Sept. 16, 2005

September 16, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Year of the Eucharist

Mystery of the Mass, Part 25; Pope urges Catholics to rediscover cross

| Page 7

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI SEPTEMBER 16, 2005

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Homes destroyed, not faith Two evacuee families reflect on Katrina experiences by

staff writer

See KATRINA, page 5

no. 42

Leading the way

Communicants invited to guide eucharistic CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis is inviting all children in the Diocese of Charlotte who received their first Communion during 2005 to join in the eucharistic procession.

The Saturday morning procession through uptown Charlotte is part of the Eucharistic Congress, taking place at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 23-24.

Invitation letters from the bishop to the communicants were sent out the week of Aug. 29.

“I would like you to help

KAREN A. EVANS

CHARLOTTE — Out of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina have come countless stories of death and destruction. But there are also stories of hope, recovery and renewed faith.

Even though Ali and Maddy Cuevas have lost many of their belongings, they realize those are only possessions that can be replaced.

What did survive Hurricane Katrina — their family, their friends, their church (St. John the Evangelist Church in Gulfport, Miss.) — is much more important.

The Cuevas sisters — Ali, a seventh-grader, and Maddy, a fifth-grader — are staying with their aunt and uncle, Stacey and Kevin Cuevas, in Salisbury and

vOLUME 14

See CONGRESS, page 7

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Maddy Cuevas points out the damage to her Long Beach, Miss. neighborhood as her sister Ali looks on. The Cuevas sisters rode out Hurricane Katrina in their grandmother’s home in North Long Beach and have been staying with an aunt and uncle in Salisbury.

by Carol Glatz catholic news service

Gathering in faith

New parish activity center dedicated at Holy Spirit by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Peter J. Jugis sprinkles holy water during the Sept. 10 dedication of the new parish activity center at Holy Spirit Church in Denver.

DENVER — Not quite two years after the December 2003 groundbreaking, the new parish activity center at Holy Spirit Church in Denver is “open for business.”

With Knights of Columbus lining the entrance, around 250 parishioners crowded inside as

Pope to preside over first canonizations in October

Bishop Peter J. Jugis dedicated the 19,908 square-foot center Sept. 10.

After Mass in the church concelebrated by Father Joseph Ayathupadam, pastor, and Father Richard Hanson, Bishop Jugis sprinkled holy water about the center’s 11 classSee ACTIVITY, page 9

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI will create five new saints when he presides over his first canonization ceremony Oct. 23 in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, approved the decrees creating the five new saints. The late pope had also approved the decrees authorizing several beatifications this autumn; various cardinals will preside over those ceremonies.

Pope Benedict has not See POPE, page 12

Culture Watch

Portraying a saint

Perspectives

Tolkien’s Catholic vision in books; ‘Exorcism’ prompts look at faith

Catholics perform play on St. Francis’s life

Mass obligations; experiencing Katrina

| Pages 10-11

| Page 13

| Pages 14-15

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

September 16, 2005

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

Pellegrino named to head president’s bioethics council WASHINGTON (CNS) — Dr. Edmund Pellegrino, a physician and longtime leader in developing bioethical standards based on Catholic values, has been named chairman of the President’s Council on Bioethics.

Pellegrino, 85, said that among the topics he plans to address in his new post are greater access to health care and issues involved in end-of-life care.

Pellegrino, retired professor of medicine and medical ethics at Georgetown University’s Medical Center and a former president of The Catholic University of America, will replace Dr. Leon Kass, bioethics professor at the University of Chicago, on Oct. 1. Kass, chairman since 2001, will continue as a member of the council.

The announcement was made Sept.

8 by the White House. The council was created in 2001 by President George W. Bush to advise him on bioethical issues.

Previous presidents have had similar advisory boards.

The struggle for life

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

CNS photo courtesy of Torres family

Jason Torres reaches out to his infant daughter, Susan Anne Catherine Torres, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. The baby’s mother, Susan Michelle, was brain-dead and had been kept on life support until the baby was delivered Aug. 2. The baby died five weeks later of heart failure following surgery for a perforated intestine.

Baby delivered from brain-dead Virginia woman dies at 5 weeks ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) — Susan Anne Catherine Torres, the 5-week-old baby of Jason and Susan Torres, died at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 12 of heart failure following surgery for a perforated intestine at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, according to the hospital’s statement.

The child was born Aug. 2 after a three-month struggle to keep her mother alive. Susan Torres suffered brain damage in May from melanoma cancer that had spread to her brain and was kept on life support until the baby could be born.

The mother died Aug. 3 after life support was removed.

“After the efforts of this summer to bring her into the world, this is obviously a devastating loss,” said Justin Torres, the baby’s uncle, in the family’s statement.

“We wish to thank all the people who sustained us in prayer over the past 17 weeks,” he said. “It was our fondest wish that we could have been able to share Susan’s homecoming with the world.”

Susan Anne Catherine was being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. When first born, the premature baby was “vigorous” and many expected that she would survive de-

spite her original due date being seven weeks away.

On Sept. 9, Susan was transferred to the Washington medical center, where she was treated for her intestinal problems.

The disorder, necrotizing enterocolitis, caused an infection that “overwhelmed her tiny body, leading to multisystem organ failure,” said the center’s statement. “The team initially tried to medically stabilize her, but ultimately performed two surgeries. Unfortunately, she was too sick and fragile to recover.”

Parishioners at St. Rita Church in Alexandria, where Jason Torres and his family are members, heard the news at morning Mass Sept. 12 and immediately offered prayers for the child and the family.

“At this painful moment of redoubled loss, we commend Jason and the entire Torres family to the Lord in prayer,” said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde.

“Confident that Susan Anne Catherine Torres is already reunited with her mother, we thank the Lord for their witness and for the gift of their courageous lives,” he said. “May the Lord draw close to the Torres family at this time and provide them with comfort and peace where words fail.”

ASHEVILLE — Catholic Social Services invites you to our second annual Fiesta Tamale, Oct. 1, 2-6 p.m. at 50 Orange St. Join us for authentic Mexican food, activities and music. Please call (828) 255-0146 for further information.

ASHEVILLE — The St. Martin de Porres Dominican Laity Chapter meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the rectory building at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. Inquirers are welcome. For more information, contact Beverly Reid at (423) 6338-4744 or bebereid@adelphia.net.

HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets the fourth Sunday of each month 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West. Visitors and inquirers are welcome. For more information, call Joanita Nellenbach, SFO, (828) 6279209 or jnell@dnet.net.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — A Women’s Talk will be held Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the reception room of St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. Father John Starczewski will be the guest speaker. For more information, call Peggy at (704) 588-7311.

CHARLOTTE — Christians in Career Transition is a support group for those whose job status is causing them to seek employment.

Sessions include interactive discussions on networking, resumes and interview skills.

The group meets the first and third Monday of each month, 7-9 p.m. in room 132 of the New Life Center at St. Matthew Church,

“The council has set a very high bar in addressing many of the serious bioethical issues before our country,” said Pellegrino.

“Many significant issues remain, ranging from the challenges of ensuring access to health care to meeting critically important needs in end-of-life care,” he said.

Pellegrino is also a member of the International Bioethics Committee of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

On Sept. 29 the council plans to issue its report on aging. It will be the seventh report prepared by the council. Other report topics have included human cloning and stem-cell research.

Positions Pellegrino has taken during his career include opposing a right for a person to commit suicide or to be assisted in dying and opposing the creation of human embryos for experimentation and the destruction of human embryos 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Please call Jack Rueckel at (704) 341-8449 for more information.

CHARLOTTE — Pathfinders, a peer-led support group for separated and divorced adults, offers education, support and fellowship through the divorce process. The group meets Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. in St. Gabriel Church’s Ministry Building, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, call Nancy at (704) 752-0318.

HUNTERSVILLE — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of St. Mark Church parishioners who have lost babies before of shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. For details, call Sandy Buck at (704) 948-4587.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., is offering a free eight-week Spanish Class. Classes meet Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. at the church. All are welcome.

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

GREENSBORO — The Reemployment Support Group of St. Paul the Apostle Church meets every other Thursday evening from 7:309 p.m. in Room 8 of the Parish Life Center, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd. The first session is Sept. 22. If you are currently out of work or looking to make a career change, join us for encouragement, support and informative topics to help you in your job search. For more information, call Colleen Assal at (336) 294-4696, ext. 226.

GREENSBORO — The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women will start its 2005-2006 fiscal year with a luncheon Sept. 28 at Cardinal Coun-

SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 Volume 14 • Number 42

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

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

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

The Catholic News & Herald 3

September 16, 2005

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope challenges nations to keep commitments to U.N. goals for poor to respond to the most urgent problems created by extreme poverty, sickness and hunger, which afflict so many populations,” he said.

The Vatican has been a strong supporter of the Millennium Development Goals of 2000, in which world leaders laid out a timetable to cut global poverty in half by 2015. To meet the goal, richer countries would increase development aid to 0.7 percent of their gross domestic product.

The brief remarks at his Sunday blessing marked the second time in less than three months that Pope Benedict has reminded world leaders of their pledge to help the poor and urged them to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

The New York summit was expected to draw more than 170 heads of state and government to participate in discussions and plenary sessions. It was to be followed by the opening of the U.N. General Assembly’s 60th session.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI challenged participants at the U.N. World Summit to fulfill their previous commitments to help the poor, sick and hungry.

The pope, speaking at his Sunday blessing Sept. 11, said he was sending Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican secretary of state, to attend the summit in New York Sept. 14-16. The summit’s agenda includes world peace, human rights, development aid and U.N. internal reforms.

“I express my fervent hope that the governments united there may find appropriate solutions to reach the great goals that have been set previously, in the spirit of harmony and generous solidarity,” the pope told several hundred pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of his summer villa outside Rome.

“I especially hope that effective concrete measures can be implemented

try Club, 4108 Windlestraw Ln. The speaker will be Rosemary Plybon, “The Good Morning Show” anchor for WFMY News 2. For more information, please contact Carmen Wood at (336) 545-9266.

HICKORY VICARIATE

Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Living Waters Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane.

Augustinian Father Frank Doyle will present “Lift up your hearts; see who you are, and become what you see,” followed by a bilingual liturgy and lunch. The assembly is free and open to the public. To register, call (828) 9263833 or email LWCRC@main.nc.us.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

MORGANTON — The Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a diocesanwide Grand Ultreya at Steel Creek Park and Campgrounds, 7081 NC 181 N., Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 12 p.m. A covered-dish lunch will follow. Other events will include music, witness and hiking nature trails until 3:30 p.m.

For directions and more information, call Mary Hennie at (704) 637-6064 or e-mail mjhennie@ msn.com.

NEWTON — The Brother Francis Secular Franciscan Fraternity will be celebrating the death of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 720 W. 13th St., All are invited to come for the Transitus service and the reception afterwards in the Family Center. For more information, call (828) 466-1664.

NEWTON — The Little Flowers Catholic Girls’ Group is for all Catholic girls ages five and up. The group meets the fourth Monday of each month at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., at 4 p.m. in the Holy Family Hall. For more details, call Debbie Vickers at (828) 495-2039.

SALISBURY VICARIATE MOORESVILLE — As part of the St. Therese Church Guest Speaker Series, Bill Martin will speak about Islam and Mohammed, including his background, beliefs and biases, Sept. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Family Room of St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. For more information, call the church office at (704) 664-3992.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE MAGGIE VALLEY -- The Smoky Mountain Vicariate Eucharistic Assembly will take place

Episcopal

calendar

WINSTON-SALEM — The Portiuncula Franciscan Spiritual Center, 211 W. Third St., provides an environment, experiences and resources that enable people to meet God in both stillness and activity. A reading group will meet Sept. 20 and 27, 6-7:30 p.m., to reflect on “Franciscan Prayer” by Franciscan Sister Ilia Delio. The group meets on the third and fourth Tuesdays of each month through January 2006. For more information, call Sister Kathy Ganiel, at (336) 624-1971 or e-mail Portiuncula@bellsouth.net.

WINSTON-SALEM — The Healing Companions is a grief support group for the bereaved that meets the first and third Thursdays of the month in conference room B at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For further details, call Joanne Parcel at (336) 924-9478.

KERNERSVILLE — Triad Pax Christi meets the third Sunday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the Child Development building of Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St. The emphasis is on peace education, prayer and action. For more information, call Gerard Berry at (336) 922-1941.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to the event date in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@

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

Sept. 17 — 5 p.m. Sacrament of Confirmation Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville

Sept. 23-24 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center

Sept. 21 — 6 p.m. MACS Circle of Celebration Charlotte

Sept. 25 — 8:30 a.m. Mass for the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Annual Convention Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel, Charlotte

On Sept. 11, pope pays homage to all victims of terrorism CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — On the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to all victims of terrorism around the world and appealed for an end to hatred and renewed dedication to peace.

“Today, 11 Sept., we remember the victims of terrorist violence throughout the world,” he said at the end of his noontime Angelus prayer at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“May God inspire men and women of good will everywhere to renounce hatred and to build a world of justice, solidarity and peace,” he said.

In Rome, U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley said the unpredictable attacks by terrorists and the recent Hurricane Katrina disaster in the United States remind people that “we are dependent every moment of our lives upon the Lord.”

While human beings are autonomous, they are not self-sufficient, he said in his Sept. 11 homily at Rome’s American parish, Santa Susanna.

Christians are called to live their lives “in that delicate balance between personal responsibility and effort and the realization that we depend totally and utterly upon God, our creator and redeemer,” he said.

“How many people put their trust in money and possessions — and we see how soon it can all be lost. How many people put their trust in power — and we see how soon we find ourselves powerless in the hands of a few fanatics or in the face of a force of nature,” said the archbishop.

He said being utterly dependent on God may sound like a limitation, but “in reality (it is) our strength.”

“No matter what tragedy may befall, we are the Lord’s. He is present to us at every moment of our lives,” he said.

“If we live, we live for the Lord and, if we die, we die for the Lord,” he said, quoting from that day’s Mass reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The archbishop said the Lord is the one “who will receive us when we die.”

Training the trainers

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Susan Chesnut leads a Protecting God’s Children for Facilitators training workshop at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte Aug. 19. The program is a professional training session that teaches facilitators how to present the Protecting God’s Children Program to adults. It also teaches facilitators how to facilitate group discussions and to incorporate diocesan policies and procedures into the sessions.

The Protecting God’s Children Program teaches staff, volunteers and parents in diocesan parishes, schools, agencies and ministries to recognize the warning signs of child sexual abuse and to respond appropriately. Over the past two years, 10,727 diocesan employees, parents and volunteers have gone through the training in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a document adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.

Diocesan requirements for reporting ministry-related sexual abuse of a minor 1. Any individual having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery.

2. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities. The individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the Chancery’s filing of the incident with civil authorities.

3. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of an individual to make a report to civil authority, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting.

Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authority, a report is still to be made to the Chancery.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

Animated youths Teens to perform at national Catholic conference HICKORY — Eight youths from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory recently returned from Atlanta, Ga., where they have been training as youth animators for the upcoming National Catholic Youth Conference in October.

The biennial, four-day conference of prayer, community and empowerment for Catholic teenagers, this year themed “Yeah! — Winds of Change,” is to be held at the Georgia World Congress Center and Dome in Atlanta Oct. 27-29.

This year’s schedule includes general and concurrent sessions addressing a wide variety of topics including forgiveness, Catholic spirituality and prayer, global issues, sexuality and leadership.

around the diocese

September 16, 2005

Boy Scout Troop 12 marks 25 years

There also will be special activities including a concert and exhibits.

The youth group from St. Aloysius Church, along with about 45 youths from other East Coast parishes, will perform onstage with contemporary Catholic musicians in front of an expected 25,000 youths and adult chaperones. They will sing solos, cantor psalms and serve as lectors.

Youths from St. Aloysius Church are Chris Beeson, Michael Gissy, Quinn Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Queen, Paige Campbell, Miriam McDonald, Jackie Leufken and Hannah Reid, all members of the parish’s Life Teen Praise Team.

CHARLOTTE — Boy Scout Troop 12 celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this summer with an awards banquet at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte.

The troop began in 1940, based at Oakhurst School on Monroe Road. It was hosted by other churches before

moving to St. John Neumann Church in 1980. The troop is sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. John Neumann Council 7343.

Several of the 15 Boy Scouts from the troop who have earned Eagle Scout awards attended the anniversary celebration.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the National Catholic Youth Conference, visit www. nfcym.org.

Courtesy Photo

Students and teachers at St. Patrick School in Charlotte form a giant “75” on the school playground and release 300 balloons Sept. 8 as part of the school’s 75th anniversary.

School celebrates 75th birthday with balloons — lots of

Courtesy Photo

Eight youths from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory recently completed training to be youth animators for the upcoming National Catholic Youth Conference in October in Atlanta, Ga.

CHARLOTTE — The blue sky above St. Patrick School temporarily turned green and white recently.

Students and teachers at St. Patrick School in Charlotte, as well as Father Paul Gary, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, released about 300 green and white balloons Sept. 8 as part of the school’s 75th anniversary.

After a special “birthday” Mass, the students formed a giant “75” on the school playground before releasing the balloons.

They then enjoyed birthday cake.

The school opened as O’Donoghue School but was renamed in 1965.

Alumni are raising money to provide bells for the school’s empty bell tower.

The bells will be used to call students to class and for graduation and May crowning ceremonies.

The 75th Anniversary Committee is looking for all alumni for a special celebration March 17, 2006.

WANT TO GO? If you attended O’Donoghue School/St. Patrick School, contact Mary Horan Ognovich at (704) 376-6969 or Angela Montague at (704) 333-3174. Leave name, address,

September 16, 2005

from the cover

Hurricane builds faith KATRINA, from page 1

are attending Sacred Heart School.

They and their parents, Kerwin and Peggy Cuevas, live in Long Beach, Miss., four miles west of Gulfport. Their house is only about 350 yards from the beach.

During the storm, they sought refuge at Peggy Cuevas’ mother’s home in North Long Beach.

Instead of shaking their faith, as some might expect, Katrina actually strengthened it. “(This experience) makes you lean more on God,” said Ali. “It makes you realize that you really do have a great family.”

“I know God will answer all our prayers and protect us,” said Maddy.

A few days after the hurricane, the Cuevas family was walking along the beach when they encountered Father Louis Lohan, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Long Beach. Only the church’s exterior frame survived Katrina, and officials are unsure if the frames can be saved.

When the family asked Father Lohan his opinion about the devastation, “He just said ‘It’s all just stuff,’” said Ali. “What you lost can be rebuilt.”

“I thought we had it really bad and then we watched the New Orleans (news coverage),” said Maddy.

The sisters’ respite in Salisbury will likely be over soon. Their school in Mississippi is scheduled to re-open Sept. 20.

Riding out Hurricane Katrina hasn’t scared the girls too much. When asked whether they would evacuate for the next hurricane, Maddy replied, “It depends on what category it is.”

The Grass family of New Orleans wasn’t as fortunate as the Cuevas. The

family left New Orleans in the early morning hours Aug. 28 and arrived in Charlotte Sept. 1 to stay with Grass’ sister.

As of Sept. 12, their month-old house was under at least eight feet of water.

Glenn Grass, a professional watchmaker, lost all of his watching-making tools in the flooding. His wife, Jane Katner-Grass, managed a cooking school and she isn’t sure if it will re-open.

They don’t think there will be a market for their skills in New Orleans any time soon. They’ve temporarily relocated to Charlotte, perhaps for two years.

Still, Katner-Grass realized how lucky they are. All of their family members survived the hurricane, and they are now staying rent-free in a townhouse.

“The outpouring from the community has been wonderful,” she said.

As reported in the Sept. 9 issue of The Catholic News & Herald, the three Grass children are enrolled tuition-free at Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

“The diocese has been wonderful to us,” Katner-Grass remarked.

Katner-Grass admits the past few weeks have been difficult. She cries when she’s happy; she cries when she’s sad.

“The kids are amazing ... they’ve been so positive and upbeat,” she said.

“They love their new schools and the kids have made them feel so welcome and at home. ‘Thank you’ isn’t enough.”

The Grasses come from long lines of devout Catholic families. Four of KatnerGrass’ great aunts were women religious in Louisiana.

“We feel like our ancestors are watching over us,” Katner-Grass said. “(This experience) has renewed our faith.”

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Banding together with aid

Photo by Carole McGrotty

Pre-kindergarten students at Asheville Catholic School hold boxes of band-aids Sept. 8 collected for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The band-aids were among other items collected by students to be delivered to hurricane victims through Hearts with Hands, Inc., a Christian, nondenominational charitable organization that provides aid to victims of poverty, natural disaster and famine. Students and faculty gathered in the school parking lot for a prayer service for the victims.

Asheville Catholic families are providing housing for three families from the hurricane-stricken area. Some students have donated school supplies and uniforms.

The Asheville Catholic students “have really made an effort to welcome and help these students, some who still have one or both parents unaccounted for,” said Alyssa Kennedy, religion teacher.

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

Courtesy Photo

A student at St. Ann School in Charlotte digs into his pocket for a special collection to aid Hur ricane K atrina victims taken during the back-to-school/fir st Friday Mass at St. Ann Church Sept. 2. The students raised and donated $540 to relief efforts.

WANT MORE INFO? Do you need information about how to assist evacuees from Hurricane Katrina or know someone in need of assistance?

For information, referral or direct assistance, call one of Catholic Social Services regional offices at: Charlotte Regional Office

(704) 370-6155 Western Regional Office (828) 255-0146 Piedmont Triad Office (336) 727-0705 Please visit www.cssnc.org for the latest updates regarding needs.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Called and gifted

Funding the future

Reflecting on vocations, spiritual gifts to transform the world

at

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Sister of St. Joseph Joan Pearson, far right, excitedly shows her grant check from the Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury Sept. 11. Also pictured are Father Julio Dominguez, parochial vicar; Ray Paradowski, parishioner; and Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development.

Diocesan foundation presents grant checks at Sacred Heart Church by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

SALISBURY — Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, presented three grant checks from the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte to Sacred Heart Church and School and the Salisbury Vicariate Hispanic Ministry during Masses Sept. 11.

Sacred Heart School received a $5,000 grant to help pay the salary of a part-time employee who will provide academic assistance to the school’s Hispanic students.

The newly established Hispanic Ministry for the Salisbury Vicariate received a $4,000 grant, which will be used for evangelization materials and for spiritual formation programs for Hispanic youth, young adults and adults in the five parishes and one mission of the vicariate.

“Through the foundation, the Diocese of Charlotte serves ministries that are not independently funded,” said Sister of St. Joseph Joan Pearson, diocesan coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for the Salisbury Vicariate.

The Hispanic Ministry works to fully welcome Hispanics into their parishes.

An additional $2,500 grant was given to Sacred Heart Church to be used for the parish’s Hispanic ministry activities.

“These grants allow us to reach more individuals than we would normally be able to with our parish budget,” said Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church and vicar forane for the Salisbury Vicariate.

The diocesan foundation proviudes endowments for the diocese and its parishes, agencies and organizations.

An endowment is a permanent fund in which the principal is never touched. The income may be used in accordance with the wishes of the donor organization or individual.

Through the creation of endowments, the foundation provides a means to generate future and sustainable income for Catholic entities in the diocese.

September 16, 2005

2005 Foundation Grants Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte Technical equipment for student computer-lending program $1,000 Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Formation of Coordinators of Hispanic ministry $3,500 Glen Haven Tutorial Center, Greensboro Refugee programming and rental assistance $4,000 Hispanic Center, High Point Family Literacy Program expansion $4,000 Hispanic Ministry, Greensboro Vicariate Hispanic leadership formation $2,000 Hispanic Ministry, Sacred Heart, Salisbury Hispanic ministry materials $2,500 Hispanic Ministry, Salisbury Vicariate Hispanic ministry materials and equipment $4,000 Hispanic Ministry, St. Frances of Rome Church, Sparta Hispanic Vacation Bible School $3,800 Hispanic Ministry, Winston-Salem Vicariate Hispanic ministry training $2,000 Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte Hispanic radio ministry $2,500 Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Lexington Hispanic ministry materials $2,500 Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion Hispanic outreach ministry $5,000 Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Charlotte Hispanic ministry equipment and supplies $2,500 Sacred Heart School, Salisbury Academic assistance for Hispanic students $5,000 Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative, Charlotte Developing Emergent Literacy program $4,500 Smoky Mountain Vicariate/Immaculate Conception Mission, Canton Hispanic pastoral support $5,000 St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill Hispanic outreach services $2,000 St. Ann School, Charlotte Science curriculum equipment $1,000 St. Leo School, Winston-Salem Read Naturally Program for special-needs students $4,000 Thrift Store, Gastonia Thrift Store equipment, materials and staffing $3,500

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the diocesan foundation and endowments, call Jim Kelley at (704) 370-3301 or e-mail jkkelley@charlottediocese.

person’s benefit, but for the benefit of others. It is the essence of stewardship — recognizing that God is the real source of what people have, and that people are called to use God’s gifts in service to others.

“This workshop was a once-in-lifetime event for many of us,” said Joe Gutekanst, a parishioner of St. Therese Church.

“It seems that we go through the days, months, years of our lives never asking ourselves what are those specific gifts that God has given us, and how that relates to our lives — what we want to be when we ‘grow up,’” said Gutekanst.

“Brian and Mary Sharon have really opened eyes and energized folks — not just to better discern their life’s mission, but also showing us the tremendous opportunity to use this workshop as an effective tool in stewardship efforts on a parish level,” he said.

By the workshop’s end, participants had an opportunity to identify five or six charisms that emerged from their inventories. They were sent forth with a challenge to further explore those charisms by spending time in prayer, speaking with others about how God uses them and getting involved in some activity that would best express their own unique gifts.

Barbara Gaddy is associate director of

By BARBARA GADDY

special to the catholic news & herald

MOORESVILLE — Christ calls each person to a particular vocation — a unique life of work of love that transforms each one and the world.

That was the message relayed during the “Called and Gifted Workshop,” hosted at St. Therese Church in Mooresville Aug. 12-13.

Bryan Dolejsi and Mary Sharon Moore, presenters from the Catherine of Siene Institute, helped 60 participants from six parishes recognize that they are called to participate in the church’s mission to the world.

The participants took the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory — a series of 120 statements that identify patterns in their lives and several specific spiritual gifts for more extensive discernment.

“Completing the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory gave me not only insight into what God is asking me to do and be, but it also gave me an appreciation for the gifts he has bestowed on those around me — colleagues, family and friends,” said Kerry Ann Tornessello, stewardship chair at St. Therese Church.

“We truly are all gifted and called,” she said.

The group then explored the various charisms outlined in the inventory. Many felt it would have been easy to get caught up in the excitement of owning these charisms.

Dolejsi and Moore emphasized these spiritual gifts were given not for any one

September 16, 2005

year of the eucharist

Communicants to lead CONGRESS, from page 1

me honor Jesus in a special way at our diocesan Eucharistic Congress,” wrote Bishop Jugis.

The eucharistic procession will start at St. Peter Church and end at the convention center.

“I will be carrying the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance, and you will be in the procession in front of me dropping rose petals to honor our Lord,” wrote Bishop Jugis.

Participating communicants are asked to wear their first Communion clothing, be in front of St. Peter Church by 7:15 a.m., and to have a permission form completed by their parents or guardians, who are invited to walk along

the side of the procession.

Everyone in the diocese is invited to participate in the eucharistic procession.

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

For those unable to attend the Eucharistic Congress, they can view it on the Internet at www.goeucharist.com.

WANT MORE INFO? The eucharistic procession will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon Street. To register as a first communicant for the procession, or for more information on the Eucharistic Congress, visit www. goeucharist.com.

Pope urges Catholics to rediscover cross as sign of faith VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics to rediscover a simple but profound symbol of their faith: the sign of the cross.

The Eucharist and the cross of Christ’s crucifixion have a deep connection that deserves contemplation by the faithful, the pope said Sept. 11. A perfect occasion for reflection, he said, was the Sept. 14 feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The pope said that just as every celebration of the Eucharist is a remembrance of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, the cross is the manifestation of the “act of infinite love with which

the Son of God saved man and the world from sin and death.”

“For this reason, the sign of the cross is the fundamental gesture of prayer for the Christian,” the pope said.

“To mark oneself with the sign of the cross is to pronounce a visible and public ‘yes’ to the one who died for us and rose again, to the God who in the humility and weakness of his love is omnipotent, stronger than all the power and intelligence of the world,” he said.

The pope said the cross is the means through which Christ “entered into his glory and reconciled all humanity, overcoming all hatred.”

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Domine, Non Sum

Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, Part 25 Last time, we examined the rituals that prepare and dispose us to receive holy Communion.

As a final act of preparation, the celebrant raises the host above the paten or chalice and recites the words of St. John the Baptist: “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” All respond with the words of the Centurion soldier from the Gospel: “Domine, non sum dignus...” [“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed” in the current English translation] (Matthew 8:8).

This final act of humility and trust is not only the most appropriate preparation for holy Communion but the best perspective to approach our discussion this week: “Lord, I am not worthy.”

No one is worthy, per se, to receive the most sublime gift of the church’s treasury, namely, Christ himself. It is only necessary that the priest receives holy Communion at the Mass for the sacrifice to be complete and the Mass to be offered validly.

However, the church has encouraged the faithful to receive holy Communion, so that they too might partake of the innumerable spiritual graces and benefits of the holy Eucharist. The church even mandates the faithful to receive holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season (Canon 920). But who is allowed to receive holy Communion?

According to Canon Law, “Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy Communion” (Canon 912). Those prohibited by law would include those not in communion with the Catholic Church, children under the age of reason, those who persevere in manifest grave sin, etc.

For those who are not permitted to receive holy Communion, it should be noted that they are not excluded from the worship of God by attending Mass and they should be encouraged to make a “spiritual communion” while others are receiving Communion. A spiritual communion is the traditional practice of uniting oneself to Christ in a prayer of self-offering that seeks to receive the graces and benefits of Christ’s sacrifice.

Returning to the Communion Rite of the Mass, the priest receives the consecrated host after saying silently, “May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life.” Similarly, he receives the Precious Blood after saying silently, “May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life.”

At this point, the celebrant may be

Guest Column Father Matthew Buettner guest columnist

assisted by other ordinary ministers of holy Communion, such as concelebrating priests or deacons. If there are not enough ordinary ministers to distribute holy Communion, extraordinary ministers now approach the altar to receive Communion and assist the priest.

After the celebrant has received Communion, the Communion antiphon is recited or the Communion chant begins.

The purpose of the hymn is to express unity of voices and joy of heart while the faithful begin the communion procession.

As the faithful approach the minister to receive holy Communion, the communicant is to make a sign of reverence before receiving. The general norm in the United States is to bow before the Blessed Sacrament and to bow again before the chalice containing the Precious Blood.

After the reception of holy Communion, the priest places the remaining hosts in the tabernacle and purifies the sacred vessels at the altar or credence table. At this time, it is highly recommended to observe a few moments of silence, since the body and blood of the Lord is truly present in the body and soul of each communicant. These are the most precious moments on earth.

“Domine, non sum dignus, Lord, I am not worthy” and yet, he continues to “welcome sinners and eat with them” (Cf. Matthew 9:11). After a few moments of silence, the celebrant stands and invites the faithful to pray: “Let us pray.” The Communion Rite closes with the third proper collect or prayer of the Mass, known as the “Prayer after Communion.”

Next time, we will examine the Concluding Rites of the Mass.

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

WANT PREVIOUS COLUMNS? Father Buettner’s “Mystery of the Mass” series is available online at www.charlottediocese.org/mysteryofmass.html.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

AROUND THE DIOCESE

First teachers

September 16, 2005

A collection of love

Courtesy Photo

Bishop Peter J. Jugis stands with home-schooled students and their parents outside St. Patrick Cathedral Church Aug. 13.

Homeschooling families celebrate by

Dan and Beth Ohlhaut

special to the catholic news & herald

CHARLOTTE — Parents are given a profound privilege to form their children in the Catholic faith and with this come many moral responsibilities, said Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

The bishop presented that message to more than 200 homeschoolers during a Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral Aug. 13. Most of the families present at the Mass participate in one of several Catholic homeschool support groups in the Charlotte area.

During the Mass, Bishop Jugis baptized two babies.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis reminded the parents of their role as “first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.” He spoke of creating an environment in their homes where the “flame of faith” given to each child at his or her baptism can burn brightly and can be protected from the damaging winds of this tumultuous world.

The bishop commended all those in attendance for taking so seriously the responsibility of being the first and primary educators of their children.

“It was uplifting to have the bishop’s blessing and to realize that homeschooling is a ministry,” said Gayle Fitzgerald, who, with her husband Paul, homeschool three of their five children.

Sandi Winiarski will begin homeschooling her daughter this year.

“Our decision to homeschool was already made when we went to the Mass, but the bishop’s words confirmed it,” said Winiarski.

“I was surprised to see so many people there. I didn’t realize how many Catholic homeschoolers there were in the area,” she said. “It helped my daughter to see all the kids there, too.”

According to figures from the Seton Home Study School of Virginia, homeschooling has become popular with many Catholic families. The decision to educate one’s children at home may be motivated by a variety of reasons, but the primary concern of Catholic homeschooling parents is to give their children a Catholic education.

After Communion at the special Mass, a child from each family processed

to the statue of the Blessed Mother and presented her with a flower. The home schooling families then presented Bishop Jugis with a “spiritual bouquet.”

The spiritual donations are to be given during the 2005-2006 school year and include 1,779 rosaries, 127 Masses, 15 novenas, 670 chaplets and 299 holy hours and other acts of charity and sacrifice.

Dan and Beth Olhaut are parishioners of St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information about Catholic home schooling, contact Beth Ohlhaut at (704) 933-0864.

Courtesy Photo

Emily Wright, 10, recently donated 670 books, videotapes and video games she collected over the summer as part of a school project to Catherine’s House in Belmont, a transitional facility for women and women with children who are homeless.

Emily and her family delivered the items to Mercy Sister Bernadette McNamara, president and CEO of Catherine’s House, Aug. 23.

September 16, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 9

from the cover

Lions and learning

Activity center built to meet parish growth in Denver ACTIVITY, from page 1

Courtesy Photo

Children display their lion masks during Vacation Bible School, this year themed “Serengeti Trek,” at Holy Spirit Church in Denver Aug. 1-5. Almost 100 children and 50 volunteers participated in the week of songs, games, crafts and Bible lessons in the parish’s new activity center.

rooms, three offices, chapel, sacristy, kitchen, locker room and 7,128 squarefoot multipurpose room.

The activity center will be used for faith formation, parish celebrations, sporting activities and fundraising activities. This summer the parish held its largest Vacation Bible School to date, with more than 100 kids participating.

“The center will allow us to fill a need for growth in the area and will help draw people already in the parish closer to the church,” said Randy DeMao, a parishioner and former member of the building committee and pastoral council.

“You certainly have waited a long time for the dedication of this center,” said Bishop Jugis during his homily. The bishop served as administrator of Holy Spirit Church from November 1998 until June 1999.

It was in 1999 that the pastoral council began a survey as a result of parish growth. The survey indicated a pressing need for classrooms, youth activities and programs and parish activities, as well as more space and better kitchen facilities.

Coupled with growth projections from the diocesan Office of Planning, which predicted a congregation of 375 families by 2005, plans were finalized in 2001 for the parish activity center and the capital campaign began in 2002.

The parish currently has more than 400 families, many of whom were involved in the construction efforts. Parishioners had “work parties” for about six months to paint the gym, classrooms, halls and chapel, to lay tile, stain doors and paint doorframes, to install memorial bricks at the front entrance.

“Everything was done by the people, inside and out. They worked hard,” said Father Ayathupadam. “It was a big undertaking, but something great is done.”

Bishop Jugis said it was important to bless the building and “ask God’s blessing to come down and remain with it forever.”

“It is a holy place where Catholics will gather, where young people and adults will be taught the faith and where the body of Christ, which you are, will gather for various parish activities,” he said. “Therefore, this is a holy place.”

Bishop Jugis said the building should not be considered a separate building from the church, but an extension of it.

“The holy Eucharist is the source and summit and it is celebrated each week here in the church,” said the bishop.

“What happens there in the center finds its source here in the church, where we celebrate the love of Christ. It cannot be separated from what happens here.”

Years of growth Holy Spirit Church’s history includes a period of years without a structure for the congregation to call home.

Then-Bishop Michael J. Begley established a mission in Denver during the late 1970s due to the growing Catholic population. With no church building, Mass was celebrated for about 20 people at a nearby Episcopal church beginning in March 1979.

By 1987, more than 100 families were worshipping together at Mass.

In May 1988, the Diocese of Charlotte purchased a former school building that was considered a community landmark. The building was renovated to include a nave, sanctuary, offices, classrooms, living quarters and space for social events.

The new church was ready by Christmas 1988, and the first Mass was celebrated Dec. 25. Then-Bishop John F. Donoghue blessed the structure in May 1989.

By 1996, about 265 families were worshiping at Holy Spirit Church, which was by then a mission of St. Therese Church in Mooresville. On May 31, 1998, Holy Spirit Church was officially designated as a parish in a ceremony presided by then-Bishop William G. Curlin.

In July of that same year, a new rectory was purchased and furnished.

Ground was broken for the activity center Dec. 7, 2003.

“We desperately needed this building,” said Cathy Touchstone, pastoral council chair. “It’s hard to believe it’s finally here.

WANT MORE INFO? For more on Holy Spirit Church’s history, read the parish profile on its Web page at www.charlottediocese.org/ parishes-all.html.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

September 16, 2005

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Two books on Tolkien’s Catholic vision in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ reviewed by JEAN GONZALEZ catholic news service

A student persuaded J.R.R. Tolkien to publish “The Hobbit,” a book he had written for his children. When adults unexpectedly embraced the 1937 book, his publishers called for a sequel.

Almost two decades later, Tolkien presented his epic: “The Lord of the Rings.” Too large for a single book, it was published as a trilogy and has had a large adult audience ever since. That audience was broadened in recent years by a film trilogy and video strategy games that took Middle-earth into new media.

An online search finds more than 300 book titles commenting on the trilogy and its author. Now two new books look

at the spirituality and Catholic influence in Tolkien’s works.

“The Power of the Ring: The Spiritual Vision Behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’” is a relatively short, but jampacked, offering from Stratford Caldecott, a Catholic lay scholar and director of the Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture in Oxford, England.

Caldecott begins with a lesson on Tolkien’s history and love for the Catholic faith. Tolkien was raised by a Catholic priest, who was a friend of the family, after his mother died when he was 12.

Tolkien discussed his epic novel in letters written to his son, Christopher, and in companion works about the history of Middle-earth. Caldecott uses these writings to explain Tolkien’s spirituality in his own words. Caldecott identifies grace, marriage and a “sacramental uni-

verse” as elements in “The Lord of the Rings” that reveal a Catholic influence.

Caldecott’s book is not an easy read; it requires concentration and patience.

That may not deter “Ring” enthusiasts.

But the first page should read: “Heavy references ahead. No novices allowed.”

This is not a book for a person hoping to gain background knowledge before picking up the trilogy.

“The Battle for Middle-earth: Tolkien’s Divine Design in ‘The Lord of the Rings’” is a more gentle read. Its author, the Rev. Fleming Rutledge, an Episcopal priest with previously published works including “The Bible and The New York Times,” shows an obvious love for Tolkien’s work.

Rev. Rutledge describes his own work as a “theological narrative” that seeks to “specifically identify the allusions to a transcendent agency that Tolkien has placed along the way.”

Like Caldecott, Rev. Rutledge refers to Tolkien’s letters to support his theories. He says it was part of Tolkien’s plan that the characters and setting of “The Lord of the Rings” do not demonstrate a religion. Using a letter Tolkien wrote to fellow author C.S. Lewis (who wrote “The Chronicles of Narnia”), Rev. Rutledge explains how Tolkien hoped to reach two types of readers: Christian believers and those who have no theistic faith.

Comparing the narrative structure of Tolkien to the narrative structures in the Old and New Testaments, he says Tolkien hoped to reach unbelievers through a majestic story that included a disguised theological design.

At 373 pages, Rev. Rutledge’s book is an enjoyable read that can be digested bit by bit. Readers should be familiar with Tolkien’s characters and settings to appreciate Rev. Rutledge’s book, although the book could inspire those who have not read the trilogy to pick up the masterpiece for themselves.

Gonzalez serves as projects editor for The Florida Catholic in Orlando.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: sept. 25, 2005

Sept. 25, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A Readings: 1) Ezekiel 18:25-28 Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 2) Philippians 2:1-11 3) Matthew 21:28-32

Actions over appearances

by DAN LUBY catholic news service

Catholics used to be easier to spot in a crowd.

When our religious medals glittered in the locker room or at the beach, when we crossed ourselves at the foul line or passing in front of the parish church, when our gardens were decorated with statues of Mary or St. Francis, when we unwrapped our aromatic tuna sandwiches on Friday in the cafeteria, we knew that others recognized us as Catholic.

Lots of those external markers of Catholicism have become less visible in recent years. Many have lamented that change and wished for a restoration of such distinctive signals of Catholic identity.

While such a move could have significant benefits for the spiritual lives of individuals and for the mission of the church, Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians in Sunday’s Mass readings proposes an entirely more transformative way to distinguish ourselves as Catholics.

“Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,” he urges them and us. It’s a simple enough instruction, but deeply challenging.

What would our families look like if visitors to our homes saw, in addition to religious icons, people treating not only guests but one another as if the other’s needs were paramount? How would our parishes appear to neighborhood observers if the cardinal rule for our communal attitude and behavior were putting our own needs second to those of the other?

What would our nation look like if Catholics as a body supported public policy that saw other nations and peoples as more important than ourselves or that put the needs of the world’s poor and powerless, from womb to tomb and from pole to pole, ahead of our own?

May our hearing of the Gospel so move us to conversion that when people see us in the public square our Catholic identity shines forth, not only in our explicitly religious symbols but in our imitation of Christ, who poured himself out for the sake of love.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18-24 Sunday (Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:20-24, 27, Matthew 20:1-16; Monday (St. Januarius), Ezra 1:1-6, Luke 8:16-18; Tuesday (St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang and Companions), Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20, Luke 8:19-21; Wednesday (St. Matthew), Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:9-13; Thursday, Haggai 1:1-8, Luke 9:7-9; Friday, Haggai 2:1-9, Luke 9:18-22; Saturday, Zachariah 2:5-9, 14-15 Jeremiah 31:10-13, Luke 9:43-45.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1 Sunday (Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Ezekiel 18:25-28, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32; Monday (Sts. Cosmas and Damian), Zechariah 8:1-8, Luke 9:46-50; Tuesday (St. Vincent de Paul), Zachariah 8:20-23, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, St. Wenceslaus), Nehemiah 2:1-8, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday (Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael), Revelation 12:7-12, John 1:47-51; Friday (St. Jerome), Baruch 1:15-22, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (St. Therese of the Child Jesus), Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Luke 10:17-24.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 16, 2005

Director of ‘Emily Rose’ hopes film prompts viewers to examine faith NEW YORK (CNS) — The director and co-writer of “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” said he wants the movie’s patrons to ask themselves, “Is there a devil? and, more importantly, is there a God? and, if so, what’s the implication of that?”

“Those are questions to be reckoned with, and I’m unabashed in the belief that everyone has to reckon with those questions,” said Scott Derrickson. “In some way, everyone lives their life based on what they believe.”

“This movie is intended to stretch and provoke everyone who sees it, including Christians,” he added.

Echoing the closing argument made by a lawyer played by Laura Linney in the movie: “Either there’s a God or there’s not. And whichever way you decide, it’s still a terrifying aspect to contemplate.”

Derrickson said one purpose of making “Emily Rose” was precisely to ask these questions, although to do so he had to make “a scary, entertaining film.”

“The research phase (of the movie) was horrible,” Derrickson said. “I must have read two dozen books on possession. I viewed a lot of video of real exorcisms, I heard a lot of tapes of real exorcisms. ... That was a part of the (research process) I’ll never do again.”

Asked if he believes people, even devout Christians, can be possessed, Derrickson replied, “I do.”

“It’s an important theological question,” said Derrickson, a Presbyterian who calls himself “very close” to becoming Catholic.

“The manner in which I would answer it is ... that I do not believe that a spirit-filled Christian can become demon-possessed,” he said.

“However, what I will say is that for every one of those theological rules that we like to systematically create, there are

often exceptions. I don’t believe that God will tell me to commit a sin, but he told Abraham to murder his son,” he said.

Making a movie with conspicuous religious and theological content is not the easiest thing to do in Hollywood, Derrickson admitted.

He noted that the movie got the green light “one weekend after ‘The Passion (of the Christ)’ opened, but it also happened to be the weekend the head of Screen Gems (studio) read the script,” Derrickson said.

Derrickson and his co-writer, Paul Boardman, took only essential elements from the 1976 German exorcism case and subsequent criminal trial for “Emily Rose,” but concocted their own trial to raise the questions they wanted to ask.

“The courtroom is the perfect theater for these ideas that, ultimately, that case touched on, that relate to these ideas about faith, belief and skepticism,” Boardman said.

“We knew we had elements that would make it commercially credible,” tying the horror and courtroom genres “in a way that would make it fresh ... with the thematic depth we wanted to plumb,” Boardman added, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is “a sober consideration of faith and the mystery of evil,” wrote David DiCerto, a staff critic for the U.S. bishops’ Office for Film & Broadcasting. DiCerto added it was “a well-crafted and intelligent movie that aspires to engage heads and not just spin them,” as did the 1973 movie blockbuster “The Exorcist.”

“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is classified A-III — adults — by the film and broadcasting office for “disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, and a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude language.”

This ‘Life’ worth finishing

CNS photo from Miramax

Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman star in “An Unfinished Life,” a captivating story of a rancher — caregiver to a ranch hand mauled by a bear — who gives shelter to his son’s widow and the granddaughter he never knew he had. The film is sensitively acted and vividly conveys an admirable message about forgiveness and letting go of the past. Despite profanity, rough language and irreligious remarks, some brief episodes of domestic violence and implied premarital sex, the film is uplifting entertainment for adults and mature adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

Pope to canonize five in October ceremony POPE, from page 1

yet signed or approved any decrees that would conclude pending causes for a beatification or canonization, said Vatican officials. In an attempt to highlight the difference between a beatification and a canonization, Pope Benedict is presiding over canonizations only.

Those who have been beatified and are scheduled to become saints Oct. 23 are: — Blessed Jozef Bilczewski. As archbishop of Lviv, Poland he helped numerous Catholics, Orthodox and Jews during World War I. — Blessed Zygmunt Gorazdowski.

As a priest in Lviv, he founded homes for

the poor, homeless, abandoned children and single mothers. In 1884, he founded the Sisters of Mercy of St Joseph.

— Blessed Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga. A Jesuit priest in Chile, he taught and worked with the poor. He also started the Hogar de Cristo movement, which provides vocational training and other services for young people.

— Blessed Felice da Nicosia. He was often humiliated, even by his fellow Capuchin brothers, for his illiteracy. He collected donations for the monastery and visited jailed prisoners every Sunday.

— Blessed Gaetano Catanoso. A priest of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova, Italy, and founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint

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September 16, 2005

September 16, 2005

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Portraying a saint

Parishioners to perform play on St. Francis by

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

HENDERSONVILLE — St. Francis — the “Poverello,” the little poor man of Assisi — gave up privileges in this life, and parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville feel honored to portray him and those who shared his life.

The church will present “Il Poverello” Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and 3. Admission is free.

“It’s a privilege and a lot of fun,” said Maria Ashbrook, who plays Lady Jacoba, one of Francis’ supporters. “I fell in love with Francis when I was in college, and since then I’ve had a deep devotion.”

Ashbrook admires Francis’ “personality, his charm, his acceptance, the way he found God in all things, his simplicity.”

Those qualities come across in this play, written by Capuchin Franciscan Father John Salvas, parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church. “Il Poverello” tells of Francis’ passionate life — his love of “Lady Poverty” and his ardent desire to live as Jesus did.

“I wanted to give something of my Franciscan spirituality to the parish,” said Father Salvas.

Frank Kelsch brings to the role the same passion he had when he portrayed Christ in the parish’s paschal drama.

“Francis was the second Christ,”

Kelsch said. “It’s a great privilege to play one of the great saints of the church.

With (Father Salvas’) script, it’s a chance to contemplate the life of Francis .... To even try to put yourself in the same position as Christ and Francis, you realize what they sacrificed.”

Perhaps more than any other person in history, Francis lived like Christ: owning nothing, ministering to those in need.

Toward the end of his life he prayed to Jesus, “to experience in myself in all possible fullness the pains of your cruel passion and to feel for you the same love which made you sacrifice for us.”

He received Christ’s wounds in his hands, feet and side, the first recorded stigmatic.

“Il Poverello” will present Francis’ life, from his early experience as a soldier through his conversion to Christ, disciples gathering to him, the founding of the Franciscan Order and receiving Clare as the first woman Franciscan, to the stigmata, and his “transitus” from this life to eternity as he welcomes “Sister Death.”

Oct. 3, the eve of the feast of St. Francis, is the usual time for celebrating the transitus. At the end of the Oct. 3 performance, in another ceremony traditionally held that night, the friars stationed at Immaculate Conception Church will renew their vows.

In addition, members of the St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity will renew

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Lady Jacoba (Maria Ashbrook) comforts St. Francis (Frank Kelsch) as he dies. The rehearsal is for a scene in “Il Poverello,” a play about the life and death of St. Francis being performed at Immaculate Conception Church Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and 3. their promises as members of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO).

“It’s been enlightening for me; the story opened my eyes,” said Sherry Glatzer, who is working on the play’s props. “I had no idea how the Franciscan brothers started or about the life of St. Francis.”

Even for Secular Franciscans Bill Stewart and Randy Hair, “Il Poverello” has brought a deeper appreciation of St. Francis.

“It gives me a new feeling for the life of Francis,” said Stewart, who made his perpetual profession last year, and is portraying Brother Illuminato.

When Francis dies, Stewart is one of the Franciscan brothers carrying lighted candles throughout the church to the strains of “Salve Regina” in Gregorian chant — the traditional hymn when a friar’s body is carried to its burial.

The play, Stewart said, helps him to appreciate “what we talk about in SFO by living (the life of one of the first Franciscans). You’re close to it the whole time you’re here, and it makes you closer to the people here.”

“It’s opened more of the life of St. Francis,” said Hair, who portrays Brother Masseo and is a candidate for permanent profession as a Secular Franciscan.

“When (Father Salvas) came out and said, ‘Do you realize this man has 74,000 followers (in the three orders)?’ I realized

we’re part of a huge spiritual group, and it’s ever-growing,” said Hair. “(Father Salvas) is just so talented,” Kelsch said. “He has a vision that brings it all together. He takes great joy in the subject, and that translates to all of us.”

“Il Poverello” has done for the cast members what they hope it will do for those who come to see the life of St. Francis of Assisi. As the flier for the drama says, “Be inspired by the one who put flesh on the Gospel.”

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or e-mail jnell@dnet.net.

WANT TO GO? “Il Poverello” will be performed at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville Friday, Sept. 30; Sunday, Oct. 2; and Monday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

Take I-26 to Exit 49B (old Exit 18B), Hwy. 64 west. Follow Hwy. 64 to the church, 208 Seventh Ave. West. The church has front and rear parking areas. If parking at the rear of the church, an elevator is available to take you to the main church.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

September 16, 2005

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

As the hurricane winds howled and Bishop Steib reflects on Katrina whizzed by experience reached a peak, and slowly the water began to recede.

We were on the “bad side” of the hurricane for nine hours. We had heard in the morning that the eye of the hurricane would pass over Bay St. Louis, but that was not the case!

That night, amid soggy floors and dripping roofs, amid candlelights and flashlights, we thanked God that Hurricane Katrina had passed, and we tried to assess the situation.

Other people made their way to the seminary with their horrifying tales of how they had to escape from their homes, or climb to their attics, or get on top of their roofs, or cling to trees.

It was a night that will not soon be forgotten.

Early the next morning, I went walking outside to pray Morning Prayer. It was an eerie feeling to pray in the midst of rubble, fallen trees and pockets of water.

Psalm 37 from the Office of Readings said: “Calm your anger, and forget your rage; do not fret, it only leads to evil. For those who do evil shall perish; the patient shall inherit the land.”

How appropriate! How easy it would be to blame nature, blame others or, worse, to blame God for what happened. Yet, as I prayed, I looked to the east. Through the leafless and branchless trees that withstood the ravages of the hurricane, through the pine trees whose tops were snapped to the ground like toothpicks, the sun was coming through bright and clear!

The dragon flies were flying here and there! There is life! God is still with us!

And the sun was proof to me that God is still good — all the time!

It is from my experience of this disaster that I ask the people of the Diocese of Memphis to welcome the sisters and brothers of Hurricane Katrina. Join me in welcoming our sisters and brothers from the dioceses of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as they come to us for safe haven in order to put their lives together again.

Let us make them feel at home as they contemplate their future. Let us be their home away from home in their social, educational and spiritual life.

Let us pray with them as they give thanks to a good and gracious God. Bishop Terry J. Steib is bishop of Memphis, Tenn.

Guest Column BISHOP TERRY J. STEIB, SVD guest columnist

Sunday morning, Aug. 28, began with the sun shining ever so brightly! I was at Divine Word Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Miss., visiting with the members of the community.

However, Hurricane Katrina was churning the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The forecast called for the hurricane to hit landfall at the mouth of the Mississippi River and perhaps slide more westward. But by mid-afternoon it became clearer that the Gulf Coast was more and more involved in the path of the storm.

At the same time, it was too late to leave the seminary either to go to Louisiana or to return to Memphis because of the traffic congestion and the evacuation plans involving the interstates.

I had weathered many hurricanes at the seminary. It was located on the highest ground in Bay St. Louis. For many years it served as a shelter for the community and many of the townspeople.

Moreover, several years ago the seminary had acquired a generator in case of hurricanes.

I thought the seminary was as safe a shelter as possible. And it was — until the water surge Monday morning!

It was unbelievable how quickly the water rose about 6 feet above the ground! It was incredible how easily the water rose to 2 and one-half feet on the first floor of Christmann Hall where the priests and brothers lived.

It was not a pretty sight to watch some 30 cars floating in the water, trunks and windows opened to let in the water, until they disappeared! It was like being on an ocean.

All of this was happening while the hurricane winds were howling and whizzing by, carrying leaves and tree branches, tiles and roofs, garbage cans and frames of all kinds, and debris from near and far.

Contingent plans were made should we have to go to the roof! Unfortunately, there was no escape hatch to the flat roof building. Yet, thank God, the water surge

People’s daily lives must include place for God, pope

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — A reminder of God’s transcendent nature needs to be at the center of people’s daily lives, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.

Just as David dedicated himself to providing a dwelling place for the Lord, such a visible dwelling place is still important to have in today’s cities and communities, he added.

In his Sept. 14 catechesis, Pope Benedict highlighted Psalm 132, “The Pact Between David and the Lord,” which celebrates “the solemn transport of the Ark of the Covenant, sign of the divine presence” of God in the midst of the people of Jerusalem.

The pope came to Rome by helicopter from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo to hold his general audience in St. Peter’s Square before some 20,000 pilgrims from all over the world.

The psalm depicting David, who would not rest before he found a dwelling place for the Lord, “is very important because it shows that in the center of daily life, of a city, of a community, there must be a presence that evokes the transcendent mystery of God, that is, a place for God to dwell,” he said.

The temple or a sacred place for

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

worship serves as a “visible sign” of the sharing that takes place between God and humanity, that God and humanity have always walked together throughout history, he said.

A person “cannot walk easily without God,” for it is God who leads the way; a place of worship is a visible sign of “this communion” and that the faithful “let themselves be guided by God,” he said.

The pope said each individual is also called to be “a home for God.” “God’s true dwelling place was not made of wood, but was made of flesh and blood. It was Our Lady who offered herself to the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant,” the pope said in remarks apart from his written text.

Mary “invites us to be the dwelling place and womb for God in the world,” he said.

The Catholic News & Herald 15

September 16, 2005

Become more worker, less

Catholic Church promotes dignified work, shuns consumption With the defection of three unions from the AFL-CIO, organized labor appears split over the appropriate strategy to fight for the rights of workers. Once boasting membership of one-third the workforce, unions now represent only 12.5 percent.

Over the last quarter century, globalization, a shrinking manufacturing base, the decline of employer-employee loyalty and successful efforts to diminish the rights of workers have taken traction away from the union movement.

Labor added to its own problems with occasional cronyism and inadequate responses to workers’ needs.

Friends of labor recognize the need for reform coupled with a combined strategy of greater grassroots organization and political action. The split in labor revolves around the disagreement over the degree of funding for each effort.

Since Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum” in 1891, the church has highlighted the social dimensions of work and affirmed the rights of workers. Historically, the conditions of the working class appear less desperate than a century ago, yet today the problem of mass poverty has shifted to one of mass insecurity.

Millions lack health care, retirees forfeit pensions, families live one paycheck away from calamity, and in real terms and wages remain static over 30 years.

At the time of Pope Leo XIII’s writing, industry barons promoted a shift in self-perception among Americans

Faith & the Marketplace GLENMARY FATHER JOHN S. RAUSCH guest columnist

from worker to consumer. Over the past quarter century, that thinking has dramatically changed from a working-class consciousness to sink-or-swim individualism. The admonition: earning money heightens consumption, privatizing insurance brings greater riches and joining unions is passé.

Yet, the safety net that promises a dignified life for every worker and citizen continues to fray one strand at a time.

Without a working-class consciousness, workers’ organizations will never deliver their potential. Historically, people died fighting for the right to organize.

Unions fought to end child labor and secure an eight-hour day. Unions backed safety and health standards, Social Security, unemployment insurance and the minimum wage.

The church recognizes all these benefits as the rights of workers. But the social dimension of work must address the particular needs of workers today.

Respect on the job and dignified work head the list. No person can be regarded merely as a cog in the wheel for

Give the devil his due

Exorcism rite is more celebration, less mystery in a mystery? Jesus cast out demons in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and he gave his disciples the authority to do so.

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) The Catholic Church clearly has a firm theological basis for performing exorcisms and many forms of exorcism have been practiced since the earliest days of the church. Most Catholics are more familiar with the rite of exorcism than they might realize. The denunciation of Satan and all his evil works and the prayer which asks God to set children free from original sin are both part of the sacrament of baptism and are referred to as minor exorcisms.

Is there any doubt that evil exists in the world, or that the only way to combat evil is with the grace of God? So why is an exorcism viewed as some kind of oddball practice found in horror movies?

Perhaps it is the way we approach the rite of exorcism. It was updated by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 1998. The rite includes a prohibition from broadcasting it in any media. It’s understandable that someone who is tormented by the forces of darkness would

I was all set for exorcism calls from the media. I was ready to talk about Satan and give the reporters a devil of a story.

What possessed me to prepare for such an event? A new movie, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” opened this past weekend and as the name implies, it is about the little known, somewhat secretive Catholic rite of exorcism.

The movie trailers emphasize horror, apparently in an attempt to connect the film to the 1973 blockbuster, “The Exorcist.” That movie made vomit-spewing, head-spinning actress Linda Blair a household name. “The Exorcist” created a sensation that earned it $440 million and spawned four sequels.

Apparently, the appetite for exorcism/entertainment is still pretty strong.

The new film earned $30 million in its first weekend. But viewers in search of a horror fix may have been disappointed.

Film reviewers say “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is really a courtroom drama about an exorcism that pits the practice of medicine against the practice of faith.

Reviewers were positive about the movie and especially about the quality of its acting.

The bigger question for me though is, Why is exorcism so closely associated with horror and why is it wrapped

profit, because each worker reflects the image of God. Workers need more flex time for family needs, essential minimum benefits and a greater part of the profits. These too reflect the teachings of the church about work.

Probably, the greatest contribution the church can make in reestablishing a consciousness about work comes from a theology of work. Biblically, work is divine activity. God worked in creating the world (Gen. 2:2) and God referred to redemption as work (Is. 29:23).

In addition, God put humanity in the garden “to cultivate and care for it” (Gen. 2:15). Humanity becomes a co-gardener with God. Every time workers use their creativity or contribute to society, or every time they promote reconciliation and justice, they participate in divine activity.

Liturgically, during the intercessions at Morning Prayer (Week III in the breviary), the church prays, “Make our work today benefit our brothers and sisters, that with them and for them we may build an earthly city, pleasing to you.” Here’s the spirituality of work in a nutshell.

The church promotes dignified and communal work. It shuns mindless consumption. The liturgical year celebrates St. Joseph the Worker as well as St. Isidore the Farmer with his companionspouse, St. Mary de la Cabeza. It makes no mention of St. Wal-Mart, the Shopper.

Glenmary Father Rausch serves as peace and justice director for the mission diocese of Lexington, Ky.

Catholics & the Media DAVID HAINS communications director

not want to share the experience on the evening news.

But this prohibition perpetuates a mystery about our faith that, in the hands of the wrong people (e.g., movie producers), can lead to voodoo-like images.

So in case anyone ever asks you about exorcism, you can first amaze them by properly describing it as a celebration — an exorcism is a kick in the devil’s fanny, so who wouldn’t celebrate?

Then, in addition to pointing out that it has a scriptural basis, explain that the rite describes an exorcist as a priest, selected by a bishop, who is a man of piety, knowledge, prudence and holiness of life. The priest-exorcist initially approaches the possessed person as he would anyone who suffers from physical or psychological illness. He doesn’t assume diabolic possession until he has conducted a diligent investigation that includes extensive consultation with spiritual, medical and psychological experts.

Once those criteria have been met, devil beware — a man of Christ is coming to take you out!

Obligation to participate Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN cns columnist

Q. Sometimes I have a hard time getting to Mass, so I listen to one on television. Can’t we just fulfill our Sunday obligation by watching Mass on television? (Florida) A. I’ve responded to this type of question several times in past years. The answer is basically simple. The Mass is not a private prayer, but, except for special circumstances, is an act of worship of God that essentially involves other members of our community of faith.

Many Catholics still do not realize that the responsibility of Sunday Mass does not oblige us to hear or watch someone else do something, but to be present to do it ourselves with our fellow Catholics.

In other words, the Eucharist is an action, a celebration, of the Catholic community. It cannot be replaced by seeing a television program.

If, for a legitimate reason, one cannot be present in church for Sunday Mass, a television or radio Mass may help us unite with it in spirit. It may also serve to increase our desire for union with Christ in the Eucharist. But such listening or viewing is never a substitute for being there.

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

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

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September 16, 2005

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