October 12, 2007
The Catholic News & Herald 1
www.charlottediocese.org
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Perspectives Father Pavone suggests a theology of giving; Moises Sandoval looks at Hispanic Catholics’ religious heritage
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI October 12, 2007
Good counsel Diocese of Charlotte issues new guidelines for pastoral councils by
| Pages 14-15 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
volume 16
no. 43
Daring deeds in a deadly desert
Deterrence efforts at Arizona-Mexico border rise, but so do deaths
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte soon will be issuing new guidelines for parish pastoral councils. The revised guidelines, which will be promulgated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis and made available after training classes for clergy and laity in November, reflect the changing role of pastoral councils in the 21st century. “The guidelines reflect a new tone of decision-making that returns the focus of pastoral councils to their original intent — from managing interior church matters to consulting and advising the pastor on matters relating to the parish and the larger community in which its members are called by Christ to serve,” said George Cobb, director of planning and research for the Diocese of Charlotte.
CNS photo by J.D. Long-Garcia, Catholic Sun
ARIVACA, Ariz. — After an immigration reform bill stalled in Congress in June, experts predict that it may take another two years before any meaningful attempts at fixing the situation will see the light of day. Meanwhile, families remain divided, and lives continue to be lost in the desert. If you ask people working in the desert, they’ll tell you that water can be deadly. Water makes puddles. Puddles make soggy socks. Soggy socks make for nasty blisters that you can’t walk on. For people crossing the desert, this kind of blister will get them left behind in a hurry.
See COUNCILS, page 12
Walt Staton of Tucson, Ariz., and Dane Rossman of New Jersey, volunteers with the humanitarian group No More Deaths, look Sept. 4 for illegal immigrants left behind by their smugglers in the Sonoran Desert near the U.S.-Mexican border.
See BORDER, page 5
by J.D. LONG-GARCIA catholic news service
‘Spirit of gratitude’
Standing up for life
St. Pius X recognized for stewardship excellence by
KAREN A. EVANS staff writer
GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church in Greensboro was recognized recently by the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) for the parish’s successful ongoing stewardship efforts. St. Pius X Church was one of 14 parishes in the United States to receive the 2007 Parish Stewardship Certificate
of Recognition, which is given to parishes that excel in stewardship efforts in a variety of parish ministries. Jim Kelley, director of the diocesan development office and the president of the board of the ICSC, presented the award to Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor; Jim Kelley, director of the diocesan development office; Pat Spivey, pastoral associate; Lynn Fly, capital See STEWARDS, page 4
Hundreds of Catholics took part in Life Chains on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7
Photo by Kevin E. Murray
Pro-life supporters take part in a Life Chain along Park Road outside of St. Ann Church in Charlotte on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
To show their support for life, parishioners stood along the property lines of their churches, on city sidewalks and with other church groups in their towns.
For photographs, see pages 8-9.
Forming the faith
Culture Watch
Habitat of helping
Catechists attend workshops, training sessions
Children’s book about pope; Arab Catholic on TV show
St. Luke Church works to aid wildlife
| Page 7
| Pages 10-11
| Page 16
October 12, 2007
2 The Catholic News & Herald
InBrief
Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CNS) — Bishop Robert J. Baker was installed as the fourth bishop of Birmingham at the Cathedral of St. Paul Oct. 2. The three-hour ceremony began with Bishop Baker knocking at the Birmingham cathedral door, signaling his willingness to enter and become head of the diocese. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the mandate from Pope Benedict XVI appointing Bishop Baker. Archbishop Sambi and Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile escorted Bishop Baker to the cathedra, the chair that symbolizes a bishop’s teaching office and his pastoral authority in the local church. Archbishop Lipscomb then presented him with the crosier, the pastoral staff that is the symbol of his office. “I am happy to be the new bishop of Birmingham,” Bishop Baker told the congregation. He also thanked his predecessor,
Record runners
CNS photo by Dick Meyer, The Compass
Thirteen of the 14 children born to Ed and Janet Weisse of Oshkosh, Wis., broke the world record for the most siblings to complete the same marathon. They are pictured holding a banner with their mother, Janet.
Catholic family sets record for most siblings to finish same marathon
APPLETON, Wis. (CNS) — When they crossed the finish line, 13 of the 14 children born to Ed and Janet Weisse of Oshkosh broke the world record for the most siblings to complete the same marathon. But their brother Peter, who died of brain cancer at the age of 3 in 1968, was very much a part of the group and the focus of the day as his siblings ran the 26.2 miles in his memory and to raise money for cancer research. The Weisses competed in the Community First Fox Cities Marathon Sept. 23. Running in memory of Peter “gave the event more purpose,” said Ben Weisse, the 12th of the siblings and instigator of the family event. “Whether we get the record or not, who cares? There are 14 of us. We always include Peter in the number. He’s my brother,” he said. Greg Weisse, the oldest, agreed. “This is to remember Peter. We are at a time in our lives where we are all celebrating marriages, first Communions, baptisms,” he said. “This is Peter’s day. We’re having a celebration for him — that’s what makes it pretty cool,” he said. The runners among the siblings finished first. Those who were walking the course were much further behind, and there was concern for Ben and Bernadette as the eight-hour deadline approached.
Bishop Baker installed as fourth bishop of Birmingham
To break the record set by the 12 siblings of the Irwin family of Ireland in the 2005 Dublin City Marathon, all of the Weisses in the race had to finish it in eight hours. “They were two miles out with 20 minutes to go,” said Chris Weisse, the third oldest and fourth-place finisher among the siblings.. “There was a period in there we were doubting we’d get the record,” he said. “Ben came in at the end. He was the instigator but was hurt in ... training. He said, ‘I forced everybody into this, I’ve got to do it,’” he said. Chris Weisse said setting the world record is great. “It was unbelievable how many people were cheering for us, most of them complete strangers. That part was really neat, having so much support from the community,” he said. The close-knit siblings, who now range in age from 33 to 54, grew up in Oshkosh, where Ed Weisse was a longtime member of the board of education for the Green Bay Diocese. The parents are members of St. Jude the Apostle Church. Most of their children still live in Wisconsin. “The thing that’s beautiful to me is all my kids didn’t want to do (the marathon), but they didn’t want to be the one that didn’t do it,” Janet Weisse said. “That I’m proud of. They’re doing it for each other. That’s love.”
Diocesan planner For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese.org/ calendarofevents-cn. CHARLOTTE VICARIATE
CHARLOTTE — A Family Ultreya will take Oct. 21, 12-2 p.m., at in the family room of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. All Cursillistas, their families and friends are invited to join us for faith, food and fellowship. We will have an inspirational witness talk, grouping and a potluck lunch. Please bring a dish to share. For more information, call Tom and Heather Martin at (704) 544-7011. For babysitting arrangements, call Vicki Torres at (704) 543-7677, ext. 1011. CHARLOTTE — A Pro-Life Prayer Vigil will take place through Nov. 4. For more information, e-mail Diane Hoefling at rhoef541@aol.com or call (704) 541-3760 or (704) 519-8086. Also visit www.40daysforlife.com. CHARLOTTE — “Bereavement and Grief — Helping Seniors Cope” will be presented at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., Oct. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. Larry Dawalt of Hospice and Palliative Care will speak about the variety of losses seniors experience, coping mechanisms and the importance of treating senior survivors with grace and dignity. For more information, call BJ Dengler at (704) 364-5431. CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., will present “The Acts of the Apostles” Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., through Nov. 14. This study program will include individual study, small-group discussions and taped lectures. For
retired Bishop David E. Foley, for his “devoted leadership.” Bishop Foley retired in May 2005, but was diocesan administrator until Bishop Baker’s installation. Greeting the Hispanic community in Spanish, Bishop Baker said, “Consider me, my brothers and sisters, not only your pastor, but your brother and companion in this journey to the promised land. “I firmly desire to develop a loving and close relationship with the Hispanic/ Latino community coming from so many rich and diverse cultures that share, among other things, the devotion to Mary and the Spanish language,” he added. “You are a blessing not only to the United States, but for our diocese. Continue to live your values, your devotions and traditions. They are your wealth.” He thanked the Eternal Word Te l e v i s i o n N e t w o r k , b a s e d i n Birmingham, for carrying the installation live and providing a live feed to the overflow crowd. registration and more information, call Mary at (704) 948-8285 or Angela at (704) 400-8517. CHARLOTTE — Deepen your faith this fall with “Lunchtime Spirituality” at St. Peter Church, 1212:45 p.m., in the Annex, 507 S. Tryon St. Bring your lunch, listen to a talk on spirituality and participate in a short prayer session — a great way to renew during the workweek and to prepare for Advent and Christmas. Topic for Oct. 18 is “The Jesus Prayer.” For more information, call the office at (704) 332-2901. CHARLOTTE — Dr. M. Shawn Copeland will present “Who is my Neighbor? The Challenge of Solidarity” as part of the Kennedy Lecture Series in Biss Hall at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.stpeterscatholic.org. Call the church office at (704) 332-2901, ext. 12 to RSVP. CHARLOTTE — St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church will have a Ukrainian Mass in English in the chapel of Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Rd., the third Sunday of each month at 10 a.m. The Mass is open to anyone who would like to attend. For more information, please contact Father Mark Shuey at mshuey2@nc.rr.com or call (919) 779-7246. CHARLOTTE — Christians in Career Transition is a ministry devoted to helping people in career crisis. 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, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Please call Jack Rueckel at (704) 341-8449 for more information.
GASTONIA VICARIATE
BELMONT — A public Catholic conference, “The Ingersoll Symposium: American Ideas of Liberty and Virtue: Political, Religious and Philosophical Dimensions,” will take at Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Oct. 19-20. For more information, call Dr. Robert Preston at (704) 829-7231, e-mail RobertPreston@bac.edu or visit www.bradleyinstitute.org.
October 12, 2007 Volume 16 • Number 43
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
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October 12, 2007
The Catholic News & Herald 3
FROM THE VATICAN
World Jewish leaders meet with pope, discuss anti-Semitism VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI recently welcomed the new leaders of the World Jewish Congress to the Vatican. Ronald S. Lauder, elected president of the congress in June, said his talks at the Vatican Oct. 8 focused on interreligious dialogue and on anti-Semitism in a number of European countries. The congress represents Jewish communities in more than 80 countries. The congress’ statement released to the press said Lauder, a former U.S. ambassador to Austria, told the pope that “the anti-Semitic statements” attributed to Redemptorist Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, founder and director of Poland’s Radio Maryja, “should not be tolerated anymore.” Lauder “called on the pontiff to take action against those in the church who wanted to do damage to the close and positive relationship between Christians and Jews,” the statement said.
Father Rydzyk, whose radio station ranks fifth in Poland’s national ratings, repeatedly has been accused of making anti-Semitic remarks. When Lauder and the organization’s secretary-general, Michael Schneider, met the pope, they also highlighted the importance of dialogue among Christians, Jews and Muslims. Christians and Jews, he said, must reach out to the Muslim majority and build “bridges of tolerance and understanding.” The press statement also said Lauder “offered to host a joint event in honor of the pope during the pontiff’s forthcoming visit to the United States.” The congress has headquarters in New York, which is reported to be on the pope’s itinerary for a spring 2008 trip. “The pope accepted the invitation in principle and said that both sides should work on the arrangements,” the congress said.
GREENSBORO VICARIATE
Our Faith With Joy,” Oct. 13-17 at 7 p.m. Themes include “Loving God and One Another,” “Am I Forgiven? Can I Forgive?” and “Wholeness of Body and Soul.” The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered Oct. 16. For more information, call Gayle O’Grady at (336) 751-2117.
GREENSBORO — The 2007 St. Pius X Community Health Expo will take place Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Kloster Center of St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. This free event will include informational sessions on back care; cardiac health; mental health; and strategies for managing osteoarthritis, weight and diabetes. Vision, bone density, blood pressure screenings will be available. Childcare will be available in the parish nursery. For more information, call the church office at (336) 272-4681 or e-mail piusxfaith@aol.com. GREENSBORO — A Catholic Charismatic Renewal Celebration and Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m. For more information, call Melissa Miller at (336) 274-6520. GREENSBORO — Young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are invited to come and experience great speakers, excellent food and conversations at Theology on Tap. ToT will meet Tuesdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 13 at 6:45 p.m. for dinner and a social hour. Speakers begin at 7:45 p.m. Each week we will collect cranberry sauce and stuffing for Our Lady of Grace Church’s Thanksgiving baskets. For more info e-mail greensborotot@yahoo.com, visit www.triadcatholics.org or call Deb at (336) 286-3687. HIGH POINT — Have you been away from the church for a while? No matter how long you’ve been away, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., invites you to attend the Hope of Seeing Everyone Again program. This small group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. through Nov. 14. To register and for more information, call the church office at (336) 869-7730 or Jan Hitch at (336) 884-5067. GREENSBORO — The Men’s Early Morning Bible Study Group at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., meets Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. in the Parish Life Center, room 4. “Genesis 1-11: The Primordial History,” will be studied through Dec. 18. Bring your own Bible. For more information, contact Gus Magrinat at gmagrinat@pol.net or John Malmfelt at jmalmsie@aol.com.
SALISBURY VICARIATE
MOCKSVILLE — St. Francis of Assisi Church, 862 Yadkinville Rd., will hold a parish mission, “Living
Episcopal
calendar
SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE
MURPHY — The office of faith formation of St. William Church, 765 Andrews Rd., will present a four-part film, “Feast of Faith: The Transforming Power of the Eucharist,” Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Commons. For more information, call Michelle Calascione at (828) 837-2000 or e-mail stwilliamfaithformation@msn.com.
Vatican official says religions must be free to contribute to peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The only way to ensure that religions contribute to peace rather than violence is to guarantee religious freedom and promote religious education so believers understand that peace and harmony are at the core of every religion, the Vatican’s foreign minister said. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, spoke Oct. 5 at the U.N. General Assembly’s high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation for peace. Archbishop Mamberti said Pope Benedict has taught that “faithfulness to one’s own religious convictions is not expressed in violence and intolerance, but in sincere respect for others, in dialogue and in an announcement that appeals to freedom and reason while remaining committed to peace and reconciliation.” While religion is a herald and source of peace, the archbishop said, it too often has been manipulated by politicians, nationalists and those seeking power. Theological reflection, philosophical questioning and spiritual discernment have been used effectively throughout the ages to harness religious fervor and direct
it toward the good of society, he said. “There cannot be peace without understanding and cooperation among religions,” he said. “There cannot be understanding and cooperation among religions without religious liberty.” Archbishop Mamberti told the conference, “The full exercise of the right to religious freedom is based on respect for human reason and its capacity to know the truth; it ensures openness to transcendence as an indispensable guarantee of human dignity; (and) it allows all religions to manifest their own identity publicly, free from any pressure to hide or disguise it.” Restricting or denying religious freedom is not the way to combat violent tendencies when they arise, he said. Rather, governments and groups must mobilize religious leaders, promote education, and rally the public in opposition to “hate speech and other public acts calculated to spur sectarian violence.” Archbishop Mamberti said international interreligious meetings to promote prayers for peace, such as those convoked by Pope John Paul II in Assisi, Italy, should be duplicated on the local and national level.
Pet blessings
MURPHY — The Bereavement Support Group of St. William Church will meet Tuesdays through Nov. 6, 1-3 p.m., in the Glenmary Center, 731 Andrews Rd. This support group will aid in the healing process of anyone who has experienced loss through death, divorce or other life-changing situations. For more information, call Heather Schmitt at (828) 837-7048.
WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE
WINSTON-SALEM — Spirit of Assisi presents the Wednesday Lunch Series, 12:30-1:15 p.m., at the Fatima Chapel, 211 W. Third St. Enjoy a light lunch and free presentations on a variety of topics. Jim Day will present “Christian Paradox” Oct. 17. You may call ahead to indicate your attendance, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, e-mail Sister Kathy Ganiel at spiritofassisi@ bellsouth.net or call (336) 723-1092.
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 Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.
CNS photo by Pilar Olivares, Reuters
A Catholic priest blesses a dog outside St. Francis Church in Lima, Peru, during an Oct. 7 celebration of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:
Oct. 13 — 6 p.m. Deacons’ retreat dinner Catholic Conference Center, Hickory
Oct. 17 — 10 a.m. Finance Council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte
Oct. 14 — 1 p.m. Enthronement of the Infant of Prague Divine Redeemer Church, Boonville
Oct. 17 — 6:15 p.m. Forty-day vigil Mass St. Ann Church, Charlotte
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
STEWARDSHIP
October 12, 2007
St. Pius lauded for stewardship Signing up stewards STEWARDS, from page 1
campaign administrative chairperson; Gary Fly, capital campaign chairperson; and Tracy Welliver, pastoral associate, at the council’s annual conference in Miami Sept. 23-26. “We are entrusted with certain gifts from God, and those gifts are meant to be shared,” said Msgr. Marcaccio. “The people at St. Pius have very generous hearts; they are a eucharistic people who have enormous gratitude for God’s gifts,” he said. “They are fed at the altar, and then go into the community to make a difference.” “It’s a blessing to see how the parish responds to the disadvantaged,” said Msgr. Marcaccio. St. Pius X Church has embraced the idea of stewardship for most of its 52year history. Previous pastors, notably Father George Kloster and Father Francis Connelly, focused on stewardship, and Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor, is a proponent, as well. “Msgr. Marcaccio manages to incorporate stewardship into almost every one of his homilies,” said Spivey. “Stewardship is an integral part of our Catholic faith if we truly want to follow Jesus,” said Spivey. “We have to realize that we are entrusted to share our time, talent and treasure with others, and we must develop our gifts and give back tenfold.” The parish keeps stewardship on the forefront with a “Stewardship Corner” in the weekly bulletin and articles in “Echoes,” the parish newsletter.
The parish celebrated September 2007 as Stewardship Month with a stewardship fair and commitment weekend Sept. 15-16. As part of Stewardship Month, the parish invited Father Daniel Mahan to speak at the parish Sept. 8-11. He preached at the weekend Masses and gave three mission talks during his visit. Father Mahan is executive director of the Marian College Center for Catholic Stewardship in Indianapolis and director of formation for the International Catholic Stewardship Council. “Father Mahan talked about having a ‘spirit of gratitude,’ which then leads to a sense of responsibility to reciprocate with your time, talent and treasure,” said Welliver. “Stewardship is misunderstood in the church today,” Father Mahan said. “It’s often seen as just secular fundraising in sheep’s clothing.” “But stewardship is about much more than money — it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in the person of Jesus Christ,” he said. “My hope is that the parish mission not only will make clear the true meaning of stewardship, but also will inspire parishioners to live their spirituality more fully.” “Everything you do — wherever you are — that’s ministry and its stewardship,” Spivey said. WANT MORE INFO?
For more information on promoting stewardship as a way of life in your parish, contact Barbara Gaddy, associate director of development, at (704) 370-3302 or visit www.charlottediocese.org/stewardship.
Church’s capital campaign recognized by
KAREN A. EVANS staff writer
GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church in Greensboro has received the award from the International Catholic Stewardship Council for Excellence in Total Capital Campaign Program and Materials. The award was presented at the council’s annual conference in Miami. In September 2003, St. Pius X Church’s pastoral council established a “Vision 2010 Committee” to identify pastoral priorities for planning and decision-making by the pastor, the pastoral council and the parish staff. In the spring of 2004, the committee began collecting data, which included a parish profile describing the current state of the parish, a parish survey designed to solicit opinions regarding the future of the parish and the results of listening sessions involving small groups of parishioners discussing their hopes and concerns for the parish. It also anticipated trends in the local community and the Catholic Church In January 2005, the pastoral council used that data to develop the Vision 2010 Planning Document, which outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the parish, pastoral priorities and future initiatives.
One of the primary focuses of the document is the need for a parish campus to meet the physical, liturgical and social needs of the growing population. “Our parishioners understand the necessity for a new church, and their response has been phenomenal,” said Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor. The capital campaign was launched in April 2007, with a goal of raising $4.2 million to construct a new church. “The diocese warned us that this is an ambitious goal, but the people have responded enthusiastically,” said Msgr. Marcaccio. In less than six months, about 86 percent of the funds have been pledged, said Tracy Welliver, pastoral associate, and they hope to break ground next fall. “Because the parish has a strong sense of stewardship, the capital campaign has been that much easier,” Welliver said. According to Jim Kelley, director of the diocesan development office, the parish may reach its goal in pledges by the end of November 2007. “Under the leadership of Msgr. Marcaccio; Gary Fly, the campaign chairman; and the campaign committee, St. Pius has done an outstanding job in its campaign efforts,” said Kelley. “By winning this award, they are a model for every parish in the country.”
Courtesy Photo
Father Fred Werth, parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons, is pictured Sept. 30 with parishioner Jill Lawler during the Stewardship Fair held after Masses Sept. 29-30. Lawler volunteers with the parish’s respect life activities. About 50 parish groups had booths and more than 300 parishioners signed up to assist during the upcoming year.
October 12, 2007
Humanitarian group offers aid in desert BORDER, from page 1
“Rains make this time of year more dangerous,” said Joe Shortall from Los Angeles, volunteering with No More Deaths, a humanitarian group that patrols the Arizona desert looking for illegal immigrants left behind by smugglers. Rainfall and sweltering heat made crossing the Sonoran Desert as dangerous as ever for illegal immigrants this summer. The U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson sector reported finding 186 bodies so far this year, 26 more than at the same time last year. Border Patrol Agent Dove Haber said environmental factors, like puddles that lead to debilitating blisters, could explain changes in the death toll. Yet the number of humanitarians and Border Patrol agents patrolling the desert continues to grow, and the Border Patrol, reporting the apprehension of fewer illegal immigrants this year, estimates fewer crossings. “Despite the increase in presence, there’s an increase in deaths,” said Franciscan Brother David Bruer, who walks desert patrols with No More Deaths on the weekends. Walt Staton with No More Deaths didn’t think changes in the weather were enough to explain the increase in deaths this year.
from the cover
The Catholic News & Herald 5
“...We’ll keep coming out there until we have a whole summer without finding anyone, until there are no more deaths.” — Walt Staton, No More Deaths “Every mile of fence creates a more dangerous situation for those people who are crossing,” he said. “It’s meant to be a deterrent, but it hasn’t happened. It’s not going to happen.” Current security measures include building walls and beefing up enforcement near large, urban centers. According to an August 2001 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the strategy has diverted immigrants away from the Border Patrol to more remote regions of the desert. Staton suggested there was a direct correlation between the miles of fence built and the number of migrants who died crossing the border. The claim is difficult to evaluate since there is no official record of the number of people who have died crossing the U.S.-
CNS photo by J.D. Long-Garcia, Catholic Sun
Walt Staton of Tucson, Ariz., Dane Rossman of New Jersey and Jimmy Wells of Tucson, volunteers with the humanitarian group No More Deaths, map out their Sept. 4 search for illegal immigrants left behind by their smugglers in the Sonoran Desert near the U.S.-Mexican border. Mexican border. “Traffic patterns really do ebb and flow in reaction to where we respond,” Haber said. “We need to still do what we’re hired to do.” The reason why the Border Patrol places particular emphasis on urban centers is because border-crossers are able to “blend into the environment of that surrounding community,” she said. Last year Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, formally asked President George W. Bush to veto a congressional proposal to erect a 700-mile fence. “In our estimation, the erection of a border fence would force migrants, desperate to find employment to support their families, to seek alternative and more dangerous ways to enter the country, contributing to an increase in deaths, including women and children,” he wrote. “The U.S. Catholic bishops are supportive of efforts to enforce immigration law and secure our borders, as long as the mechanisms and strategies applied toward this end protect human dignity and protect human life,” Bishop
Barnes added. Whatever the cause, the church and humanitarian groups such as No More Deaths continue their efforts aimed at preventing death in the desert. “What our church is trying to teach us is that we are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, and we need to respond with love and compassion,” said Brother Bruer of the San Xavier del Bac Mission in southern Arizona. At the Arivaca camp Sept. 4, a beat-up thermometer measured the 101-degree temperature while a baby tarantula nestled into the waterproof awning overhead. On the afternoon patrol, Staton and Dane Rossman from New Jersey hiked through the desert, passing clothes, empty water bottles and Red Bull energy-drink cans that those crossing the border had left behind. “I always say it’s good when we don’t find anyone. It means there wasn’t someone in need on that trail,” Staton said. “But we’ll keep coming out there until we have a whole summer without finding anyone,” he added, “until there are no more deaths.”
6 The Catholic News & Herald
Celebrating 50 years
vocations
Franklin woman receives habit from Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — Marian Morales, a novice with the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, recently became Sister Estella Mary. Morales, who has lived and worked in Franklin, N.C., was one of two novices who received habits and took religious names in the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne during a ceremony in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel at the community’s motherhouse in
Courtesy Photo
Jesuit Father Joseph Kappes, parochial vicar of St. Therese Church in Mooresville, is pictured with Knights of Columbus color guard after the Mass at which Father Kappes celebrated 50 years as a Jesuit priest. A reception in the parish hall followed the Mass. Father Kappes is chaplain of Knights of Columbus Council 7604. Prior to arriving in the Diocese of Charlotte, he served as a teacher, counselor and administrator at Jesuit high schools in the Detroit province, as well as an associate pastor and pastor at parishes in Ohio.
October 12, 2007
Hawthorne, N.Y., Sept. 14. During the ceremony, two other women also took vows as Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. Mother Anne Marie Holden, superior general, received the vows. Founded in 1900, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne is a nursing order dedicated to caring for terminally ill cancer patients.
October 12, 2007
Leading catechists
faith formation
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Circle of conversation
Courtesy Photo
The leadership team for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation’s central region is pictured during the catechetical training day, themed “Sowers of the Seed VII,” held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir Sept. 29. The leadership team has implemented catechist formation workshops for catechists at churches within the central region, which includes the Gastonia, Hickory and Boone vicariates. Pictured are (standing, from left): Cuauhtemoc Gonzales, Mary Sorel, Terri Martino, Dennis Teall-Fleming, Carol Brown, Father Antonio Juya and Deacon Dario Garcia.
Courtesy Photo by Theresa Prymuszewski
A group of catechists take part in a small group discussion during the first bilingual workshop for catechists from Catholic churches in the diocesan Office of Faith Formation’s western region, held at St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler Sept. 8. The western region includes both Smoky Mountain and Asheville vicariates. Sixty-one people attended the workshop, which featured speakers including Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, and Jesuit Father William Ameche, a Hispanic minister in the Asheville Vicariate. Pictured (from left) are Hector Onate, Connie De La Paz, Luisa Leon and Yolanda Reyes of St. Eugene Church in Asheville; and Innocencia Chacon of St. Joan of Arc Church.
Exploring spiritual foundations
Courtesy Photo by Dr. Cris Villapando
Msgr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, speaks during a catechetical leadership in-service day at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory Sept. 27. More than 75 parish catechetical leaders and pastors from churches across the diocese attended the event, themed “Spiritual Foundation of the Catechist.”
8 The Catholic News & Herald
Walking for life
RESPECT LIFE
October 12, 2007
STANDING UP FO
Hundreds of Catholics around the Diocese of Charlotte show their support for pro-life causes on Respec
Courtesy Photo
Parishioners from Holy Spirit Church in Denver are pictured during the First Steps Annual Life Walk fundraiser for East Lincoln Pregnancy Counseling Center in Denver, held at the Rock Springs Elementary track Sept. 8. The enthusiastic walkers from Holy Spirit Church raised more than $2,100, the largest amount donated from participating churches and organizations. The center offers support and counseling to pregnant women in need.
Pro-life supporters take part in a Life Chain outside St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7
Courtesy Photo
Pictured are some of the more than 700 people who participated in the Life Chain on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
October 12, 2007
The Catholic News & Herald 9
RESPECT LIFE
OR LIFE
e took part in Life Chains to ct Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
7.
Photos by Kevin E. Murray
(Above and at right) Bishop Peter J. Jugis and parishioners from St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte take part in a Life Chain along Kings Drive in Charlotte on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
Photo by Kevin E. Murray
WANT MORE PHOTOS? More photos from this event are available at www.charlottediocese.org.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
People take part in a Life Chain at Innes Street and Main Street in Salisbury Oct. 7. Parishioners from Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury along with members of Knights of Columbus Council 8680 took part in the pro-life event.
People take par t in a Life Chain outside of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
October 12, 2007
10 The Catholic News & Herald
Culture Watch
A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more
Chico the cat tells children how his best friend became Pope Benedict by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service
VATICAN CITY — Chico the cat thinks he is in the “purrfect” position to tell children the story of how one of his best friends became Pope Benedict XVI. The cat’s tale is confirmed, at least as far as the facts of the papal biography go, by Msgr. Georg Ganswein, Pope Benedict’s personal secretary and the author of the preface to the Italian children’s book, “Joseph and Chico: A Cat Recounts the Life of Pope Benedict XVI.” A spokeswoman for the Conventual Franciscans’ Edizioni Messaggero Padova, the book’s publisher, said they expect to find translators and foreign publishers for the book at the midOctober International Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. In his preface, Msgr. Ganswein wrote to young readers, “It’s not every day that a cat considers the Holy Father his friend and sits down to write his story.” Having served first as secretary to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then as his secretary after he became pope, Msgr. Ganswein assured readers that he knows Pope Benedict well and that the words author Jeanne Perego puts into the mouth of Chico — between a few meows — are “all true and interesting.” The papal secretary said he shares Chico’s opinion that “the Holy Father is a special person,” especially because “he is a sincere friend of Jesus.” Chico, a ginger tabby, said he met the future pope in Pentling, Germany, a town near Regensburg where the pope and his brother have a house. Chico officially belonged to the neighbors, but said he was welcome in the Ratzinger house. Chico would rub up against the pope’s legs, curl up in his lap, watch and listen, which is how he came to know the
details of the pope’s biography. While the future pope and his brother were teenagers preparing for the priesthood, “in Germany the tragedy that would shake the world unfolded. I am speaking of Nazism, one of the most dramatic and shameful moments of human history,” the cat wrote. “Joseph was forced to do something that absolutely went against his will: enter the army and leave for war,” he said. The young Ratzinger was assigned to a unit defending a factory that made airplane motors and then was sent to prepare bunkers against a possible tank attack. As the book ends, Chico said he watched coverage of the 2005 death of Pope John Paul II and the conclave on television. “In my house, we were all deliriously happy” when it was announced to the world that Cardinal Ratzinger had been elected pope. “I was so excited that I forgot to demand my dinner,” he said. “Now Joseph Ratzinger is not just my friend, but also the great friend and guide of all Catholics,” he said.
WORD TO LIFE
Sunday Scripture Readings: OCT. 21, 2007
Oct. 21, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C Readings: 1) Exodus 17:8-13 Psalm 121:1-8 2) 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 3) Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
Individuals, not stereotypes, needed to preach God’s Word by JEFF HENSLEY catholic news service
We too often tend to think and form opinions about people on the basis of stereotypes. If we were to think of any of our contemporaries acting or writing like the characters in this weekend’s readings, we’d picture religious fanatics. Who would not think so? Consider the steadfastness of Moses, hands raised to God in supplication as Joshua fought in battle below him, and Paul’s admonition to Timothy charging him to “preach the word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting, reproving, appealing, constantly teaching and never losing patience.” And so some are. But the stereotypical fanatics these images bring to mind are not the types from Scripture. An adherence to Scripture that ignores the central role of love of God and neighbor produces distortions of the Gospel. When I read this week’s passages, four men I know rather well came to mind. One is a priest who shines with
intensity in his love of God, his word and his people. Another is a young man, a counselor, whose gentle persistence and love of God’s word and his people is inspiring. The third is a layperson who teaches from the Scriptures and church teaching and is impelled to reach out to others with the good news at all times. The fourth is a Protestant layman and conference speaker, dead for about 10 years now, who had all these same characteristics such that once, when I sat down with him in a cafeteria at a conference, he proceeded to ask a stranger at the other end of the table, “Friend, do you know Jesus?” in such a way that he gave no offense. Such was the sweet, genuine nature of his character and approach. None of these guys are anything alike, except in their love of God, his word, his people (and those not yet counted among his people) and his church. One is an introvert. The three extroverts are about as different in personality and appearance, tone of voice and so on as three individuals can be. But each projects God’s love from the uniqueness of his own personality and demeanor. But how I wish I were as motivated and empowered by the love of God, his word and others as each of these is. Growing in love is a goal worth striving for. Questions: Do you have examples around you of such men and women, made alive by the word of God and love of God and his church? Where might you spend more time to come in contact with such folk?
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 14-20 Sunday (Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time), 2 Kings 5:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Luke 17:11-19; Monday (St. Teresa of Avila), Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:29-32; Tuesday (St. Hedwig, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:37-41; Wednesday (St. Ignatius of Antioch), Romans 2:1-11, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Luke), 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:19; Friday (St. John de Brébeuf, St. Isaac Jogues and Companions), Romans 4:1-8, Luke 12:1-7; Saturday (St. Paul of the Cross), Romans 4:13, 16-18, Luke 12:8-12. SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 21-27 Sunday (Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Exodus 17:8-13, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, Luke 18:1-8; Monday, Romans 4:20-25, Luke 1:69-75, Luke 12:13-21; Tuesday (St. John of Capistrano), Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21, Luke 12:35-38; Wednesday (St. Anthony Mary Claret), Romans 6:12-18, Luke 12:39-48; Thursday, Romans 6:19-23, Luke 12:49-53; Friday, Romans 7:18-25, Luke 12:54-59; Saturday, Romans 8:1-11, Luke 13:1-9.
The Catholic News & Herald 11
October 12, 2007
‘Voice of an angel’
Arab Catholic attributes participation on Israeli show to her faith by
JUDITH SUDILOVSKY catholic news service
JERUSALEM — The first Arab Catholic contestant on the Israeli version of “American Idol” said that without her faith and her parish’s choir she never would have been able to participate in the show. “The most beautiful thing is when the church choir sings together. It is beautiful and fun, and it gives me both mental and spiritual strength,” said Miriam Toukan, a 25-year-old law student from the Israeli Arab village of Ibilline. “It pushes me forward. I can’t give that up,” she said. Toukan was the first Arab chosen to participate in the popular TV show, “A Star Is Born,” since it began five years ago. Friends convinced Toukan, who has been singing in the choir of St. George Melkite Catholic Church since first grade, to try out for the show last spring. At the auditions, one judge worried about people’s reaction to Toukan’s Arabic accent, but another judge, popular singer Margalit Tzanani, who is of Yemenite origin, brushed his objections away. “Her accent is beautiful. She is an Arab and that is how she speaks. She is who she is, and she doesn’t have to try to hide it,” said Tzanani brusquely. “She has the voice of an angel.” Toukan, who has also performed internationally with the Ibilline Al Karawan Choir, became one of the show’s top 10 finalists. One of her performances with a fellow contestant where she spoke some verses in Arabic was voted as the fifth most popular duet of the season. She was bumped from the show at the end of July when the competition began to heat up among the 10 best singers. It was important for her not to try
to minimize her Arabic identity on the show, she said. Though she sang Israeli songs, she said she intentionally sang them with a touch of Arabic or Eastern musical scales to make them her own. “I think that is what people loved,” Toukan said. “When I sing a solo and I help people enter into the spirit of the prayer, help them meet with the other godly world, it gives me a sense of satisfaction,” she said. “I am happy that I can help them in their prayers with my singing and it also helps me with my prayer.” Toukan, who with her long, striking hair and wide smile, soon became a favorite among both judges and contestants. “At first I received all sorts of angry SMS (text) messages both from Jews and Arabs who didn’t want to see an Arab, or specifically an Arab woman, participating in the show. There were also negative messages because I was a Christian. I am a minority within a minority,” she said. But toward the end of the season, she started getting messages from people who admitted she charmed them and that they were rooting for her, said Toukan. “To change people’s ideas just by singing was amazing,” she said in a phone interview as she was driving to a television studio to appear on a children’s show. Earlier in the same week she taped a singing appearance on a game show. “I am glad I was able to get my message across that we are all people, and we need to judge people as individuals for who they are and not according to which group they belong to,” she said. Singing for tolerance is nothing new for Toukan, who three years ago participated in a European singing program for youths from countries with conflicts. Toukan said that she would like to continue studying the field of human rights law after a short break for singing opportunities.
Sales of pope’s book hits 2 million copies worldwide VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Two million copies of Pope Benedict XVI’s book, “Jesus of Nazareth,” have been sold worldwide. The first volume of the book was published in German, Polish and Italian in mid-April, and in English in May followed by dozens of other translations. The book highlights what the Bible says about Jesus, what the moral implications of his teachings are and how reading the Scriptures can lead to a real relationship with Jesus.
The 400-page book has been the number one book on the Catholic Best-Sellers List for the past three months, according to the Catholic Book Publishers Association. It shot to the top slot starting with the association’s August list, which reflected June sales. It also ranked among the top 10 hardcover nonfiction books on the New York Times Best Sellers’ list. The pope currently is working on completing his second volume on the life of Jesus.
12 The Catholic News & Herald
Diocese issues new guidelines for pastoral councils COUNCILS, from page 1
“Members of pastoral councils are called to be people who are close to the Eucharist, having studied the Scriptures and church teachings in their effort to discern the will of God in the world today,” said Cobb, who assists pastors and parish councils in clarifying and implementing these diocesan guidelines. The Catholic Church defines the role of pastoral councils as assisting in the church’s apostolic work and “coordinating of the various lay associations and undertakings” of the parish, according to the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, approved by the Second Vatican Council in 1965. The role of pastoral councils was reestablished by the council and encouraged by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Bishops of the Diocese of Charlotte have required the use of pastoral councils in parishes since the diocese was founded in 1972, and the need for them was reaffirmed by a diocesan synod in 1987. That year, the diocese issued its first guidelines for both parish pastoral and finance councils, defining the nature, responsibilities and functions of each. As the diocese and individual parishes grew, the roles of pastoral
October 12, 2007
from the cover
councils expanded and many became managerial entities, overseeing parish committees and other internal matters. However, in his 1988 apostolic exhortation on the mission and vocation of the laity, “Christifideles Laici,” Pope John Paul II stressed the importance of diocesan councils for “collaboration, dialogue and discernment” especially with inclusion of the laity. “The participation of the lay faithful in these councils can broaden resources in consultation and the principle of collaboration — and in certain instances also in decision-making,” said the pope. With a growing bilingual population and a multitude of other issues to face over the next 20 years, said Cobb, it is “important for the pastor to have at his disposal a group of individuals knowledgeable in the life of the church, whom he may turn to for advice and counsel. They must also be familiar with the issues facing the parish.” The new guidelines will bring uniformity to the use of pastoral councils in the diocese by standardizing their roles and their relationship with the other parish organizations, said Cobb. The new guidelines are, however, flexible enough to meet the varying needs of all the parishes of the diocese, said Cobb. The guidelines provide further clarification on the role of parish
The church on pastoral councils
The Participation of the Lay Faithful in the Life of the Church as Communion It is necessary that in light of faith all rediscover the true meaning of the parish, that is, the place where the very ‘mystery’ of the Church is present and at work, even if at times it is lacking persons and means, even if at other times it might be scattered over vast territories or almost not to be found in crowded and chaotic modern sections of cities. The parish is not principally a structure, a territory, or a building, but rather, “the family of God, a fellowship afire with a unifying spirit,” a “familial and welcoming home,” the “community of the faithful. Plainly and simply, the parish is founded on a theological reality because it is a Eucharistic community.” (Christifideles Laici, No. 26.2)
commissions within the parish, and parish staffs’ relationships with lay councils and commissions. At the request of the pastors, the guidelines also will include model bylaws for pastoral councils. “Parishes will be encouraged to review their current pastoral council bylaws to ensure they are reflective of the new diocesan guidelines,” said Cobb.
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Decree on the Bishops’ Pastoral Office in the Church These councils “… will be to investigate and to weigh matters which bear on pastoral activity, and to formulate practical conclusions regarding them.” (Christus Dominus, No. 27) The Code of Canon Law After the diocesan bishop has listened to the presbyteral council and if he judges it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity. (Canon 516, §1)
The new guidelines, to be issued in both English and Spanish, are to be presented at the pastoral council training sessions for clergy Nov. 11 and for laity Nov. 17. They also will be available o n t h e d i o c e s a n We b s i t e a t www.charlottediocese.org/parish.html after the November meetings.
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Classified ads bring results! Over 140,000 readers! Over 52,000 homes! Rates: $.80/word per issue ($16 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: For information, call (704) 370-3332.
October 12, 2007
The Catholic News & Herald 13
in our schools
Photo by Carole McGrotty
Jo McGill of Buncombe County Schools leads seventh-graders in a decision-making exercise at Asheville Catholic School Sept. 25.
Asheville Catholic students discuss decision-making, bullying by
CAROLE McGROTTY correspondent
ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School middle school students recently entered their classrooms to find a different teacher ready to conduct classes. Jo McGill, a health educator with Buncombe County Schools’ Safe and Drug Free Schools Program, visited with the sixth- through eighth-graders Sept. 25. While the sixth-grade class learned about bullying — how to prevent it and how to help someone who is the target
of bullying — the seventh- and eighthgraders learned about decision-making. After outlining possible consequences of making poor decisions, McGill led a discussion about the necessity of reversing poor decisions, making restitution and apologizing. An apology, she said, needs to be more than just, “I’m sorry.” The reason for the apology must also be stated, she said. The students then participated in brainstorming activities and exercises to demonstrate the importance of making good decisions.
Living rosary
Courtesy Photo
Students take part in a “living rosary” around a statue of Mary outside Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro Oct. 3. Students sat in the shape of a rosary as eighth-graders and representatives from each grade level led the prayers, with fellow classmates, teachers, parents and parishioners from Our Lady of Grace Church participating. Speaking to pilgrims Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics to pray the rosary for peace in the world. The pope, noting that October was dedicated in a special way to evangelization, said the rosary can stimulate missionary action by leading Christians to meditate on the life of Jesus.
Attention Readers! Have a Story to Share? Do you have a story to share with The Catholic News & Herald? Do you know of people who are living the tenets of their faith? Do you have photos of a parish- or ministry-based event? If so, please share them with us. Contact Staff Writer Karen Evans at (704) 370-3354 or kaevans@charlottediocese.org.
October 12, 2007
14 The Catholic News & Herald
Perspectives
A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints
The theology of giving
God’s love lives in those who open their hearts to others The goods of the earth have been given for all. We are to share those goods not simply when we don’t need them, but also when we do. There is, indeed, a theology of giving. Giving, whether of our time, talent or treasure, is based on the example God himself gives us by creating us and dying for us. He taught us the meaning of giving when we don’t have to and of giving from our very substance, from our very life. After observing the wealthy putting their sizable donations into the temple treasury, Jesus saw a poor widow making her contribution, whereupon he said, “I assure you, this poor widow has put in more than all the rest. They make contributions out of their surplus, but she from her want has given what she could not afford — every penny she had to live on” (Luke 21:3-4). Most of us give to some charity at some time or other, and most of us give what we do not need. But how often do we give away what we do need? “But I need it,” we object. Yet that is precisely why we need to share it. We are one body. The needs of another are not just the other’s needs; they are our needs. We are one. St. Paul teaches, “The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ ... God has so constructed the body ... that there may be no dissension in the body, but that all the members may be concerned for one another. “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy. You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it”
An unexpected encounter at the Eucharistic Congress As I stood on the corner waiting for the eucharistic procession to pass by, a group of rowdy teenage boys came my way. I held my pocketbook a little tighter as they passed by. As the procession approached, the boys were looking up the street to see what was happening. I surprised myself by calling to them: “Hey, come here. Guess who is coming.” They came over, at first one or two, then all stood around me. “Jesus is coming,” I told them. They started asking me questions about the different groups in the procession, such as the Knights of Columbus, the deacons and priests, and I was able to tell them about each group. They were in awe of the procession.
Guest Column FATHER FRANK PAVONE guest columnist
(1Cor.12:12, 24-27). How much should we give to a cause that we know is right? The measure of our giving should be how much the other needs the gift, not how much the giver does not need it. No group of people is more needy in our society than the unborn, deprived of the very right to their lives. More money is spent in this country to kill the unborn than is spent to save them. Some wealthy people contribute billions to the very groups that promote the killing. “I ask you, how can God’s love survive in a man who has enough of this world’s goods yet closes his heart to his brother when he sees him in need?” (1 John 3:17). Given that the greatest of “this world’s goods” is life itself, we can rephrase the verse: How can God’s love survive in anyone who is alive yet closes his heart to his brother who is in danger of death? When we give out of our very need, we give life itself to others. Nowhere is that more true than when we give to the efforts to end abortion. Father Pavone is national director of Priests for Life.
Letter to the Editor I told them that Jesus was there in the monstrance (carried by the bishop). I knelt in adoration as he passed, and, to my surprise, the teenagers knelt with me. I felt a special bond had developed between this grandmother and these teenage boys, so I invited them to attend the Eucharistic Congress. I told them about Father Leo Patalinghug, the breakdancing priest, and they were amazed. I saw the boys later in the Charlotte Convention Center, where they were going to attend the Teen Track. How grateful I am that Jesus let our paths cross that day. What started out as a fearful and judgmental encounter on my part ended up being a beautiful, divine appointment. — Patricia Hennessy Charlotte
The ethics of dying a happy death Hard questions dictate knowing facts, church teaching End-of-life care remains a difficult path to ethically navigate. The Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith has reaffirmed that the provision of food and water even artificially through a tube is not extraordinary care. Therefore, it should be provided even when the person is in a “persistent vegetative state” for a prolonged period. That the church takes a position in favor of feeding the hungry, even the hungry near death, should not be surprising. But we should not understate either its difficulty or the nuance with which it must contend. Consider the plight of two people who died within weeks of each other in 2005: Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul II. Terri Schiavo was short-changed. At a young age, she fell into a so-called “vegetative” state, which, at the time of her death, had lasted for 15 years. Church teaching often uses scare quotes around the word “vegetative,” underscoring that no human person should ever be reduced to, or thought of as, a vegetable. In terms of formal church instruction, even Schiavo’s subsequent autopsy, finding her without sufficient brain matter to have had any hope of recovery, supplied no justification for depriving her of nutrition. By this newly emphasized church instruction, the withdrawal of Schiavo’s feeding tube was not a withdrawal of extraordinary and particularly burdensome care (which is permitted), but the deprivation of basic, ordinary care (which is not). Few thought Pope John Paul II’s death posed a similar dilemma. However, it is now argued by an Italian anesthesiologist that those attending the late pontiff actually were slow in getting the Holy Father a feeding tube and then deprived him of the most appropriate one. Late in his illness, Pope John Paul II was apparently given a nasal feeding tube; given his Parkinson’s disease, which makes it difficult to swallow, an abdominal feeding tube would have been more appropriate. Dr. Lina Pavanelli accuses the church of not following its own instruction. To be deprived of the most appropriate feeding tube, she reasons, violates Catholic teaching. All of us who witnessed the profound teaching of Pope John Paul II (including his prayerful understanding of pain and dying) find these accusations outrageous. Dr. Pavanelli was not present at the pontiff’s bedside and has had no access to his medical records. Of course, other than a few immediate family members, those pronouncing upon the ethics of Schiavo’s treatment were equally absent. Ethical standards
Faith & Precedent DOUGLAS W. KMIEC cns columnist
for the care of patients must be clearly written, but as a matter of subsidiarity, it is most appropriate for the patient, if conscious, or the immediate family to apply. As carefully drawn as the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith’s recent statement is, no detached ethical observer can know all the contingent facts. It is indeed clarifying for the church to specify that the provision of food and water even by artificial means is in general ordinary care. But even the Vatican concedes that, in specific, it may not be, if it does not “accomplish its proper finality.” (For example, if the body is rejecting or not metabolizing the food or even if the introduction of food is harmful, as in the case of some cancers.) Catholics can expect close questioning from non-Catholic friends about this reaffirmed teaching. Many will be unable to perceive anything but excessive expense and prolonged hospitalization in the artificial provision of food to a patient who, to use the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s terminology, “to a moral certainty will never recover consciousness.” The church permits the removal of artificial respiration when it is recognized that it is the underlying disease, not the willful act of the patient or doctor, that would cause death. Why, some will surely ask, is it not also the underlying illness that has destroyed the natural capacity to eat and drink? Why should one manifestation of the natural process of death, an incapacity to breathe, be put on one side of the line and the inability to eat be put on the other? These are inescapably hard questions. We should not pretend otherwise. Prudently, we should update our health care directives or living wills to faithfully reflect a presumption in favor of providing nutrition and hydration. Beyond that, pray. Catholics have traditionally prayed to be delivered “from a sudden and unprovided death.” The blessing and curse of medical science presents the possibility of a prolonged and debilitating death. For this we need an even older prayer “for the grace of a happy death.”
October 12, 2007
The Catholic News & Herald 15
A mix of unity
A look at the religious heritage of Hispanics in the Catholic Church The packets of peanuts passed out by Southwest Airlines proclaim Hispanic Heritage Month and stir thoughts in this traveler of what we Hispanics bring to the church. The greatest gift — and the one least appreciated — is that we are “mestizo,” of mixed race. As the Census Bureau points out, Hispanics can be of any race and, most often, we are a mix of several. Unfortunately, to be “mestizo” is seen as a curse in a society where being white is considered most desirable. But because of the biological and cultural processes that made them who they are, Hispanics have the opportunity and mission to help build a new society that will not be torn by the racial divisions of the current one. In a book titled “The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World,” Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes wrote that Hispanic faith in the United States contains not only Catholicism “but something more like a deep sense of the sacred, a recognition that the world is holy, which is probably the oldest and deepest certitude of the Amerindian world.” Theological research for the fifth centenary celebration in 1992 revealed the richness of indigenous belief in Hispanic religiosity. Holy Cross Father Daniel Groody, who worked with immigrant farm workers in California,
Seeking Life MOISES SANDOVAL cns columnist
wrote that pre-Columbian religion runs in their veins. He marveled at their ability to celebrate life in the face of struggle, disappointment, sickness and even death. “It is in our fiestas that our legitimate identity and destiny are experienced,” Father Virgil Elizondo, leading MexicanAmerican theologian, said. “These are the joyful, spontaneous and collective celebrations of what has already begun in us even if it is not recognized by others or verbalized by ourselves. ... In the fiestas, we rise above our daily living experiences of death to experience life beyond death,” he said. No matter how difficult it is, life is to be lived, appreciated and celebrated. Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutierrez adds that Hispanics do not lose hope in God or the resolve to create a more just and more human world.
Mother Teresa’s agony
Perseverance needs reliance on faith, not feelings Last month Time magazine put Mother Teresa on its cover with this heading: “The Secret Life of Mother Teresa — Her letters reveal a 50-year crisis of faith in which she rarely sensed the presence of God in her life.” Then Time posed this question: “What does her experience teach us about the value of doubt?” Remember, a thousand difficulties do not make a single doubt. For a Christian there is no value in doubting. Jesus often reproached doubters, saying, “Oh you of little faith.” To doubt is to withhold assent and disbelieve. Blessed Mother Teresa never for a moment stopped persevering in the faith. In spite of many years of emotional darkness she fought the good fight. She knew that if she walked away, refusing to believe, she would be abandoning her calling to help those in need. Most of us ask, “Why is God silent?” or “How can this mystery be true?” (God becoming man, for instance.) These questions are not doubts. A doubter says, “I will not believe it until it is proven to me with empirical evidence.” He or she refuses to believe. Faith is the acceptance of mystery even when the mystery defies all logic. The act of faith is essentially assenting to mystery.
Time should have asked a different question: “What does Mother Teresa’s experience of living in darkness, without the benefit of any spiritual consolations, teach us about the value of persevering in the faith?” It can teach us a lot, especially when we feel overwhelmed. We can look to Mother Teresa all the more because of her courage in times of darkness. I knew Mother Teresa personally and once gave a nine-day retreat to her novices. I witnessed firsthand the impact of her inspiration, joy and idealism. She communicated the highest level of love. Her novices were inspired by her idealism. If she was suffering at the time, she showed no sign of it. Mother Teresa had the courage to rely on her faith, not her feelings. She knew that God loved her even though she did not feel his love. She never stopped trusting him. She had an iron will, exercising authority with confidence, even in the face of military power. She once demanded that in Lebanon fighting be halted so that her sisters could go into the combat zone and take out the wounded. The generals on both sides had to back down and let her through. There was no doubt about what this little woman demanded. Mother Teresa carried her crosses
It would be difficult to find a people more devoted to the mother of God, especially to Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is one of the most important living symbols of the Catholicism of the Americas, Father Elizondo wrote. “If Our Lady of Guadalupe had not appeared, the collective struggles of the Mexican people to find meaning in their chaotic existence would have created her,” the Mexican-American priest wrote. “The cultural clash of 16th-century Spain and Mexico was reconciled in the brown Lady of Tepeyac in a way no other symbol can rival. In her, the new ‘mestizo’ race, born of the violent encounter between Europe and indigenous America, finds its meaning, uniqueness and unity,” he wrote. “Guadalupe is the key to understanding the Christianity of the N e w Wo r l d a n d t h e C h r i s t i a n consciousness of the Mexican-Americans in the United States,” he wrote. Historian Carey McWilliams wrote: “Waves and still more waves have passed over the Spanish-speaking people, but they are still as firmly rooted in the Southwest as a forest of Joshua trees.” They are similarly rooted in the church. No other ethnic group has remained so steadfast. Even now, despite inroads in recent years by Pentecostal and evangelical churches, 65 percent are loyal to the faith of their fathers and mothers. Finally, Hispanics bring the gift of commitment to family, struggling to keep it together, in Fuentes’ words, “perhaps not avoiding poverty but certainly avoiding a lonely poverty. The family is regarded as the hearth, the sustaining warmth.”
Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist
admirably. She may have suffered emotional pain because of God’s silence, but why should that surprise anyone? We can all relate to the experience of puzzlement when God’s silence exasperates us. Like all the saints, she suffered from a lack of personal fulfillment on the human level, but this is also normal for a holy person. Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them.” We know Mother Teresa by her amazing spiritual legacy. Agnostics refuse to believe in the existence of the supernatural. They withhold assent. Their life of continual doubting produces a barren legacy. They have no spiritual power. A believer says, “I may not understand the mysteries of faith, but I believe them nevertheless because I trust in Jesus Christ, the Lord of my life.” Hold on to your precious faith and protect it. Mother Teresa, pray for us, help us to persevere in spite of the darkness.
Because of Jesus’ divinity, all humans can be saved The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI VATICAN CITY — Because God became human in Jesus Christ, all humans can be saved, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Christ is our savior precisely because he is true God and true man,” he said Oct. 10 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Continuing a series of audience talks about early church theologians, Pope Benedict focused his remarks on St. Hilary of Poitiers, a fourth-century doctor of the church and strong defender of the church teaching that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. St. Hilary taught that Christ, who came from perfection, “is perfection,” the pope said. “Assuming a human nature, the Son of God united every human being to himself.” “Because of this, the path toward Christ is open to everyone,” Pope Benedict said. St. Hilary taught, as the beloved Son of God, Jesus must possess all that his father possesses, which is why Christians recognize him as God. Here is the Vatican text of Pope Benedict’s remarks in English. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The subject of today’s catechesis is St. Hilary of Poitiers. He was born around the year 310, baptized when he was about 35, and became bishop of Poitiers some eight years later. In opposition to the Arians, who believed Jesus was a created being, Hilary dedicated his life to defending our faith in the divinity of Christ. While exiled to Frigia, because of the stance he took against the Arians at the Synod of Béziers, he began his most important work, De Trinitate. In this text he demonstrates how both the Old and New Testaments clearly attest the divinity of the Son and his equality with the Father with whom he shares one nature. In his De Synodis, Hilary maintained a conciliatory spirit with those who used deficient theological formulations, while leading them to accept fully the Nicean creed. In 360 he returned home, took up his pastoral duties and continued to write. The influence of his teaching spread and many were strengthened in their resistance to Arian thought, realizing that Christ is our savior precisely because he is true God and true man. Fundamental to Hilary’s insight was the importance of our Trinitarian baptismal faith. Let us join him in praying to the Lord that we remain faithful to this confession, and always bear joyful witness to our baptismal call!
October 12, 2007
around the diocese
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In the habitat of helping
St. Luke Church working to aid wildlife MINT HILL — St. Luke Church in Mint Hill has received certification for “Fellowship Actions Impacting the Habitat” (F.A.I.T.H.) from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. St. Luke Church is the first Catholic church in the Diocese of Charlotte to receive certification in the F.A.I.T.H. program, a non-denominational initiative designed to recognize and certify places of worship that meet the requirements for a wildlife-friendly habitat. Ramah Presbyterian Church in Huntersville was the first church to become a F.A.I.T.H. certified site. Other communities include Wedgewood Baptist and Unitarian Universalist churches in Charlotte. “This program is designed to encourage ongoing stewardship of our wildlife and wild places in urban, suburban and rural settings,” said Tim Gestwicki, director of the regional
Courtesy Photo
The new wildlife-friendly habitat at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill was recently certified in the F.A.I.T.H. program by the N.C. Wildlife Federation.
office of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. By reaching out to the many church communities in the area, “we can spread this message of stewardship, awareness and appreciation of wildlife and our state’s resources while helping these groups create beautiful and peaceful habitats,” he said. Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK), a local chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, advised the St. Luke Church habitat team on how to achieve a wildlife-friendly habitat. The church erected nest boxes for bluebirds and songbirds and planted native plant gardens. The gardens provide food and cover for butterflies, birds and pollinating insects. The church also has constructed a large pond with a waterfall and birdbath and has reduced its use of fertilizers and pesticides. “Shelter and places to raise young are provided by trees, bushes, grasses and birdhouses,” said Debbie Foster, a parish volunteer. “Food is provided by using seedbearing native perennials in the garden areas and berry-bearing trees on the property,” she said. Sister Jay McCann, a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and head of the parish gardening committee, said she has seen an increase in the number of birds and bird species on the property due to the new habitat. WANT MORE INFO? To tour the St. Luke Church habitat or for more information about the project, contact Debbie Foster at (704) 841-1372 or fostdebbie@gmail.com.
Courtesy Photo
Pictured is a section of the new wildlife-friendly habitat at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill. The habitat earned the church a F.A.I.T.H. certification from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.