Dec 24, 1993 by Catholic News Herald

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News & Herald .rving Catholics in

A December Glory to

Western North Carolina

Volume 3 Number 17 â&#x20AC;˘ December 24, 1993

in the Diocese of Charlotte

Christmas Letter To

All

From Msgr. John and sisters image and likeness.

brothers

19*93

God

McSweeney

in Christ, like ourselves,

God's

the highest and on earth

Peace. to those on

whom

His labor rests

During the beautiful season of Christmas, draw closer to the Lord,

who humbled Himself to become like us

except sin. Let His love motivate you to reach

]\/Iy Brothers and Sisters In Christ,

Savior,

Christians. There are so

indeed a very special time for

you may truly be reconciled with one another. Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are hungry, those who are sick, those who are lonely, and those who live in countries where

all

many things that are special about the

they are denied the privilege ofcelebrating this greatfeast day.

season ...the many wonderful and uplifting services and events that take place in our churches; the warm and happy smiles we see

on the faces of those we meet (along with

the

most cordial

we exchange); the time we set aside to celebrate with family andfriends; the wonderful aroma of holidayfoods being prepared in our homes... all of these add to that specialfeeling.

Wouldn

the very reason for all the

celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Word becomeflesh, Emmanuel, God with

be wonderful

we kept this Spirit of Christ-

and concern for others, throughout the entireyear? The special event that took place in the City ofDavid

mas,

greetings

However, the most special of all

in all things

out to others, so

that

Christmas, the time set aside to celebrate the birth ofJesus,

Our Lord and

made

this special love

indeed "good news of great joy for all people.

Let us never

forget our reasonfor celebration. I will remember all ofyou at the Holy Sacrifice ofthe Mass

us.

During Advent, we preparefor the coming ofOurLordin many ways. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we prepare ourselves spirituallyfor this wonderful event. The love that

we experience as a result ofthe Sacramentfills our hearts so that when we reach out to others, we can truly accept them as our

on Christmas day. Sincerely yours in Christ,

I Rev. Msgr. John J. McSweeney Diocesan Administrator

& Herald

The Catholic News

For

December

77?e Children

Diocesan Task Force Puts Children And Families KEANE

By JOANN

children and families."

CATHOLIC

Associate Editor

CHARLOTTE— American Catholic

families are in need of repair, as a

While the basic

AMP

fiber of family life

slowly unravels, two diocesan minis-

team together

mend and

and parishes are at the heart of the campaign for putting Children and Families First," said Spivak. "This campaign is not just another program, it's an opportunity to completely change our perspective from individual

society," said Spivak. "Voices for

As one

and reestablish the impor-

tance of family

life.

CAMPAIGN

Children and Families First task

force

a joint project of Faith

Formation's Justice and Peace and Catholic Social Service's Family Life

"We recognize the need to put children and families

and accept the

first

become

challenge to

a constructive, in-

formed, and committed voice for children and families in our parishes and in the wider community," said Trinitarian Sister

Miriam Fiduccia, diocesan direc-

tor of

Family

Life.

"We

seek to shape a

society with a clear priority for families

and children

types for family life.

mom, dad and

Today

s traditional

2.2-children families

Mom

households.

found

rarely

waiting for the kids to burst in

after school; she's at

many,

it'

work. "The reality

both parents working. For

Church, all

a necessity for survival." said

Msgr. John

McSweeney, diocesan

the quality of family

McSweeney. "As we must be there in support for

That's what fueled Msgr. McSweeney to seek action through Faith Formation and Catholic Social Services. He assigned the task of implementing an educational program for families to

two

ministries.

recognize our mission as one

of social justice, education and enrich-

ment, and direct service," said Sister

Miriam. Throughout the diocese, Children and Families First plans to link families with parish and community services designed to meet specific needs. "Children and Families encompasses

all

aspects of parish ministry,"

said Scott Spivak, Justice and Peace

coordinator.

"The campaign

an op-

portunity to bring ministries together

administrator.

"So many issues pull today

Catho-

with the common interest in working for

About Page If the color picture

issue of

beyond con-

on Page

The Catholic News

of this

Herald

1 Mary and

Jesus with a monastery and a

looks familiar,

the baby

hill town in landscape

It is

behind them.

the one used on

Although

the 1993 tradi-

Cima spent his

tional Christ-

entire career in

mas stamp

Venice, the picturesque

should.

is-

sued by the U.S. Postal Service.

landscape sur-

The painting

rounding his

chosen for the stamp is from

hometown of

the collection

was an impor-

of the North Carolina Mu-

tant source of

seum of Art

the

Congealino

inspiration for

He frequently

used

Raleigh.

The stamp, which first went on sale in a ceremony at the

museum

Congeliano' beautiful land-

scape as the

in October, features a re-

production of a detail from Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Battista Cima

da Congeliano' s Madonna and Child in a Landscape. The stamp features Mary and the Christ Child with the name of the artist, the painting's date, and the Museum's name at the bottom of the stamp.

Madonna and

Child in a Landscape is one of the jewels in the collection of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Acquired by the

museum in

1952,

was part of the initial purchase of 1 39 paintings forming the core of the museum's collection. The paintings were purchased with $1 million approit

priated by the North Carolina General

Asssembly the

first in

artist.

1947 as the

state

became

the nation to establish an art

collection with public funds.

Painted about 1497, the painting

background for

his paintings, as in

Madonna and Child. Cima was born about ing

him

artists

1459,

mak-

part of the first generation of

who

ushered in the Golden

Age

of Venetian painting, distinguished by three closely linked qualities: explora-

and refinement of the oil medium, a remarkable sensitivity for rendering light, and a profound affinity for land-

tion

whiij

are children and families," said Spivi]

"1994 has been designated by ij United Nations as the International Y<| of the Family," said Sister Miriam, "(f Holy Father has asked the univer

Church to join

in this celebration."

ting Children

and Families

work

First

This program calls families to share in

priority to families

the

for

"However, many

work of justice by building

families

Sister

and children,

much

Collaboration of ministry efforts i

nonviolent, simple and spiritual."

a step in highlighting the needs of ch

tive,

Another direction being taken is Peace and Justice's Voices for Justice network. Spivak is pushing for legislative advocacy through a letter writing campaign to local legislators. "It's an

must question if we are being true teac ers and models for our children, a look

at the

values

are teaching."

velopment of health self-esteem among African-American men in American society. The discussion will be expanded to include concerns about the nucleus of

the African- American family.

Noni Ojouba, a dancer and public school teacher in Gainesville, Fla., and

Darryl Clare, a musician, dancer and

shop on "African Ceremonial Dane and Rhythms and Their Influence

Our Afrocentric

Culture."

Through dramatization and son Tv Women" workshop will present a she facilitators for a "Portrait of

story enactment about trials, faith, hop restoration Christ.

The

and victory through

Jesi

Antoinel Reynolds, founders

facilitators are

Toole and Alma Love Harvest Ministries for Chri Spring House, Pa. Cost at the door is $ 1 2 for adults ai $10 for people 18 and younger. Pr registration is $10 for adults and $8 f people under 18. To pre-register, sei check payable to the Ministry for Afi can-American Affairs by Jan. 8 Dwight Walker, 2706 Vestal St., Green boro, N.C. 27406.

doctoral candidate at University of

Parish Outreach

Goes Beyond

Traditional Christmas Giving By

ANN HOPKINS

WINSTON-SALEM

—

St.

Leo

Parish has a social justice ministry that

verify the families' needs.

Volunteers, donors and groups pa

of wealth or

reaches beyond traditional Christmas

ticipate, regardless

giving.

Parishioners provide for entire familie

The

parish has expanded

its

out-

reach program of offering a Christmas

meal and fulfilling a wish list of gifts to include enough food and paper products to last a full week. Moreover, it provides for families through Easter, Mother's Day and Thanksgiving. This Christmas season, St. Leo is helping more than 100 families from the parish, school, agencies such as Catholic Social Services and the N.C. Department of Social Services. Care is taken to

Dec. 3 1 Our next issue will be Friday,

viewer to see Cima's technical mas-

Jan. 7, 1994.

Holiday Schedule

apparent in the lumi-

nous landscape. Here, the artist conveys the ethereal quality of the light See Stamp, Page 16

Florida, Gainesville, will present a

American Affairs Ministry is sponsoring the Ninth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave., on Jan 15. Registration is from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Jesuit Father Joseph Brown, director of the Inistitute for Black Catholic Sutides, will present a workshop on "Self Identity: Holding on to the Last Thread." The session will outline major

condition of the painting allows the tery, especially

and families, said Msj McSweeney. "As Catholic people, dren

African-American Affairs Ministry Plans Annual King Celebration CHARLOTTE — The Africanwor

Because of the Christmas/New Year holidays, The Catholic News & Herald will not publish on Friday,

in evidence in

Miriam.

that are culturally sensitive, coopera-

Cima's Maa Landscape. is a remarkably fine condition considering that it was painted nearly 500 years ago. The very

families don' t have the time or resources.

called to

donating food and

abilit

or they buy

gifts,

Some dona money or help by taking the time to bi what is needed with money donated t small gift or food item.

others.

See Outreach, Page

Carolina Catholic

Bookshopp*

scape painting. All three qualities are

donna and Child The painting

wonderful occasion for families, p ishes, schools and other groups wit! our diocese to assess how they gi

historical pressures influencing the de-

depicts a serene

become a voice for the voiceless,

ily-based support groups. justice," said Spivak.

families," he said.

the

aspect of the campaign, the

Jfj

an opportunity for Catholics!

tice is

task force hopes to establish parish fam-

"Everyone

said Msgr.

life,"

"We

share neighborhoods with single parent

of today

families, creating forces

in need."

The '90s have redefined family life. Ozzie and Harriet are dead as stereo-

home

lie

trol that distract

ministries.

life,

centered to family centered."

rein-

way to work towards eradic

ing the root causes of injustice in

force families with a program designed to prioritize

excellent

First

"Children and families are the heart of parish

fragmented, dysfunctional society rips families apart at the seams.

tries

24, 19}

H09McAlwayRd. Charlotte,

NC 28211

0704)364-8778

Christmas Cards Gifts Music & Creches ,

Because some of us will be taking vacation between Christmas and New Year's, the office may not always be open during that period.

Monday

Friday 9:30

Saturday 9:30

Books

5:00

3:00

& Gift Items

Special Orders/Mail Orders

Welcome

The Catholic News

December 24, 1993

& Herald

Vocation Update By FATHER FRANK O'ROURKE St

Vocation Director

Christmas speaks of new birth, new hope and new life. I thought it would be interesting to share with you insights about Advent from two of our seminarians. The Catholic News & Herald spoke with Dean Cesa and Mike Hjellming for a section in the Oct. 8 issue on Vocation Awareness Week. The issue kicked off this Vocation Update series. These two men reflected on how they were adjusting to life in seminary. In this issue, we touched base with them again to see what their thoughts are about Advent. We wondered how their perspectives about Christmas have changed since they began studying for the priesthood. Here's

tjj

tor

«|

M Sp it)

oal'

what they

said:

Dean Cesa The Advent season birth It's it

isn't so

much

preparing for the

of Christ, but more preparing yourself for your personal reception of Christ.

an acknowledgement of the reality of the Second

Coming and

preparing for

not in fear but in eager anticipation.

for

When I think about the theme for advent, "Come Lord Jesus," I see it as a time welcome with arms spread out and eyes looking up. Mike Hjellming One of the big changes

Twenty

here in seminary has been praying the Liturgy of the every day, which is made up for the most Hours morning and evening prayer part of the Psalms. I also had a class on the Old Testament where I learned about

—

and the background for the writing of the Psalms. preparing for the way of the Lord helps me in my own The Advent theme response to God's calling. As I think about circumstances of the Incarnation and the situation with the Pharisees and Sadducees and when Jesus was born how they responded to their world, it helps me see how people respond to the world today, keeping in mind what God is calling them to do. To inquire about the possibility of serving as a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte, call Father Frank O'Rourke at (704) 334-2283. Questions for this column can be sent to Father O'Rourke at 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203. the history of Israel

—

— —

—

Winston-Salem Parish Marks !;50th Anniversary Of School By

WINSTON-SALEM

—

1943, four Sisters of

St.

Dec. Joseph

nade their way from Chestnut Hill, Pa., Leo Catholic Church in Winston

:o St.

Salem to

start a

50 years

later, St.

parochial school.

Now,

Leo has celebrated

the

Mass in the new parish center, is named for Bishop Begley. The church also made a $5,000 do-

which

nation to the Sisters of

tirement

Fund

St.

Joseph Re-

honor of the anniver-

sary of the religious

community in Win-

with a special Mass, a donation and

ston-Salem.

acknowledgement of a small idea grew into a thriving school.

the superior general of the wrote back to thank the parish for the donation, she mentioned that two of

that

The original four sisters were Benigna Consolata, Mary Dismas, Irma Helen and Joseph Veronica. Sisters Irma Helen and Joseph Veronica still live in Pennsylvania. In October, the

Winston-Salem Vi-

cariate celebrated at St. cial

Mass

Michael

Leo with

a spe-

celebrated by Retired Bishop

Begley,

who was

the paster

St. Leo when the sisters came to Winston-Salem. Pastors of nearby

churches concelebrated the

Bishop Begley.

Mass with

When

sisters

the original sisters include the parish in their prayers.

The four sisters came to St. Leo when few people in North Carolina had ever seen a Catholic nun. The parish

By MICHAEL STREICH WINSTON-SALEM — On Dec. 9, 20 Bishop McGuiness High School

achievements. Whether in the House or

participants this spring, four

Senate,

Supreme Court, or National

students will be spending their one week

Security Council, the students continue

January "winterim" in Washington. Tim

to distinguish themselves

body president and Harvard Model delega-

awards.

the head of the

Bishop McGuiness is one of only two schools in North Carolina to be

spend his week in the office of Sen. Jesse Helms; senior Richard Noga will be with Sen. Lauch Faircloth while Paul Hollenack and Kara Martin will be with Reps. Cass Ballinger and Howard Coble respectively.

tion, will

invited every year to participate. For the

faculty moderators,

high school students into the leaders of the next generation. It is politics with

aplomb yet an

Model Congress, discussed environmental issues at Mary-

for leadership in the next three years.

land Sen. Barbara Milkuski's office

Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, sitting on an environmental committee and the Sen-

much

while National Security Council tion

Korean

North

For the

H» S I

"\.7

In Yours.

in the

(704) 334-2283

A vaM stmds as ° continuing expression of our concern for loved ones, as we ^ as an on 8 om 8 commit"

ment to the Church and the community in which we live'.' Msgr. John

McSweeney

Roman

Catholic Diocese of (or percent of estate) for its religious, educational

charitable works.

will role play

House of Representatives.

For more information on how to make a Will that works, contact Jim Kelley, Director of Development, Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte,

and

Michael Steich teaches history at Bishop McGuinness High School.

sum of $

the residue of my

and

time, a freshman

Sophomores Wendy Varner and Sarah Day and Freshman Christian Shelton will be

ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte. Simply have the following statement included in your Will: "/ leave to the

ate Committee on Public Works.

nuclear

A major result

first

Sophomore Will Heaton

mem-

w ~W J • 1 1

demands

representing a core group being groomed

House For-

nonproliferation from the

activity that

preparation as any athletic event.

four sophomores will compete this year,

a lobbyist at the

Charlotte the

Charlotte, N.C. 28203

represents yet

Sophomore Denard Mickens spent most of the afternoon talking to Fifth District Rep. Steve Neal and one of his staffers, preparing for his debut at Harvard Model. Senior Brooke Cobbs,

Contact 1621 Dilworth Rd. East

another excellent tool to help develop

to the priesthood

Father Frank O'Rourke, Vocation Director

and win

Saintsing, student

ivGrncmnGF

in the Diocese of Charlotte

staffs in preparation for the five-day

of the preparation day had to be the announcement that two of our students

to considering a vocation

competition to participate increased,

event in Boston.

additional tutoring began.

Give prayerful thought

ticipant in the

have seen the extra curricular activity become the capstone of our academic

eign Affairs Committee.

Leo, Page 11

Bishop McGuinness has been a parHarvard Model Congress program for more than five years. As

1994 Harvard University Model Congress Program, began their day in Washington, D.C. with their faculty coaches, meeting with Senate and Congressional

1946, according to a parish history, that

St.

Address.

dents, all participants in the February

ber Pat McCulloch gathered informa-

See

will attend the January State of the Union

stu-

bought the former Norfleet estate on Georgia Avenue for a convent in 1943. The sisters began by teaching religion, art and piano. It was not until

reception followed

recently to

Bishop McGuinness Students Prepare For Model Congress

Of 25

ANN HOPKINS

McGuinness High School visited Washington Model Congress Program.

students from Bishop

prepare for their participation in the 1994 Harvard

28207, (704) 331-1709 or 377-6871.

Tne Catholic News

& Herald

December

24, 199

Pro-Life Corner

it;

Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; Lord.

Editorial

He is Christ, the

Fighting Poverty Catholic Charities USA.has

come up with a sober-

ing and disturbing report.

Demand

for the agency's help has risen 1,000

percent in the past 10 years and most of the

demand

emergency aid such as food and shelter. The number of requests for emergency aid tripled between 1981 and 1992. for

Jesuit Father Fred

USA,

Charities

Kammer,

president of Catholic

says a survey of the agency and

The Respect

its

Life Office

Diocese of Charlotte

(704) 331-1720

shows that they have been "forced to take up where the government and the economy have diocesan

affiliates

Lay Catholics Must Attend Sunday Mass

failed to ensure the basic necessities of life for millions

of people."

increased and —

The agency's resources have not some cases have decreased during those years. The number of volunteer workers has dropped by

—

about 20 percent. About 70 percent of the diocesan offices now have waiting lists for social services.

The increased demand for emergency aid is having one major adverse effect: The agency is devoting so much of its time and resources to short-term relief that it can do little toward the long-term goal of helping people overcome poverty. Says one diocesan Catholic Charities official, "Programs that keep families from going hungry today are competing with programs that make an investment in strengthening lives. That dilemma ... is becoming more acute each day and the choices are becoming more

painful."

It's becoming obvious that business, labor and governments will have to increase their efforts. Groups

like Catholic Charities (or Catholic Social Services as

known

do it alone. But, until those groups pick up their share of the burden, we should all think about what we can do to help our relief agencies with gifts of time or money. it

in this diocese) can't

Our Holiday Wishes On behalf of the publisher and staff of The lic

News &

we wish

Herald,

all

Because Jesus wanted

work through

Year

to all of

you.

to continue his

This participation

in the "universal

Second Vatican Council, he said. Attending weekly Mass is a condition of this union with Christ," he

pope

priesthood"

was highlighted by the

initiated in baptism, a point that

the sacrament of reconciliation during "vital

said.

The pope recalled that weekly Mass is "prescribed by the Church" and that its importance was underlined in the recently published Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Mass is "the supreme act of Christian worship, which the faithful offer themselves with Christ to the Father and are thus sanctified for the building up of the Church and the redemption of the world," he said. in

— including —

their daily

in spiritual sacrifice.

Pope Urges Young Catholics To Into Future With Energy VATICAN CITY (CNS) Young Catholics must

Move

—

the future with energy and with faces

Pope John Paul II said. brought anew each Christmas, a light which transforms human life," the pope told light of Christ,

university students Dec. 14 during a

Mass

"We are

called to

ourselves with

Rev. Msgr. John

Associate Editors:

Hispanic Editor:

"The meeting

Denver put

walk in this light and to nourish it becomes our food under the

tian

millennium," he

He prayed

so that

by young

also encouraged the students to receive

of family

vine which gives us

The pope

Year of the Family. "The coming year will be

life,"

said.

ontc

a spotlight

on youths

a kind of 'Holy Year'

said.

that families, especially those

headed

would use the Advent and Christmas meditate on Joseph's and Mary's example

life.

McSweeney

The Year Of The Family

Joann Keane, Carol Hazard

Dalmau

Sister Pilar

Gene Sullivan Sheree McDermott

BOB GATELY

The United Nations has proclaimed 1 994 the InterYear of the Family and the Church is partici-

national 1524 East Morehead

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Charlotte,

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Phone:

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& Herald, USPC 007-393, is pubby the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East

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Charlotte,

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except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two

weeks during June, July and August enrollees in parishes of the

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Charlotte and $18 per year for

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for

$15 per year for

Catholic Diocese of

other subscribers.

Second-

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address corrections to

pating actively.

Over

the

coming months you

a bit about families and family

The Catholic News lished

28237.

adults,

seasons to

Advertising Manager: Editorial Clerk:

life

tional

the

Robert E. Gately

Editor:

new

souls through his Son," the pope said.

preparation for the great threshold of the third Chris

species of bread and wine. Christ in the Eucharist

Publisher:

the heavenly Father cultivates, grafting

in prepara-

tion for Christmas.

December 24, 1993 Volume 3, Number 17

memories of the August celebration of World Youth Day in Denver, the pope said. "Denver was a living image of the vineyard which

values, by their courage to live and by their witness tc peace and solidarity," he said. The gathering of youths, which provided a peace ful interlude to a summer marked by violence in the city, he said, showed the world that a "civilization oi love" does exist and that violence, consumerism and egotism cannot destroy it. The pope also talked to the young people about the Church's celebrations of the U.N. -declared Interna-

The

[cpa]

The Mass with young people in St. Peter's Basilic focusing on the new life born with Christ brought bad

work, family

life

radiating the light of Christ,

News & Herald

able to surprise the world by the richness of theii

and married

"is

Advent because

"by ensuring a connection with Christ the vine, makes the branches always bear abundant fruit."

He said the "great mission of lay people" is to offer

move toward

The Catholic

The Pope Speaks

redemptive

priestly office of offering spiritual worship," the said.

lay people, he gave all "a share in his

of our readers the

New

POPE JOHN PAUL

audience Dec. 15.

their entire lives

Catho-

blessings of this joyous holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy

—

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John Paul II reminded lay Catholics that their effectiveness in the Church depends greatly on participation in Sunday Mass. While the Church has increasingly recognized the role of the laity, it has also stressed the importance of attending the weekly liturgy, the pope said at a general

will

life in

be seeing quite

the pages of this

Editor's

newspaper. This week's issue contains the first part of a series on the text of the statement on family life issued by the U.S. bishops at their November meeting. The second part of the series will run in the Jan. 7 issue. This week's paper also features a guest column by Valerie Dillon, family life director of the Archdiocese of

Notebook

Indianapolis.

I'm writing

urge you to read both of them along with the story about the diocesan Children and Families First camI

paign.

They

all

provide food for thought.

this a

few days before Christmas and. most of you will be reading

the Postal Service willing, it

on Christmas Eve. See Notebook, Page

The Catholic News

;cember24, 1993

How To Christmas

a time for

welcoming

your daily life. In Pierre de Caussade's bookAban•nment to Divine Providence, he writes, 'idelity to the duty of the present mojnt is the key to sanctity." He encoures us to live in the here and now, isting the past to God' s mercy and the ture to God's loving care; in other jrds, trusting to His "Divine Province." Such fidelity is not only the key sanctity, it is the key to discerning Dd's will for you in your choice of a into

irist

•cation.

When

become

the

his father objected saying,

heaven,' since

now

place

all

rselves. y thing

his

rson

you want

late to

Many

to be.

of us

apple with fears and doubts about

We're afraid of risking evfor God. We're afraid of walk-

on water. Suppose you were to eliminate all mr fears and doubts. Where would iu like to be 10 years from now? here could you do the most good? On deepest level of your being, what Duld really make you happy? Follow your heart, and you'll find

Light

everything, every stitch

Him." Francis simply wanted to sing God's praises and live a life of poverty. He knew he would find happiness by living the Gospel according to

It's

FATHER JOHN CATOIR

One Candle

of clothing on your back," Francis stripped himself naked. He gave his clothes back to his father with these words, "Until now I have called you father here on earth, but now I can say without reservation, 'Our Father who art in

never too

Discern Your Vocation

once faced a vocational crisis. His father was a greedy merchant with definite plans for him. Francis didn't want to work in his father' s business. He wanted to serve God in some way.

"You owe me

& Herat d

hope

own

lights.

And

so he did.

Blessed Julian of Norwich had a

She said that it doesn't matter what you do in life, as long as you

different insight.

learn to live joyfully because of the

knowledge of God's love. Julian put the emphasis on one's inner purpose, rather than one's external action. Not a bad idea.

lurtrue vocation. St. Francis of Assisi

Augustine made it even simpler:

St.

"Love God and do

you

be faithful to the duties of the present

please." Augustine gave us a lot of rope,

moment. Even in the smallest action you can offer yourself in an act of pure

said,

but he

knew what he was

saying.

Any-

one who truly loves God will struggle to do His will. In fact, living in harmony with God's will is the blueprint for peace and happiness. God calls everyone to holiness though He leads us along different paths. St. Anthony of Egypt decided to be a hermit. Centuries later St.

Thomas More

chose the legal profession, first becoming a statesman and then a martyr.

Whatever path you follow in life, use your gifts and talents well and try to

love.

Jesus Christ ness.

You

a light in the dark-

too are called to be a light, a

light that shines for all to see.

You

too

can become a carrier of God' s truth and love.

(For a free copy of the Christopher It With Love, " send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New

News Note, "Say

York,

NY.

10017.)

Father John Catoir

director of

The Christophers.

How Well Do We We read regularly about yet another A type of education,

||:dophilia case.

jiinful as

has been, has

Jjith regard to incidences

e've

dophilia

is it

in society

about what pedophilia really causes

and even have

may be more common

it,

a disease that can be

compared

with alcoholism? Are certain people

genetically

prone

engage

within their system trigger such behav-

Education, however, doesn't end

ior?

learning that something occurs,

ior?

need to understand

lere is also the

why it occurs, what its root causes

;tter

The Human Side

pedophilia? Does something chemical

times.

ith

FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK

is, what whether it can be prevented or

cured?

of pedophilia.

how widespread

learned

ard that

come about

Understand Pedophilia?

Or is pedophilia a learned behavDoes it occur in people who them-

were abused as children, or who have been psychologically damaged in selves

some

This kind of education has many mefits the kinds of benefits derived Dm understanding any problem. But

—

hile there

other

violence or explicit sex on television

becoming informed about e psychological damage done to the ctim and the penalties for perpetrars. But how much are we hearing

medicine,

are

in fact living in

promiscuity that

controlled by drugs. If a person

miscuous viruses?

that

So we need to learn whether family background is connected to pedophilia, and if so how. Could a history of violence in the home, physical or verbal,

help, at least to the extent that society

not analyzed.

contribute in some way? And do pedophiles feel remorse or culpability

for their actions? Is there an attempt to

pedophilia

run and hide or to get help?

cultured and

first

are

pedophilia-prone persons almost beyond

of pedophilia, I don't feel that lowledge is filtering into the public aim very quickly. People tend to grow more and more

advances

"What type

we had

ustrated over situations they don't

of background did he or she come from?"

When I was in campus ministry and

g among experts of the causes and true

ider stand very deeply.

Thanks

some types of depression today can be is prone can drugs help? If drugs are not the answer, is a program like Alcoholics Anonymous helpful? Or are

contribute to the problem?

may be growing understand-

tture

way?

And could it be that certain types of

a student

who misbehaved,

question to arise was,

the

We are living in violent times

to pedophilia,

doesn't yet to a

know how

to help

them?

Is there any possibility of returning normal life after one knows he or she

a pedophile?

That

certain.

The risk with any kind of violence is it may become sensationalized, but I

don't think

should

run that risk here. Society and the Church need

education about pedophilia

itself. I

be-

lieve that kind of understanding will

also need to ask whether is

an age of sexual

spawning other pro-

a sign of the times.

lead to action that

modern as we think we are,

beneficial.

Service

Does Using Marijuana Cause Problems ear Dr. Shuping: A friend gave me some marijuana help me deal with stress. It seems to elp.

Are there any problems with

sing this?

Stressed

Out

days later may be from the marijuana. Then, you smoke more to feel better but continue to make yourself feel worse. It's also physically addicting. For a long time most people insisted it was not, but

People

use

frequently

may

believe this, because long-term users

Using marijuana is asking for ouble. Even though it can make you

are able to

better while you're using

'fects

fain

it-,

also

the neurotransmitters in your

and can actually cause depression

id panic episodes. In people ive a predisposition to

who may

serious

your body for days or weeks, and it finally does wear off there can be a craving for more, or flu-like symptoms if you don't have some marijuana in

when

at this point.

Long-term users often experience

You

decreased motivation, decreased interest in life and a range of other problems.

trigger an episode.

because you do «1 good at first, but the marijuana stays your body for days, and the depreson or panic you feel even two or three lay

go for days without using any

marijuana. But again, the marijuana stays

nesses like schizophrenia, marijuana in actually

not believe

this,

Crosswinds

is.

not

ear Stressed Out,

:el

newer research shows

who

MARTHA W. SHUPING, MD

Marijuana has also been shown to decrease the function of your immune system, which can lead to numerous

health problems.

may

also contain

extremely dangerous contaminants that you don't even know about, depending on where it was grown and what has been done in processing it. If you need help with stress management, talk to a professional. You may need counseling or medication. But marijuana and other illegal drugs

will only

make

things worse.

Dr. Shuping

contract staff with

Catholic Social Services and also has a private practice as a psychiatrist in

Winston-Salem. Questions for

umn may be

sent to: Dr.

this col-

Martha W.

Shuping, 1400 Millgate Drive, Suite B, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

The Catholic News

& Herald

December

Gifts we

Gold and myrrh and frankincense were offered to the Christ Child as He lay in the manger at Bethlehem. "Wise

possible ("A's are what

men" brought

pectations, yours and their

— well — what intentioned though they were these gifts, but

does a baby need with gold, incense, and aromatic perfume? This holiday season, as we scour toy stores and search out the latest in mod fashions, what gifts do our children and grandchildren really need from us?

Can

offer

some suggestions?

Give your children the gift of positive messages, words that affirm the child's being as well as doing. "It's nice

when you're around." "I care about you." "You matter." "You did that well." "You are a capable person." From infancy to adulthood, sincere and specific praise

help a child to grow physically, men-

and spiritually. Give your children the gift of trust, most especially trust in God, doing this in a thousand small ways: by praying together, by asking God's help for small and big needs, by verbalizing your awareness of God' s hand in your life, by reminding that God is the One who never forgets or abandons us. Give your children, especially the oldest, the gift of imperfection. That is, acknowledge your own humanity and fallibility and enable your children to accept theirs. Holding to perfection as tally

24, IS]

That Last

expect."

VALERIE R. DILLON

"How could you make such a mistake?") burdens children with unrealistic ex-

own. I bewould be fewer teen suicides

lieve there if

children could

without thinking

fail

they are failures as people. Only

Guest Column

God is

what a consolation! Give your children the gift of struc-

perfect

ture.

live the Christian life requires

self-discipline, conscience,

and deci-

sion-making power. Children learn these through limits, rules, family values, and

What about the vastness of red rocked canyons, a baby's open face and

staying human, and staying in

tor.

choices appropri-

velvet skin, stars glittering in a purple

with what matters most. God, our far lies, and our own inner self. Modeli

and maturity. Such structuring should begin by age 2. Give your children the gift of time,

sky, the clever antics of a kitten, a loved

the balanced life

one's touch, the pounding of rainfall on ocean's surf? If an artificial environ-

only way, to offer

time together as a family, time for oneon-one listening, time lavished in mo-

ment surrounds,

ments of pain or need, time shared in joy and laughter and discovery. Nothing

creations will elude us.

the

freedom

make

ate to their age

says

love you like our life' s time freely

given.

creation. In this artificial, high-tech cul-

our sons and daughters (and we!)

need to re-discover the stunning array of what God has made: mysterious darkness in which we find rest, the deep green of a forest shot through with light, fragrant pine and lilacs that fill our nostrils with heavy perfume, the warmth and brilliance of sun, the power of fire, snowflakes in infinite design.

we and

our children

God's

Give your children the gift of laughFew things need to be taken with

ter.

great seriousness

Give your children the gift of God' ture,

are always indoors, always busy,

— perhaps only love

and death. Find the fun in the foolishness, the humor in the embarrassment, the joke in everyday events. Life will be more joyful and your children will be inclined to believe there truly

News. Give your children

Work

ance.

real

valuable, but so surprise

—

for each is our

Good

praying.

playing.l

way

Hie

our young. Give your children the gift it

warmth and physical

affection. Tou( hugging, kissing, smili tells them, in a powerful a

ing, holding,

—

all this

primal way, that they are loved. If, \ cause of your own childhood, physii love gift

hard for you

— give yourself

Itii

of professional help.

As we

ic!

celebrate Christmas, na

your joy be real, your spirit light, your heart merry! May you know, special way, the gift of Jesus in yc j

midst. the gift of bal-

and necessary and

the best, perhaps

And

—

Time enough

of staying healthy,

Reprinted with permission of Fai The Journal of t National Association of Catholic Fai ily

Perspectives:

ily

Life Ministers. Valerie Dillon

former Family Life Director ofthe Arc diocese of Indianapolis.

Godparents And Christian Witnesses: The Difference Q. My brother's new baby will be baptized in the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife asked if I (a Catholic) would be one of the sponsors. I feel that would be all right, since Protestants can be sponsors for a Catholic

tive of the

baptism. But the priest I asked sure. Can you help? (Missouri)

same reasons a Catholic may not serve

isn't

may

person baptized

a Christian witness to the sacrament,

along with a Catholic godparent. This

happens often, and I'm sure is what you have experienced. To answer your question, for the

another denomination, but

may be an

official witness to the baptism,

along

with a godparent approved as such by that

denomination.

These provisions are not new, but are repeated in the new norms for ecumenical activities, published by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian

Unity

March 1993.

Catholic upbringing of the person being baptized. are present in addition as rep-

community

guaranteeing the faith of the

faith,

individual being baptized (or of the family)

and

at least to

faith as the child

grows

up.

Obviously, only someone fesses and

living out a

who pro-

commitment to

the Catholic faith could promise to be

present for a Catholic child in that fullest sense

circles as the

Morning

estants.

Who's

right?

The

earliest

we know

of was a transla-

Gospel of John into AngloSaxon by St. Bede, who died in 735.

tion of the

The

first

translation of the entire

tism and union with our Lord with other

Oxford priest, John Wycliffe. He had big problems with Church authorities of

Christians, a Protestant friend or rela-

his day, causing

However, since we do share bap-

him

known

King James Version was pubmore than 200 years later, in

Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701. Que

(A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about cremation

The

first

Dietzen,

(From Page 4)

As of now,

appears that

Honoring Mary we

will

survive the holiday season without any

Ree and I did our shopping early and the gifts are wrapped and ready for delivery.

great attack of stress.

The

best part of getting everything

done early is that it gives us some time to reflect on what Christmas is really all about

—

the birth of the Lord. Too many we get so caught up in the holiday hat. we lose sight of that.

times,

—

CHARLOTTE Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is presenting Mary the Mother of God Regional Cenacle on with Jan. 1, 1994 her feast day Capuchin Father Sylvester Catallo. Everyone is welcome at the church for a day of prayer and thanksgiving to Mary the Mother of God and our Mother from 1 1 a.m. -4:40 p.m. Mass is at noon.

—

For more information,

call Chrissy,

(704) 846-1538.

Holy

Trinity Church,

704

Service

Saints According to legenr Gregory j\ was a priest at spoleto, italy, during the persecution of emperor maximian. ON RECEIVING THE ORDER OF THE EMPEROR TO PUNISH THE CHRISTIANS, FLACCUS, GOVERNOR OF UMBRIA, GATHERED ALL THE INHABITANTS OF SPOLETO IN THE

Notebook

available by sending a stamp*

self-addressed envelope to Father Joi

(New Jersey)

A. Parts of the Bible, especially the Psalms, had been translated for centuries before the Protestant Reformation.

and other funeral regulations and

century before Martin Luther was born.

1611.

Q. We're having an argument in our study group about the Bible. Some of us say the first English Bible was translated by Catholics; others say it was the King James Version, by Prot-

Latin Vulgate into English was by an

of godparent.

Star of the

toms

some degree promis-

ing to be models of faithful living in that

community of

some

Reformation. But he died in 1384, a

lished

selves, as relatives or friends, to the

resentatives of a particular

Question Box

as actual godparent for a child baptized

A. It is true that often a Christian of another faith "stands up" with a Catholic godparent at a Catholic baptism. When this happens, the Protestant is not strictly speaking a godparent in the legal and liturgical sense. Godparents, as we understand them, do more than merely commit them-

They

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

serve as

FORUM AND ASKEP IF THEY STILL WORSHIPED THE PAGAN GODS. THEY ASSURED HIM THEY Dlt? PUT NAMED GREGORY AS THE ONE WHO HAD DESTROYEP IMAGES OF THE PAGAN GODS. FLACCUS SUMMONED GREGORY AND WHEN HE REFUSED TO SACRIFICE TO THE GODS, FLACCUS HAD HIM 0EHEADEP. IT WAS AROUND THE YEAR 304. HIS FEAST DAY IS DEC. 24. ©1993 CNS Grophlcs

ST GREGORY OF SPOLETO

Way Of

The

'Follow

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here is

family, they speak of love with

Love:

its

abid-

and

father, the

Herald 7

Pastoral Message' warmth of a family's

Yes, there

good news

tell.

he first part of the U.S. bishops pas-

ing peace,

message to families, approved 17 in Washington. The document, called "Follow the Way ofLove: 4 Pastoral Message of the U.S. Catho-

of joy and disappointment, its heroic struggle and ordinary routines.

of loving.

"Family is where someone loves you no matter what," a teenager de-

families; others

Some of us grew up in alcoholic homes.

But the full story is to be found in God's word. The First Letter of John

clares.

We came from affluence and from fami-

puts

"Family doesn't mean just mom, dad and kids, but grandparents, aunts, uncles and others," explains a Hispanic

lies

racial discrimination or cultural preju-

woman.

dice.

oral

Sov.

Bishops to Families,

lic

was pre-

sented to the United Nations Dec. 7 as

oartofthe U.S. Catholic contribution 'o

1994 International Year of the

the

Family.

its

searing pain,

its

moments

care, the happiness

Some

and pain that are part

were adopted children.

where money was Some of us have

felt

the hurt of

Some have lived for many genera-

drawn

attention to the

Year of the Family,

—

When

and bad times.

teaches that the family

life

as a

00?

our church an "intimate

community of life and love," it identifies something perhaps you already know and offers you a vision toward which to grow. What you do in your family to create a community of love, to help each other to grow and to serve those

has

everyone especially famideepen their understanding of family life, to identify matters important to the family's well-being and invited

to take

the same: "Follow the

love brought you to

By designating 1994 the Inter-

—

life, is

family. Love sustains you through good

:ondition of family life throughout the

lies

into the

stances.

United

that the

is fitting

Mations has

the love of God was God sent his only Son world that we might have life

through him. In this is love: Not that we have loved God, but that he loved us.... Beloved, if God so loved us, we

86). it

way

revealed to us:

(Eph 5:2). The Lord issues this call to your family and to every family regardless of its condition or circum-

tiifin

There is nothing more fundamental to our vitality as a society and is a church. For, in the words of Pope fohn Paul II, "the future of humanity Dasses by way of the family" ("On the

world.

succinctly:

way of love, even as Christ loved you"

longs.

national

ers.

celibate

and most basic

immunity to which every person be-

Thus,

conver-

(1 Jn 4:9- 11). Thus, the basic vocation of every person, whether married or living a

Foreword

7amily,"

must love one another"

The family exists at the heart of all societies. It is the first

news media and

"In this

& Herald.

News

in the

sation with neighbors or fellow work-

scarce.

The remainder ofthe pastoral will 7, 1994 issue

of The. Catholic

You may occasionally catch a glimpse of it

of us lived in single-parent

be published in the Jan.

action that will strengthen fami-

lies.

This message of the U.S. Catholic

need is critical not only for your own

sanctification, but for the strength of

bishops to families takes as a starting

society and our church.

and its theme, "Family Resources and Responsibilities in a Changing World." Itinvites families to examine the quality of their lives. It asks them to reflect on their strengths as well as their weaknesses; on their resources as well as

pation in the

point the international year

The Catholic News

!scember24, 1993

a partici-

It is

work of the Lord,

a shar-

ing in the mission of the church.

It is

holy.

What image, feeling or memory to mind when you think about

•

comes

your family? • What does

their needs.

it tell

you about your

as a family?

life

The message shares with families a vision of their great calling that

You Are the Church

rooted in Christ's teaching and devel1

oped

in the life of his believing

munity.

com-

urges families to seek the

healing, strength and

meaning which

Christ offers through his church.

pledges the support of the church so

might recognize their

that families

resources and carry out their responsibilities in

a changing world.

This message stands within the on marriage and family expressed through our Holy

tradition of teaching

and the National Conference of CathoBishops.

Of necessity, it deals with

only a few of the issues relevant to

family

life

intimacy. All are unaware of the lasting impact the baby will have on the world. This stained glass

today.

offers a limited

pastoral treatment of

them consistent

with the vocation of every Christian to

loved you" (Eph 5:2).

The message

in Minneapolis.

(CNS photo by

Father

Gene

Plaisted)

addressed prima-

Christian families, but is intended also for all who can use it toward strengthening their families.

Questions are placed points in the

message

various

encourage

make personal applications

as well as to use the text as the basis for

discussion in their

homes and with

other families.

"In a family you don't have to look very far to find your cross," a father

observes.

"My

list

of church teach-

on marriage and family. Pastors and church ministers are encouraged to help families receive this message and use it. ing

Families Are a Sign of God's Presence Ways of Loving people talk about

life in

such mystical questions," reports a young mother. "I child asks

much."

learn so

"My teen-agers were very sensitive me during my divorce. God was there

for

me," a single parent

The

—

a story

shared, nurtured and some-

times rejected or

God

recalls.

story of family life

about love

lost.

In every family

revealed uniquely and person-

ally, for

ing for a sick child or elderly parent,

And

—

threads from which you can

With our families, we celebrate the baby or a loved one's success. We rejoice at weddings and anniversaries of family members even as we grieve

pattern of holiness.

an untimely death or the breakup of a married couple.

the people

Knowing your many joys and struggles, we value your witness of fi-

and through whose lives presence is made known.

and in family life. We you in your happiness. We walk with you in your sorrow.

three are gathered in his 18:20).

who

The

Way of Love

Our ministry as pastors and teachers is

enriched by our family experience. In

addition, our vocation of leadership con-

nects us to

all

families.

gives us the

up God's truth about human existence and of sharing with you the saving resources which the Lord has entrusted to the church. With our Holy Father, we consider responsibility of opening

a privilege to undertake "the mission

the

our

Council. Today ing

its

Lord gathers,

first

way of

love

his saving

community

are

still

uncover-

rich treasure.

The point of the teaching is simple, As Christian families,

yet profound.

you not only belong

good news about The Family," 86).

the church.

("On

whom

family

your daily

the family"

name (Mt

and most basic way in which the Lord gathers us, forms us and acts in the world. The early church expressed this truth by calling the Christian family a "domestic church" or "church of the home." This marvelous teaching was underemphasized for centuries, but reintroduced by the Second Vatican

of proclaiming with joy and conviction the

weave a

We give the name "church" to

strive to follow his

delity in marriage

rejoice with

are the

all

Jesus promised to be where two or

birth of a

4:16).

so our message is one which from love and which offers you a reflection on love: how it is experienced in a family, how it is challenged today, how it grows and enriches others, and how it needs the support of the whole church. We write to you as pastors and teachers in the church, but we come to you as family members also. We are sons and brothers and uncles. We have known the commitment and sacrifices of a mother

money

children or spend

immigrants.

God is love and those who live God and God dwells in

them(l Jn

conflicts over things like

to celebrate holidays, discipline

tions in this country. Others are recent

in love, live in

springs

At the end of the message there a select annotated

and intimacy, household chores, car-

how

rily to

When

from Holy Rosary Church

—

days, vacations, expressions of love

and even

"follow the way of love, even as Christ

readers to

Second Vatican Council

Father, the

lic

THE HOLY FAMILY — The Holy Family receives reverent visitors in a moment of quiet

Your Home

Baptism brings all Christians into union with God. Your family life is sacred because family relationships confirm and deepen this union and allow the Lord to work through you. The profound and the ordinary moments of daily life mealtimes, work-

life is

to the church, but

a true expression of

See Follow,

& Herald

The Catholic News

December

Your domestic church is not complete by itself, of course. It should be united with and supported by parishes and other communities within the larger

with love. Your "deaths" and "risings"

become compelling

own

signs of Jesus'

death and resurrection.

life,

•

You

forgive and seek reconcilia-

Over and

tion.

you

over,

let

go of old

church. Christ has called you

make peace with one another. And family members come

and joined you to himself in and

to believe that,

through the sacraments. There-

still

one and the same mission that he gives to the whole church.

you share

fore,

You

carry out the mission

home

ordinary ways when:

You

•

believe in

God and

that God cares about

you.

•

weddings, births and deaths, a first day of school and a graduation, rites of passage into adulthood, new jobs, old friends, family reunions, surprise visits, holy days and holidays. You come together when tragedy strikes and in joyful celebration of the sacraments.

you gather for a meal, you break bread and share stories, becoming more fully the community of love

A family is holy

give thanks when all

not because

goes well.

gerfect, but

You

love and

of another person.

Before young ones hear the word of God preached from the pulpit, they form a picture of God

drawn from

their

earliest experiences

godparents and other family members.

You

to the hungry.

•You act justly in

You

•

—

evangelize by pro-

fessing faith in God, acting in

accord with Gospel values and

example of Christian living for your children and for others. And your children, by their spontaneous and genuine setting an

spirituality, will often surprise

into recognizing

God's

presence. •

You

educate.

the pri-

mary teachers of your children, you impart knowledge of the faith and help them to acquire values necessary for Christian living.

Yourexampleisthe most

effective

way

to teach.

Some-

times they listen and learn;

sometimes they teach you new ways of believing and understanding. Your wisdom and theirs comes from the same Spirit.

You pray together, thanking God for blessings, reaching •

for strength, asking for guid-

ance

know

and doubt. You you gather restless

in crisis

—

toddlers, searching teen-agers,

harried adults

—

that

God

an-

swers all prayers, but sometimes

unexpected ways. • You serve one another, often sacrificing your own wants, for the other' s good. You

HMMHHHR

your community

Therefore, a committed, permanent, faithful relationship of husband is

the root of a family.

the

affirm

gracious love.

And so, we recognize the courage and determination of families with one parent raising the children.

love unconditionally.

the universality of

overcomes

testify to

life as

hood and religious life as you encourage your children to listen for God's call and respond to God's grace. This is espethrough family prayer, involvement in parish life and by the way you speak of priests, sisters, brothers and permanent deacons. No domestic church does all this perfectly. But neither does any parish or diocesan church. All members of the church struggle daily to become more faithful disciples of Christ. cially fostered

our deeper unity as a

PRESIDENT'S OPENING— of the National Conference of

share the pain of couples

admire and encourage famiadopt a child, become foster parents, or care for an elderly or disabled

your family.

homes.

as a family.

relative in their

to set out

way of love.

•

who

grieve the

death of a child due to illness,

stillbirth

or the violence so prevalent in our society today.

honor

all

Reflect for a

moment on your

Do you

wl you felt God's presence in your mid • Why do you think this was so' • What was happening? • Recall one or more instances wh you experienced being "church," eit

We offer our heartfelt sympathy and support to those parents

families who, in the

in the

face of obstacles, remain faithful to

the

way of love. The church of the home can live and grow in every family. In our pastoral ministry, we have listened to many families: to husbands

home

recall a time

or outside of

it.

What

outcome?

Christ's

and wives,

abused

to estranged spouses, to

abandoned to Spouses, single parents and to children.

HBBHMHHHi We honor all

families long for

families who, in face of obstacles

the peace, accep-

remain

We know that all

onciliation that the term "church

of the home" suggests. We

work,

try to

maintain strong

fan*

and to follow your calling ai church of the home. The rapid pi ties

of social change, the religious, ei nic and cultural diversity of society, the revolution of

vaK

within our culture, the intrusion

church of the home can live and grow in every family.

place families under considers

hard under-

standing,

you i

faithful to Christ's way of love. The

believe that with

prayer,

I Families Are Challenged By Change and Complexil Living in Today's Societj We know you face obstacle;

and

com-

mitment, the support of other families, parish priests, deacons and their wives, religious and lay pastoral ministers, and

anew

especially with God's grace, the church

because God's grace

(

meeting in Washington with his pi

who

purpose and rec-

helping

who

struggle without success to conceive a

tance, a sense of

T T e need to enable families to recognize that they are a domestic church. There may be families who do not understand or believe they are a domestic church. Maybe they feel overwhelmed by this calling or unable to carry out its responsibilities. Perhaps they consider their family too "broken" to be used for the Lord's purposes. But remember, a family is holy not because

human

another.

a precious gift

respect one another's differ-

family called to live in peace with one

every day on the

family

ent religious beliefs and practices, they

You raise up vocations to the priest-

it,

When

stand against dis-

generation.

God's love which

division.

all

ers with respect,

borhood and domestic violence, poverty and racism. Within your family, when you shun violent words and actions and look for peaceful ways to resolve conflict, you become a voice for life, forming peacemakers for the next

perfect, but

offer us a

members

unjust war, capital punishment, neigh-

work

They

example of peacemaking. Families arising from an

practical

lies

Somehow

you fulfill your call to create a good home, care for your children, hold down a job and undertake responsibilities in the neighborhood and church. You reflect the power of faith, the strength of love and the certainty that God does not abandon us when circumstances leave you alone in parenting. Those who try to blend two sets of children into one family face a special challenge to accept differences and to

stroys life such as abortion, euthanasia,

—

child.

all

family, provides best

and causes the church of the home to be an effective sign of Christ in the world. Wherever a family exists and love still moves through its members, grace is present. Nothing not even divorce or death can place limits upon God's

from God. You oppose whatever de-

•

and wife

strengthens

for the needs of children

poverty, homelessness, illiteracy.

You

members of a

when you treat oth-

crimination and racism, and work to overcome hunger, •

on a firm foundation,

namely, Christ's promise to be faithful to those he has chosen. When a man and a woman pledge themselves to each other in the sacrament of matrimony, they join in Christ's promise and become a living sign of his union with the church (Eph 5:32).

interreligious marriage give witness to

but Christ.

You foster in-

—

The

Gospel assures us that when we do this, they are strangers no more,

gracious love.

hhk

give drink to

the thirsty and food

limits

with the physical and spiritual union of the spouses, and extending in appropriate ways to the whole family. To be able to share yourself good and within a family bad qualities and to be accepted there is indispensable to forming a close relationship with the Lord.

grieving person into your home.

upon God's

timacy, beginning

wel-

the stranger,

the lonely one, the

— divorce or death — can place

ents,

You

•

come

Nothing not even

parents, grandpar-

Jesus calls us to be.

present.

of being loved by

you

it is

ecause God's grace is at work in it, helping it to set out anew every day on the way of love ... Wherever a family exists and love still moves through its members, grace is

never give up believing in the value

•

— birthdays and

God to whom you

•

You celebrate life

God

times of trouble. is

no matter what, they are

tian family rests

loved by you and by God.

you turn

whom

hurts and grudges to

of the church of the

Like the whole church, every Chris-

struggle to take up your cross and carry it

Way of Love: A Pastoral Messfl

'Follow the (Continued from page 7)

24,

mass media, the impact of politi and economic conditions: All th* stress.

Some

family pressures are <i

broad social forces over whic family has little control. But ot pressures are caused by perso choices, sometimes involving man weakness and sinful behavior. Divorce, a serious contempor problem, takes a heavy toll on fani to

life. Spouses and children are affec most immediately, but so too are gra

of the home is built in ordinary homes, in

(Continued next pag

!»ecember 24, 1993

The Catholic News

the U.S. Catholic Bishops — those who persevere show us

tude as they

To Families'

also our grati-

These words of

the very faithful-

ness of God.

Pressure

give-and- take experience, involving hurt and forgiveness,

sight into the true

failure

St.

shape of love, but for

which

way of love. The love

strengthening our

from within. Daily you discover how different temperaments and opposing points of view can create hard feelings and even lasting bitterness. Human weakness and sinfulness often

This applies,

make

foremost, to a mar-

how

the

stable relationships.

wayward son swal-

riage.

and returned home to find a forgiving father awaiting him and a family celebrating his arrival (Lk 15:1132). In the same way, all of us who suffer broken relationships are called to make

first

and

true also

It is

When and a

woman man vow to be a

true in good times

and

relationships.

and uncertainty. For many of you,

parents stricken

a dark night of the soul. In these moments,

Alzheimer' disease, parents

dare to hope that

their adult chil-

you

dren even

will rise to

as married couples

own dying and

helps to raise

rising.

the

us:

This

Our world today needs

that

own

has for every

human

who

^^m^hh

integ-

which you

other relatives and friends that ake up the extended family. Divorce

pages

young people a fear of and luctance to make lifelong commit-

four challenges in family life. They are:

pushes families into pov-

living faithfully, giv-

health care, child care when needed,

AIDS. Families struggle alcoholism, crime and gang vio-

e tragedy of ith

among

youth. In a never-

one we make over and over

culties

when it feels good and when it

whole church.

doesn't.

value of a loving

It can also be strengthened and brought to maturity through change. The challenge is to remain open to the Lord's gracious, healing presence and to see change as an opportunity

and life-giving mar-

for growth.

It is

ipdren.

Some

families face multiple bur-

sns of poverty, racism, religious

and ultural discrimination. New immigrant imilies

can feel unwelcome in our comand caught in a conflict be-

lunities

iveen cultures.

Not

all

families experience these

same degree. Some are imaged by forces beyond their control, [any more, however, continue with "ayerf ul determination and trust in God. 11 deserve our compassion and support

ressures to the

You know

on and pray for good or the

people love.

It is

say

Some changes in a family come unexpectedly, like a ma-

A wonder-

jor illness, a job transfer or loss

marriage

your

all

ofus.

ful

way to share this

gift,

Our world today

reinvigorate your

as well as to

of employment. Others

fit

naturally into the flow of

life,

such as the birth of a child, the arrival of teen-age years or adult

needs living

own commitment,

witnesses to fidelity.

These are the most

would be to help engaged couples

children leaving home. Regard-

you

convincing signs of

prepare for the sac-

brings with it a measure of stress

the love which Christ has for every human being.

rament of matrimony. We invite you to become part

and uncertainty. For many of

growing in mutuality and taking life,

sources and responsi-

of this important ministry through a parish or diocesan program.

a church of

Couples who

They make a claim on your retime.

They point out how you can

the home.

way of love, even

as Christ

loved you" (Eph 5:2). • Can you think of a pressure that has brought trouble to your family? •

How Did

you

change.

a gift to

riage. Indeed,

a pledge

the

of fidelty.

did you deal with

this bring

are finding

hard to stay married de-

farther apart as a family?

you,

it is

like a

dark night of the

soul.

moments, dare to you will rise to new

In these

hope

that

experiences of love, entering into the very mystery of Christ'

own dying and rising. Maybe your family

is try-

ing to cope with a difficult loss

church can offer them the counsel of other married couples and the assurance that, with God's grace, it is possible to

or change. Perhaps you are torn

live their vocation.

it?

though, every change

less,

The

serve our prayers and assistance.

Newly married

you closer or drive

by a conflict or trapped

in an unhealthy pattern of relation-

ships. If this

couples,

find yourselves in a crisis,

when you

do not con-

is so,

please seek

God's help and the support of the church.

communi-

The church's treasures of prayer and worship, learning and

feel responsible

service, contemplation and

many couples choose for their wedding

you to recognize that divorce is not inevitable and is certainly not your

ceremony

a marvelous blueprint for

only option.

patient, love is kind. It is

An enduring marriage is more than simply endurance. It is a process of

guidance are always The grace of the sacrament of matrimony and the power of the commitment which you have made to one another are continuing well-

iding stream,

communications media "ing images and messages into your Dmes that may contradict your values nd exert a negative influence on your

gratitude of the

decision to look for, act the

the

to discuss with

nce in neighborhoods, substance abuse ^d suicide

not without diffi-

to love have to

few

"follow the

and instead vowed: "Wherever you go I will go" (Ru 1:16). Your faithful love in a marriage and family is tested by

we would

iS.

Child and spouse abuse are touch-

— though — have

who refused to forsake her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi,

In the next

bilities as

g the lives of more families. So, too,

They enflesh the words of Ruth,

The decision again,

face.

and proper care for sick or derly members. Unemployment or the ar of losing a job haunts many familucation

living

lives

mutual love and

few key issues

Continued from previous page)

Families are burdened also by the :onomic demands of providing hous-

are

support not possible

Catholic tradition on

ing

being. Couples

faithful

shed the light of sacred Scripture and our a

living wit-

nesses to fidelity. These are the most convincing signs of the love which Christ

message to give complete answers to these questions and to the many others you confront. But what we can do, as your pastors and teachers, is to

ills.

single parent

benefit of the other parent: All these are living faithful lives.

makes other choices

in this

ty and contributes to other social

are unable, a

ture the children without the

It's

ents. It often

children

when parents

we say we love. It is a pledge of fidelity.

mise your

create in

who

on and pray for the good of the people

It is

rity?

values, a grand-

parent

What if your adult child leaves

doesn't.

before you compro-

irents,

ject the family's

who goes to great lengths to raise and nur-

much can you

(CNS photo by Al Stephenson)

when

they seem to re-

bad they are confirming a decision to love one another. But

we have to make over and over again, when it feels good and when

cause you pain? Is it still possible to maintain a loving relationship without approving the child's behavior? How

fall

stand by

a decision to look for, act

the church or

opens the bishops' annual

who

becomes addicted to drugs, or harms others through drunken driving or chooses friends you consider a bad influence?

op William H. Keeler, president

with

is like

decision to love is one

be an especially painWhat if your child

care for

experiences of love entering into the very mystery of Christ's

have taught

ful task for parents.

Children

who

new

love.

other family

every change brings with it a measure of stress

for the entire family.

peace, to re-establish trust andtorepledge

true of fidelity

...

which he describes

his pride

his can

The very same thing is

sacrifice.

^^^^^

flourishes in faithful,

difficult to accept differences.

Recall

and

wills to follow this

arise

lowed

Paul are worth

daily meditation not only for their in-

brought to bear on families not only by outside forces, but by those ordinary and inevitable tensions

& Herald

clude that divorce is inevitable. All of us

— family members, — should of

friends,

Living Faithfully The sacred Scripture passage which is

loving.

"Love

not jealous,

not pompous,

not

does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" ( 1 Cor inflated,

13:4-8).

not rude,

ties

faith

for helping

growth into an intimate friendship and a deepening peace. So we urge all couples: Renew your commitment regularly, seek enrichment often, and ask for pastoral and professional help when needed. To live faithfully in a marriage requires humility, trust, compromise, communication and a sense of humor. It is a

spiritual

available to you.

springs of strength.

marriage between a

Christian and a follower of an-

other religion, while not a sac-

rament,

by God.

a holy state instituted

too is a divine gift with sustaining spiritual power. It

News

10 The Catholic

& Herald

December

People Dublin Archbishop Calls For Action On Unemployment ArchDUBLIN, Ireland (CNS)

—

bishop Desmond Connell of Dublin said that unemployment is a national emer-

gency in Ireland which the government must face as it prepares to present its annual budget in January. About 300,000 people almost 21 percent of the

—

work

republic's

force

—

are

unem-

ployed. Archbishop Connell said that politicians,

country

major employers and the need to hear about "the

at large

unemployment as a way of life." He spoke on the jobless situation during an early December Mass at a suburban Dublin parish on the first unacceptability of

anniversary of the publication of a detailed pastoral letter

by the

on unemployment

Irish bishops' conference.

presented Dec. 5 by Cardinal James A. Hickey of Washington and Christian

Immaculate Conception

Washing-

Don Ameche Remembered In Death For Adding Zest To Life

SCOTTSDALE,

Ariz.

(CNS)

—

Academy Award winner Don Ameche was remembered as a man worthy of one more ovation by family and friends at a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. The 85-year-old actor, who died Dec. 6, was remembered

Dec.

1 1

at the

visit to Italy.

beginning of an official

Freeh, a Catholic, told

Dec. 13 Mass as someone and

treated others with respect,

with reverence.

He was also remembered for his

reporters he thanked the

pope for his strong words against the Mafia and other

exercise, fine food

crime groups. The FBI has long worked with Italian law enforcement officials to counter the organized criminal activity that crosses the ocean. Freeh, visiting the Palermo stronghold of the Mafia, paid tribute to two Italian anti-Mafia judges who were

Virgin Islanders Welcome Native Son As Bishop

Italian organized

assassinated last year.

(CNS)

—

Pope John Paul II meets with South African President F.W. de Klerk Dec. 13 at the Vatican. The pope thanked de Klerk for his role in dismantling apartheid and accepted an invitation to visit the country.

(CNS photo from

Reuters)

love of

and good wine.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, Islands

who God

He went to daily Mass and was known for sitting in the front pew on the right side of the center aisle.

Klerk...

honors individuals for their advancement of Marian devotion, theology and general appreciation of Mary in the life of the Church, the United States and Catholic University.

Freeh, director of the Federal Bureau of

met with Pope John Paul

Pope Meets De

ton. It

at the

Investigation,

The News

Brother Patrick Ellis, president of The Catholic University of America, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the

Pope Meets With FBI Director VATICAN CITY (CNS) Louis

—

Virgin

Bishop Donald J. Reece of neighboring Antigua and various bishops from the United States and other nearby coun-

homeless people who visit the center every day for warmth and a cheap lunch

tries.

Pope Meets South African Leader, Accepts Invitation

Just seven years after

VATICAN CITY

his ordination as a priest, Virgin Island-

Princess Diana Takes Son

welcomed the first islander to be named bishop of St. Thomas Dec. 12 in an emotional installation Mass seen or

Catholic-Run Center For Homeless

ers

much

LONDON (CNS) — Britain' s Prin-

ter-

liam, a glimpse of the harsher realities

ritory.

— Domini-

Bishop Elliott G. Thomas, 67, who had been diocesan administrator since August 1 992, became the diocese'

of life, taking him to meet homeless people at a Catholic-run London day

can Father Frederick

Jelly, a professor

third bishop in a festive celebration pre-

many Anglican clergymen would

Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Md. has received the 1 993 Patronal Medal for his work in advancing Marian theology. The medal was

sided over by Cardinal James A. Hickey

to see as Britain's next

heard across

Mount

St.

of the 53-island

of Washington. Concelebrantsincluded

predecessor, Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, now of Fall River, Mass.,

his

Employment Opportunities Part-time Youth Minister: Queen of the Apostles is seeking a person to coordinate senior high youth ministry (Grades 9-12). Send resume or inquiries to Rev. Msgr. Anthony Kovacic, Queen of the Apostles, 503 N. Main St., Belmont, NC 28012. Phone (704) 825-5277.

center.

The

11 -year-old prince,

(CNS)

whom like

monarch, visited the shelter near Westminster Cathedral Dec. 14 with his mother and Cardinal George Basil Hume, leader of Britain's Catholics. William is second in line to

previously declined the invitation be-

the throne after his 45-year-old father,

the majority black population. The coun-

Prince Charles. Newspaper reports said

try is preparing for the transition to

the

cause of the South African government' systematic denial of the

young prince met some of about 100

human rights of

majority rule.

kti'ptnxt

ChoirDirector/Organist: Position entails three Masses each weekend and two choir rehearsals. Salary negotiable. Contact: Choir Search Committee, St. Michael the Archangel Church,

790 East Maynard Rd., Cary,

NC 275

1 1.

Phone (919) 467-

Readings for the

Week

of December 26

January

6026.

Sunday: Sirach 3:2-8, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40.

WIN

THIS 1994 GRAND VOYAGER VAN ONLY 4000 TICKETS TO BE SOLD

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Tuesday:

John 1:5-22; Matthew 2:13-18.

Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:

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1:1-4;

John 20:2-8.

John 2:3-1

Luke 2:22-35.

John 2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40.

John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18.

Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians

Saturday:

A. rmiLO. t

Readings for the

2ND PRIZE $700 CASH 4TH PRIZE $100 CASH

4:4-7;

Luke 2:16-21.

Week of January

January 8

Sunday: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.

NAME ADDRESS.

PHONE NUMBERS HOME. SEND THIS COUPON AND CHECK (CHECK NO CASH PLEASE) $25.00 PER TICKET DESIRED

.WORK TO:

OF TICKETS.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH "RAFFLE" 1400 SUTHER ROAD CHARLOTTE. NC. 28213

FILL IN THE ABOVE COUPON WITH YOUR NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE AS PURCHASER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A DIFFERENT NAME ON THE TICKET. PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THAT PERSON ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER AND STATE THAT YOU WANT THAT PERSONS NAME ON THE TICKET. PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION FOR ALL TICKETS REQUESTED. ONE NAME PER TICKET. RULES AND TICKET STUB/S WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COUPON ABOVE. DRAWING SCHEDULED FOR 1/29/94 (SEE RULES) WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT. RETURNED UNPAID CHECKS WILL VOID TICKET ENTRY WITHOUT NOTICE.

Monday:

John 3:22-4:6: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25.

Tuesday:

Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:

John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44. 1

John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52.

John 4:19-5:4; Luke 4:14-22.

John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16

BENEFIT SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS BUILDING FUND WHAT BETTER CHRISTMAS GIFT THAN TO HELP BUILD A NEW HOUSE FOR GOD GIVE A TICKET. GIVE A TRUE GIFT

Visit

— Pope

John Paul II thanked South African President F.W. de Klerk for his role in dismantling the apartheid system of white rule in South Africa. The pope also accepted an invitation to visit the country. The Dec. 13 meeting was the first between the two men. There was no discussion of a date for Pope John Paul to make his first officially scheduled visit to South Africa. The Vatican had

cess Diana gave her son, Prince Wil-

Dominican Priest Receives Patronal Medal WASHINGTON (CNS) at

24, 199

Saturday:

John 5:14-21; John 3:22-30.

The Catholic News

.December 24, 1993

Herald

Vatican-Israel Pact Expected

To Lead To Diplomatic Relations PARIS (CNS)

—

Israel

Jerusalem Dec. 30 expected to lead to full diplomatic relations between the

two states, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said. Hailing "perhaps the

The

spirit

of giving:

St.

Luke parishioners prepare

gift

cards for the "Giving Trees." Fifteen

refugee families received Christmas presents through the generosity of parish families.

Photo by

By STEVE UZZELL MINT HILL - St. Luke Parish

lations.

spokesman

Vatican

refugees receive direction from Catholic

Luke Outreach Com-

mittee provides gifts for Charlotte area is

the third year

Social Services. In "free" cases,

whereby refugees do not have in the

United States,

individual or family.

CSS

relatives

sponsors the

The agency

fol-

339-family parish has spon-

lows through with orientations, docu-

sored needy families at Christmastime.

mentations, housing, health screening, job assistance, doctors' appointments, school registration and volunteer ser-

that the

Parishioners selected gift cards from three

"Giving Trees"

in the pastoral

were purchased, wrapped and brought to church. Volunteers sorted the presents and some 800 packages were delivered. St. Luke sponsored 1 5 families from Somalia, Liberia, Vietnam, Armenia and Cambodia. The parish "adopted" five

vices.

families last year and three the year

cies such as the U.S. Catholic Confer-

before.

ence to receive individuals and groups into the United States. "Close to 300 individuals were received through our office this year," says Barbara Douglas, a bookkeeper at

center. Specific gifts

"This

such a giving parish," said Willa Izzo, who worked with the Outreach Committee to help organize the giving tree. "Some of our parish families continue to visit and maintain contact with the refugee families all year." In many "sponsored" cases, whereby is

The United Nations High Commission on Refugees handles high risk situations in

which refugees

are threatened

The Joint VolunAgency staff within the refugee camps coordinates with state-side agenwith death or injury.

teer

the

CSS Charlotte office. "The commu-

nity really pulls together in reaching out

an ecumenical effort on the part of many groups and

to these families.

It is

truly

St.

Jude

St.

Luke

one of many churches

engages

that

community

action

projects throughout the year. Several

Thanks to St. Jude for prayers answered and favors granted.

EMG

Joaquin com-

set

relations

had almost completed its work, details" were still being

to establish

diplomatic

groups, organizations and volunteers

give time and assistance to help refugee

agreed to set up the commis1992, both promised to avoid making public statements on the states

contents of ing

a member of St. Luke

Parish.

its

work and "dates regard-

point of view.

the first time an open,

It's

diplomatic rapprochement

under way

between the Catholic world and the Jewish world," Peres said. He said the accord would be signed by Msgr. Claudio Celli, Vatican undersecretary of state, and Yossi Bellin, deputy foreign minister.

Israeli

The Vatican, which supports

a Pal-

estinian homeland, has always recog-

nized Israel's right to exist within secure borders.

wanted progress on the Palesand guarantees for Jerusa-

tinian question

lem

as a city sacred to three great

theistic religions ity

and Islam

— Judaism,

mono-

Christian-

— before agreeing

diplomatic recognition.

to full

also has sought

greater legal rights for Christians living

it."

"The Holy See has maintained this commitment," Navarro-Valls said. Peres told La Croix the agreement would establish a distinction between Israel's political sovereignty and what he termed "the sacred." "The accord will be signed in Jerusalem itself, ending the great argument about the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem remains politically the capital of Israel,

and religiously it remains an open for all faiths," he said.

city

Pro-Life Postcard

Center

under

Israeli control.

The signing

come

will

few days

before the 30th anniversary of the late

Pope Paul VI's 1964 visit to the Holy three years before Israel capLand tured the West Bank and Gaza Strip,

—

including Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Israeli political ers,

and religious lead-

including Peres and the chief rabbi,

have invited Pope John Paul

come

Israel.

Campaign To

WASHINGTON

Health Care Reform anniversary 22 marks (CNS) — Conthe 21st

Jan.

tinuing a tradition begun last January,

of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe vs.

Wade

of Health Care Reform."

which removed most on abortion. "Health care reform is likely to be the most important matter Congress will take up in 1994," said Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles, chairman

The 1994 campaign was announced Dec. 15 by its co-sponsors, the U.S.

of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee, in a message urging Catholics to partici-

bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Ac-

pate in the campaign.

U.S. Catholics will

mark

Jan. 23 as

National Project Life Sunday by sending Congress a pro-life message by postcard.

The theme of the latest postcard will be "Keep Abortion Out

campaign

families get settled in Charlotte.

Steve Uzzell

the

pilgrimages

in Israel, taxation,

and a stand against anti-Semitism. Wider issues such as Palestinian rights and international guarantees for Jerusalem were left to the Middle East peace talks in Washington. "It's an extraordinary agreement from a historic, spiritual and diplomatic

But

when

sion in July

denominations."

Thanks To

Diplomatic sources said the accord on the status of church premises is part of a wider 14-point agreement covering

3 a joint

mission

two

In cooperation with Catholic Social

refugee families. This

Navarro-Valls said that

replaying a special Christmas tradition.

future Palestinian state.

issues such as the legal status of the

"some worked out.

refugees have families in America, the

signed a his-

Church

but

Services, the St.

revo-

who

accord with Israel on Sept. 13, consider Jerusalem the capital of a

French daily La Croix that the accord would safeguard Catholic premises in Israel and the occupied territories. "Toward the end of December we will establish diplomatic relations. For the first time in 2,000 years, there will be peace between the Catholic and Jewish worlds," he told a news conference, confirming the conclusion of two years of negotiations. The agreement is expected to clear the way for a visit by Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land, marking a huge step forward in Jewish-Roman Catholic re-

Navarro-Valls said Dec.

Luke Continues Tradition Of Christmas Gifts For Refugees

first real

Palestinians,

toric self-rule

lution in 2,000 years," Peres told the

STEVE UZZELL

St.

The

and the

Vatican will sign a major agreement

tivities

The campaign involves distribution

and the National Committee for

Human

Life

pro-life group.

Amendment,

a Catholic

decision,

state restrictions

of sets of four postcards at Catholic parishes during the Jan. 22-23 weekend. Parishioners send postcards to each of their U.S. senators, their U.S. representative

and to the National Committee for

Human Life Amendment, to help keep

track of participation in the campaign.

Christmas AND

St.

New Year

ond

FROM The Catholic

Mews & Herald

Leo

(From Page

The school was

started

on the sec-

floor of the convent with three

Catholic and three non-Catholic students.

The school doubled

in size the

next year and continued to grow. St. Leo Parish now has about 1,150 members, and St. Leo Catholic School has about 300 students in preschool

through eighth grade.

Ann Hopkins Leo.

a parishu

of St.

The Catholic News

& Herald

December

24, 199:

'(^mimicjuemmoj jFELIZ Para Todas

las

N AVI DAD!

Comunidades de

Diocesis de Charlotte

Jose Perez sostiene a su hijo Hilarry, vestido

Los ninos hispanos entraron en procesion llevando flores para depositarlas a Virgen de Guadalupe, el doce de diciembre en Asheboro.

los pies

Nacimiento De Jesus

El Por

PADRE ALBERTO M. RUIZ Cursillos de Cristiandad

Cuando estaban en Belen le llego el dfa que debfa tener su hijo.

Y dio a luz

a su primogenito, lo envolvio en pahales

en un pesebre, porque no habfa lugar para ellos en la posada (Lc. y lo acosto 2,6-7).

Porque soy hombre, nuncaconocere la ternura, devocion y misterio de llevar un nino en embarazo. Nunca podre

amor matermadre y nino en

explicarles la expresion del nal, la cual

reune a

una union por donde el nino incapaz depende totalmente del cuerpo de su madre, para alimentarse, crecer y recibir carino hasta que nace y empieza a madurar.

Como hombres y mujeres cristianos se nos pide especfficamente hacer ni

mas

menos

impregnados por el Espiritu Santo y dale luz espiritualmente al mismo Jesus que estuvo presente en el vientre de Maria. Darle luz en los lugares mas insignificantes, remotos y pobres del mundo por medio de nuestras vidas ni

esto: estar

Todos somos responsables de encontrar una posada para el Salvador, no solamente en tiempo de Navidad, sino durante todo el ano. Llevar a termino y darle luz a este Nino causara muchos dolores de parto y sufrimientos, pero jque maravilloso sera sentirle en nuestros brazos y verle que sonrie y nos toca! ^Quien se puede imaginar la profundidad de gozo en ver la unica cosa que importa en este mundo? cotidianas.

Estandarte disenadoy hecho por Gladys

como el indio Juan Diego, en la celebration

Silva, voluntaria del Centro Cat61ico

de la fiesta de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe,

Hispano de Charlotte.

Ano

Espiritu Santo nuestros corazones

De La

contentos con nosotros mismos porque

hogares:

somos

Tal vez nos casamos y tuvimos

como una costumbre

hijos

social, sin

darnos cuenta de lo que esto significa Tal vez hacemos lo que todo

•

mundo

hace, sin detenernos a pensar

es eso lo

el si

que tenemos que hacer aquf y

ahora.... •

Tal vez tenemos tantos problemas

hemos dado

consulta de dos anos. El documento

cuenta de todo lo que significa tener un hijo.... • Tal vez nos dejamos llevar por las preocupaciones y el cansancio de la

viday no somos padres en toda situation.... • Tal vez no estamos contentos con nosotros mismos, sentimos que no tenemos exito, no nos gusta nuestra

propia

vida....

Tal vez pensamos que para ser felices y hacer nuestra familia feliz •

necesitamos un monton de posesiones materiales....

Noticias Nacionales WASHINGTON (CNS) — Los obispos de los Estados Unidos en su

reunion del pasado mes de noviembre aprobaron el documento sobre las familias, despues de

un tramite de

insta a las parejas casadas a rechazar "un espiritu

de competencia insalubre" en

Ser feliz entrana, ente todo, estar criaturas de Dios, sus hijos amados. Es importante aceptarnos como personas limitadas. Es decir, con cualidades y defectos que hay que controlar para no hacer sufrir a los demas en el hogar. Cuanto mas nos conozcamos, m£s nos amaremos y mas rataremos de ser mejores, aumentando las relaciones personales agradables, por lo cual nos amran los demas y mas felices seremos todos disfrutando unos con otros la armoma y la paz de una buena amistad. Si nos aceptarnos como somos, tambien aceptaremos a nuestros hijos como ellos son. Estar contentos con nuestros hijos requiere la tarea de llegar

a conocerlos bien, sus sentimientos y sus aspiraciones y las razones por las

que se expresan como lo hacen. Estar contentos con ellos entrana tambien observar sus buenas cualidades y logros y decirles de vez en cuando que estamos orgullosos de ellos.

—

Arturo DENVER (CNS) Rodriguez, nuevo presidente del sindicato de los Trabaj adores Agrfcolas Unidos, sustituye al famoso Cesar Chavez, quien murio recientemente. "La no violencia es el arma mas poderosa que tenemos", dijo Rodriguez en Denver, "Cesar nos enseno eso".

su relation y a los padres a situar las necesidades de sus hijos en primer lugar.

Photo of a handmade Christmas banner by Gladys Silva. Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Joseph, Asheboro, Hispanic children entered in procession and placed flowers under the picture of Mary. A little boy dressed like the Indian of the apparitions, Juan Diego. Father Ruiz calls us to bring forth Jesus in our lives to share Him with others, like Mary did knowing that Jesus belongs to the world, not only to His mother. The International Year of the Family is an apportunity to reflect about our relationships at home, beginning with the aceptance of oneself, just as we are loved by God.

Lo mejor que podemos dar a nuestros

reflexionar sobre la vida en nuestros

desfigurada.

To Our Friends

Familia

hijos es la oportunidad de ser felices.

personales, que no nos

Esta Navidad y por todo el Ano Nuevo, les ruego a todos que den luz al Nino Jesus en muchos lugares y a diario.

Joseph, Asheboro.

Las Naciones Unidas acordaron el proximo aho de 1994 a la Familia. Sera una oportunidad para

quedan renovados y tambien somos llamados a compartir a Jesus con los demas, para que sientan el gozo de su presencia. Dios escogio venir por una mujer como nino, se humillo al venir como uno de nosotros, incapaz, completamente humano y dependiente. Todavi'a depende de cada uno de nosotros para completar su obra en el mundo. Que extrano que este Dios nos necesita Yo quiero que mi vida sea una vida continua de darle luz a Jesus, no importa donde este. Ya sea abrazando al paciente con SIDA, orando con los moribundos, llorando con los desolados y tristes, visitndo a los enfermos o encarcelados, dandoles de comer a los hambrientos, consolando a mis enemigos, pidiendo perdon, humillandome, extendiendo mi mano a los equivocados, a los que el mundo rechaza, a los que carecen de amor, etc. Yo quiero que Jesus encuentre una posada dentro de mf, aunque mi alma este manchada, oscura y ;

St.

dedicar

•

Le dio de comer y lo cuido como cualquier madre lo haria. Pero dentro de ella misma sabfa que el Nino Jesus no le pertenecfa a ella sola, sino al mundo. Este Nino tuvo que compartirlo. Cuando estamos impregnados por

Internacional

la Iglesia

Noticias Diocesanas

Los obispos reunidos dieron gracias a los 10,000 diaconos permanentes de la

Fondo de Retiro para

nation por sus servicios a la Iglesia y aprobaron la declaration que sehala el vigesimo-quinto aniversario del diaconato del restablecimiento permanente en los Estado Unidos.

Religiosos y Religiosas

Monsenor Roberto O.Gonzalez, Obispo Auxiliar de Boston, fue elegido presidente del comite para suntos hispanos.

Diciembre es el mes asignado por de este pais para hacer la colecta anual destinada a ayudar al fondo de retiro para religiosos y religiosas Quienes deseen contribuirpuedenenviar los obispos

a: Retirement Fund for P.O.Box 73140, Baltimore,

sus donativos

Religious,

MD 21273.

The Catholic News

December 24, 1993

Herald

Mensaje De Navidad De Nuestro Administrador

Diciembre, 1993

Durante este hermoso tiempo de Navidad, acerquemonos mas

mismo haciendose igual en amor nos mueva a alcanzar a los demas,

quien se humillo a "Gloria a Dios en las alturas y en la tierra paz a los que gozan de su favor"

Que

todo menos en

Senor

pecado.

para que verdaderamente

quedemos reconciliados Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo, La Navidad, que es el tiempo en que celebramos

muy

nuestro Senor y Salvador, es un tiempo cristianos.

Hay

nacimiento de Jesus,

"especial" para todos los

en esta epoca.

tantas cosas "especiales"

.las

muchas y

los unos con los otros. Acordemonos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas que sufren hambre, que estan enfefmos, que se sienten solos y de aquellos que viven en paises donde se les niega el privilegio de

celebrar esta gran fiesta.

^No

de Navidad, este amor y

seria maravilloso conservar este Espfritu

maravillosas actividades y ceremonias en nuestras iglesias, que elevan el

cuidado de otros tan especiales, a traves del ano entero? El acontecimiento

y alegres sonrisas que vemos en los rostros de aquellos que encontramos, unidos con amistosos saludos; es un tiempo para celebrar

especial que tuvo lugar en la ciudad de

junto a la familia y las amistades; el delicioso aroma de comidas tfpicas que

celebracion.

espfritu; las calurosas

se preparan

en nuestros hogares. Sin embargo, lo

"especial".

celebracion, es decir, el

Durante

Verbo

.todo esto contribuye a hacer este tiempo

mas

"especial" es la razon

Adviento nos preparamos a la

humanidad".

Recordare a todos en

David es en verdad "buena

Nunca olvidemos

el Sacrificio

Misa

noticia de

motivo de esta

dia de Navidad.

toda

Enmanuel, Dios con nosotros.

se hizo carne,

maneras. Por medio del Sacramento de

misma de

gran gozo para

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,

venida del Senor de muchas

Reconciliacion nos disponemos

espiritualmente para este maravilloso acontecimiento.

amor que

experimentamos como resultado de este Sacramento nos llena

el corazon y aceptamos como hermanos y hermanas en Cristo y los vemos como nosotros, creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios.

cuando ayudamos a

los

demas,

Cuban Bishops Renew Dialogue

who angered

Silent Night...

Call For

authori-

dialogue to save the island from eco-

nomic and

social collapse.

ties in

September by criticizing the government, have renewed their call for

were critical of what they called limitations on personal

dialogue to solve the country's prob-

freedom, the excessive control of state

lems.

security

In a Christmas

message

was to weekend

that

be read in church services the

before Christmas, the bishops said

was encouraging to see that government authorities appeared to be taking steps toward starting dialogue with sectors of the

Cuban

community. "It is to be hoped that this same idea exile

will turn into a hopeful reality

through a

real internal dialogue," they said in a

three-page message 18.

"We must

made

public Dec.

always be ready for a

dialogue capable of recognizing each other's arguments

takes and defects,"

and one's own misit

Administrador Diocesano

Nation's Problems

HAVANA (CNS) — The Catholic bishops of Cuba,

McSween^y

los

said.

"The mutual and dialogue-based relationship between well- intentioned men, even more so when they are Christians, has to be based on an attitude which does not exclude other people, their arguments or their reasoning," said the message. The tone of the Christmas message was less emphatic than their September pastoral letter, in which the bishops urged authorities to lift their monopoly on political power and start a national

In that letter, they

and lack of

political

and

reli-

gious tolerance. Authorities reacted angrily.

ernment article

officials called the

Gov-

September

badly timed and divisive, while a

stream of articles in state-run media

accused the bishops of stabbing the counand being out of touch

try in the back,

with the people and nostalgic for prerevolutionary social injustices.

The

pastoral letter

was widely

cir-

culated across the island, and Church officials said tens of thousands

were

sold.

Pope John Paul

Kindergarten students

gave his

luncheon honoring senior citizens.

backing to the call for dialogue when Archbishop Jaime Ortega of Havana and several other bishops visited him in October. In their December message, the bishops noted that Catholics would celebrate Christmas in austerity because of the current

economic

crisis.

Authorities are engaged in a process

of cautious economic reform aimed pulling

Cuba out of a crisis

Michael School

of copies

precipitated

by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of traditional trade and aid ties.

at St.

Gastonia sing Christmas carols during a

Photo by

Belmont Abbey College Names Three To Board Of Advisors BELMONT

—

Belmont Abbey

College has named three area residents to its Board of Advisors. They are Joe Becker of Charlotte, vice president of

Paramount' s Carowinds; Tim Helms of Bessemer City, president of the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce; and Elaine Lyerly of Charlotte, president of

Agency, Inc., a marketing communications agency. The Board of Advisors is made up of local and regional business and community leaders who provide advice and expertise to the college on a wide range the Lyerly

of issues.

Members

typically serve for

three years.

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December

24, IS

Diocesan News Briefs Spiritual

Renewal Meeting The

—

MORGANTON

Vicariate

of Hickory has a monthly Ultreya for those who have made a Cursillo, spiritual

renewal weekend,

Charles

at St.

Borromeo Church. The next meeting Tuesday, Dec. 28

Friends of

7 p.m.

EWTN

to gain access for the Catholic cable

channel in the Charlotte area,

from

all

Television Network based in Birming-

St.

Ann's Square Wheelers and

visitors

enjoy a square dance

ham, Ala., offers 24-hour quality family programming. The program includes talk shows, music specials, teaching series and documentaries. Vision Cable carries EWTN four at the

Charlotte parish's

activity center.

hours a day. The organization's goal to

extend the

and gain access for

EWTN

on other

cable systems in the area, Cablevision.

community leadership

Square Dance Classes CHARLOTTE Wondering how

vice in

you'll get over the over-stuffed feeling

What's In A Name Win $50 for the parish of your choice. The Office of Faith Formation is looking for a name for its upcoming monthly newsletter. The newsletter will be inserted once a month in The Catholic News & Herald. Prize money for the

—

from the holidays? How about about Western style square dancing, a wholesome and inexpensive acitivity that provides good fellowship and enjoyable exercise?

The

Ann's Square Wheelers invite all interested people and their partners to an open house in the St. Ann activity center, 3635 ParkRd., on ThursSt.

day, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. Instructors are Bill

and Betty Wentz. "Angels" will be club members, experienced dancers, who will dance in your square. The first three classes are free. For more information, call (704) 523-5285 or (704) 392-8790.

winning entry will be donated

name

—

Each homeroom "adopt" a needy

in the

formation ministry chosen by the winner. Send suggestions by Jan. 5 to Chris Newnan, director of Faith Formation, winner's

to a parish faith

1524 E. Morehead 28207.

St.,

Charlotte,

Cathy Adams

(704)

568-2972 or Michelle McNulty

(704)

If interested, call

547-8889.

—

New Year's

Apostle Church

—

St.

Paul the

hosting a Belated

New

Year's Eve Dance oh Saturday, Jan. 8 from 8:30 p.m.- 1 2:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per couple. Beer, wine and dessert will be provided. Bring an hors d' oeuvre for your table. Party goers will

have an

Catholic

educators interested in forming a

support group for the triad area are in-

on Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. For directions and more information, call Tom or Mary Beth Young at (910) 764-0629. Singles'

New

Year's

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Singles is

hosting a

New at

Year's

Court Apartments. Attire is dressier than casual. Please bring a canned food donation for the homeless shelter. For more information or directions, call Linda Pietuck, (704) 344-9326.

A Blue Christmas? CHARLOTTE —

Need help and

support dealing with the death of a spouse

a trip for

two donated by USAir to any where in the continental United States. For reservations, call the parish office,

during the holiday season? Call Suzanne

family during the holiday season. Through the assistance of Catholic Social Services, a list of "working poor"

(910) 294-4696.

Bach at (704) 377-687 1 Bach is CRISM coordinator and a team leader for the Widowed, Separated and Divorced Min-

raising

families

money

provided to the school. Typi-

each homeroom provides for one child and several homerooms share a cally,

Money

family. ceries

raised for gifts, gro-

and a complete Christmas dinner.

tion at St. Aloysius

Church

on "Human

a series

Forma-

beginning

Sexuality" on Jan.

Additional necessities such as towels,

sheets and toiletries are provided as

speakers on topics such as "The Church'

well.

Perspective on

The

students are expected to raise

nearly $6,000 this year for seven families

and 30 children. The money is raised

through donations, bake sales and candy sales. All goods are gathered and taken to

CSS

istry.

Human Sexuality HICKORY — Adult Faith

The

six sessions will feature guest

Human

Sexuality,"

"Parenting Issues Regarding Sexualtiy"

and "Abuse and

its

Effect on

Holy Innocents

CHARLOTTE — The Respect Li

Committee of

St. Vincent de Pa Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., invites pro-lifers to a Mass in memory of today j

The Mass

will begin at 12:10

p.i

on Tuesday, Dec. 28, the Feast of tl Holy Innocents in remembrance of ch dren slaughtered by Herod. Mass will followed by a rosary for life.

WSD Meetings

Good photographs, preferab black and white, also are welcom Please submit news releases and phoU briefs.

at least 10 days before date ofpublia tion.

FOUR GREAT NAMES

fol-

dis-

Upcoming meetWidowed, Separated and

Divorced Ministry

in the Asheville area

Eugene Church and Jan. 21 at St. Barnabas Church. The group meets from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. are Jan. 7 at St.

KNOW

MITSUBISHI MOTORS

MITSUBISHI 6951 E. Independence 531-3131

Prayer Service For Life

BELMONT

—

Queen of

the

presenting an ecu-

be delivered. 7001 E.Endependence

535-4444

Judaism Course At Belmont Abbey Rabbi David BELMONT Zielonka, chaplain of Rauch Industries

—

in Gastonia, N.C., will teach a course

entitled "Introduction to

bey College. The class is one of more than 150 across the country that will be underwritten this year by the Jewish Chautauqua Society. Rabbi Zielonka is a member of the B'nai B'rith Adult Education national speakers bureau.

One of the realjoys of the Holiday Season is the

Judaism" dur-

ing the spring semester at Belmont Ab-

He was

53S4455

opportunity to sayThankYou

and to wish you the very best for the NewVear.

Foundation Board in 1988. He won a Gaston County award for volunteer ser-

THE

DEALERSHIPS

the spiritual

Greater Gastonia Ministerial Fellowship in 1985 and president of the Gaston

HYunooi 41 00 E.Independence

leader of Temple Emanuel in Gastonia from 1983 to 1991, president of the

1003

PECAN AVE.

CHARLOTTE, NC 28205 375-8108 1-800-331-0768 (704)

FTJusic 2$

—

ASHEVILLE ings for the

The Catholic News & Herald we comes parish newsfor the diocesan ne

Apostles Church

cussion.

Human

Each session will be lowed by a time for questions and Sexuality."

Walden

opportunity to buy a $5 raffle ticket for

families in Charlotte.

sumption Church will host a "Life in Spirit" seminar Jan. 10, 17, 24 and The seminar will begin after 7 Mass. The church is located on Sha rock Drive. For more information, (704)535-9965.

vited to a meeting

Eve party beginning at 9 p.m. Belated

Spirit

slaughtered children, the victims of abc

Home Educators WINSTON-SALEM home

The

CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Af

tion.

of Charlotte

GREENSBORO Charlotte Catholic High School Students Adopt Needy Families CHARLOTTE For the tenth year in a row, the Charlotte Catholic High School student council is sponsoring Christmas service projects to help needy

in 1988.

Life In

time on Vision Cable

air

image will be presented at various p;J ishes. For more information, call Manij Ebner at (704) 362-2705.

seeking

the parishes in

EWTN, Eternal Word

the Charlotte area.

—

CHARLOTTE The Missiomj Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will in the Diocese of Charlotte from Si'day, Jan. 9 to Thursday, Jan. 13.

Friends of a new organization whose goal

representatives

Missionary Image

—

CHARLOTTE EWTN,

menical Prayer Service for Life on J;tJ 23 at 7 p.m. Several area ministers w[f participate in the program.

WHERE YOU ALWAYS GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH!

Electron ics.Inc. F.J. LaPointe,

Member of

President

St. Gabriel's

Murdered Girl Leaves 'Mighty

Adam J. Maida of Detroit pledged Dec.

At Service Calif. (CNS) The

13 to "continue to preach, teach and

Legacy,' Priest Says

PETALUMA,

—

iiurdered Polly Klaas left a

"mighty

a judge' s ruling that parts of Michigan'

he Petaluma community together in the

assisted suicide law are unconstitutional.

search for her, a priest said at her raerao-

"Euthanasia, regardless of the circum-

George

and dangerous Archbishop Maida said in a statement. "Simply put, it suggests that we can make ourselves God and decide when and how we should die or someone else should die. Society must be very careful when it puts its hand on the switch of human life." Wayne County Circuit Judge Richard Kaufman ruled Dec. 13 in a case involving suicide doctor Jack Kevorkian that a section of the law passed specifically to halt Kevorkian' s suicide assistance campaign was too broad.

service Dec. 9. Father

Vincent de Paul Hhurch in Petaluma, gave an opening jvelcome and prayer at the service, which jrew hundreds of people to the church md was seen by thousands more at other ocations where the service was beamed jy satellite. Although Polly was not Zatholic, her Jewish mother and Episcopalian father asked that the service be leld at St. Vincent's, the largest church pastor of

ilisden,

St.

n Petaluma, rather than at a civic center

other secular

News

Catholic

site,

Father Risden told

Service.

—

work with others to bring about a permanent ban on assisted suicide," despite

egacy for a 12-year-old" by bringing

ial

'NYPD Blue" Controversy Brings Debate Over Values, Bishop Says SAN ANGELO, Texas (CNS) The controversy over ABC's airing of "NYPD Blue" has had at least one positive result, according to Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo. It's "the op-

stances, is both a tragic

portunity for

act,"

take stock of what is being

concerned citizens to shown on TV and in movies, and to ask: 'Are we in favor of having or not having public moral standards?'" he said. From Presiall

dent Clinton to the entertainment consumer, values in media are coming under closer scrutiny, Bishop Pfeifer said in a is

Dec. 14 statement, "The Real Crisis

Spiritual."

By U.S. Postal Service

PORTLAND,

Ore.

—

Vatican Gets Tons Of Suggestions Regarding Fthics In Advertising

—

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

John's Abbey, University To Create Institute On Sexual Trauma COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (CNS)—

—A

pre-

ing for a proposed statement on the

St.

— The

(CNS)

U.S. Postal Service is investigating pos-

St.

John's

Abbey

in Collegeville,

advertising industry has

sued

connection with an

six times in recent years

Catholic

mailed to homes in

sexual misconduct by

anti-

the •j

flier

southeastern Oregon town of Jordan

and blue pampope as the "man of sin" and complains the papacy hanged the Christian day of worship rom Saturday to Sunday has been traced to a post office box in Eagle, Idaho, near Valley.

The

red, white

phlet that describes the (

Boise. Officials at the Eagle Post Office

its

over alleged

some members of

Benedictine community,

creating

an institute to address sexual trauma. "We are doing this very deliberately. It may take three to five years before this

nesses are public record.

John's University, tions also

(CNS)

—

The

number of men in formation for relilife has grown by 10 percent over

the past four years according to a study

published by the Center for Applied

Research in the Apostolate. In the same period, however, the number of women formation for religious

to decline, the

life

continued

Among

study said.

men and women,

both

from 1989

said,

1993 there were increases in the number of Hispanic and Asian candidates.

Against Assisted Suicide

— Archbishop

Maryfield Acres Retirement

Community Offers Peace of Mind Care Facility

Life •

One and Two Bedroom Homes

•

Park Like Setting

•

24 Hour Security •

• •

Triad Location

Delicious Dining

Maid, Maintenance

Laundry Services Transportation

•

admission to nursing and recuperation care are

Priority facility

and its growing influence through-

Speaking at a press conference in 14, delegation

Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Says Christians Still Hope For Peace MILAN, Italy (CNS) Even after it became clear that Israeli troops would not begin withdrawing from the occupied territories by the Dec. 13 deadline,

—

members

were gratified, however, to see the proposed new Russian constitution was approved. It meets international said they

Christians were

although they prefer a priest not be

reported by the Milan-based Catholic

president," Malval told reporters in Rome Dec. 10 after two days of meetings with Vatican officials. Malval, who was due to leave office Dec. 15, also said Father Aristide is debating whether to resign from active ministry for the period he is

newspaper, A vvenire. As of Dec. 14, the patriarch had not issued a statement about the delayed withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and Jericho, a spokesman at his Jerusalem office

power. "They told

about the strength of ultranationalist forces.

mass media are running

tioned the legitimacy of his election,

ther Jean- Bertrand Aristide,

from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation that visited Russia to observe the election campaign reported finding deep concern

New York Dec.

ops also criticized world leaders for not ending the fighting in the Balkans and

still hopeful about the peace process. Patriarch Michel Sabbah, celebrating Mass Dec. 12 with a group of Italian pilgrims who were praying for peace in the Holy Land, said fear, apprehension and hope mark his flock in "these decisive and difficult moments." The patriarch's comments to the group led by the former Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, were

democratically elected president, Fa-

interreligious delegation

me they

back

never ques-

said.

in office.

Foundation, led the delegation.

John Paul

accompanied by

ing suffering of families in Bosnia-

Russian Government Fines Seminarians, Evicts Caritas ROME (CNS) The Russian government has fined several Catholic seminarians studying in Moscow and evicted the church's welfare agency from its

Toolan, an associate editor of the Jesuit

Herzegovina, invited

rented office, said a

magazine America and

join in a day of prayer and fasting for the

standards for protection of religious

Archbishop Pledges Continued Fight

DETROIT (CNS)

not

supported his initiative to bring Haiti's

Ultranationalists

—

improve the economic and of the new Yugoslavia. They said that past promises by the incumbent ex-communists, who are expected to win, have turned out to be only political situation

an anti-Catholic campaign.

—

Deep Concern

(CNS)

skepticism that Dec. 19 national elec-

the Latin-rite patriarch of Jerusalem said

work with LINKUP, a national organization for victims of sexual abuse by

NEW YORK

— The

tions will

said the Serbian

ethics in advertising

Haitian Prime Minister Says Vatican Supports Artistide Return ROME (CNS) Haitian prime minister Robert Malval said that the

Over Russia

Serbian Bishops Skeptical

About Election Promises ZAGREB, Croatia (CNS)

ment on

mercial messages.

have committed themselves

U.S. Delegation Sees

near," he said.

undigested state," and a council state-

Vatican's top diplomatic official has

Entering Religious Life

gious

"an

institu-

Cara Study Says More

WASHINGTON

is still in

some kind of Church statement about morality in com-

clergy.

Men

raging and, unfortunately, a just

and equitable solution does not seem

"beautiful words." Their Dec. 9 state-

out the world called for

abbey and St. one response

The two

to recent allegations.

"is still

ment was published by the Catholic Information Agency of Zagreb. The bish-

tising

just

and should highlight universal spiritual concern for civilians caught in the Bosnian fighting, the pope said Dec. 12. In announcing the initiative, the pope reminded his listeners that "so many families have been torn apart" by battles in the former Yugoslavia. The conflict

Council for Social Communications from all over the world. Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the

expected for another three or four years. Members of the council agreed last March that the pervasiveness of adver-

becomes what we want it to be," said Benedictine Abbot Timothy Kelly. "We're not looking for a quick fix, but at the long run," The institute, a institute

joint initiative of the

drawn a flood

council, said the material

would not reveal the name of the box's lolder, saying it belonged to an individual, not a business. The identity of an individual is protected if only a box number is shown, but names of busi-

nual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,

of reports and suggestions to the Pontifical

sible violations in

The event

will take place Jan. 23, during the an-

Serbian Catholic bishops have expressed

liminary query about ethics in advertis-

\nti-Catholic Fliers Investigated

war-torn population there.

lib-

Pope Plans Day Of Prayer, Fasting For Bosnian Families VATICAN CITY (CNS)

and other human rights, they said. Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience erty

Jesuit Father

— Pope

He was David S.

others.

been happening since you last looked at your will? Have there been marriages, births or deaths in your SI family? Did you change jobs or retire fromrull-timeemployment? Are you thinking about way s to make a difference in people s

distressed at the continu-

all

believers to

Don't Let

hat's

II,

Your Will Age With You.

your faith? Times change. People change. And as they do, so should your will, if it is to do the best job of distributing your property. Meet with your attorney to review your will every few years and after any major life changes. As you plan, focus on your goals for yourself, your family, and charitable interests such as your parish, Catholic schools, Catholic agencies or the diocese. All can find a place in your will. Call or write today for information about planning and updating lives through

a will. Please send a free copy of

"How

Make

a Will That Works," without obligation.

—

Moscow

Catholic

Both events seem to be part of a growing trend toward greater government regulation of religions, said Father Alexander Khmelnitsky, director of the information office for the Moscow-based apostolic administration of European Russia. However, a government official said the problems were administrative, not political. Father Khmelnitsky official.

told Catholic

Caritas office

News

Service that the

was sealed Dec. 14 by the

section of the Russian foreign ministry overseeing the diplomatic corps.

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Robert and Georgia Lewis, St.

Ann's Parishioners

Catholic

How

News

Herald

December

24,

Santa Claus Originated. people

of <gob in

tfte

Biocese of

Biocesan Trieste, Beacons,

Cfjarlotte,

J otm

anb jrHonstgnor

J, ffltg>\ntmtv,

Motttiau &bm(mstrator,

toisl) to

express

beep appreciation anb prapers for a J|ol

Christmas

to tfje

religious

toomen anb men

sertrice to tfje

Biocese of Charlotte

Carmelites of Mary Immaculate

Congregation of the Holy Spirit Congregation of Notre Dame

(Spiritians)

Congregation of Our Lady Help of the Clergy (Maryvale)

Congregation of the Mission Daughters of Charity

(Vincentians)

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement (Graymoor) Franciscan Secular Institute

Handmaids of the Sacred Heart Charlie Bowling told the story of

how

St.

Nicholas became

known

as Santa Claus, while

Columbus Art Ball played the part of the 1,700-year-old saint at a Matthew Church in Charlotte. Knights from St. Vincent de Paul the project. The breakfast was part of the Knights' statewide campaign to

fellow Knight of

Marians of the Immaculate Conception Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed

children's breakfast at St.

Church joined in "Put Christ Back

Outreach

Into Christmas."

(From Page

gifts

such as

bi-

cycles.

Many

of the items on the "wish

lists" are basic,

and are the only Christ-

mas

people will receive. As

gifts these

Order of Friars Minor Order of Friars Minor Capuchin

Stamp

meals and assemble

(Trinitarians)

Oblates of Francis de Sales

The religious education classes and the St. Leo School students contribute as well. The Knights of Columbus pack

one volunteer said, "We are their Christmas." One recipient is a 37-year-old mother of two who has had two cancer surgeries and is scheduled for another. For Easter Outreach, baskets with eggs are decorated by children of the parish. The Mother's Day Outreach includes layettes for new mothers. Thanksgiving Outreach provides a meal. Ann Hopkins is a parishioner of St.

(From Psage

Venetian countryside. This is also apparent in the heads of the Madonna and the Christ Child, which are exquisitely modeled through subtle gradations of light. The refinement of Cima' s technique can also be seen in his careful and sophisticated rendering of that suffuses the

the

Madonna's headdress, where

the

Order of Friar Minor Conventual Order of St. Benedict (Benedictines)

Poor Servants of the Mother of God Redemptorists Religious of Christian Education Sisters of Charity of:

transparency of the cloth, the detailed

embroidery, and even the delicate fringe

Bronx, NY,

along the border are depicted with detail

Convent Station, NJ

and beauty.

Cima

painted

versions of

least four other

Madonna and Child

Landscape that differ only

slightly

a from in

Sisters of Holy Cross Sisters of Mercy of the Americas:

the painting in the collection of the

North Carolina

Museum

Belmont,

of Art.

Young Adults Diocesan Presentation on Relationships Andy Novotney, The Belmont Abbey College Father

Presentor:

S.J.

February 4, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday, February 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with closing liturgy Friday,

Come meet different

PA Detroit, MI

Cincinnati,

Wichun, NI Sisters of Notre Sisters of St.

Dame

Namur

Dominic

Sisters of St. Francis of:

Alleghany,

Dubuque, IA

other young adults from Rochester,

groups

our diocese. Syracuse,

Music by Chris Lynch and Pipedream Look for details coming soon to parishes and young adult groups and for further information call Smith, Diocesan Office of Faith Formation 331-1723

Space Limited!

Dallas,

Leo.

Pam

Make Reservations Now!

Tiffin,

Sisters of St. Joseph

Society of Jesus Society of the

The

(Jesuits)

Holy Child Jesus

Home Missioners

(Glenmary)

Trinity