Sept. 9, 2005

September 9, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Year of the Eucharist

Special four-page pullout guide to the Eucharistic Congress Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI SEPTEMBER 9, 2005

| PageS 7 - 10 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

From hurricane to hope

Eucharistic Congress offers prayer, reflection, stewardship

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Hurricane Katrina left in her Category 4 wake as many as 1 million people without homes, jobs or schools.

As great as the need is, Americans, including many in the Diocese of Charlotte, have responded with overwhelming swiftness and generosity.

As of Sept. 6, more than 145,000 evacuees were being housed by the American Red Cross in 580 shelters in 17 states. Hundreds of evacuees have arrived over the past several days in North Carolina.

by

Staff Photo

Many gather for anniversary of St. Mary by

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

SYLVA — As Bishop Peter J. Jugis spoke about Christ as the light of the world, St. Mary Church brightened as sunlight flooded in, like a blessing on the church’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

Just 50 years ago to the day, on Aug. 30, 1955, and 16 years before the Diocese of Charlotte was established, Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh dedicated St. Mary Church.

See ANNIVERSARY, page

DAVID HAINS

special to the catholic news & herald

See KATRINA, page 5

Shining forth

no. 41

Something for everyone

N.C. Catholics aid Hurricane Katrina victims near and far by

vOLUME 14

Trey Katner-Grass, whose family took refuge in Charlotte last week, gets acquainted with his new classmates at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. The New Orleans home that the Katner-Grasses had moved into less than a month ago was under water.

CHARLOTTE — The first Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte will be a time of prayer, contemplation and stewardship.

Thousands of Catholics from throughout the Carolinas and as far away as Florida and Maryland are expected to attend the events in and around the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 23-24.

A highlight of the congress will be the eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte.

The monstrance to be carried

by Bishop Peter J. Jugis was See CONGRESS, page 6

‘Many hands make Mercy’ New Our Lady of Mercy Church dedicated by

ments were donated or made by its parishioners.

“This is a parish where people like to get involved ... not sitting back and letting others do things,” said Conventual Franciscan Father William Robinson, pastor.

When Bishop Peter J. Jugis led a procession of nearly 1,000 parishioners into the new 750-seat church Aug. 28, the work of Our Lady of Mercy’s devoted parishioners could be seen throughout the church.

The hardwood floor of the sanctuary was donated and laid

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

WINSTON-SALEM — There’s a saying that is often heard around Our Lady of Mercy Church: “Many hands make mercy.” With the unveiling of the parish’s new church, that phrase is certainly true.

Not only did the parish commit to raising the $9.7 million needed for construction of a new church and renovation of Our Lady of Mercy School, much of the church’s adorn-

Photo by Karen A. Evans

See MERCY, page 11

Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy Church exchange the sign of peace during the dedication Mass Aug. 28.

Vocations

Culture Watch

Perspectives

Five new seminarians; priests/ seminarians gather for cookout

Scripture readings; nun protests ‘Da Vinci Code’ movie

End-of-life issues, part 2; unborn pain; Question Corner

| Page 4

| Page 12

| Pages 14-15

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

September 9, 2005

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

Catholic official calls number of uninsured a ‘moral injustice’

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The number of people without health insurance is “a moral injustice that must end,” said Michael Rodgers, interim president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, commenting on newly released U.S. Census Bureau figures.

The bureau’s annual report on income, poverty and health insurance coverage, released Aug. 30, showed that the nation’s poverty rate increased for the fourth year in a row, from 35.9 million people in 2003 to 37 million people in 2004.

Last year, the number of people without health insurance was 45.8 million, an increase of 800,000 from the previous year, but the percentage of people without health insurance remained at 15.7 percent.

Rodgers said the overall increase in the uninsured is particularly “unconscionable” because he said many of the newly uninsured are infants and toddlers.

Beading faith

Diocesan planner BOONE VICARIATE SPARTA — St. Frances of Rome Church, Hendrix and Highlands Rds., sponsors the Oratory of Divine Love Prayer Group in the parish house the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 1 p.m. Call (336) 372-8846 for more information.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CNS photo by Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier

John Rapp, a parishioner of St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, N.Y., repairs rosaries in the basement workshop of his Perinton home July 13. Rapp has been volunteering to repair and restore rosaries for five Rochester-area parishes over the last three years.

CHARLOTTE — A Blood Drive will take place at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Sept. 11, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m. in the family room of the Parish Center. To register, call Ed Nenninger at (704) 366-6637.

Rochester man is unofficial rosary repairman for five

CHARLOTTE — New Creation Monastery invites you beg God’s mercy on our hurting world Sept 11 at 10:30 a.m. Also, we will celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Both events take place at New Creation Monastery, 11517 Spreading Oak Ln. For more information, call Father John Vianney Hoover at (704) 541-5026.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) — Members of St. Patrick’s Church in Victor occasionally leave their old, broken rosaries at the parish office. Although these rosaries may be tarnished and missing links or crucifixes, they are treasured nonetheless and often have a great deal of sentimental value and memories attached to them.

John Rapp will stop by, pick up the rosaries and bring them to his home. There he’ll fix whatever is wrong with them before returning them to the parish office, where their owners reclaim them.

“This is something I do because I feel it should be done,” said Rapp, who belongs to St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport. “I felt there was a need for it, and I want to encourage people to use and say the rosary as requested by Our Lady of Fatima.”

Many Catholics cherish their rosaries because they were a gift from a loved one or handed down from previous generations, Rapp said.

For this reason, Rapp began repairing rosaries for Rochester-area Catholics in September 2002. He is now the unofficial rosary repairman for his own parish

and four others.

Every so often — especially around May and October — these parishes will run small announcements letting parishioners know they can bring broken rosaries to the parish offices. The announcement also asks parishioners to donate rosaries to be used for parts.

Although Rapp has heard about a number of parish groups that make new rosaries, he’s not aware of anyone else in the diocese who repairs them, a fact he’d like to change. In fact, Rapp said he’s willing to teach his craft to anyone who’s interested and committed to repairing rosaries at his or her parish.

“This is not a hobby; it’s a commitment. They’re taking on the job of repairing all the broken rosaries of their parish, not this week and next week, but on and on and on,” he said.

Rapp has repaired between 150 and 200 rosaries since he took on this commitment nearly three years ago. There have been instances where he’s had six rosaries to work on in his house at one time.

In the past three years Rapp has picked up several helpful techniques.

“If all else fails then I go to the bead store,” he said.

CHARLOTTE —The Arthritis Support Group will meet Sept. 13, 10-11 a.m. in Room D of the Ministry Center of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Dr. John Babick will be the guest speaker. For more information, call Gail at (704) 847-5280.

CHARLOTTE — It took a village to save a child from the Holocaust. Sulie Chenkin will share her remarkable story of her childhood escape from the Holocaust, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ministry Center of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact Susan Krasniewski at (704) 364-5431, ext. 210.

CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will

According to the report, poverty rates increased for non-Hispanic whites but not for any other ethnic group. The percentage of whites in poverty rose from 8.2 percent in 2003 to 8.6 percent.

African-Americans, with a 24.7 percent poverty rate, and Hispanics, with a 21.9 percent poverty rate, saw no change.

Poverty levels for Asian-Americans dropped by two percentage points to 9.8 percent.

The report also showed the median household income for last year was $44,389, down slightly from the 2003 level of $44,482.

Thomas Chabolla, associate director of programs for the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development, said the Census Bureau’s data “demonstrates the many dimensions of poverty,” not just wages and income.

The CCHD has invested more than $270 million in about 4,000 organizations in the past 35 years.

meet Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Those interested in learning more about the SFO and the Franciscan way of life are invited to attend. For more information, call Tom O’Loughlin at (704) 947-7235.

CHARLOTTE — The Society of Mary and Martha meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. For more information, call Peggy Pohlheber at (704) 588-7311.

MINT HILL — G.E.M.S. Daily is a prayer/support group for mothers of children with disabilities. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., to share concerns, praise and prayers. For details, call Michelle Roth at (704) 321-1717.

CHARLOTTE — The Healing Prayer Group will pray with you in the name of the Lord Jesus for your healing, be it mental, spiritual or physical. Come and know the gentleness and unconditional love of the Lord. We meet the third Monday of each month in the St. Matthew Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., at 7:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

HUNTERSVILLE — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of St. Mark Church parishioners who have lost babies before of shortly after birth.

Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. For details, call Sandy Buck at (704) 948-4587.

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 Lucille at (704) 537-2l89.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 Volume 14 • Number 41

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher AdvertisinG MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

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

The Catholic News & Herald 3

September 9, 2005

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope to send envoy to U.S. to show solidarity with Katrina’s the tragedy and asked for prayers for the victims.

“In a special way our hearts turn to all those suffering the devastating consequences of Hurricane Katrina in the United States,” the pope said, speaking in English.

“As the extent of this tragedy unfolds, I ask you to join me in praying for the victims, their loved ones and all those affected. May the grieving families experience the consolation of God’s presence and rescue workers be assured of our deep concern and support,” he said.

The pope said he was praying for all those affected by the hurricane and its aftermath: the dead and their families, the injured, the homeless, the sick, children and the elderly. He offered a special blessing to all those involved in relief and rebuilding efforts.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — More GREENSBORO VICARIATE HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4145 Johnson St., is offering a free eight-week Spanish Class beginning Sept. l5.

Classes meet Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. at the church.

All are welcome. For more information, contact the church office at (336) 869-7739 or e-mail Larry Kwan at hlkwan@lexcominc.net.

GREENSBORO — The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women will start its 2005-2006 fiscal year with a luncheon Sept. 28, at Cardinal Country Club, 4108 Windlestraw Ln. The speaker will be Rosemary Plybon, ”The Good Morning Show” anchor for WFMY News 2. For more information, please contact Carmen Wood (336) 545-9266.

GREENSBORO — If you have a special need for prayers, or would like to offer your time in prayer for others’ needs, please call the Prayer Chain at Our Lady of Grace Church. The Prayer Chain is a sizable group committed to praying for your needs and the needs of your family and friends on a daily basis. To request a prayer or to participate in the Prayer Chain, call the church office at (336) 2746520, ext. 10 and leave your name, address and phone number.

HICKORY VICARIATE HICKORY — Father Robert Ferris leads a Lectionary Bible Study at St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St., Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. This study prepares participants for the next Sunday’s Mass by reading and studying the liturgical readings for the next week. For more information on this study, contact Kathy Succop at (828) 327-2341 or stalscoordinator@charter.net.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — As a sign of his personal solidarity, Pope Benedict XVI is sending the Vatican’s top humanitarian aid official to visit the populations stricken by Hurricane Katrina.

Archbishop Paul Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” was to travel to the Gulf Coast region Sept. 10 or 11, his office said. Details of his mission were not immediately available.

“Cor Unum” is responsible for promoting and coordinating Catholic charitable projects around the world, and Archbishop Cordes was expected to meet with church-run agencies involved in the Gulf Coast region.

The pope announced the move at a Sunday blessing Sept. 4 at his residence outside Rome. For the second time in a week, he expressed his deep concern at Sept. 14 and 28 and Oct. 5 and 19. Attend all sessions or just come for one that sparks your interest. To register, call the Faith Formation office at (704) 664-7762 or email dconklin@sainttherese. net. For more information about Rosemary Santillo and her programs, visit Coaching at Reflection Rock www.reflectionrock.com.

MOORESVILLE — As part of the St. Therese Church Guest Speaker Series, Bill Martin will speak about Islam and Mohammed, including his background, beliefs and biases, Sept.

20, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Family Room of St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. For more information, call the church office at (704) 664-3992.

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

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

September 11–12 — USCCB Priestly Life and Ministry Committee meeting Washington, D.C. Sept. 13 — 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Charlotte Sept. 17 — 5 p.m.

situation, identifying current challenges and problems, the Vatican said. The overall goal is to promote awareness of the importance of the Bible and biblical studies in the modern church.

Participants will include cardinals and bishops, scholars and other experts, as well as members of church organizations that focus on the Bible and biblical studies in their work.

Among the topics for discussion are biblical exegesis, the Bible in catechesis and liturgy, ecumenical dialogue, relations with Judaism and interreligious dialogue, new religious movements and the challenge of fundamentalism, and justice and peace in a globalized world.

The conference was being co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Catholic Bible Federation.

Among those addressing the encounter will be Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Christian unity council; Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, retired archbishop of Milan, Italy, and a noted biblicist; and Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

Papal meeting

Photo Courtesy by L’Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict XVI greets Bishop Peter J. Jugis during the bishop’s trip to the Vatican June 26-July 1.

Bishop Jugis had accompanied Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta to a solemn ceremony at which the pope welcomed 32 new archbishops from 22 countries and gave them each a pallium, a circular band of white wool marked with six black crosses. The pallium is worn over the shoulders and symbolizes the archbishop’s authority and unity with the pope.

MOORESVILLE — St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., will host Personal Foundation Program with Rosemary Santillo, a professional life and business coach. The free sessions will take place

calendar

than 400 biblical experts from 98 countries are expected to attend a Vaticansponsored conference in September to commemorate the Second Vatican Council’s document on Scripture and revelation.

The Sept. 14-18 encounter in Rome will feature formal presentations and discussions on the theme, “Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church.” In addition to Catholic experts, representatives of other Christian churches and other religions also have been invited, the Vatican said Sept. 1.

Participants will attend an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, who attended the council as a theological expert and had a key role in the preparatory discussions on the revelation document.

Published in November 1965, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (“Dei Verbum”) said the church depends on both Scripture and tradition as the one deposit of the faith. It encouraged biblical reading for all members of the church as an essential spiritual resource.

The purpose of the conference is not retrospective, but will instead aim to trace a “critical panorama” of the current

SALISBURY — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of Sacred Heart Church parishioners who have lost babies before or shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn.

For details, call Renee Washington at (704) 6370472 or Sharon Burges at (704) 633-0591.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

Episcopal

More than 400 experts to attend Vatican conference on Scripture

Sacrament of Confirmation Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville Sept. 23-24 Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center

4 The Catholic News & Herald

Sharing the call

vocations

September 9, 2005

A new journey

Five men begin seminary studies for diocese

Courtesy Photo

Priests and seminarians gather for cookout

CHARLOTTE — Msgr. Joseph Kerin, a retired priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, chats with seminarians for the diocese.

Approximately 50 priests and seminarians gathered with Bishop Peter J. Jugis for a cookout and social in Charlotte Aug. 15.

The gathering was a result of the Presbyteral Council’s interest in getting to know the 18 seminarians currently studying to serve in the Diocese of Charlotte. Sixteen seminarians were able to attend the event, planned by Father John Putnam, then-acting director of vocations.

After evening prayer at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, the priests and seminarians went to Bishop Jugis’ residence for the cookout. Knights of Columbus from St. Mark Church in Huntersville prepared the food.

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has accepted five young men to begin seminary studies this fall.

Two of the candidates, Jason Christian and Carson Wilkie, will enter the college seminary program at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

Richard Worthington and Benjamin Roberts will begin pre-theology and theology studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa., and Tri Vinh Truong will study theology at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. Christian, 22, is a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. Prior to being accepted for seminary formation, he studied at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked as a computer technician.

Wilkie, 20, is a member of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville and began considering a priestly vocation through Catholic campus ministry at Western Carolina University in Cullo-

whee, where he has been studying history for the past two years.

Worthington, 28, is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

Prior to being accepted for seminary formation, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and served in the U.S. Navy.

Roberts, 28, is a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville.

Prior to being accepted for seminary formation, he studied at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory and was a novice for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Truong, 31, is a member of St. Joseph’s Vietnamese Church in Charlotte.

A native of Vietnam, he studied at St. John’s University in New York and St. Xavier University in Chicago. He is transferring to the Diocese from the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on vocations in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese.org/voca-

September 9, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 5

from the cover

N.C. Catholics aid Katrina

tuition fees will be waived, and students will be given books and uniforms.

Displaced students have already been enrolled at Our Lady of Grace, St. Matthew and Holy Trinity Middle schools.

KATRINA, from page 1

Help from the home front Parishes and schools in the Diocese of Charlotte have jumped into action to help thousands of displaced Gulf Coast residents.

Just one week after the devastating storm, more than $10,300 had been raised by the students of St. Pius X, St. Patrick, St. Matthew, St. Gabriel and Charlotte Catholic High schools.

“We will be assisting at Habitat for Humanity to pre-build homes at their local warehouse, which will be shipped to the disaster areas after clean-up is finished,” said Mary Jane Dawson, campus minister at Charlotte Catholic High School.

At St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem, students and families raised $11,000 for the Red Cross and collected items for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro has collected $12,000.

“Our St. Vincent de Paul Society and Knights of Columbus have offered their assistance to any family who has relocated to the area to fill whatever needs they have,” said Father James Ebright, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church.

An anonymous donor presented a check for $10,000 to Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church.

A family of four children has already been enrolled at St. Pius X School tuition-free. Their father, a contractor, stayed behind in Gulfport, Miss. to assist in the recovery effort, while they came to Greensboro with their mother, whose sister is a parishioner of St. Pius X. During the opening-of-school Mass at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, the campus ministry program organized a collection to assist the hurricane victims. Also, the Peer Ministers distributed collection jars at the first home football game and will implement the “Child to Child” campaign to support efforts from the diocese.

According to Father Joseph Zuschmidt, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, $9,000 has been col-

Starting over in Charlotte Jane Katner-Grass, her husband Glenn and their three children, Trey, 14; Phoebe, 12; and Adam, 10; took refuge in Charlotte last week. The New Orleans home that they had moved into less than a month ago was under water. Their possessions are either inaccessible or ruined.

Although somber at their loss, KatnerGrass looked on the bright side.

“We are just glad to be alive, and we are thankful that our families are safe,” she said.

The children were enrolled in Catholic schools on Sept 6. The Katner-Grass family plans to stay in the Charlotte area until the end of the school year.

Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaeWANT MORE INFO? For details on enrolling displaced students in MACS schools, call (704) 370-3273.

HOW TO HELP During the early stages of disasters, money is typically the most valuable resource needed by response and relief professionals. Cash donations allow agencies to buy what is needed and avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, sorting, transporting and distributing material goods.

Staff Photo

Nancy Churchill and Shawn Finley sort and pack donations bound for Hattiesburg, Miss. Several parishioners at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte helped address the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims by collecting essentials.

Parishes and individuals wishing to donate essential items are asked to partner with disaster relief agencies to determine how best to help. lected for the Red Cross.

More than $21,000 has been collected at St. Therese Church in Mooresville for Catholic Charities USA .

“In the Asheville Vicariate we, as a vicariate, have cooperated with the Western Regional Office of Catholic Social

Services to coordinate the relief efforts,” said Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor of Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville.

“Housing, food distribution and counseling are being coordinated.”

The students of Asheville Catholic School have been collecting goods for Hearts With Hands, a Christian humanitarian organization that aids victims of poverty, natural disaster or famine.

Several parishioners at St. Patrick Cathedral helped collect supplies for victims in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Back to class for displaced students Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools are offering places to children displaced

by Katrina. Families can register children at any MACS school. Application and

For this reason, the Catholic community of the Diocese of Charlotte is responding to this need by collecting funds to be used in short- and longterm recovery efforts in the affected areas. If you wish to donate, please respond to parish initiatives, making checks payable to your parish (clearly marking the check “Disaster Relief”).

Alternatively, you may mail your donation to: Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Disaster Relief 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28203-4003 In many cities throughout the Diocese of Charlotte, local agencies experienced in disaster response such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army are working hard to meet the immediate needs of evacuees. Parishes and individuals wishing to donate essential items such as food, water, medical supplies and clothing are asked to partner with disaster agencies, news media outlets and community groups.

The long-term housing solutions

6 The Catholic News & Herald

YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST

Ecce Agnus Dei

Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, Part 24 In the past few weeks, we have discussed several short rites that compose the Communion Rite. Thus far we have inspected the Lord’s Prayer and the Rite of Peace. This time, let us finish our examination of these rites that prepare and dispose us to receive holy Communion.

Following the Rite of Peace is a subtle yet highly significant act called the Fraction Rite. The celebrant, following the example of our Lord, now takes up the consecrated host and reverently fractures it. Although this action is accomplished without drama or commentary, it bears great significance in the history and tradition of the Mass.

All of the sacred writers of the New Testament affirm that Christ took bread and broke it when he offered the sacrifice of the Last Supper. After his resurrection, he was recognized by his disciples “in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35).

And the Acts of the Apostles testifies that the early church continued “the breaking of the bread” faithfully each day (Acts 2:46).

To the present day, the church continues “the breaking of the bread” precisely because Christ instructed his Apostles to, “Do this in memory of me.”

But why does Christ break the bread?

Certainly it was Jewish custom to break bread with one’s relatives and friends as an act of charity. And ancient custom dictated that breaking bread was appropriate, rather than slicing it with a knife.

But perhaps more important is the spiritual significance of breaking the bread that not only represented Christ’s body, but sacramentally becomes his body, which was pierced and nailed to the cross.

A fragment of the broken host is then placed into the chalice, a gesture called “the commingling.” The origin of this custom is not certain, but there are a number of possible explanations.

Centuries ago there was the custom of taking pieces of the consecrated host from the Mass offered by the bishop of a diocese and distributing them to the various parishes in his diocese. The priest would then place the fragment into his chalice signifying unity with the local bishop.

It is also probable that this commingling of the body and blood of Christ has a more spiritual explanation. The consecration of the Mass occurs in two separate consecrations: first the bread, then the wine. Since this separate conse-

Guest Column

Congress offers much for people of CONGRESS, from page 1

Father Matthew Buettner guest columnist

cration symbolically represents death, as our Lord’s blood was separated from his body, uniting and commingling the body and blood of Christ in the chalice would symbolically represent the resurrection, the re-union of Christ’s body and blood.

The celebrant recites a prayer in silence during this commingling: “May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.”

Meanwhile, the Agnus Dei is recited or sung. At first, the breaking of the bread was done in silence. But in the seventh century, Pope St. Sergius established the chanting of this hymn, which had been familiar to him since his childhood.

The Agnus Dei, or “Lamb of God” as a title of our Lord, is most appropriate at this point in the Mass. In the Old Testament, the “lamb of God” was slaughtered for the Passover feast and saved the Israelites from the angel of death. St. John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him on the banks of the river Jordan and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

And the evangelist, St. John, recorded his visions in the Book of Revelation of the slain Lamb, Jesus Christ, who was glorious and victorious in heaven.

After the priest has completed his private preparatory prayers, he genuflects and raises the host above the paten or chalice and recites the words of St. John the Baptist, “Ecce Agnus Dei...,” that is (according to our current translation), “This is the Lamb of God....”

We must pause for a moment, look, adore and behold him, who alone takes away the sins of the world. It is not mere bread or a symbol, but the same Lord who once walked along the banks of the river Jordan.

Indeed, “Happy are those who are called to his supper” (Revelation 19:9).

Father Buettner is parochial vicar of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

WANT PREVIOUS COLUMNS?

September 9, 2005

blessed by the late Pope John Paul II to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Speakers at the congress include Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ”; Scott Hahn, a professor of theology and Scripture; and Father Leo Patalinghug, a priest who uses martial arts to convey his spiritual message.

In addition to four tracks of speakers — for adults in both English and Spanish and for children and teens — eucharistic adoration and confession will be available at the Charlotte Convention Center throughout the congress.

Vendors will sell rosaries and other religious materials. Religious orders and diocesan Catholic schools will offer information.

Stewardship opportunities To help coordinate and assist many of the activities, volunteers from the Diocese of Charlotte are needed. Volunteer positions include ushers, catechists and hospitality coordinators.

“As Christian stewards we are asked

to look at the many ways God has blessed us and respond with a proportionate gift of our time and financial resources,” said Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte and a member of the Eucharistic Congress committee.

“The Eucharistic Congress provides a wonderful means of giving of our time through volunteer opportunities and of our treasure through a financial contribution,” said Kelley.

Collections will be taken during the congress to help defray the costs of renting the Charlotte Convention Center, honorariums and travel arrangements for the speakers and providing printed materials.

David Hains is director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte. Contact him at dwhains@charlottediocese. org.

WANT TO HELP? To volunteer, fill out the online form at www.goeucharist.com. Volunteer training sessions will be held Friday, Sept. 23.

To donate, visit the diocesan Web site at www.charlottediocese.org and click

September 9, 2005

eucharistic congress

The Catholic News & Herald 7

First Diocesan Eucharistic Congress September 23-24

Charlotte Convention Center

Pope John Paul II proclaimed October 2004 through October 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte Friday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 24.

This historic event, a first for the Diocese of Charlotte, will be a wonderful celebration of engaging speakers, heartfelt prayer and exultant rejoicing at the Charlotte Convention Center.

This four-page guide contains an itinerary of speakers and activities, a map detailing the route of the eucharistic procession and other useful information.

In his December 2004 letter to the Catholics of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Peter J. Jugis announced that the Eucharistic Congress would take place in Charlotte and asked the faithful to put aside the dates to attend.

“This will be a time of celebration, adoration and teaching centered on the mystery of the Eucharist,” said Bishop Jugis.

Eucharist is the body and blood of Jesus Christ that is transubstantiated from bread and wine at the celebration of Mass.

On Friday, Sept. 23, the Congress will feature a concert

of sacred choral music, Eucharistic adoration and a talk by actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the film “The Passion of the Christ.”

On Saturday, Sept. 24, a procession of clergy, youths, Catholic organizations and members from every parish and mission in the diocese will walk behind the Eucharist as it is carried through the streets of uptown Charlotte.

Everyone attending the congress is invited to participate in the procession.

A monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II will be carried

by Bishop Jugis during the procession.

After the procession, a program of seminars, speakers and activities for adults, children and youth is planned for the Charlotte Convention Center. Programs celebrating the diversity of cultures present in the diocese will also be presented. The Eucharistic Congress concludes with a Mass on Saturday afternoon.

Bishop Jugis’ column on page 10 urges Catholics to give primary importance to participation each Sunday in the celebration of Mass and to consider spending some time in eucharistic adoration outside Mass.

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To watch and participate in the Eucharistic Procession

September 9, 2005

Route of the Eucharistic P

THE PROCESSION ROUTE The eucharistic procession, led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon Street.

The procession will head north on Tryon Street for two blocks, then turn east onto Third Street for one block.

The procession will then turn south onto College Street for one block, then turn east onto Second Street to the Charlotte Convention Center entrance.

People of the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to line the procession route to watch the eucharistic procession.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESSION As the Blessed Sacrament comes near, it is the custom to become quiet and kneel until the monstrance passes.

After the Blessed Sacrament passes by, look for your parish’s banner. When your parish banner passes by, you may fall in along with your parish to join in the procession. Once you have connected with your parish group, simply join in the communal prayers or just pray silently as the procession moves along.

Once the procession arrives at the Charlotte Convention Center, move to any open door, as directed by the ushers, and enter the main hall. Proceed to the seating area and fill in as best as possible, joining in the singing until the beginning of the Holy Hour.

BANNER CARRIERS IN THE PROCESSION The eucharistic procession will begin lining up in front of St. Peter Church at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Banner stands can be dropped off at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday afternoon from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday morning before 7:30 a.m.

Parishes are asked to have their banners, along with 10 representatives from the parish, line up along Tryon Street south of the altar that will be placed in front of St. Peter Church (Procession Staging Area). Other members of the parishes are asked to line the procession route (see above).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Eucharistic What is the Eucharistic Congress?

The Eucharistic Congress is a teaching and worship event that is centered on the Eucharist, the source and summit of Catholic life. The Congress begins Friday evening, Sept. 23, with a concert of sacred choral music and a talk by actor Jim Caviezel at the Charlotte Convention Center. After the program, the Eucharist will be available for adoration throughout the night at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East.

The events on Saturday, Sept. 24, begin at 8 a.m. with a procession of the Eucharist from St. Peter Church on S. Tryon Street to the Charlotte Convention Center. After adoration and a homily, participants in the Congress will have the opportunity to hear a variety of inspiring speakers.

Programs, or “tracks,” are designed for different audiences: General, Hispanic, Children and Teens.

During the day, the Eucharist will be available for adoration in a special chapel in the Charlotte Convention Center. Priests will be available for confessions all day and there will be an area for vendors

selling religious merchandise and offering information about Catholic schools, vocations, etc.

The Congress concludes with a Vigil Mass that begins at 4:30 p.m.

Where does the idea for a Eucharistic Congress come from?

The first Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille, France in 1881 under the direction of Msgr. Gaston De Se‘gue. In time, Eucharistic Congresses developed to their present international character. The Congress of 1908, which met in London, was the first occasion on which a representative of the pope had entered England since the Protestant Reformation. Two international Eucharistic Congresses were held in the United States — Chicago in 1926 and Philadelphia in 1976.

Who is allowed to take part in the procession?

Everyone. Leading the procession will be altar servers, organized societies including the Knights of Columbus, clergy and

most importantly, the Eucharist. Following the Eucharist will be banner carriers representing churches, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Charlotte. The faithful are invited to join the procession as the banner for their church or organization passes by.

What if it rains?

The Congress will be held rain or shine.

The procession may be moved into the Charlotte Convention Center depending on the weather.

Where can I park?

There is ample parking around the Charlotte Convention Center and in uptown Charlotte. Since the Congress takes place on a weekend, traffic will be minimal.

What age children will be able to participate in the Children’s Track?

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Children’s Track. All children in the Children’s Track must be registered.

Registration forms are available online at www.goeucharist.com, through individual parishes or can be filled out at the Convention Center.

Seating in the Children’s Track will be limited. Children in the Children’s Track will be involved in age-appropriate activities and will be served lunch.

What is being done to provide a secure environment for the children?

The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” as adopted by the U.S. bishops.

September 9, 2005

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Procession through

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Directions to the Eucharistic Congress

Directions from Interstate 77 At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9C, keep LEFT to stay on Ramp At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 [US-74] I-277 / US-74 / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000] Directions from Interstate 85 North At exit 36 of Interstate 85 North, turn RIGHT onto Ramp NC-16 / Brookshire Blvd / US-74 E / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-16 [Brookshire Blvd] NC-16 / Charlotte / Bank of America Stadium Road name changes to I-277 [SR-16] At exit 1E, turn RIGHT onto Ramp Stonewall St / South Blvd / Kenilworth Ave Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp Stonewall St / Kenilworth Ave Turn LEFT (North-West) onto E Stonewall St Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto S College St Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000]

All adult volunteers at the Congress who will have supervisory contact with children will be required to attend the diocesan training, “Protecting God’s Children.” Background checks will also be performed on any adult having supervisory contact with children.

What if I am handicapped or unable to walk in the procession?

The Charlotte Convention Center is handicapped-accessible. In addition, handicapped individuals and those who choose to not walk in the procession are invited to witness the procession from the balcony of the Convention Center.

Music and clergy will be available in this location until the eucharistic procession arrives.

Will there be a Mass at the Eucharistic Congress?

Yes. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Is there a fee to attend the Congress?

There is no charge for any of the events associated with the Eucharistic Congress. Everyone who desires a closer relationship to the Eucharist is encouraged to attend and participate. The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting contributions to defray the cost of staging the congress.

To donate, visit www.GoEucharist.com.

Will food be served?

The Charlotte Convention Center will offer a variety of foods for sale throughout the day. Lunch will be provided for the children attending the Children’s Track session at no charge.

Before and after the congress attendees may want to take advantage of the many restaurants, hotels and attractions that

Directions from Interstate 85 South At exit 38 of Interstate 85 South, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-77 / US-21 / Statesville / Columbia Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-77 [US-21] I-77 / US-21 / Columbia At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9C, keep LEFT to stay on Ramp At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 [US-74] I-277 / US-74 / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000]

Banner Stand Drop-Off Location Parking Handicapped / special needs viewing area procession Drop-Off Location procession route Procession staging area & procession check-in

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

eucharistic congress

Eucharistic Congress Panel of Speakers FRIDAY, SEPT. 23 James Caviezel actor best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s, “The Passion of the Christ” Kerry Caviezel James’ wife and a dynamic speaker in her own right, will speak about faith SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 Bishop Peter J. Jugis, a Charlotte native and the fourth bishop of Charlotte, will offer welcoming remarks at the conclusion of the Saturday morning Eucharistic Holy Hour.

Bishop William G. Curlin, who retired as bishop of Charlotte in 2002, will deliver the homily during the Eucharistic Holy Hour and Benediction on Saturday morning.

GENERAL TRACK, SATURDAY Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa: “Stay With Us” preacher to the pontifical household Dr. Scott Hahn: “The Lamb’s Supper” professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio; founder/ director of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology Johnnette S. Benkovic: “In His Eucharistic Heart” Catholic evangelization apostolate with outreaches in television, radio, print and Internet communications Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: “Feast of Faith” specialist in the interpretation of Scripture and tradition HISPANIC TRACK, SATURDAY Dr. Dora Tobar: “Living Hosts for a Hungry World” Father Raniero Cantalemessa: “Stay With Us” Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: “Feast of Faith” TEEN TRACK, SATURDAY Father Francis Mary Stone: “The Extreme Make-Over: Putting on the Armor of Christ” host of the EWTN program “Life On The Rock” Father Leo Patalinghug: “Spiritual Combat” associate pastor of St. John Church in Westminster, Md., and spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement of Baltimore Father Antoine Thomas: “Why Stay With Jesus?” priest of the Congregation of St. John, in youth ministry for 15 years Charlie Aeschliman: “Basketball and Eucharistic Strength” former elite U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. and Basketball Handling Champion CHILDREN’S TRACK, SATURDAY Ken Doran: “Stories of Hope: How God Works Wonders!”

Children’s Track Why should my child attend the Children’s Track?

Through a variety of dynamic and fun-filled activities at the Eucharistic Congress, children will discover Christ in their everyday life.

Children will also hear a special talk on the Eucharist during a special adoration session.

What age children will be able to participate in the Children’s Track?

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Children’s Track. All children in the Children’s Track must be registered.

Registration forms are available online, through individual parishes or can be filled out at the Convention Center. Seating in the Children’s Track will be limited. Children in the Children’s Track will be involved in age-appropriate activities and will be served

September 9, 2005

lunch.

What is being done to provide a secure environment for the children?

The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People as adopted by the U.S. bishops.

All adult volunteers at the Congress who will have supervisory contact with children are required to attend the diocesan training, “Protecting God’s Children.” Background checks also will be performed on any adult having supervisory contact with children.

Who is speaking at the Children’s Track?

Ken Doran will present “Stories of Hope: How God Works Wonders!”

A dynamic and creative teacher, Doran’s 26 years in catechetical ministry reflects broad experience on diocesan, school, and parish

A sign of unity and a bond of charity The Diocese of Charlotte is about to be blessed with the celebration of its first Eucharistic Congress.

In the years after the close of the Second Vatican Council, two documents from the Holy See addressed the concept of a Eucharistic Congress. In May 1967, the Sacred Congregation of Rites gave us an “Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery.”

This instruction covered the sacrifice of the Mass, as well as the various ways in which the faithful express their worship of the holy Eucharist and “extend the grace of the sacrifice” outside of Mass: through adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle; processions of the Sacrament through the streets; exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; and Eucharistic Congresses.

In June 1973 the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship gave us an “Instruction on Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass.” In this instruction the congregation outlined the criteria that guide the celebration of a Eucharistic Congress: the celebration of the Eucharist is the center and high point of the congress; conferences and catechetical talks are held on the theme of the Eucharist; there is time for prayer and extended adoration during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; and the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession through the streets of the city.

All of these elements and more will be present at our own Eucharistic Congress as our diocese comes together to celebrate our faith in Christ and our love for the Lord.

Why did I, as bishop, call for a Eucharistic Congress? The idea for this pastoral initiative first presented itself late in the spring of 2004.

On June 12, 2004, two very successful conferences on the holy Eucharist were held in our diocese. These two events drew almost 1,000 people between them. The popularity of these two eucharistic conferences led to a desire to broaden the scope in order to embrace all the parishes of the diocese in a single Eucharistic Congress to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist.

The Congress will have the effect of strengthening the unity and the bond of charity of our growing local church.

The Second Vatican Council, in its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (n.

47), called the eucharistic sacrifice “a sign of unity” and “a bond of charity.”

The Eucharistic Congress will foster the unity and the bond of charity of our

From the Bishop BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS bishop of charlotte

local church. Every celebration of the Eucharist fosters our unity in Christ.

Every Mass spiritually unites us to each other across the length and breadth of our diocese.

The Eucharistic Congress, however, will demonstrate in a very visible way the unity of our diocesan family, as parishioners and clergy and religious from every parish of the diocese come together in one place for a eucharistic procession, a Holy Hour of Exposition and Benediction, talks on various eucharistic themes and the celebration of Mass.

The holy Eucharist brings us together and makes us one body. The Eucharist renews and consolidates our incorporation into Christ and our belonging to one another, which began at our baptism.

The Eucharistic Congress will also foster the bond of charity within our local church. At the Last Supper, our Lord instituted the holy Eucharist as the living memorial of his sacrifice, the great love he showed us in laying down his life for his friends: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).

He also told his disciples, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love” (Jn 15:9).

The love of Christ that is present in the sacrament of love, the Eucharist, flows from the altar and transforms us, and as a result we remain in his love as he said. It is this eucharistic love of Christ that we carry with us into the world to the poor, the sick, the heavily burdened and to everyone.

In this way we fulfill his command to “love one another as I love you” (Jn 15:12). The holy Eucharist strengthens the bond of charity in the church.

I look forward to seeing you at our Eucharistic Congress. These two days will produce abundant fruit of unity, charity and holiness for building up the body of Christ throughout our diocese.

May Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection at every moment!

NOCTURNAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION SCHEDULED GROUPS 10:00 Families / Seniors of Diocese / Women Religious serving the Diocese 11:00 Teen and Young Adults 12:00 Deacons of the Diocese 1:00 Cursillo Men and Women 2:00 To be determined 3:00 Knights of Columbus 4:00 Adoration Society of Charlotte 5:00 Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group

September 9, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 11

FROM THE COVER

Our Lady of Mercy MERCY, from page 1

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Deacon Guy Piché and Msgr. Mauricio West stand beneath the 9-foot crucifix in the newly built Our Lady of Mercy Church during the dedication Mass Aug. 28.

by parish members. All the sanctuary furnishings — from the altar to the lectern — were donated or made by the people of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Entering the church, parishioners were astonished at the 9-foot crucifix hanging on the wall behind the sanctuary.

The 7-foot corpus weighs 250 pounds and the cross, which was carved in Germany and shipped to Winston-Salem, weighs 200 pounds.

Perhaps more remarkable than the size of the crucifix is the fact that it was hand-carved by an anonymous parishioner, who spent 600 hours at the task. Assembling and hanging the crucifix took four hours.

This same dedicated parishioner spent 500 hours carving a representation of the Last Supper and is currently working on statues of Mary, Joseph and St. Francis, which are expected to be completed by Christmas.

The church’s new Stations of the Cross were hand-carved from linden wood in a small town in Poland and donated by a pair of Our Lady of Mercy parishioners, who had emigrated years ago from that same town. A light mounted behind each station illuminates the head of Jesus, and a carved vine of thorns con-

nects one station to the next along the church’s walls.

“It almost would have been a shame if we had had the money to just pay for everything to by done by professionals,” said Dave Bowe, building committee chair.

The interior of a 70-seat chapel that is a scale replica of the original Our Lady of Mercy Church is being completed by volunteers and should be ready by midOctober.

“This has really been the unfolding of a dream that has been shaping for a while,” said Father Robinson. “In dedicating this church, we are taking an important step in the growth of our community. We will continue our commitment to education. We are also committed to serving the growing Hispanic community.”

Our Lady of Mercy Church was founded in 1954 at Banner Road and Cascade Street in Winston-Salem. The parish also includes our Lady of Fatima Chapel on Third Street in downtown Winston-Salem.

In 1995, a weekly Mass in Spanish began, and the parish has continued outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. An estimated 500 Hispanics attend the Spanish Mass each week.

Father Robinson stressed that Our Lady of Mercy Church continued to support outreach efforts while building and paying for a new church.

“I hope (Our Lady of Mercy) continues to have its spirit of being warm and welcoming, of being concerned about those who are, in fact, forgotten,” said Father Robinson.

“We cannot build this church in a dormant (environment) and forget our afflicted brothers and sisters,” he said. “Worship and justice go together hand in hand.”

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

WANT MORE HISTORY? For more on the history of Our Lady of Mercy Church, read the parish profile on Our Lady of Mercy Church’s Web page at www.charlottediocese.org/ parishes-all.html.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

September 9, 2005

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Nun leads protest against filming of ‘The Da Vinci Code’

LINCOLN, England (CNS) — A Catholic nun led a protest against the filming of “The Da Vinci Code” at a cathedral in Lincoln, saying the movie based on the best-seller is “an offense against God.” Sister Mary Michael, dressed in a habit with a veil, knelt in prayer in front of the doors of Lincoln Cathedral for 12 hours Aug. 15, the first of two days of filming in the city.

The cathedral, built by the Catholic Church in the 12th century but taken over by the Church of England during the Reformation, is serving as a double in the film for London’s Westminster Abbey.

The 61-year-old nun, a former Discalced Carmelite who now belongs to Our Lady’s Community of Peace and Mercy in Lincoln, also led a small group of protesters who greeted star Tom Hanks when he arrived at the medieval Gothic church.

Hanks waved briefly to fans before quickly walking into the cathedral with director Ron Howard.

Hanks and the film crew are said to have witnessed the protest.

Sister Mary Michael described Dan Brown’s book, “The Da Vinci Code,” as “blasphemous” for its story line that claims Jesus married Mary Magdalene and started a family.

She also said cathedral authorities were wrong to allow Sony Pictures to use the cathedral in exchange for a fee of about $180,000. The nun accused them of “simony,” a sin defined by the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” as “the buying or selling of spiritual things.”

“The church should not be accepting money for something that is not a true story,” she said. “They (church leaders) really should be praying more, and then the money would come in.”

Westminster Abbey authorities turned down Sony’s request to film because they considered the story to be “theologically unsound.”

Filming is also scheduled to take place at Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, and Winchester Cathedral in Winchester,

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: sept. 18, 2005

Sept. 18, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A Readings: 1) Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 2) Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a 3) Matthew 20:1-16a

Generosity is essential to Christian living

by JEAN DENTON catholic news service

During a high school band-booster meeting, the introduction of an audacious program of fundraising activities set off a conflict. Some families said they could not make such a large time commitment.

Others wanted a close accounting of hours worked by each band member or parent in all fundraising events.

The unspoken accusation was that some band members might shirk their fair share of the fundraising work but still get to enjoy full benefits of the trip.

The atmosphere was tense with power struggle and resentment.

Remembering that past experience, I felt blessed by the recent attitude of our church youth as they raised funds for a

mission trip. Some of them participated in only one fundraising project, some in all. Sometimes a youth came late or left early.

Not one teen questioned who had participated or how many times. A few youths joined the group late, but no one complained that they hadn’t participated in fundraising. In fact, they were excited to have more people on the mission.

The difference in the two experiences?

The first was based on fairness — a laudable human convention created to offset our sinful tendency to injustice.

But the latter experience was based on a higher value: generosity.

The second group learned their attitude through the generosity modeled by a Christian community.

They offered a parish breakfast and saw young families pay twice the ticket price. They witnessed a minister write a $25 check for a $5 car wash. They accepted donations from grandmothers and elderly parishioners who wanted to encourage their missionary spirit.

In this weekend’s Gospel parable, Jesus emphasizes generosity over the human convention of equal pay for equal work.

The latter is so ingrained in our culture that this parable is understandably hard for most of us to take on first reading.

But Jesus’ teaching is that God’s ways are even better than our ways, and we must stretch to imitate them.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 11-17 Sunday (Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Sirach 27:30-28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35; Monday (Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary), 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday (St. John Chrysostom), 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Thursday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Timothy 4:12-16, John 19:25-27; Friday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Robert Bellarmine), 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Luke 8:4-15 SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18-24 Sunday (Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:20-24, 27, Matthew 20:1-16; Monday (St. Januarius), Ezra 1:1-6, Luke 8:16-18; Tuesday (St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang and Companions), Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20, Luke 8:19-21; Wednesday (St. Matthew), Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:9-13; Thursday, Haggai 1:1-8, Luke 9:7-9; Friday, Haggai 2:1-9, Luke 9:18-22; Saturday, Zachariah 2:5-9, 14-15 Jeremiah 31:10-13, Luke 9:43-45

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September 9, 2005

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bishop Peter J. Jugis greets parishioners at the luncheon following the Mass commemorating St. Mary Church’s 50th anniversary in Sylva Aug. 30.

Parish anniversary ANNIVERSARY, from page 1

In his homily Bishop Jugis said this was his first visit to St. Mary Church.

“What an appropriate day to come, on the anniversary of the dedication of this church,” he said.

The approximately 130 attendees at the celebration included Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas and lay Carmelites.

Concelebrating the Mass were a number of diocesan priests and two Polish priests visiting St. Barnabas Church in Arden. The Mass concluded with benediction and exposition of the Eucharist.

Father Ray Williams, pastor of St. Mary Church, was ill and unable to attend the celebration.

“What I stressed with the people and what I felt myself is that we’re building on the past,” he said later.

Until the mid-1950s, there were just two churches in far-western North Carolina: St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville and St. Joseph Church in Bryson City. Father Lawrence Newman pastored the seven western counties that now comprise the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

Michael William Murphy, who later would build St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley and be ordained to the priesthood there at the age of 80, had wanted to build a church in Murphy in honor of his parents.

However, Jackson County did not have a Catholic church; Murphy agreed to provide the funds. Father Newman chose Sylva, where Masses were already being offered in the American Legion hall, a furniture store and other locations.

The church was dedicated in 1955, the same year that Bishop Waters agreed to let Glenmary Home Missioners staff parishes in the six counties west of Haywood.

Glenmary priests pastored St. Mary Church until diocesan priests took over in July 1988. Father William Evans became administrator.

Over the years, building programs added the parish hall and classroom facility, the church was enlarged and a rectory was built. Parishioners did much of the

work. At the request of Father James Cahill, who preceded Father Williams as pastor, parishioners dedicated a memorial to the unborn.

Within the last few years, the church has been remodeled and confessionals have been constructed of local black walnut. This year, a new baptismal font was installed in the new baptistry.

“There are some wonderfully dedicated people here,” said Judy Ross, who has attended Mass there for 25 years.

“Father Williams is a beautiful pastor.”

“We love the peacefulness of it, the solemnity,” said Jean Murcym: she and her husband, Joe, have been seasonal parishioners for 11 years.

“I love the small parish, where you know people’s names. I love the spirituality,” said Larry Schaad, a parishioner since 1982. “I’m blessed. God brought me here for a reason.”

Some 25 to 30 people attend daily Mass.

“And they really do like and enjoy the rosary and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,” Father Williams said. “Traditional devotions are very popular.”

“This church is living up to the purpose for which it was dedicated,” Bishop Jugis said in his homily. “This building is set aside for one single purpose: the celebration of the sacred rites so that the people of God can be formed into a living temple.”

Although Sylva sits in a valley, it’s at a higher elevation than Charlotte, the bishop said, adding that, “a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. The light from this altar flows through you to the people of Jackson County.”

“Every time we come to this altar to celebrate the Eucharist, the structure of the living temple of the church is made more firm, because when we come here our incorporation into Christ becomes stronger,” Bishop Jugis said.

“The opposite would be true if you never came to church after your baptism; the structure of the living temple of the church would be weak,” he said. “It is faith that creates a bond of unity in all the people who come to this living temple, of which Christ is the cornerstone.”

“You also have the bond of grace and the bond of charity to strengthen the body of the church,” said the bishop.

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September 9, 2005

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

End-of-life issues, Part A Catholic look at North Carolina advance directives

Guest Column BOB MASON

tally important. The act will apply to you whether you like it or not and regardless of whether you complete a DDND. First, the act defines “persistent vegetative state” as “a medical condition whereby in the judgment of the attending physician [and one other physician] the patient suffers from a sustained complete loss of self-aware cognition and, without the use of extraordinary means or artificial nutrition or hydration, will succumb to death within a short period of time.”

The definition is almost laughable if one analyzes it carefully: Two physicians need only agree that the patient (1) suffers from a “sustained” loss of self cognition, and (2) without ... artificial hydration or nutrition the patient will die. If the two physicians can agree to what ever “sustained” means, they can certainly agree that the patient will die if not given nutrition and hydration.

Second, the statutory form contains provisions that, if improperly completed, render the document self-negating.

Third (perhaps the most disturbing part), the act provides that, if some sort of advance directive that complies with the act has not been completed, and if two physicians determine that the patient is either “terminable and incurable” or in a “persistent vegetative state,” then a decision to withhold extraordinary medical treatment or artificial hydration and nutrition may be taken by (in order): the healthcare agent appointed under a HCPA, the guardian, the spouse and then “a majority of the relatives of the first degree.”

If none of the foregoing is available, then the attending physician may decide.

In other words, there is not a “substituted judgment standard” here (“what would Terri Schiavo have wanted” as proved — supposedly — by clear and convincing evidence; in Florida, at least the courts went through the motions of attempting to determine what Terri’s subjective intent was).

Because of this rather disturbing situation, I believe it is important for all Catholics to complete a directive that agrees with both church teaching and the North Carolina statute.

Bob Mason is an elder law attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation and a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Asheboro.

guest columnist

der the Health Care Power of Attorney likely will be able to make the same end-of-life decisions that you could have directed under a DDND. Talk to your health care agent carefully and make sure that person both knows and understands your wishes and is familiar with (and will rely on) church teaching. You must trust the person appointed and be able to rely upon that person to “do the right thing.”

North Carolina law provides an approved Health Care Power of Attorney form. The form is readily available and, in its statutory form, provides very broad powers to the health care agent, both in routine medical situations and more dire situations.

Unless you thoroughly and explicitly trust your agent in all situations, you should limit the agent’s powers.

Item 4 of the Statutory Form provides a bit of space to do this. I know of very few individuals, lacking legal or medical training, who could do an adequate job of completing the “blank space.”

The North Carolina statute provides that the form supplied is not the only way to comply with the statute. I have told clients they can write a valid advance directive on the back of a grocery bag, as long as they know what they are doing.

National Right to Life has valid forms online for all states. Go to www. nrlc.org and click on “Will To Live.” The North Carolina version is the statutory form, stripped of some provisions and with more structure given for Item 4.

Health Care Powers of Attorney allow you to appoint someone else to make decisions for you. Not all individuals have the luxury of a trusted, solid and available person to fill the role.

Further, the person chosen may not always be available. Or you may simply want to insure that your wishes are carried out.

A Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death will override a Health Care Power of Attorney to the extent of any inconsistencies. All Catholics should carefully consider completing one. As I will explain, the statutory form is not the only way to go.

Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death (“DDND”): That North Carolina Catholics understand how the state’s Right to Natural Death Act works is vi-

Pope says people called to model lives on Jesus

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — People are called to model their lives on Jesus, since he has the redeeming power that lifts humanity out of the darkness of sin, Pope Benedict XVI said in his weekly general audience.

Idolaters “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of the image of mortal man” and became more and more like the lifeless objects they worshipped, he said.

To free themselves from this trap, the pope said people must continuously model their lives after the image of “the Son of God, since we have been freed from the power of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” who offers redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

The pope flew to the Vatican by helicopter from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo Sept. 7 to deliver his weekly catechesis to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

He focused his talk on the canticle in Chapter 1 of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, which highlights how Jesus possesses full redemptive power.

In order to model one’s life after the “image of the Son of God,” one must enter into Christ’s “feelings, his will and his thoughts,” the pope said in remarks apart from his prepared text.

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

Jesus is “before all things,” and it is in him that “all things hold together,” the pope said in his text.

“Christ is our principle of cohesion, our mediator and all of creation’s final destination,” he said.

Pope Benedict said Christ became man in order to become part of the human community so he could “support and guide it” into a “harmonious and fertile” body.

The well-being and growth of humanity depend on Christ, who represents the foundation, “the root and the living hub” of mankind, he said.

To some 20,000 of the faithful from all over the world the pope offered greetings in 10 different languages, as well as his apostolic blessing.

Waving to the crowds, he left in his open-air jeep to hold private audiences in the Vatican with Irish President Mary McAleese and the prime minister of Madagascar, Jacques Sylla.

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In my previous column, I discussed the Catholic Church’s position on endof-life issues. Below, I summarize North Carolina law in view of the church’s teachings and what you can do to ensure that you have a set of advance directives that complies with both secular law and church teaching.

The term “advance directives” is a general term covering both living wills and health care powers of attorney. In North Carolina, a living will is known also as a declaration of desire for a natural death (“DDND”). The terms are synonymous.

— Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPA): It is a document used to desig-

nate one or more persons to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. If you do not have a Health Care Power of Attorney, the situation will be ripe for confusion and discord over who will be the appropriate decision maker.

You may or may not agree with the person who ultimately prevails as your decision maker. For example, one adult child who may be appropriate to make health care decisions for a parent or an infirm spouse may not be a good decision maker.

If you do not have a living will (DDND), but you do have a Health Care Power of Attorney, the agent named un-

The Catholic News & Herald 15

September 9, 2005

Life is Christ

Catechists connect people to intimacy with Jesus Oh, how good is the good God! That simple statement summarizes so succinctly the conviction of St. Paul.

Throughout his letters, St. Paul proclaims his gratitude for the Lord for being his savior and redeemer, model and guide.

Even in moments of persecution and suffering, Paul never fails to express the joy in his heart as he acknowledges with enthusiasm, “I live now not I, but Christ lives in me.”

As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday throughout the United States on Sunday, Sept. 18, united to St. Paul we believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Like St. Paul, we are convinced that we can do all things in Christ, who strengthens us.

How blessed we are in this diocese that so many men and women, committed to Christ, participate in the catechetical, teaching mission of the Catholic Church.

They respond personally and publicly to the invitation shared by the risen Christ on the mount of the Ascension, “Teach them everything I have commanded you and know that I am with you.”

Pope John Paul II reminded the catechist of his or her primary responsibility when he wrote, “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy with Jesus Christ” (On Catechesis in Our Time, No. 5).

Guest Column FATHER JAMES HAWKER guest columnist

It follows then that an essential aim of catechesis is to enable the hearer to appreciate, appropriate and assimilate the vision, values and virtues taught and lived by Jesus himself. Achieving that purpose is no easy task in a society that too often propagates the primacy of individualism, relativism, materialism and personal rights to the exclusion of personal responsibility.

In fidelity to the risen Christ, the catechist is to proclaim, “Choose life, not death. Choose love, not hatred. Choose peace, not violence.”

The devoted, dedicated catechists who participate in the teaching mission of the church commit themselves to both sharing information and cultivating spiritual information. They minister to total persons who are on the way. They are to be attentive to minds and hearts, attitudes and behavior. They are sent to assist maturing believers to be rooted in Christ,

Unborn pain Compassion for animals; why not excruciating pain?”

A. “You see, the threshold for pain is very low. The fetus is very likely extremely sensitive to pain during the gestation of 20 to 30 weeks.

“And so the procedures associated with the partial-birth abortion that I just described would be likely to cause severe pain, right from the time the fetus is being manipulated and being handled to the time that the incision is made, and the brain or the contents, intracranial contents, are sucked out.”

In 1994, an article in the prestigious British medical journal, the Lancet, revealed hormonal stress reactions in the fetus. The article concluded with the recommendation that painkillers be used when surgery is done on the fetus.

The authors wrote, “This applies not just to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the fetus, but possibly also to termination of pregnancy, especially by surgical techniques involving dismemberment.”

In 1991, scientific advisors to the Federal Medical Council in Germany had made a similar recommendation.

In August 2001, Great Britain’s Medical Research Council concluded that pain perception may be as early as

“It is therefore declared to be the policy of the United States that the slaughtering of livestock and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter shall be carried out only by humane methods.”

Those words come from the “Humane Methods of Slaughter Act,” a law that expresses our concern for the pain experienced by animals, but that more fundamentally expresses a dimension of our own humanity. In Australia, the national Health and Medical Research Council requires painkillers to be used on the fetuses of animals!

So what about human fetuses?

On April 6, 2004, the following testimony was given in U.S. District Court (District of Nebraska) by Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand before Judge Richard G. Kopf in the case of Leroy Carhart, M.D., et. al. v.

Ashcroft.

Q. “So, Doctor, do you have an opinion as to whether the partial-birth abortion procedure causes pain to the fetus?”

A. “If the fetus is beyond 20 weeks of gestation, I would assume that there will be pain caused to the fetus. And I believe it will be severe and excruciating pain caused to the fetus.”

Q. “What do you mean by severe and

growing in his grace and responsive to the needs of others.

Catechists, if they are to be faithful in service, must recognize the centrality of the Eucharist in life and ministry. The Eucharist, the bread of life, enables each of us to grow in intimacy with Jesus. The Eucharist, the bread for life, strengthens us as we strive to be friends, disciples and witnesses of the risen Lord. As catechists become what they eat, they witness most effectively to their commitment to teach as Jesus did.

St. Paul, writing to the Philippians from a prison cell, proclaimed, “For to me life is Christ.” The words spoken by Jesus, “I came that you may have life and have it more abundantly,” surely touched and transformed St. Paul to the core of his being.

May the catechists, called to continuing conversion, to life in Christ, invite those whom they serve to open their minds, hearts and souls to the risen Christ.

Father Hawker is vicar for education in the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

Guest Column FATHER FRANK PAVONE guest columnist

20 weeks; other studies place it as early as 10 weeks.

It should be noted that each year in the United States alone, more than 18,000 abortions take place at 21 or more weeks of pregnancy.

The Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act now has been introduced in Congress, to inform women having abortions at 20 weeks or more that their baby may feel pain. The legislation deserves our support. It would require that the mother be given the option to provide painkillers to her baby. This is not to justify abortion, but will certainly make many people think twice about it.

Many abortion supporters will, of course, continue to deny reality. As Bertrand Russell wrote, “A fisherman once told me that fish have neither sense nor sensation, but how he knew this, he could not tell me.”

Father Pavone is national director of Priests for Life.

Dreams and our spiritual life Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN cns columnist

Q. Our question is about dreams. Do they have any significance in our spiritual lives? Is it wrong to believe in them?

Some dreams seem to hit close to home.

(New Jersey) A. I’m not sure what you mean by believing in dreams. But to think about them, reflect on what happens in our dreams, even to learn something from them is not wrong. We have ample proof even in the Bible that God can use dreams to help people better understand their lives and what God’s will is for them.

Psychological sciences still cannot tell us very much for sure about where dreams come from or what makes them happen. It is now widely agreed, however, that reflection on one’s dreams, trying to enter into their images and moods, and to understand them can contribute much to one’s self-knowledge, emotions and what is going on in his or her life.

One author who has studied and written extensively about psychological and spiritual influences on our lives suggests we “befriend our dreams,” mull them over a bit, especially if they are particularly vivid. Even sharing them simply and nonjudgmentally with someone else may be helpful, sometimes to both persons.

It is true that dreams might be used wrongly, for example if one pretends to tell fortunes from them or allows oneself to become obsessed with a fantasy world. But it could be just as wrong not to accept dreams as a natural, if puzzling, part of life or to assume there is something magical, even diabolical, about them.

A free brochure on ecumenism, including questions on intercommunion and other ways of sharing worship, is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 3315, Peoria, IL 61612.

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

September 9, 2005

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