Dec 20, 2002

Page 1

www.charlettediocese.ors

"Behold, you

womb and

will

name him

shall

conceive

in

your

He

Jesus.

will

be

be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his great and

est

bear a son, and you

Children's books

will

kingdom there

will

be no end." Luke 1:31-33

DECEMBER 20,

2002

MMBMHMHMHNNMNMNHNHIM9I

giving

NEWS

&

HERALD VOLUME

new church By KEVIN

"With Maria,

MOCKSVILLE

— Over

for the

Bishop William G. Curlin,

In the Nativity ofthe

Lord 2002,

bishop emeritus, presided over

Mass

year

this

ofthe Rosary."

new

build-

15.

"Since 1958, when two first started the

families

church, the parish just began to grow," said Father

Andrew "When

Draper, T.O.R., pastor. I

arrived here three years ago

we had 84 families. Today, we have 180 families." ...

many

Mary Pope was one of "We

those original parishioners.

had Mass lies,

Our Lady

our houses, and

in

when we grew to 1 1 famiwe had Mass in the (local)

then

Vincentian Father Vincent in

dedicating the

ing Dec.

The Spanish-language Mass was celebrated by

of Guadalupe Church

Francis of

St.

Assisi Church.

them.

Finnerty, pastor of

new

ing in the

John Paul II

she has bestowed upon

gifts

illumi-

nated the parishioners celebrat-

Guadalupe. Prior to Mass, many paid tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by placing red, yellow and white roses along with floral bouquets and poinsettias around the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Various Hispanic groups sang and danced, giving

Mary

stained-

windows, sunlight

glass

Christ's face.

6,000 Hispanics gathered at Cricket Arena Dec. 12 to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of

thanks to

MURRAY

Through an array of

MARY MARSHALL Correspondent

E.

Acting Edtor

we contemplate

CHARLOTTE

14

reflected in

in

Charlotte By

N9

12

Parish growth

Christmas Greetings

celebrate

6

...PAGE

SERVING CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

Thousands feast day

Christmas

for

armory

Char-

until

she

erty,"

we

got

this

prop-

said.

The new

church, which 300 people, replaces an

seats

older, ?

less

continue to be used as a

will

parish

CNS

said Father Draper.

tive countries.

Michael Roberts, a ninthSee FEAST DAY, page 11

dream

"They had

they wanted a

new

church building"

concelebrants

Guadalupe; and Father Jaime Gonzalez, associate pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass began with a procession of flag bearers representing their na-

was the parishioners kept the church going,"

"It

who a

Vincentian Father Joseph Elzi, associate pastor at Our Lady of

had a recreational

This is a church," said Pope. "We've come a long way." building.

II, in his own hand, wrote the above greeting in Latin on his 2002 Christmas card that features the painting "Christmas" attributed to Antonio Longo.

with

hall.

"We

Photo

Pope John Paul

lotte,

accommodating

building on the property, which

crated by his love," the pope

Pope hopes Christmas celebrations

said Dec. 15.

highlight importance of family

He said the world

"needs a

sign of hope that should

JOHN THAVIS

from Christian

— As

highlight the importance of the family in modern society. "Christmas is the ideal

the Vatican took on a festive

feast of the family, because

lies

Pope John Paul II said he hoped this year's Christmas celebrations would

God, by being born into a hu-

By

Catholic

News Service

VATICAN CITY holiday

spirit,

man first

family, chose

community

it

The Mary to

come

families."

all

fulfilled

parish as well as the builders,

pontiff prayed to protect

The dream was

through a successful capital campaign and donations, and a lot of hard work on behalf of the

the fami-

of the world, especially those living in great poverty

said Father Draper.

'We've planned a long time, and

it's

for this for

been a

work on everybody's

lot

of

part to get

as the

to be conse-

Healing seen needed after Cardinal Law's resignation ...PAGE

i

4

See DEDICATION, page 10

See FAMILY, page 3

Mercy does

Parishioners keep

Sister of

Mexican traditions alive

God's work

...PAGE

5

in variety

of

roles ...RAGE

12


2 The Catholic

_

News & Herald

0

\/

T

I

d

December 20, 2002

Brief

111

Parish committee offers alternatives to violent toys at Christmas

PORTLAND,

Clergy sex abuse, Cardinal

— The

Ore. (CNS)

Peace and Justice Committee of St. Clare Parish in Portland is hoping to change

Law voted top story, newsmaker of 2002

by Noting there is no easy solution to the complex issue of human violence, the committee has for the past

clergy sex abuse of minors as the top

12 years distributed a

With 32

the tolerance level for violence

changing

toys.

of alternative nonviolent toys at Christmas time to their church members and beyond. "What a different

list

and ugly world we

live in

where

children are kidnapped and murdered, snipers are a fact, children are murderers

and our country wants to go to war without provocation with a tiny country," said this year's

committee statement ac-

companying the list. The committee relies on the toy expertise of students and teachers at St Clare School to update the list each year. They also seek advice from Portland-area toy stores that feature nonviolent toys and the Lion & Lamb Project of Bethesda,

Md. This

year's

list,

with

more than 200 suggestions for nonviolent toys, can be found on the church's

Web

site:

www.saintclarechurch.org.

religious

B.

the response to terrorism worldwide. ballots cast, 31 of the editors picked clergy sex abuse of minors as the top story of the year. The final ballot

submitted named the Dec. 13 resignation of Cardinal Bernard F. Law as archbishop of Boston as a write-in choice as the top story. In voting for the top newsmaker of 2002, Cardinal Law was the top choice over Pope John Paul II, who has won the poll most often in recent years. Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, III, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was third, just half a point behind the pope. The poll was the 41st annual survey of editors of Catholic News Service client newspapers. This year's ballots were distributed Dec. 4 and the deadline for returns was Dec. 13.

Does the name

Plowman

Rosary raised on streets of Caracas

A Venezuelan woman raises a rosary against a backdrop of some

1

Christmas

million

demonstrators on the highways of Caracas, Venezuela, Dec. 14. More than a week of nationwide strikes have left food and gasoline in short supply, as protestors called for the resignation of President Hugo Chavez and new elections.

news story of 2002, followed

by the possible war against Iraq and

The CNS photo by William

WASHINGTON

(CNS) In a vote just one point short of unanimous, Catholic editors chose the scandal over

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December

Volume

12

t R

2002

20,

Publisher: Msgr. Mauricio

Number

14

West

Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

11

Beason

23 South Church

Mail:

P.O.

St.,

Box 37267,

Charlotte,

Charlotte,

NC 28203 NC 28237

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1 1 23 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 $1 5 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and by the

other cities.

POSTMASTER: Send

The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

address corrections Charlotte,

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planner

A L D

Acting Editor: Kevin E. Murray

Secretary: Sherill

3

Diocesan

NEWS

to

28237.

ring true.

1 485 to Hwv 521 (Johnston Rdj and go south appro*. 5 miles. Shortly after crossing the state line, turn left at the BP station. Go *i mile and turn left into Zimmcr Business

Take

titles!

January 2 WINSTON-SALEM

The

Healing Companions is a grief support group for the bereaved. They will be meeting tonight and Jan. 16 in Conference Room B at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For more details, call Joanne Parcel (336) 924-9478. 3 WAYNESVILLE St. John the Evangelist Church, 234 Church St., offers today and the first Friday of

the month Eucharistic adoration. Call (828) 456-6707 for more

Fort Mill,

SC 29715

WINSTON-SALEM

— Our Lady of

Fatima ChapeL 211 West 3rd St., will have Eucharistic adoration today and every first Friday at 11:30 a.m. followed by devotions. Our Lady of Mercy, 1918 S Main St., will have Eucharistic adoration on at 7:30 p.m. Call (336)

questions.

5

ANDREWS

Wednesdays

722-7001 with

Church, 214 Aquone Rd, is celebrating a weekly Mass in Spanish today at 3:30 p.m. Call (828) 321-4463 for fur-

5

ebrating a charismatic and healing Mass today at 4 p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer teams will be available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner will follow the Mass. Father John

Putnam, pastor, will be the celebrant. For more information, call Bill Owens (704) 639-9837.

6 Holy Redeemer

ther details.

CHARLOTTE

15% DISCOUNT OK ALL ITEMS

Monday to Friday 10 am to S pm Saturday: 10 am to 1 cm CatholicCompany.com PHONE (704) 341 0854 eat. 226 .J

Stout HOURS:

The

St.

Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will be gathering today at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Those interested in learning more

CHARLOTTE — Christians

reer Transition

is

in

Ca-

a ministry of St.

Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne

Commons Pkwy, devoted to helping people in career crises. The meeting will be tonight and Jan. 20 (1st and 3rd Mondays of every month) from 7 9 p.m. in the conference room. For further information, call Rev. Mr. Jim Hamrlik (704) 576-0456.

6 CHARLOTTE

Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., will have adoration and benediction today and die first Friday of each month from -5 p.m. All are invited to spend 9 some time with the Blessed Sacrament

about the

SFO

way of

are invited to attend.

Mood (704) 545-8133. Sacred Heart 5 SALISBURY

The bereavement support group will meet tonight from 6 - 7:30 p.m. and every first Monday in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This support group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. For

Questions? Call (336) 724-0561.

Church, 128 N. Fulton

more

information.

3 WINSTON-SALEM

— St Leo

am

the

and the Franciscan For additional information, call Skyler life

St., will

be

cel-

details, call

Ruth Posey (704)


December 20, 2002

The World

Marians launch monthly 'pope days' at Stockbridge shrine

75 people at a book signing for

his book,

ception at the National Shrine of the

"The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking: A Year of Our Soups," at a Brooklield bookstore. The book includes anecdotes and stories before each of the 60 soup recipes

Divine Mercy

Stockbridge have

appropriate for the seasons of Advent,

launched monthly "pope days" to honor the legacy of Pope John Paul II during the 25th anniversary year of his election as pope. The days will be held on the third Saturday of each month, culminating on Oct. 18, 2003, the Saturday closest to Pope John Paul's 25th anniversary as pope on Oct. 16, 2003.

Christmas, Lent and Easter. His favorites

STOCKBRIDGE, The

Mass. (CNS) Marians of the Immaculate Con-

Each day

in

will include a presentation

The Catholic News & Herai

in Brief

Nick visits

St.

X

St. Pius

include French onion, Irish potato and broccoli, and orange and tomato soup. According to Brother Curry, the secret of Jesuit soup making is the way one ap-

proaches the task ing of

God

how

to teach

in the simplest

"the gradual unfold-

young men

to find

of things."

on

the pope, recitation of the rosary and

Mass at the shrine. Vatican officials ask for Christian access to

celebration of

FAMILY,

Bethlehem for Christmas

from page 1

VATICAN CITY

and other

(CNS)

— Pope

John Paul II asked Israeli President Moshe Katsav to ensure Christians Christmas in can celebrate Bethlehem, which has been under Israeli occupation and a curfew since late November. The pope and Katsav, the

first Israeli

president to visit the

met Dec. 12. "The president promised" the pope that if there were no new "warnings of terror operaVatican,

tions, the Israeli Defense Forces will redeploy outside Bethlehem and, in any event, the IDF will do everything possible to enable pilgrims to cel-

ebrate the festivities as appropriate," said a press statement from the Israeli Embassy after the meeting. The

pope and president talked

difficult situations.

"May every

family nucleus open

the doors to the Lord

who

The pope

his

tivity scenes in churches was an important one in Italy. The Christmas creche, or "presepio," should be-

City, recently

370-3238.

6

CLEMMONS

Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., is celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconbe given at 7 p.m. and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celciliation will

ebrated on Feb. 3. Need more details? Call (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero

(336)998-7503.

7

CHARLOTTE

— The

regularly

scheduled cancer support group meeting for survivors, family and friends will be held today at St.

Matthew

Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the office building conference room. For additional information, call

Marilyn Borrelli (704) 542-2283. 8 CHARLOTTE The 50+ Club of

St.

John Neumann Church, 8451

Idlewild Rd., will be conducting a

meeting

this

morning

at

1

1

a.m. with a

program and lunch in the parish center. For more information, call Bobbe

Christmas gathering of

St.

Pius

X

Church

Helping Seniors/Others Live at

period

this

in

visits

with young

15 faith formation

Winston-Salem.

"The mountains shall yield peace

Home

for the people."

Psalm 72:3

"the center of

the classroom

spoke to about

Nicholas, portrayed by Rev. Mr. Ron Steinkamp, Hannah Palladino and other parishioners at the Dec.

come during

Pope John Paul Peter's Square,

JESUIT HOUSE OF PRAYER HOT SPRINGS, NC

and the heart of your family," he said. The pope remarked on

HQ44B4MCH

"the climate of

"AT HOME" Living Assistance

Christmas"

*

that seemed to be sweeping over St.

days as a novice, Jesuit Brother

New York

Courtesy Photo

St.

Nahomes, schools and

Soup's always on for

From

at

said the tradition of

other privately for 16 minutes before Katsav presented the .nine members of his entourage and gave Pope John Paul a leather-bound copy of "The Golden Book of Psalms" in Hebrew and English.

Rick Curry recalled the satisfaction of 'looking at the joy and pleasure my day had brought my brothers as they chowed down a delicious bowl of soup I labored over during the day." Brother Curry, of

come

special papal blessing.

to each

this Jesuit brother BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CNS)

will

Christmas to bring the world joy, peace and love," he said. The pope made his comments from his apartment window to several thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The crowd included hundreds of children who held aloft Nativityscene figures of the baby Jesus for a

II

where the Vatican's

• •

and where an

85-foot-tall

fir

Situated

Housekeeping

Transportation Personal Care

Licensed

peace and beauty haven for quiet prayer and reflection.

Ignatian directed retreats Private retreats

Group

— Bonded — Insured

Call:

Conlin (704) 643-1376 or Gloria

(828) 586-9496 with questions.

Silipigni (704) 821-1343.

13 FRANKLIN

10 WINSTON-SALEM

St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale

Ave., will be kicking off their 75th

Anniversary with a Bingo-hamburger-hot dog event today in the Bishop Begley Parish Center. Come join us for a fun-filled evening cosponsored by St. Theresa's Guild and the Knights of Columbus. Call (336) 724-0561 with any questions. 1 1

GREENSBORO

St.

Paul

Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., will have the third Chili Cook-Off at 6 p.m. today.

For those

interested in the

competition, there will be a sign up sheet near the Sister Parish bulletin

board in the lobby of Fellowship Hall. Call Colleen Assal (336) 294-4696 or Ken Kaczmarek (336) 294-2558 with questions or to volunteer to help. 1 1 SYLVA The Lay Carmelites of St. Mary, 22 Bartlett St., offer inquiry classes on the second Saturday of the month following: the 9 a.m. Mass. Call

Guild of

St.

Women's

Francis of Assisi Church,

299 Maple monthly meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The meetings feaSt., will be

having their

ture guest speakers and special events periodically.

For more information,

call

Claire Barnable (828) 369-1565.

MARS HILL

15

St.

Andrew

Church, 149 Brook St., is offering classes focusing on issues related to Catholic morality today and once a month from 7 - 9 p.m. "Conscience Formation" is today's topic. Contact Ann Stowe to register for classes. (828) 645-9698. 15 St. John the Baptist Church, 600 Laurel Ave., hosts Eucharistic Holy Hour today and every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ending with benediction. Eucharistic Adoration is every first Friday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call (828) 859-9574 with questions.

TRYON

19

CHARLOTTE

unborn at St.

— A Mass

for the

be celebrated toda}' at 3 p.m. Gabriel Church, 3016 Pro\idence will

retreats

828-622-7366

e-mail: vpaul@madison.main.nc.us

from Croatia was already standing.

— The

the heart of Pisgah National

offer the perfect

704-509-1923

tree

in

Forest, the area's

New-Mom Care Also

gi-

ant Nativity scene was under construction

Meals * Errands Laundry

Welcoming all Christians seeking prayer and quiet in a busy life

Rd. All are welcome. Call (704)3645481 for further information.

22 GUILFORD COUNTY Ancient

Order

of

— The

Hibernians

Guilford County Division, the oldest and largest order of Irish Catholic men, is looking for more Irish Catholic men to join them for meetings,

educational seminars and social events. For time and location call Michael Slane (336) 665-9264.

26 HENDERSONVILLE

— The

St.

Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will meet today from 3-5 p.m. at Immaculate

Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West. Visitors are welcome. For further details, call Helen Gillogly, (828) 883-9645.

27

NEWTON — The Little Flowers

Catholic Girls'

Group

is

for

all

Catho-

ages five and up. The group will meet today at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., at 4 p.m. in the lic

girls

Holy Family Hall. For details, Debbie Vickers (828) 495-2039.

call


4

The Catholic News & Herald

recognized as capable of handing this crisis quickly and correctly," said Father Reese in a statement.

Healing seen needed after

In a

NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON

Catholics na-

tionwide expressed hope that the resig-

Law

nation of Cardinal Bernard F.

as

archbishop of Boston will begin a needed healing process after a year of sex abuse scandals.

But many also warned that healing be a long and difficult process. 'This is not a time of rejoicing, but of hope that the church in Boston will conwill

tinue to rededicate itself to the protection

of children and to reconciliation of victims of abuse by clergy," said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington in a statement.

Cardinal Law's resignation was ac-

cepted Dec. 13 by Pope John Paul

who named Boston

II,

Auxiliary Bishop

Richard G. Lennon as apostolic administrator.

pledge to do all that I can with the help of the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity of the archdiocese, to work toward healing as a church," "I

Bishop Lennon said in a statement. He also said he would pray for the victims and families harmed by clergy sex abuse.

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville,

111.,

president of the U.S. bish-

ops, said that Cardinal

Law

in his

M. Mahony of Los

Cardinal Roger

nearly

Angeles said Cardinal Law's resignation is part of a "difficult and painful year" for U.S. Catholics.

His statement also discussed his curb clergy sex abuse. 'We believe we have been effective. No priest or employee of the archdiocese who was ever determined to have abused a minor is allowed to serve in

policies to

ministry in this archdiocese," said Cardi-

Mahony.

nal

Edward M. Egan of New

Cardinal

York

issued a statement offering prayers

Law and

for Cardinal

Boston. Other church leaders offering prayers included Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit, Bishop Daniel A. Hart of Norwich, Conn., and Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis,

chairman of the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse. Archbishop Flynn also urged all to pray that Cardinal Law's resignation "is another step, along with the U.S. bishops' 'Charter for the Protection of Chil-

dren and Young People' that will advance the healing from this tragic chapter" in the history of the U.S. church. "As leaders of the church, it is our solemn duty to enforce the charter, restore trust and assure that

contributions to the bishops' conference."

young person or vulnerable

He

put

added that

his prayers "are

moment"

at this

with him

as well as with the

archdiocese and Bishop Lennon.

Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of

New

Orleans issued a statement calling

the cardinal's resignation "this self-sacrificial

act of his"

aimed

at healing.

Cardinal William H. Keeler of Balti-

more,

in

urging healing, said that "trust is not the

has been betrayed. Yet this

time to turn away."

no

adult

of America magazine and author of books on the workings of the Vatican and the U.S. church, said the future of Boston depends on who is named to

Coyne

career

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

Before

he became so deeply embroiled in the clergy sexual abuse scandal that forced his resignation Dec. 13, Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston was one of America's most powerful and respected bishops with a career of notable accomplishments. He had long been a leading church spokesman on issues ranging from civil rights to international justice, from abortion to poverty, from CatholicJewish relations and ecumenism to war

and peace.

was

It

his proposal for a

worldwide

said.

Sen.

Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.,

cat-

echism, in a speech

said in a statement that the resignation

at

was

extraordinary

"the right thing to do" during a

period "of great turmoil in our church."

1985

the

Synod of Bishops marking the 20th

Voice of the Faithful, a now-interna-

formed Boston when the clergy sex abuse scandal broke there last January, said it

tional lay Catholic organization

anniversary of the

in

end of the Second Vatican Council,

Cardinal

stands ready to help draft "a blueprint to

Law

heal the Catholic Church."

A

statement by the organization's

tnat i e(j to develop-

ment of

the "Cat-

echism of the Catholic Church." Cardinal Law also oversaw the first drafting of an

James Post, urged Bishop Lennon, temporary administrator of the archdiocese, "to hear us and act in a spirit of collaboration and collegiality with the laity, survivors and clergy" of

president,

English translation of the catechism

and unsuccessfully defended the

Catholic ° Social

inclu-

ultimately rejected and ordered rewritten.

!

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

Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3227 Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-6930 Justice & Peace: Joe Purello(704) 370-3225 Special Ministries: Gerard A. Carter (704) 370-3250 '

will

Barbara Blaine, founder and president of the Survivors Network of those Abused

MOVING?

Charlotte Region: 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705

Greensboro Satellite Office: (336) 274-5577 High Point Hispanic Center: (336) 884-5858 For information

on

specific programs, please call your local office.

Take us with you! Please help us reduce postal fees give us your

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MITSUBISHI

MOTORS

HONDA

NC 28203

6951 E. Independence Blvd

7001 E. Independence Blvd.

this info to:

531-3131

535.4444

catholicnews @ charlottediocese.org

Thank you.

Frank LaPointe,

President,

sive-language version that the Vatican

the archdiocese.

SERVICE

.

need to find someone who has instant credibility in Boston with the people, the clergy and the media, someone who will be immediately

by Priests, said the healing process "will be long and tortuous" and that Catholics must be prepared for more painful disclosures on the "rocky road to recovery."

cardinal's illustrious church

a signal to bish-

ever

harm's way again," he said. Jesuit Father Thomas Reese, editor

'The Vatican

is

child, is

in

succeed Cardinal Law.

Sex abuse scandal marred

interview, Father Reese

ops that clergy sex abuse of minors "is something that the pope takes very seriously that they have to deal with, that if they don't deal with it, then heads will roll." In Boston, Father Christopher Coyne, archdiocesan spokesman, said at a Dec. 13 press conference that the resignation was "one more moment of sadness" in the events touching the Boston church, including the abuse of victims and the failure to deal with the abuse. "It just shows to all of us how the effects of evil can spread and be allencompassing in so many ways," Father.

the Catholics of

30 years as a bishop "has made many

PBS

said the resignation

Cardinal Law's resignation By CATHOLIC

December 20, 2002

the New*

In

Member of St.

Gabriel Church


December 20, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Around the Diocese

Parishioners keep Mexican

Light brightens

traditions alive

immigrants' plight

NELLENBACH

By JOANITA M.

Correspondent

— The 24-man

ANDREWS

group,

wiping the sweat from their faces, ran down Aquone Road and up the steep concrete steps in front of the church, singing

One

"Guadalupana."

carried the torch, an-

other the banner with the image of

Our

Lady of Guadalupe.

At the top of the steps, with other parishioners crowding around, Jose Ponce held out the torch so Father Michael Kottar, pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, could light a thick white candle that would be placed in front of

Our Lady

the picture of

of Guadalupe

already enshrined in the church.

Father Kottar asked like to freshen

up

if

the

men would

after their run,

but they

were eager to begin the Dec. 12 Mass in honor of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They carried the banner and die candle down Holy Redeemer's center aisle, standing the banner in the sanctuary and placing the candle amid bouquets of roses. The banner and the torch had been carried in a procession of vehicles and running men 18 miles from St. William Church in Murphy to Holy Redeemer in Andrews. The men had taken turns running the distance, but all had run the last mile to the church.

This is the first year that Holy Redeemer has held such a celebration, but it's a custom they knew in Mexico and are keeping alive in Western North Carolina

Courtesy Photo

Approximately 30 members of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Charlotte help carry a torch Nov. 29 on a small portion of its 3,133-mile journey from the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Runners from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have accompanied the torch since leaving Mexico City Oct. 29. It arrived in New York Dec. 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The event was sponsored by the Tepeyac Association of New York, a nonprofit agency uniting the efforts of 40 community organizations serving immigrants from Mexico. Father Vincent Finnerty, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, said the torch's pilgrimage "calls attention to the plight of the immigrant in this country." The Charlotte runners carried the torch to Winston-Salem Nov. 30, where other runners took it to New York via Washington, Delaware and New Jersey.

processing to a church to

honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. "In my town, a bunch of people gather and they go to the basilica (in Mexico City)," said Holy Redeemer parishioner Jose Escobar. 'They do prayers and dance outside the basilica."

He had

started the celebration day

with other Hispanic parishioners, praying

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and singing

in the

church from 5:30-6:30

am. At some churches, he said, people pray all night. Escobar worked all day at his carpenter's job; other parishioners

would

spend at least part of the day preparing the evening's feast they will share in the church hall. The meal would feature arroz con polio (chicken and rice) and posole, a spicy red-brothed soup rich with pork and purple Indian corn. In Escobar's native

Almoloya de

honor Mary by walking a week to Mexico City, arriving on the feast day, Dec. 12. Holy Redeemer parishioner Santiago Sanchez also knows the custom well and wants to keep it alive here. People walk from his town, Vera Cruz, a six-hour drive, but to Mexico City a two-day walk. People take turns, Alquisiras, Mexico, people

a while then sleeping in the cars.

The

trek doesn't

stop until they reach the basilica.

So

Sanchez

and

his

fiance,

Charlaina Rice, with help from Holy

John Corapi, S.O.L.T. Is Comin' To Town!!

Fri.

Feb. 14th

Sat. Feb. 15th

28602

St.

year

we

celebrate this."

Gabriel Catholic Church

Charlotte,

For

Redeemer parishioner Maria Seqile, organized Holy Redeemer's first Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. "This is very important to the people of Mexico," Sanchez said. "Every

7:00pm to 8:30pm 9:30am to 4:00pm

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Redeemer Church in Andrews with the Our Lady of Guadalupe banner and torch they carried in an 18-mile procession from St. William Church in Murphy.

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6

December 20, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald

Read! ng$

Book Review

Children's books for

Word to Life

Christmas gift-giving Reviewed by Catholic

News Service

WASHINGTON

— The Mowing

books are suitable for Christmas

gift-

"Lullaby of the Virgin of Guadalupe,"

by Carlos Caban. Bright Sky Press (Albany, Texas, 2002). 32

by Kelly Stuart,

troll

lives across the river. Ferris' tale includes

illustrated

rhyming

Stuart's

the story of St.

tells

end that

Juan Diego and the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, ending with a lullaby Stuart wrote as

Jean Ferns

will

keep read-

ers turning pages.

Ages

10-13.

A Daugh-

"Just Jane:

England Caught

a tribute to the Virgin.

ter of

Short rhymes every two

the Struggle of the Ameri-

pages combined with

can Revolution," by William Lavender. Gulliver Books (San Diego, 2002). 275 pp., $17. "When the orphaned teen-age daughter of a

soft, colorful illustrations

diis especially ap-

propriate as a readaloud book for young

Ages

children.

2-6.

British earl

"Ten Amazing People

and

the World," by

Maura

middle

of America's struggle for indepen-

dence from England.

2002). 48

Vt.,

Jane Prentice

pp., $17.95.

Moving

beyond

who might change life,

its

to tives

the war.

a

full-page illustrations, "fascinating facts" boxes, timelines

pull-out definitions

make

it

and

so attrac-

be immediately. Using inter-

tive graphically that children will

drawn

to

it

esting vignettes,

Shaw weaves

stories

about leaders such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Oglala Lakota Sioux leader Black Elk, Catholic worker Dorothy

Day

and

Anglican

Desmond Tutu,

Archbishop

anti-apartheid activ-

She chooses a diverse group of amazing people and sets their accomist.

a sensi-

— — on both

people

bright,

is

young woman, able empathize with

tive

the premise that this book deals with important, influential people child's

to live

with relatives, she finds herself caught in the

D.

illustrated by Shaw, Stephen Marchesi. Skylight Paths Publishing

(Woodstock,

comes

South Carolina to

How They Changed

including relasides of

As she

struggles

"Every

Day

Inc.

(San Diego, 2002). 266

Here

an enchanting little fairy tale part comedy, part love story, part is

in

Their Hour of

Need Since 1926

Not long ago my students read an essay by Barbara Kingsolver and a short excerpt of "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt. After a good bit of discussion, I asked the students to write their

with the members group.

broken.

The readings for diis last Sunday of Advent culminate in the message the angel Gabriel announces to Mary. Moreover, Mary makes a promise she* will keep for the rest of her life when she says: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

After much writing, revision, rewriting and editing the final drafts were finished. The students then read their final drafts in a somewhat larger group where they discussed each

and chose the best one. best-of-group winners proudly

other's essays

read to the whole class.

Weekly Scripture l?J

lifiv

-

(St.

2:2,

John),

Matthew

John

1

1:1-4,

John 20:2-8; Saturday (Holy Innocents),

1

John

2:13-18

Bible story of three to six paragraphs,

A

vanced beginners.

Scriptural cita-

tion allows adults to explore the story in

depth

if

interested. Colorful,

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frame each story.

Scripture for the week of December 29 - January 4 Sunday (Holy Family), Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:22-40; Monday, 1 John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40; Tuesday (St. Sylvester), 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18; Wednesday (Mary, Mother of God), Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:47, Luke 2:16-21; Thursday (Sts. Basil and Gregory), 1 John 2:22-28, John 1:19-28; Friday, 3:7-10,

All ages.

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know

Scripture for the week of December 22 December 28 Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Advent), 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16, Romans 16:2527, Luke 1:26-38; Monday (Late Advent Weekday), Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66; Tuesday (Vigil of Christmas), Isaiah 62:1-5, Acts 13:16-17, 22-25, Matthew 1:1-25; Wednesday (The Nativity of the Lord), Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14; Thursday (St. Stephen), Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, Matthew 10:17-22;

ers or as a fairly easy read for adHarcourt

News Service

emphatically assures one that action will or will

David

proposes to build a house for "the ark of God." God, however, wants to be the architect and builder. God has a fabulous design that reaches far beyond David's imagined place of worship. David's "house" in the mind of

by Anna C. Leplar. Tyndale House Publishers Inc. (Carol Stream, III., 2002). 384 pp., $19.95. Dorling Kindersley Limited and Our Sunday Visitor have combined to produce the Catholic edition of a tion, illustrated

6-1

Ferris.

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In today's first reading

Bible Stories," Catholic Edi-

suitable for reading aloud to nonread-

"Once Upon a Marigold," by Jean

students share incredibly painful

on our

promise, according to the dictionary, is a declaration or a vow that

with her loyalties, she also struggles with the emotions facing any teen-age girl. Adventure, romance and action pack this coming-of-age story. Ages 1 1-up.

plishments in the perspective of the time period in which they lived. Ages 1.

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Romans

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listened to

painful effects broken promises have

7:1-5,

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16:25-27 3) Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

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ing through the palace. Ferris tells a delightful story with a twist at the

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Sunday of Advent Cycle B Readings: Dec. 22, Fourth

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December 20, 2002

f

The Catholic News & Herald 7

nfertainment

Trekking familiar frontiers

a grand adventure

still

By

that never rotates and so has a perpetu-

DALE WILKER

Catholic News

Service

NEW YORK — "Star Trek: Nem(Paramount)

another satisfyingly familiar, if predictable, sci-fi adventure for the crew of the Starship Enterprise in the continuing movie series. Diesis"

is

ally

dark side where truly hideous crea-

work in slave mines under the thumb of their Romulan masters. tures

Upon

franchise to deliver a film that goes

is amazed Romulans are now actually led by Shinzon (Tom Hardy), a near-human clone of Picard himself, who professes to want peace, but is actually plotting with his Reman viceroy (Ron

where every "Star Trek" fan has gone before, but hardly explores any new

Pearlman) to kidnap Picard, destroy the Enterprise and, ultimately, the Earth

frontiers.

with a radiation device that desiccates everything it touches.

rector Stuart Baird sticks to the tried

and true formulas of the "Star Trek"

In this installment, the cast

and

Picard

characters of the television series "Star

Trek:

The Next Generation"

are re-

united to attend the marriage of Officer Riker (Jonathan Frakes) to counselor Troi (Mariana Sirtis). Before the second half of the his-and-hers, dual-planet ceremony can be completed, the Enterprise is dispatched on a diplomatic mission to respond to unusual peace overtures to the Federation from its erstwhile enemies, the Romulans. Unbeknownst to Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew, the ruling Romulan senate has been assassinated by Remans and their Romulan military collaborators who seek a war with the Federation. Remans

come from

a sister planet to

Romulus

his arrival, Picard

to find that the

is

naturally

drawn

to his

younger clone, who symbiotically thinks and feels his every thought and emotion. But Picard's philosophical nature-vsnurture debate with his nemesis fails to persuade Shinzon to desist from his evil ways or to aspire to be more like Picard's exemplar. A subplot involving the discovery of an inferior prototype android clone of Lt.

Cmdr. Data (Brent Spiner)

reinforces

CNS

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Violence overflows in 'Gangs' Leonardo DiCaprio stars in a scene from "Gangs of

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The Motion

Wilker

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8

The Catholic News & Herald

Mary's I

The Pope

gift:

December 20, 2002

& Columns

Editorials

Christmas forever

hold a beautiful book in

my

hand, a

gift

of

my

daughter-in-law Sue several Christmases ago. It is visually striking, with reproductions of paintings by the old

Speaks

man left alone. Mary is always nearby, with her Son. The birth of Jesus is related briefly and simply in the

Gospels, yet the artists portray his coming as a mystical event that hinges on Mary's presence. While the paintings of the Nativity and the flight into Egypt bring

POPE JOHN PAUL

II

By CINDY

VATICAN CITY prayer, repentance

WOODEN attitudes of

God

in prepara-

and openness to

same

attitudes that

people's lives as diey wait for Christ to

must come

Pope John Paul II said. "Our whole lives must be an Advent,' a vigilant waiting for the definitive coming of Christ," the pope said Dec. 18 at his last weekly general again,

CNS

Columnist

legends that became embellished stories down the centuries. As an example, in some renderings of the flight into Egypt men are seen in the background sowing seeds or

way. G. Scott Sparrow, a psychotherapist many of these stories for a new book he calls "Sacred Encounters With Mary" (Thomas More Publishing, 2002), which carries an imprimatur by Bishop Charles V. Grahmann

cutting corn.

of Dallas, Texas.

The

— The Advent

always near her Son and always will be. of the paintings were no doubt inspired by

is

Some

News Service

tion for Christinas are the

mark

lives

ANTOINNETTE BOSCO

Joseph into the scene, it is Mary who is the key here, seducing you by her expression to stand in awe before her baby. I think the artists had a vision that the centuries have verified: Mary, who made Christmas happen,

Pope says people's Advent attitudes

Catholic

Line

masters of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In all the scenes, from the Nativity right to the cross, never is the child or the

should mark their whole

The Bottom

story goes that

when

the holy family

Mary

him that if anyone came by asking if they had come by, he was to say, "They passed this way when I was sowing this corn." During the night, miraculously, the seed sprouted, with plants fully grown and ears ripe, ready for the gathering. As the surprised man was reaping his crop, corn.

who

was

rushing into Egypt to escape Herod's men who were out to kill the baby Jesus, they came to a field where a man

was sowing

in a startiing

told

also a spiritual mentor, has collected

is

In most

sons

who

all

Sparrow

the stories

relates,

ible beauty.

I love." She comes most often to someone undergoing hardships, and her presence leaves them with profound joy. They all learn from her that she wants to be imitated, and to do that means "becoming active in the world in a way that uplifts and heals

"Because

others."

'. .

audience of 2002.

Herod's

According to the Vatican, the 46 general audiences held in 2002 were attended by a total of more

than 410,000 people. During the audience, the pope thanked the

people of Croatia for the grand Christmas tree standing in St Peter's Square and for the smaller

adorning the Vatican's audience hall. The trees, he said, will remind visitors "of die

trees

mystery of the Incarnation, which brightened die horizons of humanity with a new hope." "May the light of such hope help the people and nations of our time to recognize, in the baby born in Bethlehem, Emmanuel, God with us, and welcome him into their daily lives," he said Croatian President Stipe Mesic,

Rome

who came

men

arrived, asking

escaped family.

was sowing suit of the

He answered

this corn."

men

Herod's

if and

With

when he had

seen the

when

truthfully, "Yes,

that

much

I

of a time lapse,

decided to turn back, stopping their pur-

holy family.

Most Catholics know of the many times and places like Lourdes and where Mary has come back to earth to be seen and heard, bearing the good news Fatima of her Son's love for us. What may be somewhat surpris-

ing

Mary

that

is

also brings her presence to individuals

it

hear his message.

manner

in a

it

that will appropriately address

one's overall estate plan, as well as the needs of their

parish or the Diocese of Charlotte.

GINA RHODES

with great enthusiasm, asking little

Director of Planned Giving

As the saying goes, anything worth doing is worth doing well. Great giving may require more work, but the rewards are worth it.

piece back later as a

3.

A great gift pleases the donor.

That

the end of the audience, the pope greeted a

group of schoolchildren from

Italy's

make

Molise region,

where an Oct. 31 earthquake

said in English.

"Let us join our hearts to theirs as

Great giving Over the

"While I assure you of my constant prayers for you and your families," the pope told the students, "I encourage you all to look toward tomorrow with trust and hope." During his main audience talk, the pope said he hoped Christians would experience the joy and wonder the shepherds experienced at Christmas, that with Mary and Joseph they would contemplate "the glory of the Word made flesh for our redemption" and that they would pray that all men and women would "accept the new life which the Son of God brought into the world assuming our human nature." The Advent liturgies, he said, present Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary as the models to follow in preparing to celebrate Christ's birth and to welcome him again at the end of time. 'Isaiah exhorts us to be vigilant in prayer; John the Baptist calls us to conversion and repentance; and Mar}' teaches us to embrace the will of God," he

aw ait the coming of the Lord," the pope

regrets.

led to the

deaths of 27 students and a teacher.

we

eagerly

said.

is,

the donor

gift

and the parishes in our region have received numerous planned gifts. These include will bequests, gift annuities, contributions to our foundation as an endowment, life insurance, charitable trusts and outright gifts of stock, real estate and other assets. Each one of these gifts has been received with sincere and enthusiastic appreciation. Though every gift has a special quality, we have learned that some gifts stand out from the rest as extra special.

And

years, the Diocese of Charlotte

interestingly,

it's

not the size of a

particularly special.

What makes

special are the circumstances

surrounding

makes

it

including

the attitude of the donor.

As

I

look back over the

many gifts,

certain

common

emerge that combine to make a good gift great. See if you agree. 1 A great gift is motivated by our mission. Something intangible, yet valuable, is added to a

characteristics

.

gift

when

it

The donor

addresses the purposes of our organization.

identifies

with our vision and mission. His or

ownership and partnership. Such a gift warms and inspires us even more than, say, a gift that comes to us anonymously, or her planned

a gift that

is

gift reflects

convinced his or her

gift will

A

It

has been well planned and there are no

sense of fulfillment prevails and crowns the

with added value.

The

gift is

made

greater by the

glow of satisfaction. As you consider what kind of planned gift you would like to give to your parish or the diocese, I urge you to contact me at 704-370-3320, write to me at 1 123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28203, or e-mail gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

Letters to the Editor

gift that

a gift extra it,

is

a positive difference at their parish or the Diocese

of Charlotte.

including surviving students from San Giuliano di Puglia,

A great gift is well planned.

and do

souvenir," the president said.

At

•.,.,,«!

right asset for the right gift vehicle at the right time

"The man was so happy when the specialists chose his tree as the one most suitable for St Peter's

He donated

.

Great giving requires time and effort. One must consider a variety of factors and options and select the

struggle for independence.

only that he could have a

;

impossible to think of Christmas and the

it is

Lord Jesus without including his mother, it never has surprised me that Mary would remain a strong force in helping to keep her Son and his message alive in this world. It was never intended by the Father that Mary had just one task, to give birth to his Son and then disappear. Her permanent call would be to give birth continuously to her Son, bringing him down through the ages to the places and the people who need again to

2.

Column

to present the trees to the pope, told Vatican

Square.

Since

Guest

to

Radio Dec. 17 that the tall tree in the square was cut down on a farm owned by a man who had been run off his land by Serb soldiers during Croatia's

those per-

Mary were struck by her incredAnd Mary explains why she is beautiful:

encountered

a sense of

motivated solely for tax purposes.

The Catholic News & Herald welcomes from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or less. letters

To be consideredfor publication, the letmust include the address and daytime phone number of the writer for purposes of ter

verification.

Letters

may

space limitations

and

be condensed because

and

of

edited for clarity, style

taste.

Send Catholic

letters to:

News

Charlotte,

Letters to the Editor,

The

& Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

N.C. 28237


December 20, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 9

& Columns

Editorials He had no dreams.

Guest

Everybody recognized Jesus, except Herod. He never saw any star in the East, in the West, in the North, in the South. He saw no star anywhere, he missed heaven, while on anytime. Poor Herod earth. He missed the light while in darkness. Herod is not our hero he is not our story. Our approach is the Wonder of Wonders Approach. There is no doubt that part of the Christmas wonder is making a gift list, mailing cards, decorating the tree, baking special holiday treats, partying, adding new names to the gift list, new things to the shopping list, more shopping, more partying, more wrapping. I suspect that Jesus never expected all this for his birthday. We have come a long way from the stable. The three kings rightly deserve credit for starting this never-ending

Column

Working Matters

FATHER JOHN

C.

AURILIA, OFM.CAP. Guest Columnist

Christmas 2002: The beginning of our love story There are

two

different approaches to Christ-

mas: The "Nothing Much Approach" and the "Wonder of Wonders Approach." Perhaps some historical facts will highlight the two approaches: In 1925, the "New Work World" celebrated the Birthday of Abraham Lincoln with a cartoon that has become something of a classic. Two Kentucky farmers are pictured talking over a (just like home improvement!). One picket fence asks, "Anything new happen lately?" The other responds, "Nothing much. A new baby was born over Tom Lincoln's place, but nothing much ever

happens around here." Many centuries before Lincoln's birth, in Bethlehem, probably some people said: "Anything new around here? Nah, just a baby born down in nothing much ever happens around the stable ...

here."

man called Herod, who missed Christmas completely. The fear of losing his In fact, there

was

a

mas

few years ago,

tree with lights

I

was decorating the Christ-

when

was quite

noticed that the set of expressed my opinion to I

old, so I quickly replied: "This set is not old. I bought it in 1961 and it has worked ever since. You broke it." Is not Christmas wonderful? How about deciding to move past our colorful and exciting lights? The mystery of the manger is

lights

who

father,

Corner

was made up

to

tell

so stores could do

Christmas, the column

is

in Jesus'

Dives eventually

dies.

Burning

in

Hades, he looks

to heaven and sees

Abraham replies, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." In Dickens' tale, Jacob Marley doesn't rise from the dead;

who

ghost

if s his

appears to Scrooge

mas Eve, warning him before

it's

mend

to

on

Christ-

his miserly

ways

too late. After three more ghosts take Scrooge

on a tour of his past, present and what could be his future, and show him what poverty is like, he does amend his life. Both stories teach the same lesson pay attention to what's going on around you and do something about the injustice that you see. In Scrooge's case, that includes work injustice. Scrooge pays his clerk, Bob Cratchit for the Christmas day off, but he doesn't pay Cratchit enough to

who

no

apparentiy takes

his doorstep,

notice of

Scrooge ignores the suffering

of his clerk in the next room. Scrooge does only what

the

he's forced to do.

When men come to his office asking for

some meat and drink, and means of warmth," Scrooge counters that he supports "the treadmill and die poor law" (probably through

donations to 'buy the poor

it

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

CNS

be repeated this

taxes), and,

reprinted here.

not

'It's

man

my business,"

to understand his

interfere

house, and the house on the planet, and the great

others:

Jacob."

present so big that it takes two stockings to hold it and then leaves a great deal outside; it is the large and preposterous present of myself, as to the origin of which I can offer no suggestion except that Santa

Claus gave

it

to

me

in a

fit

good will." Are not parents -of faith

of peculiarly fantastic

blessed, countless times

for.

over, to have for their children (and for themselves!)

The only explanation people had was that a being called Santa Claus was somehow kindly disposed toward him. 'We believed," he wrote, that a certain benevolent person "did give us those toys for nothing. And I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea. "Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking; now I wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room, and the room in the

such a fantastic and playful bridge to infinite, unconditionally loving Goodness, the Goodness which dreamed up the Christmas event in the first place? Call Santa Claus a myth or what you will, but in his name parents and all of us who give gifts at this special time of the year are putting each other in deeper touch with the "peculiarly fantastic good will" which is the ultimate Source of it all. Plus, it's fun! I

hope your friends reconsider.

that people

he

own

says. 'It's

business,

enough for a and not to

is

also Scrooge's response

when Marley

why

"Business," ness.

know

he is doing penance for not helping "[Y3ou were always a good man of business,

planet in the void.

"Once I only thanked Santa Claus for a few dolls and crackers, now I thank him for stars and street faces and wine and the great sea. Once I thought it delightful and astonishing to find a present so big that it only went halfway into the stocking. Now I am delighted and astonished every morning to find a

really

with other people's."

"Business" describes

A. I too think her friends are missing something, very big. It's always risky to analyze fantasies, but maybe it's worth trying for a moment. Fantasies, perhaps especially for children but also for adults, are critical ways of entering a world, a real world, that is closed to us in ordinary human language and happenings. They are doors to wonder and awe, a way of touching something otherwise incomprehensible. Santa Claus, I believe, is like that. No one has expressed this truth more movingly and accurately, in my opinion, than the great British Catholic author G. K. Chesterton, in an essay years ago in the London Tablet. On Christmas morning, he remembered, his stockings were filled with things he had not worked for, or made, or even been good

anyway, he doesn't

want

are in

Columnist

The reader thought her friends were missing something important but wasn't sure how to tell them. She asked what I thought.

...

man

(Latin for "rich") to die rich

Like Dives,

reaction to that

In response to requests that

name Dives

Charles

in

Carol." Tradition has given the

parable (Luke 16:19-31).

Lazarus on

more

column was remarkable. Dozens about how much it meant to readers wrote or phoned of their own family. A number wanted copies to send to their relatives.

"A Christmas

support his family decendy.

business at Christmastime.

The

Dickens'

dead, they will repent"

nothingness, being. But I wonder keep on hearing the beautiful song "Silent Night" all night! So much for being silent. Oh, yes. Let the lights shine, let the songs resound, let the Christmas shop continue. You are actually doing the best shopping of your life: you are buying love and giving love. Christmas, after all, is about the love of God expressed on three levels: a) God made it; b) God loves it; and c) God looks after it. I

Florida reader whose friends did not want their children

Santa Claus." They intend

hear the story of Lazarus and the rich

always think of Ebenezer Scrooge

I

when

Question

"believe in

man,

stillness, silence,

To believe or not to believe in Santa Claus Dear Readers: Last Christmas, I responded to a to

Scrooge and Dives I

"Abraham with Lazarus by his side." Dives begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers to shape up "so they wall not also come to this place of torment" saying that "if someone goes from the

power blinded him completely to the point of not seeing what the shepherds, the angels and the magi saw and touched. He was living in a fantasy world.

children the myth

Guest Columnist

When

business.

A

JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

Marley

The common

'Mankind was my busiwas my business; charity,

wails.

welfare

mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of

water

in the

In I

comprehensive ocean of my business!"

fart, it's all

have a

our business, but what can

New

about what the Catiiolic Campaign for

opment State."

is

calling 'Poverty

CCHD

we do?

Year's Resolution for you: Learn

USA

Human Develthe Forgotten

has designated January as 'Poverty in

America Awareness Month." Let www.povertyusa.org be your Christmas Ghost When you visit the site, click the 'Tour Poverty USA" box for a two-minute presentation that shows

how a family of four fares on

a $ 17,650 annual income. some of

Click on "Get Involved' and follow at least

the suggestions for ways to improve tilings. They're not hard, and they can

make a difference

Too late, Marleys Ghost asked, "Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor " homes to which its light would have conducted me3


s

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Applications invited for

DEDICATION,

local poverty grants

from page 1

The Diocese of Charlotte office for the Catholic

Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is accepting grant applica-

here," said Pope.

2003 funding year. CCHD makes small grants from $500 to $5,000

council and chair of the building

Linda Harris, president of the parish

tions for the

affiliation.

14 years ago,

Applications must be

faith

postmarked by February 15, 2003. Established in 1970 as the U.S. Catholic Bishops' domestic anti-poverty program,

rooms

— —

for

projects that:

commodate growth," second,

zation;

the children."

we would

said Harris. 'Then,

try to get classrooms for

indicate potential for institutional

Harris said the, building committee

empowerment of the people and community involved, and the development of local leadership; and conform to Catholic Social

explored several designs until they found

change,

one that would allow for both a sanctuary and classrooms, and fit within their budget. The sanctuary, however, was smaller than many in the parish had expected. "We still don't have enough classroom space, but this is what we were able

Teaching. For an application, contact Terri Jarina, diocesan director, CCHD, Office of Justice and Peace, 1 1 23 South Church Street, Charlotte, N.C 28203-4003; or call (704) 370-3234 or fax (704) 370-3377. To obtain the application as an e-mail attachment in a Microsoft Word document, send an e-mail request to

The

Mocksville at the dedication Mass Dec. 15.

that we needed first and foremost a place to worship, because we knew that our former building would not ac-

decision-making of the sponsoring organi-

to financially build," said Harris. "But, this

building

is

designed such that

walls be expanded and what's

room

now

class-

space will be part of the sanctuary."

'The walls are moved and we can seat 500 people," said Father Draper. "We'd

at

lose the classrooms, so

we need

an educa-

tional building first."

How ^e Can

Enligfkten tke

Spirit and, Brigfkten tke Soul!

The new church

family atmosphere.

300 people, but it still looks church inside and out" Besides, the church building.

'The church

hearts are big.

your

The

faith is big,"

nent deacon, assisted.

'The reason we're here today

big because your

church

is

is

You

not

cate a place sanctified

and dediwhere you came come to, be not just individually, but col-

lectively,

because

Curlin, "we're here to celebrate

in this

the only one in Davie County here because of you. You bring Christ to all who you meet, and you bring Christ back here by your action and your

county

is

just to dedicate a church," said Bishop

big because

Father Draper told the

Christ.

Why

not

we

are

make

make

this the

all

this a

ning to take Christ into

touch the whole county by your

the body of

new

begin-

this world. Let'

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and your love." Father Draper, along with Msgr. Mauricio West, diocesan administrator, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Curlin. Rev. Mr. John Zimmerle, perma-

Father Draper noted that despite the bigger parish and church, 'We've kept the

when we

get an education building, the sanctuary

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online

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Bishop William G. Curlin

Despite the limited classroom space,

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thjarina@charlottediocese.org.

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we're busting out of the seams."

the people served in the planning and

we needed an eduwe had no decent

our children," said Harris. "I maybe 20 children in the whole faith formation program and now

seek to affect die root causes of in

out that

started out with

for justice for those who are poor. The Diocese of Charlotte CCHD Commit-

poverty

she was the parish

formation coordinator. "It started

cal' call

programs and

when

commit-

building began

cation building, because

CCHD is a response to the Bibli-

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new

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to organizations without regard to reli-

gious

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December 20, 2002

The

singing "Mafianitas," the traditional

FEAST DAY,

birthday song.

phenomenal to see all these people representing many Spanish"It's just

from page 1 grade student at East Mecklenburg High School, carried the American flag. "This is a special holiday for us," he said. "It's an honor to be a part of a celebration of everyone's religion." Hector Garcia, a

Lady of Guadalupe

speaking countries gather together to thank God for bringing Jesus to us," said

member of Our

gather to praise Our Lady of is our saint of miracles. We give praise and ask for wishes for others. Our family prays for our daugh-

tantly, the patroness of the Americas."

The

Our Lady of Guadalupe," he

Over 6,000 people gather to five-

year-old grandson, Oscar, participate in

the reenactment of Mary's appearance to

Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531, when an olive-skinned Mary appeared to Diego, a Nahuatl Indian peasant. She instructed him to have the bishop build a temple, leaving her image imprinted

on

celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Cricket Arena Dec. 12.

QftSrrxi

dhttmoS

Many

ridnt.

children wore hand

made

clothing with elaborate embroidery work, signifying the traditions of their

Fiesta honors

'patroness of Americas' By REV. MR.

GERALD POTKAY

Correspondent

REIDSVILLE

Holy Infant feast day of Our

Church observed the Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 with Fiesta de Guadalupe celebration.

a

The cotton cloth reprecommon folk of the 16th cen-

Elizabeth Sanchez, a fiesta organizer, said, "Today, we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, singing Marian

Hispanics celebrated the feast by

songs with our Mexican-American community."

native country. sents the tury.

a'j'aJ

bhow Aih

Krispy

Our Lady of

top-tier

Catholic basketball teams in the school's activities center. Admission is $5 per day per person. Call (336) 564-1020 for

game

BMHS

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will

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397-3100 for game times.

Editor resigns from

Catholic

The

News & Herald

CHARLOTTE — Joann The Catholic News &

Keane, edi-

tor of

signed from her position Dec.

Herald, re10.

Keane had been with The Catholic

"The United States has a special connection to Our Lady of

News &

Guadalupe," said Father Davis. "Not because of the huge influx of Hispanic immigrants, but because Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is our own patronal feast. These Marian devotions remind us of the universality of the church as they unite all cultures

Keane worked

Prior to

Catholic, lation of

Herald since

The

its

inception in 1991.

News & Herald, The North Carolina

Catholic for

which served the Catholic popuNorth Carolina before the incep-

tion of die Charlotte diocesan newspaper.

Keane plans

pursue personal

to

ventures in photography. Last year, she

Because Thursday was a workday for many in the community, the celebration continued after Mass on Sunday with a grand fiesta in the

and her family established Keane Impressions photography focusing on photojournalism, wedding photography and sports photography. Kevin Murray, associate editor of The Catholic News & Herald, has been

parish hall.

appointed acting editor.

together."

oini

Lcl

1

in

Kreme Bishop McGuinness BasThe tourna-

ment brings together four

tholicism within seven years.

his serape.

Last August, Pope John Paul II traveled to Mexico to canonize Juan Diego as the first Indian saint of the Ameri-

of

cember 1531. Mary's message of hope was for a fusion of the two cultures, Spanish Catholic and Native American. As a result of the apparitions and the miracles attributed to Mary, eight million Mexicans converted to Ca-

Photo by Mary Marshall

day for

said.

Bishop McGuinness High School

Kernersville will host the First Annual

of Mary to a devout Nahua Indian, Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill in De-

to see the

Robles proudly watched his

feast

Guadalupe celebrates the apparitions

has brain paralysis."

beautiful dancing. "It's a special

BMHS basketball ketball Classic Dec. 27-28.

beginning of the Catholic Church," said Father Christopher Davis, pastor. "Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of mercy, but more impor-

in Charlotte, said,

Nemecio Robles came

parishioners. versal part of our tradition from the

Guadalupe. She

who

celebration began at 5 a.m.

with an hour of singing and music. When Mass started an hour later, the church was filled to capacity and the air exploded with the voices of joyous

"Marian devotion has been a uni-

Tina Robles.

"We

ter

The Catholic News & Herald 11

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December 20, 2002

12 The Catholic News & Herald

Living the Faith

Sister of

Mercy does God's work in variety

of roles

superiors of the various Orders," she said.

was

"It really

a pastoral role."

She'd held the post for eight years when, in 1989, Father Gerry Lewis, a

Over 50 years devoted to serving others

priest she

knew

NELLENBACH

"I

ASHEVILLE

"It's

composition

a wonderful

when we grew

only the name of a classic Christmas movie. It's Mercy Sister Maria Goretti Weldon's life, too. "I haven't had any bad years," she said. isn't

life"

had a blessed

"I've

life

wrote about being a nun. I just felt I wanted to serve God and serve people. My mother was pious, but she never pushed me, and it wasn't that I wanted to follow my sister." While attending her godfather's funeral in Philadelphia, Maria Goretti made her decision. His

really."

woman

religious.

Maria Goretti was born vania, the youngest of

in

Maria Goretti

up," Sister

said. "I

Last year, she celebrated her 50th

year as a

when I was in the we were asked to write a on what we wanted to be

can remember

eighth grade,

Correspondent

Pennsyl-

had gained in her preconvent office job. She earned a bachelor's in business and economics at Belmont Abbey College in 1965. While in college, she was on the convent's formation team and liked helping the younger sisters develop their spirituality. She also studied at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y.

At

the Sisters of

Mercy chapter

home and gave my twoweek

then,

ery other week to say Mass in our home."

She entered Sacred

there.

so the family drove

her novice director were

about religious

"What

in Gastonia.

"My mother was evangelist," Sister

Maria

"I

you wait-

thought, 'What

waiting

I

notice."

Heart

Maria Goretti's old-

Mercy

est sister entered Sacred

Sister

Goretti

Maria

come a Sister of Mercy of

Belmont

for?'

I

came

Convent in in February

1951 at age 21. After her final vows

Weldon

Heart Convent to be-

in 1956, she taught seventh grade at St. Patrick Elementary School in Charlotte, then second grade at St. Benedict's school in Belmont, and attended summer sessions at Sacred

Mary Gertrude Weldon,

82, lives at the convent.

When

Maria Goretti was 10, her to Lowell, Mass. After graduating from Keith Hall, a Catholic girls' school, she worked in an office for three years, but the idea of being a nun was always there. family

life.

rector asked.

lies.

now

are

ing for?" the novice di-

an

Goretti said. "She found

Belmont. Sister

was thinking

that she

30

miles to St. Michael

Church

Maria mentioned

moved

spent nine years there, using the

skills

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in 1995.

"By then,

House of Mercy in Belmont for people with advanced AIDS," Sister Maria Goretti said. "There' was a need for somebody to come to Belmont, so I talked to God started our

We

discerned." about it. She returned to Belmont as House of Mercy's director of pastoral care. "Then there was a need for a sister -

"I came here in 1997 to do outreach ministry as a mission-and-values liaison to lay people who operate the Sisters of Mercy's four Urgent Care facilities. All along the way, I've had the sense of being where God

[in Asheville]," she said.

*

wanted me wanted me

what God

to be, doing to do, being

promptings and the

open to the

invitations."

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-92Q9 or e-mail jnell@dnet.net.

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I

What,

think,

YEARS EXPERIENCE

she

(serving the entire diocese)

had," Sister

all I

Mfon-Fri

30

Heart College. 'Then I was assigned to Mercy Hospital in the business office," she said. She

"We Kleen with a Spirit of Excellency!"

KLEEN

pretty much in teaching and nursing." After her second term, she studied in Rome for nine months and then returned to North Carolina, where then-Bishop Michael Begley appointed her vicar for women religious in the Diocese of Char-

we were

I

it

"When

said.

Raphael Church in Raleigh for six years, and started an AIDS ministry in the city.

held for six years before being elected to

She got a priest to come from Belmont ev-

church there at the time,

given

thing like that, saying to me?'"

order's secretary general, a position she

am

Anita Sheerin (a Sister of Mercy postulant) and

me?"

Maria Goretti

in

four other Catholic fami-

she

was five, her family moved to Shelby, N.C. There was no Catholic

eight children.

for

"I felt I'd

1966, the major superior appointed her the

two four-year terms as superior general. "In the aftermath of Vatican II, there was transition, and the order was going through renewal," Sister Maria Goretti said. "We were directed by the documents of Vatican II to review every aspect: to return to the spirit (love for the poor and special devotion and care for women and children) of our foundress, Catherine McAuley, to emphasize praying with Scripture, and to look toward the needs of the times. Up to

When

daughter, Maria's cousin

tired of that job.

work

Diocese of Ra'You must be getting Why don't you come

in the

leigh, said to her,

By JOANITA M.

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convents,

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BISHOP WILLIAM G. CURLJN'S

Table of Contents Introduction

COAT OF ARMS

Pages 2-3

...

Table of Contents

Coat of Arms

...

Page 2

Page 2

...

Sentire

Bishop never doubted calling

Masses and Receptions

...

...

Page 3

The

coat of arms

shield with

Bishop William

Curlin

G.

Vocations

Pages 4-7

...

Ordinations

retired in

September 2002

...

Page 6

Permanent Diaconate

...

Page 6

the

of Charlotte,

it

was

Page 14

...

of

and guidance

Page 15

...

Knights of Columbus

...

Page 15

of Western

...

priesthood in the Archdiocese of Washing-

sinister

was borne on

edged

custom

in ecclesi-

and the lower portion is

in blue.

a silver (white) Celtic

in gold (yellow),

honoring

St.

of the cathedral of the

Ecumenism

tribute issue highlights

Multicultural

some of Bishop Curlin s

many accomplishments and

significant

in the

moments

Diocese of Charlotte,

captured through an

Our Lady

Page 18

...

...

...

The

sinister

Holiday Messages

...

By combining

Page 29

same

Mother Teresa

...

AIDS Outreach

the personal arms

on the

Charlotte, the spiritual unity of the bishop

Pages 30-31

...

right,

arms of Bishop Curlin.

shield with those of the Diocese of

with his flock also

Page 32

is

signified.

(The thought

is

conveyed by the ring, which the bishop

wears on his right hand.) ...

Dedications

many of

The

Page 33

Education

in red

Page 34

...

Page 42

...

and

blue.

in

Youth and Young Adults

...

Page 43

& Herald.

Belmont Abbey Reflections

ITh

...

...

titular

The combination of the

1

948- 1 960.

the

was chosen

It

in reverence for

memory of Washington's

first

with

six tassels

in green. prelate

Page 44

on each

These

is

a pontifical hat

side in three rows,

are the heraldic insignia

of the rank of bishop in accordance

worn at solemn cavalcades in conjunction with papal ceremonies.

as the

mother

mystery of the redemption.

and parishes Bishop

The

color of the hat

HERALD

&

December 12, 2002 Volume 12' Number

To

custom

still

preserved in ecclesiasti-

TheimpalemmtofBishopCurliris armswith those ofthe Diocese ofCharlotte was undertaken in February

land,

1994 by Anthony Phelps of Cleve-

Ohio, a member ofThe Heraldry Society.

Pages 45-47

E.

and

Receptions for Bishop William G. Curlin

14a

Publisher: Msgr. Mauricio W. West

Acting Editor: Kevin

the Retirement Masses

Sunday, Jan.

Murray

5,

2003

Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher

Holy Family Church, Clemmons

Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

2 p.m. Mass, 3:30 p.m. reception

Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte,

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Mail: P.O.

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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

Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003 St.

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Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003

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POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Hergjd p Q 3726? Charlotte,

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THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Barnabas Church, Arden

2 p.m. Mass, 3:30 p.m. reception

Sunday, Feb. St.

5,

2003

Vincent de Paul Church,

Charlotte

2 p.m. Mass, 3:30 p.m. reception

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

and

number of tassels were signs of the rank of the

You Are Cordially Invited ...

NEWS

all

of a

with the Instruction of the Holy See (March

cal heraldry.

in the

Paul to the

Behind the arms is a gold processional cross. Ensigning the coat of arms

prelate, a

All the churches

St.

auxiliary

motto comes

tude must be that of Christ."

Christ, the risen savior, while the inclusion

Mary

bishop of

Eumenia and auxiliary of Washington from

red and white are traditional colors for

of God

The Catholic News

motto of The Most Reverend John Michael

McNamara (1878-1960),

.

with a cross quartered

of the Blessed Virgin

Cum

31,1 969) Before 1 970, the pontifical hit was

personal coat of arms consists of a

of blue in the cross honors the special union

which have appeared

Bishop Curlin's motto, Sentire

Christo ("to think with Christ") was the

Philippians, chapter 2, verse 5: "Your atti-

III.

impalement, to the

silver (white) shield

photographs,

of silver (white), blue and gold (yellow).

from the Epistle of

displays the personal

Sacraments

array of stories and

bol

whom the See city was named, Queen CharPage 19

of the

The fleur-de-lis has long been a symof Our Lady, together with the colors

bishop. The inspiration for the

consort of King George

relating to

commemo-

fleur-de-lis in the center

an open gold crown, recalling the person for

lotte,

Pages 19-21

of Guadalupe

by the

is

cross.

Page 17 is

titles

the Blessed Virgin Mary. This rated

Diocese of Charlotte. In the lower portion

North Carolina. This

ton were under patronal

The arms consists of a field

Patrick, patronal saint

Letters

Curlin served from his ordination to the

Page 16 cross

to the people

the

days.

In the upper portion ...

Christ)

external

divided horizontally with the upper portion in green

Pastoral Letter

composed of

motto and

Charlotte, according to astical heraldry.

eight wonderful years

leadership

arm of medieval

after Respect Life

is

charges,

The dexter impalement, to the left, bears the jurisdictional Arms of the Diocese of

as bishop of the Diocese Lourdes

its

are historical, since the shield

Letter to Seminarians

Think with

Christo (To

armaments. The terms dexter and

Page 4

...

Cum

Page 3

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


BISHOP MADE FOR PRIESTHOOD,

NEVER DOUBTED CAUING Bishop William G. Curlin was

made he

certain.

"I

have never doubted that God

me to

be a

envy no one.

No

only a few families

at night,

and

cars

owned

centered almost

activities

priest,"

he

says.

am totally happy.

I

matter what joys or sorrows

have encountered,

have never

I

I

re-

gretted being a parish priest."

Bishop Curlin's stomping ground

was Holy Comforter Church.

serving in a small or

large parish,

poor or wealthy, tidy

time with 7,000

large parish at the

Holy Comforter was more

people,

than a place of worship.

form

place to

Whether

play

A

ball,

It

was a

his

couldn't understand

"My mother

and

always prayed he

would enter the Church, but

Yet,

through

mother, his step-

his

became immersed

father

their happiness.

At

While

at

home

with Whipple

Bishop

she "It

would be

children of the parish, their heroes

named bishop. With a terrible sad-

ness,

were the

Bishop Curlin, he

cally the Sisters

says.

committed

"It

of St. Joseph.

and the

parish priest, Bishop Curlin de-

between the

cided in high school to follow his

and the parishioners," he

footsteps.

Some

would be

a priest

was a

little

say they

knew he

from the time he

I

to be-

priests recalls.

and

loving.

joyed seminary," recalls Bishop

the couple set a fine example.

1

ordained

May 25,

957 by Cardinal Patrick O'Boyle. Born on Aug. 30, 1 927

mouth,

Bishop Curlin

Va.,

son of the

in Ports-

late

is

the

Mary Lamont Curlin

has an older brother, Stephen,

an electrician

Washington

who

lives in the

area.

Most of his childhood memories

harken to what was then "the

quiet, family-oriented

Southern

when

he, his brother

little

"Oh,

my good-

what an honor!"

who

for

"We

brother.

he

home

His

the Vidi Vidi.

for

home.

"We

won't have Thanksgiv-

always

ing without him." Vidi says she

mother flowers on

special

feels

sent his

on Vidi. "Father

as the Vidi family

Day

and Christmas. "I

have always

Vidi says Bishop Curlin

Bill"

knows him, sends

orchids every Easter, Mother's

sorry for anyone who doesn't know him. "He is one in a million."

known him to be

worldly, yet very religious

is

a prima donna, she says.

at

home In his

"He

37

years as a priest for the

He adored her."

who

his 13 years

Mary Church

St.

A parish with

lived in

housing

Bishop Curlin developed a

rapport with the poor that has served

him throughout his

then a friend

buddy,

ministry.

Always, his conversations turn

to Bishop Curlin a

to the

poor and the

ill,

the hurting

father in the fullest sense. His

and the disenfranchised. His

mother worked

at St.

left

for the govern-

her job to

become

a

led

full-time housewife.

ters

"She enjoyed every moment," said

Bishop Curlin.

photography and woodcarving.

mother painted

Episcopalian,

oil

him to open more than 20 sheland soup kitchens in the Wash-

Turning a closed school into a place for the aged, Bishop Curlin

land-

bought two stoves

An

Whipple became

years

Mary's from 1971 to 1983,

ington area.

A talented art-

scapes. His stepfather mastered

his

is

Archdiocese of Washington,

projects,

ment, but

"very a rare

any surroundings."

in

Bishop Curlin. "They had a won-

Whipple was

is

—

One thing he is not

combination."

happiest.

a best

is

a ritual," says

The kind of person who

aging people

and eventually

says

Thanksgiving

"It's

among his

First a stepfather,

him

is,"

Vidi.

between the two of them," says

derful relationship.

chil-

adore

and what he

is

the love and laughter that existed

to the nations capitol, pre- World

his or her doors

his

of

War

one locked

the

have two grown

Bishop Curlin counts

ist,

No

When

later learned that

John Whipple, and

and newly widowed mother moved

II era.

wedding.

and groom

who

as pastor

town" of Washington D.C. The bishop was 9

bride

years before, Bishop Curlin

him

Like a son to Juanita and Peter Vidi,

remember with great warmth

"I

and the late Stephen James Curlin.

He

said Vidi.

his generosity

Shortly after his mother's funeral

to

Very approachable."

for anything.

His mother had mar-

ried Lt. Col.

He was

mom.

to a bishops' conference.

officiated at a

home life was happy, warm

his surrogate

if

occasions, Bishop Curlin showers

from that time."

come a priest and I thoroughly enCurlin.

appointment, Bishop Curlin

many

His

went away

sisters

he

proceeded direcdy from the funeral

"More than 50 vocations came

boy.

"In 1951,

his

was a wonderful relationship

mixed with joy on

"You can go

ing," says Vidi.

was the greatest honor bestowed

been a source of happiness for

ness in his heart

the most generous and understand-

dren, Bishop Curlin calls their son

his mother's graveside,

or disorganized, every parish has

Inspired by a joyful,

for you,"

asked family friend Juanita Vidi

on me,"

sisters, specifi-

happy

he told them.

Curlin was informed he had been

and

how Bishop

"The Lord gave me

the energy to be

For the bishop-to-be and other

priests

just died, they

Curlin had put aside his grief for

in the

faith.

in his stepfathers last hours,

gather.

there

was never any force or arguments."

life-long friendships,

picnic

mother had

Catholic on his deathbed five years ago.

exclusively around the parish.

is

wanted "I

Of this,

for the priesthood.

Mary

a

to

parishioners

elderly.

cook

for St.

and the poor

He planted a garden on the

patio, so they could gather in

warm

weather for banquets and birthday celebrations.

evangelize /s

"It

was probably the happiest ex-

perience in

my

life,"

said Bishop

Curlin.

That, however, call for

in

may be

someone who

is

"at

a hard

home

any surroundings."

Bishop William

G.

Curlin

following canonical procession

of the Diocese of Charlotte.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


ORDAINING MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD ^INGS UETIMATE HAPPINESS, SAYS BISHO CHARLOTTE — "I know of no

greater

and happier moment

bishop than ordaining

men

as

to the

today our beloved

come

they do

gether. Just don't pray when

priesthood," said Bishop William

like praying.

G. Curlin.

for prayer."

During his eight years

bishop

as

of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Curlin ordained 28

men

to the

"You

when

priests,

together, pray to-

We

you feel

must make time

1

are ordained to celebrate

995. "The Eucharist

the

is

heart of your priesthood; without

priesthood.

newly ordained has remained con-

we are nothing." Though the priesthood requires

be good

great sacrifices, the bishop has said,

The

bishop's message to the

—

to

ask

you

sistent over the years

and

saints,"

brothers,

I

need

to be

Bishop Curlin told the can-

you

will

and

I

be

am

a joy to be able to stand at the altar

our parishes,

your coming. But

the church doesn't need bodies in

The church

the priesthood. disciples

on

fire

in celebration

midst."

on your that

with love for Jesus

you

Christ."

Make

with

God

priestly heart. If

life, I

promise you,

will be

priests

in

life

"You stand before all these wonderful people of

God, and

willing to give

this

you're

of

entrusted with the souls

men and women,

each priest

man must bring his heart

must be a mature, "trustworthy rep-

to the priesthood," said the bishop

resentative of Jesus Christ," said

"Each

to

bring Christ to others.

To be

the priesthood of Jesus

in

bishop

said,

June 2002. "The

It is

that spirit, the

Bishop Curlin

which

reflects Christ's

people have a right to see in us a

June 2001.

in

healing power in the sacrament of

profound resemblance

someone you have never seen with

penance, which

Christ when they put their souls in

your eyes or touched," the bishop

voice in the preaching of the Gos-

all

up

in loving

told the candidates during his

hom-

pels,

which

reflects Christ's

reflects Christ's

to Jesus

our hands."

uncon-

you

live

my brother,

one of the happiest

on God's

earth."

and celebration of the Eucharist,

ordained one of the single-largest

they need

groups of priests ever to serve the

priests find the strength

to be the presence of Christ in a

Diocese of Charlotte. This ordina-

world

tion class of seven priests

with poverty, violence

was

also

the

among the largest in the South that

"Prayer must be the foundation

Archdiocese of Atlanta, according

and lack of respect

for

life,

life,"

second in

year,

said.

of your daily

is

Christ."

poor

and the brokenhearted.

it

In June 2000, Bishop Curlin

bishop has

men into priestly men who will leave behind

which

service,

ditional love in service to the

our

recommitment

filled

entrance of seven

to this sacred ministry,

Jesus the heart of

your life, said the bishop. "Carve

needs

In daily prayer,

you

said

just because we we are blessed that

priests in

rejoice in

"What a joy to be a priest,"

Bishop Curlin in June 1999. "What

you

priests. Yes,

"And you've recognized his voice

calling

measurable.

not

didates in June 2001. "I

(ordaining)

the Eucharist,

ily.

the rewards of being a priest are im-

saintly priests.

"My

said the true

of the gathering was the

the trappings of a worldly

the Eucharist," said Bishop Curlin in June

But Bishop Curlin significance

said

size

only to the

Bishop

to a

2000 survey of the U.S.

why

ops'

Committee on Vocations.

Curlin in June 1995. "That

is

,

and happiet

^

men

bish-

a

to the P>

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


A priest's

heart reflects the love of Christ

"Each man must bring

his heart to the priesthood, " said

spirit,

the bishop said, which reflects Christ's healing

which

reflects Christ's voice in the

Bishop William

power

in the

preaching of the Gospels, which

G. Curlin. It is that

sacrament of penance, reflects Christ's

unconditional love in service to the poor and the brokenhearted.

In

June 2000, Bishop Curlin ordained one of the single-largest groups of priests ever

the Diocese of Charlotte. This ordination class of seven priests

was also among

to serve

the largest in

the South that year.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


The following

FAM1XYS FAITH JOURNEY LEADS TO PERMANENT

Bishop William

letter from

a

is

of the Diocese of which appeared in The Catholic

G. Curlin to the seminarians Charlotte,

& Herald, Sept.

News

Dear Brother

1998.

4,

DIACONATE

in the Lord,

MAGGIE VALLEY— The caI

very happy to confirm in writing that you have been accepted as

am

a candidate for the priesthood for service I

am

confident that you will receive a

in the

Diocese of Charlotte.

warm welcome

your new

in

pacity congregation, joyfully sang the old

Beauty of the Earth" sion

seminary community.

made

strong,

as the proces-

way up

its

200

hymn "For the Margaret

St.

Church's center aisle on the evening This

is

an exciting time for the church

Catholic population

is

in the South. "

to serve

our brothers and sisters

Him

"

assures us

friends,

to

keep your mind and heart centered on Jesus Christ. The

Cardinal Bernardin reminded us that

late

ourselves before

we seek

we must first

to evangelize the world.

a once-in-a-lifetime thing;

it

is

not

who had

Jesus Christ. This demands that

life to

we maintain intimacy with

the Lord.

Prayer

completed the

diocesan lay ministry program and

had been studying for the diaconate was planning

for four years,

our

all,

LaPointe was about to be

Jerry,

requires a day-to-day recommitment of

them

ordained a deacon.

evangelize

Evangelization

special to

very special event. Gerard

(Jerry)

beg you

who had come together to

honor a couple, at a

vineyard.

I

parishioners and

former parishioners, family and

part of the Lord's

in this

9.

They were

Your generous

response to God's call "to leave all things to follow

of shepherds

of March

Some have described our

increasing.

remarkable growth as "Pentecost

Eveiywhere the

in the South.

to be

ordained in June with the seven

members of his class. But when Bishop William Curlin other

essential in the

is

life

of a priest. Pope Paul VI said that prayer

learned that Jerrys wife, Lorraine, "explains

how we

live. "

While there are scheduled times

in

your is

seminary when you

will

pray with your brother seminarians, you must

also seek quiet times to be alone with the Master. Recall

how

often " St.

Jesus asked His disciples "to come aside and pray with Him. Vianney, patron saint effect

life in

three

adoration to

God s

he offered to con-

early.

Bishop Curlin

The Never forget that the Eucharist must remain the heart of our

it's

diaconate

the diaconate," said.

II

is

not new, and

know

it's

that.

a restoration."

It's

March 9 was

altar.

"Vatican

a gift to the church.

important that people

life.

around the Eucharist. Bring reverence and

Priestly ministry centers

months

stressed that

prayer.

ill,

sacrament of holy orders

"We need

John

of diocesan priests, remains a witness to the

of rooting our daily

terminally

fer the

a night of

firsts.

Bishop Curlin, who was director of

and devoted priest who can guide and

Entrust your soul to a wise strengthen

you as you

strive for personal holiness.

the bishop reminds deacons to "live

reconciliation in

God's

and spiritual

On

what they preach.

direction to be a source

the

first

ordination day,

United

"

ment on

Allow frequent

of grace

to

remain

diaconate class in the

States, conferred the sacraJerry,

the

calls

to be ordained at St. Margaret,

special love

and devotion

Jesus; through her intercession

to the

" It is

we

Blessed Mother. The church

through

will

Mary

that

remain faithful

to

we

received

who

there in 1972. In a ceremony held before the

ordination, Lorraine Establish a strong

I

thank

bond offriendship with your brother seminarians.

need priests! We must not

God daily for the

live

"

as "loners

support offered

my

brother priests.

Be assured that you have a special remembrance

in

prayers. You also have the prayers of our brothers

throughout the diocese,

whom you

will

but as brothers.

my Masses and

do not hesitate I

am

to call

on

my

visit to

in priestly

offer.

Until

later,

prior to

of his comments to the

us to understand that we're

wider

G.

Curlin lays

hands on Jerry LaPointe during LaPointe s ordination

to the

all

vul-

permanent diaconate at

St.

Margaret Church March

9,

2001.

nerable to dying," said Lorraine.

"God didn't give me this illness.

the sacrament of holy orders

a part of life. For

minal

illness

me, having a

has totally changed

spirituality. It

It's

ter-

my

me a great

has given

knowing

not alone, that Jesus

two

ladies right

to confer

three months early

when he

learned LaPointe s

wife,

Lorraine,

was terminally

ill.

that I'm

taking this

is

now who

have

cancer."

She looks

at Jerry. "I

have the

best care-giver in the world.

my

friends.

my

Those

I

feel

family,

are the

things that sustain me."

"We have two families, our fam-

commu-

new role as dea-

Bishop William

Bishop Curlin offered

but in

other in their marriage they are able

to

to

think this ministry has helped

through the love they have for each

ily

and the family at

St.

Margaret,"

Jerry said.

can do more as a deacon," said

"When you wear

collar,

TRIBUTE

"I

so blessed, not only in

"I

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

I

be

the time I've spent study-

LaPointes, telling them that

Jerry.

Bishop of Charlotte

will

ing."

to

his ordination.

con.

Curlin

all

it

by every deacon candidate

Prayerfully Yours in the Lord,

G.

to help people. If

journey with me. I'm ministering

nity through Jerry's

Most Reverend William

is

sense of peace,

to reach out to the

as always,

do

to

commitment to the bishop and the pope, commitments that are made

In his homily during the ordi-

your seminary. Please

me for any assistance I can

became the

wife to witness her husband's

many

look forward to meeting you during

worth

nation, Bishop Curlin directed

ministry.

I

first

and sisters

one day serve

built St.

Margaret, was ordained a priest

her Son.

want

—

love.

her the "Mother ofpriests.

Priests

deacon to

be ordained and the second person

William Murphy,

Have a

first

I

can help even one person,

a clerical

people are more apt to

you

BISHOP WILLIAM

to ask for help. That's

G.

CURLIN

Originally appeared in The

come

Catholic News

what

2001.

& Herald, March 16,

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

RCMANCATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


"Sentire

Thank you

for

cum

your

for living

christo"

gift to

Gob's peopfe

your motto:

"To t^ink with dyrist"

You are remembereb fonbly in our baily prayers anb in our thoughts

Mercy of the Americas Regional Community of North Carolina Sisters of

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

u>

BISHOP WILLIAM G. CURL1N

ROMAN CATHOUC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


pr

10

Congratulations to (Bishoj)

William g. CurRn

on the occasion of his retirement from the Staff and Parishioners of St.

Matthew Cathode Church

Msgr. John J. McSweeney, (Pastor

Equestrian Order of the

Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy

in

Carolina Volkswagen

the United States

7800 E. Independence (704) 537-2336

The Most Reverend William G.

•

Blvd., Charlotte (800) 489-2336

Curlin

Bishop Emeritus of Charlotte

With Prayerful Good Wishes Thank you

for

being a

Good Shepherd

to us al

from your friends at

Carolina Volkswagen

Bishop Curlin

Wishes and (BCessings in your (Retirement Years.

From

Your friends at Carolina Catholic Bookshoppe

(Best

Congratulations,

The Catholic Daughters

Charlotte

of

North Carolina State Court

Carolina Catholic

Court Asheville

Bookshoppe

Court Charlotte Court

{]"

Durham

Court Greensboro Court Sacred Heart (Salisbury)

Court Wilmington Court

St.

Joan of Arc

(Asheville)

Court Children of Mary (Elizabeth City) Court Infant of Prague (Jacksonville) Court Msgr. M. A. Irwin (New Bern) Court

St.

To Bishop Curlin

Francis of Assisi (Mocksville)

With

Deep

Gratitude!

Court of Immaculate Conception (Wilm.) St.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

Luke Parish

Mint

Hill,

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

NC DECEMBER 20, 2002


I

With Gratitude, Prayers, and Our Very Best Wishes

the Archdiocese of Mobile join with Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb All in

in offering prayerful

congratulations to

mm Bishop Curlin

III IIII ''0:

on

llllllllllllll

his retirement.

May God bless and prosper the ways and days

that

lie

ahead.

Most ReverendJoseph E. Kurtz

and

Ad Multos Annos!

Tlw People of the Diocese ofKnoxviUe

S/hxfatiiocesc of

Jtt Shanfkt cjiuituj Of,

\£mvt Service

Qad'A Peepie

mpmues

m

Is

hop

on

his retirement as (^Sisherp

Mmt Sleavtend faeph of,

pcatf fjor

Pepe,

the tDiecete 0/

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

f/

fReifaement

J^Diocesc

ffifohap

appreciation to

CU

tthfUp <4 CAwdatle Chid Whhing, QoxVt CAaicett ffitetaingA

Jn yawc

gyNeio (9deerns

c

3).fZX,

to

Charlotte,

none health, happiness

%dJ3).

and

£a& Vega*

TRIBUTE

of.

of} fife

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

holiness of

Me.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Mmi blessings upon your retirement THE NATIONAL BLACK SISTERS' CONFERENCE The Residents and Staff of

The Little Flower Assisted Living Community Charlotte

CONGRATULATES

7~H

THE MOST REVEREND WILLIAM

CURLIN

G.

UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS THE

THE OIWOKY

BISHOP OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Bishop Curlin Thanks for years of service. Enjoy a blessed retirement!

Thank you Bishop

The Oratorians

Curlin, for being

Rock

Hill,

SC

a dearfriend and guardian angel to the

You mil always

and we

r

1

National Black

Sisters Conference. 11

be

our bishop"

will neverforgetyou.

Tke Ohlates in

trie

of Saint Francis de Sales

who

serve

Diocese of Charlotte join with their

G. Morrissey, O.S.F.S., in extending hest wishes to Bishop Curlin on his retirement and in thanking him for the years that he has served as Shepherd of this diocese. provincial, Father Joseph

Sister Anita Baird,

Sister

Donna Banfleld,

DHM,

President

SBS, Vice President

Sister Patricia Chappell,

SNDdeN

Past President

101

Q

The National Black Sisters' Conference NE * Washington, DC 20002 * 202-529-9250

Street

Nbsc@igc.org

^y4d Wjuttoi ^s4nnos!!

www.nbsc68@tripod.com

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Our Best wishes and Prayers "B'est

wishes

"^hepherd

C37e.nt.le

Bishop William

C. Curlin, d.d.

ana

happy

retirement

sisters

diocese,,

and

ana wno reached out to

Permanent Deacons

N

3>AanclAam

brothers

trie poor, t le

the aged,, the youth

sick,

ani id the imprisoned.

We,

JJiq

C6ired so lovingly for

Cz^od's people op the (Charlotte

marginalrzed, the

Diocesan Association of

who

priests, deacons, religious priests,

his

for a long and

and continued prefers por our

Qonisik

ommun it 4

tl

osary

in 1

exington,

or being such a

of

of

tl ie

you our pvayer>

oppe?''

living

presence

Our L^dy

example of

among

esu-s

us.

(jonyratufaiions OBi's/iop Cjurfi'n

you /laue Seen a Sfessiny /o

our

\a\\

.Diocese. more

CT^rorn i/ie

ZJ/ie

CTranc/scan briars

and<SlajJ

you nave

memy

p

r 4 ea rs of \r-?od J

1

s

Owr La^fy 0/ //z<? Rosaty, Lexington,

NC

Otranciscan Gen/ei\ Screens 6oro

Proud printer of

The Catholic News

&

Herald since

its

inception.

Mullen PUBLICATIONS, INC. FOUNDED publisher*

f*i

1943

Southern Textile News

.Senior

Uirecdoas

www.mullenpublications.com

704-527-5111

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


BISHOP

CU&W

Gods abundant blessings be yours, Bishop, in all the years ahead.

Thank you for being such a supportive friend of the many redemptorists who have served St. James and St. Joseph,

Rkmtatfo Hams

Concord/Kannapolis, NC.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help keep you

in

her care.

f)iiworth's (airman Tradition since 1966

24JS park

Road (Near ยงcott

five.

& Kenilworth,

across from the ftoeriean Red Cross) Charlotte

704-376-3836

God Lless

our Skepkercl, snare d tke Love of

wko

graciously

CWt witk US.

Fr. Peter Jug'is

and Parishioners

(ยงux flub]} uf ^Enurites Monroe

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


SOOTHING WATERS OF GOURDES PROVIDE

NOURISHMENT FOR THE SOUE LOURDES,

France

— Carol

in

Washington,

New York and San

Khan immersed herself in the brisk

Francisco joined an international

waters of Lourdes and dropped to

confraternity of chapters from

her knees.

countries, bringing thousands of

Khan's action

may not seem

malades from

all

39

corners of the

miraculous, but in the heart and

earth to Lourdes, the place in the

mind

south of France where 138 years

of

48-year-old

the

Clemmons

resident,

ment of grace. She

it

was a mo-

ago the Blessed Virgin appeared to

been able

young Bernadette; an apparition

hasn't

sanctified by

to kneel in years.

Khan tary

credits the Sovereign Mili-

Bishop William G. Curlin,

Khan

bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte

was one of 27 malades (French ailing or invalid)

ions escorted

for

and their compan-

by members of the

— headquarWashington, D.C. — on

and a chaplain sociation,

tered in

annual international pilgrim-

"When you

Each year, Knights of Malta fuldreams

for

think about to

it,

Lourdes

ev-

as a

malade," said Bishop Curlin. "Each

afflicted

Pilgrims don't travel to Lourdes for a physical healing, he said.

only yearn for the blessing rendered

The

life."

otherwise

dozens of

who would

in Lourdes.

erybody goes

of us has some heartache in our

age to Lourdes.

individuals

for the Federal As-

accompanied the group

on the pilgrimage.

Federal Association

fill

in

Order of Malta (Knights of

Malta) with her experience.

their

Pope Leo XIII

1862.

Pilgrimage up-

holds the Knights of Malta mission

"They go deeper

for a greater courage, a

faith,

the ability to face

and not be conquered by

life

it."

of putting the sick and poor before everyone

This

Originally appeared in The

else.

year,

1996,

Dames and

Knights of Malta from associations

Above

right.

Bishop William

G.

Catholic

News

& Herald, May 17,

1996.

Curlin shares words of hope

and

prayer with Courtney Fredrikson of North Potomac, Md. at the Grotto in

Lourdes as Knight of Malta Mike Falcone looks

Bishop Curlin celebrates Mass and prays with a

on.

Below

right,

Dame of Malta

in

Lourdes.

^\«mte relation religious

Cod and

off

th

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


RESPECT LIFE

NEW MINISTRY FOR KNIGHTS MEANS MORE FREEDOM FOR DISABLED Nine Knights ofColumbus councils

provide freedom for the disabled

way

for the Catholic presence

of

charity to be recognized through-

operation. "As bishop, he leader of our

out the diocese," said Bishop

Poutier.

ample of charity

rated non-profit organization, pro-

"The ministry serves all who need help, no matter what

vides ramps for handicapped

denomination.

It is

of our love for

them and concern

through a life-enhancing ministry.

Operation Exodus, an incorpo-

people.

It

takes

its

name from

Greek words Ex, meaning

the

"out,"

and Hodos, meaning "way." cepted the position of honorary

chairman in 1994 of Operation Exodus. Bishop Curlin declared

new ministry

ramp

in the diocese

an expression

it

—

a

adopt

North Carolina

"This ministry

is

a wonderful

to

Bishop Curlin

man

as

we an

ex-

honorary chair-

exhibits the support

The by

St.

9560

this project.

Stephen Poutier, former grand

we receive

project originated in

1990

Vincent de Paul Council

Mecklenburg County, and

in

has expanded to other counties.

knight of Council 9560 and presi-

dent of Operation Exodus, said

was a wise decision to

ministry.

are

to other councils

from the diocese."

for their welfare."

councils in

"Not only

the said

within North Carolina, but having

Bishop Curlin encouraged other

Bishop William G. Curlin ac-

a

Curlin.

is

community,"

select

it

Bishop

Curlin as honorary chairman of the

Originally appeared in The Catholic

News

& Herald, March 3,

1995

Monument to

the

Bishop William 31,

was

1998 at

St.

G.

Unborn Curlin dedicated a

Monument

Thomas Aquinas Church

the undertaking

to the

in Charlotte.

The memorial

ofparishioner Robert Lavarnway,

awarded the rank of Eagle Scout for

Unborn Jan.

who was

his work. Assisting with the

project were Knights of Columbus Councils 10505. 7450

Also shown at

St.

is

and 2208.

Lavarnway s grandfather. Bob Kachmarik, a parishioner

James Church

in

Concord and member of Knights of Columbus

Council 7450.

Bishop William

G.

Curlin

and the

Knights of Columbus.

March for Life Bishop William

G.

Curlin joins

students the Diocese of Charlotte at the

March for Life

Washington.

in

D.C Jan

22, 2002.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


"

"

BISHOPS ISSUE PASTORAL LETTER, APPEAL TO DIOCESES N.C.

November 1997, Bishop William G. Curlin along with

In

Raleigh Bishop

with a plea to

Joseph Gossman appealed to their dioceses

F.

all

of the

people, "of good will to reach out

state's

economic need." In

to those in dire

One Heart and One Mind,"

two bishops

the

invited "Tar Heel

Catholics and their neighbors in business, government

community eryone." cific

ways of ensuring economic

and

calls

the church to swift

"...As followers

ofJesus Christ

and as pastoral leaders

of the Roman Catholic commuNorth Carolina, we feel

compelled to express our grave concern for the children,

men cient

and

sincere action.

the pastoral letter:

our Lord,

nity in

and the

justice for ev-

The pastoral letter expressed urgent concern on a spe-

topic

From

to find

"Of

their pastoral letter,

in our state

women and

who

economic means

Catholics calls us to put the needs

ofthe poor and the vulnerable fore all

else.

be-

In our job-oriented

economy, this tradition in the security

is

expressed

ofgainful employ-

work with

"...We invite you to

us in finding ways to achieve eco-

lack suffi-

nomicjusticefor all. The mandate

to live full

of Scripture

andfruitful lives.

"...We are concerned because in

are those "...We write to ask you, our sis-

is clear,

and our

among

us looking for

work who cannot find

it;

those

direction

ing out to the poor

and

is

challenged to imitate the

help shape our world so that the

temporary employment;

God-given dignity ofevery human

among full-time

being will be acknowledged,

stantial

to

embrace with

re-

"

spected and protected.

Joseph Gossman of the

and One Mind,

"

crafted in

November 1997

to

letter,

"Of One Heart

appeal

to

both dioceses

in North Carolina "to reach out to those in dire economic need.

"

to

part-time or

and even

workers a sub-

the

Jesus in our

of

life

world of human as "

and are unable

The economic

recovery

"...As Catholics, relatively

though we are

small in number here,

"...We speak because our

ofthe last six years has generated a

we have a

American economy has expanded

wider income and benefit gulfbe-

tinue to use whatever influence

dramatically and many have pros-

tween the upper and lower ends of have

pered in the eleven years since the

our work force. To the working decisions are more accountable

U.S. Bishops' 1986pastoral letter, All.

Yet

haunted by how the

among us are faring.

There

much poverty and

least

is

too

too little

economic opportunity for

Our faith

we

all

our

tradition as

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

&c

poor, the impact

ofthe expansion

has been selective and discriminatory.

lead

These economic disparities to injustices

attention.

and

9-11:

well as spiritual need.

provide for their families basic

necessities.

Economic Justice for

On

not an easy journey, but we are

number who fall below

subsistence wages to

citizens.

F.

vulnerable among us. Discipleship

but are limited

still

and Bishop

and the contextfor reach-

who need and desirefull-timejobs

are

Curlin

Catholic social teachinggives us the

us our Church's responsibility to

and brothers,

G.

Diocese of Raleigh review their joint pastoral

'

the midst ofa strong economy there

ters

Bishop William

"

ment.

the

to

responsibility to con-

we

ensure that public policy to

common good of all North

Carolinians, from the native born to the

newly arrived.

"

'e

us the peac &

demanding our

We must raise our voices

act to improve

and change

these conditions.

HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


LETTERS

17

PAGE

A J(828) 326-7090

NE NC 28601-9012

125 42nd Av<;nm Circle Hickory,

Vatican City, October 25, 2002

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567N2002

October 9, 2002

Your Excellency, Dear Bishop Curlin,

The occasion of your retirement evokes nany reflections regret, that an era of such radiance is coming to an end; nostalgia, for memories of happy and inspiring days; thanksgiving, for the spiritual, theological, and ecumenical leadership that you have given to Christians in North Carolina.

With

the publication of your

directed

me

to

convey

you

to

resignation from the office of

September

residential Bishop of Charlotte on'

Holy Father has

10, the

deep appreciation

his

for

your nearly

fourteen years of dedication to the episcopal ministry. First, as Auxiliary

service as bishop has opened up many new possibilities for Christian witness. Yoiir

Bishop of Washington D.C. for residential

It is not just your own Catholic flock that has been blessed by your spirituality. I think of a particular event on the Lenoir-Rhyne College campus when you served as the leader for one of the monthly colloquia. The room was filled with faculty, students, local clergy, and laity of various denominations. As you told of your experiences with the poor and the sick, and especially your ministry with Mother Theresa, there wasn't a dry eye to be

Bishop of Charlotte

served the Church with has also asked

me

filial

and a half years, and then as

you have always

obedience and dedication. The Holy Father

to express to

continue in pastoral service

five

for the past eight years,

you

to the

his closeness in

Church

ways

in

prayer that you that

may

your healdi and

God's providence permits.

seen.

The Holy Father

You exemplify what it means to look for Jesus in other people--and thereby manifest Jesus yourself in all your relationships. ... closer For your energetic support of efforts toward deeper understanding and For your love, and for your generous self-giving, you will be long ong remembered, remembered. rur s — dear r„4 friend friendship, and your manifestation of Jesus to me, I give you *u-,..t thanks, .i

is

aware Of the great

loyalty

manifested for the Church and the See of Peter.

that

over

these past fourteen and a half years you have dedicated yourself to the

episcopal office under the special guidance and strength of die Holy Spirit

and the intercession of Our Lady

look forward to more opportunities to spend time together, enjoying each other's company, now that you have retired. May God bless you with good health and a sense of fulfillment in the days to come.

faithful to

Your brothe

in the

I

you have always

He knows

in

service to the people of God, ever

your episcopal motto "Sentire

Cum

Christo

".

His Holiness prays dial you will continue to find great happiness

Christ,

by

days ahead dirough the knowledge of the work that has been done

the

Lord

in

your years of pastoral ministry.

Paul in his letter to the Church

Michael C. D. McDaniel Retired Bishop North Carolina Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

to

at

you now: "May he enlighten your innermost

Prot. N.

May

words of Saint

the

Ephesus be a source of great comfort vision that

you may know

567\02

October 25, 2002

Static

of North Carolina

the great hope to which he has called you, the wealth of his glorious

Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh,

Michael

F.

heritage to be distributed among the members of the Church, and the immeasurable scope of his power in us who believe" (Eph 1:19).

NC 27699-0301

Easley

November

Governor

12,

2002

With

fraternal affection in our

Lord Jesus

Christ, His Holiness

imparts to you his Apostolic Blessing, invoking upon you grace and peace.

The Most Reverend William G. Curlin

Roman Catholic Diocese I

Pastoral Center 1

and

123 South Church Street

Charlotte,

my

take this occasion to assure you of

my

prayers for your health

sentiments of esteem and fraternal regard,

NC 28203 elv vours in Christ,

Dear Bishop Curlin:

You have served for 45 years as a Catholic priest and for eight of those; we have been blessed to have you as the Bishop of the Charlotte diocese. Your commitment to your church and to the Charlotte community leaves a lasting legacy and 1 know that your work

not yet finished.

is

Your concern for the poor brought Mother Teresa's Sisters to Charlotte and they still continue their work to this day. And even though you have begun your retirement, you still work tirelessly to assist those in need.

The Most Reverend William G. CURLIN The love that you have for the people of your diocese is evident in the many times you have said yes to them. You have traveled countless miles to pray, to minister and to heal. Your decision to remain in the Charlotte area also speaks to this great love. Mary, Michael and

I

wish you the best as you begin

this

Chancery Office 1123 South Church Street P.O. Box 36776 Charlotte, North Carolina

new phase of your

28236

USA

vocation.

With warm personal regards,

1

remain

Very

truly yours,

Michael

F.

Easley

MFE/cb cc:

Joan Keane, Editor

Location: 116 West Jones Street

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Raleigh,

NC * Telephone:

TRIBUTE

to

(919) 733-5811

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


ECUMENISM

NORTH CAROLINA'S ROMAN CATHOLICS AND LUTHERANS CONVENT RENEW — Bishop Curlin pledges

and treasure

BURLINGTON the

between

rift

gathered Jan. 14, 1996 at the altar

Catholic churches to pray for each

sensitive priest

of the Macedonia Lutheran

other and together, collaborate "for

marks centered on the one

unity the fervent prayer of Jesus

North

Roman

Carolina's

Catholic and Lutheran bishops

newed

re-

the five-year-old covenant

Church,

three bishops

— William

G. Curlin of the Diocese of CharJoseph Gossman of the

lotte, F.

Mark

Diocese of Raleigh and

just a

block from Blessed

Sacrament Catholic Church

more

effective ministry,"

in

point liaisons between diocesan and

synodical ministries, institutions

copies of the Lutheran-Catholic

and

agencies.

Bishop Curlin recalled growing

Covenant. Originally signed in 1991 by

up

in a close-knit family that di-

Bishop Gossman; Archbishop John

vided on Sundays.

E Donoghue, former bishop of Charlotte and now Archbishop of

mother went

Adanta; and Bishop Michael

CD.

"One

church; one grandfather went to

the Lutheran church,

Evangelical Lutheran

Lutheran Synod, the covenant calls

went

Church

in

America (ELCA)

Lutheran and

for the

Roman

Methodist

to the

McDaniel, former bishop of the

Carolina

grand-

church, another went to the Catholic

to the Episcopal church, al-

said

it's

me later on

Anglican."

is

common

"It

all

name and

my

But when

I

put

I

will see

to

it, I

pledge that

love

and

treasure Christ in ev-

ery one of you."

"Now just documents, not just

Bishop Gossman said the covenant represents a "desire to

move

heavy theological discussions and

closer

Scriptural discussions. But the

we

believe Jesus Christ prayed for

on

the night before his death.

ground

rule

is

that

we see and

and treasure Christ

in

love

one another.

and

somehow

When we walk in each other's lives,

division

Christ enters our

among

lives."

The Lutheran-Catholic Convenant, said Bishop Curlin, "a

is

closer to the unity that

— and

us who

that's

what

it is

claim to be follow-

of Jesus Christ

ers

That

or other, the scandal of

will really

end."

covenant of loving Christ in one

per,

not just a piece of pa-

not just something that says

up

in a multifaith faith family

'we'll

helped

make him an ecumenically

certain areas of concern

ing

Christian

for the poor.'

begins with Christ in us," he

another

Bishop Curlin said that grow-

to

re-

figure

denominations: Jesus Christ.

and another

though they corrected

and

that

said.

Menees of the Synod of North

and ap-

Burlington, to sign each of the three

between the two churches.

The

and bishop. His

Calling

and Christian

and love

Christ' in allpeople

their churches "a

scandal of division,"

himself,

to see

Originally appeared in lic

News

The Catho-

& Herald, Jan. 19, 1996.

pray together and we'll have

and

care

Catholic and Lutheran

bishops join to comfort

HIV/AIDS

those with CHARLOTTE

— For

people suffering from

years,

is

me

the brokenness, the hurt,

the ridicule, the criticism

How-

spair. I will refresh you.'"

have been ostracized by society. ever,

'Bring

HIV or AIDS

the only sickness that

is

James

terrifying

the absence of God. In the Diocese

of Charlotte, those same shunned

in-

with

pseudonym) has

(a

ened by what he called a circle of faith. "It's

ing power of the Lord.

and Bishop Menes

ing

was the second year for the Heal-

Mass at St.

on June

1 1

,

and

Patrick Cathedral,

open

for the

100 individuals hungry for the healing that

comes with God's Word.

Mass

in

1994

as a sign

of

HIV

or

compassion to those with

AIDS, and

their

This

caregivers.

year,

families

— —

supporting

Not only does James

cherish the

as representa-

of their churches

us in our pain."

ecumenical

efforts

suffering with

supporting those

AIDS, but he

said, "It

allows people to see the best example

Bishop William G. Curlin established the

important to have Bishop Curlin

tives

1995, the arms of com-

passion were flung wide

lived

HIV for seven years. He is enliv-

dividuals receive comfort in the heal-

It

and the de-

and

Bishop Curlin

of God's

and car-

love, actively loving

ing for people."

Bishop Curlin urged those attending to allow

of

God

their souls

to enter the depths

and confirm

his love.

was joined on the altar by Bishop Mark

"God lives in

Menes of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

"When we feed a hunger person, God feeling the hungry. Bear witness

America to perform the laying on

to Jesus, not by talking about him, but

in

of hands for

people

a sign of spiritual healing

Curlin.

by

"We

awakening

God,"

said

need a deep

in us

living like

Bishop

spiritual

of his presence."

Those attending the Mass were

that the church

Mark

Menees of the Synod of North Carolina — Evangelical Lutheran Church

in

America sign each of the three copies

made

Macedonia Lutheran Church

evident

a place of mercy and

in Burlington,

N.C.

Jan. 14, 1996.

care for all people," said Bishop Menes.

"In the judgmental world

we must remember

we

live in,

Bishop William

in

praying for the healing of all people,

no matter what

"God doesn't have Our Lord looks at you and me and wants us for who we

lic

G.

Curlin stands with Bishop Michael

to imitate Christ C. D.

encouraged by Bishop Curlin to have faith in

Curlin; Bishop F. Joseph Gossman.

of the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant at the altar of the

clearly is

G.

bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh; and Bishop

him."

"This Mass

"We are here today to be filled with

Bishop William

Bishop Curlin. it's

who are suffering.

the presence of

us," said

McDaniel, retired bishop of the North Carolina

Synod

their illness."

— Evangelical Lutheran Church

in

America.

God's love.

conditional love.

are," said

Bishop Curlin. "Jesus

Originally appeared in

News

The Catho-

& Herald, June 23, 1995.

says,

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


MULTICULTURAL

OURIADYOF GUADALUPE DEDICATED FOR GROWING HISPANIC COMMUNITY — Years

CHARLOTTE and

struggle

of

paid off

faith finally

for the Hispanic Catholics in the

Charlotte area

when Bishop

new Our

Lady of Guadalupe Church June 2,

2002.

formerly The new building known as the Catholic Hispanic

Center

— symbolized

the growing

commitment

plans to build a sanc-

tuary in the next decade, as well as

"We

complex and soccer

field.

have a soccer league with

al-

most 200 kids," said Father Finnerty. "The parking is barely enough now, so

there's a

forward for both Hispan-

tive step

and the Catholic Church.

ics

"There are a

of signs of growth

lot

in this diocese;

not just physically

but

he

need to

spiritually,"

in the dio-

said.

"This building

which we come

keep on expanding."

Half the population

of Guadalupe Church was a posi-

to

is

Bishop Curlin. "We Word of God will al-

in Jesus," said

continuing plan that started a long

Almost 50 parishes work with His-

pray that the

time ago.

panic communities, and each of the

ways echo inside these

"This means a

first

lot for the

His-

panic people," said Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty,

when they were holding Mass the gymnasium of the old Our

ago in

Lady of the Assumption School

in

walls."

10 vicariates has a full-time HisOriginally appeared in The Catho-

panic ministry coordinator.

who came

to the Hispanic parish seven years

an-

other and give witness to our faith

cese identifies itself as Hispanic.

it

a place to

know one

phase of a

but

Our Lady

Father Finnerty said

The parish a sports

to live as Christ has

taught us."

munity."

Hispanic population in the diocese,

was only the

It's

com-

a real tribute to the Hispanic

Will-

iam G. Curlin presided over the dedication Mass for the

get this building built for years.

"In 20 years, will

we are told that this

lic

& Herald, June 14, 2002.

News

be primarily a Hispanic dio-

cese," said

Bishop Curlin. "Here,

the young will learn of their Cathofaith

lic

and adults will deepen

their

Charlotte.

Father Finnerty said the parishioners have

worked hard

center built.

to get the

Those who cannot

donate their treasure donate generously with their time

he Bishop William

G.

said.

Curlin blesses

think the people are very

"I

the

new Our Lady of Guadalupe

Church during the dedication

Mass June

at 2,

and talents,

Our Lady of Guadalupe

produced, and they

feel

that

William

G.

Curlin

and Rev.

Our

all," said

it

activities,

the sacrament of

and a Mass honor-

Feb. 16, 1999, but the Vietnamese

ing Vietnamese saints added to the

Catholic

community of Charlotte commemorated a beginning of its

weekend

own Nov. 29 with a Mass dedicating its new church and cultural cen-

munity numbered about 20 fami-

Hispanic culture ever since

in the

Mr.

Diego near Mexico City

in 1531.

Because today's Hispanics have

Finnerty said,

can

think today they

"I

really express their

been with them and in

confidence

Our Lady of Guadalupe

that

all

will

struction of their

own

has

continue

of their struggles; and

part of that struggle

this

the con-

"Today,

Bishop Curlin the

dream

as

that

he

all

said,

"This

is

of us had for

many years, and now the dream has come true. So I ask God to bless you

for

make

all

that

you have done

to

this possible."

"It's

not only a church, but also

a center for a lot of activities that

Inkrott, O.S.F., director

of

in

May

1981,

when

Joseph

St.

officially install

you as

By 1988,

the

community was 400

said Bishop

William G. Curlin to

"I

come to consecrate your altar

and dedicate your church. In dothis,

I

affirm

and honor you

as

a very special, holy people of God,"

added the bishop,

In

September 1994, the

weekly for Mass and other

those in attendance.

who

ties at St.

May

In

St.

Jo-

activi-

Ann Church in Charlotte. 1995, the

community

re-

ceived permission from the bishop to build

its

The

celebrated

own

church.

300-seat church will serve

Mass with diocesan and guest clergy, including Father Tan Van Le,

as a cultural center for

some 1 ,500

Vietnamese Catholics

in the

the community's chaplain.

lotte area, as well as the locality's

The dedication Mass and festivities, attended by some 2,500

greater

people, crystallized a

20

Char-

Vietnamese population of

close to 10,000.

dream almost Originally appeared in The Catho-

years in the making.

The

liturgy highlighted

two

lic

News

& Herald, Dec.

4,

1998

days of celebrating the dedication

have been praying and working to

in

CURLIN

lies

seph community began meeting

of

G.

I

community of faith in the wider community of the whole diocese,"

Hispanic Ministry. "The people

BISHOP WILLIAM

The Vietnamese Catholic com-

a

bring people together," said Sister

Andrea

occasion.

strong and growing.

ing

church."

reconciliation

was chosen by them as their patron.

ter.

is

Father Finnerty translated for

to

Youth

namese New Year will be celebrated

English and finding work, Father

TRIBUTE

Viet-

Lady

many struggles, including learning

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

— The

of Guadalupe has been embedded

dedication Mass.

a mosaic of,

realized at dedication

CHARLOTTE

Father

Mary first appeared to peasant Juan Raphael Torres during the

dream

Lady of Guadalupe has been with

Finnerty, explaining that the

Father Vincent Finnerty, Bishop

Vietnamese community's

happy with what their struggle has

them through

2002.

and culture

Celebrating faith

St.

Joseph Vietnamese Church

southwest Mecklenburg County.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


MULTICULTURAL

20

PAGE

Bishop William G. Curlin reaches out

many

to the

diverse cultures that represent the

mosaic of people

in the

Diocese of Charlotte.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002



The

staff of the

CATHOLIC CONFERENCE CENTER thanks you for your leadership

and guidance

The Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran, D.D.,

and wishes you God's continual

Catholic Faithful of the

Diocese of Rockford

to

in

offer prayerful best wishes and thanks to Bishop William G. Curlin for his years of service to the

Conference Center

\JI

CD.

and the blessings.

Catholic ^^The pz tz

J.

Diocese of Charlotte

God f01

whom we experienced a shepherd gentle in his care

andfirm in his preadxing of Holy Cross

the truth.

Catholic CHiurch, Kernersville,

^Jke

1 3th

NC

C^kapter of tke hook of ^omani, uerde 7 dpeakd of rendering

konor

^kerefore, we at

to

whom

oCeeper

dincerelu thank d3idkop (Purlin for

and Service

to tke

au Cjod continue

to

^Jdid

honor

l6

due.

Company would like

8

ueard

hodu of Ckrtit

bleddinc^d

honor

and

of dedication, commitment

and tke community.

keep uou in ^Jdid perfect peace

manu

to

and dkower

upon uou.

RlL RJ. Leeper Construction Company,

801

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

inc.

Clanton Road, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC, 28217, Phone (704) 522-8700

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

C.

CURLIN

Fax (704) 522-9881

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Prayerful best wishes for your retirement.

T

T Good Shepherd Church

mdtimfieofde ojtk King,

*

NC

\iwme o^Qmmfmal mkni

kmwld kd uSm fa On

behalf of

Good News Ministries

m

lui

ntmmdcn

Charlotte

we

zvish to congratulate

for

all

you on your retirement and thank you

ofyour support with Youth

We

offy/Hifi(/at(o/hs

the Southeast

FIRE Rally and

the

POWER Rally.

are praying for you as you continue your journey offaith.

andfitHtyeryful best? laisAes to

Bishop William G. Curlin as you enter this

We

join

new phase

you

in

of your

life in

the service of our Lord.

the celebration of your retirement as

Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.

ay the Lord's choicest blessings be upon you and your people as you continue your holy ministry. a^ from the Clergy, Religious

Bishop

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

F.

BISHOP WILLIAM

and

Laity of the Diocese of Raleigh

Joseph Gossman

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


The

Sisters of the

dSi^Lop (Purlin

an 1

tkanlz6

and bedt

Holy Child Jesus

ividk ed 1

it tu on uour reuremen

offer their gratitude

and

best wishes to ^J^loiu

Spirit

Lurch

tic

Bishop To Bishop William

William Q. Curlin

Curlin

God's blessings on your retirement. Our thanks for your dedicated, generous life and ministry as priest

e are grateful for

and bishop.

many

gifts

and

your

service*

Bishop William Houck and the clergy, religious and people of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi vvww.siK'j.org

Best Wishes from the Southeastern redemptorist

Congratulations to you,

Bishop William Curlin, on your retirement,

and our sincere thanks to you for your leadership.

OSF New Smyrna

Beach, Florida

The Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio serving the Diocese of Charlotte since 1964.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


With heartfelt thanks for your support

Best wishes

—

on your retirement!

THANK YOU BISHOP CURLIN YOU HAVE BEEN OUR

SHEPHERD AND OUR

The Knights

of

Columbus

of North Carolina

GUIDE

FROM THE PEOPLE OF

Bishop Curlin, ST.

ANN'S

GOD'S BLESSINGS

ON YOUR RETIREMENT

PARISH Our Lady

of

Guadalupe Catholic Church Charlotte

Thank you, Bishop for the

Happy Retirement

priest

Bishop Curlin

Curlin,

many years of stellar example

who

loves

as a

Our Lord and His people,

and for directing us with loving care

and Best Wishes!

as

Bishop of Charlotte.

Thank you for all you have done for the Diocese of Charlotte and for us here at St. Francis of Assisi.

We keep you

Be assured of our continued prayers and fond, thoughts.

in our prayers.

Congratulations!

JT.

FRANCI/ OF AJ/IJI CHURCH MOCKJVILLE, NC

Parishioners of

St.

James and

St.

Concord and Kannapolis,

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

Joseph

NC DECEMBER 20,

2002


Tliank you for your years of dedicated service to our diocese. May our all-good God continue to gift you

many

graces

and blessings

in the

Congratulations on your retirement,

years ahead.

Bishop Curlin! Thank you Our Lady

of

Mercy Church and Our Lady of Fatima Chapel Winston- Salem

for

being our Shepherd.

We

look forward to seeing you at Confirmation.

THANK YOU, BISHOP CURLIN Our Lady of the Highways Church Thomasville The parishioners of St.

Margaret Mary Church

Swannanoa, NC

BISHOP WILLIAM G.CURLIN May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow, May the soft winds freshen your spirit, May the sunshine brighten your heart, May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you And may God enfold you in the mantle ofHis love.

May God bless you with many years of a happy retirement.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School Salisbury

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

C.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


The St.

priests

Mary's

and parishioners of

Congratulations!

always be grateful to

will

Bishop Curlin for his leadership, his kindness,

and

exemplary priestly

his

life.

St.

Aloysius Church

Hickory

Congratulations and

Be assured of our prayers. Congratulations

and

t

i.

best wishes

-^7

'

A'

for a fruitful retirement.

sit mmsrs

n

of faithful service!

«uc cum

Greensboro,

1 m

Benedict the Moor Winston-Salem, NC

St.

NC

TTHFRM JOLIZiJxi i 1 J

QniKJ %J\J

t.

thank you for your many years

L/iJIJlIi

JL

SINCE 1899

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES, WORLDWIDE

Thank You, Bishop William Curlin, For Years Of Outstanding Service

To Our Community

And Best Wishes For A Long and Healthy

Retirement

From Your Friends At

NAI

A

1701 East Third

Strict •

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Charlotte,

TRIBUTE

to

Southern Real Estate

HC 28204

• Omci: 704 375-1000 • Fax:704 375-2384 • www.srshccom

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


The Parishes of St.

Thomas Aquinas, Charlotte

Our Lady of Consolation, Charlotte Immaculate Conception, Hendersonville

the Capuchin Friars who staff these parishes and the parishioners

Salute Our Beloved Bishop William G. Curlin.

We express our gratitude for

his love, devotion,

and service to us throughout his years as our shepherd.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

C.

CURLIN

1A ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


HOLIDAY MESSAGES

BISHOP CUFJLIN GIVES HOLIDAY THANKS During the holy seasons ofthe liturgicalyear, Bishop William G. Curlin always gave thoughtful consideration as he prepared messages

ofhope and encouragementfor the faithful ofthe diocese.

We have extracted a samplingfrom

both Easter and Christmas messages:

CHRISTMAS

EASTER "Two thousand that

first

you and

Jesus,

life'

As the

won

by

for us

new

for as often as

we

tion

...

we

have

have to look far to see the

results

— 1996

We

within

life

"The world

1995

"This can be a Christmas for each of us

do not

to

remember.

A Christmas that remembers

Christ; Christ hidden in the poor, the

of life with-

homeless, the neighbor or elderly friend

still

demands

of loyalty to Christ

the fibers of our being

and

we

desire eternal happiness than

to

woven

"This year

into

finds roots deep

the

We can no more cease to

within our souls.

hunger for food.

It is in

liv-

— 1996

the supreme

it is

...

re-

Eucha-

ing alone and unnoticed."

test

This holy

us.

newal of the Spirit of God within us."

death and resurrec-

needs God.

— His

life

season challenges us to seek that inner

until death

celebrate the

recall Christ's

Our world

out Him."

His only Son into

be-

life

God the Fa-

when He sent this world that we might

ther gave us His greatest gift

Christ's passion,

and continues

gins at baptism

rist,

of

by our acceptance of the

death and resurrection. This

disciples

are called to proclaim faith

I

in the resurrection

'new

"Christmas reminds us that

years have passed since

Easter Sunday.

century and the beginning

of a new millennium. This

can cease

Do we

is

a

good time

what Christmas means

to question

accord with our

nature and the yearning in our hearts."

a very special Christmas,

is

last in this

to us.

acknowledge the birth of Jesus

the Father's great

gift

and proof of His

as

love

'

1998

"Easter can

shallow faith real

mean very little to one with

who

points to death as the life. It

unites

for

who

all

heart."

life

doorway

follow

Him with an

carry Jesus in our hearts?

of Life?

Do we

and through

Jesus

believe that

and

undivided

is

...

If

of faith,'

discover us sharing His gifts of love peace, especially with those

of these

gifts."

— 2000

most

in

justice in today's

manger."

and

asked that

...

As His

will

believe that

to

do

so,

Christmas

then the Di-

we

it is

find the peace that an-

first

Christmas night?

s tmas

Jesus through

His

wrapped

in a

in

manger."

God living

swaddling clothes

— 2000

reminds

greatest gift

^

disciples, Jesus has

we witness our

love for

Him

by

sharing that love with our neighbors, even the least

among

us."

— 2001

"Easter solves the riddle of life It

points

beyond the grave

come. There, we

will

and death.

to the

world to

one day lay down the

burdens of our years and, homeward bound, pass to

life

— 2002

with Christ and immortality."

n'ight ha

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

I

found when you and I have

the humility to kneel and adore

need

His suffering and death to the glory of His Resurrection.

fail

sang of that

in an infant

we walk with

...

— 1999

"When gels

"Holy Week is a time for the enrichment as

world?

Is

for peace

an excellent opportunity to address these

and lying of the soul

us

we

Him among the living 'with eyes we will find Him. May this Easter

look for

lives in

vine Child remains quietly resting in the

grace to end. Jesus has asked us to be wit-

triumph over death.

He

our voice that of Jesus pleading

cannot allow these days of special

ness to His

womb,

Do we rec-

continues to feed the hun-

us,

questions. If we

"We

in her

gry and clothe and house the homeless?

to eternal

on earth with life in heaven

— 1999

As Mary carried Jesus

do we

ognize Jesus in the Eucharist as our Bread

does not understand the

meaning of the Resurrection.

for us?

DECEMBER 20,

2002


MOTHER TERESA

30

PAGE

IN MEMORY Bishop Curlin

CHARLOTTE — On the second anniversary of

the death of

lar

conviction that she was already a

me

saint. "Please let

William G. Curlin offered prayers

replied.

of remembrance for the woman who

the sense of humor of which Bishop

During a memorial Mass

on a number of the

experi-

ences from their friendship of nearly

Mother Teresa know she could

three decades.

came

quicidy

to

count on the bishop and his willingness to pitch

whether

in,

it

be

scrubbing the floors of a planned hospice, or conducting

impromptu

her and her

sisters in In-

retreats for

Moreover, he spoke of her simple

the driving force of Mother

Teresa.

she

of

typical

woman

of joy," he

said.

Following her death, an outpouring of requests from

all

over the

world prompted Pope John Paul

II

to waive the usual waiting period of five years after

the death before in-

of new sainthood causes

vestigation

can begin. Church sources in said

apparendy the

it is

Rome time

first

such an exception had been made.

Bishop Curlin was one of those

by providing testimony

vestigation

that will help substantiate sainthood,

a request

he was honored to

fulfill.

"She saw with an inner vision,"

As the Vatican committee scours the

Bishop Curlin. "She saw with

earth for witness of miracles, Bishop

said

her heart.

you want

It

was her

to touch

down and touch

belief that if

Curlin

God, you reach

of her

a crying child, a

dying person, you feed the homeless,

or just reach out to the broken-

hearted." That, the bishop recalled, is

first,"

asked to contribute to the official in-

dia.

faith

die

Her response was

Curlin frequendy spoke. "She was a

at St.

Patrick Cathedral, the bishop reflected

charisma ofMother Teresa

Charleston, S.C., about the popu-

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Bishop

captured the hearts of the world.

recalls the

where Mother Teresa said you will

find Jesus in the least In 1995,

among

us.

Mother Teresa

Charlotte, where she

raised the hearts this, said

"We

Bishop Curlin in

up.

four of her

sisters

to continue in ministry to the poor.

Years before her death, the world called her a saint.

at a press

his homily.

inspire

"We

and move

and motivate us and charge us

Mother Teresa

virtue. est

who

practiced heroic

She taught us that the

great-

power you have on earth

is

Mother Teresa was the keynote

in-

speaker for an ecumenical prayer

side you."

service at the Charlotte Coliseum

During a tour of

the United States in 1982, she was

asked

want

need heroes today," said

us

left

virtues, she

of the world." With

do the same.

to

While

and

little

the bishop, she helped and

vice at the Charlotte Coliseum.

a convent

one tiny

inspired coundess millions to

need heroes

she established

...

and with those two

...

speaker for an ecumenical prayer ser-

in the diocese,

"The greatest miracle

was

life

woman who had only faith and love

visited

was keynote

offers,

conference in

in 1995.

Originally appeared in

News

& Herald,

At

left,

Bishop William

The Catholic

Sept. 9,

Curlin blesses the convent

1999.

established by Mother Teresa

while in the diocese. Mother

^leath of Mattery 0*

^

Teresa

«

emotion

left four

North Carolina

of her to

sisters in

continue

in

ministry to the poor.

ie

« mother

to

^

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002

G.


MOTHER TERESA

Following Mother Teresa's death, an outpouring of requests from over the world prompted Pope John Paul

all

waive the usual waiting

II to

period offive years after the death before investigation of new sainthood causes can begin. Church sources

in

Rome

said

it is

apparently the first time such an exception had been made.

Bishop Curlin was one of those asked

to contribute to the official

investigation by providing testimony that will help substantiate

sainthood, a request he

was honored

to fulfill.

As

the Vatican committee

scours the earth for witness of miracles. Bishop Curlin greatest miracle of her faith

and love

world. " With millions to

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

...

was

...

one

and with those two

tiny little

virtues,

to

offers,

"The

woman who had only

she raised the hearts of the

said the bishop, she helped

this,

want

life

and

inspired countless

do the same.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


HOUSE OF MERCY THANKS BISHOP CURIJN FOR GIVING TO AIDS COMMUNITY CHARLOTTE who dedicates his rist,

— For

life

to the

man

providing care for those with AIDS."

Eucha-

"At his very core, Bishop Curlin

a

an honor for outreach to people

whose

lives are affected

AIDS

by

is

an affirmation of his concern for the entire

body of Christ here on

earth.

Bishop William G. Curlin was

honored as the 2000

Thanks

for

recipient

of the

Giving Award by the

House of Mercy, an AIDS outreach facility

founded and operated

Belmont by the

Sisters

North Carolina. The recognizes a person

in

is

who

has con-

He

an administrator.

Gallagher,

who

comes

Curlin, the word compassion to

mind," said Father Mauricio

W.

him

of Gods

is left

Thanks

Giving

Award. The tribute included the

House of Mercy's naming prayer

a

new

room in the facility in Bishop

who

years of priesthood

work

to

"was

to bear

new

Mercy presents a clock

on the

to

Bishop

William G. Curlin Nov. 18, 2000.

flock."

thanksgiving in serving God's people as

he had on the day of his ordina-

a priest,

and I can

fund-raiser and supporter," said Stan

to

presi-

officer.

A timefor healing Love, forgiveness evident at

tion.

sense of devotion

dent and chief executive

Stan Patterson of House of

al-

and

and how he feels the same

bishop would be here for us as a

House of Mercys

1994.

of ser-

and dedication

"Here I am, going on 44 years as

are very pleased that the

Patterson,

The Catho-

8,

ar-

Curlin reflected on his four decades as a priest

Curlin's honor.

"We

& Herald, July

Accepting the award, Bishop

fifth re-

for

News

"what moti-

to such standards

shepherding of his

love."

Bishop Curlin was the cipient of the

out-

lic

in the bishops life that

given the opportunity to bring

pastoral

"For him, no one

love."

Gallagher recalled the bishop of

(now diocesan adminis-

side the circle

cism. Jesus always looked to give

Originally appeared in

the Diocese of Charlotte

most 40

trator).

not

so filled

others."

West, diocesan vicar general and chancellor

with anger and bitterness and criti-

is.

is

Charlotte in 1994, recalled

vice, self-sacrifice

House of

mar-

is

not

Bishop Curlin since the bishops rival in

world that

velous, in a

known

has

vates

think of the

is

somebody else," he said. "To

have the chance to give love

He is first, last and

AIDS and

I

is

says to

always a priest forever."

Mercy and the ministry of Bishop

-

not a social worker; he

is

moments

"When

"You never know what your life

and

who he

It is

built a foundation for

it,

Inc.,

a friend of the bishop. "It

something he does.

tributed to direct care, services or

the virus that leads to

treasurer

of Good Will Publishers,

general support for people with

HIV.

~

and

chief executive officer

those assembled to look

all

for the same.

a priest," said Robert Gallagher,

chairman of the board of directors,

of Mercy of

annual award

invited

still

feel

that deep

God that I am a priest," he said. He said the priesthood allows

him

to seek

"Bishop Curlin has been very sup-

Gods

portive of organizations involved in

everyday

love

Mass

for persons with CHARLOTTE — Approxihe

and that gratitude

ways of transforming

by word and deed into

moments of grace, and he

not to see me,"

of St. Patrick

Charlotte

on ofhands

it's

or

a sign of spiritual heal-

Mass with

AIDS,

HIV and

their families, friends

Bishop William G.

Mary Wright who

A partner of someone with AIDS was the most powerful

or deal with the deadly disease the as-

said

surance of Christ's love.

he had ever attended. its

the

it

He

service

prey to a grim demise.

fall

Most

dis-

tressing to the bishop are the people

who

have been shunned by

society,

and thanked Bishop Curlin afterward.

"The Mass

revealed the true

not here for some

church's concern for the individual and

the love and forgiveness ofJesus," said

thing except this: That we believe there

Jesuit Father

McCreesh,

God of mercy and love and heal-

viser for four

RAFN

a

(a

Interfaith

pseudonym for a man with he was moved to

Peter

pastoral ad-

(Regional

AIDS

Network) teams from

Church

St.

tears

Speaking from his heart, Bishop Curlin told poignant stories about his

gling for so long to get churches in-

days as chaplain at Gift ofPeace, a resi-

"I

volved," he said after Mass.

Most

people are so afraid of the disease, they refuse to deal

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

with

it.

"Churches tend

CURLIN

dential

home

for people

in Washington

with

AIDS

run by Mother Teresas

Sisters ofCharity.

he

said.

we know is someone is sufferAnd where there is suffering, there

"All ing. is

Christ," said Bishop Curlin.

"Sometimes we forget the pain of AIDS is not just the person in the bed," ofhe said. "Those who sit beside fering love ing, too.

and support

At

all

are hurt-

hours of the day and

night, supportive individuals give their

in Charlotte.

have been strug-

said

By

the Jesus within to the Jesus in others,

embraced

political reason. We're not here for any-

during the service.

to

Sister

Gene McCreesh

Men, women, children and babies all

reaching out in love, people convey

AIDS)

TRIBUTE

Father

out of its victims.

however, doesn't have to happen.

Fred

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

like

life

Fred.

as

ing power."

c

people

take the

few people doing anything at all," said

is

Ze^

think that gives a

I

tremendous amount of support to

AIDS

Healing Mass

his homily. "We're

th*

way

Twenty-three priests concelebrated the

thing to do," said Bishop Curlin in

wa lks

the

said.

bishop has seen the grip of

abandoned and left to die alone. That,

was a

"We're not here because

Sesus

is

The

have been lone rangers, some of the

it

Curlin offered people who suffer from

1

going to be,

says this

out dying in peace," he

into

first.

For the diocese,

X7

Who

...

and Mercy

caregivers.

life tiyi

pope (Bishop Curlin) coming

Cathedral July 26, 1994 for the laying

ing for people at this

no one died without being loved, with-

said.

"To see someone appointed by the

mately 1 00 people filed in solemn procession toward the altar

AIDS

lives

to the comfort

and

care

of their

dying loved ones."

Originally appeared in

News

& Herald, July

8,

The Catholic 1994.

"At the Gift ofPeace,

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Pentecost confirmation a teaching moment for diocese, says bishop a

Diocese celebrates Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Regional gatherings a firstfor Diocese of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — Hoping for

by which baptized Catholics be-

of administering the sacrament

renewed diocesan-wide apprecia-

come further enriched widi the gifts

bishop in parishes at other times

anticipation

of the Holy

during the

Charlotte recently hosted three

cel-

pastors at the Easter Vigil

ebrations of the Rite of Election

and

Saturday.

tion for Pentecost in the year dedi-

Holy

cated to the

Spirit,

William G. Curlin granted

Bishop in

1998

Spirit to live as wit-

nesses of Jesus.

"Pentecost

is

unique, Bishop Curlin ordinarily

the Call to Continuing Conversion,

shared the privilege of confirmation

a key step in the Rite of Christian

have brought a

with pastors during the Rite of

Initiation

the presbyteral council's request to delegate the administration of con-

tion,

firmation to pastors that May's Pen-

very pastoral focus to the celebration

tecost Sunday.

of the working of the

The

council, elected

from the

western North

priests serving in

priests

Spirit

on

that

day," Bishop Curlin said.

By

and awe, the Diocese of

of confirma-

celebrate the sacrament

and the

year.

While that year's celebration was the perfect day to

In an atmosphere of reverence,

as

when

at the Easter Vigil the sacra-

ments of

granting the permission to

initiation are conferred

upon those entering the church.

of Adults process.

ebrated the

of

silica

March

rite

Lawrence

St.

1

be conferred by

initiation, to

The liturgical

on Holy

experience

God himself is calling these men and women represents the belief that

to the sacraments.

Bishop William G. Curlin

Christian Initiation of Adults,

pointed delegate to the sacraments

of

The

cel-

Ba-

at the

in Asheville

and Call

Rite of Election

Continuing Conversion

to

tra-

is

ditionally celebrated in early Lent,

and March 3 at St. Thomas Aquinas

and

Church

cere prayer

an invitation to

serves as

sin-

Carolina, functions as an advisory

confirm on Pentecost, the bishop

board to the bishop of the Diocese

gives pastors the opportunity to cel-

that as the

for the

Mauricio West, vicar general and

receiving the sacraments draws

of Charlotte.

ebrate the sacrament before entire

millennium, Catholics would grow

chancellor, presided over the cer-

nearer.

"This

ment in said

a great teaching

is

mo-

the history of the diocese,"

Bishop Curlin. "Too often,

Pentecost

is

not recognized as one

congregations, thereby ensuring a Spirit-filled

event for the whole par-

ish family.

Initiation

of Adults

we

continual

call

It is

unfortunate that

don't celebrate the majesty of Pentecost

much

in the

same way

that

we celebrate Christmas and Easter. "It

is

the birthday of the church,

which enlivened by the Holy Spirit

began

its

great mission in

ebrating the sacrament of confir-

mation

be a sign

at Pentecost will

the church,"

"He

Acts of the Apostles details the Pentecost event,

which

is

regarded as

the beginning of the church.

Confirmation

is

the sacrament

some

parish confirmation classes

ment on

we

by the power of the Spirit

can

live like

assist

young Catholics

"I

is

in realizing

a vitally im-

pray that our young people, how-

ever busy they

may be in

their lives

with school events and social

life

on

and family gatherings, do not

lose

May 30 that year. He also said he is

sight of the majesty

honored

of the Holy

to continue the tradition

certainly brings the diocese to-

he

said.

how the church

gether to recognize is

Heiney, pastor of St. John the Bap-

Church inTryon, who attended

the Asheville

"When you look

rite.

numbers,

at the

it

does catch the

that these people were

open

to the

the process by

is

which adults become initiated into the Catholic study, prayer

Church through

by

process

engaged

in the

who have not been baptized They pre-

are called catechumens.

in

of the support

and praying."

fasting

Father Heiney added that the the continuing jour-

rite signifies

ney of faith

in the present, too. "It

brings in the notion that the Easter celebration

is

much a 'towe are bring-

very

ing in the elect to be baptized" and the candidates into ion,

and liturgical celebra-

tions. Individuals

movement

"Historically, the rest

day' celebration, as

eye."

The RCIA

how

Lenten practices

community joined them

growing," said Father Lawrence

tist

—

if

of the Spirit and the sacraments.

"In looking at the celebrations, it

of this great gift

Spirit,"

cel-

ebrated as a diocesan event.

Jesus today."

for the sacra-

Pentecost, observed

Father Heiney. "That's really

called to be

It is

Bishop Curlin urged parishes to

would not be ready

time in the Dio-

first

started

portant step in their faith journey.

The second chapter of the

join these people in prayer," said

Continuing Conversion was

that

that

"Our practice of Lent is that we

regional gatherings

Rite of Election and the Call to

said.

He noted

marked the

cal significance.

cel-

who guides us, who empowers us, who lifts us up when we're discour-

community of

mission to confirm.

of 88 catechumens and

The

time of

celebration of the rite dur-

the whole idea

than mandated to accept the per-

upon the

ebrations.

faith as the

ing this liturgical season has histori-

cese of Charlotte's history that the

is

and commemorates the descent

total

The

Paul the

and

the one

said.

that confirmation

celebrated

A

work of

at St.

1

225 candidates attended the

Holy Spirit is guiding Bishop Curlin

aged.

the bishop

emony March

Apostle Church in Greensboro.

"Sometimes we forget that the

of the working of the Spirit in each faith,

enlivens the

Father

Charlotte.

God

diocese's pastors are invited rather

is

Spirit's

Apostles.

all

cel-

who

in

Holy

50 days

Pentecost

Holy

to conversion for

Catholic Christians, so too

especially for the

evangelization.

a sign of the

Bishop Curlin stressed that the

Jerusalem."

after Easter

is

church prepared

in appreciation for the Triune

and most Spirit,

Much like the Rite of Christian

of the major solemnities of the church.

Bishop Curlin voiced optimism

he

full

commun-

said.

Bishop Curlin implored

echumens and candidates this

to

cat-

spend

Lenten season mindful of their

responsibilities as Christians.

pare for baptism, confirmation and

"Please bring your heart to Jesus

Eucharist, or the sacraments of ini-

Christ

Baptized Christians prepar-

tiation.

ing for either or both confirmation

Lord,

and Eucharist are called candidates.

me,

"You as

are

we head

union

committing your for this

lives

moment

of

homily. "To get say

up every day and

you proclaim

in the world, that

what

that Jesus is

is

alive

your test. That's

you're being called to do."

The

the second of three major the

am

I

is

rites in

RCIA process, and it marks the

yours

your

reveal

he said. "Bring a

totally.

love,

That

moment,

Through

peace and joy is

what

it's

all

about."

"Among you

all

these wonderful

are studying,

all

the

teachings of our faith and

its

rich

things

traditions,"

he added, "tonight

I

would have you dwell upon one thing: that

Rite of Election and the

Call to Continuing Conversion

Easter,"

to the world.'

Bishop

in the church,"

Curlin said during his Charlotte

on

heart that says, 'From this

you bring

into your re-

lationship with Jesus a love so pro-

found that you honestly and

sin-

and experience

that

cerely believe

he

lives in

you."

end of the period of discernment called the catechumenate.

the

rite,

called

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

catechumens are

During

officially

Originally appeared in

News

&

Herald,

The Catholic

March 27, 1998.

by the bishop or an ap-

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


May God bless

St.

you abundantly.

John the Baptist Churcli Jryon

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


St.

Gabriel Catholic Church

With thanks and affection to Bishop William G. Curlin for his service to the people of God. May the Lord continue to fill you with His love.

May your retirement be a time of joy, health and continued growth in the Spirit.

Rev. Richard M. Bellow Rev. Tien Duong Rev. Christopher Gober Rev. Mr. Ben Wenning Rev. Mr. Robert Gettelfinger Rev. Mr. Louis Pais St. Gabriel Parish Staff

and the entire

St. Gabriel Parish Family.

St. Gabriel Catholic

Church

3016 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704.364.5431

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Bishop Curlin, The

Parish Family at St Benedict

Bishop Curiin

Church in Greensboro wish to offer yon our loving prayers and support on your retirement Thank you for your many years of love, kindness,

Thank you for so many

and generosity

years of faithful service!

as our shepfierd.

"T?0Y you

Wltf? you lama

lama bishop. st Augustine

Christian."

sjiht Gob

bless

you; Bishop Gurlin, for

m

for being t\)ere

anb mvt) us

fft h

Mark Parish wishes you well in your retirement!

St.

-

emu T^e Augustmian briars anb Parishioners St.

Margaret

Varisl?,

Maggie

Valley,

of Huntersville

NC

Congratulations on your retirement. May God bless you! *lJlianb ijou j^or

ail tliat you

liaue

done

^or> vi5.

Parish and Staff of St. Vincent de Paul Church

Charlotte THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


St.

/g^a^SK

Mary's Seminary

The

& University

\\

St.

if /

priests

Mary's

will

always be grateful to

Bishop Curlin for

—y

IN

THE COUNTRY his kindness,

'

and parishioners of

and

his

his leadership,

exemplary

priestly

life.

Extends Our Prayerful Best Wishes to St.

Mary's

Alumnus and Trustee

Bishop William G. Curlin

Rev. Robert

F. Leavitt,

S.S., President-Rector

the trustees, faculty, seminarians

and

staff of St.

Mary's

Be assured of our prayers. Congratulations

and

best wishes

for a fruitful retirement. St. Mary's

& University

Seminary

5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore,

MD

UTS

SIT

21210

CflWC

410-8644000

Greensboro,

www.stm.arys ed u .

Ml

NC

TlflC best exercise for the heart is to lean over backwards for somebody

else. -anonymous

Wachovia

salutes

Bishop William G. Curlin, a guiding light

whose

leadership, philanthropy

have made a difference

in the lives of

and dedication many.

LET'S

GET STARTED:

^7ACH(MA 2002 Wachovia

C

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CAEHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOEEE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


ARCHDIOCESE OF WAS Most

Rev.

Leonard

J.

Olivier,

G TO N

CO^RAlXLLAiyOMS

SVD

Auxiliary Bishop of Washington

MSMOT CURLUN

Congratulations Bishop Curlin remembering the day you and were ordained Bishops in the same ceremony for the Archdiocese of Washington I

Most Rev. Leonard

Olivier,

J.

on yotL% 'RETI'rxmxnt:

—

SVD

jant>

jBLTSSTV

mp

Bishop

Thomas j. Olmsted and

the faithful

of the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, thank

FROM

Bishop William G. Curlin for his

many

as

Church bless him

contributions to the

and ask our Lord

to richly

he continues to serve during

anv Mattv

SAINt t^FfKEST. TA!RIStf

his retirement.

MOOHIZVILLT,

j\TC

Bishop Curlin:

WITH GRATITUDE TO BISHOP WILLIAM CURLIN FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE AS BISHOP AND PRIEST est

corner Archbishop Harry

J. Flynn, D.D.

Retired Archbishop John R. Roach, D.D.

Bishop Frederick Bishop Richard St.

William Church

Murphy

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Immaculate Heart of Mary

F.

Campbell, D.D.

E.

Pates, D.D.

and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Hayesville

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Congratulations

Most

Bishop William Curlin

(Rev.

and best

"Witfiam g. Curfin

on your many years of service to the Lord,

His people, and especially

the (Diocese

May you in

wishes to

be blessed

JLdMultos

of Charlotte

Cjloriousque Jlnnos

your good work

for the

Church

God, Eternal Shepherd,

You tend your Church

in

and rule us with

Most

many ways love.

(Rev.

John J. Nevins

Ifie Clergy, (Religious

and (Faithful

Continue to look with love on

of the

William, your servant and shepherd.

Give him the gift of your peace.

(Diocese

of Venice

in Florida

May he continue to know, love, and serve you. a 8 8 I

8

Theodore Cardinal McCarrick

I I 8 1 I

AND THE FAITHFUL OF THE

Archdiocese of Washington

I 8

1

I I

1

8 8 1 1

I I I

Our Lady of Grace Greensboro

I 8

50th Anniversary Year

EXTEND PRAYERFUL BEST WISHES TO

I

I

8

THE MOST REVEREND William G. Curlin ON

"Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord"

1 1 1

HIS

8 1 8

RETIREMENT AS

Bishop of Charlotte

I i. THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

s ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Ill III

1

II

II

II

h

r

Best wishes

and many

blessings to

our Pastor,

Most Reverend William

—

1

G. Curlin,

upon your retirement. r-

II 1!

I I

St.

II II

I

1

Patrick Cathedral Charlotte

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

C.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


i SAINT PIUS

X

The parishioners and staff of Saint Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro join with the others of our diocese in thanking

God for the

episcopal ministry of Bishop Curlin during his

time as chief shepherd.

depth of gratitude x\e\ difficult to

Be assured the work continue in His

is

entity ielU

express. of the

Lord will

name and your fine

example, the dignity of the vocation

We pray that God will bless him as God has used him to bless us.

carried out as handsomely as you have,

with the love you have shown us

Abundant

You mill always be in our thoughts

all.

blessings to you!

and prayers. The School Family of St.

Saint Paul the Apostle Church

Greensboro

Âť

To that the

name

of our Lordjesus

Pius X, Greensboro

may be

we always pray for you... and you in him, in accord with

this end,

glorified in you,

the grace of our

God and

Lard jesus Christ 2 Tfiessdonians

1:1

1-12

IlilS

I 1

Most Reverend William G. Curlin,

thank you

for your inspiring and continuing

Christian service to the Diocese of Charlotte

and the parishioners of Saint Pius the Tenth.

Saint Pius

X

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Best wishes on your retirement! THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


BMHS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY SIGNAES START OF CONSTRUCTION KERNERSVTLLE

—

In a sym-

new Bishop High School

McGuinness

who carried the torch onto the site.

(BMHS), which will open its doors Piedmont-Triad area students

in August

200 1 Bishop William G. ,

Curlin dug the

first

hole during the

groundbreaking ceremony

Current and future

BMHS stuand dioc-

esan officials were present for the

and

day of celebration, which

W. West,

vicar general,

pass, principal

BMHS

a classroom while others look

athleti-

new fields and

in-

Knights of Columbus, Bishop Curlin blessed the

chancellor

George

of

L.

BMHS

Re-

and

student council president

which will

field,

become a place of learning for many area students.

"We

are here to consecrate this

ground and

lay the

foundation for

we

a Christian education; to

make

are here

Christ present for these

young peoples

he

lives,"

said.

In his remarks, the bishop

com-

flaming torch was carried in

mented about the importance of

the need to provide for a growing

by student representatives from

Catholic education, which shaped

Catholic presence in the Triad and

Our Lady of Grace

his

X School

Pius

in

School and

Point,

in

and Our Lady of

Mercy School and in

St.

Greensboro, Im-

maculate Heart of Mary School

High

St.

Leo School

Winston-Salem, represented a

way

to bring the

middle schools

in

the Triad area together and served as a light for the future, said

Mitchell,

"I

am

because

public relations.

will

be technologically

if

I

"I

would not be a priest

had not had the blessing

of Catholic education; motivation ents

I

and the

from the vated

me

received

believe the

I

from

inspiration

sisters

and

to give

I

Repass thanked the process

munity

life

motito the

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

involved with

those

rival.

"I

for [the

"What

will

TRIBUTE

be built upon

this

for the school to achieve

the vision

embodied

in

and what begins today

who

recognized

The

BISHOP WILLIAM

many

provide a more ample

site will

years to

the people

to

facility]

we

new

its

ar-

The

benefits of the school are less

specific

and more

holistic

because

embrace the whole Triad

this will

community. Bishop McGuinness

am

looking forward to hav-

ing a larger facility and having a

senior calculus teacher at

Bob

Klepf,

and pre-calculus

BMMHS. "With a larger

student population, we'll be able to

mission,

offer

more courses and schedule

more

levels

of honors

"We

response from parents,

couldn't be a

have been waiting, and

more

provided a wonderful environment

and opportunity children,

for

me and my

and the new school

bring better technology,

and a

better athletic

will

more space

and

arts envi-

ronment."

Originally appeared in

classes."

BMHS alumnus Tony Nitz said,

come," he continued.

G.

positive;

will ensure

its

seek for perhaps

CURLIN

is

are in support of the

bigger classroom," said

the excellence

who

many

and students

school and anxiously await

and

means all

new

teachers

were involved with the plan-

years ago."

levels.

"among

hoped

who

have long-awaited and

received

on diocesan and com-

He mentioned are

who

ning process, which began so

priests

my

those

my par-

Lord," he said.

excited about the school it

own life.

today

Eddie

BMHS director of devel-

opment and

on.

Flanked by the Abbot Vincent

Laura Hoeing.

A

Curlin blesses

sports programs."

cluded words from the bishop, Father Mauricio

and

classes,

because of the

cally,

G.

G. Taylor Assembly of Greensboro

dents, parents, educators

final

St.

good, academically, because

is

of the new

all

at the

Fed. 6, 2000.

site

"It

Bishop William

Leo School,

eighth-grader at

for

,

Greg Means, an

better," said

bolic beginning to the

lic

News

& Herald, Feb.

The Catho11,

2000.

this

perfect time.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Thunderous

spirit

youth conference flame

ignites diocesan

LAKE WYLIE, Thunderbird

lived

S.C.

up

— Camp

to

its

name

weekend when thunder from

AJDS

will cure

or cancer.

Maybe

you will discover how to find peace

the sky joined with the thunder of

Maybe one of you will be another Mother Teresa. Maybe one

350 joyous voices as diocesan

of you

last

teens

gathered for the 23rd Annual Di-

on

New

Be-

As the conference headed

to-

Christ:

ginnings."

world, ...

to

dance, thunderous showers finally

ing.

rain did not

known. The

dampen

the spirit of

is

make

it

a better place,'" said

Bishop Curlin. "Be there for others,

their presence

'God

God put me here in the and he allows me to be here

interested.

ward the anticipated Saturday night

made

be the bishop of Char-

"Please say to yourself,

for this year's event

was "Generation

will

lotte.

ocesan Youth Conference.

The theme

earth.

and your

"This

is

life

what

have mean-

will

means

it

Christian," he said.

to be a

"We are people

the conference, however, as the sun

who believe that Jesus Christ is alive

returned as the teens heard a spe-

within

cial

presentation by Bishop Will-

us,

and through us he brings

his love, his joy

and

his hope."

iam G. Curlin. "You're young, 'the

said

At

world

is

and you can say

mine.' And

it is

yours,"

Originally appeared in lic

News

& Herald, May

5,

2000

Bishop Curlin. "Maybe you

left,

Bishop William

G.

Curlin addresses a crowd of youth from

the dioceses of Charlotte, Charleston

and Savannah and

Archdiocese of Atlanta at the Tri-State Youth Rally in

The Catho-

September

in

the

Lake

Wylie, S.C.

J 996.

HH

Bishop William fives

G. Curlin high-

and greets young

parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


BELMONT ABBEY

ABBOT PLACID SOLARI RECEIVES SOLEMN BEESSING Bishop William

Mass

in

G

Curlin presides over

Belmont Abbey Basilica

BELMONT

— Bishop

Will-

iam G. Curlin presided over the

Mass

which the Right Reverend

in

Placid

D.

Solari,

as the eighth

Abbey on

OSB, was

blessed

abbot of Belmont

two

Jan. 15, 2000,

monks and confirmed him as the

months elected

after his brother

and administrative

spiritual

leader

Solari

confirmed

was elected and

as the

November 1999,

new abbot

superior of the abbey. tus Burnett

in

thus succeeding

Abbot Oscar Burnett

abbot

as

As the eighth abbot of Belmont Abbey, Abbot Solari will tend to the

and administrative leader-

ship duties of the abbey as chancellor

and

serve

of Belmont Abbey

pope. In addition to the blessing of the abbot-elect, the

Mass provided

for

tween the monks of Belmont Abbey and the church community

in

the Diocese of Charlotte.

"The

election of an abbot

is

al-

ways the action of the entire monastic

community," Abbot

Solari

comments.

"We, the monks of Belmont Abbey

who

stand before you today,

pledge to you

...

our continued sup-

port to enrich this church in North

Carolina with our

lives

and our

hearts."

College.

The Mass was the

father,

and a reli-

gious loyal to the church and the

said during closing

since 1991.

spiritual

a prudent administrator

new

as the

Abbot Emeri-

had served

firmed his promise to lead as a de-

termined teacher, a spiritual

an exchange of thanksgiving be-

of the Benedictine institution.

Abbot

To a series of questions posed by Bishop Curlin, Abbot Solari af-

In his homily,

concelebrated in

Belmont Abbey Basilica by doz-

and with Bishop

E Joseph Gossman of Raleigh

ens of Benedictine, diocesan and

seated nearby, Bishop Curlin

prom-

other religious priests serving in

ised loving support for the

ongo-

North

Carolina's

two dioceses and

The ily

ing ministry of the Benedictine institution

beyond. rite

of blessing, customar-

cated, solemnly focused

is

lo-

on the

its

rich history

in the state.

Abbey

has held a special place in

the hearts of our two dioceses,"

"During the

charge of the abbot and the living

Bishop Curlin

symbols of his

formative years of our diocesan his-

role.

Belmont Abbey, under the

leadership of

said.

Abbot Leo Haid,

nourished the infant Catholic com-

munity

in

the blessings of religious responsibilities

life

of abbot

as

head of the monastic community. "It

the abbots duty to

is

onstrate

dem-

and encourage patience

among the members of his religious family," said

Bishop Curlin. "Hav-

Christ's love,

he must make

able to each

monk

it

avail-

in his dealings

with him."

who

Bishop Curlin,

——

--^

in the

noted the

wisdom found

wealth of spiritual

d

"Rule of Benedict," said the

sixth-century saint urged to strive each

day

all

monks

for greater holi-

ness.

Benedict recognized that

"St.

sanctity

is

not a once-in-a-lifetime

commitment;

it is

a day-by-day re-

commitment of one's Christ," bility

he said.

"It

is

life

to Jesus

the responsi-

of the abbot to help each

monk

respond to

this challenge

generously and wholeheartedly, for

without this daily conversion, noth7e

ing of lasting value exists in the

who povi

monastery or within the church."

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

G. Curlin,

Abbot Placid D.

Mauricio W. West after the Mass Jan.

was blessed as

the eighth abbot

15,

Solari, O.S.B.,

and Father

2000, in which Abbot Solari

of Belmont Abbey.

North Carolina."

ing himself shared so deeply in

)i>

Bishop William

Bishop Curlin also called to

mind

and the

"For over 125 years, Belmont

celebrated by the bishop of the

place where the monastery

and noted

tory,

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

Bishop Curlin receives honorary doctorate from

Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — Bishop Christian Will-

values adherent to

iam G. Curlin received an honor-

Belmont Abbeys College. Bishop

Humane

ary Doctorate of

Letters

commencement ceremonies at Belmont Abbey Colduring the

lege

May

1

17th

ing,

the disadvantaged and hurt-

and for your inspirational leadand

work

in the

church has

been marked by his compassionate ministry to the poor, homeless

and disadvantaged.

13, 1995.

"For your compassionate ministry to

Curlin's

Bishop Curlin was the homilist for the Baccalaureate

Mass

at the

Abbey church. During his homily,

service to the church,

Bishop Curlin urged the graduates

Belmont Abbey College confers

not to assume that presentation of

upon you

this

degrees qualifies their success.

Doctor of

Humane

oris causa,

with

ership

day the degree of Letters,

all its

rights

hon-

and

Instead, he encouraged

them

challenge themselves to find

to

work

privileges," read the citation pre-

and purpose

sented to Bishop Curlin by

lenge themselves to see Christ not

Benedictine Abbot Oscar Burnett,

then-chancellor and

CEO

of

in their lives; to chal-

only in each other, but in people

who are less fortunate than are they.

Belmont Abbey College. Bishop Curlin was one of three individuals

who received honorary

doctorates that day for showing

Originally appeared in The Catholic

News

& Herald, May 19,

1995.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


^

REFLECTIONS

IN HIS WORDS In a candid interview with The Catholic

News

Him

serving

& Herald in

Him.

During her

November 2002, Bishop William

G

Curlin recalled his eight

Charlotte,

his life

and a bishop so memorable.

Welcoming

remember when

I

bishop of Charlotte.

was

I

was going

I

had

I

Mercy who motherhouse

just re-

turned from Georgetown Hospital

where

prostate cancer. The night

home,

I

years ago.

was recovering from

I

received a

call

I

way with

a particular

in-

to be the

est

Belmont over 100 in the high-

esteem and reverence for the

in-

valuable ministry they offer

arrived

I

never saw a diocese as diocese

appointed me bishop of Charlotte.

priests versus religious priests. It

This came

one

had thought

that

because

God had

I

spared

priests

me so I could return to my work as

and

religious

very apparent to

Mary-

regional bishop in southern

The need

family.

association before

land.

for

is

more

me in the Diocese had a good

I

came here with

I

would always

And

And

we need

they introduced

me

as the

and

I

installed,

and

many

it

was a beautiful

took the

people to

make

it

are certainly blessed in

our

number of our Caand the marvelous

friars

home

in

priests, the

felt

Mother

One

Teresa

of the greatest joys was to

the laity were wonderfully welcom-

cese.

ing in their kindness to me.

opened her convent on Torrance

cially

I

espe-

enjoyed traveling through the

Bishop William

G.

of confirmation. This gave

me

an

I

archbishop of Washington.

dren and to see each parish

own wonderful

chilas its

off by

in Christ

and not be turned

am

of the

I

lic

always encouraging

them

to be very close to the church

The Youth

Catholic Schools

some of the problems of the

world.

group.

are the future

and

am

very proud of our Catho-

school education.

that the laity are tainly a

The sacrifices

making

tremendous

are cer-

the dio-

gift to

years

neous

joy,

of the future. We do not know what

system. They do not have the

hope

for the future.

tomorrow

bers to

brings, but

to have

and the priests and the community of faith,

them. As long

they will continue that wonderful

their lives,

the

as they

God

will

keep

is

them

TRIBUTE

to

sisters

have labored for

they gave us the school

fill

them

num-

today.

with

The

thing that strikes

Religious Orders

We BISHOP WILLIAM

are especially blessed with

G.

CURLIN

above

by

live

feelings. is

The

your blind

do not take

She said that

life.

you

the Gospel that

the

— how

me most

in,

way

you

live by.

give out.

And

she lived her

life.

drained herself

principles of faith

I

not what they

call a cafeteria-type

of religious

a person

feelings; as

is

probably

known and is publicized frequendy now, Mother Teresa lived what we would call spiritually the "dark It is

the time

and love and not

this:

to

by.

remember her

God

who based

it

You

drained her heart. She lived by the

about Mother Teresa is that she was

is

you through the dark

nights of your is

in her life

love for Jesus Christ

carries

sion was

night of the soul."

God in

keep them in

palm of His hand.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

-

God

hope because

through the example of their parents, their godparents,

I tell

our

and

it

the needy in our community.

above the

is

faith.

measure success

And

going to be their foun-

dation for meeting the challenges

blind

outreach of charitable ministry to

her ministry upon feelings. She was

we

old-

by the things that others use

would not have the school system.

cause that

pray that

sisters in their

of life, especially the Eucharist, be-

because without them,

what

is

I

— with

rise

you

literally

cese,

Church. They have such spontayouthful zeal and such

saw

I

She

to be very faithful to the sacrament

diocese, the future of the Catholic

I

did;

that

could to help the

growth

I

The youth

I

Cherry neighborhood.

tried the best

is

And yet every saint had

celebrated Mass there every

Wednesday and

opportunity to be with the people,

and meet the parents and the

that time (July 1995), she

Street in the

Curlin embraces with James Cardinal Hickey,

diocese to celebrate the sacrament S.T.D., J.C.D.,

At

not accept-

is

taboo, that

Knowing Mother Teresa as well

faith,

welcome Mother Teresa to the dio-

of

is

to live like that

principle

very

rest

blind faith

she said you

such a

deacons and the

A

fashioned.

as

Augustinians.

much at my new diocese. The

immediately

are being pressured into inces-

able today; that

addi tion given to us by the

of

wonderful celebration of faith. I

people especially, not only adults

ships.

puchin

in-

sacrifice

that today,

people — our young

immediately.

increase in the

stallation that

just

love.

upon them, and they responded

We

returned in April to be formally

call

I

tuous, materialistic type of relation-

new

bishop.

did not hesitate to

think

I

was

and blind

faith

diaconate.

and the

Teresa,

feelings. It

one of shared

into the priesthood

in

my

gave Jesus

I

never based her ministry or her love

of Christ upon

Frank O'Rourke that evening. The

worked with them

"Oh, Fa-

Mother

so with

because

at St.

it

find an inspiration because she 7

them

Mass

repeat

spoke with

my darkness."

last gift,

Washington and ordained some of

offered

I

say to me,

Bishop,

ther, oh,

Bishop Michael Begley and Father

I

Anytime

four times.

and then we had our dinner with

I

made me

cited that she

puchins

next morning,

-

my final gift of love.'?" And

from that day on, she was so ex-

the Augustinians and with the Ca-

Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte

i

soul as

the dark-

give you the darkness of my

'I

When I came here to Charlotte, McSweeney met me

I

left

gone.

is

Could you say to

ness in your soul.

God,

Msgr. John

world, everything

You have one thing left

was certainly

of Charlotte. Luckily,

this

a limited

you have nothing

live;

her after that on the phone, she

throughout the diocese.

from the

nuncio that the Holy Father had

as a surprise,

in

the Sisters of

hold them

I

and

established their in

and we

respectfully

I

you have

failing,

is

time to

the religious in our diocese,

and

suggested to her, "Mother, your

from

formed that

had the opportunity

I

discussed that,

health

have made

here to

last visit

to speak privately with her

years as bishop of Charlotte and some of the highlights that as a priest

with love,

faithfully

just believing in

favorite expres-

"God

will

judge

us.

has asked us not to be suc-

cessful

but to be

faithful."

The

world measures success by materialistic things.

She says, "No, go and

measure us by how faithful we were to His Gospel."

She had a wonderful sense of

humor. Mother brought such laughter and joy with her. You see

when God seems

to have totally

removed any

of his consola-

her sometimes in a picture looking

and you go on

so serious;

tion

from

signs

one's

life,

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

you do not

realize that

DECEMBER 20,

2002

1


REFLECTIONS

and not I

numbers.

just

I

have worked very had and have

ordained 28 since

I

associate

Holy

men to the priesthood We now have 23

Newman House in Charlotte. This

we have

intended for men coming in still

who

discerning their vocation to

the priesthood.

They spend

there in prayer

and

ance,

a year

spiritual guid-

working in parishes whenever

and

possible

also

completing some

academic programs they need to fulfill

before they enter the semi-

nary program.

As bishop, I found that certainly

Church;

lation.

many sacrifices Lord.

1

in

at the

we had many

I

I

— many do

it is

really truly feel

many

to

over

1

bish-

,000 ordi-

the one time that

what

means

it

to

the

"Oh,

sisters,

that

is

a gift."

And you know

And so I would make

When

did that.

sure that

I

working

in

God's

Sister, smile.

poor need a smile.

I

was

soup kitchens or with

people dying of aids,

I

would smile

with them.

I

the depression where

and exchanged

you repaired

toys for Christmas

and people did not

eat steak, did

knew you were a time where

but

we

poor.

I

grew up

in

nobody had anything,

never

knew

it.

We were al-

And your

joy was

welled up in your home. Those

I

things affect your outlook

have great compassion for sick

people. •

has always been in

It

you never take things

You

on

life;

for granted.

are grateful for everything.

as the miracle

have had eight surgeries have had cancer and

I

and

I

year,

We I

my

e-coli,

spent almost a year in bed as

a child being very, very

same

in

I

lost

was

people. giving,

my father. in my

had sickness raised in

that always I

ill.

That

an environment

had compassion

remember on

a

Lourdes I

am a chaplain

of Malta, and

for

Thanks-

my grandparents gave away

now

for

1

in

your

When I came to the Diocese of Charlotte the

healing;

it is

important

is

that Jesus said what-

was

O'Rourke was working very ous with vocations, and it

I

zeal-

saw right

was a primary need

I

for

vocations.

went,

I

would

very

at that

dination Mass

full

moment of the or-

faith

the Catholic

by

ordained a bishop,

when the cardi-

me

nal laid his

hands upon

felt as if heat

was going through

I

my

lenges of life.

The only

other time

experi-

I

When the cardinal laid his

hand upon me,

I

sudden

felt this

tremendous rush of warmth. But

have been going

John Allen, who has been involved

when he lifted his hand,

with vocations for most of my time

immediately.

sick. all

He

here.

has been ingenuous, very

the great gift of

not just the physical

to

promote voca-

have been very successful.

frequently, during ordina-

I

lay

fill

I

my hands on

rity,

TRIBUTE

to

deep

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

faith

CURLIN

generosity

some-

to be ordained a priest.

who

strength-

love

preach your

hour of

lay in

He

will,

agony

but

I

if it

have

al-

for that gift to preach

and mercy, because

there

is

so

much

anger and hatred in the

world.

We need to reach out to the

nity,

and welcome them all into the

Church.

We

need

do everything we

to

things

not from the diocese and

the chancery, which can inspire you, but the local

it

has to be activated on

level.

is

The

people have been wonder-

I

there. It

home

would be His ways asked

me

to the last

can do what

would

I

where

know how to explain it.

has not gone

wants.

God

me at the

not

— with matu— and

faith

life."

me.

it is

of good

my

ful to

men

I

and mercy

that

feel

Of course, we are looking for good

the spiritual healing.

let

love

People of the Diocese

same sense of warmth one

"Dear God,

stopped

it

tions of the priesthood,

moment

tions.

We

And

of my prayers every night

One is,

can for youth ministry and all these

body.

Houseknecht and then by Father

I

that

in the daily chal-

American members of our commu-

I

a priest.

very briefly

them

was

the day that

them. Father Frank was followed Eric

and many gifts

that offers love will help

will feel that

Church is a real home

panic population, the African-

remember

enced that was when I was ordained

Father

come, they

years to

Vietnamese population, the His-

warmth. I

welcome them intoour

to

community. I hope thafin the

a real sense of

have not seen anyone leave Lourdes

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

it; I

of the deepest

preach on vocations, encourage

and going out

woman

is

there

first year,

no one to be ordained. Father Frank

Lourdes. feel that

feel

emotion

zealous in visiting the seminaries,

I

do not know how to describe

always

away that

And that is very humbling

and very thrilling at the same time. I

over the world that they bring to

is

who were

Knights

They have thousands of people

Lourdes

hungry and had no food. What

for the

of God.

faith.

Vocations

man is now a priest

realize that this

go with them every

0 years to help the

the turkey at the back door to a

with children

I

year to Lourdes. family,

of the heart,

where you leave feeling more strong

Everywhere

life.

so

always referred to

our future growth

life. I

,

my

Lourdes

I

not have things, and yet you never

ways happy.

Working with the Sick and Poor

at peace.

you

say the prayer of consecration,

see

I

do not think we haye done

I

enough

have ordained over

I

as

members of

our African-American community.

religious

moment of your life when you lay your hands upon a young man and one of

year to taking

reaching out to

it is

be a bishop. At that extraordinary

said to

new

better.

National

to the priesthood, a small

nations. But,

remember she

look forward after the be-

I

ginning of the

Another great challenge

Washington

00 men

ops

I

They

from the

them

number compared

joy.

for the Lord.

are certainly a treasure

guage and culture in order to serve

communities.

and more joyful, more

bring to the diocese a

future of our vocations in the Dio-

Shrine,

in faith

They

deep, abiding faith and a history of

going to be a great blessing for our

ordained here and others while

ened

tremen-

our Hispanic popu-

full-time classes in Hispanic lan-

was

you do to the least is for Him. grew up in that generation of

in

it is

believe that

I

Because of all the religious I have

ever

great challenges in the for example, the

dous growth

cese of Charlotte.

of tremendous

of the

came here.

Challenges for the Church

are

woman

gift

men studying in the seminary program, including three men at the is

she was a

with the

it

Spirit.

I

I

do

know

not emotional.

It is

something you cannot explain, but

our people kind to

I

mean,

go about are.

boast every-

wonderful

They have been

me and

sponding

I

how

so

so generous in re-

to the challenges that

we

have presented throughout the diocese.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

The youth,

the education, the

DECEMBER 20,

2002


47

REFLECTIONS

the poor in the mountains

sick,

they have been wonderfully generous.

often

I

am

I

tell

the

new bishops that

the luckiest of

cause

them

be-

all

Even though

I

feel

sadness at this

time over this tragic pedophilia

have never stopped showing their

Even

at that time,

overwhelmed with

was

I

of sup-

letters

are

that

I

happy

am

going to stay here and

that

The

I

am

priests

we had

dinner and just talked.

them and asked them the

come up and em-

me and

We

Bishop.

"We

say,

love you,

are with you."

was

I

for

me in November. About 70 priests got together and

port and encouragement; and in

brace

a lovely

thanked

I

to pray for

new bishop with me, and

my gratitude

pressed

how happy I was

ex-

I

them and

to

to be able to stay

here with them.

warmth and kindness of hundreds

When a new bishop is chosen, I him my total support. I am one of his priests, as far as I am

of people who

concerned.

overwhelmed.

just

was soon

I

healed of that sadness by the

either in conver-

sation or in letters or telephone calls

assured

and

me of their faith

their love for the

me

in

Church and

Politics

local. It

is

is

same

the

The

thing in the Church.

people

look up the street to see the local priests. If that

will give

God

I

pray every night that

send us a very wonder-

will

man

man is a good,

holy,

and he

ful,

holy

will

be very gifted to lead us with

as a bishop,

the challenges

for their priests.

When

we have

he comes here,

I

to face.

want to say

am not going to intrude

to him, "I

upon your duties as the bishop, but just

know that I am

always here to

loving, generous priest, they are

help you with every possible en-

OK. The Holy

couragement and support." Then

Father said the

transparency of the faith

is

priests'

what nourishes the

him, they

feel

and

love

love of

the people. If the people see

it

strengthened by

in

I

want

to continue

the dying;

decided to stay here in Char-

I

lotte,

not just because

my

parents

what

been doing —

ing hospitals,

Future in Charlotte

and

priests,

possible. I

it.

be one of his

will just

pray for him and help in every way

already

I

I

am

want

I

am

I

have visit-

working with

to get involved

in a project for homeless people. I

did

all

of these things before

I

and most of my family and loved

came here. As a member of the As-

ones are deceased, but because

sociate Catholic Charities

have been happy here.

I

I

have found

home here. And the priests have been wonderfully kind to me. I know that I am not the perfect answer to all of a

but they have been very

their needs,

supportive of what

I

have tried to

They have been very kind

do.

to

me in so many ways and made me feel that I am part of the fraternity of

priests.

They have

all

limitations,

made

and

mistakes,

am

ington,

was able

to

home

for

Catholic

open the

the poor and

I

Teresa's

would

more involved with long as

God gives me strength.

is

is

to really

work

beside

good

Because, you know, you

grow on what you feed

I

came

stay here

fellow bish-

their kindness

and encouragement

have certainly strengthened

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

my

this

is

expect to

and be buried

die,

I

I

make a perma-

not a stepping-

stone or a temporary thing.

from

and the laity, thank-

home.

here to

nent home;

suitcase.

over the diocese, from the

good could

was pressured by

I

my

here until

here.

brought

all

I

I

you in

my

heart with

me

in

The

tell

a priest that

when

leave a place, take your heart

your suitcase and do not look

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

told

first

day

I

CURLIN

my journey, it has

new

I

bishop, that

I

when

either died in office or lived to

someone would

retire,

say about

God want

how to see Christ

in

one

another and to see Christ in ourselves."

To me,

that

would be

my

biggest accomplishment.

In

my

life, I

kind of a pastoral

my

Jesus. It

That I

is

hope

is

tried

the presence of

just as

simple as that.

what I

man who

life in

I

I

have

you go

dis-

in faith

that the people need you, that they

need Christ, you are never unhappy. That

is

why I am very happy

now.

One

of the

sisters

expression yesterday: retire,

will

istry

"We do

have been

do a new ministry." And

put the emphasis on the min-

of serving the

sick,

the dying

and the poor.

have tried to do and

have been successful.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

not

From

people ask "Are you

will say, "I

I

recycled to I

used a lovely

we recycle." I love that.

now on, when retired?",

think of myself as

me

to send

have never been

I

When

appointed.

me: "While he was the bishop, he taught us

I

want, but rather a question of

faith in that.

was introduced

them I would hope

to live

always

on

through His Church, and

One Another

Seeing Christ in

I

my

Reflecting

never been a question of what do

where does

to the press as the

why I want to

is

yourself.

people, priests

priests,

good deacons.

in Charlotte.

Knowing the priests and many, many wonderful lay friends here,

— good

States.

That

live

think that one of the greatest

priests.

have been overwhelmed since

United

announcement of my retirement I have letters and cards

I

the

say one of the great

of my life here is just being with

no, this

joys

forgiven.

would

many friends and even

Fondest Memories

And when I came here, I folmy own policy. That way, God rewards us with many graces. back.

never envy any other bishop in the

like to get

that now, as

for

ops to go back to Washington, but,

which they have

I

joys

I

religious,

I

sure

So

good people

work with people dying of AIDS. So I was very active in social work for Mother

hope

great

lowed

home

for

me

the future.

first

abused and

and given

faith

homeless women, and then the first

have

I

I

ofWash-

been so

understanding and forgiving of my

I

not leaving.

had a reception

visiting parishes for Mass, the

people would

af-

me and how much they going to miss me as their

fection for

scandal in the Church, the people

affection.

me how much

telling

they love me, expressing their

bishop. People seem so delighted

have the nicest people.

I

me and

ing

PAGE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


5

Well do /te, yood andfmtAJtd 6e-want. '

'

Matthew 25:23

Bishop

may God continue in

The Charlotte Knights and Dames

Curlin, to bless

you

your retirement years.

of Malta

Bishop Thomas ,1. Rodi Bishop Emeritus Joseph L. Howze

And

wish you much fulfillment and happiness in your retirement, and thank you sincerely for your kindness over the past years.

the people of the Diocese of Bifoxl

Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Thank You Bishop Curlin

For your years of service

to the

Church

Monsignor Francis D. Kelly, Rector

and The Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Community 558 South Avenue

-

Weston, Massachusetts 02493

781.899.5500

-

y

Fax: 781.899.9057

Bishop Curlin,

We

...

thank you for your

the Lord your

God

will bless

you

in

all

...

you produce and in

all

the

work of your

hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.

Deuteronomy

1 6: 1

if

Bishop Robert J. Baker the clergy

and parishioners of

the Diocese oj Charleston

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


Congratulations

Best Wishes

&

Bishop William Curlin

kes* awe?

Robert Akkaie

Karen ibtKniaarsKa .

Alhot Oscar

Gayie Biitterheld

1

Ahhot.Plackf

Ann y.alkoun-Sauls

l-alherjohn

M ar^rete A n tiers or*

bison ^ lark

I

Kevin Andres Bohhie Auten

rheltnaC.lkh

Mary oiernan Nancy Lolling V ircn...c Conner beodore Cooke

hlb'alx'th

B ik r

Phyllis :Barhour 1

nsha Barker

"ather Frederick

David leinehi

Marilvn Martin-Scl

Diane Sullivan Benettc Sutton Gahriola lara«)na-!

f

epic

AkiaMaves

bletk

Susan Mayes

bather Kenneth

Willie 1

:b

!a.nes

Father Kierao

Wand

bauier Lawrence bather Matthew

Sue Hinclerlider Robert Hixson )r.

JWkorah McDowell PldwardMcGcc

Father Paschal

lohejlodee

ftsggy

MieLellLtxl

Milehell Mcintosh

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Michael Mel.

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Joseph Mary

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Dortaia Beagle

Shannon C osta

Father Rav

Beatrice lolf

Julie

1

John Mi rJiu William Martin

1

Rehece

:

VicbuvBeam Dwight Beaty Lofs Ik .--

Ralph Dvnes

Deka Heath

Fisher

aync

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Milliard

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Lewis Fife

barer: facon

Wilmetta Foege

Susan

Crystal Jenkins

joyeeMiraS:

Vickie knkrtils

Lisa Mitchell

i

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Russell

Sarah Bettnchy

Wiikara Davis

Anna Si fas

Jackie iennings

b arson Black'

Dean de la Mofte DeanaDeason c

Dad sue riilav ManaUamis faraesblearrfcv

Ro her t] Ories

William Myers

Angela Blackwood

Rnssell DeSatrtis

kathoriiie Jordan

Bohhi Meeh

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a nette Bl xb d lord

plizaheth

K.v/

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Robin Jordan hhane Kehhe Matthew Kline

Taiieis

lay

Anita Dino

fames

John Burt bheka Boyd

GavleDohhs

Linda Graham JidiaGoater

Steven

Peruse Boy km Deamta Break! ield

jasnes

LeoGimter

Cynthia Faster

Barbara bitterson

inreesh Gupta

lennie .aiimer

Jason Phillips

Lonbedkrd

{"ranees Pjneros

Sandra Leslie

Rhonda Pittman lohnPlecnih

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tehorah

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Donoghue

Ana Drum

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b >ierma.usfei

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Mars: Osmenl Wendy ftrkr

Michel baffan

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Stanley Dud.ko

fairies

Adrianne Harlow

Brother Agostino

Kbnheriy hdinger

a 1 aurice

Bio

Lynda blkngt. >u David Ei'/.ey

Martin .Harris:.

Rita Lewis

Michael Poll

Michael

Podge San dra Loehr

Meredith I

Rohert

Dehra Pruett

'.I

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Brother

Emmanuel

Brother Michael

I

Brother Paul

bather

Brother jolm Mary

Lather David Brown

aiiier

Art! sur c

kristopher

Ha rrel son larfison

I

Sandra Hartsel! Rnhy Harvey Kathv lavnes 1

Fay Weary Mary Weir Craig Wesnohske William Westcn-er Mi#t> White Erin W'kitener Scot Wieland David Williams Gary Williams LaxrvWdliams Kimherly Wilson Pamel a Wi Ison James Woodard William Woody j r.

NoU

Alice Duff

iafdui

Bessie Vinsiin

Gail Warliclc

Melissa N'icoletti

C aroi Brooks Stephen Brosnan

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Dcbrah Bost

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Bol.ich

lolley

FMhert Tompkms Bientki Lyson Karen yson Karen a rm an Van William b an A ar Lynette Vam Margaret Yichere N

1

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Gregory

Sharon ;

M e tress

Peter Crrtikos

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Melissa Tiber

Rajrve Is war!

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Leslie Best

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Bniene'l hunt

Metress

lets

caster

jocelyn 1 h.onipsan

MoGlohon

Nathalie Cote

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McSi ad

Jeremy Crews

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Margaret Lewis Peter

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i.o\ or

Chrtslyn Liiee

|en infer

Qnmn

I

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Young

Richard Mareoux

Belmont Abbey College

»

100 Belmont-Mt Holly

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Road

TRIBUTE

to

*

Belmont, North Carolina

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

28012

CURLIN

*

704.825.6700

»

Visit

us on the Web - www.belmontabbeycollege.eclu

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Bishop William Curlin

citi street"

Best Wishes

6"W

y\e/f'remeH/

Qr/o-ti/jt

From The Monks Belmont Abbey Monastery

of

Belmont Abbey

BeJmont, North Carolina 28012

\

»

III

tv.

*

704.825.6675

f

Ill

BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI, BISHOP OF BRIDGEPORT, ON BEHALF OF THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT,

GIVES

THANKS TO GOD

FOR THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF HIS DEAR FRIEND AND MENTOR

BISHOP WILLIAM AND WISHES HIM IN

G.

CURLIN,

GOD'S HEALTH

THE YEARS THAT

LIE

AND

JOY

AHEAD.

9HHBBBBHBH

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


A Prayerfor God's blessingsfor you

Bishop Paul S. Loverde and the people of the Diocese of Arlington

express gratitude

and the pledge of prayer to

Bishop William G. Curlin From the Augustinians of the Province of St.

Thomas ofVillanova

ii„,.

m ini

l,

m

on

,h, lt,

Of The

The Qhurch

his retirement.

Gongratulates

Archdiocese

& Qives

Of Atlanta

Thanhs To

Almighty §od For The Qift That IBishop 'William

§. Gurlin

rias IBeen To IPeople

The

Of Qod

Through His Wlany Tears

Of

Priest

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

TUinistry

As

& IBishop CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


Bishop Edward K. Braxton

and the people of God of the Diocese of Lake

Bishop Curlin

Charles, Louisiana express their gratitude, affection to

-

and appreciation

His Excellency,

Warmest Blessings and The Most Reverend William G. Curlin

Gracious Thanksgiving for

on the occasion of his retirement after so

exemplary service priest

many years

to the

Church

of

May you have a

as a

and Bishop in Washington, D.C.

and with such distinction

your service as our bishop.

wondrous retirement.

as

Bishop of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The People and Pastor of

.

Sacred Heart Church, Brevard

ON YOUR RETIREMENT

he Pennybyrn

at Maryfield family

and the sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God would like to thank Bishop William Curlin for his many years of Best wishes on your retirement.

Sacrd Heart

peNKiYt^^KI

Catholic church.

dedicated service to the Diocese of Charlotte.

A Continuing Care 1315 Greensboro Road * High

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

Retirement Community Point,

NC 27260 * 336.886.4103

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER

20,

2002


BI/HOP CURLIN, MOST REVEREND MICHAEL F. BURBIDGE, RECTOR,

YOU HAVE BEEN ONE OE OUR JTRONGEJT

THE ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, DEACONS

AJPPORTERX EOR THE PA/T EIGHT YEAR/.

AND SEMINARIANS

You have always spoken out for the poor.

of

THANK YOU EOR CHAMPIONING THEM

BORROMEO SEMINARY OVERBROOK WYNNEWOOD, PA

SAINT CHARLES

AND

CATHOLIC /OCIAL /ERVICE/.

We miss you anb pray for joy and peace

EXPRESS DEEP GRATITUDE

m your retirement

to

MOST REVEREND WILLIAM G. CURLIN CATHOLIC /OCIAL /ERVICE/ OE THE DIOCE/E OE CHARLOTTE, INC.

for

HIS EXAMPLE OF

FAITHFUL AND DEDICATED SERVICE to

OUR LORD AND HIS CHURCH Best wishes on your retirement and

ASSURE HIM OF OUR CONTINUED PRAYERFUL SUPPORT

THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE The

Catholic University of America

Washington, "

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

DC

Mary Seat of Wisdom, Pray for

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

Us."

DECEMBER 20,

2002


Thank

you, Bishop Curlin.

Congratulations

Bishop Curlin on your Retirement

Ad Multos Annos!

J.S.

Paluch Co.,

Inc.

"Serving the Catholic Church Since 1913"

Greg Duncan Parish Consultant

The Jesuit Community of Western North Carolina

Parishioner St.

Mark Church,

Huntersville

NC

800 432-3240

Church

Best Wishes,

Bulletins

Bishop Curli PI,

for

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowickl and the Benedictine community, administration, staff

of Saint Vincent

3k

H

t

1

and

1 ~ Worship Aids ~ Church Software ~

Children's Bulletins

your retirement!

O.S.B. faculty,

students

Archabbey, College, and Seminary

1

%

Saint Vincent Archabbey,

ins

'Miiiji? ,i ,

,

H||| ijj

l

|

|'|'|

||"|T

College and Seminary

300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 1 5650-2690 724-537-4592 http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20, 2002


Congratulations to

prager/ul Sest Wishes

Bishop William G. Curlin on your retirement

to

our most

Sishop William

6. Curlin

sincere best wishes

for a happy ca^d healthy retirement.

we tha^k, you for your

gracious.

yvtost

support to the families of our Holy Family Parish durivu$ your years

.of

service to the r>iocese of

Charlotte.

we

are indeed

most grateful for

all

fremv ThcmiafrT. McKevvnas,

of your help with

our current building cam.palg/t.

CM.

Prietty cvnd/ 3 rather

Our Prayers Art With you!

of the/

VlhJCtNTIAN

Holy Family Parish Clemmons, North Carolina

COMMUNITY

THANK YOU, BI/HOP CURLIN ram St.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

Barnabas Parish Arden, NC

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

DECEMBER 20,

2002


0

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

To Bishop Curlin

1Q

—

Thank you for your years of service to all of us.

I "Persevere in prayer, being watchful in

thanksgiving; at the

that

God may open

it

with

same time-, pray for us, too, door to us for the word, to

a

speak of the mystery of Christ..." Colossians 4:2-3a

Your friends at the Pastoral Center

bi

THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD

TRIBUTE

to

BISHOP WILLIAM

G.

CURLIN

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE

jB

DECEMBER 20, 2002


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