Oct. 23, 2009

October 23, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Diocesan Annual Report featured in next week’s issue

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI OCTOBER 23, 2009

Parish wins international award

SERVING CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

by

KatIE MOOrE

Special to The Catholic News & Herald

of festivities that culminated with a Mass on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Flanked by the Knights of Columbus, a procession consisting of members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of

CHARLOTTE — As a long-time chaplain for an ancient order dedicated to serving the poor and the sick, Bishop William G. Curlin has led by example.

Bishop Curlin, Bishop Emeritus of Charlotte, will be presented with the Cross Pro Piis Meritis, an award given to clergy who have performed outstanding service on behalf of the Order of Malta, in Washington, D.C. Oct. 24.

Bishop Curlin was recommended for the award by the Federal association in Washington, D.C., one of three associations of the Order in the United States, and was approved and awarded the recognition by the Sovereign Council of the Order headquartered in Rome.

Officially known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, the Order of Malta was established to care for pilgrims during the Crusades. Today it is an active lay Catholic religious order and a worldwide humanitarian network. The members, called knights and dames, commit to live as defenders of the Catholic faith and to perform works of mercy.

There are about 13,000 members worldwide, with 3,000 in the United States — divided into the American, Western and Federal associations.

Bishop Curlin has been a chaplain for the order for the past 21 years and established a chapter of the Order of Malta in the Diocese of Charlotte in 1995.

See BASILICA, page 9

See MALTA, page 5

by DavID haINs DIrECtOr OF COMMuNICatION

See St. PIUS, page 7

No. 44

Bishop Curlin honored by Order of Malta

St. Pius X recognized for stewardship

GREENSBORO – For encouraging and fostering the gifts of stewardship over decades, St. Pius X Church received the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Award from the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) on Oct. 14. The annual award recognizes one parish in the world for its effective long-term stewardship effort.

The award was presented at the annual ICSC conference in Dallas, Texas. St. Pius X is the eleventh parish to win the award. The 10 other award winners come from American cities as diverse as Youngstown, Ohio and Houston, Texas.

Tracy Welliver, pastoral

VOLUME 18

courtesy photo

the most reverend william G. curlin, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of charlotte, blesses a young boy during a pilgrimage to lourdes, France. members of the Order of malta take groups of sick and disabled people on annual pilgrimages to lourdes. bishop curlin, who serves as chaplain for the order, has led the pilgrimage for the past 17 years.

Basilica of St. Lawrence celebrates jubilee Over one hundred years of faith in Asheville

by CarOlE MCGrOtty Special to The Catholic News & Herald photo by tim reid

clergy, parishioners and visitors fill the basilica of St. lawrence in Asheville for the centennial jubilee mass Oct. 17. bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the mass. the church was designed by renowned architect rafael Guastavino who came to the mountains of North carolina to construct the biltmore House.

ASHEVILLE — Rooted in the past but always moving toward the future, Asheville’s Basilica of St. Lawrence celebrated its centennial jubilee of church dedication in a week

Culture Watch

Around the Diocese

In our Schools

Ecumenical quality control; Sell the Vatican?

RCIA achievement award; Smoky Mountain Strike

Honest Abe visits; Socking it to cancer; Fire truck fun

| pageS 10-11

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| pageS 1 - 1

October 23, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

Catholic war hero

U.S.-Caritas calls for justice in health care ROME (CNS) — A conference on creating partnerships between government and faith-based organizations to fight HIV and AIDS, particularly among children, turned into something of a rally for a more just global distribution of wealth, health and technology.

Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See and Caritas Internationalis, the Oct. 14-16 conference brought together dozens of Catholic religious and lay organizations providing care to people with AIDS, along with representatives from governments, the United Nations and some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical houses.

The fact that “800 children in Africa die every day from AIDSrelated illnesses” is “a terrible tragedy, but it is also a scandal,” said Lesley-Anne Knight, secretarygeneral of Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based umbrella organization

Diocesan planner cns photo courtesy Catholic Advance

U.S. Army chaplain Father Emil Joseph Kapaun is pictured offering Mass in this undated photo. He has an open case for sainthood and is being considered for the U.S. military’s Medal of Honor.

Father Kapaun, Korean War hero, recommended for Medal of Honor WASHINGTON (CNS) — Father Emil Kapaun, the U.S. Army chaplain who saved the lives of dozens of soldiers and died as a prisoner of war in North Korea in 1951, should receive the Medal of Honor, the Army’s top official determined prior to leaving his post in September.

Father Kapaun, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, Kan., was deserving of the honor because of his actions to protect and inspire soldiers, wrote former Secretary of the Army Preston M. Geren III in a letter to Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan. Geren left his position Sept. 21 when a new secretary was sworn in.

A canonization cause for Father Kapaun formally opened June 29, 2008, with a Mass at St. John Nepomucene Church in his hometown of Pilsen.

Church officials in Kansas and elsewhere had been collecting documentation to support the sainthood cause for years prior to its official opening. Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore started the process in 1993 when, as head of the U.S. military archdiocese, he called for Father Kapaun to receive the title servant of God. “After giving this request careful,

personal consideration, I have determined that Chaplain Kapaun’s actions in combat operations and as a prisoner of war in Korea warrant award of the Medal of Honor,” Geren said in the letter.

As far back as 2001, Tiahrt had asked then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to review Father Kapaun’s record.

That record shows the 35-yearold chaplain could have fallen back to safer ground when he and his men were overrun during battle. He chose to stay and was captured along with dozens of soldiers.

Father Kapaun died of starvation and pneumonia May 23, 1951, in the prison in Pyoktong, North Korea. Former prisoners of war said that during his captivity Father Kapaun defied the intimidating Chinese camp guards by praying with captive soldiers, sharing food rations with injured comrades and urging them to resist relentless interrogation.

Some of those held captive with Father Kapaun had petitioned the Army for years to award the medal.

Congress and President Barack Obama must approve the recommendation before the medal can be awarded.

For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese. org/calendarofevents-cn.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — An Ignatian Retreat for Women will be offered at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Biss Hall. The theme for the retreat is “Choices.” Consider setting aside some time for personal reflection, prayer and silence. The retreat will conclude with Mass. Parking is free in The Green parking garage next to the church. To register, call the church office at (704) 332-2901 or e-mail www.retreat4women @gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE — The African Affairs Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte is sponsoring a Black Catholic History Month Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School in Charlotte. The theme this year is, ‘We’ve Come This Far by Faith: Black Catholic Spirituality Past, Present and Future’. Keynote speaker will be Terrial ‘Terry’ Aiken, Youth minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point. For more information, contact Sandy Murdock at the Diocese of Charlotte African Affairs Ministry at (704) 370-3267.

CHARLOTTE — Join Father Patrick Hoare for Encyclical Tuesdays in November from 79 p.m. in the education wing at St. John

for Catholic charities.

It is a scandal “because we can do something about it,” Knight said.

Reliable tests exist for knowing whether a pregnant woman is HIV-positive, therapies exist for drastically reducing her chances of transmitting the virus to her baby and tests exist for determining if an infant has the virus and needs treatment, she said.

But in the poorer countries of the world, too many mothers go untested and too few children receive special pediatric AIDS drugs if they get any treatment at all, she said.

A partnership between the U.S. government and Catholic organizations is essential, said Miguel H. Diaz, the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, since “the United States is the largest donor of global aid (and) the church is the world’s largest aid-delivery organization.”

Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., as he explores Pope Benedict’s third encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate.” This encyclical calls us to see the relationship between human and environmental ecologies while linking charity and truth to the pursuit of justice, the common good and authentic human development. Materials will be provided for this series of workshops. To reserve a space, call (704) 535-4197.

CHARLOTTE — The 2009 Blanket Banquet will be held on the front steps of St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Oct. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Catholics from various Charlotte area parishes are invited to help keep the homeless warm this winter by contributing extra blankets, sleeping bags, gently used coats and backpacks as well as new undergarments and socks for both men and women. All are invited to come to the fellowship reception to distribute the items and share refreshments with brothers and sisters in need. For more information, call Linda Flynn at (704) 366-9889.

CHARLOTTE — Catholic evangelist Steve Ray will visit St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., for three inspiring presentations Oct. 30-31.

The first session, “Steve’s Conversion Story,” will take place Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.; the second session, “The Life of St. Paul,” will be held Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.; and the final session, “The Mystery of the Eucharist,” will be held Oct. 31 at 12:30 p.m. Admission for all three sessions is free.

For more information, call the parish office at (704) 549-1607.

HUNTERSVILLE — A Health Fair will take place at St Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd., Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Approximately 20 organizations will be present giving information of the services and resources they have available for the community. There will be free cholesterol screening, glucose screening, blood Pressure / BMI (Body Mass Index). Free teeth screening for children. Presentations on various health topics will be offered in English and

October 23, 2009 Volume 18 • Number 44

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Interim Editor: Heather Bellemore Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

October 23, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope establishes structure for Episcopalians uniting with Rome Details forthcoming on how diocesan churches will receive new members

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI has established a special structure for Anglicans/Episcopalians who want to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church while preserving aspects of their Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage, said U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada.

Anglicans are members of The Church of England that split from the Roman Catholic Church when King Henry VIII declared himself the head of the church in England in the 16th century. In the United States The Church of England was renamed the Episcopal Church after the American Revolutionary War.

Spanish. For more information, call the church office at (704) 948-0231.

GASTONIA VICARIATE GASTONIA — St. Michael the Archangel Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane, will host Father Scott Daniels from Priests For Life Oct. 24-25. Father Daniels will be the celebrant and homilist for the 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday Masses. He will also speak between the two Sunday Masses (8:45 to 9:45 a.m.) in the Parish Center. A pot luck lunch followed by a talk to the youth and adults concerning chastity and modesty will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Parishioners are also invited to join Father Daniels for prayer outside the abortion facility at 3220 Latrobe Dr., Charlotte, Oct. 24. We will meet at the church at 8 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. For information, contact Deacon Art or Rosemary Kingsley at (828) 713-4341.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — A public rosary crusade to honor Our Lady of Fatima and pray for our nation will take place every Saturday in October at the corner of Hwy. 68 and Skeet Club Rd. at 11:45 a.m. St. Louis de Montfort said, “Public prayer is far more powerful than private prayer to appease the anger of God and call down his mercy, and holy mother church, guided by the Holy Ghost, has always advocated public prayer in times of public tragedy and suffering.” Parking is available in the Big Lots parking lot. For more information, contact Ann Keefe at (336) 434 -4174.

HIGH POINT — A fall session of HOSEA (Hope of Seeing Everyone Again) will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., Wednesdays from 7:15 to 9 p.m. begining Oct. 21 and running for six weeks. If you or someone you know has been away from the Catholic Church but might want to come back, HOSEA is a small group setting where one can ask questions, get answers and find out what is new since they have been away. For information, call Jan Hitch at (336) 884-5097.

The cardinal, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said a new apostolic constitution would establish “personal ordinariates” — similar to dioceses — to oversee the pastoral care of those who want to bring elements of their Anglican identity into the Catholic Church with them.

Anglican priests who are married and desire to serve as priests can be ordained Catholic priests, although married Anglican bishops will not be able to function as Catholic bishops in keeping with the longstanding Catholic and Orthodox tradition of ordaining only unmarried clergy as bishops, Cardinal Levada said.

The cardinal announced the new arrangement during a press conference Oct. 20 at the Vatican. He

GREENSBORO — Laure Hoffman from LifeSteward Ministries will speak on the topic, “What’s Going On Outside the Church with Abstinence, Abortion & Crisis Pregnancy,” at the Oct. 25th session of CoffeeTalk at St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St., at 10:15 a.m.

For more information, call the church office at (336) 272-4681.

said the pope’s apostolic constitution and norms for implementing were undergoing final revisions and would be published in a couple of weeks.

In North Carolina the three Episcopal dioceses are headquartered in Raleigh, Asheville and Wilmington. Diocesan websites report membership of 71,000 people.

By comparison the state’s two Catholic dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh report registered membership of 349,000 Catholics.

In establishing the new jurisdictions, Pope Benedict is responding to “many requests” submitted by individual Anglicans and Anglican groups — including “20 to 30 bishops” — asking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, the cardinal said.

At the same time, Cardinal Levada explained, the new provision does not weaken the commitment of the Vatican to promoting Christian unity, but is a recognition that many Anglicans share the Catholic faith and that Anglicans have a spiritual and liturgical life worth preserving.

“It has always been the principal aim

— the principal aim — to achieve the full, visible unity” of the Catholic Church and Anglican Communion, the cardinal said.

But given recent changes within many Anglican provinces with the ordination of women priests and bishops, and the acceptance of homosexuality in some areas, the prospect of full unity “seemed to recede,” he said.

The church recognizes and welcomes those Anglicans who fully share the Catholic faith, agree with the Catholic doctrine that only men can be ordained priests and recognize the role of the bishop of Rome — the pope — as the sign and guarantor of church unity, he said.

Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the church in America “stands ready to collaborate” with the Vatican in implementing a new provision to receive Anglicans into the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Levada said the norms for admitting Episcopalians into the Catholic Church will be published by the Vatican, “in the next couple of weeks.”

David Hains diocesan Director of Communication contributed to this story.

Laws of life

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE MURPHY — A weekend of healing for divorced Catholics sponsored by St. William Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission will be held Oct. 30-31. The Friday session will take place at St. William Church, 765 Andrews Rd., at 5:45 p.m. and the Saturday session will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission, US Hwy. 64 W., Hayesville, at 12 p.m. The program, facilitated by Dave Tilly, will deal with common misconceptions regarding marriage issues and the Catholic Church. For more information, call (828) 837-2000.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., will be holding a free seminar on “How to Find the Hidden Job Market” Oct. 27. There is no charge for the seminar and dinner is included. This outreach effort is designed to meet the needs of the unemployed/under-employed throughout the Diocese of Charlotte. For more information, contact the church office at (336) 724-0561.

cns photo by

Nancy Wiechec

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor talks with Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl following the 56th annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

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 catholicnews@charlottediocese. org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

in Washington Oct. 4. At the special Mass, the church asks God’s guidance for those in the work of adjudicating and governing.

This year the Red Mass coincided with the Catholic Church’s yearly celebration of Respect Life Sunday. The principal celebrant, Anchorage Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, delivered a homily on marriage, the complementarity of man and woman, and the “wondrous gift of procreating human life.”Leaders, lawmakers and judges, he said, must work to protect

Episcopal

calendar

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

Oct. 25 (3 p.m.)

Wedding Anniversaries Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Oct. 28 (6:30 p.m.)

Friends of Seminarians dinner Bishop’s residence

Oct. 26 (7 p.m.)

Sacrament of confirmation Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Annual investiture of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Washington, DC

those blessings for the good of all humankind.

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.

The Catholic News & Herald

October 23, 2009

in the news

A seed of hope

World Mission Day funds serve universal church by

courtesy photo

Sister RoseMary Boessen, R.S.M., receives the Lumen Christi award, the nation’s highest honor for a missionary, from Father Jack Wall in Twin Falls, Idaho Oct. 7. The Most Reverend Michael Patrick Driscoll, Bishop of the Diocese of Boise, looks on. Sister RoseMary is a missionary in an isolated region of southern Idaho.

Nation’s highest honor for missionary given to champion of poor in rural america CHICAGO (CNS)—Catholic Church Extension Society has named Sister RoseMary Boessen, R.S.M., of the Diocese of Boise the recipient of the 2009 Lumen Christi Award, the nation’s highest honor given annually to a missionary, in recognition of her exceptional service to the poor and isolated in southern Idaho.

For 32 years, the Lumen Christi Award, Latin for “Light of Christ,” has been presented annually to an individual serving in one of America’s mission dioceses to better the lives of those in need. In addition to the award, the recipient receives $25,000, as does the recipient’s diocese.

Nominated for the 2009 award by Bishop Michael Driscoll of the Diocese of Boise, Sister RoseMary, of Twin Falls, ID, has dedicated her life to the people of southern Idaho, developing religious education programs, establishing a group foster home for teenage girls, ministering to prisoners, and supporting and empowering the growing Hispanic population in the area.

In 1993, Sr. RoseMary founded La Posada, a nonprofit organization that assists Hispanics living in the diocese. In 2008 alone, La Posada programs served 3,000 people.

“On behalf of all of our donors who give so generously to Catholic Extension, we are deeply honored to name Sister RoseMary the 2009 Lumen Christi Award recipient in recognition of the innovation and creativity she has brought to the challenge of meeting the needs of many with few resources,” said Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension. “The Lumen Christi Award is one way Catholic Extension fulfills its mission to enable countless men and women like Sister RoseMary to live Christ’s command to, ‘Go out and bring good news to the poor.’”

Lumen Christi Award nominations are accepted from bishops of more than 80 mission dioceses that receive support from Catholic Extension. This year, 36

individuals were nominated, and the recipient was selected by a panel of judges comprised of church leaders, Catholic Extension donors and past recipients that included: Mr. Arturo Chavez, Mexican American Catholic College; Sunny Chico, Extension donor; Dr. Carol Cottrill, 2008 Lumen Christi Award Recipient; Bishop Joseph Howze, First Bishop of Biloxi; Lawrence Hyde, Extension donor; Peter Maren, Extension donor; Bob Newhart, actor and Extension donor.

Sister RoseMary was selected among many nominees in appreciation for the nearly 40 years she has tirelessly devoted to serving southern Idaho.

“Time and again, and with very little support, Sister RoseMary has built effective, lasting ministries that serve the marginalized, the poorest of the poor,” said Chris Plunkett, Lumen Christi Award regional judge. “I noted the tremendously high esteem that so many have for her, and was particularly impressed by the ripple effect that her example has had in her community.”

For more than 50 years, Sr. RoseMary has served as a Sister of Mercy, an international order of Roman Catholic women religious who have taken vows to serve those experiencing poverty, sickness and lack of education.

A celebration and Mass to honor Sr. RoseMary was held in Twin Falls Oct. 7.

About Catholic Church Extension Society For more than 100 years, the Chicagobased Catholic Church Extension Society has supported Catholic missions in the U.S. by funding church construction, religious education and seminary formation, campus and outreach ministries, evangelization, and salaries for missionaries. Catholic Extension is the leading supporter of Catholic missions in the U.S. and has distributed more than $450 million over its history.

FATHER MARK LAWLOR Guest columnist

Through the centuries, the faith has been proclaimed to people throughout the world. In his message for this year’s World Mission Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI noted that the universal Church knows neither borders nor frontiers and is aware of her responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to the world.

Our Holy Father explained that it is the duty of the Church, called to be a seed of hope, to continue Christ’s service in the world and to strive to transform the world through the proclamation of the Gospel of love.

Ultimately, our missionary efforts are directed to the salvation of souls, but Pope Benedict acknowledged real material needs and encouraged financial support for the missions.

A means for missions I was recently appointed by Bishop Peter J. Jugis as the new diocesan director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith after my good friend and brother priest, Monsignor Anthony Kovacic, concluded 14 years of service in this office.

Since my appointment, I have received requests for mission appeals from dioceses, religious orders, agencies and ministries throughout the world.

As we receive many more requests than we can accommodate, one of my tasks as diocesan director will be to evaluate these requests and recommend to the diocese which mission appeals will be accepted for 2010 and which parishes should host the appeals.

In 2008, 46 parishes responded to the Missionary Cooperative Plan and donated over $240,000. Approximately half of our parishes will be asked to host a mission appeal next year.

Enthusiastic support I have seen that there is a missionary spirit in our diocese. Several parishes have supported missions in other parts of the world and many priests and lay persons have been on mission trips.

In our parish, St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte, we have supported the missions in the jungle region of Peru for the last three years as a ‘Sister Parish Project.’

We also recently supported the construction of a home for mothers and children that is a ministry of the Missionaries of the Poor in Jamaica.

I know that many parishes regularly support mission projects.

I humbly ask the parishioners of the diocese to be generous to the Missionary Cooperative Appeals in your parish and to support the ongoing mission of the Church.

Even in the midst of a recession, we have much for which to be thankful.

There are areas in the world where resources are very limited. There remains a great need for evangelists, missionaries and catechists — in foreign missions as well as here in home missions.

Supporting the missions unites us with our brothers and sisters throughout the Church. We have a shared mission.

Pope Benedict wrote that: “Christ is the answer to a troubled world as His Gospel message brings hope and can change one’s life for the better.”

Father Lawlor is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

October 23, 2009

FrOm tHe cOVer

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Bishop Curlin honored MALTA, from page 1

“The work Bishop Curlin has done to develop the order in the Diocese of Charlotte has not been a single act, but a significant commitment on his part over a number of years,” said Jackie Gallagher, a member of the Committee on Awards and Decorations for the Order of Malta.

Starting from scratch When Bishop Curlin was installed Bishop of Charlotte in 1994, there were two members of the order living in Charlotte — Harry Grim, who was a member of the Western association, and Chuck Grace, who was a member of the American association.

Bishop Curlin met with Grim and Grace and asked them to transfer to the Federal association and to help him begin building a chapter in Charlotte.

“With their help and inspiration the order has grown here beautifully,” said Bishop Curlin.

The chapter now has more than 30 knights and dames of the Federal association with several applicants in place for 2009 and 2010.

As chaplain of the Charlotte chapter, Bishop Curlin celebrates Mass for the knights and dames every first Friday, as well as on the feast of St. John the Baptist and Christmas. He also serves

“Retirement has freed me from administrative work so I can devote my time totally to spiritual work.”

— Bishop Curlin as a spiritual director for members of the order.

“Bishop Curlin’s activities with the order flow from his own personal love for the sick and the poor,” said Gallagher.

“He always has paid special attention to those marginalized by society, helping to establish soup kitchens, a home for battered women and children, and with Mother Teresa’s support, a home for those dying of AIDS,” said Gallagher.

“He has served as chaplain to the AIDS victims and helped them face death with the love of Christ in their souls.”

A special devotion One of the order’s principal works is taking groups of sick and disabled people on an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Knights and dames in the Diocese of Charlotte are faithful participants in this pilgrimage and Bishop Curlin has made the pilgrimage for the past 17 years.

Members of the Order of Malta “recognize that by actively serving the poor and the sick they are serving Christ,” said Bishop Curlin. “They must

courtesy photo

bishop william G. curlin delivers a homily during a mass in the grotto at lourdes, France. the bishop’s annual retreat to the shrine in southwestern France is part of his service as chaplain to the Order of malta. bishop curlin helped establish the Order of malta in the Diocese of charlotte in 1995. He will receive the cross Pro Piis meritis, an award given to clergy who perform outstanding service on behalf of the order, in washington D.c. Oct. 24. make a commitment to engage actively in these works of charity and love. The pilgrimage to Lourdes is one of the ways in which they very actively serve those who are physically ill.”

The church has recognized as miracles 67 cures attributed to Mary’s intercession at Lourdes, but pilgrims believe many more undocumented miracles have also occurred.

Each year, more than 5 million pilgrims bathe in or drink the spring water at Lourdes in search of a miraculous cure, but there is more to be gained than just physical healing.

“The main healing is spiritual — a deepening of your faith and an understanding of how to accept suffering as the passion of Jesus in one’s life,” said Bishop Curlin.

Continuing service Bishop Curlin retired as Bishop of Charlotte in 2002, but has continued to provide ministerial support in the diocese and beyond.

He helps pastors in the diocese by celebrating Masses at parishes when there is a need and, like all priests, he

stays busy administering the sacraments.

“Retirement has freed me from administrative work so I can devote my time totally to spiritual work,” he said.

“It is a blessing to be able to visit the sick and offer help and comfort to their families,” said Bishop Curlin.

Bishop Curlin is also in high demand as a retreat director for priests, religious and lay people across the United States.

“Anyone who knows Bishop Curlin comes to consider him a friend,” said Gallagher. “He lives his own life by following the advice he gives all of us in the order, and that is to ‘allow the Jesus in us to see the Jesus in others,’” she said.

“That’s what Mother Teresa said,” added Bishop Curlin. “When you rise up in the morning God wakes up in you; and through you, Jesus reveals his presence to others.”

“Everyone makes that commitment through baptism,” said Bishop Curlin.

“Through baptism you actually have become the presence of Christ in this world.”

Contributing to this story was Catholic News Service.

This conference will dive deep into Pope John Paul II’s teachings, addressing the most basic truths and questions of human existence.

Speaker: Bill Donaghy of the Theology of the Body Institute

Saturday, Nov. 21 — Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville Adults: 9am — 3pm Teens: 6:30 — 8:30pm Info: basilicatob@gmail.com Co-sponsored by the Natural Family Planning Program of Catholic Social Services

courtesy photo

bishop william G. curlin blesses mercy Sister Pauline clifford of Sacred Heart convent in belmont, during a pilgrimage to lourdes, France.

The Catholic News & Herald

In THe News

Christ’s mission called source, strength of church’s care for migrants MALVERN, Pa. (CNS) — Those who care for migrants and refugees are not motivated “simply by good will or a commitment to justice,” but by the fact that the Son of God was “a stranger in a foreign land” and reached out to the marginalized, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia said in an Oct. 8 homily.

Christ’s mission “is the source and strength of our work on behalf of forced migrants and refugees, asylees and immigrants, and victims of human trafficking,” the cardinal said.

In his public ministry, Christ “sought out the marginalized and those who were on the outskirts,” Cardinal Rigali said.

“And he went even further: He suffered, died and was buried. He went down among the dead to seek out the lost and he rose again victorious.”

The cardinal gave the homily during a Mass in Malvern, in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, that was celebrated during a regional convening of Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope, the U.S. bishops’ campaign for comprehensive immigration reform.

The campaign’s goals are to educate the public and Catholic community about migration and immigrants; create political will for positive immigration reform; work for enactment of legislative and administrative reforms based on the bishops’ principles; and organize Catholic networks to help qualified immigrants obtain the benefits of reform.

Cardinal Rigali said the church’s mission to migrants and refugees anticipates the time described in the Gospel of Matthew when Christ “comes in his glory” and “all the nations will be assembled before him.”

“Our gathering here this morning and your work every day anticipate that gathering of the nations, that unity of the peoples, that assembly of all the citizens of the world,” he said.

“There will be no walls or fences, no camps or detention centers, no raids or human smuggling, no dishonesty or violence, no exploitation by employers, and no downtrodden classes or unrecognized status,” he continued.

“And from that vantage point, the Lord Jesus will call together, gather into an even greater unity, those who ... have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked and visited the imprisoned.”

The church’s welcoming of the stranger and those in need “is more than polite manners or proper etiquette,” he said, because “Jesus calls us to love those who suffer” and he “abides with those who are suffering.”

Cardinal Rigali continued: “When we care for victims of human trafficking, when we assist refugees in resettlement, when we advance the work of children’s services, when we uphold the human dignity and human rights of those who are undocumented, when we offer haven and protection to those seeking asylum, when we offer safe passage, respect and opportunities to immigrants, we also welcome the Lord Jesus.”

October 23, 2009

Confront Global Poverty initiative

“Our moral status as a nation, as citizens and as believers is founded immediately on our ability to welcome and care for the weakest among us.” cns photo by Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters

— Cardinal Rigali

He said that “the work of organizing, advocacy, communication and Catholic moral teaching in social justice is our response to the voice of Jesus.”

“Our moral status as a nation, as citizens and as believers is founded immediately on our ability to welcome and care for the weakest among us,” he added.

He said it was no accident that the author of the day’s reading from the Book of Deuteronomy used “the alien, the orphan, the widow” four times.

“In fact,” he said, “the laws of worship of the Deuteronomic Code are closely aligned with caring for the poor and acting with justice. The ancient pilgrimage feasts of the Israelites required the participation of the poor for validity as worship.”

Cardinal Rigali also referred to what Pope Benedict XVI said about migration in his social encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”), released in June. He said the pope emphasized that international collaboration and cooperation are essential to human migration policies.

He quoted from the 2002 joint pastoral letter of the Mexican and U.S. bishops, “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope”: “Conversion of mind and heart leads to communion expressed through hospitality on the part of receiving communities and a sense of belonging and welcome on the part of those in the communities where migrants are arriving.”

The cardinal affirmed the church’s work on behalf of “migrants and refugees, immigrants and those who seek asylum, and to victims of human trafficking and children who are orphaned, displaced and suffering.”

“We seek to secure adequate medical care and nutrition, to advance education and the recognition of rights, to provide resettlement and regularization,” he said.” As we offer these works of charity and justice in their various forms, the Lord Jesus recognizes them and sends the Holy Spirit so that our work may help advance and deepen the unity of the children of God.”

A homeless child stands in front of a pot and a make-shift hut in late March in Nosybe, Madagascar.

The U.S. Bishops and Catholic Relief Services say more than 250,000 Catholics are praying for those in poverty as well as advocating for policies that will address the bleak situation. The goal of the initiative is to reach one million Catholics.

Global poverty initiative reaches more than 250,000 U.S. Catholics WASHINGTON (CNS) — More than 250,000 Catholics have been reached through the Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative, a joint effort by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services to address the root causes of global poverty through education and advocacy.

In less than seven months, the initiative has reached one quarter of its goal to mobilize one million Catholics, according to a recent announcement from the USCCB and CRS, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief and development agency.

The initiative calls on Catholics to learn about and share the stories of those struggling to rise above extreme poverty, to pray for the world’s poorest people and to approach policymakers on the issue as advocates for the poor worldwide.

“The global financial crisis is having a devastating impact on people here and the poor around the world, and the progress that has been made could be wiped out for decades to come,” Ken Hackett, CRS president, said in a statement. “In a world where an estimated 1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty, the message of the church is clear. As Catholics, we are called to help our brothers and sisters in need.”

Catholics Confront Global Poverty was launched in February 2009 in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s 2009 message for the World Day of Peace, titled “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace.”

Through his encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”), the pope reiterated his plea for richer nations to stand with people living in poverty and take action, especially in light of the global financial crisis.

“Through support for economically

poor countries by means of financial plans inspired by solidarity ... not only can true economic growth be generated, but a contribution can be made toward sustaining the productive capacities of rich countries that risk being compromised by the crisis,” he said in the encyclical.

As of mid-September, the USCCB and CRS said, more than 250,000 Catholics — in parishes, in schools and universities, and in communities of men and women religious — have been connected to grass-roots efforts to raise awareness of global poverty.

Participants in the initiative are involved in social networking, presentations and prayers, and many have sent messages to and visited with their elected officials on legislative measures to fight global poverty.

The USCCB and CRS said grassroots advocacy by Catholics who objected to cuts in the 2010 State Foreign Operations Appropriations bill helped protect funding for anti-poverty initiatives.

“This is a great example of how our advocacy work benefits those we serve overseas while at the same time providing opportunities for Catholics to act on their faith and join the work of CRS,” Hackett said.

The initiative asks Catholics to take action on issues such as improving and increasing U.S. international assistance; strengthening international peacekeeping and peace-building initiatives; reforming global trade and agriculture policies; ensuring that poorer countries’ natural resources are used in ways that protect the environment; promoting comprehensive immigration reform; and addressing global climate change.

October 23, 2009

International award for Greensboro church St. PIUS, from page 1

associate at St. Pius X Church, made a presentation to the conference that described the stewardship activities and the results achieved at the parish since it first adopted stewardship in 1986. “In the early days the parish was involved in a lot of different stewardship activities but we didn’t use that terminology,” said Welliver.

St. Pius X Church traces its stewardship roots to community outreach such as the support of Dolan Manor, a 57-unit low income HUD-subsidized housing complex built on parish property.

Their involvement grew 10 years ago when a partnership was forged between the parish and a community in the mountains of Manazo, Peru. Over the years 125 parishioners have traveled to the South American community and have helped to advance health care in the community, funded the first village telephone system and provided funding to rebuild a church.

Welliver says the stewardship message is delivered through everything from brochures to prayer cards to sermons. Ninety percent of the messages emphasize the gifts of time and talent while only 10 percent focus on treasure.

The 12-member stewardship commission also organizes an annual ministry day, as well as a day of reflection that is open to all parishioners of St. Pius X Church.

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church stated, “Over the years we have moved from seeing stewardship as a program or a way of getting people to volunteer toward a vision of stewardship as a way of life.

Through our stewardship, we embrace the imperative of the mission of the church – ‘to go and teach all the nations the Good News.’ Our stewardship is the concrete means to live the consistent mandate of Christ, His great Mandatum

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in the news

- to serve. Far more than volunteering we are seeing stewardship as accepting the responsibility that comes with the freedom of being the children of God.” Of receiving the award, Msgr.

Marcaccio stated, “In this Year For Priests, I thank God for the unmerited grace and privilege that is mine to serve and shepherd this parish family as it answers its baptismal call and grows to full stature in Christ.”

The parish credits stewardship with significant growth in several areas. Mass attendance has increased by 24 percent over the past five years, a number that exceeds the 18 percent overall growth of the parish.

Ministry involvement among parishioners has grown as well. Currently 50 percent of St. Pius X Church’s 4,200 registered members are involved in 85 ministries.

Although giving, or treasure, is less emphasized, the parish has seen offertory giving rise by nearly 60 percent over the last nine years. St. Pius X Church is also the first parish in the diocese to exceed a million dollars in its endowment, primarily through a focus on planned giving.

Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development and president of the ICSC board said, “When stewardship is practiced in a parish community, the lives of the individual members are transformed as well as the parish community itself.”

The Murphy award is named for the late Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy of Seattle who championed the concept of stewardship throughout his priestly ministry. Archbishop Murphy died in 1994. The award was created by the ICSC in 1997.

For parishes that are considering approaching their ministerial and volunteer activities through stewardship, Welliver has some advice: “You don’t have to start everything at once,” he says.

“You are never going to be truly ready, so it is best to follow the advice of the Nike slogan and ‘Just Do It.’”

photo courtesy

Pictured at the International Catholic Stewardship Council meeting in Dallas, Texas are Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development; Pat Spivey; Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio; Tracy Welliver; Karen Lizotte; Anne Knapke; Ben Yorks; Patti Dunning; Barb Gaddy; Kim Knox; Liz Pendergrass. Gaddy is the assistant director of development for the diocese. Everyone else in the photo is from St. Pius X Church in Greensboro which won the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy award for their outstanding stewardship effort over the past 23 years.

photo courtesy of Asheville Area

Habitat for Humanity

Members of the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity pause to smile before raising the walls for the eleventh Interfaith House in Enka Oct 18.

Different faiths construct common goal Interfaith community builds Habitat home by

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMEIDER correspondent

In addition to building homes, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH) has helped to build ties among area churches for the eleven years interfaith houses have been under construction.

“This project is in partnership among the churches in the area,” said Betsy Warren, House Sponsor Coordinator.

“In this day and age where everybody talks about hate and violence across faiths worldwide, the interfaith house has people from different denominations come together and work together to build a house for a family in need. It becomes a peace-making initiative.”

The 2009 Interfaith House for AAHH is located in Enka. Members from area churches united in their efforts to build the 884-square-foot home.

Baha’i Faith Center; Congregation Beth HaTephila; Beth Israel Synagogue; First Christian Church of Asheville; First Congregational Church; Jubilee!

Community; Inc.; the parishes of St. Eugene Church, St. Barnabas Church, the Basilica of St. Lawrence, St. Margaret Mary Church; Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville and Unity Center of Fletcher/Mills River are not only giving their time and talents to the project through volunteers, but also have committed to working toward raising $25,000 toward funding of the project.

In addition to the dedication of the workers on this house, new residents will be doubly rewarded since the Asheville Area Habitat organization tithes housefor-house. Funding is provided to build a home in another country for every home that is built in Buncombe County.

Countries currently receiving these funds include Guatemala, Mozambique, Egypt, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The house in Enka, begun in August of this year, is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by December. At this time, painting has been completed, interior trim work is underway, and the home is ready for cabinet installation.

“Other Habitat affiliates and Habitat International expressed disbelief that we could have so many different faiths work together on a house,” said Warren.

“Now the other affiliates from across the country call and ask us how we do it.”

Through commitment to community and to God, these churches build homes for those who need their help. Catholic churches in the Asheville area bring the tenets of faith into action alongside others who seek to serve God and humanity.

The Catholic News & Herald

October 23, 2009

Around the Diocese

Bowled over

Pro-Life and Marriage Enrichment Speaker

Two opportunities to hear

Father Matthew Habiger, OSB HOPEFUL – INSPIRING – INFORMATIVE courtesy photo

First-place team members from Andrews hold their trophy after the Angie Harris Memorial Bowling Tournament hosted by St. William Church in Murphy on Oct. 9.

Team members pictured (from left) include Keisha Lecata, Sue Ensley, Judy Bailey, Josh Chatham and Tim Martin.

The 108 bowlers from Andrews, Cherokee and Franklin were accompanied by volunteers. This was the 27th year that St. William has hosted this event.

RCIA thanks

Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, former president and chairman of the board for Human Life International, currently is serving with Natural Family Planning Outreach. He has been a guest on EWTN and lectured on life issues in 55 countries.

* Learn how contraceptives cause unplanned pregnancies * Learn how Natural Family Planning creates virtue and strengthens marriage * Meet practicing couples and teachers of Natural Family Planning * Natural Family Planning is healthy, effective and empowering FRIDAY, November 6 7-8pm Speaker (refreshments at 6:30pm) Our Lady of Grace School Library Greensboro

SATURDAY, November 7 10-11am Speaker (refreshments at 9am) St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall Mocksville

RSVP by November 4: 252-917-4263 or cssnfp@charlottediocese.org Co-sponsored by Catholic Social Services Natural Family Planning Program

courtesy photo

Carlos Castañeda of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte proudly displays his RCIA Achievement Award. Linda Licata, Chairperson of the Diocesan RCIA Commission, shares the moment with him on Oct. 14. The award is a pin in the shape of the diocesan shield. Castañeda is retiring after 12 years of service to the Diocesan RCIA Commission.

Cris Villapando, Ph.D., diocesan director of faith formation programs, created the commission to help the bishop and pastors of the diocese in forming parish leaders who assist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Members of the commission are volunteers from across the diocese.

October 23, 2009

Jubilee in Asheville BASILICA, from page 1

Jerusalem was followed by altar servers, priests and bishops.

Always beautiful, the basilica was resplendent with flowers on the pews, beneath the Stations of the Cross, on the altar and communion rails. Some were spread on gold cloths marking the red and gold colors of the basilica.

In his homily, Bishop Peter J. Jugis noted that James Cardinal Gibbons proclaimed at the church’s consecration in 1920 that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The bishop stated that the basilica still inspires us today and that Jesus Christ is the one who says to each of us, “Come follow me.”

Bishop Jugis said the church’s stained glass windows proclaim the presence of Jesus Christ even when no one is in the building. “Everything in this church speaks to us of Jesus Christ,” the bishop said. “The risen Christ presides over this assembly and reigns supreme over this parish family. Every Mass brings you into communion with Christ Himself in Holy Communion.”

After the Mass, Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor of St. Lawrence Church,

FrOm tHe cOVer

read a letter from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Papal Nuncio to the United States for Pope Benedict XVI, conferring his Apostolic Blessing on the people of the parish.

Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Jugis was Bishop Emeritus Joseph Howze of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi. Bishop Howze was pastor of St. Anthony’s church in Asheville and became pastor of St. Lawrence when the two churches merged. He also celebrated the Sunday noon Mass and spoke to the congregation, his voice amazingly strong at the age of 86.

Also concelebrating were: Abbott Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Msgr.

David Brockman, representing Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh; Msgr. John J. McSweeney, former pastor; Father Morris Boyd, parochial vicar of St. Lawrence Church; Father Larry LoMonaco, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Waynesville; Father John Pagel, former pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church; and Father Frank Seabo, former parochial vicar of the basilica. Deacon Richard Voegele assisted at Mass.

After Saturday’s celebratory Mass, clergy, parishioners, visitors, Asheville civic leaders and residents attended a reception at the Haywood Hotel in downtown Asheville.

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bishop Jugis delivers the solemn blessing at the end of the centennial Jubilee mass at the basilica of St. lawrence in Asheville.

Save $500 per couple before December 1st!

Bring friends and family for the Diocese of Charlotte’s cruise to

The Spectacular Capitals of Scandinavia

plus St. Petersburg - Russia, Berlin and London!

July 9 - 22, 2010

photos by tim reid

Asheville mayor terry bellamy (center) speaks to Father wilbur thomas, pastor of the basilica of St. lawrence, and centennial jubilee chair Alice cella. mayor bellamy read a pronouncement declaring Oct. 17 as basilica of St. lawrence Day in Asheville.

Providing help. Creating hope. Changing lives.

Catholic Social Services — The Diocese of Charlotte London – Copenhagen – Berlin – Tallinn – St. Petersburg – Helsinki – Stockholm

Your 13-day excursion includes: - Round-trip airfare from Charlotte to London - All meals while onboard the Norwegian Sun luxury ship - Port taxes paid for visits to all of the following: Dover, England – Copenhagen, Denmark – Berlin, Germany – Tallinn, Estonia – St. Petersburg (2 full days!) – Helsinki, Finland – Stockholm, Sweden - Airport and pier transfers in London - Daily Mass onboard ship with our own priest

PLUS - SPECIAL OPTIONAL LONDON STAY: July 8 & 9 — hotel/breakfast/city tour -- just $350!

Early Booking Price —INCLUDING AIRFARE and PORT TAXES – starts at just $2,699!

Price is per person (based on double occupancy) and $350 deposit before December 1, 2009. Government fees and fuel charges are an additional $251 (subject to change before departure).

For a brochure or info: Cindi Feerick at the diocese -- 704/370-3332 or ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org.

Travel with the diocese— we take care of the worries – you take care of the fun!

Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3227 Associate Director: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3250 Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-6930 Family Life: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3228 Justice and Peace: Joe Purello (704) 370-3225 OEO/CSS Murphy Satellite Office (828) 835-3535 Charlotte Region: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Jacqueline Crombie (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second St., Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: Diane Bullard (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office (336) 274-5577 Latino Family Center (336) 884-5858

For information on specific programs, please call your local office.

1123 South Church Street, Charlotte NC 28203 www.cssnc.org

October 23, 2009

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

WORD TO LIFE Sunday Scripture Readings: Nov. 1, 2009

November 1, All Saints Connecting Christians

Cycle B Readings: 1) Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Psalm 24:1b-6 2) 1 John 3:1-3 3) Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

Saints among us Extraordinary faith in ordinary lives

by JEAN DENTON catholic news service

cns photo by Paul

Haring

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, presents his book on ecumenical dialogue during a press conference at the Vatican Oct. 15. The book, titled “Harvesting the Fruits: Basic Aspects of Christian Faith in Ecumenical Dialogue,” covers 40 years of dialogue with mainline Protestant churches.

Ecumenical quality control Cardinal reviews 40 years of dialogue VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Cardinal Walter Kasper, the Vatican’s chief ecumenist, tried to harvest the fruits of 40 years of dialogue with the mainline Protestant churches, he did it by the piece, not the bushel.

The result is a 207-page book, “Harvesting the Fruits: Basic Aspects of Christian Faith in Ecumenical Dialogue,” which celebrates abundant growth in understanding among Christians, but with a sharp sense of quality control.

The book bears the cardinal’s name as author, although others had a hand in the project: former and current members of the cardinal’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the cardinalmembers of the council and theologians from other Christian communities.

Four decades of official Catholic dialogues with the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Methodist Council and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches have led to recognition of a strong shared faith in Jesus Christ and the Trinity, the content of the creed and baptism, the book said.

It highlighted a “fresh and renewed understanding of the relation between Scripture and tradition” and the almost miraculous agreements with Lutherans and Methodists on justification — how people are made righteous in the eyes of

God — which was the key dispute of the Protestant Reformation.

But it acknowledged serious differences in understanding and in practice regarding the meaning of ordination and who can be ordained, the question of authority in the church and who exercises it, and how Christian communities can determine what constitutes an authentic interpretation of Scripture.

In addition, the book acknowledges that while many of the historic disputes that kept Christians divided have been overcome, differences over new ethical problems — particularly concerning human sexuality — are moving some of the churches further apart and even creating new divisions within individual Christian communities.

T h e c a r d i n a l , h i s s t a ff a n d representatives of the Catholic Church’s four dialogue partners will gather in February to study the book as the basis for a discussion on “the future of Western ecumenism,” Cardinal Kasper said.

Presenting the book at the Vatican, Cardinal Kasper said that even the people working on it were “positively surprised at how much has been accomplished in these years. It is a very rich harvest that overcomes the polemics and the great historical problems of the Reformation.”

Emmett Starnes was never canonized. But I’m fairly certain he lives among the communion of saints.

The Gospel reading for the feast of All Saints offers Jesus’ beatitudes: an approach to life that assures trials ... but promises ultimate happiness in the presence of God. It is the life of courageous, faithful obedience to God, that has been shown to us by all the saints.

Including Emmett Starnes.

Emmett was a coal miner in Kentucky in the 1930s, a young widower with four school-age children. I learned his story from his daughter, Pauline, now 88.

Her father, who supervised other miners, knew firsthand the hardship they suffered along with their families. He was keenly aware of exploitation by their employers through unfair labor practices, poor wages and an unhealthy, unsafe work environment.

When a miners union came to

the area, Emmett began attending the meetings. Here was a man who “hungered and thirsted for righteousness,” in the words of the beatitudes. For years he and several fellow miners fought for unionization, “but every time they tried to get together they got shot at,” Pauline said.

When local miners went on strike, her father’s adversaries promised violence.

“They said they were going to kidnap his kids. They threatened to kill us,” she remembered.

“We stayed scared,” Pauline recalled.

“They were after my daddy. I know one time he came home with a bullet hole in his hat.”

While the company prevailed, Emmett persisted in his efforts to organize the workers at great personal risk, and even had to move his family to a neighboring town.

But one night as he drove home from an organizing meeting, someone shot out Emmett’s tires, causing him to wreck his car. He died a short time later as a result.

Emmett never witnessed the righteous end for which he lived and died. But Jesus promised, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus offers us hope in the resurrection. Our Catholic tradition says that means joining the communion of saints — those faithful ones who stood fast for the kingdom of God. Our call is to live in a way worthy of standing with Emmett and those “blessed” who have gone before us.

Questions: Who have you known personally who is a model of courageous faithfulness?

What can you do to become more closely bound with the communion of saints?

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of October 25-31 Sunday (Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:4652; Monday, Romans 8:12-17, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday, Romans 8:18-21; Wednesday (Saints Simon and Jude), Ephesians 2:19-22, Luke 6:12-16; Thursday, Romans 8:31-39, Luke 13:31-35; Friday, Romans 9:1-5, Luke 14:1-6; Saturday, Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29, Luke 14:1, 7-11.

Scripture for the week of November 1-7 Sunday (All Saints), Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12; Monday (All Souls), Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, John 6:37-40; Tuesday (St. Martin de Porres), Romans 12:516, Luke 14:15-24; Wednesday (St. Charles Borromeo), Romans 13:8-10, Luke 14:25-33; Thursday, Romans 14:7-12, Luke 15:1-10; Friday, Romans 15:14-21, Luke 16:1-8; Saturday, Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27, Luke 16:9-15.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

October 23, 2009

Sell the Vatican?

Nigerian archbishop calls the idea ‘stupid’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Sell the Vatican to help the poor?

U.S. comedian Sarah Silverman might think it’s a great idea, but a Nigerian archbishop called the suggestion offensive and “stupid.”

Africans from poor countries admire the Vatican, and have no desire to dismantle it, Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja told reporters at a briefing on the Synod of Bishops for Africa Oct. 16.

“The few poor people who come here have never said, ‘Oh, why don’t you sell this and give us money for food.’

They always say, ‘What a beautiful place.’ They admire it ... maybe because man does not live by bread alone,” the archbishop said.

“I think the joke is not only offensive, but in bad taste and stupid. What they should be asking is: What is the Vatican doing about poverty in the world?” he said.

Silverman, in a recent video monologue laced with profanity, jokingly called on Pope Benedict XVI to “move out of your house that is a city” and use the proceeds to feed the hungry. Among those denouncing the comedian was the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, which called the video “another assault on Catholicism.”

Archbishop Onaiyekan said the public might have misperceptions about the pope’s living quarters. The Vatican is not the pope’s “mansion,” but a set of office buildings, he said. As for the papal apartment, he has seen it and it’s “very straightforward and simple,” he said.

He said the question of economic justice has come up in a more serious way at the African synod.

“Poverty in the world has to be dealt with by justice. There are other big buildings that need to be moved and sold — all those big structures, all those unjust financial and economic structures in the world. Those are the things to move, so that the poor can survive,” he said.

EWTN foundress Mother Angelica and Deacon Steltemeier receive papal honors IRONDALE, Ala. (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI has awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross to Mother Mary Angelica, founder of the Eternal Word Television Network, and Deacon Bill Steltemeier, chairman of EWTN’s board of governors, for distinguished service to the church.

The cross, whose name is Latin for “for the church and the pope,” is the highest papal honor that can be conferred on laypeople and clergy.

Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham presented the awards Oct. 4 in a brief ceremony following Benediction at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville.

“By giving awards, the church is not saying people or institutions are perfect, but we are saying that Mother Angelica, through this network, has made a significant contribution to the new evangelization heralded and promoted by recent popes,” Bishop Baker said in his homily. “Mother Angelica’s effort has been at the vanguard of the new evangelization and has had a great impact on our world.”

The bishop said Deacon Steltemeier had “perpetuated this global Catholic apostolate as chairman of the board, and until recently, as chief executive officer.”

“He is still helping EWTN carry out its mission to join with the Holy Father and the magisterium in sharing the light of the faith in every possible part of the world,” he added.

Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN president and CEO, said the honor “acknowledges the tremendous faith, hard work and incredible sacrifices that each of them has made throughout the years in founding and building up the network.”

It also is “a clear sign of the importance of the network’s mission for the church and the pope,” Warsaw added in a statement.

Mother Angelica, an 86-year-old member of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, founded Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale in 1961 and began EWTN in 1981 in a garage on the monastery property. The network now is available in more than 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories.

Deacon Steltemeier, 80, was an attorney in Nashville, Tenn., who left his law practice to join Mother Angelica with her fledging television network.

He served as EWTN’s president for many years.

Because of ill health, Mother Angelica received the award in her private quarters rather than at the public ceremony.

Documentary leads to retreats, parish missions on forgiveness WASHINGTON (CNS) — Paulist Father Frank Desiderio sensed something was happening at the very first public screening last year of his documentary feature on forgiveness, “The Big Question.”

“People started crying,” he recalled.

“You know that stunned silence when people watch the end of a film?

Then people started telling us stories.

Sometimes it was a family story, sometimes it was a war story, sometimes it was a crime story, but it was about forgiveness that needed to happen.”

Still, it seemed impractical to have a priest offering the sacrament of reconciliation outside each theater at the end of every showing of “The Big Question.”

Father Desiderio, a priest for 27 years, has responded with parish forgiveness retreats and missions that can last part of one day or stretch out to three or even four days.

In September, the priest resigned as president and executive producer of Paulist Productions, a post he had held since 2000, to develop the retreats and missions.

“Forgiveness is mandated for the Christian,” the priest told Catholic News Service in an Oct. 8 telephone interview

from Los Angeles.

“In Matthew’s Gospel after Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer, he immediately follows that up with, ‘If you don’t forgive from your heart then God’s not going to forgive you,’” he said.

cns photo by

Bob Roller

Paulist Father Frank Desiderio, executive producer of the Paulist Pictures documentary “The Big Question,” smiles during an interview with a Catholic News Service reporter. The film’s success led Father Desiderio to develop retreats and missions themed around forgiveness.

12 The Catholic News & Herald

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

October 23, 2009

in our schools

Fire truck fun

courtesy photo

The crew of the Gaston Fire Department, Engine 5, visit Amy Schatz’ fourth-grade class at St. Michael School in Gastonia Oct. 14. After giving a presentation about fire safety and prevention, the firefighters allowed students to tour the truck inside and out. October is Fire Prevention Month.

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church invites you to a FREE dinner and seminar —

“How to find the Hidden Job Market” Tuesday, October 27 — 6 - 9pm Our parishioner and seminar leader, Damian Birkel is a nationally certified Career Counselor and Life Coach. Founder of Professionals In Transition®, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem, Birkel regularly appears in both national and international media to discuss the many issues of unemployment and under-employment.

Seminar topics include: • emotional impact of job loss • finding the hidden job market • networking and resources available in our region Please call: (336) 724-0561 to register by noon on October 26.

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church — 335 Springdale Avenue (Parish Center), Winston-Salem

Director of Music – Asheville, NC St. Eugene Catholic Church, a parish of over 1,000 families (English and Spanish), seeks to fill an immediate opening for a music minister who can balance between contemporary and traditional Catholic liturgical music.

Responsibilities include weekend and holy day liturgies, funerals and weddings, directing adult and youth choirs, scheduling cantors and musicians. Keyboard skills and ability to work collaboratively with church organist are essential. Compensation and benefits are commensurate with experience.

Send resume to Music Search Committee, St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville, N.C. 28804.

Web site: www.steugene.org

Classifieds Classified ads bring results! Over 160,000 readers! More than 55,000 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 23, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

iN Our ScHOOlS

Socking it to cancer

! use 3 o H en Nov. p O .1& Nov

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Educate the mind with academics.

Educate the soul with faith.

The Bishop McGuinness Junior Villains wear pink socks in a team photo prior to a game against High Point Christian School in Kernersville Oct. 10. The team is “pumped to wear pink” in support of teammate Frankie Allusio, whose mother Stacey suffers from breast cancer.

The 30-boy team comes from triad area Catholic elementary schools, including Saint Leo and Our Lady of Mercy schools in Winston-Salem, Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, and Saint Pius X and Our Lady of Grace schools in Greensboro.

Head coach Jeff Raborn says the two-year-old team “prepares these boys to play high school football in the finest Catholic school tradition.”

We invite you to MACS schoolwide Open House!

Middle School Nov. 1, 1-3p.m. and Nov. 3, 9-11 a.m.

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School (6-8) 3100 Park Road • Charlotte

The boys won the game 44-18, improving their season record to 4 – 1.

Honest Abe makes a presidential visit

High School Nov. 1, 3 p.m.

Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Mathews Rd. • Charlotte For more information, please visit www.charlottediocese.org/ openhouse

1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 Admissions: (704) 370-3273

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Actor Peter Holland portrays Abraham Lincoln during a visit with the four-year-old pre-kindergarten students at St. Leo the Great School in

www.charlottediocese.org/macs MACS admit students of any race, color, sex, religion, and national or ethnic origin.

Winston-Salem on Oct. 19. The children listened to a story recounting part of the Civil War president’s life. Holland is part of “Once Upon a Blueridge,” a traveling theatre company that specializes in educational productions.

October 23, 2009

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Wanting proof for the miracles of Jesus A classroom full of Catholic high school students took turns challenging their religion teacher. They wanted some kind of proof that Jesus really performed the miracles attributed to him.

The teacher explained that the apostles were firsthand witnesses of the extraordinary events in Jesus’ life.

We read their accounts and make an act of faith in the trustworthiness of their testimony. Jesus performed dozens of miracles to support his divinity: healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, bringing people back to life, changing water into wine, walking on the water, calming a storm at sea.

His greatest miracle was his own resurrection from the dead.

Skeptics and atheists go so far as to say that there is not a shred of evidence in the entire universe for the existence of the supernatural. They demand empirical evidence before they will believe anything.

Believers know that the entire universe did not just appear out of nowhere, that something doesn’t come from nothing. Faith in God as a benign creator is not an irrational act; it is based on deductive reasoning, for example, the way Sherlock Holmes solved his murder mysteries. Through revelation we know that God created our wonderful universe out of love.

Doubt is basically a refusal to believe this, unless scientific evidence can prove it. Doubt is a flat refusal to accept supernatural truths.

It is not the same as an intellectual difficulty. All the difficulties in the world do not add up to a single doubt.

A difficulty is a feeling of unease as we try to comprehend the mystery behind a doctrine. For instance, we believe in the Trinity, but we cannot

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

figure out how three can equal one.

Everyone has difficulty trying to explain how Jesus Christ is both God and man, but believers accept the teaching as an imponderable mystery.

Accepting mysteries can be difficult, but it is not unreasonable. Jesus revealed these mysteries to us. Belief in Jesus is more than an act of accepting the historical facts about his life. It is primarily an act of the will, prompted by grace. We accept Jesus as our personal Lord and savior.

Once we do this, we banish all lingering doubts.

Remember when the apostle Thomas said he wouldn’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead unless he could put his finger into the Lord’s nail marks and put his hand into Christ’s side? Once Thomas did that, he believed fully.

Later Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29).

Faith is a gift, the benefits of which are immeasurable. The will to believe is a grace, which can be accepted or rejected.

Take the leap of faith with a prayer as simple as this: Father I accept the gift of your love with deep humility and gratitude. Help me to overcome my doubts. I trust you as my Lord and my God.

Preparing for ultimate humiliation

Part three of a three-part series

Little by little, I realized that it was time to take my hands off the steering wheel of life, and let God do the driving.

After mailing 500 resumes, with 50 responses, and five interviews, I thought I would surely land a job. But six months into my job search, I realized that it was time to prepare for the ultimate humiliation.

I had to “bite the bullet” and make plans to meet Monsignor Joseph Showfety and tell him that we had to pull my daughter out of Saint Leo’s Catholic School.

The phone seemed to have turned into a 5,000 pound elephant. Calling the church office required every bit of effort I had left. The meeting with Monsignor Showfety was scheduled with ample time for me to worry about the shame and humiliation of having to admit that I was jobless.

Much to my surprise, I was welcomed into Monsignor’s office. “Here it comes,” I thought while I searched for words.

I thought about how ashamed my parents had to be. While he was alive, my father had never lost a job. I could hear him say: “Work hard, do the right thing, do whatever it takes, get a good job and you will be there for as long as you work.”

Finally the words tumbled out, and I waited for the lecture that was sure to come next.

Monsignor stunned me with his response. He said, “Under no circumstance will I allow you to pull

“Lost her courageous battle with cancer.”

This language makes the deceased seem like losers. If they had been stronger, the doctors better, the surgery successful, they would have lived.

The incessant attempt by human beings to achieve longevity, if not immortality, has been the topic of legend and amusement for centuries.

There have been attempts to send human remains into outer space to await a better time to return to earth.

Such explorations do harm by advancing the concept that the human body is but one more machine.

DAMIAN BIRKEL Guest Columnist your child out of our school.”

“But,” I stammered, “we don’t have enough savings to cover the expense.”

He said, “I believe in you, and know you will get a job. Trust in God and you will see.”

It was like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of my shoulders. First, I stopped at the church and gave thanks. You can imagine the joy our family experienced.

It was a bright spot in six months of dismal failure.

What happened next was unbelievable. In the span of four days, I got three calls from different divisions of the same corporation I had just left.

Ultimately, I would return to work without a pay cut and with family benefits intact and retirement bridged.

Like Monsignor suggested, I turned my trust over to our Lord, and my life was forever changed.

Damian Birkel is a nationally certified Career Counselor. On Oct. 27, Birkel will speak on “Finding the Hidden Job Market” at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem. For more information, see the Diocesan Planner on page 3.

Write a Letter to the Editor The Catholic News & Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

The Catholic News & Herald does not publish poetry, form letter or petitions. Items submitted to The Catholic News & Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

Send letters to Letters to the Editor, The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237, or e-mail catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

A lesson from defeatist obituaries The first Monday of November is yet another way that Catholics are able to show our way to the world -- by celebrating death.

This is indeed countercultural.

In today’s climate, death is a situation to escape, a topic to be avoided.

All Souls’ Day is more than a piety: It is the public recognition that we not only accept death but welcome it as the inevitable end of our earthly pilgrimage.

Current culture does not agree.

Consider the language used in obituaries: “ Va l i a n t t h r e e - y e a r b a t t l e with cancer.”

Professionals in Transition

A quest for immortality, with science on its side, reduces the body to a machine, wonderfully designed by God, but still in need of upgrading by humankind.

The human person, however, is created by God as body and soul, and for this reason has a dignity that cannot be changed by anyone.

Death is inevitable, not to be feared by those who have faith in the purpose of creation and the goodness of its Creator.

Among that one day’s defeatist obituaries, one stood out for containing this thought: “He courageously won his three-year battle with esophageal cancer as his soul soared triumphantly to its

Consider This STEPHEN KENT cns columnist

heavenly home.”

It is good we have a commemoration of the departed and the opportunity to reflect upon our own inevitable end.

Stephen Kent, the retired editor of archdiocesan newspapers in Omaha and Seattle, can be contacted at considersk@comcast.net.

October 23, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Mickey Paluch, a force for strengthening vocations Working far from home in a place I never imagined I would be, I wonder how I got here. I also think about the people who made this happen. Were it not for their influence, I probably would not be a priest today, living in Washington, thousands of miles from my home.

On Oct. 8, Margaret (Mickey) Paluch died. She was the driving force behind the J.S. Paluch Co. publishing house. Having known her personally and experienced her work in supporting and strengthening vocations to religious life, I am left wondering how many of us who were touched by her have been changed ever so little or are in another place because of her devotion.

For decades, I attended the J.S. Paluch annual vocation directors’ meeting in Chicago, which presented outstanding speakers on religious life and the church. Each year Mickey would mount the podium, pledging to us her undying support and that of J.S. Paluch.

The support went far beyond hosting the annual meeting. It reached out to thousands throughout this country who

work in church ministry.

Mickey’s death further causes me to wonder about the repetition of that support. Why was the meeting annually and not every other year?

Why the continual stream of grants?

Why the constant involvement in the church? Why were she and J.S. Paluch so persistent?

In addressing the meaning of the rosary, Father Romano Guardini raises a similar question: Why do we pray the Hail Mary repeatedly?

He writes, “Is it not an element of all life? What else is the beating of the heart but repetition? Always the same contraction and expansion — and yet it makes the blood circulate through the body. They are the order in which growth progresses, the inner kernel develops and the form is revealed. All life realizes itself in the rhythm of external conditions and internal accomplishment.”

Father Guardini’s insight leaves us wondering how much movement of the heart and the subsequent spiritual growth it generates were the result of the

The Human Side cns columnist

repeated efforts of Mickey Paluch?

Mickey’s passing leaves us pondering death and its aftermath. Now that her work is completed, is she enjoying the peace of God we all hope to experience?

My guess is she is still plugging religious life with God and our heavenly saints. She had a delightful twinkle in her eyes when sharing herself with us.

Behind that twinkle was an unending, loving spirit for religious life — a spirit that never dies but lives on in those of us who were blessed to experience it.

Father John Oetgen, O.S.B. person I called when I felt moved to convert to Catholicism.

He is a man with whom I shared many warm visits these years since I graduated. I also visited with him after learning he had terminal cancer.

Father John took this in the same stride he took all things. He was prepared to meet Christ as few men I’ve ever known. He continued to attend Mass and kept his place with his brother monks until almost the very end. With the end of his mortal life at hand Father John was happy and content.

At his funeral at Belmont Abbey, it was standing room only. As I participated in the Mass I was confident that Father John was with our Lord. But still I had the abiding emptiness of knowing the void his departure for a heavenly home would have on all of us who knew and loved him so well.

Then Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., at the end of Mass, cheered us up by telling several classic Father John stories that focused on his deep sense of humor. One of these I’m obliged to tell here.

It was in 1953 when Father John had occasion to be in Rome with Father James Solari, Abbot Placid’s older brother, who was then also a monk at Belmont Abbey.

Both men found themselves dining one night at a restaurant where they were surrounded by people from around the world, all speaking different languages neither man understood. So Fathers John

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK

Teacher, mentor, friend This week marked the passing of my dear friend Father John Oetgen, O.S.B. who died recently after a battle with cancer. He was 85.

Father John was one of my closest and dearest friends. I first met him while I was a student at Belmont Abbey College.

He taught public speaking, which was a required part of the curriculum.

With my big mouth I figured this class would be a cinch.

Then I met Father John, a mountain of a man who stood well over 6’4” tall, and dressed in the flowing black habit of a Benedictine monk. There he stood in the front of the class addressing us with his deep booming voice, complete with a Savannah drawl.

A fleet admiral would envy Father John’s commanding presence.

It was in this class that I lost any fear of speaking in front of any size audience.

Thanks to him, as a professional speaker and entertainer, I can now speak in front of six or 6000, it doesn’t matter. I studied public speaking at the foot of the master.

Later I was to have Father John for southern literature, “Grit Lit,” as it was affectionately known among all the Yankee students at Belmont Abbey. It was there that I garnered affection for southern writers that would help me write as a southerner.

First and foremost, Father John was a teacher and mentor. Later however, Father John was the first

Saint from Middle Ages found answers to life with prayer

Guest Column BILL MELTON Guest Columnist

and James made up their own language.

These two men of God sat smack dab in the middle of a restaurant talking in homemade gibberish.

This went on for a while until they were overheard by a philologist; that’s a feller who studies languages. And brother was he perplexed. He hadn’t ever heard anything like it so he went over and asked what language it was they were speaking.

“Cherokee,” said Father John.

Only Father John could’ve pulled that one off. And we will miss him.

B i l l M e l t o n , p a r is h i o n e r o f St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, writes a weekly column for the Gaston Gazette and Monroe Enquirer and can be contacted at wsmelton@ wsmelton.com.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The life and writings of a 12th-century abbot remind Christians that questions about the meaning of life and God cannot be answered without prayer and contemplation, Pope Benedict XVI said.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who led the important Cistercian monastery in Clairvaux, France, from 1115 until his death in 1153, put the love of God and Jesus Christ at the center of his numerous writings, the pope said at his weekly general audience Oct. 21.

“St. Bernard reminds us that, without deep faith in God that is strengthened by prayer, contemplation and an intimate relationship with the Lord, our reflections on the divine mysteries risk becoming merely intellectual exercises and lose their credibility,” Pope Benedict said to the faithful gathered in a sunny, windy St. Peter’s Square.

Because his praises of Jesus “flowed like honey,” the pope said, he earned the moniker “Dr. Mellifluous.”

Along with St. Bernard, the pope said, “we must recognize that it’s easier for man to seek and find God with prayer than with discussions.”

Here is the text of the pope’s audience remarks.

In our continuing catechesis on the theologians of the Middle Ages, we now turn to one of the most outstanding, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard combined the austerity of the Cistercian monastic renewal with intense activity in the service of the Church in his time.

Because of his great learning and deep spirituality he is venerated as a Doctor of the Church, and is often called “the last of the Fathers”.

Together with his theological writings and homilies, including the celebrated Sermons on the Song of Songs, Bernard maintained a vast correspondence, developed warm friendships with his contemporaries, defended sound doctrine, and combated heresy and outbreaks of antisemitism.

His spirituality was profoundly Christcentered and contemplative, and his celebration of the sweetness of Christ’s name won him the title of Doctor mellifluus.

Bernard is also known for his fervent devotion to our Lady and his insight into her intimate sharing in the sacrifice of her Son. May Bernard’s example of a faith nourished by prayer, study and contemplation, lead us closer “to Jesus through Mary” and grant us that wisdom which finds joyful fulfilment in the knowledge of the saints in heaven.

October 23, 2009

Priests in contemporary society

Clergy, seminarians reflect on priesthood at Year for Priests seminar

by ChaZ Muth CathOlIC NEWs sErvICE WASHINGTON — Nearly 300 clergy and seminarians took time to reflect on the priest’s role in contemporary society during a two-day symposium at The Catholic University of America in Washington marking Pope Benedict XVI’s designated Year for Priests.

“The Holy Father tells us that we participate in the work of redemption,” said Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington. “That is what a priest does.

He brings the Eucharist into the midst of the community, but he also brings the sacramental ministry of the church into the midst of the believing community.”

In a homily during the Oct. 6-7 symposium’s morning prayers, Archbishop Wuerl stressed that it was incumbent on priests that they use all potential resources “to make Christ visibly and effectively present in the community.”

When he announced the special Year for Priests, Pope Benedict said he

The Catholic News & Herald 16

iN tHe NewS

hoped it would help priests “grow toward spiritual perfection” and value the need to be effective ministers and help the faithful “appreciate more fully the great gift of grace which the priesthood is.”

The pope opened the Year for Priests June 19, 2009, which coincided with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, known as the universal patron of priests.

The symposium on “Ministerial Priesthood in the Third Millennium: ‘Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests’” was co-sponsored by Catholic University’s School of Theology and Religious Studies and by Theological College, the national seminary of the school.

The audience of mostly clergy and seminarians listened to talks about topics ranging from the Catholic faith’s spirit of ecumenism to the need for clergy to employ creative techniques in evangelization. Speakers included several priests and Washington Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley.

It’s vital for pastors to use new technologies to reach out beyond their parishes and into the community, said Vincentian Father Vincent O’Malley, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Emmitsburg, Md. In addition to hosting a weekly radio program, Father O’Malley posts his homilies on the parish Web site, and he told the audience that they attract an average of 800 readers each week, a number larger than the people who attend church services each week.

“I’m very concerned about the unchurched, who are not hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ,” he said.

With the unchurched outnumbering the churchgoing population in the U.S., Father O’Malley said it’s even more important that priests become “creative to be present to the people in our communities, (and) the unchurched.”

It has become one of the most challenging tasks of the priest to reach out beyond the confines of the parish, said Father Walter G. Lewis, pastor of St. Mary Church in Richmond, Va. Social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter are tools that can be employed in evangelization efforts, and it’s vital for priests to keep up with modern technologies to remain relevant in contemporary culture, Father Lewis said.

“I also encourage our priests to go out to popular places in the community so that we are meeting people where they

are,” Father O’Malley said. “If we’re out there in these places, we can assure the people that God loves them and that we would love to see them back in church.”

Jonathan Vanegas, 26, an Ecuadorian seminarian from Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Hyattsville, Md., said the symposium would inspire him in his formation to become a presence in his community so that more people will discover the richness faith adds to their lives.

“It is always good to come to listen, to have an open mind for everything in general,” Vanegas said with a thick Ecuadorian accent. It’s a discovery of “how to live this gift of God,” he told Catholic News Service.

Vi n c e n t i a n F a t h e r D a v i d M. O’Connell, Catholic University president, said the event, believed to be the only academic pastoral symposium organized in the U.S. so far to mark the Year for Priests, upholds the school’s long tradition of contributing to the formation of priests and their education after ordination in areas like philosophy, social work, education, theology and canon law.

“It is fitting in this coming year ... that the university joins with the church throughout the world in making the importance of the priest’s role and mission in the church and in contemporary society ever more clearly perceived,” Father O’Connell told those in attendance.

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washington-area priests attend a special mass marking the Year for Priests in the crypt church of the basilica of the National Shrine of the immaculate conception in washington, D.c. A symposium at the catholic university of America examined the role of priesthood in contemporary society Oct. 6-7.

Celebrity Cruise Lines’ luxury ship Summit leaves from San Juan, Puerto Rico for your port visits to: St. Maarten – half Dutch, half French with a Caribbean twist; pristine beaches; duty free shopping paradise!

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