrs. Cherry encouraged teachers in their responsibility to share the Catholic faith,” said Georgette Schraeder, principal. Danita McDonald, a workshop presenter and religion teacher at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, felt that Cherry was the real “star of the show.” “How many superintendents of school systems took the time to attend their new teacher meetings?” asked Mc-
Donald. “It was a great blessing that Mrs. Cherry could be there with us.” The in-services, organized by Mercy Sister Maureen Meehan, director of diocesan religious education in schools, featured presentations by Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Maudlin, associate professor of mathematics and religion at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. “Sister Maureen arranged a very informative program for beginning teachers to our Catholic school system, especially for those who are not Catholic,” said Mercy Sister Emma Yondura. Sister Yondura, first-grade teacher and religion coordinator at St. Leo the Great School, addressed the primary grade teachers about the Sadlier Religion Program. Similar workshops were offered at both in-services by McDonald at St. Leo the Great and by Mary Jane Dawson, campus minister at Charlotte Catholic, at Holy Trinity. The workshops addressed sixththrough 12th-grade teachers on the diocese’s youth ministry model for working
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Spirited maneuvers
Photo by Susan deGuzman
Father Johnathan Hanic (background), parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem, joins students in the Chicken Dance between a students vs. priests volleyball game at St. Leo the Great School Aug. 20. The match was part of the school’s “Olympic Spirit Games” during the first week of classes. with adolescents. McDonald and Dawson outlined the characteristics of the “Net generation” and augmented it with examples of a student-directed model for learning. Sister Meehan will hold additional
workshops for Catholic schoolteachers throughout the school year, including several simultaneous workshops with nationally known speakers at various locations in the diocese Sept. 17.
1 0 The Catholic News & Herald
back to school
Welcome back Mass
IHM athletic director receives DSA
HIGH POINT — The North Carolina Athletic Officials Association has honored Kathy Brasiskis with its 2004 Distinguished Service Award. Brasiskis, physical education and
September 3, 2004
athletic director at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, is a member of the Triad Volleyball Officials Association. She received the award for her more than 10 years of officiating middle and high school volleyball matches throughout the Triad area.
Catholic school cookout Photo by Carole McGrotty
Hands are extended during a blessing of Asheville Catholic School’s faculty and staff during a welcome back Mass at St. Eugene Church Aug. 20.
Students learn importance of being ‘blessed and by
CAROLE McGROTTY correspondent
ASHEVILLE — The back-to-school buzz was evident at Asheville Catholic School’s “welcome back” Mass for students, faculty and staff Aug. 20. During the evening Mass, the congregation extended their hands to join in the blessing of the school’s faculty and staff. Each class also chose a symbol and placed it before the altar to be blessed by Father Francis Cancro, pastor of St. Eugene Church. The symbols will be kept in each classroom to remind the students of God’s love for them. The new school year’s theme is the beatitudes — students will explore the
eight beatitudes both in and out of the classroom. In his homily, Father Cancro urged the students “to begin the school year knowing that work is blessed and happy.” “You will learn more about yourselves, your teachers; have new opportunities; make new friends; learn new things and how to show others God’s presence by showing how blessed and happy God makes all of us,” said Father Cancro. After Mass, students, parents, faculty and staff adjourned to the school cafeteria for a catered dinner.
IHM student essays win IHM students’ poetry LAOH competitions published HIGH POINT — An essay written by Austin Grant, a student at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, recently represented North Carolina at the national Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) Irish history competition. Grant’s essay on Maureen O’Hara won first place in the middle school category at the LAOH’s state competition earlier this year. Elizabeth Sheffield, also a student at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, won third place in the middle school category of the state competition for her essay on Anne McCaffrey, which was also presented at the national competition.
HIGH POINT — The poetry of seven students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School has been selected for publication in the 2004 edition of the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans. Submissions are selected based on originality, rhythmic sounds, rhymes and audience appeal. This is the 14th year the book has been printed by Anthology of Poetry, Inc. The students are Christa Dolan, Elizabeth Gooding, Hope Griffin, Katie Shank, Zachary Scott, Kara Walker and Liza Watkins. All are students of Lynn Hamilton, sixth-through-eighth-grade English teacher.
Courtesy Photo
The first day of classes at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point let out early for a backto-school cookout for students, parents and staff at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Aug. 18. The cookout, sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Organization, offered a chance for all involved to reconnect and share fellowship.
September 3, 2004
back to school
Parochial play
OLG teacher bears witness to anti-Semitism GREENSBORO — A middle school teacher at Our Lady of Grace School recently got an eye-opening look at antiSemitism. Bobbie Gaski, an arts and literature teacher at the school, participated in the five-day 2004 Bearing Witness Summer Institute in Washington, D.C., June 25-30. The institute is offered to Catholic schoolteachers to help them become better equipped to teach not only about the Holocaust, but also about the evils of prejudice, hatred and bigotry. The
Courtesy Photo
Debby Heaton’s kindergarten students enjoy their first day back at school with some fun on the playground at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem Aug. 20.
OLM student accepted to leadership and responsibility. Amanda was nominated by her fifth-grade teacher, Jean Degnan, for her academic achievements and potential leadership ability. Amanda will spend the week at the program for rising sixth- and seventh-graders and have the opportunity for leadership development, educational experiences and personal growth. She will also be able to visit national monuments and museums.
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WINSTON-SALEM — One student at Our Lady of Mercy School will soon experience a unique enrichment opportunity. Sixth-grader Amanda Gavin has been accepted to participate in the Congressional Youth Leadership Council in Washington, D.C., Oct. 16-21. The conference offers education leadership conferences for outstanding young people from across the country who exhibit strong scholastic merit, maturity
program’s objectives include understanding the core components of antiSemitism after the Holocaust, acquiring tools to recognize anti-Semitism and understanding the continued need to fight anti-Semitism. Gaski and all other Bearing Witness participants were invited to travel to Poland to visit the concentration camp sites and to participate in the Holocaust Memorial March on May 5, 2005. The trip is fully funded by the institute.
Olympics, song and fish during OLG’s first week GREENSBORO — It was a busy back-to-school week at Our Lady of Grace School. Middle school students held an Olympic celebration Aug. 25. Teams dressed in the colors of the Olympic rings and enjoyed an afternoon of tossing Frisbees, softball, relays and other tests of athletic prowess. The Olympic torch and United States flag were brought into the gymnasium by eighth-graders Ross Diachenko and Matthew Armstrong to the cheers of the participants and spectators.
The school choir, composed of second-graders and higher, performed during the opening Mass of the school year, celebrated by Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, Aug. 29. The liturgy for the Mass was provided by the eighth-grade class. Students and parents enjoyed the film “Finding Nemo” during Back-toSchool Movie Night in the cafeteria Aug. 20. A highlight of the evening, sponsored by the school’s ParentTeacher Organization, was a drawing for “Nemo’s cousin,” Nomo, a fish swimming in his own fishbowl.
Courtesy Photo
Middle-school students dress in the colors of the Olympic rings, which they form on the gymnasium of Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro Aug. 25.
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September 3, 2004
around the diocese
Divino Redentor dedicated in Boonville (Christ the King), in Yadkinville in the summer of 1982. In 1985, La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church) was established 20 miles north in Dobson. The local community converted a former housing facility for migrant workers into a church. “We are very happy and humbly proud to be here and to be part of the pioneers in this area as Catholics and Hispanics,” said Father Melo. Within a few years, the Hispanic population had grown so significantly that the parishioners of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and Christo Rey had
DEDICATION, from page
outgrown their facilities. By 2000, plans were underway for a new 18,000 square-foot facility that would serve as worship, educational and gathering space for Yadkin County’s Catholics. Twenty acres of land were purchased in Boonville, at the midpoint between Cristo Rey and Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. The $1.5 million facility was completed in January 2003 and Father Melo began celebrating Mass soon after. Following the episcopal ordination of Bishop Jugis in October 2003, the process of selecting a name for the new Hispanic center was underway. To keep in line with the largely Hispanic population, the Spanish name Divino Redentor was chosen for the church. Father Melo said the new church was designed to make the Hispanic parishioners, most of whom are natives of Mexico, feel at home. The exterior features stucco walls and a red tile roof. The crucifix and altar that adorn the church were crafted in Mexico. “We have a heavy responsibility to be a strong presence of the Catholic Church, especially by showing what is the essence of us as Catholic Christians,” said Father Melo. “We must communicate the kindness of God to each of us through the way we behave within our relationships with others.” Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.
Want more info?
For more on the history of Divino Redentor, please see the Parish Profile on page 20.
Photos by Karen A. Evans
Above: More than 600 parishioners gather outside Divino Redentor Church in Boonville dedication Mass Aug. 28. Below: Bishop Jugis annoints a church door. Divino Redentor Church was dedicated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis Aug. 21. “It’s a blessing to dedicate our church to the holy Eucharist,” said Father Fidel Melo, pastor. The establishment of Divino Redentor (Divine Redeemer) unites the mission churches of La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Dobson and Christo Rey Hispanic Center in Yadkinville. “(This church) is very important for this area,” said Gabriel Carvajal, a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte and a native of Mexico. “It is a great opportunity for Hispanics to express their faith while keeping the values of their culture.” During the two-hour bilingual Mass, more than 600 parishioners and special guests watched as Bishop Jugis blessed the church with holy water, holy chrism oil and incense, “to signify the superabundant grace and holiness of the sacrifice of Christ.” By the early 1980s, a significant number of Hispanics had arrived in Yadkin County to work in the tobacco and textile industries. This population was predominately Catholic, and the Diocese of Charlotte responded by establishing a migrant ministry, eventually named Cristo Rey
Survey: Hispanics want to keep culture while integrating into U.S. life WASHINGTON (CNS) — Many Hispanics believe that they can be a part of the U.S. mainstream and still retain a distinctive culture and language, according to a national survey. The poll of 2,288 Hispanic citizens and noncitizens showed that 83 percent view the United States as made up of many cultures. Only 10 percent agreed that “the United States has a single core Anglo-Protestant culture.” Regarding assimilation, 38 percent said it is very important for “racial and ethnic groups to change so that they blend into the larger society, as in the idea of a melting pot of cultures” and 35 percent said that such blending is somewhat important. However, 66 percent said that it is very important for Hispanics to maintain their distinct culture and 63 percent said that it is very important that future generations of U.S. Hispanics speak Spanish. The national survey, conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation to report on Hispanic political views, was based on telephone interviews conducted April 21-June 9. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percent. Roberto Suro, Pew Hispanic Center director, said the results indicate a “seeming paradox” in the willingness to blend in and the desire to maintain a distinctive culture and preserve Spanish. But these are not perceived as mutually exclusive by Hispanics, said Suro. “There is a perception that this is a country where it is possible to be in the mainstream and maintain a distinct identity,” he said. Regarding what an immigrant has to do to be part of U.S. society, 79 percent said an immigrant has to believe in the Constitution; 65 percent said vote in elections; 55 percent said speak English; and 54 percent said be a citizen. A parallel survey of all Americans showed that 92 percent believed the United States is made up of many cultures and only 5 percent said it has a single Anglo-Protestant culture.
September 3, 2004
youth in action
Labors of faith
Courtesy Photo
Clayton Strickland, a member of Boy Scout Troop 174 at St. Gabriel Church, and his father, Erving, stand in front of the prayer garden patio they constructed at Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin’s house.
Scout earns award for work at bishop emeritus’ by
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
CHARLOTTE — Clayton Strickland, a member of Boy Scout Troop 174 at St. Gabriel Church, earned his Eagle Scout award by doing some unique handiwork at Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin’s house. “My Eagle Scout project was to build and construct a prayer garden patio, including an arbor to house a statue of Mary,” said Clayton, 17, a Charlotte Catholic High School senior. In late 2002, Clayton approached Msgr. Richard Bellow about doing work at the parish to earn the award. Instead, Msgr. Bellow spoke about the “perfect project” at Bishop Curlin’s house, said Clayton. Clayton and his father, Erving, then met with Bishop Curlin. “The bishop was very open to everything. He had a few suggestions and we went from there,” said Clayton. The Scout took photographs and measurements of the backyard. In addition to doing research, Erving advised his son to discuss the project with his troop’s leaders who had assisted other Scouts with their service projects. Clayton also researched the Charlotte area to find other grottos and arbors to measure and photograph for reference. “I looked in magazines and landscaping books for inspiration and ideas on the design and layout of patios and arbors,” he said. “From our initial meeting and through my research, I attempted to incorporate in my design and plan the wishes and ideas of Bishop Curlin.” Clayton compiled the ideas and formulated a plan. “I developed a three-dimensional computer generated model of the project and presented it to Bishop Curlin for his approval,” said Clayton. “From there, I set out to compile a list of materials and contact people to assist on the project.”
The enterprising teen-ager gathered volunteers at troop meetings. “I sought the advice of Eagle Scouts from our troop, whom I have helped previously, for assistance with my project,” he said. With his team assembled, Clayton served on the project as organizer and leader of the other Scouts, making sure everyone was assigned a task that fit his ability. “I was responsible for making sure that the tasks were being completed in a safe, satisfactory and efficient manner,” he said. Clayton had planned to complete the project by September 2003. But the project’s scale increased along with other challenges, such as coordinating schedules. In the end, the project, completed in January 2004, cost almost $2,000 and involved more than 300 hours of labor. Clayton, who plans to become an officer in the U.S. military, didn’t mind all the hard work. “My life purpose is to help others,” he said. “I have learned from firsthand experience that a strong faith and family on which you can depend are most critical to personal happiness and the inner strength to face all of life’s challenges.” Clayton is proud of his project, and said the bishop has received many compliments on his handiwork. “The final appearance of the grotto has greatly added to the beauty of the backyard,” he said. “The project is the focal point of the backyard and can been seen from any of the windows at the back of the house, especially the living room through the glass doors. “It is very durable and will last for many years,” he added. “It turned out better than we could have imagined.” Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.
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Culture Watch
A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more
Irish cardinal says action needed to prevent by CIAN MOLLOY catholic news service
DUBLIN, Ireland — Effective action must be taken soon at the international, national and local levels to prevent an environmental catastrophe and growing interracial conflicts, said retired Cardinal Cahal Daly of Armagh, Northern Ireland. Speaking at the launch of his new book, “The Minding of Planet Earth,” in Belfast Aug. 23, the cardinal said: “Much of what has been done up to now is mere tokenism, given the scale of looming crisis. There must be changes of life and lifestyle, and these do not come without cost.” “Life in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant to the survival
of life on this planet, as much as it is relevant to the salvation of souls,” he said. “Christian conversion and ecological ‘conversion’ converge.” The book has been in development for a long time, the cardinal said in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service. “My interest began when teaching philosophy in Queens,” he said, referring to the 21 years he spent as a lecturer in scholastic philosophy at Queen’s University, Belfast, before becoming a bishop in 1967. “My interest increased when I became bishop, because of my pastoral duties,” he said. “I was very concerned during my ministry about the problem of poverty and the link between poverty and violence in Northern Ireland.” The cardinal said poor people are not violent, but when people perceive themselves as excluded from society or that society is hostile or an enemy to them,
it is easier for those who wish to foment violence to find an audience. The cardinal said he takes Pope John Paul II’s 1990 World Day of Peace message as a call for “positive action,” and that message motivated him to write his book. He said he could not begin writing regularly until his retirement in October 1996. “There was a great deal of reading, preparation and reflection required,” the cardinal said. In his book, the cardinal argues that religion and science are not incompatible. “Contemporary culture has inherited a centuries-old mind-set, to the effect that religion, and specifically Christianity, is inherently hostile to science,” he said at the book launch. “My book questions this mind-set. It contends that, on the contrary, Christianity made a vital contribution to the birth of modem science.” The cardinal said the last chapter of his book challenges the idea that humans have been given dominion over the planet. “Men and women are stewards, not masters, of the universe. They are given a duty to care for the planet, not a plunderer’s license. Stewardship implies justice within and between nations, and especially between rich and poor nations, and between rich and poor citizens within the same nation,” he said.
English edition of pope’s book due in U.S. bookstores Sept. 28 NEW YORK (CNS) — “Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way,” the English edition of Pope John Paul II’s latest book, is due in U.S. bookstores at the end of September. The book is an autobiographical reflection on the pope’s 20 years as a bishop in communist Poland, from 1958 to 1978. Released in the original Polish and several other languages on the pope’s 84th birthday May 18, the book’s title was originally translated into English as “Get Up, Let Us Go.” The book goes on sale Sept. 28.
WORD TO LIFE
Sunday Scripture Readings: sept. 12, 2004
Sept. 12. Twentyfourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C Readings: 1) Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 2) 1 Timothy 1:12-17 3) Gospel: Luke 15:1-32 by JEAN DENTON catholic news service
I hadn’t thought much about John since he dropped out of the confirmation program months ago. But when I saw his mom after Mass the other day, the mixed emotions he’d left me with, the parish youth director, all came back. For the first two years of high school, John had been excited about his growing relationship with God. He was active in youth ministry and emerging as a leader among his peers. Encouraged in his faith journey by both adults and youth, who described him as “on fire” with his faith, he was chosen for the leadership team of a diocesan retreat program. Then he slipped away. He dropped out of religious education class and quit the retreat team because of work (to pay for a car) and athletics. Then he decided he didn’t need to be confirmed. He never talked
to me about it — he e-mailed. In his chip-on-the-shoulder complaint about confirmation, he said he didn’t need the church’s approval of his faith or the tiresome classes in which he learned nothing new. I immediately fired back that he hadn’t learned anything in class because obviously he’d never listened to the discussions about sacrament and church, as his ill-informed comments demonstrated. I deleted the message without sending it. It was just emotion, written out of my angry disappointment that we had failed to reach him. Not two days later, another youth minister asked about him, and we wondered what had pulled John away from our community. As I said the words, “I don’t think we’ll get him back,” I had the feeling I was abandoning an innocent young man. And when I said, “At least not anytime soon,” I sensed that I was failing to trust God’s desire for John’s companionship. Today, I read the Scripture passages for this commentary and saw the angry, disappointed Old Testament God at first desiring to punish his people for giving his invitation a cold shoulder. Then I saw Jesus, the New Covenant, lovingly doing whatever it takes to bring in the lost sheep. Finally, I saw the senior class, and me — going to find John.
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of September 5 - September 11 Sunday (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Wisdom 9:13-18, Philemon 9-10, 12-17, Luke 14:25-33; Monday, 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Luke 6:1219; Wednesday (Nativity of Mary), Micah 5:1-4, Matthew 1:18-23; Thursday (St. Peter Claver), 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13, Luke 6:27-38; Friday, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27, Luke 2:39-42; Saturday, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Luke 6:43-49 Scripture for the week of September 12 - September 18 Sunday (Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-32; Monday (St. John Chrysostom), 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday (Exaltation of the Holy Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Wednesday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13, John 19:25-27; Thursday (St. Cornelius, St. Cyprian), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 7:36-50; Friday (St. Robert Bellarmine), 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday, 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49, Luke 8:4-15
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September 3, 2004
A ‘Hero’ of a movie
Film calls Bush presidency ‘most by TRACY EARLY catholic news service
CNS photo from Miramax
Zhang Ziyi stars in a scene from “Hero,” a stunning tale set in war-torn ancient China. Combining spectacular martial arts sequences with multilayered storytelling, “Hero” is dramatically involving and imparts a strong anti-violence message. Recurring martial arts violence, an implied sexual encounter and a ritual suicide. Subtitles. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
NEW YORK — A new film about the religious life of President George W. Bush calls his presidency “the most faithbased administration in American history.” “George W. Bush: Faith in the White House,” offered for preview by reporters and delegates at the Republican National Convention in New York, is advertised as “an alternative program” to Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11.” At a press conference and showing Aug. 30, producer/director David W. Balsiger of Loveland, Colo., said he decided to do the film because Bush “seemed to be walking the talk of his faith more than others.” He did not consult anybody in the Bush administration, he said. Balsiger said people in the Christian community wanted to know if Bush actually lived the faith he professed, and felt more comfortable when they learned the president was a man who began his day with prayer and Bible reading, and who
was a “caring and compassionate person.” Janet Parshall, a Washington-based talk-show host, narrates the film, and declares Bush’s view of the role of religion is “right in line with the Founding Fathers.” The official release date is Oct. 5, but Balsiger said the film would be shown at the American Film Renaissance film festival Sept. 10-12 in Dallas. It is also available for sale in DVD and VHS formats. Balsiger, who said he had done 85 biblical programs as well as other “familyfriendly shows,” described himself as a “secular commercial” producer. But he said he attended Resurrection Fellowship, a congregation of the Assemblies of God, and an independent congregation, Crossroads Church. Financing for the film, estimated at nearly $400,000, was put up by Ted and Audrey Beckett, land developers in Colorado Springs. There, Balsiger said, he attends New Life Church, a congregation led by the Rev. Ted Haggard. Rev. Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, is among numerous individuals the film shows commenting favorably on Bush’s religious life. Balsiger said that although some presidents had depended on one religious adviser, Bush drew on the counsel of many, including Rev. Haggard. Expressing a desire to maximize impact on the election, Balsiger said the film would be shown on Christian TV stations in September and October, and a marketing effort was under way to get it into each of the nation’s churches for viewing in connection with the presidential campaign. He expects to sell a million DVDs, he said. It was produced under the auspices of Grizzly Adams Productions, a company named for an NBC-TV series it once produced and plans to revive. The film emphasizes the change in Bush from the time he was a heavy drinker to his later decision to give up that and other bad habits such as cursing. But it also stresses his inner religious change. In an opening scene, “George W. Bush: Faith in the White House” shows candidate Bush saying his favorite philosopher was Christ and explaining that “he changed my heart.” According to the film, a 1984 meeting with a visiting evangelist in Midland, Texas, was the beginning of Bush’s “bornagain Christian experience.” The experience culminated the following year, the story continues, in a meeting with the Rev. Billy Graham at the Bush family home at Kennebunkport, Maine. During a walk on the beach, Rev. Graham reportedly asked Bush, “Are you right with God?” and got the answer, “No, but I want to be.” Calling Bush’s religious commitment today a “tough faith,” Parshall concludes in the film that Christians should engage in the religious and cultural conflicts of the 21st century, and will prevail “if we all join our faith to his.”
1 6 The Catholic News & Herald
culture watch
September 3, 2004
Depiction of religion on TV goes in cycles, says newspaper TV critic by CHUCK MOODY catholic news service
THIS MONTH IN —1992 Nine churches in the Asheville Vicariate celebrated 500 years of evangelization in the Americas during a special prayer service and veneration at St. Lawrence Church Sept. 13, 1992. The service featured the Quincentenary Cross, a replica of the cross that Christopher Columbus planted in San Salvador in 1942, and which subsequently was carried to every island and the mainland by Spanish explorers and missionaries.
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PITTSBURGH — Everything in television goes in cycles, and that includes the depiction of religion and the religious lives of TV characters, said Rob Owen, TV editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Sometimes we can find it in the most unlikely of places,” said Owen of religious content on series. “For instance, that episode of ‘The West Wing’ ... entitled ‘Two Cathedrals,’ where President (Josiah) Bartlet is cursing at God inside the National Cathedral in Latin,” he said. “A powerful scene.” “It dealt with religion in a way that real people deal with it,” Owen said. “Real people get angry at God. Real people have doubts about God. But too often on television you don’t see that depicted. Instead, you see the saccharine ‘Touched by an Angel’ quasi-spiritual element of purported relationships with God.” “There are ways that religion deals with TV that are both obvious and simplistic, and perhaps not as obvious and a little more complex,” he said. Owen, who also is the lead TV writer for Scripps-Howard News Service, said TV shows tend to deal more with spirituality and less with religion. “‘Joan of Arcadia’ doesn’t really deal with a religion specifically,” he said. “It deals more with an idea of God that comes out of probably Judeo-Christian tradition, but it deals more with God than it does with the idea of organized religion
certainly.” “‘Joan,’ though, is a show that actually has a little of both ways,” he said. “It’s often a feel-good show, but it’s not saccharine sweet like ‘Touched by an Angel.’ Therefore, because of that, I actually think that makes it a little more relatable. The idea of seeing God’s influence on people’s lives is more in line with what some people actually can experience than (to) have someone appear to them claiming to be an angel.” In addition to “Joan of Arcadia” and “The West Wing,” Owen said other television series that have had at least somewhat of a religious theme from time to time include: “7th Heaven” on the WB, “The Sopranos” on the HBO pay-cable channel, “The O.C.” on Fox and “NYPD Blue” on ABC. He said he knew of no new series on the fall schedule in which religion is a recurring theme. Owen said he tends to pay more attention to how prime-time entertainment shows cover religion than how broadcast network news shows do. However, the news media in general tend to cover religion more from a “what’s wrong” rather than a “what’s right” perspective, he said. “To some degree, that’s the definition of news,” Owen said. “When something’s right, you don’t report it. When something’s wrong, that’s what makes it news.”
September 3, 2004
in the news
Nurse sees other side of Iraq prison NURSE, from page 1
I’m able to change the views of a few that keeps me going out here.” One of her worst experiences was on April 20, when insurgents hit the prison with a mortar attack. She and her fellow doctors and nurses escaped injury, but 22 detainees were killed and 93 injured. “I have never seen so much blood in my life,” she said. Steinmetz admits to being homesick, but sees continued importance in her work in Iraq. “It’s imperative,” she said, “to stay
and finish the job we started.” “Americans do not realize all that is being done out here because the media only focuses on the bad,” she said. “They need to realize that the Iraqis are finally getting a choice. ... We need to provide support for the Iraqis until they are ready to do that for themselves.” Her parents, Tom and Debbie Steinmetz, said their daughter has always been compassionate and quick to put empathy into action. They said she spent her first summer after nursing school as a nurse in the Dominican Republic, helping provide health services
prison outside Baghdad, Iraq, there’s another story as well, says 1st Lt. Deanna Steinmetz, an Army nurse stationed there. The Abu Ghraib story that everybody knows, of course, is that of American soldiers, some of whom now face prosecution, taunting and abusing naked prisoners. Photos of the abuse shocked the world when they were published in May. Steinmetz, 24, who comes from Holy Angels Church in Basehor, Kan., said there are also stories of hope from Abu Ghraib. She is part of Task Force Oasis, a medical unit from the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Wurtz-
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burg, Germany, which was deployed to Iraq early this year to serve the medical needs of the prisoners and guards at Abu Ghraib. While many Iraqi prisoners openly express their hatred of Americans, Steinmetz said in an e-mail interview with The Leaven, Kansas City archdiocesan newspaper, that she went to Iraq with a commitment to treat those prisoners just as she would any other patient — with concern and professionalism. She said it wasn’t easy at first, especially since she knew that many of the prisoners had possibly targeted — and maybe even killed — U.S. soldiers. “My Catholic faith definitely has guided me through this experience,” said Steinmetz, a nursing school graduate of Jesuit-run Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She said that after she arrived in Iraq she had many talks with her chaplain and e-mail discussions with her former pastor at Holy Angels, Father Anthony Williams, reflecting on her work with the prisoners. “I realized that it is not my position to judge these people,” she said. And it’s paid surprising dividends. She recalled the time an Abu Ghraib prisoner was brought to the intensive care ward vomiting blood. “I got a washcloth, started dabbing his forehead, and wiped the tears from his eyes — as my mom would do for me when I was sick,” Steinmetz said. “The patient started saying, ‘I will never forget this. ... No, no, I will not forget.’” In mid-June, she said, a 30-yearold Iraqi man injured by U.S. troops was brought to the prison’s hospital with wounds to his abdomen, back and left arm. Despite the fact that the surgery was not yet completed when the anesthesia wore off, the Iraqi profusely thanked Steinmetz and her fellow nurses for the good care he had received. “He kept saying, ‘I love America,’ and ‘America is good,’” Steinmetz said. “Just a few weeks ago, he disliked the United States enough to harm us, but now he’s praising us. It is knowing that
1 8 The Catholic News & Herald
September 3, 2004
Perspectives
A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints
Jesus, Father Wally and Auntie Mame On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. Isaiah 25: 6-8 I would venture to say that few of you have heard of Father Wally McGowan. Father Wally, who died Aug. 14 at the age of 81, was both a friend and a mentor to me when I was living in Miami. He was a man of unconventional wisdom who had a spirituality which, though seemingly simple, revealed a remarkable depth. He was a man who enjoyed life and found beauty in all things. On Gaudete and Laetare Sunday, he wore not only a rose chasuble, its removal would reveal a pink liturgical shirt and a pair of pink socks. There are many things I will remember about him, but the one that stays in my mind deals with a homily he once delivered. When preaching on the heavenly banquet passage from Isaiah, he opened with a line that Rosalind Russell delivers in the film “Auntie Mame”: “Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!” So what does this have to do with evangelization? Everything. For me, this line captures not only the spirit of a dear priest friend who embraced life in all its artistic splendor, it also captures one of the great, yet easily ignored, truths about our faith: God’s overabundant love is truly good news for everyone, yet so many people don’t realize this. Our challenge is to bring this good news to everyone — but first we must believe it ourselves. For me, evangelization is about sharing the joy of our faith; relishing the fact that God’s inclusive love is unconditional, and inviting others to experience the fullness of joy God offers us. Yet so many people choose to starve. We can begin to look at these “starving suckers” in our pews and I bet we will find many who are there out of duty or obligation, worshipping a God who is “keeping tabs” on what we do and waiting to punish our minute faults, instead of one who, as Jesus proclaims in John 10:10, offers us fullness of life. As Pope Paul VI affirmed and Pope John Paul II has echoed, “the church begins the work of evangelization by evangelizing herself.” We can then look outward to those who have not fully heard the good news of the Gospel message. Perhaps they have not heard of God’s love through
FRANK VILLARONGA Guest Columnist the divine plan of salvation. More importantly, perhaps they have not witnessed the inclusiveness of God’s love because all they have seen or heard from the church or its members is condemnation. Our task is to mirror the compassion we have received while staying true to Gospel values. Evangelization, in this case, consists not only of preaching, but also of living out our faith. We can continue to look and find those who are unable to live the abundant life of the good news because they are enslaved through some of the many evils and injustices in society. In this case, our task is to remove those shackles which society itself creates. Put another way, the goals of evangelization, as stated by the U.S. bishops in the document “Go and Make Disciples,” include: to bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others; to invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith; to foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family and the common good of our society so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ. At times the task may seem daunting; however, it makes sense when one remembers Jesus’ parable about the king who gives a feast in which the invited guests turn down the invitation and refuse to attend. He then orders his servants to invite all those out in the streets. I often wonder why someone would turn down the invitation, yet marvel at how the banquet is not cancelled, but rather other guests are sought out and found. Such is the love of God — he does not want all those “poor suckers” to starve, but, rather, to enjoy the fullness of life which he offers. It is a lesson that Jesus taught, Auntie Mame proclaimed and Father Wally lived. Frank Villaronga is the director of evangelization and ministry formation in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Pope says people lose human dignity by worshiping false idols by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service
VATICAN CITY — Anyone who worships the idols of wealth, power and success loses human dignity, said Pope John Paul II. “He who turns to the vanity of idols is transformed to become like that which he worships, becoming stone,” the pope said Sept. 1 at his weekly general audience. The pope was driven from his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo to hold the audience in the Vatican’s air-conditioned Paul VI hall. The Vatican hall allows for more pilgrims to attend the public audience while the smaller, outdoor courtyard in Castel Gandolfo holds just a few thousand people. In his catechesis, the pope focused on Psalm 115, which speaks of “the greatness and goodness of the true God.” The psalm compares the pagan gods which “speak not ... see not ... and hear not” with the living God of the people of Israel.
The Pope Speaks POPE JOHN PAUL II
Lifeless idols do not intercede to help their believers while those faithful to the Lord “know they have in the living God their help and their shield,” the pope said. The Lord is “the omnipotent creator” of heaven and earth, “love and truth” are his virtues, and “the cosmos and history are under his sovereignty of love and salvation,” he said. Even though “idolatry is a temptation for all of humanity in every place and at every time,” those who look to the one true God “receive the characteristics of the divine and the strength to reject the enticement of worldly idols,” said the pope.
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September 3, 2004
A crisis of awareness raise their awareness of the cry for help from Africa. The September Sunday Gospel readings have the common theme that, in order to be faithful disciples and gain God’s favor, we must use our possessions in a just and compassionate fashion. In the Gospel parable of Lazarus (Sunday, Sept. 26), Jesus teaches us that our surplus resources are to be used in service to the poor as called for by the Law of Moses. On Sept. 10, Father Robert J. Vitillo will speak at the Just Second Fridays program at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. In addition to being the executive director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Father Vitillo serves as the special advisor on HIV/AIDS for Caritas Internationalis (a federation of Catholic social service and development organizations). He will speak on the topic “Looking at the HIV/AIDS Epidemic through the Lens of Catholic Social Teaching.” Please come and learn more about the HIV/ AIDS crisis in Africa. Joe Purello is the director of the Office of Justice and Peace of Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte. Want to Go? September’s Just Second Fridays will be 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, at St. Peter Church (Annex) in Charlotte.
Guest Column JOE PURELLO Director, Office of Justice & Peace reach for most African nations. The disease has decreased economic production, created a demographic surge in orphans throughout Africa, and exhausted government resources that could have been spent on education, sanitation, and other public services. While most Americans are aware that AIDS in Africa is a very serious problem and agree that the United States should offer support to address HIV/ AIDS there, a June 13-23, 2002 poll by the Kaiser Foundation/Washington Post/Harvard Poll revealed that 50 percent of Americans feel the United States is spending either too much (16 percent) or about the right amount (34 percent) to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in developing countries (with 20 percent saying they did not know). This same poll reported that 56 percent of Americans also believe the United States spends too much on overall foreign aid, and 22 percent think the right amount of foreign aid is being distributed. Given the need for a far greater response to address the extent of poverty, disease, suffering and conflict in Africa, the wealthier nations of this world must
The fifth commandment images, the commandments are in fact similar to the general human experience we find echoed in the laws of other ancient communities. A society whose members routinely lie, murder, violate marriages, steal or destroy another’s property or reputation will soon destroy itself. The fifth commandment must be understood in that context. When ancient Hebrews killed a rebellious slave, for example, or killed another in revenge for killing one’s relative, it was not considered immoral. Just as the commandment itself was meant to protect human life in Israelite society, so murder was not a private affair; it weakened the whole Hebrew community, and in the name of that community could be avenged. What is forbidden, therefore, is all killing that is not explicitly authorized within the framework of God’s commands. The commandment has no direct connection, for example, with killing animals, killing enemies in war or capital punishment. I hope it doesn’t need saying that our attitude, at least as Christians, toward these latter killings has gone far beyond ancient Israel. The teaching, example and laws imposed on us by Jesus Christ drastically change the way we see our obligations to our human brothers and
Q. Is the proper translation of the fifth commandment “Thou shalt not kill” or “Thou shalt not murder”? An evangelist was answering a question of whether God condones war or not. The actual commandment, he said, was not to murder. I never heard that, but thought about it much when I was in the Marines. (Illinois) A. The commandment, as passed down in Hebrew tradition, probably does mean murder, the deliberate immoral killing of another human being. First of all, to claim it prohibits all killing would fly against what were understood as the teachings of God throughout Old Testament times. Killing animals (ritually or for food) and sometimes even humans (in war, tribal retribution, etc.) often was seen as not only approved but required. There is more to it than that, however. The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) did not make up the whole body of law for the Jews. For example, they do not touch on many personal moral responsibilities. Rather they focus on actions that protect the needs and good of the community, the violation of which could injure the covenant between God and his people or between the people themselves. Thus, apart from the obligation to keep the Sabbath and the prohibition of
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is at the forefront of keeping our nation’s leaders aware of the atrocities and humanitarian crisis taking place in the Darfur region of western Sudan (go to www. catholicrelief.org for up-to-date information). CRS estimates that this crisis has displaced 1.2 million people and that total deaths exceed 50,000. The death toll could increase exponentially if the refugees do not receive essential food supplies and medicines, clean water and shelter, and if the killing does not stop. The horror that is taking place in Sudan is racist, systematic and targets the innocent. The situation threatens to destabilize the entire region of northcentral Africa. The nation of Chad, one of the poorest nations in the world, has already received nearly 200,000 refugees. Even though the crisis in Darfur has been raging for many months, as of mid-July 2004, a majority of Americans were unaware of the situation. A national poll conducted July 9-15 by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland revealed some startling results. Asked how much they had heard about the situation in Darfur, Sudan, “where there is a conflict between the local black African Darfuris and the central government, dominated by Arabs,” only 14 percent said “some or a lot,” 28 percent said “not very much” and 56 percent said “nothing at all.” Another crisis facing Africa is the epidemic of HIV/AIDS. Nearly 30 million Africans are infected with HIV/ AIDS (70 percent of people infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide) and the disease kills more than 2 million people a year in Africa. Medicines widely available in well-to-do nations are financially out of
Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist sisters as common children of God. In addition, we have learned much in human society over the centuries about other, more humane and effective ways of dealing with human wrongdoing than resorting to “an eye for an eye.” It is revealing that the United States is now the only country in the developed, civilized world that still imposes the death penalty. It is, others have discovered, not only inhuman, but counterproductive. As you likely have discovered, there are several forms of enumerating the Ten Commandments, mostly based rather loosely on the two major listings in the Hebrew Scriptures, Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. In Roman Catholic tradition the prohibition against killing is No. 5. For other Christians, including most Protestants and ancient and modern Greek churches, that commandment is No. 6.
The pain of painkillers Faith & the GLENMARY FATHER JOHN S. RAUSCH Danny knew pain most of his life from a chronic ear disease. He found relief with antibiotics, but he lived with a dull pain inside his head. In 1990, he suffered a gunshot wound and his doctor prescribed a pill containing the opiate oxycodone to treat the pain. The painkiller unwittingly gave Danny his ticket to a life-long roller coaster ride. When the medicine wore off, the pain returned, and with it came Danny’s eightyear quest for more and better painkillers. As his addiction advanced, Danny visited doctors seeking painkillers for one malady after another — stomach trouble, insomnia, ear pain, the gunshot wound, vertebrae or nerve problems. In his final hours, Danny locked himself in the bathroom and snorted OxyContin, a potent time-released oxycodone hydrochloride. Then with a single blast from his hunting rifle, Danny administered his last painkiller. Nearly a half million people in 2000 — 43 percent of those coming to hospital emergency rooms from drug overdoses — were treated for misusing prescription drugs. Federal statistics in 2002 estimated that 6.2 million Americans misused prescription drugs, compared to 2 million misusing cocaine and 700,000 misusing ecstasy. Part of the increase of prescription drug use lies with the pharmaceutical firms whose relentless marketing creates an appetite for the promised nirvana of pain-free living. The largest drug companies now spend nearly three times more money marketing and promoting their products than doing basic research and development. In today’s medical climate, patients expect a pill to relieve their pain. The culture of instant gratification seizes on the allusion of pain-free living to deny the life struggle from birth through death. Given that harsh pain might require chemical intervention, an increasing number of folks are seeking holistic alternatives to drugs with their unwanted side effects and possible addiction. Judy, a woman with severe allergies, quit western medicine for acupuncture and herb therapy. Jeanie, with lupus, found pain relief through foot and hand massage. Agnetta, suffering acute pain from lymphadema, abandoned morphine for reflexology, the application of alternating pressure causing a physiological change in the body. Alternative folks train themselves to accept the daily pain of life by visioning a serene place without pain rather than sedating themselves with chemicals. Treating pain apparently requires a balance between mind, body and spirit.
September 3, 2004
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PARISH PROFILE
Two united churches serve growing Catholic community
Divino Redentor/Divine Redeemer Catholic Church 209 Lon Ave. Boonville, N.C. 27011 (704) 531-8471 Vicariate: Boone Pastor: Father Fidel Melo Deacon: Father Mr. Harold Markle Number of Parishioners: 1,500
Photo by Karen A. Evans
Divino Redentor Church, the only Catholic church in Yadkin County, is the spiritual home for Yadkin County’s 2,100 Catholics, as well at a cultural “home away from home” for its 1,800 Hispanic parishioners. During the 1980s, a significant number of Hispanics arrived in Yadkin County, northwest of Winston-Salem, as migrants working in the tobacco industry. This population was predominately Catholic, and the Diocese of Charlotte responded by establishing a migrant ministry, eventually named Cristo Rey (Christ the King), in Yadkinville in the summer of 1982 to serve families in Yadkin and south Surry counties. The four Catholic parishes of Winston-Salem — Our Lady of Mercy, St. Leo the Great, St. Benedict the Moor and Our Lady of Fatima — founded the ministry in a joint effort. In 1985, La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church) was established 20 miles north in Dobson. The local community converted a former housing facility for migrant workers into a church. Although the structure had no running water and relied on kerosene heater for warmth, it was utilized as the church for
eight years. Father Joseph J. Waters, a pioneer in ministry to Hispanics in the Diocese of Charlotte, was appointed director of diocesan migrant ministry in 1982. He led a search for Spanish-speaking priests to celebrate Mass for the Hispanic communities in the western Piedmont. For several years, the Hispanic community of the Yadkinville area gathered in the American Legion Hall in nearby East Bend for Masses. By 1986, the growth of Hispanics in the area prompted the Diocese of Charlotte to purchase a former hardware store just south of Yadkinville to provide a permanent pastoral center for the local community. Father Joseph Mack, then-pastor of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro, celebrated the first Mass in the hardware-store church July 8, 1990. In August, Franciscan Sister Andrea Inkrott was hired as director of the center, and in December then-Bishop John. F. Donoghue blessed the facility, giving it
Father Fidel Melo
the name Cristo Rey. The number of migrant families permanently settling the Yadkinville area continued to rise. By 1995, the number of people attending Sunday liturgies was such that some worshippers were forced to stand on the porch or outside on the property. Cristo Rey served as a church and as a place of assisting Hispanics by offering interpretation and translation needs, English classes and cultural and practical orientation. Franciscan Sister Linda Scheckelhoff joined the Cristo Rey staff in August 1992, and also assisted in Hispanic ministry with Father Waters in nearby Dobson and Wilkesboro. For the next several years, they promoted lay leadership, participation in lay ministry and formation of small Christian communities. An acre of land and a building that once housed a restaurant were purchased along Route 601 south of Dobson. The Hispanic community renovated the building, and on
Dec. 12, 1993, members gathered for the first Mass celebrated there. Msgr. John McSweeney, then-diocesan administrator, blessed and dedicated the chapel in January 1994. Mass attendance increased with the dedication of the new church facility, and a faith formation program was begun for children. Father Waters worked diligently with migrant settled families in the area, traveling to Dobson to celebrate Saturday evening Mass, visiting families, preparing parishioners for the sacraments and transporting members to and from the church. Soon, the Hispanic population outgrew both the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and Cristo Rey facilities. Both communities commenced plans to unite the two parishes and construct a new church between the two existing centers of worship. By 2000, plans were underway for a new 18,000 square-foot facility that would serve as worship, educational and gathering space for Yadkin County’s Catholics. Twenty acres of land were purchased in Boonville, at the midpoint between Dobson and Yadkinville. The new church was designed to make the Hispanic parishioners, most of whom are natives of Mexico, feel at home. The exterior features stucco walls and a red tile roof. The crucifix and altar that adorn the church were crafted in Mexico. The $1.5 million facility was completed in January 2003 and Father Fidel Melo, pastor, began celebrating Mass soon after. Following the episcopal ordination of Bishop Peter J. Jugis in October 2003, the process of selecting a name for the new Hispanic center was underway. To keep in line with the largely Hispanic population, the Spanish name Divino Redentor (Divine Redeemer) was chosen for the church. On Aug. 21, 2004, Bishop Jugis formally dedicated the church in the presence of nearly 600 worshippers during a Mass celebrated in English and Spanish. Father Melo says Divino Redentor will strive to be a spiritual home to Yadkin County’s 2,000 Catholics as well as making its Mexican parishioners feel at home in North Carolina.