Oct. 15, 2010

October 15, 2010

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

End of life

St. Ann’s chapel nearly ready: Immaculate Conception Chapel inspired by church in Rome, 3

How local ministries are helping those in need, 10-11 Leading priest bioethicist coming to Arden, 11

FUNDED by thE parishioNErs oF thE DiocEsE oF charlottE thaNK yoU!

What the Church teaches, 11 More commentary, 19

OLA to add sixth grade next fall Calendar 4

dioCese 3-9

FaiTH 2

mix 14-15

sCHools 12-13

ViewpoinTs 18-19

Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte will add the sixth grade to its K-5 program next fall, and aims to become a full K-8 school within the following two years.

12 world & naTion 16-17

Call us: 704-370-3333 E-mail us: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Our faith 2

CaTHoliC news herald

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

St. Teresa of Avila Feast day: Friday, Oct. 15

Pope Benedict XVi

Pope cites mystic as model for discovering God’s presence Pope Benedict XVI said the penitential path of a little-known medieval mystic offers modern men and women a lesson on discovering the presence of God in their lives.

He made the remarks at his general audience Oct. 13 in St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of pilgrims joined him on an unusually warm fall morning.

The pope spoke at length about Blessed Angela of Foligno, Italy, who experienced a conversion in the late 13th century. A worldly woman who looked down on those who observed strict poverty in religious life, she experienced a series of tragic events and suffering that changed her way of thinking, he said.

After the deaths of her mother, her husband and her children, she sold all she had and joined the Third Order of St. Francis. The pope said her conversion began with a good confession and was aided by penance, humility and tribulations, as well as a fear of eternal punishment.

Part of her difficulty was that outsiders found her hard to understand, he said. But she persevered, and came to identify her own sufferings with those of Jesus — a key phase of spiritual growth, he said.

“The life of Blessed Angela began with a worldly life rather far from God,” the pope said. “Today we’re all in danger of living as if God does not exist, because He seems so distant from our daily lives.”

“But God has a thousand ways to make Himself felt in the soul, to show that He knows me and loves me. Blessed Angela teaches us to be attentive to these signs and attentive to the presence of God,” he said.

The pope was taking a break from the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, which was meeting Oct. 10-24 at the Vatican. popE bENEDict XVi’s remarks from his wednesday general audience can be found online at www. vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2010/ index_en.htm.

a saintly life

“hOlY teresa Of aVila in eCstasY” sCUlPted BY Gian lOrenzO Bernini, lOCated in st. Maria della VittOriO, rOMe

Born in Avila, Spain, on March 28, 1515, Teresa’s mother died when she was 14 and she was raised by her father, a holy, intellectual man.

Teresa decided to enter the religious life at 20 after reading the works of St. Jerome, believing the vocation to be the safest path to salvation for someone like her.

For her first 20 years in the convent, Teresa, in

her own words, lived a mediocre prayer life. She said she had tried mental prayer but discontinued it because she could not tear herself away from the pettiness and worldliness of her conversations and desires, such as her desire to be held in good esteem by others.

However, an intense prayer experience before an image of Christ crucified helped her renounce her worldly attachments and soon, God began visiting her through visions. The visions were so numerous and intense that it was though they were the work of the devil. But on being examined

by St. Francis Borgia and St. Peter of Alcantara, they were discerned to be God’s mystical action in her soul.

Her account of her own spiritual life in her autobiography is extraordinary, even for a mystic.

It included intimate union with God manifested in her “spiritual espousals” and “mystical marriage,” and the “transverberation of her heart” (her heart was pierced as if by a surgeon’s knife while she was in prayer; upon her death it was discovered to have a scar – in an age when open heart surgery obviously did not exist – thus confirming what she recounted).

On Aug. 24, 1562, she founded the convent of Discalced (or shoeless) Carmelite Nuns, a reform of the Carmelite order so radical and strict that it caused much violent opposition. With the grace of God she prevailed and founded many other similar convents. She befriended St. John of the Cross and with him undertook similar reforms with the Carmelite friars.

She left a significant legacy of writings representing important benchmarks in the history of Christian mysticism. These works include the “Way of Perfection,” “Meditations on the Canticle,” and the “Interior Castle.” She also left an autobiography, “The Life of Teresa of Avila.”

After suffering to the end with painful illnesses and the exhaustion from carrying out God’s work, she died Oct. 4, 1582. Her body and transverberated heart are still incorrupt in Alba, Spain, where she died.

On Sept. 27, 1970, she was proclaimed the first ever woman Doctor in the history of the Church

by Pope Paul VI. — catholic News agency

Your daily scripture readings sCripTure For THe weeK oF oCT. 17 – oCT. 23

Sunday, Exodus 17:8-13, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, Luke 18:18; Monday (St. Luke), 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:1-9; Tuesday (St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues and Companions), Ephesians 2:12-22, Luke 12:35-38; Wednesday (St. Paul of the Cross), Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 12:39-48; Thursday, Ephesians 3:14-21, Luke 12:49-53; Friday, Ephesians 4:1-6, Luke 12:54-59; Saturday (St. John of Capistrano), Ephesians 4:7-16, Luke 13:1-9

sCripTure For THe weeK oF oCT. 24 – oCT. 30

Sunday, Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14; Monday, Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday, Ephesians 5:21-33, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday, Ephesians 6:1-9, Luke 13:22-30; Thursday (Sts. Simon and Jude), Ephesians 2:19-22, Luke 6:12-16; Friday, Philippians 1:1-11, Luke 14:1-6; Saturday, Philippians 1:18-26, Luke 14:1, 7-11

the facts of faith

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Our parishes OUr parisHesi

in brief

What is a Doctor of the church?

Unlike the popular title “Father of the Church,” the title “Doctor of the Church” is an official honor that is bestowed by the pope in recognition of the outstanding contribution a person has made to the understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures and the development of Church doctrine.

There are 33 male and female Doctors of the Church who hail from all ages of the Church’s history. Of these, three are women (Sts. Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila and Thérèse of Lisieux) and 24 are quoted in the Catechism.

To be named a Doctor of the Church, a person has to have: n holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints n depth of doctrinal insight n an extensive body of writings which the Church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving tradition.

During the “golden age of the Fathers,” (300-600), eight Doctors of the Church, four from the West and four from the East, particularly stand out and are called “Ecumenical Fathers” because of their widespread influence: St. Ambrose (340-397), St. Jerome (345-420), St. Augustine (354-430), Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604), St. Athanasius (295-373), St. Basil the Great (330-379), St. Gregory of Nazianzus (330390) and St. John Chrysostom (345-407).

st. Matthew life chain draws record crowd CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church in Charlotte’s Life Chain Oct. 3 was the best ever, organizers said. More than 200 parishioners participated, including two priests and two deacons. Participants ranged from infants to 96-year-old Hazel Byrnes. This was her third Life Chain at St. Matthew.

— pat rodite

Flag ceremony planned KERNERSVILLE — The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization affiliated with Holy Cross Church in Kernersville whose primary focus is on patriotism, will conduct a formal American flag retirement ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 23, at the church picnic area at 616 South Cherry St., Kernersville. Flags that are faded, torn or otherwise no longer serviceable will be respectfully decommissioned and burned. The event is free, children are welcome and refreshments will be provided. Drop off flags to be retired at the inside counter of Harris Teeter, South Main Street, Kernersville.

— Fred hogan

Group supports women at catherine’s house

— the crossroads initiative MINT HILL — The Pilgrims, a group at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill, recently collected donations for the women of Catherine’s House in Belmont. On Sept.

9, members of this group delivered these items to Catherine’s House. It is named for Catherine McCauley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and houses a maximum of 14 women and their infant children. The house provides a warm and nurturing atmosphere, as well as training in parenting, budgeting, nutrition and various life skills.

— Madeleine McGuinness

sUeann hOwell | CathOliC news herald

the new immaculate conception chapel at st. ann church in charlotte features original artwork by Winston-salem artist louis Guidetti and a richly-decorated ceiling based on a design from santa Maria sopra Minerva, a church in rome that houses the relics of st. catherine of siena. Detail photos at right are of the immaculate conception painting behind the altar, the tabernacle, the statue of st. ann, ave Maria altar detail and an angel in the immaculate conception painting.

St. Ann’s chapel nearly ready Immaculate Conception Chapel inspired by church in Rome sueann Howell staff writer

CHARLOTTE — It is a tradition in the Church for a chapel in honor of the Immaculate Conception to be located inside a church dedicated to St. Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, recently explained, “As Mary’s Immaculate Conception took place within the womb of St. Ann, it is very appropriate to have such a chapel in a church named for St. Ann.” So, when the new St. Ann Church was dedicated last December, a space for the Immaculate Conception chapel was reserved.

Now, the chapel is nearly finished, and it is filled with architectural details and art for visitors to see.

The richly decorated ceiling of the chapel is based on a design from Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a church in Rome that houses the relics of St. Catherine of Siena.

The ceiling and walls were painted by Lisa Autry, a talented artist from Concord who specializes in stenciling and trompe l’oeil, an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects appear in three dimensions.

“She’s really done an amazing job,” Father Reid said.

A large painting of the Immaculate Conception hangs above the altar. It was painted by Louis Guidetti, another talented local artist from Winston-Salem.

Both Autry and Guidetti spent considerable time studying in Italy to develop their skills.

The altar and pulpit are both antiques from churches that were closed.

The altar is about 150 years old but features a new frontispiece with Marian symbols. The central symbol is an intertwined A and M, for “Ave Maria.” It is surrounded by a crown of 12 stars (recalling the image of Our Lady from Revelation 12:1), as well as a band of 40 beads that recall the 40 weeks Mary spent in the womb of St. Ann. “With Bishop Jugis’ help, we’ve also been fortunate to acquire several relics that will be on display in the chapel,” Father Reid said.

These include relics of St. Ann, St. Gregory st. ann ChaPel, see page 15

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events this coming week: oct. 15 – 10 a.m.

Diocesan Finance council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte oct. 17 – 2:30 p.m. heritage society Mass st. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte oct. 18-19 southern Dioceses meeting on catholic K-12 Education atlanta, Ga. oct. 20 – 6:30 p.m.

Friends of seminarians Dinner Bishop’s residence oct. 21 – 11 a.m. catholics come home Meeting for parish secretaries and receptionists Pastoral Center, Charlotte oct. 22 – 7 p.m. sacrament of confirmation Our lady of the assumption Church, Charlotte

st. barNabas chUrch, 109 crEscENt hill DrivE — Care and treatment decisions for compromised patients and the end of life, presented by father tad Pacholczyk, Ph.d., 2 p.m. Oct. 31. refreshments served after presentation.

ASHEVILLE st. laWrENcE basilica, 97 hayWooD st.

— Public rosary in honor of Our lady of fatima and the Miracle of the sun, in the parking lot across the street from the basilica, noon Oct. 16. Contact lisena Maria Moss at jemoss@charter.net or 828-254-4526.

BELMONT QUEEN oF thE apostlEs chUrch, 503 N. MaiN st.

— Centering Prayer sessions, education Building room B, 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25, and nov. 8, 15 and 22. Contact Peggy Geiger at dokgee16@gmail.com or 704-865-0898.

— Bereavement support Group, education Building room f, 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 20, will meet bi-weekly. Contact 704825-9600.

BRYSON CITY st. JosEph chUrch, 316 MaiN st.

— “Planning for your heavenly journey home” followup session, adult education program for those coping with aging, illness and preparing for the last stages of life, begins with 4 p.m. Mass Oct. 27, followed by a light potluck supper and presentations. Contact Mary herr at maryherr@dnet.net or 828-497-9498.

CHARLOTTE oUr laDy oF coNsolatioN chUrch, 2301 statEsvillE avE. — Public square rosary rally, noon Oct. 16. Contact hyginus Okechukwu at 704-969-0982 or 704-408-7321. st. aNN chUrch, 3635 parK roaD — Missa Cantata, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 31 st. GabriEl chUrch, 3016 proviDENcE roaD — Bridges Out of Poverty seminar, Ministry Center room a, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 16. Bring your own lunch.

— st. Gabriel in transition (sGit) presents “don’t Change the Channel,” with keynote speaker Jenn snyder, Ministry Center, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 21. register at 704-364-5431.

— Catholic identity workshop, presented by dr. Joe Paprocki, 8:45-noon Oct. 23. rsVP by Oct. 19 to rsVP@ stgabrielchurch.org or 704-362-5047, ext. 228. Be sure to reference “Catholic id program.” st. JohN NEUMaNN chUrch, 8451 iDlEWilD roaD — the holy sacraments Q&a: Baptism and Confirmation, Parish hall, 9:30-11 a.m. or 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 st. lUKE chUrch, 13700 laWyErs roaD — annual fall festival and Craft extravaganza, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 16 st. MatthEW chUrch, 8015 ballaNtyNE coMMoNs pKWy. — Parent and Catechist enrichment: what makes us Catholic and how we live it, Ministry Center, 8:45 a.m.-

octobEr 15, 2010 volUME 19 • NUMbEr 39

1123 s. CHurCH sT., CHarloTTe, n.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org 704-370-3333 puBlisHer: the Most reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

noon Oct. 23. register with Michael Burck at mburck@ stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-541-8362, ext. 4.

— st. Peregrine healing Prayer service, sanctuary, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 — st. Matthew “yoU”niversity: different Paths for different folks Mini seminar, explores the history and prayer method associated with ignatian, Benedictine and franciscan spirituality, nlC room 239-241, 9:45-11:30 a.m.

Oct. 30. rsVP to Michael Burck at 704-541-8362, ext. 4. st. pEtEr chUrch, 507 s. tryoN st.

— ignatian retreat for Young adults: “Come, follow me…,” Benedict hall, 2-5 p.m. Oct. 23. free parking in the Green parking garage adjacent to the church. register at retreat4youngadults@gmail.com or 704-332-2901. st. thoMas aQUiNas chUrch, 1400 sUthEr roaD — Unemployed support Group, aquinas hall, 10 a.m.

Mondays. Contact steve Basinski at jbas@carolina.rr.com or 704-456-7434. st. viNcENt DE paUl chUrch, 6828 olD rEiD roaD — Catholics United for faith, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. father Mark lawlor will discuss forgiveness. light refreshments will follow. Contact elizabeth Keating at ewkeating4@aol. com or 704-343-2891, or Mary sample at marysample5@ aol.com.

GREENSBORO oUr laDy oF GracE chUrch, 2205 W. MarKEt st.

— rosary rally, front lawn, after 8 a.m. Mass Oct. 16 — Charismatic healing Mass, sponsored by the flames of fire Prayer Group, 1-3 p.m. Oct. 16. Call Ben d’apollo at 336-812-3730 or lorraine Brown at 336-292-5186. st. piUs X chUrch, 2200 N. ElM st.

— hesburgh lecture series: leonardo da Vinci- Painter of Mysteries, presented by dr. Charles rosenberg from the University of notre dame, 6 p.m. reception, 7-8 p.m. lecture Oct. 30 — Coffee talk for adults, Kloster Center Youth room, 10:20-11:10 a.m. sundays

MOUNT AIRY holy aNGEls chUrch, 1208 N. MaiN st.

— Public square rosary rally, ararat river trail on riverside dr., meet by the new skate park, sponsored by america needs fatima, noon Oct. 16. wear comfortable walking shoes. Contact Peggy Bowes at 804-814-8738.

WINSTON-SALEM st. lEo thE GrEat chUrch, 335 spriNGDalE avE. — “the dangers of technology: Cyber Bullying…texting/ sexting…social networking,” presented by Officer Mark slater, Bishop Begley Parish Center, 7 p.m. Oct. 26

is yoUr parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? deadline for all submissions for the diocesan Calendar is 10 days prior to desired publication date. submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org or fax to 704-370-3382.

ediTor: Patricia l. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

THe CaTHoliC news Herald is published by the roman Catholic diocese of Charlotte 35 times a year.

CommuniCaTions assisTanT/CirCulaTion: denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

news: the Catholic news herald welcomes your news and photographs for publication in our print and online Pdf editions.

Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org. all submitted items become the property of the Catholic news herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

adVerTising manager: Cindi feerick 704-370-3332, ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org sTaFF wriTer: sueann howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org grapHiC designer: tim faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

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in brief

diocesan calendar ARDEN

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

adVerTising: for advertising rates and information, contact advertising Manager Cindi feerick at 704-370-3332 or ckfeerick@ charlottediocese.org. the Catholic news herald reserves the

This week’s spotlight: adult faith formation HolY FamilY CHurCH, 4820 Kinnamon road, winstonsalem — Catholics returning home, family life Center, 7:30 p.m. sundays through Oct. 31. sean or Kelly hines, hinesnc@ adelphia.net or 336-940-6053 — rite of Christian initiation of adults (rCia), room 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays. 336-778-0600, ext. 262 immaCulaTe ConCepTion CHurCH, 208 seventh ave. w., hendersonville, rCia Class, room 1, 9-11 a.m. sundays. tim or Bonnie Gibson at 828-692-7833, www. rciaprogram.org immaCulaTe HearT oF marY mission, hwy. 64 w., hayesville, rCia Class, 6:30 p.m. thursdays immaCulaTe HearT oF marY CHurCH, 4145 Johnson st., high Point, hope of seeing everyone again (hOsea) Program, for non-practicing Catholics. Jan hitch, 336-884-5097, or church office, 336-869-7739 Queen oF THe aposTles CHurCH, 503 n. Main st., Belmont, rCia Class, 10-11:15 a.m. sundays. Cam tracy at 704-53-0654 sT. aloYsius CHurCH, 921 second st. n.e., hickory, rCia Class, Parlor, after 11 a.m. Mass every other sunday. next session is Oct. 24 sT. BernadeTTe mission, state hwy. 105, linville, rCia Class, Parish hall lounge area, after 11 a.m. Mass sundays. father Christopher Gober, 828-898-6900 sT. FranCis oF assisi CHurCH, 299 Maple st., franklin, rCia Class, family life Center, 7 p.m. Mondays sT. FranCis oF assisi CHurCH, 862 Yadkinville road, Mocksville, rCia Class, 9-10:30 a.m. sundays st. MatthEW chUrch, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, welcome home for returning Catholics. deacon Jim hamrlik at jhmrlik@stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-543-7677, ext. 1040, or Julie Jahn at urblessed@ carolina.rr.com or 704-560-9202 st. WilliaM chUrch, 765 andrews road, Murphy, Maria seiglie faith formation Center, rCia Class, 7 p.m.

Mondays

300 attend rosary congress KANNAPOLIS — About 300 people attended the inaugural Rosary Congress Oct. 7-10, hosted by St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis and organized by the pastor, Redemptorist Father Al Riquelme, with the help of parishioner Aida Gamolo. The Rosary Congress aimed to evangelize Catholics by focusing on the exemplary discipleship of the Blessed Mother. Dr Jaime Irizari and his wife Sarah Irizari (pictured above with Gamolo) conducted three presentations.

They are medical doctors who left their profession to devote their lives full time to ministry.

— Dr. cris villapando

Western columbiettes elect officers CLEMMONS — The Western N.C. Chapter of Columbiettes installed new officers Aug. 28. Newly-elected State President Anne Sullivan presided at the installation, held at Holy Family Church in Clemmons. Elected were: Kris Miller, president (Holy Family, Clemmons); Jeanette Kilen, vice president (Holy Angels, Mount Airy); Mary Long, secretary (Holy Family, Clemmons); Megan Hauser, financial secretary (Holy Family, Clemmons); Lori Lozano, treasurer (Holy Family, Clemmons); and Kathy Balding, sentinel (St. Matthew, Charlotte).

— Geri rushing

K of c sponsors fundraiser run HIGH POINT — The Knights of Columbus in High Point recently held its sixth annual 5K Run for Disabilities, in which 65 participants raised $8,000 to benefit local organizations such as Miracle League, Special Olympics, the ARC, Johnson Street Global Studies and right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not AMBUCS. The Knights of Columbus recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed thanked the run’s sponsors, including by our advertisers.

City of High Point, High Point Police, High Point Parks and Recreation, On suBsCripTions: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of The Mark Sports, Action Engravers, the diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

Wear Yours, The Printery, Companions posTmasTer: Periodicals class postage (UsPC 007-393) paid at On The Journey and Bob Korabek.

Charlotte, n.C. send address corrections to the Catholic news — Kathy roach herald, 1123 s. Church st., Charlotte, n.C. 28203.

WE WElcoME your parish’s news. e-mail items to editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

PhOtO PrOVided

Father patrick hoare (center), pastor of st. John Neumann church in charlotte, meets the claro family who emigrated from cuba to charlotte this summer. alicia Garcia (far right) of the catholic social services refugee office met the family when they got off the airplane at charlotte-Douglas international airport and assisted them with their paperwork.

Starting a new life St. John Neumann Church ‘adopts’ Cuban refugees sueann Howell staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Some people spend a lifetime hoping to come to America for a better life. For the Claro family, that day came Aug. 18 when they emigrated from Cuba to Charlotte to begin a new chapter of their lives as American citizens.

For months leading up to their arrival, parishioners at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte busily collected household furniture and essential items the family would need. Once the arrival date was set and the apartment leased with the help of the Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office, volunteers converged on the apartment to prepare it for the family’s arrival.

The Claro family, comprised of husband Chaucon, his wife Bauza, and their two children got off the plane in Charlotte in good spirits. They had one bag of belongings between them, forced to leave everything else behind.

Their new apartment has all of the essentials, though, thanks to the many volunteers from St. John Neumann who pitched in to make their transition a bit easier.

“The thing that stood out for me working on the refugee project was the enthusiasm of the St. John Neumann parishioners in bringing together donated items, delivering furniture, cleaning and preparing the apartment to turn it into a home for the family,” said Susann Pinegree, who coordinated the project. “So many people donated their time, talents and treasures into making this home. I even had a ‘little

miracle.’ I was short a bed the day before I was leaving town and was worried how everything was going to get done. I was picking up some items from a donor when she asked, ‘Do you need a bed and mattress?’

It was the size I needed and in excellent condition.”

A volunteer, Sarah Lawrence, also cleaned the apartment and did some grocery shopping before the family’s arrival.

Father Patrick Hoare, St. John Neumann’s pastor, is proud of the volunteers’ efforts in making a home for the refugees. “It’s important for people to understand that this family is here legally. They are seeking asylum and have come here to start a new life, seeking freedom, to try to succeed.”

“We are called to help them. It is our Gospel calling,” Father Hoare added. “All it takes is a bit of coordination, with many people doing just a little bit to help.”

The Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office has already helped 355 refugees from more than 11 countries relocate to the diocese this year.

How you can help For more inFormaTion about how your church or group can help “adopt” refugees by helping to furnish and prepare an apartment, contact Mary Jane Bruton, Catholic social services community relations coordinator, at 704-370-3283 or mbruton@charlottediocese.org.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all

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BEGINNING SPANISH

Learn Spanish by listening and repeating at home or in your car.

PhOtO PrOVided BY BelMOnt aBBeY COlleGe

Dr. Gerald Malsbary, who can read comfortably spanish, French, italian, German, latin and Greek, was a member of the advisory board involved in the new translation of the Mass from 2006 to 2008.

BarBara Case sPeers | CathOliC news herald

Father robert Ferris, pastor, held a blessing of the animals outside st. aloysius church in hickory oct. 2. Families brought 14 dogs, ranging in size from a toy poodle to a large black labrador. Father Ferris noted with a smile, “i am glad there are no snakes.” he read from the book of Genesis about how God created the world and filled it with animals, and he talked about how st. Francis, who loved all animals, exemplifies how we should care for God’s creatures.

PhOtO PrOVided BY anGela allen

parishioners of our lady of lourdes church in Monroe braved cool fall temperatures oct. 2 to attend the blessing of the animals in honor of st.

Francis of assisi’s feast day. Father thomas Kessler, pastor, welcomed dogs, cats, rabbits and parakeets, and the unique mix of animals was well behaved during the short service.

Malsbary brings Latin, Greek to Belmont Abbey Professor’s work on translations fueled by love of languages morgan CasTillo intern

dOreen sUGiersKi | CathOliC news herald

to celebrate the feast of st. Francis of assisi, Deacon Jim atkinson of holy spirit church in Denver blesses pets in front of the church oct. 2. as God had asked adam what name he would give each animal (Genesis 2:19-20), Deacon Jim asked parishioners what names they had given their pets before sprinkling them with holy water.

sUzanne KnOPKa | CathOliC news herald

MelOnie MClaUrin | CathOliC news herald

about 30 parishioners and their beloved pets joined Father John starczewski, pastor of st. James the Greater church in hamlet, for the annual blessing of the animals oct. 3. Father starczewski said later, “the model of st. Francis of assisi is the care of all of God’s creatures, the care of the planet and all that God has given to us in creation. the animals and the earth are gifts, and we give glory to God by using the earth as he gave it to us. by building up the dignity of humankind and all of God’s creation and not showing it the disrespect we sometimes do through pollution and animal abuse, hopefully, as we show the love of christ to animals, this carries over so that we can better show that same love to one another.”

the annual blessing of pets took place oct. 2 at st. barnabas church in arden. twenty-five dogs, one brave cat, and many smiling pet owners received God’s blessings through the hands of Father adrian porras, along with the intercession of st. Francis of assisi.

BELMONT — Mastering seven languages is a feat by anyone’s standards. For Dr. Gerald Malsbary, who became a member of Belmont Abbey College’s faculty by assuming the role of director of the FirstYear Symposium and the Latin and Greek programs, it’s all in a day’s work.

Originally from California, Malsbary attained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Classics from the University of California at Berkeley. It was there he “fell in love with Greek and Roman classics and the ancient world,” he said.

He later received his doctorate in medieval studies from the University of Toronto.

Malsbary states he was inspired to pursue this branch of study because, “I decided I just wanted to be able to learn Greek and Latin so well that I could just pick up a Greek or Latin book of any kind, and read it… . It took longer than I thought it would take to be able to do that.”

Before coming to Belmont Abbey in 2008, Malsbary held various jobs, including a

two-year stint as a lexicographer in Munich, Germany, and a 17-year position at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Malsbary also has an impressive catalog of completed translations. He is currently wrapping up his seventh translation; a book entitled, “The Perspective of Morality” by Martin Rhonheimer, which he translated from German to English. To date, he has published three Italian translations, two German and one French.

Malsbary can read comfortably Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin and Greek.

His impressive span of linguistic knowledge doesn’t end there. In 2006-2008, he was a member of the advisory board involved in the new translation of the Mass.

“I started to teach at St. Charles Seminary in the early ’90s, and being a Latinist, I offered some classes and some people in the Church came to know me as a Latinist, and I was recommended to be on this committee…

I was on it for about a year and a half, and I was able to contribute and make suggestions.

They had already done a rough draft, and I was very pleased to see that they were making many of the corrections I wanted, a closer approximation to the sense and noble feeling of the original Latin,” Malsbary said.

At Belmont Abbey, Malsbary would “like to eventually see a minor in Greek and Latin, a classics or medieval studies minor, or a modern languages minor. That’s what we’re working for.”

MalsBUrY, see page 15

Booklet and CD Send check or money order for $23.40 to; Carlos Rangel – PO Box 234 – Fletcher, NC 28732 Translations fantastico23@att.net

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OUr parisHes

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

OUr parisHesi

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

9

in brief Knights give out laMb funds MOORESVILLE — The St. Thérèse Knights of Columbus Council recently presented donations to LifeSpan and the Mooresville Intermediate School program for developmentally disabled children, and to the Iredell County Special Olympics, from the proceeds of its LAMB program – part of a KofC statewide effort collecting money on behalf of those who are mentally or physically challenged.

The LAMB program is also known as the “Tootsie Roll” campaign. In its 35-year history, LAMB has collected approximately $18 million, all of which has been given to non-profit organizations devoted to helping the mentally and physically challenged.

— Mark Daly

New ministry thrives PhOtO PrOVided BY tina witt

Rosary rally held to help people draw closer to Christ More than 100 people participated in the diocese of Charlotte’s 69th semi-annual rosary rally at st. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte Oct. 10. the event included praying the rosary as well as a eucharistic Procession and adoration. Bishop Peter J. Jugis gave the homily, explaining how the rosary – what Pope John Paul ii called “the school of Mary” – enables us to draw closer to Jesus Christ by contemplating the mysteries of his incarnation, his public life, his suffering and his glorification. “she is teaching us about her son, to know him, and to love him, and to serve him better. and as a teacher, of course, Mary knows her subject matter very well. she knows Jesus better than any other human creature,” Bishop Jugis said. Our constant aim as Christians should be true holiness, he said. true holiness, Mary reminds us, is found in following Jesus and living what he teaches, he emphasized.

BELMONT — The prayer shawl

MOORESVILLE — St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville held its first “Friday Night Live” Sept. 17 to highlight issues and foster discussions among parishioners of all ages. Depending on the generation, the event had activities of interest ranging from arts and crafts to lectures on a range of topics. It was coordinated by the parish faith formation staff and parents.

— Edith pleta

ESCAPE TO THE WINTER SUN – Special air rates expire Nov. 3rd !

Five chalices donated for five new priests the immaculate heart of Mary Knights of Columbus Council 12266 of immaculate Conception Church in forest City recently presented five chalices to father Paul Kersey of the diocese of Comayagua, honduras. five men will be ordained there on dec. 19, 2010. Presenting two of the five chalices is worthy Grand Knight Michael Jablonsky. father Paul Kersey’s father, Paul Kersey, is a member of immaculate Conception Church, and the parish supports father Kersey’s mission.

dOreen sUGiersKi | CathOliC news herald

Aiming high this faith formation year the youth group of holy spirit Church in denver went to the U.s. national whitewater Center in Charlotte sept. 25 for a day of fun and fellowship and to kick off the 2010-2011 faith formation year. the youth group plans events and service projects for the teens to have fun as they build their relationships with God and each other and grow through service to the Church and to the community. they are also planning to raise money through the year to take a mission trip to Bluffton, s.C., next July.

Join new friends from the Diocese of Charlotte on the SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit!

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A Day with the Gospel of Matthew 9 am – 4 pm Thursday, November 18 OR Saturday, November 20

ASHEVILLE AREA: OCTOBER 29 – 31 Info: Shelley Glanton – 828-670-8192 or Carla Haire – 828-342-4655

Respect Life Program Family Life Office Catholic Social Services Diocese of Charlotte

Discussions go ‘live’

PhOtO PrOVided BY andY CilOne

Seeking healing and forgiveness after an abortion?

You may also want to visit Rachel’s Vineyard Web site at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

ministry at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont is less than a year old, yet the group has already given out 36 shawls and maintained a steady commitment from its volunteers. The group, overseen by Mercy Sister Bernadette McNamara, is motivated by the desire to reach out to the sick and homebound. Each shawl is blessed by Father Frank Cancro before being given to parishioners or others in need.

— linn brosnan

Office Of UndergradUate admissiOn (800) FORDHAM | enroll@fordham.edu | www.fordham.edu

Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM The day is dedicated to the Gospel of the next liturgical cycle: Matthew. It will include an overview of the Gospel as well as a consideration of its use in the Liturgy of the Word.

Sister Mary Hugh has an MA in Theology from St. Bonaventure and has taught at the college level.

Cost: $40 – includes lunch

- all meals and luxury accommodations aboard Celebrity’s beautiful Summit - coach transfers between San Juan airport and the ship - daily Mass on board the ship with our own diocesan priest - full-time escort (with minimum of 36 in our group) PLUS – Celebrity Cruise Line offers exciting optional port excursions including: deep sea fishing; golf at a first-class resort; waterfall swim; historical, quaint Caribbean villages; spectacular tropical flowers; swimming with exotic fish, corals and turtles; rainforest walk; kayaking and MORE!! Or, you may choose to spend your days beachwalking on the golden sands, exploring the shops or just relaxing on the shores of the beautiful Caribbean!

Fun, fabulous food and new friends start at just $999! All friends and family are welcome! Prices are per person (double occupancy) and INCLUDE ALL TAXES AND PORT FEES (as of 9/5/10). Airfare is extra and can be arranged by Corporate Travel Service when you register: (800) 727-1999, ext. 116 For info and a brochure: Cindi Feerick at the diocese: 704/370-3332 or ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org EARLY BOOKING PRICES ARE GUARANTEED UNTIL NOVEMBER 15th – space is limited so book early for lowest prices and your choice of accommodations!

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FROM THE COVER

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Respect Life Month

From death into life SUEANN HOWELL STAFF WRITER

prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy while I was there. I ended up being the last person to be with him before he passed away,” she says.

“It was a very moving experience.”

Parishioners Lloyd and Antoinette Knight volunteer with Helping Hands and coordinate the preparing and delivering of meals for the month of October for families of patients at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

“I’m concerned about life from its beginning to its end,” Antoinette Knight says.

She and her husband have been volunteering in the community for more than 19 years. Every Tuesday they also help at Cooperative Christian Ministries, where they interview families who come there for assistance and work to find the resources they need.

“From diapers for babies to funeral costs, we help however we can,” she adds.

“We’re just doing God’s work.”

HUNTERSVILLE — Working the night shift at a hospice provides a unique Prayer shawl ministries opportunity to assist the dying in their final days of life. For Celeste Richards, a registered The prayer shawl ministry at St. Mark nurse at Levine & Dickson Hospice House, it Church is another way Catholics reach out is also a way to practice her Catholic faith in to the sick and dying. Each year more than subtle, gentle ways.

“The night shift allows me to spend time sitting at the side of those who have no one to be there, to sing and hum hymns to them, and to pray with and for the beloved,” Richards says.

Richards, a parishioner at Holy Spirit Church in Denver and a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Third Order of Discalced (“shoeless”) Carmelites group in Charlotte, brings her deep faith to the care she provides for people of all denominations, from all walks of life, all ages – even children.

“They all have a common thread of seeking and gaining inner peace, leaving those they love behind or needing to complete something (before they pass away),” she shares.

Volunteers from parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte are also involved in assisting the dying.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE CHARLOTTE Levine & Dickson Hospice House volunteer Judy Wright is pictured in May with patient Valerie Springs, now deceased, who is wearing a donated prayer shawl.

Volunteering with hospice

Mary Fink, a parishioner at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, has been a volunteer at Levine & Dickson Hospice House since 2007.

She helps coordinate the holiday meals that parishioners prepare and deliver to homebound and hospice patients and their families.

“My experience with hospice has been that the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers are some of the most caring individuals I have ever met,” Fink says.

“While they come from different backgrounds and religious beliefs, they are united in the belief that patients with terminal illness are important members of our community and they deserve dignity, respect, and loving end-of-life care.”

Fink is also an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion who brings the Eucharist to Catholic patients.

“I got to visit a patient who was a St. Mark parishioner and bring him the Eucharist. I

100 shawls are knitted and given to hospitals, hospice houses and nursing homes.

Carole Lavino, a parishioner at St. Mark Church, has coordinated the ministry there for the past four years.

More than 30 active members knit all the blankets as well as caps given to people who are in crisis, experiencing illness and have lost a loved one, as well as those in the final days of life.

“It’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” Lavino says. “People are so happy to receive the shawls.”

St. Mark is just one of the prayer shawl ministries active across the Diocese of Charlotte.

Helping Hands ministry The Helping Hands ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte also reaches out to those in hospice care.

So many ways to get involved

Misty Molloy, volunteer coordinator for Levine & Dickson Hospice House works with volunteers from around the diocese and encourages anyone interested in helping in this vital ministry to get involved.

“The volunteer opportunities are all encompassing,” Molloy says. “You can do something that does not involve direct involvement if you are not comfortable with that. There are just so many ways to get involved.”

Speaking about the way that Levine & Dickson Hospice House recognizes the sanctity of life at its end, Celeste Richards, RN, says, “Our ceremony at the end is beautiful. All the staff stops what they are doing and with lighted candles, processes down the corridor with the patient on the gurney. We are behind the family. At the door we pause, ask if anyone would like to say goodbye at this time.

Sometimes a family member will pray or sing. Sometimes I or another staff member will sing or pray. We present the family with a sprig of rosemary, tied with a ribbon and the prayer shawl, made by local churches.

“We thank them for the honor and for entrusting us to care for their loved one.”

Richards concludes, “I am privileged to be with those at the end of life, those so close to God and at the door of His Kingdom. I see that so clearly... in their faces and in a silence that recognizes their journeying home to our heavenly Father.”

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

“We’re just doing God’s work.”

— ANTOINETTE KNIGHT, parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, about their ministry efforts with hospice

What does the Church teach?

■ RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY EVERY HUMAN LIFE, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God. (CCC 2319) FIRST, THE COMMON GOOD presupposes respect for the person as such. In the name of the common good, public authorities are bound to respect the fundamental and inalienable rights of the human person. (CCC 1907) RESPECT FOR THE HUMAN PERSON entails respect for the rights that flow from his dignity as a creature. These rights are prior to society and must be recognized by it. They are the basis of the moral legitimacy of every authority: by flouting them, or refusing to recognize them in its positive legislation, a society undermines its own moral legitimacy. If it does not respect them, authority can rely only on force or violence to obtain obedience from its subjects. It is the Church’s role to remind men of good will of these rights and to distinguish them from unwarranted or false claims. (CCC 1930)

■ ON DYING THE DYING should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They

will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God. (CCC 2299)

■ ON PALLIATIVE CARE EVEN IF DEATH is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted.

The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.

(CCC 2279) LIFE AND PHYSICAL HEALTH are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. (CCC 2288)

■ ON EUTHANASIA WHATEVER ITS motives or mean, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable. (CCC 2277)

End-of-life educational workshops coming up ■ FATHER TAD PACHOLCZYK, director of education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia and a well-known priest bioethicist, will speak Oct. 31 at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. in Arden. Father Pacholczyk will speak on “Care and Treatment Decisions for Compromised Patients at the End of Life.” The program will begin at 2 p.m. Free admission, co-sponsored by the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

■ ST. JOSEPH CHURCH IN BRYSON CITY is hosting a two-part adult education program this month to help people plan spiritually, emotionally and legally for their end-of-life journeys. The second program discussing pre-planning funerals, health care power of attorney and estate planning will be held Wednesday, Oct. 27. Mass will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a light potluck supper. The opening prayer and reflection will begin at 5 p.m. For details, contact Barbara Barker at 828-736-1284 or Mary Herr at 828-497-9498.

Learn more ■ THE U.S. BISHOPS have compiled a range of information on their Web site related to end-of-life issues. Check it out at www.usccb.org

■ THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC BIOETHICS CENTER, established in 1972, conducts research, consultation, publishing and education to promote human dignity in health care and the life sciences, and derives its message directly from the teachings of the Church. Its Web site has everything you’ll want to know: www.ncbcenter.org.

How you can get involved ■ PARISHES throughout the Diocese of Charlotte have ministries that support end-of-life and elder care. Contact your local parish to find out what opportunities are available. For information about elder ministry or end-of-life ethics at the diocesan level, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or by email at sandrab@charlottediocese.org.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

OLA to add sixth grade next fall; open house set

Learn Rosary Making

morgan CasTillo intern

CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of the Assumption School will add the sixth grade to its K-5 program next fall, and aims to become a full K-8 school within the following two years, school district officials announced recently.

The new middle school will give new students and those already in a Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ elementary school the choice of attending a Catholic middle school with innovative specialized programs and a smaller school environment, and is particularly aimed to serve the population northeast of the city.

Based on recommendations of both the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Study Steering Committee and local parent feedback, the school will work towards becoming a K-8 school by 2013-2014.

“Expanding the program at OLA with grade 6 in 2011-2012 and grades 7 and 8 in the following [two] years, we will be able to provide that K-8 small school setting for other families here in Charlotte,” said Superintendent Linda Cherry.

The program at Our Lady of the Assumption School reflects the standard academic and religious education curriculums for the schools in the Diocese of Charlotte, and offers Spanish as a core subject; a comprehensive English as a Second Language program; Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as an additional religious education program; studies in

Now serving Charlotte and Greensboro

open house our ladY of the assumption school will have an open house for grades K-6 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. sunday, Oct. 17, and at 9 a.m.-noon tuesday, Oct. 19.

the upper grades that focus on technology, invention and global solutions; and classes in cultural arts.

Principal Allana R. Ramkissoon said, “We are proud to offer a program that is reflective of the needs of the growing and diverse Charlotte community. We want ELL students (English Language Learners) to master English and we want all English-speaking students to be proficient in a second language, such as Spanish.

Communication is not just about foreign languages, however. It is about mastering the art of exchanging ideas, culture, information and solutions in the most effective way.”

The curriculum shows the vision the developers have for the school as a center for developing the language and communication skills needed in the 21st century. The lower grades will focus on English language mastery and foreign language acquisition, while the upper grades’ curriculum will build on this, and add elements of science and technology units to enable students to study solutions that will affect their world, school officials said.

in brief Four seniors earn National Merit recognition KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School seniors Martin DeFrancesco, Stephanie DeGuzman, Ryan Gaylord and Anna Komsa have been named Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation were recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Although they will not continue in the 2011 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

— Katie boswell

Macs open house dates set CHARLOTTE — Open house dates for all MACS schools are as follows: n All elementary schools: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 19 n Charlotte Catholic High School: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 n Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, and 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 WE WElcoME your school’s news. e-mail items to editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

THE TRUTH OF THE EUCHARIST REVEALED …

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October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

To order the “Science Tests Faith” DVD at the Introductory Price of $10 including shipping and handling, send payment and order to: Love and Mercy Publications, PO Box 1160, Hampstead, NC 28443

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sUsan deGUzMan | CathOliC news herald

Alumni inducted into Bishop McGuinness Hall of Fame alumni whose graduations spanned three decades gathered Oct. 1 for induction into the Bishop McGuinness high school hall of fame. inductees are, pictured from left: elizabeth folger Conover (Class of 1991) for volleyball, Michael r. Bosch iii (Class of 1982) for basketball, and. anne e. tezak (Class of 1972) for her work on alumni relations at Bishop McGuinness high school in Kernersville.

CaTHoliC news heraldi

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Mix 14

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

CaTHoliC news herald

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

Movie reviews

On tV

B

‘secretariat’ The true story of the 1973 Triple Crown winner, arguably the greatest racehorse of all time, comes to the big screen in a film that is both thrilling sports adventure and moving family drama. Secretariat’s owner (Diane Lane) is a housewife who returns to her horse farm roots and gambles everything on the big red equine. As she makes her mark in an all-male world, she battles prejudice and the skepticism of her family, but she never loses hope in her dream.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: PG

‘the social Network’ Engrossing but strictly adult drama, based on real events, recounting the circumstances surrounding the creation of the website Facebook as its socially inept but technically gifted founder (Jesse Eisenberg) testifies in separate but simultaneous lawsuits brought against him by a pair of former associates (Armie Hammer and Josh Pence) and by his ex-best friend and first investor (Andrew Garfield). All of them claim to have been betrayed and cheated. Drawing on Ben Mezrich’s book “The Accidental Billionaires,� director David Fincher weaves a subtle narrative of shifting personal loyalties and ethical uncertainties. Casual sex, brief nudity, drug use, profanity.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘Wall street: Money Never sleeps’ Uneven sequel in which, seven years after being released from prison, a disgraced financier-turned-author (Michael Douglas) convinces his estranged daughter’s (Carey Mulligan) fiancĂŠ (Shia LaBeouf) to help him reconcile with her. He offers in return to assist the young investment executive’s business vendetta against a ruthless mogul (Josh Brolin) whose machinations ruined the lad’s mentor (Frank Langella). Set against the backdrop of the economic crisis that began in 2007, and directed – like its 1987 predecessor “Wall Streetâ€? – by Oliver Stone, the high stakes drama benefits from Douglas’ magnetic performance. Sexual references, profanity.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 — catholic News service

Cns PhOtO | defiant reQUieM

conductor Murry sidlin is seen in an undated photo during a rehearsal of “Defiant requiem: verdi at terezin.� Giuseppe verdi’s “requiem� was performed in latin by Jewish prisoners at the terezin concentration camp in former czechoslovakia from 1943 to 1944.

Holocaust tribute ‘steeped in Catholic liturgy’ Carol Zimmermann CathOliC news serViCe

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When conductor Murry Sidlin visits the mass graves near the former concentration camp in Terezin, Czech Republic, he is convinced the “ground is unsettled.� “This is not a place where people rest in peace.

This is a place where the world turned its back and let these people die,� said Sidlin, dean of the music school at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. For the past eight years, Sidlin has been determined to pay homage to the men and women of the prison camp by focusing specifically on the interminable spirit of its choir of 150 prisoners and their conductor, Rafael Schaechter. The choir performed Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem� 16 times from 1943 to 1944 before fellow prisoners, Nazi officials and visitors.

Today, the work of these prisoners lives on in a concert drama called “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin,� created and conducted by Sidlin. The work includes a chorus and orchestra performing Verdi’s “Requiem� interspersed with testimony from surviving chorus members and an original Nazi propaganda film of the prison camp. It also includes actors who speak the words of the prison’s conductor and other prisoners.

It has been performed around the world and

poignantly re-enacted three times at the former camp in Terezin. On Oct. 6, it was performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Sidlin found out about these original performances in Terezin by chance when he read a brief reference about them while looking through books at a Minneapolis bargain book table about 20 years ago. He was unable to comprehend how Jewish prisoners – worn from hunger, illness, slave labor and uncertainty about their future – could devote themselves to a very difficult Latin work “steeped in Catholic liturgy.�

Sidlin contacted survivors of the original choir; who said the funeral Mass they practiced nightly in a basement at the prison was a way to fight back and “sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.�

Sidlin hopes to “illuminate the career Rafael Schaechter never had.� Schaechter was deported to Auschwitz Oct. 16, 1944, and died the following day in a gas chamber.

New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, the episcopal moderator for Catholic-Jewish relations for the U.S. bishops, said the performance was “remarkably inspirational� that the words of an ancient requiem lifted the prisoners’ hearts and minds to God. The prayerful plea of deliverance in Verdi’s “Requiem,� the archbishop said, can be echoed today as people pray to be delivered from “hatred, violence, anti-Semitism and terrorism.�

MALSBURY: Has

ST. ANN CHAPEL:

a love for languages

Work by local artists

From page 7

From page 3

When discussing Belmont Abbey’s First-Year Symposium department, which Malsbary directs, he sees it as “a great opportunity to teach students what Liberal Arts are.�

A focus of the FYS program is friendship, a theme that Malsbary says goes along both with a student’s relationships with other students, as well as their studies. “We read Cicero’s On Friendship, we study the foundational texts of Benedictinism, and we also do things that have to do with n Sunday, Oct. 17, connecting Liberal Arts studies with your 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “A Hand own life,� said Malsbary. of Peace: Pope Pius XII and the He was drawn to Belmont Abbey College Holocaust.� This documentary in part because he sees great potential in the combats misinformation about school, especially in regards to the Abbey’s Pope Pius XII’s actions during identity as a Catholic Liberal Arts College.

World War II. “I believe Belmont Abbey is a great place, and is still young in its history as a genuine n Tuesday, Oct. 19, Liberal Arts college that is both faithful to 8-9 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Building the Magisterium, and rationally in dialogue the Great Cathedrals.� The with all the important issues of the day; season premiere of the series neither an isolated, reactionary kind of “Nova� looks at the technolplace, nor an overly secularized mediocre ogy that enabled medieval place with no identity,� Malsbary said. builders to erect the greatest architectural monuments of the age of faith.

JohN MUlDEriG is on the staff of Catholic news service. More reviews online at www.usccb.org/movies.

Damien

The Play

On November 6th, St. John Neumann Church will be presenting the one-man play “Damien� which recounts a young priest’s life, ministry and struggles in a Hawaiian leper colony. This one-man show will haunt and then captivate you as you witness the priest’s realizations that God embraces all with unbiased judgment and love.

7:30 - 9:00 PM In the Church St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte Tickets: purchase after all Masses Oct 23rd/24th and 30th/31st -- or at the door $10 for adults ($8 in advance); children 14 and under admitted free INFO/PARISH OFFICE: 704.536.6520

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YOU ARE INVITED TO

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n Wednesday, Oct. 20, 3 a.m. EDT and 6:30 p.m. EDT â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Am the Living Bread.â&#x20AC;? Take an up-close and personal look at the people of San Antonio, Texas, whose lives have been dramatically changed by Eucharistic Adoration. n Wednesday, Oct. 20, 9-10 p.m. EDT (PBS) â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House.â&#x20AC;? Features a series of performances by established Broadway artists and new talent, presenting selections from American musicals that reflect the spirit, energy and ambition of America. The program is emceed by Nathan Lane and includes Idina Menzel, Brian dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcy James, Audra McDonald, Chad Kimball, Marvin Hamlisch, Karen Olivo, Tonya Pinkins, Assata Alston and a youth ensemble from the Joy of Motion Dance Center.

the Great, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building this chapel was a condition of a family who made a large contribution to our church building project before I arrived at St. Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, so the chapel will be memorialized in honor of this family,â&#x20AC;?

Father Reid said.

The chapel wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be completely finished until stained glass windows are installed. Â The windows have been designed to relate to the mystery of the Immaculate Conception. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, we simply cannot afford them at this time,â&#x20AC;? Father Reid said. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;To purchase them we will need to raise another $100,000 to $125,000. Â Our hope is that families will step forward to memorialize each of the windows in order to pay for them.â&#x20AC;?

A date for the dedication ceremony has not been set yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My hope is to have the chapel open to the public by the end of the year,â&#x20AC;? Father Reid said.

CaTHoliC news heraldi

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 6:00 PM

Our nation

16

CaTHoliC news herald

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

colorado school bans students from wearing rosaries

— catholic News service

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October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Guidance offered to in brief creates new office to resolve conflicts in pope fight ‘eclipse of God’ in West liturgical calendar

in brief

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Officials at a Colorado Springs public school sent a message last week to students and their parents telling them the school was banning rosaries from being worn as an accessory on top of students’ clothing.

“Students, we need to remind everyone that here at Mann, we respect all religious beliefs. Some members of the Catholic faith are offended by rosaries being worn around the neck like fashion accessories,” said the Oct. 7 memo to students at Mann Middle School. The memo was also sent to their parents.

“If you wish to wear a rosary around your neck, it must, out of respect for others, be worn underneath your shirt,” the memo said.

It also stated that students who did not follow the directive would be issued a dress-code violation.

Our world

Cns | Owen sweeneY iii, CathOliC reView

Marc and sarah shaffer with their son Mason attend a press conference that announced the first public umbilical cord blood banking program in Maryland at Mercy Medical center in baltimore oct. 11. Mason is the recipient of a stem cell transplant from donated umbilical cord blood.

New public cord-blood bank welcomed george p. maTYseK Jr. CathOliC news serViCe

BALTIMORE — Nineteen-month-old Mason Shaffer has no qualms about somersaulting off a couch in his family’s Pennsylvania home. He’s equally fearless when exploring new surroundings or playing a spirited round of peek-a-boo with his mother.

It’s a far cry from a year ago when Mason couldn’t even sit up or roll over. Afflicted with malignant infantile osteopetrosis, a rare bone disease, Mason was severely underdeveloped and in significant pain. His life was saved through a transplant of adult stem cells obtained from umbilical-cord blood donated to a public collecting bank.

“He’s cured,” said Sarah Shaffer, Mason’s mother. “He’s completely normal. For me, it’s exhilarating.”

The Shaffer family was on hand at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center Oct. 11 to celebrate the establishment of Maryland’s first public umbilical-cord-blood banking program. Organizers believe it has the potential to save the lives of many adults and children like Mason.

Through the program, women giving birth at Mercy will be given the option of donating

their babies’ umbilical-cord blood to be listed on the National Marrow Donor Program registry for use by patients in need of lifesaving transplants.

Community Blood Services of New Jersey will receive the donated cord blood and bank it for future use throughout the country and the world.

Adult stem cells contained in the blood can be used to treat more than 90 diseases, including many types of cancers and blood disorders.

Baltimore Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien said the launch of the program represents a “day of hope for God’s people who may be suffering from life-threatening or debilitating diseases.”

“Allowing parents to make the harmless and life-giving donation of their baby’s umbilical-cord blood fits beautifully with Catholic hospitals’ mission of providing lifeaffirming health care,” he said.

“There’s a common misconception that the Catholic Church is opposed to stem cell research,” he said. “That is wrong.

The Church has long supported adult stem cell research but is opposed to embryonic stem cell research, which destroys human embryos and which has yet to cure a single disease.”

VATICAN CITY — The new Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization was unveiled at a press conference at the Vatican Oct. nanCY FraZier o’Brien 12. Pope Benedict XVI has created CathOliC news serViCe the new Vatican office to address the growing problem of secularization and WASHINGTON, D.C. — The earthly the “eclipse of God” in the nations of calendar is causing some conflicts in the liturgical calendar as 2010 heads to a close. Europe and the West.

“Only a new evangelization can The third Sunday of Advent falls this ensure the growth of a clear and year on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady profound faith, capable of making of Guadalupe – important to many of these traditions a force of true U.S. Catholics, and especially Mexicanfreedom,” the pope said.

Americans. But because Sundays take To aid this new evangelization, the precedence over feast days, only the pope stressed the need to find creative readings for the third Sunday of Advent ways to use communications media may be used on that day.

Later in December, Christmas falls on a and to promote the Catechism of the Catholic Church as the “essential and Saturday, as does the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on New Year’s Day in 2011. complete formulation of the content of the faith for the men of our time.”

That raises problems with Saturday — catholic News agency evening Masses, since Christmas evening is usually dedicated to family celebrations and it may be difficult to find enough altar servers, musicians and lectors, the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops noted in a recent newsletter.

The U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine VATICAN CITY — The number of Worship recently considered a request refugees is growing and resettlement to permit the celebration of the feast of space is shrinking, highlighting a Our Lady of Guadalupe when it falls on a need for international solutions, a Sunday, but decided not to do so. But that Vatican official said. Archbishop does not mean attention cannot be paid Silvano Tomasi, who represents the to Our Lady of Guadalupe during Dec. 12 Vatican to U.N. agencies in Geneva, Masses, the secretariat said in an earlier told members of the U.N. High newsletter.

Commission for Refugees that he was “The placement of her image in the particularly concerned with the issue liturgical space can call attention to this of “refoulement,” the process by which celebration,” it said. “Intentions in the a country forcibly returns refugees to prayer of the faithful may appropriately their countries of origin. The extensive include themes reflecting concern for reported and unreported incidents of unity in the Americas and may conclude such return and “push-back” to unsafe with the collect customarily used for countries show many vulnerable people the Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe. are not receiving the protection they Processions in honor of Our Lady may need, he said. take place as well.”

The divine worship secretariat also offered guidance on Christmas 2010, a Saturday, and the Dec. 26 feast of the Holy Family, a Sunday.

Because Christmas has precedence in the liturgical calendar over the Holy VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI Family feast day, “any Mass celebrated appointed new heads for two Vatican on the evening of Dec. 25 is a Mass of offices, naming Italian canon lawyer, Christmas, not the Holy Family,” the Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, as prefect newsletter said. of the Congregation for Clergy, and The weekend of Jan. 1-2, 2011, presents Guinean Archbishop Robert Sarah a conflict between the solemnity of Mary, as president of the Vatican’s charityMother of God, which falls on Jan. 1, and promotion agency, the Pontifical the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Council Cor Unum. The Vatican officially Jan. 6 but celebrated in the U.S. announced the appointments Oct. 7. on the first Sunday in January.

Masses on the evening of Jan. 1 are to be — catholic News service celebrated as the vigil of the Epiphany.

archbishop: U.N. protection for refugees is insufficient

pope appoints new heads to vatican offices

17

Middle East synod opens with call for religious freedom barriola

salzano

bessette

soltys

CindY wooden and JoHn THaVis CathOliC news serViCe

MacKillop

varano

Six to be canonized Oct. 17 VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI will canonize the following people Oct. 17: n Mother Mary MacKillop (1842-1909) will become Australia’s first saint. Although her sainthood cause was initiated in the 1920s, it faced some serious hurdles, not the least of which was her brief excommunication and the temporary disbanding of her order, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

The nuns were committed to following poor farmworkers, miners and other laborers into remote areas of the country to educate their children. n Andre Bessette (1845-1937), the founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal, will be the Holy Cross Brothers’ first saint. He is known for his intense piety and miraculous cures. When he entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1870, his parish priest, Father Andre Provencal, sent a letter to the novice master stating, “I am sending a saint to your congregation.” For 40 years, Brother Andre was the doorman of the community’s school in Montreal.

Through his healing touch, thousands of people were cured and he became known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal.” n Camilla Battista Varano (1458-1524) was an Italian mystic who had to defy her nobleman father to become a Poor Clare. When she was 8 or 10, she heard a Franciscan priest preaching about Christ’s passion and vowed that every Friday she would shed at least one tear for Jesus’

suffering. What initially began as a game became a powerful form of meditation on the Passion. She died in the plague in 1524.

watch on TV ewTn will air live the Mass from Vatican City in which Pope Benedict XVi will canonize Blessed andre Bessette of Canada, Blessed Mary MacKillop of australia and four others: sunday, Oct. 17, 3:30-6:30 a.m. edt, and reaired 12-3 p.m. edt.

n Stanislaw Soltys (1433-1489) devoted his life to caring for the poor in Krakow.

His reverence for the Eucharist earned him the title of “Apostle of the Eucharist.” n Giulia Salzano (1846-1929) was the first city-paid school teacher in the Italian town of Casoria.

After school, she gathered students in the stairwell of her apartment building to prepare them for their first Communion. In 1905, she founded the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She died May 17, 1929, the day after giving a final quiz to a group of children preparing for first Communion. n Juana Cipitria Barriola (1845-1912) was a champion of education for girls and founded the Daughters of Jesus in 1871. She believed she was called by God to help the young improve their lives through education.

— catholic News service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI opened the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East with a strong call to support the minority Christian population in the region, and said peace and protection of human rights were essential conditions for the Church’s survival there.

Celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 10 with more than 250 synod participants, the pope said the Middle East has a unique place in salvation history as the “cradle” of the Church’s worldwide evangelizing mission.

The synod’s primary goal, he said, was to renew the pastoral energy of Middle Eastern Church communities and strengthen their faith identity, so that they can continue to witness the Gospel to all peoples. That task, he added, goes hand in hand with the Church’s dialogue with Muslims and Jews.

Before the speech-giving began at the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East the next day, the pope offered participants an unusual reflection on the threat of “false gods” that beset the modern world.

After leading prayers in the synod hall, the pope spoke off-the-cuff for about 20 minutes about the meaning of the psalms that were chanted by the 185 synod fathers. He traced humanity’s historical move away from polytheism and focused on the meaning of Christ’s entry into human history.

But, he said, the modern world is still threatened by an array of destructive powers based on “false divinities that must be unmasked.”

These include the ideology of terrorism that purports to act in the name of God, drug abuse that devours human lives like a beast, and a widespread view of marriage that no longer values the virtue of chastity, he said. They also include the “anonymous” economic interests that, instead of belonging to man, enslave and even massacre people, he noted.

The battle against such forces is part of a constant struggle for the Church and for the faith, the pope said.

ViewPoints

18

CaTHoliC news herald

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | October 15, 2010

By the numbers

denise Bossert

God asks us to love Him freely

D

eacon Weishaar shares an interesting fact about God in his first lesson with the confirmation class at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in New Melle, Mo. This is my third year as his assistant, so I know what’s coming. “What is the most dangerous gift God has given to us?” He poses the question and the students stare at him blankly, waiting for him to supply the answer.

“Free will!” he says quite loudly, and all of the students jump in their seats. “God gave you life. He died on a cross for your redemption, but He is the perfect gentleman. He never forces Himself on anyone. Being God, He could make us love Him.” The deacon’s voice gets soft now, as he tries to convey the mystery of such love. “But God doesn’t do it. He lets you decide how you will respond to that kind of love.”

Incredibly, the God who made you also gives you the option of loving Him or turning your back and walking the other way. The Creator of all living things lets you decide how to respond to Perfect Love.

That’s what RCIA class is all about.

The letters stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. But here it is at the most basic level: There is a class that meets every year in every Catholic parish. For those of us raised outside the Church or with no faith at all, we have a way to stick around the Bridegroom and see if He’s for real. We can give Him time to prove Himself to be the Eucharistic Lord Jesus Christ who comes to us in the Holy Mass, under the appearance of bread and wine.

It’s really an invitation to love, but you don’t have to make any statements of love and fidelity until you are ready.

My advice? Stick around and ask Jesus to show you more of Himself.

Call your nearest parish office and ask them about RCIA.

DENisE bossErt entered the Church in 2005. she is a freelance writer and has been published in 40 diocesan newspapers. Contact her at denise. bossert@centurytel.net.

Mary Potter summa

Same-sex marriage: A majority of Americans continue to oppose same-sex ‘marriage’ and consider homosexual behavior immoral

I

Medicine’s abandonment of ‘do no harm’

magine rushing your disabled infant to the hospital because he can’t breathe. He is placed on a ventilator. He is stable and alert. Then, over your objections, the hospital staff decides he is not worth treating.

They stop bathing him, changing his diaper and feeding him. They cut off his ventilator. You sue to save your child.

You may think that’s fiction. Yet, unfortunately, it is a true story which occurred in November 2009 here in the U.S. For centuries in Western culture, the “sanctity of life” ethic governed the practice of medicine. Doctors cured the sick and comforted the dying. Beginning shortly after the turn of the 20th century, ethicists began instead embracing a “quality of life” morality. By the 1990s, it became the ethical foundation of medical education.

Withdrawing artificial food and hydration has become an acceptable way to hasten death. While most states require consent of the patient or his loved ones, two states Cns GraPhiC | eMilY thOMPsOn allow doctors to remove artificial food and sOUrCe: Pew fOrUM On reliGiOn and PUBliC life water over their objections. Most states allow withdrawal only of food and water administered through a feeding tube.

The current medical morality regarding withdrawal of food and hydration stands in opposition to the teaching of the Church.

Catholic respondents, 39 percent recognized “marriage,” 54 percent of those who attend less WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new survey shows The inherent dignity of the human person the behavior as morally wrong while 12 percent than weekly expressed support for it. Because that a majority of Americans continue to oppose dictates that food and water (artificially deemed it morally acceptable and 41 percent said or by mouth) must be administered to a regular churchgoers are a minority among same-sex “marriage” and consider homosexual it is “not a moral issue.”

Catholics, 45 percent of all non-Hispanic white behavior immoral, as the Church teaches. Howpatient unless that patient is actively dying While the Pew Forum characterized this Catholics favor same-sex “marriage” and only 43 ever, opponents of same-sex “marriage” may and unable to assimilate the food – in which response as support for civil unions, the quespercent are opposed. have become more favorable towards allowing case, food and water can be withdrawn tion was broad enough to encompass many other to minimize the pain and suffering of About half of Pew respondents said that homolegal arrangements for homosexual couples. kinds of legal arrangements. sexual behavior is morally wrong, with 9 percent The Washington, D.C.-based Pew Forum on the patient. Withdrawing food and water The Pew survey of 4,013 Americans claims a saying it is acceptable and 35 percent saying it is Religion & Public Life reported that 53 percent should never be used to hasten death. margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage not a moral issue. of Americans say they are opposed to same-sex Ask your doctor: Does she believe in a points.

Only 5 percent of non-Hispanic churchgoing “marriage,” with only 39 percent saying they “sanctity of life” ethic or a “futile care” Catholics said the behavior is morally acceptable, favor legal recognition for the practice.

— catholic News agency morality? Find a priest who understands while 53 percent said it is morally wrong. Thirty While only 30 percent of regularly churchgoing the Church’s teaching on end-of-life issues, percent said it is “not a moral issue.” Among all non-Hispanic white Catholics favored same-sex and understand Catholic teaching yourself.

Your own knowledge can at least make you question a recommended treatment or withdrawal of treatment.

Living in a world where its values collide with Catholic teaching can be the Catholic news herald welcomes letters from readers. we ask that letters be items submitted to the Catholic news herald become the property of the a daunting challenge. It also provides us an opportunity to love a person newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic unconditionally, teach others the truth, formats and archives. issues, and be in good taste. and hopefully, change the world for our Mail: letters to the editor to be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address children and grandchildren.

Survey finds most Americans still against same-sex ‘marriage’

letters policy

and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy. the Catholic news herald does not publish poetry, form letters or petitions.

Catholic news Herald 1123 s. Church st.

Charlotte, n.C. 28203 e-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Mary pottEr sUMMa, J.d., is a member of st. Patrick Cathedral and writes for the magazine “family north Carolina.” read more at www.ncfamily.org.

CaTHoliC news heraldi

October 15, 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

A

Facing death in solidarity and hope

“good death” generally involves the confluence of many elements and events: dying surrounded by our loved ones, preferably in surroundings like a home or hospice setting; receiving proper pain management; making use of reasonable medical treatments (and avoiding unduly burdensome treatments); making peace with family and friends; making peace with God (and receiving the last sacraments); and uniting ourselves with Christ in his hour of suffering.

As we take care of those who are sick and suffering, we face the dual challenge of making ethical treatment decisions for them and ensuring a supportive and humanly enriching environment as they approach their last days and hours.

Sister Diana Bader, O.P., has perceptively described this modern health care challenge: “In the past, death was a community event. Those closest to the patient ministered in a variety of ways: watching and praying with the patient, listening and talking, laughing and weeping. In solidarity, a close community bore the painful experience together. Today, because of the medicalization of the health care setting, death is more often regarded as a failure of medical science.

The dying find themselves isolated from human warmth and compassion in institutions, cut off from access to human presence by technology which dominates the institutional setting in which most details occur.”

Fostering a humanly enriching environment for those facing death often means giving explicit attention to human presence and human contact, even in the midst of a plethora of technology that may surround a patient. This focused effort on our part to be present to those who are dying maintains human solidarity with them, it affirms their dignity as persons, it manifests benevolence towards them, and it maintains the bond of human

father tadeusz Pacholczyk communication with them. It also goes a long way towards helping to overcome their sense of loneliness and their fear of abandonment.

When we show compassion towards others in their suffering, we do far more than express a detached pity towards them. Pope Benedict XVI stated the importance of compassion perhaps most directly in 2007 when he wrote, “A society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to share their suffering and to bear it inwardly through ‘com-passion’ is a cruel and inhuman society. … Indeed, to accept the ‘other’ who suffers, means that I take up his suffering in such a way that it becomes mine also. … The Latin word con-solatio, ‘consolation,’ expresses this beautifully.

It suggests being with the other in his solitude, so that it ceases to be solitude.”

We suffer alongside our loved ones, aware of the abiding inner truth that a part of ourselves suffers and dies whenever another who is near to us suffers and dies. Our communion with them in our shared humanity and our dedicated solidarity in suffering invariably leads us, and those who pass on ahead of us, to share in the mysterious and enduring graces of a good death.

FathEr taDEUsz pacholczyK, Ph.d, is a priest of the diocese of fall river, Mass., and serves as the director of education for the national Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. see www.ncbcenter.org.

Your feedback sought daVid Hains direCtOr Of COMMUniCatiOn

New name, new look, more graphics, more color and more local news. The Catholic News Herald has undergone a complete makeover.

The debut of the redesigned newspaper came with the Oct. 1 edition. With this, the third redesigned edition, the editor and staff of the newspaper would like to know how you feel about the changes.

A link to an eight-question survey can be

found on the newspaper’s web site, www.

CatholicNewsHerald.com. The survey takes about five minutes to fill out.

The diocesan newspaper, first published as The Catholic News & Herald, was created in 1992. Until that time Catholic news came to readers in the Diocese of Charlotte from the North Carolina Catholic, published by the Diocese of Raleigh.

The Catholic News Herald is published 35 times per year and is delivered to nearly 56,000 homes.

19

father frank Pavone

Get the ‘Will to Live’

O

ne of the best things we can do in reference to protecting our own lives from the culture of death is to fill out the “Will to Live” document.

These free documents have been prepared by our friends at National Right to Life, in conjunction with legal experts, to conform to the laws in each of the 50 states.

This document is meant to protect you. The danger in our day is not that we will have treatments we don’t want; the danger, instead, is that we will not have treatments that we do want.

The “Will to Live” lets you indicate in advance that you want the care that is morally obligatory, that you do not want your life to be taken, and that if you cannot speak for yourself, a person you appoint and who shares your values and understands your desires will speak for you.

This arrangement can not only spare your life, but can preserve your loved ones from the confusion and anguish that can happen if they don’t know your wishes.

The “Will to Live” is important, because we cannot predict the future or know in advance what form of sickness or disease we may be afflicted with in the years ahead. We do not know what treatments we will need or what will be available. We do not ever want to pretend, therefore, that we know what kind of medical treatments we will want to use or avoid in the future. It makes no sense to decide on treatments before we even know the disease.

A safe route is to appoint a health care proxy who can speak for you in those cases where you may not be able to speak for yourself. This should be a person who knows your beliefs and values, and with whom you discuss these matters in detail.

That’s much safer than predicting the future.

FathEr FraNK pavoNE is the director of Priests for life. Order a free “will to live” at www. priestsforlife.org. this column, originally published Oct. 7, appears with permission from Catholic exchange.

October 2010 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews PB 381 15, ad_collage_10-7x10-7.qxd:PB 10/7/10

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