September 12, 2008
The Catholic News & Herald 1
www.charlottediocese.org
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Perspectives ‘Holy days of opportunity’; Marian apparitions; exploring the Eucharist
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI September 12, 2008
| Pages 14-15 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
vOLUME 17
Friars affiliations
Leading more people to read the Bible is challenge for Pope Benedict
Two couples from diocese recognized by Order of St. Augustine JOANITA M. NELLENBACH
by JOHN THAVIS catholic news service
by
correspondent
HAYWOOD COUNTY — It doesn’t matter if the Augustinian friars are just visiting or stationed here — they’re family. The Augustinian friars of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova recently recognized two couples who in a particular way over the years have made the friars part of their own families. John and Therese Van Dyck of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley and Charles and Joan Surber of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville have been affiliated to the Order of St. Augustine. “We were honored, but that See OSA, page 7
no. 38
Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series on the Bible.
CNS photos Michael Alexander
Back to the bible Margaret Mashini reads the Bible in St. Michael the Archangel
See CHALLENGE, page 9
Church in Woodstock, Ga., Aug. 22. Pope Benedict XVI will
Revered, sacred, ancient text
host a Synod of Bishops at the Vatican in October to help draw more Catholics to read the Bible.
Filling the need
Biblical scholars provide pope with research, advice on Scriptures
Parish Food Closet thrives under couple’s direction After 10 years of service, they’re passing the torch by
KATIE MOORE staff writer
Courtesy Photo
Jim Kermes packs bags for the Food Closet ministry at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville Aug. 9. Kermes and his wife Mitzie took over the Food Closet after long-time volunteers Ken and Connie Jewell retired in August.
STATESVILLE — Ken and Connie Jewell weren’t sure how long they would volunteer as coordinators of the Food Closet ministry at their parish, St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville.
by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service
And they didn’t know what to expect when they took on the responsibility back in 1998. “At first we said we would stay on for a year and see how it worked out,” said Connie Jewell. “A year spread to five years and then when Father Kurt came, he was so easy to See FOOD, page 5
Liturgical heritage
Bringing the Mass home
Solemn high Mass in extraordinary form celebraated
Local ministry provides DVDs of Mass to homebound
| Page 4
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Pope Benedict XVI chose the Bible as the topic for this fall’s Synod of Bishops, he turned the church’s attention to an area he has long considered crucial and in need of revitalization. T h e p o p e ’s c o n c e r n touches several levels. For one thing, despite an upsurge in biblical interest after the Second Vatican Council, only a minority of Catholics read the Bible regularly.
| Page 11
Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series on the Bible. VATICAN CITY — Just as a president turns to his economic or military advisers for expert opinions on issues in those areas, the pope has his own team of biblical scholars for research and advice about the Scriptures. See BIBLE, page 8
21 days until the
Eucharistic Congress
Oct. 3-4!
See back page and visit www.goEucharist.com.
September 12, 2008
2 The Catholic News & Herald
InBrief
Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard
Archdiocese reiterates that Emmitsburg visions ‘not supernatural’ BALTIMORE (CNS) — Responding to an apocalyptic posting to a Web site by Gianna Talone-Sullivan claiming that the Blessed Virgin Mary told her of an impending worldwide disaster, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has reaffirmed its position that TaloneSullivan’s alleged visions “are not supernatural in origin.” Talone-Sullivan, a pharmacologist, claimed to have received messages from Mary during Thursday evening prayer services at St. Joseph Church in Emmitsburg from 1993 until 2000, when the archdiocese banned them. Talone-Sullivan claimed that Mary remained “publicly silent” for two years following the end of the prayer services, but continued to appear and speak with her privately. Talone-Sullivan began disseminating monthly “public messages to the world,” allegedly from Mary, via the Internet on Aug. 5, 2002.
Fighting to the last breath
The archdiocese investigated the Emmitsburg visions and in 2003 an “extensive study by a commission comprised of experts in the field of theology and canon law” examined approximately 600 pages of testimony and interviewed Talone-Sullivan and others, according to the most recent archdiocesan statement, dated Aug. 29. Following the commission study, Cardinal William H. Keeler, thenarchbishop of Baltimore, issued a decree stating that the alleged visions were not supernatural. That decree was approved by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, who is now Pope Benedict XVI. The archdiocesan statement called it “regrettable that any confusion remains for Catholics in the archdiocese, who need only read the decree to understand the church’s position on this matter.”
CNS photo by Mike Penney
Patricia and John Peyton surf the Internet at their home in Seattle July 19. John, 64, has become paralyzed by an unusually aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has spent time in his final months lobbying against Washington state’s assisted suicide initiative. Peyton said society needs to extend true compassion to the dying.
Man nearing death opposes state’s assisted suicide initiative SEATTLE (CNS) — John Peyton does not have long to live. Earlier this summer, his doctor gave him three to six months. The 64-year-old retiree has an aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since last November, he has gone from healthy and active to completely paralyzed, struggling to breathe with a ventilator. The disease has made him totally dependent on his wife of 40 years, Patricia. Peyton’s once-strong voice is fading fast; soon it will go altogether. But while he still has it, Peyton, a Catholic, is using it to proclaim the intrinsic value and sanctity of every human life at every stage, in every condition. He has spent his final months opposing Initiative 1000, the Death With Dignity Act, which will be on the Nov. 4 ballot in Washington state. If passed, it would legalize physicianassisted suicide. “This Initiative 1000 is just the first step in putting into law the lie that there is such a thing as a life not worth living,” he said, explaining how he fears where the provision will lead his home state if voters approve it. Peyton is a veteran of the pro-life cause, tracing his involvement to the early 1970s when Washington state legalized abortion before Roe v. Wade made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. The issue spurred the Peytons to get involved with Birthright International, an organization that aids women in crisis pregnancies. Peyton joined the speakers bureau of Human Life of Washington and began
giving talks on pro-life issues at schools, churches and club meetings. He also served as the Knights of Columbus’ state pro-life chairman. Being what some would consider a perfect candidate for physician-assisted suicide hasn’t changed Peyton’s stand on the issue. In fact, it has strengthened it. Peyton acknowledged that he is “exceedingly fortunate” to have the loving support of his family, and his friends and neighbors and his home parish, St. Paul Church in Seattle. For those suffering with terminal illnesses who are not so fortunate, rather than tempting them to commit suicide, Peyton would rather see society extend true compassion. “So much can be done to help people who are helpless,” he said. “We could, as a society, be far more compassionate. We’ve become so selfish. ... You can’t legislate compassionate care, but that’s what’s going to be needed.” The Peytons have been able to deal with John’s impending death largely because of their Catholic faith, which he called “the fundamental and essential part of our lives.” But it does not mean they have not had their share of tears in recent months. “Well, I’m disappointed, there’s no denying that,” said Peyton. “But I don’t feel any anger or bitterness. I don’t feel cheated of anything.” After more than 30 years of speaking about life issues, “I’ve just about said the last pro-life thing that I’m going to be able to say,” he gasped at the end of a long interview. A single tear ran down his cheek, but his eyes burned with urgency and intensity. “It’s up to you guys now. Take it up. May God go with you.”
Diocesan planner For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese. org/calendarofevents-cn. CHARLOTTE VICARIATE
CHARLOTTE — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians invites women of the diocese to join them in celebrating their Irish-Catholic heritage. The next meeting will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jeanmarie Schuler at (704) 554-0720. CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon Street, presents “Choosing Your Path: An Ignatian Retreat for Young Adults (age 18 to 40)” Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Biss Hall (below the church). Come and learn how the life of a 16th century saint has relevance for young adults facing a variety of changes and choices in the 21st century world. Mass will be celebrated at the close of the retreat. To register for this free event, e-mail yamretreat@gmail.com. Parking is free in The Green parking garage next to the church. For more information, visit www.stpeterscatholic.org/yam. CHARLOTTE — A Monday morning Adult Spirituality Series will be held once a month at New Creation Monastery, 1309 Duncan
Gardens Dr., beginning Sept. 22. The first talk is entitled, “Autumn Draws Us Inside: Celebrating your Heart and Soul.” Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. followed by the presentation and discussion of the topic at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Father John Vianney Hoover at (704) 344-0934. CHARLOTTE — Theology on Tap, a dynamic speaker series designed to provide adults 18-40 with the opportunity to discover more about their faith in a relaxed open environment, will take place at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Monday evenings during September. The topic for Sept. 15 will be “The Art of Prayer” presented by Jesuit Father Vince Alagia. RSVP to jennifer.eues@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.stpeterscatholic.org/yam. CHARLOTTE — Be Strong: Exercises for Physical and Spiritual Strength, a new women’s ministry at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., combines gentle yoga with prayer, Scripture and spiritual reflection for a unique 90-minute workout that strengthens body and soul. Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m. or Thursdays 10-11:30 a.m. Classes run Sept. 23–Nov. 13. No fee but registration required. Visit w w w. b e s t r o n g m i n i s t r i e s . o rg o r c o n t a c t Lisa Tolido at (704) 737-3222. CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel School celebrates 50 years. A picnic supper will be held after the 5 p.m. Mass at the St. Gabriel athletic fields. Bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs. RSVP to Sally McArdle at (704) 541-1756 or mcardle@ carolina.rr.com, or to Mary Ann Thomas at (704) 366-6985 or ethomas4@carolina.rr.com.
GREENSBORO VICARIATE
GREENSBORO — A Fall Festival will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., Sept. 26-27, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. both days, with an
September 12, 2008 Volume 17 • Number 38
Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray STAFF WRITER: Katie Moore Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
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September 12, 2008
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Pope hopes trip to France encourages Vatican official: Counseling, support awareness of Mary FROM THE VATICAN
key to helping terror victims UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — The Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations said greater efforts must be made to address the long-term spiritual and psychological effects of terrorism. Archbishop Celestino Migliore told the secretary-general’s symposium, “Supporting Victims of Terrorism,” Sept. 9 that grief counseling and spiritual support were key to helping victims cope with their losses “but also lay the groundwork for preventing reprisals and continued violence.” He said programs that “provide restorative justice to the victims of terrorism help to alleviate the continuous cycles of violence, hatred and mistrust.” Archbishop Migliore praised the U.N. General Assembly’s recent adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy but said “efforts must be made to ensure that those who are the victims of terrorist
activity are provided not only a voice but a helping hand.” “In the end, terrorist activity does nothing to promote authentic political or social aims, but only ensures the creation of more victims,” the archbishop said. “While we rightly condemn all acts of terrorism, care must be taken in order to give a voice to those whose voices have been wrongfully taken,” he said. Former Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt attended the conference and called for international status for victims of terrorism, with centralized data about victims provided on a U.N. Web site. Betancourt, a former presidential candidate in Colombia, was freed by Colombian rebels in early July after more than six years. The one-day seminar included testimony by victims of terrorism from nearly every continent.
Italian Feast Saturday 5-8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (336) 274-6520, or visit www.olgchurch.org.
20 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Shuping has been a champion for life in the Triad area as well as several foreign countries and the United Nations. Her talk will cover various pro-life topics and will encourage attendance at the upcoming “40 Days for Life.” There is no charge to attend this event. For more information, contact Donna at (336) 940-2558.
GREENSBORO — A Men’s Evening of Reflection will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., Oct. 1 from 6:30-9 p.m. The theme of the reflection will be the four objectives of the Catholic family. The event is free and open to all Catholic men. Pizza and refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria followed by a talk from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. For more information, contact John Endredy at (336) 449-3656.
HICKORY VICARIATE
HICKORY — Landings, a program to help inactive and non-practicing Catholics come back to the church, will be starting at St. Aloysius Church, 921 2nd Ave. NE, Sept. 18 at 6:30 pm. The meetings will be held once a week for 10 weeks. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call the office at St. Aloysius Church at (828) 327-2341 or e-mail Bonnie Tamrack at tamrack@charter.net. HICKORY — The Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a diocesanwide Grand Ultreya at Steel Creek Park and Campgrounds, 7081 NC Hwy. 181, Sept. 27. The Grand Ultreya begins at 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 12 p.m. to be celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis. Bring a covered dish and a 2-liter drink to share for lunch; hamburgers/hotdogs will be provided. Other activities include guitar music, group reunion, spiritual talks and hiking/nature trails for children. The event ends at 3:30 pm. For more information or directions, contact Kathy Hack at (704) 548-1834.
WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE
CLEMMONS — Dr. Martha Shuping will deliver a pro-life message entitled “The Burden of Choice and the Steps to Healing” in the Parish Center of Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., Sept.
Episcopal
calendar
KERNERSVILLE — Dr. Martha Shuping will deliver a pro-life message entitled “The Burden of Choice and the Steps to Healing” in Salesian Hall at Holy Cross Church, 616 South Cherry St., Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Shuping has been a champion for life in the Triad area as well as several foreign countries and the United Nations. Her talk inspires both hope as well as healing. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Geri Breeding at (336) 644-8883.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI said he hoped his first trip to France as pope would encourage greater awareness of Mary as a beacon of hope for all people, especially the young. The pope said he was traveling to France as a “messenger of peace and fraternity” and that he would offer a special prayer during his visit for the sick, the weak and the cause of peace in the world. The pope made the remarks at the end of his weekly general audience Sept. 10, two days before leaving for a Sept. 12-15 visit to Paris and the Marian sanctuaries at Lourdes. The pope noted that he was no stranger to France, having visited there many times as a cardinal. He praised the “solidity of its Christian faith and its high human and spiritual culture” and said he was sure he would be welcomed in the country’s traditional spirit of tolerance. In celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, the pope said he hoped to underline Mary’s importance in the lives of all Christians today. “May Mary be for all of you, especially for the young, the mother who is always available to meet the needs of
her children, a light of hope that brightens and guides your paths,” he said. During his visit, the pope was to hold meetings in Paris with French political leaders, including President Nicolas Sarkozy, and celebrate an outdoor Mass in one of the city’s squares. Vatican officials said one of the most important events on the papal schedule in Paris was his Sept. 12 address at the College des Bernardins, which was to be attended by academics and cultural leaders, Muslim representatives, and officials of the European Union and UNESCO. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pope had spent considerable effort in personally preparing this speech, which was expected to focus on a major theme of his pontificate, the relationship between faith and modern culture. At Lourdes, the pope was to join in several events of the jubilee pilgrimage, and Sept. 14 he was to celebrate Mass to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions. On Sept. 15, the final day of the visit, he was to celebrate a Mass with the sick at Lourdes and administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to 15 people.
Remembering the fallen
WINSTON-SALEM — The national “40 Days for Life” campaign will be held Sept. 24 through Nov. 2. In addition to 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in America, consider volunteering to pray outside of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 3000 Maplewood Ave. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday during the 40 days. For more information or to volunteer, contact Donna Dyer at (336) 940-2558 or Toni Buckler at (336) 782-6062, or go online to www.40daysforlife.com/winstonsalem.
Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to kmmoore@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:
Sept. 13 (5 p.m.) Sacrament of confirmation Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville
Sept. 18 (10 a.m.) Back-to-school Mass for Home School Association St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
Sept. 17 (6 p.m.) Pastor installation of Father Adrian Porras St. Barnabas Church, Arden
Sept. 19 (4 p.m.) Mass of rededication St. Bernadette Church, Linville
CNS photo by Jason Cohn, Reuters
A rosary hangs from a large cross at the Flight 93 Temporary Memorial outside Shanksville, Pa., Sept. 11. Nearly 3,000 people perished in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pa., in the 2001 attacks.
Church joins interfaith effort to change law WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Church has joined an interfaith effort to change U.S. immigration law. To prepare for that effort in the next Congress, it is also joining the Tour of the Faithful, an educational effort during September and October to convince people of faith to support changes in U.S. immigration policy. “We’re in a dark period,” said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, during a Sept. 9 conference call to announce the 17-city Tour of the Faithful.
“Our current national immigration policy ... consists of work-site enforcement raids” that result in, among other things, “the dislocation of U.S. citizen children from their parents,” he said. “As a nation — a nation of immigrants, I might add — we cannot accept the labor of immigrants while undermining their basic human dignity. At the same time, the issue of immigration reform is receiving little attention in the presidential race, and negative attention in the media.” The tour started Sept. 10 with an interfaith prayer vigil in Columbus, Ohio.
4 The Catholic News & Herald
September 12, 2008
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Celebrating ‘our liturgical heritage’ Greeting the faithful
Courtesy Photo
Seminarians (from left) John Eckert, Paul McNulty and Paul Buchanan talk to parishioners following Mass at their parish, St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, Aug. 17. Capuchin Franciscan Father Remo DiSalvatore, pastor, blessed the three seminarians and the congregation sang a blessing song for them as they prepared to return to their seminaries.
In the presence of Our Lady Courtesy Photo
Father Eric Kowalski, pastor of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy, celebrates a solemn high Mass in the extraordinary form at Holy Family Church in Clemmons Aug. 15. Assisting as deacon is Father Robert Ferguson and as subdeacon is Father Christopher Davis.
Solemn high Mass in extraordinary form celebrated for first time in diocese CLEMMONS — A solemn high Mass in the extraordinary form was celebrated recently for the first time in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Eric Kowalski, pastor of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy, celebrated the Mass at noon at Holy Family Church in Clemmons on the feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15. Assisting as deacon was Father Robert Ferguson, a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, and assisting as subdeacon was Father Christopher Davis, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Asheboro. Seminarians Noah Carter and Jason Christian were among the servers at the Mass, attended by approximately 250 people. The Mass from the Roman Missal in use since 1970 remains the ordinary form of the Mass, while celebration of the Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal is the extraordinary form. After Pope Benedict XVI eased restrictions on the use of the 1962 Roman Missal in July 2007, 14 priests of the Diocese of Charlotte attended training sessions to familiarize themselves with the background to celebrate the Mass in the extraordinary form. In 2008, the priests began celebrating the low form of the Latin-language liturgy that predates the Second Vatican Council. In the low Mass, the celebrating priest is accompanied by two servers, with two lit candles placed on the altar. In the high Mass, the celebrating priest is accompanied by a deacon and subdeacon, both with specific functions and roles.
Other differentiating factors include six lit candles, incensing and chanting rather than spoken liturgy. “This is our liturgical heritage,” said Father Kowalski, who celebrates Mass in the extraordinary form at two Triadarea parishes — Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy and St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem. “We are very blessed to have Bishop (Peter J.) Jugis’ support and encouragement,” said Father Kowalski. “We have over 2,000 years of history and our church is inclusive enough for the extraordinary form as well as the post-Vatican II ‘Novus Ordo’ (new form of the Mass).”
Mass in the extraordinary form in the Diocese of Charlotte ANDREWS — Holy Redeemer Church, Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.; second Saturdays at 4 p.m. ASHEBORO — St. Joseph Church, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Church, Wednesdays at 6 p.m.; first Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. (Sunday vigil) LINCOLNTON — St. Dorothy Church, Thursdays at 12 p.m. MOUNT AIRY — Holy Angels Church, Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. WINSTON-SALEM — St Benedict the Moor Church, second/fourth Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
Courtesy Photo
Priests and seminarians are pictured at the Good Jesus Church in Braga, Portugal, during an annual peace pilgrimage to Fatima. Pictured: (back row) Father John Putnam and Father Mark Purcell; (middle row) seminarians Brian Kaup, Steven Arena, Jonathon Baggett, Patrick McLauglin and Paul Buchanan; and (front row) seminarian Alex Hernandez Dominguez.
Annual pilgrimage brings priests, seminarians, laity to Fatima WINSTON-SALEM — Priests, seminarians and laypersons from across the United States recently journeyed to Portugal as part of the Fatima peace pilgrimage. Sponsored annually since 1984 by the Te Deum Foundation, the pilgrimage is designed to foster a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima’s message for priests, seminarians and other religious. “The message of Our Lady of Fatima is one of peace and conversion of heart, both of which are desperately needed in our world today,” said Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. “As followers of Christ, we must pray for peace and strive daily to put the great commandment into practice of loving God and neighbor,” said Father Putnam, who served as spiritual director of this year’s pilgrimage. Among the 27 pilgrims were John
Kaup and Paul Buchanan, seminarians for the Diocese of Charlotte. “As a new seminarian, the pilgrimage to Fatima was an incredible way to begin my studies for the priesthood, and to dedicate those studies to Our Lady,” said Buchanan. “After visiting the holy places and praying in the footsteps of saints, I know I am bound more closely to the Blessed Mother, and most especially to her Son.” In addition to Fatima, other sites visited included St. Jerome’s Monastery and St. Anthony of Padua’s Church in Lisbon, the home of Blessed Alexandrina in Balasar, and Our Lady of Nazare Church and the Church of the Eucharistic miracle in Santarem. The Te Deum Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps provide for the material and spiritual needs of seminarians in formation for the priesthood.
September 12, 2008
The Catholic News & Herald 5
from the cover
Parish Food Closet thrives under couple’s direction FOOD, from page 1
Courtesy Photo
Kay Dziubczynski (left) and Mitzie Kermes review the sign-in sheet as they prepare for distribution at St. Philip the Apostle Church Food Closet Aug. 9. The Food Closet ministry serves between 120 and 130 families a month and each family receives at least $100 worth of food.
work with, we decided to stay on until we were 70,” said Jewell. “They have been a tremendous example for the parish and have contributed substantially to the growth of St. Philip Church,” said Father Kurt Fohn, pastor. “We are now 70 and it’s time to leave it to younger, healthier, stronger-backed people,” Jewell said. The Jewells retired in August after 10 years, but are proud of their accomplishments with the ministry. When they started, the Food Closet was serving approximately 20 families. “At that time we were delivering to each family,” said Jewell. “It has since grown considerably.” Now they serve between 120 and 130 families a month. In 1998 they began getting food from Second Harvest Food Bank in Winston-Salem. At that time, the Jewells drove approximately 100 miles roundtrip to Winston-Salem twice a month to pick up the food. In 2003 Second Harvest Food Bank established a rural delivery program, by which the food is delivered directly to the church. It is stored in an on-site building and distributed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Because the bulk of the food comes from a federal program, certain guidelines must be met in order to qualify as a distributer. Rules for providers include
requirements for storage, application and non-discrimination. Clients also must qualify in order to receive the federally provided food. “Every July we get a new guideline of income that they have to meet,” said Jewell. The guideline is based on monthly income and the number of people living in the household. Clients may receive federal food only once a month and must agree to receive food from only one agency. Each family receives at least $100 worth of food from the Food Closet. A majority of that comes from the federal program. The rest is purchased and acquired through donations from the church. When the Jewells retired at the end of August, Jim and Mitzie Kermes took over the effort, along with help from Tom and Kay Dziubczynski. “They (the Jewells) made it a pleasant experience helping at the Food Closet,” said Jim Kermes. “We didn’t want to see it fall apart or anything so we thought we’d help take over.” Kermes seems to think that the Jewells’ days of helping at the parish Food Closet are not completely over. “They’ve given us advice from day one,” said Kermes, “and trust me, I call them whenever I have a question.” “We said we’d be available to help them whenever they need us,” said Jewell. “We’ll probably miss it a little bit,” she added. “But it’s going to be nice to have a little bit of free time.” Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.
6 The Catholic News & Herald
around the diocese
Pro-life campaign spreads widely by word of mouth
Three new locations to participate in ‘40 Days for Life’ added in Diocese of Charlotte by
KATIE MOORE staff writer
CHARLOTTE — On Sept. 24, prolifers from around the country will join in solidarity to kick off the third national campaign of “40 Days for Life.” Here in the Diocese of Charlotte, pro-life leaders in four different locations are gearing up for the local campaign. A nationwide ecumenical effort, “40 Days for Life” aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting, outreach and vigils. This year there will be 173 campaigns at abortion clinics in 45 states, two Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico. In the Diocese of Charlotte, campaigns will be held in Alexander County, Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem. The first campaign took place in 2004 in College Station, Texas. In 2007 the effort went nationwide, with campaigns in 89 cities in 33 states. Charlotte was one of the first cities to join the effort by participating in the campaign last fall and then again in the spring. This is the first time for the other three locations. The original goal of the “40 Days for Life” campaign was to have members of the community pray 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside a local abortion clinic for a total of 40 days. This year, due to safety and logistics, organizers in the Diocese of Charlotte have scaled back on the hours. Vigils will be held in Charlotte at A Preferred Women’s Health Center, in Greensboro at Planned Parenthood and in Winston-Salem at Forsyth Women’s Center/Planned Parenthood. Organizers in Alexander County are taking a different approach due to the smaller size of the community and the absence of an abortion facility. There won’t be an actual vigil location, but “for 40 days we are challenging the churches and individuals in the area to pray,” said organizer Denise Garnes. At each of the sites, participants rotate in shifts, and no one is ever alone. The “40 Days for Life” campaign began entirely as a grassroots effort and has spread widely by word of mouth and internet communication. “I saw what they were doing and thought that would be great to do something like that here,” said Chip Cush, parishioner of Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, who first heard about the campaign in an e-mail from Priests for Life. “The beauty of this campaign is that there is a way for everyone to get involved,” said Toni Buckler, parishioner of Holy Family Church and one of the coordinators of the Winston-Salem effort. “This is a universal issue. It involves all of us,” she said. “We are all responsible to end abortion in one way or another.” In Greensboro and Winston-Salem, coordinators have organized pro-life talks by Dr. Martha Shuping, a pro-life
September 12, 2008
advocate, to be given in conjunction with the kick-off of the “40 Days for Life” campaign. She will speak on the “Burden of Choice, Healing after Abortion” at Holy Cross Church Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and at Holy Family Church in Clemmons Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. “We’re hoping that after Dr. Shuping’s talks we’ll be able to get some more interest,” said Buckler. “We all have to do our part by our prayer and our witness; and we let God do the rest,” said Jason Beckert, parishioner of St. Matthew Church and one of the Charlotte coordinators. “He’ll make it happen but we have to be faithful and trust in him,” he said. For Beckert, last year’s campaign was his first experience praying outside of an abortion clinic. “I did my pro-life thing, but I didn’t actually put myself out there,” he said. Beckert admitted that he was a little surprised by the peaceful nature of the campaign and the positive impact it had on his prayer life. “It was like being in adoration,” he said of praying outside the abortion clinic. “I just really felt connected to the Lord.” N a t i o n a l o rg a n i z e r s p r o v i d e participants with a daily devotional which includes a Scripture reading, reflection and prayer. While there is organized spoken prayer, 90 percent of the prayer outside the clinics is silent, according to Shawn Carney, board treasurer of the national campaign. “The ‘saves’ are exciting and they’re neat, but that’s not the only thing,” said Beckert. “If no one is saved that day, it doesn’t mean that it was a failure.” Contributing to this story was Catholic News Service. WANT MORE INFO? Visit www.40daysforlife.com.
‘40 DAYS FOR LIFE’ IN DIOCESE Alexander County Denise Garnes (828) 632-1680
Charlotte A Preferred Women’s Health Center, 3220 Latrobe Dr. — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Andrea Hines (704) 996-4597 Jason Beckert (704) 996-8258 Greensboro Planned Parenthood, 1704 Battleground Ave. — 12 to 2 p.m. daily — 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays Chip Cush (336) 906-4378 Winston-Salem Forsyth Women’s Center/Planned Parenthood, 3000 Maplewood Ave. — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Toni Buckler (336) 782-6062 Donna Dyer (336) 940-2558
Diocese investigating alleged misconduct No prior allegations made against teacher KERNERSVILLE — A former student of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville has come forward about an alleged incident of sexual misconduct involving a teacher. The former student, now 25, informed Principal George Repass Sept. 4 of the incident that allegedly occurred in 2001 in the teacher’s home. The teacher was questioned by the principal and denied the allegation. In accordance with the Diocese of Charlotte’s policy on sexual abuse, the teacher was suspended Sept. 5. As required by state law, the Diocese of Charlotte reported the incident to Forsyth County Department of Social Services Sept. 5. The diocese will comply and cooperate fully with any investigation by the authorities, while conducting its own investigation of the allegation. Also on Sept. 5, the chancery notified the diocesan Review Board, which investigates and reviews cases of sexual misconduct reported in the diocese, and a letter from Repass and Linda Cherry, superintendent of Catholic schools, was sent to parents of Bishop McGuinness students, informing them of the allegation. School board members, faculty and area pastors also were notified of the allegation. The teacher was hired in 1991. A criminal background check, which is conducted on all diocesan employees, indicated the teacher had no prior criminal record of sexual misconduct. No other allegations regarding the teacher have been reported in the Diocese of Charlotte. The teacher had undergone training on sexual misconduct by church
personnel, as is required by diocesan policy of all diocesan employees and volunteers. As a result of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People — issued by the U.S. bishops in 2002 — the Diocese of Charlotte implemented its Protecting God’s Children program. The program educates and trains adults (mandatory for all clergy, religious, teachers, staff and volunteers) about the dangers of abuse, and ways to prevent and report it. To date, there have been 690 Protecting God’s Children workshops held throughout the diocese — 18,200 people have participated in the program. Also, 17,400 background checks have been processed in the diocese, more than 2,400 in the last year alone. In July 2003, the Diocese of Charlotte issued its revised Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Concerning Ministry-Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel. In addition to establishing the Review Board, the diocese also appointed a coordinator to assist survivors of sexual abuse, whether the incident took place in the diocese or elsewhere. At the conclusion of the latest independent compliance audit, which covered the period of August 2005 through June 2007, the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the charter. WANT MORE INFO? Vi s i t w w w. c h a r l o t t e d i o c e s e . o r g / protectinggodschildren.html.
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from the cover
Two couples from diocese recognized by Augustinians OSA, from page 1
Courtesy Photo
Augustinian Brother Bill Harkin, prior of the Augustinian community in Maggie Valley, is pictured with Joan and Charles Surber from St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville and John and Therese Van Dyck of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley after their affiliation into the Order of St. Augustine at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 27.
honor is for many people,” Therese Van Dyck said. The Province of St. Thomas of Villanova is made up of priests and brothers whose ministry extends along the East Coast. Affiliation is a way to recognize someone’s “distinguished cooperation for the good of the order,” as the order’s constitutions note. “By reason of this affiliation, they belong to the Augustinian Family and share in all the spiritual benefits of the order.” Augustinian Father Donald Reilly, prior provincial of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, presented the Van Dycks, Surbers and 17 other new affiliates during the affiliation ceremony and Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Villanova University campus in Philadelphia, Pa. Augustinian Father Michael DiGregorio, assistant to the order’s prior general, presided at the Mass Aug. 27. The provincial and council of the province nominate the affiliates; the order’s prior general and council in Rome approve the nominations. At the Aug. 27 ceremony, each couple or individual received a book about St. Augustine and a hand-lettered affiliation certificate. “We rejoice to celebrate the affiliation to our order of a number of couples and individuals whom we wish to invite into a closer spiritual union with us because of their distinguished cooperation for the good of the order,” Father DiGregorio said. In 1998, the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova was looking for new areas in which to minister. Then-Bishop William G. Curlin invited them to North Carolina. “I want you to come to the Diocese of Charlotte and live your Augustinian way of life and help me in any way you
can,” Bishop Curlin had said. Bishop Curlin, who was affiliated to the order last year, was to have attended the recent affiliation ceremony but was unable to because of another commitment. Augustinians now staff St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte and St. Margaret of Scotland Church and Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley. Moving to North Carolina, the friars were coming to a new environment. Their headquarters in Philadelphia had 12 friaries in close proximity. Some parishes in the area had Augustinian staffs for a long time. “Nearly every place we’ve been, we’ve been there 100 years or more,” said Augustinian Brother William Harkin, director of Living Waters and prior of the Augustinian community in Maggie Valley. “We were going to a place where (Augustinians) had never been before,” he said. However, they were quickly at home in their new environment. “It didn’t take long,” John Van Dyck said. “They reached out into the community.” “The challenge was, how do we come to Maggie Valley and live our Augustinian way of life? And that’s where these four came in,” Brother Harkin said. The Surbers and the Van Dycks eased the friars’ transition to rural Haywood County. They had welcomed the friars into their own families, helping them to feel at home, treating them as brothers to whom they were always available. “We did it for two reasons,” Therese Van Dyck said. “We didn’t want recognition. We loved the Lord first, and we really love the Augustinians.” John Van Dyck brought his woodworking skills to the beautification of St. Margaret of Scotland Church’s sanctuary, while Therese Van Dyck utilized her artistic skills to decorate the sanctuary and the friary. “They have graciously welcomed all of the friars who have ever visited Maggie Valley and incorporated them into their home and family,” said the program notes. The Surbers are involved in many activities at St. John the Evangelist Church and assisted Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan when he was pastor for more than eight years. They volunteer at the retreat center by helping to prepare meals for large retreat groups, including the diocese’s priest retreat, and helping guests feel welcome. “They embraced our Augustinian ideals and made them a central part of their lives from the time we began to staff that parish and the parish and retreat house in Maggie Valley,” the program noted. “They have become members of our Augustinian family as if it were a natural consequence of coming to know us and to know the ideals of community life written about by St. Augustine.” It was easy. The friars, Joan Surber said, “are very approachable. You didn’t mind helping and, besides, it’s fun.”
8 The Catholic News & Herald
September 12, 2008
exploring the bible
Biblical scholars provide pope with research, advice BIBLE, from page 1
In fact, more than a year before the Vatican told bishops’ conferences around the world that “Yahweh,” a name for the God of Israel that Jews do not say aloud, must not “be used or pronounced” in songs or prayers during Catholic Masses, Pope Benedict XVI asked the Pontifical Biblical Commission to research the issue. Passionist Father Donald Senior, president of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a member of the biblical commission, said Pope Benedict asked for the commission’s input after a Jewish leader requested that the church consider respecting their long tradition. The biblical commission has 20 members — currently 19 clerics and a German layman — usually appointed to two five-year terms. U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and president of the biblical commission, said its primary task is to serve as a consultative body to his congregation and therefore to the pope and the church at large. The commission, he told Catholic News Service, “ensures that there will be a dialogue on biblical themes at the very heart of the church.” And, he said, the fact that the members come from different parts of the world “allows for a dynamic exchange of various cultural perspectives.” Father Senior said the scholars have different approaches to the Bible, but all are recognized specialists in the field. Because their names are suggested to the Vatican by national bishops’ conferences and because they serve as
Vatican consultants, “obviously you are not going to have people who are at loggerheads with the church,” he said. Before the Second Vatican Council, the biblical commission was made up almost entirely of bishops and was charged with monitoring the orthodoxy of Catholic biblical scholars and overseeing the curriculum of biblical studies for seminaries and pontifical universities. Father Senior said that, with Vatican II, its promotion of Bible reading and its openness to new trends in biblical scholarship, the commission went from being a watchdog agency to being a scholarly commission with a pastoral approach, focusing on the Bible and modern church concerns. The changed approach, he said, is particularly evident in the last three commission documents: — The 1993 document, “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church,” examined different scholarly approaches to the interpretation of Scriptures. With the exception of its treatment of fundamentalism, the examinations were basically positive, with small sections warning of possible dangers if one method is used exclusively or radically. — The 2001 document, “The Jewish People and Their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible,” highlighted the importance of the Old Testament for Christianity, encouraged studying Jewish interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures and condemned attempts to use New Testament criticism of some Jews as an excuse to denigrate Jews and Judaism. — The latest document, “The Bible and Morality,” was to be released in English in September. Father Senior said its central concern is “How do you take a text that is ancient
Critical analysis of Scripture took centuries to develop WASHINGTON (CNS) — The quest to understand what God is saying in Scripture has been pursued for centuries. In the church’s early days, Scripture was accepted largely on faith and any critical look was seen as distorting God’s message. However, a more critical look at Scripture began emerging among Catholic scholars by the 17th century. Father Richard Simon in France published the first “critical history” of the Old Testament in 1678. By the 19th century the rise of natural science led to questions about the accuracy of the Bible. Darwin’s theory of evolution was published in 1859; scientific research showed the earth was much older than the 6,000 years Genesis suggested; and the discovery of biblical manuscripts and records of ancient civilizations called into question long-held beliefs of biblical inspiration and revelation. On Nov. 18, 1893, in an attempt to counter the challenges, Pope Leo XIII issued an encyclical in which he acknowledged that some errors in Bible passages could have been introduced by scribes. At the same time he prohibited any interpretation that led to conclusions that only part of Scripture was true while other segments were problematic. He also said there may be a need for Catholic biblical scholars to turn to authors outside the church, “especially in
matters of criticism.” It would be 50 years before the church again addressed the issue of critical biblical analysis, but when it occurred, the field of biblical scholarship was altered tremendously. In 1943, Pope Pius XII opened a new era of Catholic biblical studies when he issued the encyclical “Divino Afflante Spiritu” (“Inspired by the Divine Spirit”). While Pope Pius did not promote the historical-critical method that had come into wide use in the first decades of the 20th century, he welcomed sound historical research in studying the Bible. It would not be until the Second Vatican Council that lay Catholics were formally encouraged to study the Bible in the context of their own lives. One of the principal documents, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, stated that Scripture was produced by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and, as such, deserves to be studied widely using different forms of critical analysis. More recently, Pope Benedict XVI has cautioned that the historical-critical method has its limits even though it is a vital tool in biblical studies. He maintains the Bible should be viewed in whole as the word of God in which all parts relate to each other, and said the Bible offers a spiritual journey and is not a “textbook” on divine matters.
A passage from the Book of Revelation, a prophetic book of the Bible filled with rich symbolism, illustrates the difficulty one may encounter when reading Scripture. Pope Benedict XVI has a team of biblical scholars for research and advice about Scriptures.
CNS photo by Paul Haring
— revered and sacred, but ancient — from another time and culture and have it be relevant to contemporary moral issues?” The document makes some reference to a few specific moral issues, especially the sacredness of life and the importance of the family, but also safeguarding the environment, he said. Its main goal is to outline principles or guidelines for applying biblical values in the contemporary world, he said. The text shows that in the Bible “certain issues rise to the top among the whole spectrum of moral concern,” he said. “From the stories of the Old
Testament to Jesus, there are certain things — the cry of the poor, justice, community — that are more than examples,” he said. “They are streams of concern that are very close to the bone when talking about the church and the teachings of Jesus.” The doctrinal congregation authorized the publication of the document. Because the biblical commission is a consultative body, a document it produces is “like a (government) white paper: If they decide to publish it, it’s fine; if they decide to shelve it, we really cannot complain,” Father Senior said.
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exploring the bible
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Leading people to read Bible is challenge for pope CHALLENGE, from page 1
The pope views the lack of scriptural formation as part of a wider crisis of catechetics in the church. At a more academic level, the pope sees a danger in modern biblical interpretation that he believes diminishes the meaning of Scripture and erodes the bond between Bible and church. In particular, he has warned that various modern-day methods of interpreting the Bible are too limiting; for instance, some scholars read Scripture as if they are seeking to break a code and pluck out answers one by one. Instead, Pope Benedict believes the Bible must be seen as a whole and as the word of God, in which everything relates to everything else and offers the possibility of a spiritual journey, rather than being seen as a textbook on divine matters. So in convoking some 250 bishops for the Oct. 5-26 synod, the pope did not intend to host a forum for scriptural analysis. His primary interest is pastoral, and a main challenge is to lead more Catholics to the Bible. As he told synod planners earlier this year, reading, interpreting and living the words of Scripture are fundamental to the faith life of Christians. Without that, the church’s great works in the modern age — including evangelization and ecumenism — are bound to stall, he said. Nor does the pope believe that
scriptural expertise comes before the simple experience of reading the Bible. As a cardinal, he once said that he shares the view of liberation theology that the Bible belongs to the people, not the scholars. And while specialists are needed, he said, “the real and essential meaning of the Bible is something the simple believer can grasp just as well.” That’s something the pope has been promoting as universal pastor since his election in 2005. The very first words of his pontificate were a quote from Scripture — a greeting from the First Letter of Peter — and his talks and sermons over the last three and a half years have included some 3,000 references to scriptural passages. The pope once said the Bible would be one of two books he would take with him if marooned on an island (the other was St. Augustine’s “Confessions.”) His own familiarity with Scripture is evident in the way he cites passages even in offthe-cuff remarks. His written works seem to breathe Scripture. His first encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (“God Is Love”), was typical. It began with a citation from the First Letter of John and on practically every page drew from the Old and New Testaments, often making connections between the two. In his discussion of unjustified suffering, for example, he begins with a lesson from the Book of Job, then weaves in several Gospel passages. One of Pope Benedict’s primary convictions is that the New Testament
offers the key to understanding the Old Testament and that, as a whole, the Bible necessarily leads to Christ. But he believes this traditional Christological approach has been threatened by some modern schools of interpretation that would limit the meaning of any biblical book to the author’s historical context. In a 2001 essay, he described in dramatic terms how such interpretation jeopardized the “internal harmony” of the Bible as understood by Christians through the centuries. By presuming that Old Testament writers could not have intended to refer in advance to Christ and the New Testament faith, he warned, this new line of biblical study would “sound the death knell” for the Christian understanding of Old Testament-New Testament unity. As early as the Second Vatican Council, the pope — then Father Joseph Ratzinger — was involved deeply in a debate over the relationship among Scripture, tradition and the church’s magisterium, or teaching authority. Here, too, the future pope identified a dangerous trend in biblical interpretation that saw Scripture as the entire deposit of the faith. As a council expert, he wrote that this approach was not balanced and that “revelation ... is greater even than the words of Scripture.” Much later, he expanded on this point in the book, “God and the World,” saying that when it came to the authorship of the Bible it was clear that “God did not just dictate these words.” Instead, the
words of Scripture bear the impression of a history guided by God, a history that directly involves the church, he said. Pope Benedict always has emphasized that this history continues, and that the Bible, far from a piece of literature or a historical record, is a living book that touches the present. In a foreword to his 2007 book, “Jesus of Nazareth,” the pope said the books of Scripture involve three interacting subjects: the individual author, the church and God. “The people of God — the church — is the living subject of Scripture; it is in the church that the words of the Bible are always in the present,” he wrote. What he attempted to do in his book on Jesus, he explained, was to use historical insights to help reveal the figure of Jesus, but to go beyond purely historical interpretation. Instead, he said, his method takes the conviction of faith — faith that Jesus truly was God — as a starting point for reading Scripture. This approach allows for a proper theological interpretation of the Bible, yet does not sacrifice the church’s “serious engagement with history,” he said. The pope has noted the Bible’s ability to inspire individuals and impact their day-to-day decisions. But he has also cautioned against reading the Bible for easy answers, which would “turn Scripture into an oracle.” What’s important, he once said, is to “read the Bible regularly, to let it keep us company and guide us.”
September 12, 2008
10 The Catholic News & Herald
Culture Watch
A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more
Author-screenwriter struck by faith of Mexican players by MARK PATTISON catholic news service
WASHINGTON — If you were to buy a copy of the new book “The Perfect Game,” you’d see a photograph of the 1957 Little League team from Monterrey, Mexico — the first nonAmerican Little League World Series champions — standing in a church in Mexico City, in uniform, praying to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The faith of these 14 11- and 12year-olds was that strong, said William O. Winokur, author of “The Perfect Game,” a novelized treatment of the Monterrey team’s odyssey in the Little League tournament through a country none had ever visited before. Winokur also wrote the screenplay for a movie of the same name scheduled for release in April 2009 — when the new baseball season starts. “One of the things I tried to do was pay homage and respect to that faith,” Winokur said in an Aug. 18 interview with Catholic News Service. “Not to overdo it, but their faith was so important to those kids and that community.” The team insisted on a blessing before each Little League tournament game they played as they worked their way deeper into the United States. It was a tougher go in Kentucky, not a heavily Catholic state. “I think they assumed there was a priest in every small town. That was their experience,” Winokur told CNS. Before one Kentucky game, the boys were willing to accept a forfeit rather than play without a blessing. Their rationale, according to Winokur: “We are only here because of God’s blessing. We are not going to play without him.” “They managed to drum up a (Protestant) minister who gave a blessing,” Winokur said. The undersized team crossed the Mexican-U.S. border by foot in uniform, carrying not only their bats and equipment but also “a change of underwear in a paper bag,” according to Winokur. They walked 12 miles in their baseball cleats to their first tourney stop in McAllen, Texas. There and elsewhere, they beat bigger and faster teams. In the World Series final against a much-heralded team from California, Monterrey pitcher
WORD TO LIFE
Sunday Scripture Readings: Sept. 21, 2007
Sept. 21, Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle A. Readings: 1) Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18 2) Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a
God’s generosity is plentiful, often unexpected by JEFF HNESLEY catholic news service
Angel Macias, an ambidextrous “switchpitching” hurler, tossed a perfect game — the first ever thrown at Little League headquarters in Williamsport, Pa. Winokur met with each of the surviving Little Leaguers from Monterrey and their coach, Cesar Faz; he also interviewed the widows of those players who had died in the intervening 51 years. From his interviews, he said, it was obvious to him that they “walked the walk of faith, not just talked about faith. They actually deeply lived by that, and if they didn’t have that, they would have had nothing.” One of the more touching episodes he related in the book dealt with Monterrey player Baltasar Charles, who almost did not make the trip with his teammates. “Even though he was only 12 years of age, he was the primary caregiver of his younger sister (Patricia), who was born an invalid (due to a paralytic condition). He would take her everywhere. “The night before they were supposed to leave, he told his team he just couldn’t be away from Patricia. She came to him and said, ‘Balta, if you don’t go I will never forgive myself. I will feel as if I were the one who prevented you from being with your teammates.’” Years after the Monterrey team’s triumph, Baltasar said “he would have traded everything he had done in his life just to give his sister peace.” Patricia died a few years after the Little Leaguers’ championship. “I get a lump in my throat when I think about her,” Winokur told CNS. While the book and movie are based on actual events, Winokur said he chose to call the book a work of fiction because of the varying recollections of 10 or more people who lived through events of 50 years ago. “I didn’t set out to write a journalistic account. I set out to weave a story,” he added.
God’s generosity toward all his creation seems to be a thread running through this week’s readings. Having just read through them when a friend from St. Louis came to visit, I think they were still on my mind when he and I went to lunch. We were joined by the two women who direct our diocese’s diaconate formation program. It wasn’t planned, it just happened that at a restaurant seven miles from our diocesan offices we ran into each other. A joyous time of sharing over food followed our chance meeting. It seemed a gift from a generous God. And it must have triggered the
conversation my friend and I had over coffee later, filled with stories of God’s seeming intervention in our lives: a time I was nearly attacked by pit bulls, but a pickup truck happened by at just the right time to block the dogs; a time when a long overdue rain and very slick streets caused my friend to slide through an intersection while the opposing traffic seemed to stand still; and the stories continued to flow. When Jesus speaks of the workers in the vineyard, jealous of the full day’s wages the latecomers were paid, it is likely he is speaking of the jealousy of the religious people of his day when those who had only recently repented of their sinful ways were welcomed by him. But he also is speaking of a generous God who is free to give as he sees fit, not limited by our conceptions. The Isaiah passage speaks of that same generosity of God. The psalm says, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.” We are among his works. Should we not acknowledge his great kindness toward us, the mercy he shows us? Our lives are in his hands, Paul points out in the reading from Philippians. Then he tells his readers how we should respond to that generosity: “Only conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Sept. 14-20 Sunday (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Monday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33, John 19:25-27;Tuesday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday (St. Robert Bellarmine), 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13, Luke 7:31-35; Thursday, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 7:36-50; Friday (St. Januarius), 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang and Companions), 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49, Luke 8:4-15. Scripture for the week of Sept. 21-27 Sunday (Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:20-24, 27, Matthew 20:1-16; Monday, Proverbs 3:27-34, Luke 8:16-18; Tuesday (St. Pio of Pietrelcina), Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13, Luke 8:19-21; Wednesday, Proverbs 30:5-9, Luke 9:1-6; Thursday, Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, Luke 9:7-9; Friday (Sts. Cosmas and Damian), Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Luke 9:18-22; Saturday (St. Vincent de Paul), Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8, Luke 9:43-45.
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September 12, 2008
Director’s film about love, loss helps him deal with own loss by MARK PATTISON catholic news service
WASHINGTON — Film director Mark Pellington chose a tale about love and loss as his latest movie project to deal with his own love and loss. The title character in “Henry Poole Is Here” is ready to drink himself to death in the dilapidated house he has just bought upon receiving the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Pellington’s wife, Jennifer, a film costumer, died four years ago and he took to alcohol to numb his spirit until, by his own calculation, he got sober two years later. In the film, which opened Aug. 15, Poole’s turnaround begins, although he doesn’t know it, when one neighbor sees the image of Christ — due in part to badly done stucco work — on an exterior wall of the house. The change in him accelerates when a blood stain of inexplicable origin appears on the wall, and it goes into high gear when another neighbor’s young daughter starts talking again following a year of silence after her father abandoned the family. Pellington’s release from the grip of sorrow came in his work. While hedging his bets with different film, television and video projects in varying stages of development, he told Catholic News Service in an Aug. 12 telephone interview from Los Angeles, “I was kind of hoping this would be the one.” “It contained a lot of the elements I had been searching for. Loss, I could relate to that — not Henry and his possible demise, but Esperanza (the first neighbor) and the loss of her love (a man who had died in the house Henry bought), and the little girl who was shut down — and do a story where I could put together the range of feelings and express the small emotional details,” he said. “The process of actually making it and processing it and mixing it was quite cathartic,” Pellington added. “Watching it the other night, I was in another place (in life). I leaned over to a friend and said, ‘Wow, this is really sad.’ It contained all the sadness I had a year ago.” As director of a “charming fable,”
“It contained a lot of the elements I had been searching for.”
— Mark Pellington Pellington “sustains a suspenseful, sometimes poetic, generally unsentimental mood, not without humor,” said a review by Harry Forbes, director of the U.S. bishops’ Office for Film & Broadcasting. “This little gem of a film with its truthful emotions, likable characters, and themes of faith and community concern — even when Henry commits a desperate act — should resonate warmly with Catholic viewers.” The film, which stars Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchell, George Lopez and Cheryl Hines, received a classification of A-II — adults and adolescents — from the film and broadcasting office for “two instances of profanity and a few crass words.” Pellington, 46, the son of a Baltimore Colts linebacker, was raised an Episcopalian. He wanted to follow in his father’s football footsteps until a high school injury dashed that dream. He admitted his churchgoing dropped off in his 20s, but he picked it up again once he got married. Today, it’s “sporadic,” and while “I believe in God and Jesus Christ completely,” he told CNS, “I rely on more than the church for my inspiration to question both the good and bad handed to me in life.” Backers of “Henry Poole Is Here” have mounted a campaign to win Catholic endorsement of the film. Outreach has been made to such groups as the Knights of Columbus, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and Lifeteen, according to Corby Pons of Different Drummer, a Washington-based promotion firm. Renew International’s Theology on Tap has published a six-page study guide to the movie.
Bringing the Mass home Ministry provides Mass DVDs to homebound by
KATIE MOORE staff writer
KANNAPOLIS — A new ministry is bringing the Mass into the homes of those who are unable to attend church on Sunday. DVDs for the Homebound, an outreach ministry of Knights of Columbus Council 12167 at St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis, provides weekly recordings of the Mass on DVD to elderly or infirm parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. Each Sunday, English- and Spanishlanguage Masses are recorded by seven high-resolution video cameras and burned to DVDs. Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion deliver the DVDs when they take Communion to homebound parishioners. If they don’t have DVD players, the Knights loan them the equipment. “It keeps them connected and lets them know what’s going on in the parish,” said Pete Devlin, parishioner of St. Joseph Church and member of Council 12167. Devlin, an electrician, was instrumental in setting up the cameras and launching the program. “You don’t have to spend a ton of money,” he said. It costs only $.18 for a blank DVD. Baptisms, first Communions and confirmations are also recorded and offered to parishioners in exchange for a $5 donation. That money is used to purchase the blank DVDs; thus the program is self-supporting. Each year, Knights of Columbus councils from around the state submit their best projects to be judged on the state level. This year, DVDs for the Homebound was awarded first prize. The program was then judged by the Supreme Council, the governing body of the Knights of Columbus, where it took second place out of 13,000 councils internationally. “We were very proud of getting the award,” said Devlin, who was especially excited about the publicity the program has received as a result.
Courtesy Photo
A recording of a baptism is seen on a television screen in the control room at St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis in this undated photo. Baptisms, first Communions and confirmations are recorded and offered to parishioners in exchange for a $5 donation to help support the DVDs for the Homebound ministry. “We’re having more and more councils and churches inquire about the program,” he said. “This is one of the programs we’d love everybody to steal,” he added. One facet of the program that Devlin has been particularly pleased with is the showing of the Mass DVDs at Concord House nursing home in Concord. “The people who are in nursing homes and who are homebound begin to feel isolated from their faith communities,” said Amy Detter, head of extraordinary ministers of holy Communion at St. Joseph Church. “Being able to take the Mass to them and have them see it, and feel like they were present, helps them to stay connected to their faith community,” she said. At Concord House, a recording of the Mass is shown every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. There are only two Catholic residents in the nursing home, but eight to 14 residents typically attend the weekly viewings of the Mass. “We’re exposing the Catholic Mass to non-Catholics,” said Devlin, who hopes to start bringing the DVDs of the Mass to two other nursing homes in the area as well. “For those who are not members of our faith community who happen to be in a nursing home that we service, they at least feel like they are getting to participate in a Mass, even if it is just viewing it,” said Detter. “It really has a positive impact on their outlook and helps them keep their faith strong, even though they are in difficult circumstances,” she said. Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.
12 The Catholic News & Herald
September 12, 2008
youths in action
Projects from the heart
Girl Scout troops earn awards
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
Gary Bouton, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, is seen in this black-and-white photo assisting youths from outside the diocese who took part in a Catholic Heart Work Camp in Greensboro July 21-24.
Teens far and wide take part in workcamp GREENSBORO — For some teenagers, summer wasn’t only about vacationing. As teens and chaperones from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro traveled to Pennsylvania, hundreds of others came from around the country to Greensboro. The youths and adults were taking part in Catholic Heart Workcamp, a national organization that provides teens with opportunities for faith-powered mission work throughout the country. The exchange took place July 20-26. The group of about 30 teens from St. Paul the Apostle Church spent their time performing service projects around Greensburg, Pa. One group of six worked at Union Mission, a men’s shelter, where they rose at 6:15 a.m. every morning to
strip wallpaper and paint; build sheds; install toilets, kitchen cabinets, sinks and lights. Teens came to Greensboro from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. At night they slept on the floor of St. Paul the Apostle Church’s parish life center. During the day, they worked on homes of area senior citizens, cleared brush at two therapeutic riding centers and assisted hospice clients. Catholic Heart Workcamp was founded in Orlando, Fla., in 1993. The first workcamp in Orlando drew 100 participants. Today, there are hundreds of parishes and thousands of teens involved in cities across the United States, and in Jamaica and Mexico.
Girl Scouts Troop 3112 (in green vests) and Junior Troop 1069 (in brown vests) of St. Patrick Cathedral each earned an Outstanding Troop Award for the 2007-08 school year. Girl Scout Hornets’ Nest Council in Charlotte determined the winners and presented the awards. The Scouts and adult leadership team completed 18 unique requirements to earn the awards. In addition, adult leader Molly Dudick was recognized with the Girl Scout Leader of the Year Award and Leadership Development Award. Adults pictured (from left) are Taffy Tyler, Molly Dudick, Mike Dudick, Tammy Normile and Julie Kern.
Hearty work for teens
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Teens and chaperones from St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton are pictured during the Catholic Heart Workcamp in Prince Frederick, Md., July 13-19. The group performed a variety of service projects during the workcamp, including painting and cleaning houses, landscaping and staining a fence. Pictured (front row, from left) are seminarian Paul McNulty, Karla Fuentes, Sara Canada; (back row, from left) chaperone Jan Billings, Patrick Billings, Sally Marie Schunke, Maree Pascall, Aaron Medina, Megan Hussey, youth minister Denise Hussey and Maria Pedro Vicente.
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September 12, 2008
youths in action
End-of-summer spirituality
The Catholic News & Herald 13
Enriching summer
Courtesy Photo by Vicki Dorsey
Courtesy Photo by Vicki Dorsey
Father Ray Williams, pastor of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva, is pictured with participants of the parish’s annual end-of-summer youth retreat, held at Balsam Lake Lodge in Tuckasegee, N.C., Aug. 8-10. The retreat, led by Belle Harcourt, parish director of religious education, featured talks by seminarian David Miller; Jane Sullivan and Renee Pierce, members of the parish faith formation team; and Father Williams, who also celebrated Mass.
Ana Balta (left), a 16-year-old parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva, is pictured Aug. 17 with a few of the nearly 30 children who took part in the parish’s Hispanic Children’s Enrichment program Aug. 4-8. Also pictured are (from left) Isa Colex, Cesar Colex, Ruby Guadarrama, Gabriel Fuentes and Aaron Guadarrama. Ana, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, organized and planned the entire program, which mixed learning with interactive games and sports. In the classes, Ana taught the children about science, plants, animals, insects and the solar system. Ana wanted to utilize her Spanish and teaching skills as a summer project, and plans to hold the program again next summer.
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Parish committee reorganizes to encourage more stewardship in youths GREENSBORO — The Youth Stewardship Committee at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro has been re-established and renamed the Youth Stewards in Action Committee. “This committee will help nurture our parish-wide goal of ‘stewardship as a way of life’ by focusing directly on our youngest members,” said Pat Spivey, pastoral associate. “Both our church and school youths have always been involved in service,” said Karen Lizotte, parish school board president and committee co-chair. “But by forming this committee, the hope is to provide education, share ideas and offer support to those who serve all the children in our parish,” she said. The committee has planned monthly stewardship themes with related opportunities and activities that will be the focus of the entire parish. Themes include “Stewardship of Prayer,” “Stewardship of Community,” “Stewardship of Family” and “Stewardship of Creation.”
The committee kicked off the new school year by sponsoring two mini retreats for both the parish faith formation catechists and the school teachers Aug. 19 and Sept. 15. “Most people associate stewardship with the giving of money,” said Lorraine Malphurs, second-grade teacher and committee member. “We need to encourage a new way of thinking to help our children learn that all their gifts have been given by God and that they are called by their baptism to develop and share those gifts,” said Malphurs. The parish’s first organized stewardship efforts began in 1986 and since then the parish has maintained an active stewardship committee. In the last few years, under the guidance of Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor, stewardship has become a hallmark of the parish. Committee members hope to help children recognize their gifts and make stewardship a way of life.
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September 12, 2008
14 The Catholic News & Herald
Perspectives
A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints
We need a sign
Lord uses Marian apparitions to answer our deepest needs
How often have you heard someone say, “Where was God when I needed him?” As frustrating as it may be to comprehend, God is never absent. He speaks to us in countless ways. Most of the time we are too spiritually deaf to hear his divine whisperings. I am writing this article early in the morning on Aug. 11, 2008, because later tonight, God willing, I will be on a plane to one of the holiest places on earth, Lourdes, France. I am really excited to be leading a group of 80 pilgrims on their way to experience one of the great mystical realities of the church. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to St. Bernadette, where she said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Pope Benedict XVI said this on Feb. 11, 2007, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes: “The Virgin’s appeal for prayer and penance resounds forcefully as an almost permanent echo of the invitation with which Jesus began his pilgrimage in Galilee.” Not everyone is inclined to believe in the factual reality of the Lourdes apparition, but they don’t have to. This is not a matter faith, like believing in the divinity of Christ or the Real Presence. It is more a matter of opening ones eyes, admitting that God may not be as silent as we might have thought. An apparition is a sign to prepare and purify us for a great event, the day when we return fully to the Lord. It is also given to ignite a fire for the Lord here and now, to help us unite with him and his mystical body, the church. Mary’s original message in the Gospel is the same today: “Do whatever he tells you.” At Lourdes she asks us to pray and do penance. The need to unite with Jesus in offering our sufferings for the redemption of the world is as important now as it was
So much for freedom
So the National Abortion Rights Action League Pro-Choice America wants to have their cake and eat it too (“Not so pro-choice when it deals with freedom of conscience,” Stephen Kent, Sept. 5). That is, pregnant women who don’t want to be pregnant should be able to go to a health care facility and demand an abortion, but a doctor dare not refuse from performing the procedure. They think freedom is a good thing,
Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist
at the time of his crucifixion. On Aug. 6 each year we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration, which was a sign from God of mystical intensity. On Mount Tabor, God appeared to Peter, James and John to announce, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” It was a sign given to the church to ready us for the scandals and hard times we would have to face down through the ages, and to help us reaffirm our faith in Jesus. Lourdes is a mystical sign of God’s loving care. He uses Mary to answer our deepest needs, and his divine whisperings are not subtle for those who have ears to hear. The walls covered with crutches testify to the many miraculous healings at Lourdes, which have occurred over those 150 years. People by the millions have been transported from fear to peace and from hopelessness to joyful expectation. Bernadette’s body was buried more than 122 years ago, but it was discovered only 30 years ago that her remains were still fresh. Instead of decayed bones, her body was intact, and a mystical fragrance of flowers greeted those who opened the tomb. Even today some pilgrims smell this uniquely sweet aroma when they pass her glass coffin in Lourdes where she is perfectly preserved. I will offer a special Mass at Lourdes for all who read this column.
Letter to the Editor
‘Holy days of opportunity’ We should never miss an opportunity for grace Holy days: all the great religions have them. Jews have them. Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists have them. And we Christians have them. Among Christians, we Catholics are the champs of holy days. We have more than anybody else. Some evangelical Protestants don’t have any except the Sunday. Following the Reformation, they thought that only the Sabbath should be observed since only the Sabbath was scripturally mandated. The Puritans even suppressed Christmas. Maybe that’s why there are no more Puritans. But even the evangelicals cannot suppress the impulse to create “holy days.” So they have Reformation Day (which we don’t observe for obvious reasons) and Bible Sunday, which is nonscriptural but OK because it mentions the Bible. Even secular society has “holy days,” which in English we call holidays, an obvious rip off from “holy days.” Some civic holy days, like Independence Day, are promulgated by the government. Others, like Mother’s Day and Administrative Professionals’ Day, are promulgated by the greeting card and floral industries. These are “Hallmark holy days.” Some Christian holy days, like Christmas, cross the line from religious to civic. Conversely, some civic holy days, like Thanksgiving, have crossed the line in the other direction and become religious holy days. Thanksgiving is my favorite of this type because everybody in the United States observes it. Catholics also have official and unofficial holy days, not to be confused with feast days. The official holy days are all the Sundays and what Catholics uniquely call “holy days of obligation.” That phrase is so Catholic. It combines the sense of the grace-filled with legal requirements. That’s us: gracefilled legalists. My ecclesiastical desk calendar lists 15 Catholic holy days and principal moveable feasts. Most are Sundays, like Easter or Pentecost. Some Catholic holy days are not “of obligation” but everybody comes anyway. For instance, Ash Wednesday. The people have decided that these sorts
Parish Diary FATHER PETER DALY cns columnist
of days should be holy days, even if the bishops haven’t. Good Friday should be a holy day “of obligation” but isn’t. Seems like Good Friday is at least as important as the Assumption. What do we do if we have a holy day of obligation and nobody comes? Punt. Honest pastors will tell you that the pews are largely empty on some “secondtier” holy days like Ascension Thursday or the Immaculate Conception. The U.S. bishops, having recognized this problem, developed a complicated set of rules that nobody can remember. To whit: When a holy day falls on a Saturday or Monday, it is transferred to the following Sunday, except when it is a major feast. OK. It is so complicated that my calendar even has an asterisk which says, “See your local ordo for details.” When you have to refer to another book, the calendar is way too complicated. In my parish, I’ve tried to shift the emphasis away from the idea of obligation under pain of sin to opportunity for grace. I call them (unofficially, of course) “holy days of opportunity.” My people now recite this like a mantra. “Tomorrow is a holy day of opportunity.” I tell them God’s grace awaits us. We are invited to the wedding banquet like the people in Jesus’ parable. We should not refuse by saying, “I’m busy. I bought an ox.” (Like Jesus is really going to believe that.) We should never miss an opportunity for grace. Even if the government does not give you the day off. Even if it is transferred to the following Sunday by your local bishop. (See ordo for details.) Go, because God’s grace awaits you. It is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Write a Letter to the Editor so long as it’s freedom to kill an unborn baby or freedom to surgically terminate one’s reproductive capacity. But don’t expect Planned Parenthood or NARAL Pro-Choice America to be in favor of the freedom of health care workers to refuse to participate in such egregious offenses against God. What’s wrong with this picture? — Mary Pat Arostegui Matthews
The Catholic News & Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or less, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste. To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy. The Catholic News & Herald does not publish poetry, form letter or petitions. Items submitted to The Catholic News & Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. Send letters to Letters to the Editor, The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237, or e-mail catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.
September 12, 2008
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Celebrating the Eucharist Jesus, the bread of life, is with us in many ways “I received from the Lord what I handed on to you, namely, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said: ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ “In the same way, after the supper, he took the saving cup, and said: ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me’” (1 Cor. 11:23-25). We know that on the last night of his life, Jesus met with his disciples for the Last Supper, as we have come to call it. He wanted to do something that would make it possible for them to continue the experience of his living presence after he had gone. St. John the Evangelist, also known as the Theologian, is the master of intimacy for his relationship with the Lord. His Gospel and letters are filled with expressions of emotional pathos. He writes of Jesus’ words: “The person who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” (Jn. 6:55). When I was student of theology, a long time ago, I was surprised that St. John was the only evangelist who did not report the institution of the Eucharist in his Gospel. Later I understood he took for granted that everybody knew of the
CAPUCHIN FATHER JOHN C. AURILIA guest columnist
great event, so there was no need to report what everybody realized. I also understood later, with the guidance of a good theology professor, that St. John’s method is to take one incident or saying and develop it in such a way as to sharpen our understanding. For example, his entire sixth chapter develops the theme of Jesus as the “bread of life.” It is as if a great composer had taken his theme and developed it into a magnificent symphony. Our gracious God reveals himself to us in many different ways. He reveals himself through historical events — an exodus from Egypt or a journey to Jerusalem. He comes to us through people, whom we can love and who can
It’s time to pay attention
Consider church teaching before voting Once, mid-September meant the beginning of the campaign conducted in the few weeks between the end of the political conventions and Election Day. That was before politics fell victim to the pressures of media and marketing so that the presidential campaigns seem to commence a week after inauguration day. The extended presidential campaign, relegated by over familiarity to background white noise because of its length, now regains its claim on the national agenda. It’s time to pay attention. That means taking a closer look at our responsibilities. Two perennial misunderstandings are bound to occur again: Those who believe Catholics are told by the church hierarchy for whom to vote and those Catholics who implore the church to do exactly that. It is as erroneous to say that the church dictates candidates as it is presumptuous to say that it should. The truth is that it is an individual’s responsibility to decide whom to vote for, a decision that must be guided by faith and by measuring candidates against the standards based on that faith. This is the time of year that editors brace themselves for the e-mails and letters accusing them of or complimenting them for favoring one candidate over another. They are based often on articles that
Guest Column
explain candidates’ positions on issues. Forming a right conscience requires discernment. Discernment is more and more difficult to accomplish in the age of instant information, when anyone’s blog or Web site can post information verifiable or otherwise. Previously it was the role of the mainstream media — yes, those with conscientious professional journalists — who reported and placed news events into context for their readers. Today, as any wild charge or statement can gain circulation and credulity with little analysis, the media must help build the capacity of readers to help themselves. Stories are created by Facebooks, text messages, blogs and virtual reality environments. Social networks change how we interact. The role of responsible publications is to enhance the capability of the community to assess needs, solve problems and create solutions. The duty of sorting through the spinning and Swift boating becomes increasingly difficult every election. A major tool in this is the statement published every four years by the U.S. bishops. This year’s title is “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility.” Its purpose, in its own words: “This statement highlights the role
love us in return. He indeed comes to us in countless ways, but St. John puts great emphasis on one very special way: He comes to us in the person of Jesus Christ as the bread of life. The Catholic Church has always placed the Eucharist as a top priority and it will continue to do so, because without it, we cannot make our journey. It was 762 years ago that the feast of Corpus Christi was instituted by the bishop of Liege, Robert of Turotte, following the vision of Juliana of Liege, Belgium. Later, Pope Urban IV, originally from Belgium himself, extended the observance of this feast to the entire Roman Catholic Church in 1264. The real importance of celebrating the Eucharist is more than a remembrance; it is a celebration of life and life’s attitudes. We can view our reality in a negative way, or we can view it Jesus’ way, and find his presence wherever we are, wherever we look. Father John Aurilia is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.
Consider This STEPHEN KENT cns columnist
of the church in the formation of conscience and the corresponding moral responsibility of each Catholic to hear, receive and act upon the church’s teaching in the lifelong task of forming his or her own conscience. “With this foundation, Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms and candidates’ promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the church in order to help build a better world.” In addition to the document itself, the Web site (www.faithfulcitizenship. org) has abundant resources — articles, videos, podcasts — all meant to assist the individual to shoulder his or her responsibility of citizenship. There are still many weeks remaining before going to polls. Consider this: How many hours do you spend on preparing income taxes? Think of investing at least that amount of time in studying the issues, the candidates and church teaching. To do less is a grave failure of our responsibility as faithful citizens.
St. Paul embodies characteristics of Jesus’ apostles, says pope The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although St. Paul was not one of the initial companions and followers of Jesus, he was a true apostle, Pope Benedict XVI said. “St. Paul dedicated his entire existence to the Gospel, 24 hours a day,” the pope said at his Sept. 10 weekly general audience at the Vatican. The pope said St. Paul makes clear in his letters that he did not place himself on the same level as the original Twelve Apostles who were called personally by Jesus and were his companions during his earthly ministry. Yet St. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus “led to his mission; he could not continue as before, but was charged by the Lord to proclaim the resurrection, the Gospel, to be an apostle.” Pope Benedict has been talking about St. Paul during the Wednesday audiences as part of the church’s celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul’s birth. Here is the text of the pope’s remarks in English. In today’s catechesis we turn to St. Paul’s view of what it means to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. Though he did not belong to the group of the Twelve, called by Jesus during his ministry, Paul nevertheless claims the title for himself because he was chosen and transformed by the grace of God, and shared the three principal characteristics of the true apostle. The first is to have seen the Lord (1 Cor 9:1) and to have been called by him. One becomes an apostle by divine vocation, not by personal choice. The second characteristic also underlines the divine initiative: an apostle is someone who is sent and therefore acts and speaks as a delegate of Christ, placed totally at his service. The third characteristic is dedication to the work of proclaiming the Gospel and founding Christian communities. St. Paul can point to his many trials and sufferings that speak clearly of his courageous dedication to the mission (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28). In this context he sees an identification between the life of the apostle and the Gospel that he preaches; the apostle himself is despised when the Gospel is rejected. St. Paul was steadfast in his many difficulties and persecutions, sustained above all by the unfailing love of Christ (cf. Rom 8:35-39). May the example of his apostolic zeal inspire and encourage us today.
September 12, 2008
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